bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Giving High Dose Calcium for Preventing Preeclampsia
Authors: Prasojo Arief K. , Lestari Peby M. , Ansyori Hatta , Theodorus
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjective: Knowing the effectiveness of high doses of calcium in preventing preeclampsia.Methods: Experimental analytical study with Randomized Controlled design Single-blind trial in the form of survival analysis (survival analysis) in the period June 2018 - May 2019 in fetomaternal outpatients clinic in Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, PalembangResults: The mean hemoglobin level at the last visit found that the average hemoglobin level between the two groups was 12.81 in the high calcium group and 12.61 in the low calcium group, while the mean hematocrit level between the two groups was 35.17 in the high calcium group and 34.84 in the low calcium group and the respective calcium levels each group is 10.1. In this study, after high calcium intervention, no pregnant women with preeclampsia were found, whereas in the low-dose calcium intervention group it was found that 3 of 17 patients (17.7%) had preeclampsia. With the McNemar test it was found that there was no difference in the incidence of preeclampsia both after highdose calcium and low-dose calcium interventions (p = 0.250).Conclusions: High-dose calcium (1.5g - 2g) is effective in preventing preeclampsia and there was no difference in effectiveness between administration of high-dose calcium with low-dose calcium administration to the incidence of preeclampsia.Keywords: high dose calcium, preeclampsia, randomized control trial.

AbstrakTujuan: Mengetahui efektivitas pemberian kalsium dosis tinggi dalam mencegah preeklamsia.Metode: Penelitian analitik eksperimental dengan desain randomized controlled trial single blind dalam bentuk ujian alias kesintasan (survival analysis) dalam kurun waktu Juni 2018 – Mei 2019 di Poliklinik Fetomaternal Rumah Sakit Umum Pendidikan Mohammad Hoesin, PalembangHasil: Rerata kadar hemoglobin pada kunjungan terakhir didapatkan rerata kadar hemoglobin antara kedua kelompok adalah 12,81 pada kelompok kalsium tinggi dan 12,61 pada kelompok kalsium rendah, sedangkan rerata kadar hematokrit antara kedua kelompok adalah 35,17 pada kelompok kalsium tinggi dan 34,84 pada kelompok kalsium rendah dan rerata kadar kalsium masing-masing kelompok adalah 10,1. Pada penelitian ini setelah intervensi kalsium tinggi tidak ditemukan ibu hamil yang mengalami preeklamsia, sedangkan pada kelompok intervensi kalsium dosis rendah ditemukan 3 dari 17 pasien (17,7%) menderita preeklamsia. Dengan uji Mc Nemar didapatkan hasil tidak terdapat perbedaan kejadian preeklamsia baik setelah intervensi kalsium dosis tinggi maupun kalsium dosis rendah (p = 0,250). Hal ini berarti kalsium dosis tinggi dan rendahefektif untuk mencegah preeklamsia.Kesimpulan: Kalsium dosis tinggi (1,5g – 2g) efektif dalam mencegah preeklamsia dan tidak ditemukan perbedaan efektivitas antara pemberian kalsium dosis tinggi dengan pemberian kalsium dosis rendah terhadap kejadian preeklamsia.Kata kunci: kalsium dosis tinggi, preeklamsia, randomized control trial.
The Gompertz Gumbel II Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Ade Ogunde Adebisi , Adelekan Olalude Gbenga , Osaretin Omosigho Donatus
Published: November 2020

In this paper we introduced Gompertz Gumbel II (GG II) distribution which generalizes the Gumbel II distribution. The new distribution is a flexible exponential type distribution which can be used in modeling real life data with varying degree of asymmetry. Unlike the Gumbel II distribution which exhibits a monotone decreasing failure rate, the new distribution is useful for modeling unimodal (Bathtub-shaped) failure rates which sometimes characterised the real life data. Structural properties of the new distribution namely, density function, hazard function, moments, quantile function, moment generating function, orders statistics, Stochastic Ordering, Renyi entropy were obtained. For the main formulas related to our model, we present numerical studies that illustrate the practicality of computational implementation using statistical software. We also present a Monte Carlo simulation study to evaluate the performance of the maximum likelihood estimators for the GGTT model. Three life data sets were used for applications in order to illustrate the flexibility of the new model.
Internationalization and Sustainable Operations: A Broad Investigation of China’s Manufacturing Firms with Implications for Emerging Markets
Authors: Liu Tiansen , Zhu Yue , Xing Xinpeng
Published: November 2020

We investigate if internationalization behaviors encourage sustainable operations of China’s manufacturing firms due to their substantial impact on climate change and special governance modes, and organize a heterogeneity test to clarify what kind of internationalization behaviors can robustly influence such operations. We find that firms with abundant assets and heavy-polluting feature are more committed to sustainable operations. Getting close to international sustainability standards, international auditing standards, and international business all improve sustainable operations. Heterogeneity test further shows that compared with international standards, the positive impact of international business on sustainable operation lacks a robustness, which responds to an argument that for one country, international business acts as a double-edged sword. Overall, this paper reveals internationalization as a key indicator significantly influencing economic, ecological, and social spheres in manufacturing sectors of emerging markets, and complying with well-accepted international standards can be significantly embodied in a more optimistic sustainable operations. However, how to deal with international business in a right manner is a research highlight worthy of ongoing discussion. We focus on different types of internationalization behaviors, and this indicator can theoretically inspire future study to dialectically evaluate the role of internationalization in addressing sustainability problems in emerging markets’ pillar industries.
Online business analysis on the bases of 7c elements
Authors: Vardanidze Tinatin , Benedek Andrea
Published: November 2020

The Business Model has become one of the most widely used term in the last decades. Notably, online businesses continue to increase as consumers leverage new shopping and service channels. However new research highlights that consumers are increasingly leveraging online information for better comparison of product and service before finalizing the purchase. Therefore, the main objective of the research paper is to deepen the understanding of online business models and its impact on customer behavior. In today’s business world, the dynamics of technological development stimulates consumers’ flexibility and convenience. As, marketing and management strive to explain customers behavior with various theories and tools, I examine the first impression of online shoppers when they visit the website. Observing e-commerce websites home page in accordance with the 7C marketing framework guided and supported to find the customers’ motivation for online shopping and come back to the site.
Sportolási szokások vizsgálata a Campus Sportfesztivál tapasztalatai alapján
Authors: Fenyves Veronika , Dajnoki Krisztina , Bácsné Bába Éva
Published: November 2020

Magyarországon a felsőoktatási hallgatóságot, mint célközösséget megcélzó nyári, nagy tömegeket megmozgató, zenei fesztiválok között található a Debrecenben évente megrendezésre kerülő Campus Fesztivál. A Campus Fesztivál szervezői kiemelt nagy hangsúlyt fektetnek a zenei események mellett a látogatóközönség sportéletnek fellendítésére is, minden alkalommal megrendezésre kerül a Campus Sportfesztivál, melynek célja a sport és a sportolás népszerűsítése, olyan közösségi esemény megteremtése, ahol a magyarországi, és határon (romániai, szlovákiai és ukrajnai) túli felsőoktatási intézmények hallgatói, szurkolói és versenyzői kapcsolatot tudnak egymással építeni. 2017-ben megvalósított kérdőíves felmérés kiértékelésével a felsőoktatási hallgatók sportolási szokásait, sporttal és a sportfesztivállal kapcsolatos motivációit mutatja be a tanulmány, az egyes országokból érkező hallgatók véleménye közötti különbsége illetve egyezőségre helyezzük a hangsúlyt. Az elemzést SPSS programcsomag segítségével végeztük el, az országok közötti eltéréseket Pearson-féle Chi-négyzet próba, a Kruskal-Wallis test és Cathegorical Principal Component Analysis segítségével vizsgáltuk a sportmotivációs tényezőket.
Patikák harca a vevőkért
Authors: Hortolányi Árpád László , Domán Szilvia , Mucha László
Published: November 2020

A kutatásunk célja annak feltárása, hogy Gyöngyös város és vonzáskörzetében milyen okok, milyen preferenciák alapján választanak az emberek gyógyszertárat. Ugyanaz a fogyasztó más és más élethelyzetekben, vajon ugyanazt a patikát választja-e, a hűség kialakítható-e ezen a speciális piacon. Primer kutatásaink első etapjaként megvizsgáltuk a szolgáltató oldalát, abból a célból, hogy jelenleg mit tesznek meg, illetve milyen további eszközöket alkalmazhatnának a fogyasztók megszerzése és megtartása érdekében. A kvalitatív kutatás alkalmával egyéni mélyinterjúk készültek az eladói oldalon jelenlévő gyógyszertárvezetőkkel és gyógyszerészekkel. A kutatás lefolytatásában segítséget nyújtott helyismeretünk, hiszen helyi lakosokként a Gyöngyös városában üzemelő - különböző méretű és elhelyezkedésű - gyógyszertárakban vásárlás során elvégzett megfigyelések eredményeit is felhasználhattuk. A megkérdezés során főbb célkitűzéseink között szerepelt a hálózati tagság előnyeinek, hátrányainak, a gyógyszertárvezetők piacismeretének feltárása, valamint a promóciók hatásának megítélése a kínálati oldal szereplőinek szemszögéből.
The Development of Teaching Materials to Write Description Text Based on the Local Wisdom of Pulau Rakyat in VII Grade of SMP Swasta Swadaya Pulau Rakyat
Authors: Efrina Efrina , Solin Mutsyuhito , Saragih Amrin
Published: November 2020

This study aims to determine the developing. The form of teaching materials used by teachers is still based on textbooks provided in schools, namely books from the Ministry of Education and Culture. Another factor that influences the lack of developed teaching materials is creativity to plan, prepare and make teaching materials. This is also confirmed in Prastowo's book (2015: 14), that the general paradigm and perception inherent among educators is that making teaching materials is a difficult and stressful job. So, the teacher is reluctant to think about finding out how to develop teaching materials. This research was conducted at the Pulau Rakyat Private Junior High School, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra to grade VII students. The implementation of this research was carried out in the even semester of 2019. The results of the effectiveness of teaching materials for writing descriptive text based on local wisdom of Pulau Rakyat on a limited trial were 32 students of class VII of the Private Island Private Junior High School, namely the results of the pretest trial obtained an average score of 69.5 with sufficient category. Meanwhile, the student learning outcomes after using the teaching materials to write descriptive texts based on the local wisdom of the Island of the People / postest with an average score of 77.3 in a good category.
Clavicle Morphometry for Sexual Dimorphism and Bilateral Asymmetry: Radiographic Assessment
Authors: KC Sudikshya , Shrestha Subina , Acharya Sumnima , Bhandari Keshav Raj
Published: November 2020

Background: The clavicle, modified long bone, presents morphological and bilateral variations. This may be due to genetic factors, hormones, or environmental and occupational influences. Anthropometric studies in clavicle of Nepalese population using radiograph has not been reported to best of our knowledge. This study, aimed to determine the sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry of clavicle in Nepalese Population using Postero-Anterior Chest X Ray.

Methods: Chest x-rays with normal and clearly visible both clavicles of 1260 Nepalese adults (591 male, 669 female), aged above 20 years were utilized. Inbuilt software “Computed Radiography Fuji Computer System 7” was used for measurements (in centimeter) of sternal head length, acromial end length, mid shaft diameter and length of clavicle. Demarcating point and identification point were calculated. Patients having history of clavicles fractures in the past were excluded.

Results:  All the parameters in male is greater than female which is significant except Length/Mid Shaft Diameter. Similarly, all the parameters of right clavicle is significantly greater than left clavicle in both sexes except Sternal Head Length and Mid Shaft Diameter. Demarcating point calculated from length of the clavicle (right >16.17, left >16.10 for male and right <11.20, left <10.65 for female) and Mid Shaft Diameter (right >1.33, left >1.38 for male and right <0.66 and left <0.67 for female) are important parameters to determine sex.   

Conclusions:The clavicle shows significant sexual dimorphism and bilateral asymmetry in Nepalese population. The result of this study is helpful to anthropologist and forensic medicine.

Keywords: Anthropometry; clavicle; demarcating point; postero-Anterior chest x-rays; sexual dimorphism
Depression and Quality of Life among the Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Kunwar Dipak , Kunwar Rajyashree , Shrestha Barsha , Amatya Richa , Risal Ajay
Published: November 2020

Background: Depression and other mental illness are very common among chronic kidney disease and also Quality of life has been found significantly impaired in chronic kidney disease. The objective of our study is to study Depression, Quality of life and its associations in chronic kidney disease.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We used convenient method of sampling for data collection. The World Health Organization Quality-of-Life 8-question scale was used for estimating quality of life and Beck Depression Inventory  was used for the assessment of depression.  Independent samples t-test was conducted to analysed bivariate relationship of sociodemographic factors with depression and Quality of life scores and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of Quality of life.

Results: The 75.5% participants found to have depression. Depression was found statistically significant across socioeconomic status (p value 0.04) and other medical comorbidities (p value 0.04). Variables found to be significantly associated with total quality of life in multiple linear regression analysis were caste (p value 0.03), socioeconomic status (p value 0.009) and depression (p value 0.001).

Conclusions: Depression and reduced quality of life is very common among chronic kidney patients. Low socioeconomic status and comorbid medical conditions were associated with depression and caste, low socioeconomic status and depression were associated with low quality of life. Screening and management of depression should be included in the routine care and it could help improving the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease; depression; quality of life
Pattern of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean, its Variables and Outcome at the Interval of One Decade in Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Tamrakar Suman Raj , Timilsina Neeta
Published: November 2020

Background: There should be high index of suspicion for timely detection of any complications for safe trial of labor in case of vaginal birth after cesarean. Emergency obstetric care must be available. Even with these provisions the vaginal birth after cesarean rate is decreasing in Dhulikhel Hospital in recent years.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to compare different modes of delivery and pattern vaginal birth after cesarean in a gap of ten years in Dhulikhel Hospital (i.e. 2007 to 2009 versus 2017 to 2019). In this study factors associated with the successful vaginal birth after cesarean were also analyzed.

Results: A total of 4215 deliveries conducted in the year 2007 to 2009, of them 890 (21.1%) were cesarean deliveries. Likewise altogether 9298 deliveries conducted in the year 2017 to 2019, of them 2849 (30.6%) were cesarean deliveries. Vaginal birth after cesarean rate is significantly decreased from 18.33% (33/180) to 8.8% (63/713) (p value = 0.0004). Instrumental deliveries, normal vaginal deliveries were significantly decreased in comparison to these in the year 2007 to 2009. Duration of labor of vaginal birth after cesarean (7.05±1.25 vs 7.13±2.02, p=0.8362) and mean fetal weight of vaginal birth after cesarean baby (2818.71±686.37 vs 2820.79±511.78, p=0.9867) were not much different.

Conclusions: Over the years, vaginal birth after cesarean rate is decreased.

Keywords: Cesarean section; fetal distress; institutional delivery; obstetric care; uterine rupture
Correlation of Thompson Score in Predicting Early Outcome of Newborn with Birth Asphyxia
Authors: Shrestha Sabina , Dhungana Sangita Puree , Shrestha Sujit , Shrestha Gentle Sunder
Published: November 2020

Background: Birth asphyxia is one of the important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, accounting up to 30% of neonatal death in Nepal. It is also an important cause of long term neurological disability and impairment. Thompson encephalopathy score is a clinical score which can be used to assess the newborn with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy for the prognosis and their neurodevelopmental outcome. The aim of the study was to assess the role of Thompson score in predicting the early outcome of neonates with birth asphyxia.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2020 in Nepal Medical College. All the term babies during the period with Apgar score of less than seven at five minutes were considered to have birth asphyxia and included in the study. Neurological examination was done on first, second and third day using HIE score proposed by Thompson and severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was classified accordingly. Outcome was measured as normal, morbidity with encephalopathy, seizure, organ dysfunction and death.

Results: Out of 391 newborn admitted to neonatal unit, 84 (21.4%) had birth asphyxia. Mild Thompson score on day 1,2,3 were 49(58.3%), 49 (58.3%), 51(60.7%); moderate Thompson score on day 1,2,3 were 21 (25%), 21 (25%), 18(21.4%) and severe Thompson score on day 1, 2, 3 were 14 (16.7%), 14 (16.7%), 15(17.9%) respectively. Out of 14 babies who had severe Thompson score on day 1, 11(91.7%) expired and 3 (16.7%) developed encephalopathy.

Conclusions: There was strong correlation of severity of Thompson score with the outcome.

Keywords: Birth asphyxia; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; thompson score
Medieval fragments from Glasgow's archives
Authors: Moohan Elaine
Published: November 2020

A group of medieval fragments recovered from the bindings of Glasgow's archival documents has been known to researchers for over a century through their inclusion, to a greater or lesser extent, in catalogues compiled by earlier scholars. This study adds to their work by providing a full physical description and transcription for each of the eighteen fragments that can be located; one fragment remains lost. One of these, containing homilies by St Gregory the Great, has only recently been uncovered. Each transcription is compared with other contemporary sources, of known origin, that most closely align with the reading in the fragment. This comparison shows that while most of the liturgical fragments follow the Sarum Rite, others contain variants found in the related liturgies of Hereford and York. The partial identification of some Rites leads to speculation regarding the use of the original books in Glasgow's pre-Reformation churches.
Accounting for foreign exchange operations and its implications for monetary policy implementation: international experience and the case of Brazil
Authors: Scalco Macalos Joao Pedro
Published: November 2020

Central banks play a unique role in the payment systems and in the issuance of their currencies. Therefore, they cannot become illiquid. However, persistent losses can undermine their credibility. The law 11,803 diminished the possibility of negative results at the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) by isolating and transferring its foreign exchange results to the Treasury. It also created an asymmetrical distribution scheme that automatically supplies the BCB with the necessary bonds to execute its liquidity management operations and assured the accounting hedge of the foreign exchange swaps, enhancing its autonomy. The main drawbacks of this legislation are the lack of transparency and the increased frequency of transfers between the BCB and the Treasury. However, the expansion of the reverse repos is tied to the accumulation of international reserves and to the interest rate differential between foreign assets and local liabilities and would have happened regardless of the monetary policy instrument.
Política macroprudencial, estabilidade financeira e pleno emprego: a contribuição de Minsky
Authors: Ferreira Mateus Coelho
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer uma discussão crítica da política macroprudencial no debate macroeconômico sob a perspectiva pós-Keynesiana. Parte-se da evidência que os instrumentos e definição desta política têm como referência teórica os pressupostos da macroeconomia ortodoxa. Todavia, de uma perspectiva pós-Keynesiana, as causas para instabilidade financeira apresentam pressupostos diferentes. Neste ponto de vista, a instabilidade financeira assume um caráter essencialmente endógeno. Portanto, a política macroprudencial poderia não atingir o objetivo desejado, principalmente, porque uma dessas limitações reside no fato do sistema bancário criar constantemente inovações financeiras. Logo, é preciso estabelecer uma proposta alternativa que vá além da necessidade de implementar regulações bancárias. Seguindo Minsky e outros autores pós-Keynesianos, uma solução para minimizar as crises econômicas seria adotar a premissa de que para a estabilização de economias capitalistas modernas é necessário o compromisso da política econômica com a obtenção do pleno emprego.
Seed Dormancy in Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) Is Influenced by Genotype and Environment
Authors: Kissing Kucek L. , Azevedo M.D. , Eagen S.S. , Ehlke N.J. , Hayes R.J. , Mirsky S.B. , Reberg-Horton C. , Ryan M.R. , Wayman S. , Wiering N.P. , Riday H.
Published: November 2020

Seed dormancy complicates the agricultural use of many legume species. Understanding the genetic and environmental drivers of seed dormancy is necessary for advancing crop improvement for legumes, such as Vicia villosa. In this study, we quantify the magnitude of genetic and environmental effects on physical dormancy among 1488 maternal V. villosa plants from 18 diverse environments. Furthermore, we explore the relationship between physical dormancy and environmental conditions during seed development. Additive genetic variance (h2) accounted for 40% of the variance, while the growing environment explained 28% of the variance in physical dormancy. Maternal lines showed complete variance in physical dormancy, as one line was 100% dormant, and 56 lines were 0% dormant. Distributions of physical dormancy varied widely among seed production environments, with some site-years strongly skewed toward physically dormant seed, while other site-years exhibited little dormant seed. Twenty-three weather variables were associated with environmental and error effects of physical dormancy. High mean and minimum relative humidity, low mean and maximum temperature, and high precipitation weakly grouped with low physical dormancy. Weather variables calculated from fixed time windows approximating seed maturity to seed harvest at each site-year tended to be less predictive than biological seed drying windows calculated based on seed maturity of each maternal line. Overall, individual and cumulative effects of weather variables were poor predictors of physical dormancy. Moderate heritability indicates that breeding programs can select against physical dormancy and improve V. villosa for agricultural use. Marker-based approaches would maximize selection for physical dormancy by reducing the influence of unpredictable environmental effects.
Microorganisms and Biological Pest Control: An Analysis Based on a Bibliometric Review
Authors: Hernández-Rosas Francisco , Figueroa-Rodríguez Katia A. , García-Pacheco Luis A. , Velasco-Velasco Joel , Sangerman-Jarquín Dora M.
Published: November 2020

The use of microorganisms for biological pest control as biological control agents (BCAs) and biopesticides was developed worldwide in the 1960s. Despite the abundance of reviews published on this topic, no meta-analysis using bibliometric tools has been published. The objective of this study was to determine patterns of research on microorganisms for the biological control of pests, based on publications available in the SCOPUS® database. The data were obtained from the Elsevier® Scopus meta-database using the search terms “biological pest control” and “microorganism” (title, abstract, and keywords). The main publications were identified, along with the journals, countries, and institutions that have published on the subject. The data were analyzed with VOSviewer to determine the co-occurrence of terms, and four maps were generated. The results show two phases in the scientific research on the subject: The first is the characterization of biological control agents, and the second is focused on the commercial development of biopesticides and biological control agents. The most recent research emphasizes the discovery of new species and strains that have commercial potential, with an emphasis on genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Stress Response of Beagle Dogs to Repeated Short-Distance Road Transport
Authors: Herbel Johannes , Aurich Jörg , Gautier Camille , Melchert Maria , Aurich Christine
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to characterize the response of transport-naïve dogs to one and two-hour road transports based on cortisol in saliva and blood plasma, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio and behavior. Two persons familiar to the dogs were present during transports and control experiments. We hypothesized that transport elicits a stress response, which decreases with repeated transports. Beagle dogs were allocated to three groups (n = 6 each). Group 1 served as control in the stable in week 1 and was transported for one hour in weeks 2, 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 3 served as controls in a non-moving vehicle and in the stable, respectively, in week 2. All three groups were transported for two hours in week 6. Cortisol concentration increased during transports (p < 0.001), and this increase remained constant with repeated transports. Cortisol release during two-hour transports was not affected by transport experience. Cortisol concentration increased twofold in plasma and eightfold in saliva, indicating an increase in free cortisol. The N/L ratio increased during transport (p < 0.05). Heart rate increased at the beginning of transport while HRV decreased (p < 0.001). Heart rate and HRV neither differed among weeks nor between animals with different transport experience. During transports, but also in the stationary vehicle, dogs were mostly sitting, and time spent standing decreased during experiments (p < 0.001). Licking the mouth was the most frequent behavior during transports but not in the stationary vehicle (p < 0.01). In conclusion, a transport-induced stress response was evident in dogs. There was no habituation with repeated transports, and transported dogs may suffer from motion sickness.
Vultures and Livestock: The Where, When, and Why of Visits to Farms
Authors: García-Alfonso Marina , van Overveld Thijs , Gangoso Laura , Serrano David , Donázar José A.
Published: November 2020

Recent changes in European legislation have legalized the abandonment of carcasses around livestock farms, but our understanding of how vultures exploit these semi-predictable food sources is still very limited. For filling this gap, we determine the individual and ecological drivers influencing vulture visits to farms. We assessed the effects of individual characteristics of both birds and farms on the frequency of vultures’ visits to livestock facilities using data collected from 45 GPS-tagged Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) and 318 farms (>94% of livestock) on Fuerteventura Island, Spain. Farms were more visited during the vultures’ breeding season. Farms located closer to highly predictable feeding places (i.e., vulture restaurants and garbage dumps) or with more available feeding resources were visited by more vultures, whereas those located close to roads and vultures’ breeding territories received fewer visits. Younger territorial birds visited a farm more frequently than older territorial ones, whereas older non-territorial individuals concentrated those visits on farms closer to their activity core areas compared with younger ones. Our findings indicate that visits to farms were determined by their spatial distribution in relation to the age-specific birds’ activity centers, the availability of carcasses, seasonality, and individual characteristics of vultures. These interacting factors should be considered in vulture conservation, avoiding very general solutions that ignore population structure.
Assessment of Risk Factors in Synanthropic and Wild Rodents Infected by Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Captured in Southern Chile
Authors: Luna Jhuliana , Salgado Miguel , Tejeda Carlos , Moroni Manuel , Monti Gustavo
Published: November 2020

Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira, and synanthropic and wildlife species of rodents are an important source of infection; however, much of the information about infection progression was obtained from murine models. The aim of this study was to assess infection status and risk factors associated with pathogenic Leptospira in synanthropic and wild rodent species and describe histopathological lesions in several organs from naturally infected animals. In a cross-sectional study, 121 rodents from three synanthropic species and two wild species were trapped in dairy farms in Southern Chile. Liver, heart, kidney, and lungs from trapped animals were fixed in formalin and stained with hematoxylin–eosin. Tissues with lesions consistent with Leptospira infection were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using the LipL32 antigen. Risk factors were assessed by a conditional mixed-logistic regression model. More than half (56.7%) of the negative reactors to the microscopic agglutination test were identified as infected either by IHC/qPCR. A lower risk of infection compared to the rest of the seasons was found in the fall, and the synanthropic species have a lower risk of infection in comparison with the wildlife species. IHC and qPCR contributed to the identification of pathogenic Leptospira in related histological lesions and 50% more infections than serology.
Unveiling the Immunomodulatory Characteristics of Haemonchus contortus Ephrin Domain Containing Protein in the Parasite–Host Interactions
Authors: Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Wen Zhaohai , Tian Xiaowei , Lakho Shakeel Ahmed , Zhang Yang , Naqvi Muhammad Ali-ul-Husnain , Liang Meng , Song Xiaokai , Xu Lixin , Li Xiangrui , Yan Ruofeng
Published: November 2020

Ephrin domain containing protein (EPH), a significant excreted and secreted product (ESPs) of Haemonchus contortus, has been identified to have antigenic functions. Over the past years, a new subset of CD4 + T named as T helper 9 cells that secrete interleukin-9 (IL-9) as a signature cytokine is associated with tumor immunity and allergy. Nonetheless, the understanding of immunomodulatory roles of EPH on goat Th9 and other immune cells remains limited. Herein, EPH from H. contortus (HcEPH) was cloned and expressed in pET-28a. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was carried-out to localize rHcEPH within H. contortus adult worms and to bind with goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Besides, the impact of rHcEPH on signature cytokine IL-9 expression in goat PBMCs was evaluated. Flow cytometry was employed to examine Th9 cells production and cell apoptosis. The results revealed success in the expression and localization of rHcEPH in surface of adult H. contortus gut sections. According to IFA analysis, the rHcEPH protein was capable to react precisely with anti-H. contortus antibodies. Further functional analysis showed that correlation between rHcEPH and host PBMCs significantly enhanced Th9 cell differentiation, IL-9 expression, cell apoptosis efficiency, and cell migration, whereas cell proliferation was suppressed significantly depending on the concentration. Our observations indicated that rHcEPH protein is linked to modulate the host immune cells and could enhance protective immunity by inducing Th9 responses.
Fermented Feed Supplement Relieves Caecal Microbiota Dysbiosis and Kidney Injury Caused by High-Protein Diet in the Development of Gosling Gout
Authors: Xi Yumeng , Huang Yuanpi , Li Ying , Yan Junshu , Shi Zhendan
Published: November 2020

Firstly, forty-eight 1-day-old goslings were randomly allocated to four groups and were fed diets containing crude protein (CP) at different concentrations: 160, 180, 200, and 220 g/kg in Experiment One. We found a dose-dependent relationship between the dietary protein levels and morbidity of gosling gout. The concentration of serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and urea nitrogen (UN), and the activity of xanthine oxidase in the 220CP groups were significantly higher than those in the low-protein diet groups. Beneficial microbes, including Akkermansia, Lactococcus, and Butyricicoccus were enriched in the ceca of healthy goslings, while the microbes Enterococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides were enriched in those with gout. Then, we explored the effects of fermented feed on gosling gout caused by high-protein diets in Experiment Two. A total of 720 1-day-old goslings were randomly allotted to four experimental groups: CN (162.9 g/kg CP), CNF (167.5 g/kg CP, replacing 50 g/kg of the basal diet with fermented feed), HP (229.7 g/kg CP, a high-protein diet), and HPF (230.7 g/kg CP, replacing 50 g/kg of the high-protein diet with fermented feed). We found that the cumulative incidence of gout increased in the HP group compared with that in the control, but decreased in the HPF group compared to that in the HP group. Similarly, the concentration of serum UA in the HP group was higher than that in the CN group, but decreased in the HPF group. Meanwhile, compared with the HP group, using fermented feed in diets decreased the abundance of Enterococcus in the ceca of goslings, while increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus. These results suggest that appropriate dietary protein levels and the fermented feed supplement might relieve the kidney injury and gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by high-protein diets in the development of gosling gout.
Biofilm-Induced Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates
Authors: Shenkutie Abebe Mekuria , Yao Mian Zhi , Siu Gilman Kit-hang , Wong Barry Kin Chung , Leung Polly Hang-mei
Published: November 2020

In order to understand the role of biofilm in the emergence of antibiotic resistance, a total of 104 clinical Acinetobacter baumannii strains were investigated for their biofilm-forming capacities and genes associated with biofilm formation. Selected biofilm-formers were tested for antibiotic susceptibilities when grown in biofilm phase. Reversibility of antibiotic susceptibility in planktonic cells regrown from biofilm were investigated. We found 59.6% of the strains were biofilm-formers, among which, 66.1% were non-multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. Presence of virulence genes bap, csuE, and abaI was significantly associated with biofilm-forming capacities. When strains were grown in biofilm state, the minimum biofilm eradication concentrations were 44, 407, and 364 times higher than the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for colistin, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem, respectively. Persisters were detected after treating the biofilm at 32–256 times the MBC of planktonic cells. Reversibility test for antibiotic susceptibility showed that biofilm formation induced reversible antibiotic tolerance in the non-MDR strains but a higher level of irreversible resistance in the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain. In summary, we showed that the non-MDR strains were strong biofilm-formers. Presence of persisters in biofilm contributed to the reduced antibiotic susceptibilities. Biofilm-grown Acinetobacter baumannii has induced antibiotic tolerance in non-MDR strains and increased resistance levels in XDR strains. To address the regulatory mechanisms of biofilm-specific resistance, thorough investigations at genome and transcription levels are warranted.
Increased Intraspecies Diversity in Escherichia coli Biofilms Promotes Cellular Growth at the Expense of Matrix Production
Authors: Azevedo Andreia S. , Gerola Gislaine P. , Baptista João , Almeida Carina , Peres Joana , Mergulhão Filipe J. , Azevedo Nuno F.
Published: November 2020

Intraspecies diversity in biofilm communities is associated with enhanced survival and growth of the individual biofilm populations. Studies on the subject are scarce, namely, when more than three strains are present. Hence, in this study, the influence of intraspecies diversity in biofilm populations composed of up to six different Escherichia coli strains isolated from urine was evaluated in conditions mimicking the ones observed in urinary tract infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections. In general, with the increasing number of strains in a biofilm, an increase in cell cultivability and a decrease in matrix production were observed. For instance, single-strain biofilms produced an average of 73.1 µg·cm−2 of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), while six strains biofilms produced 19.9 µg·cm−2. Hence, it appears that increased genotypic diversity in a biofilm leads E. coli to direct energy towards the production of its offspring, in detriment of the production of public goods (i.e., matrix components). Apart from ecological implications, these results can be explored as another strategy to reduce the biofilm burden, as a decrease in EPS matrix production may render these intraspecies biofilms more sensitive to antimicrobial agents.
Pangenome Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Reveals Core-Drug Targets and Screening of Promising Lead Compounds for Drug Discovery
Authors: Dar Hamza Arshad , Zaheer Tahreem , Ullah Nimat , Bakhtiar Syeda Marriam , Zhang Tianyu , Yasir Muhammad , Azhar Esam I. , Ali Amjad
Published: November 2020

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), is one of the leading causes of human deaths globally according to the WHO TB 2019 report. The continuous rise in multi- and extensive-drug resistance in M. tuberculosis broadens the challenges to control tuberculosis. The availability of a large number of completely sequenced genomes of M. tuberculosis has provided an opportunity to explore the pangenome of the species along with the pan-phylogeny and to identify potential novel drug targets leading to drug discovery. We attempt to calculate the pangenome of M. tuberculosis that comprises a total of 150 complete genomes and performed the phylo-genomic classification and analysis. Further, the conserved core genome (1251 proteins) is subjected to various sequential filters (non-human homology, essentiality, virulence, physicochemical parameters, and pathway analysis) resulted in identification of eight putative broad-spectrum drug targets. Upon molecular docking analyses of these targets with ligands available at the DrugBank database shortlisted a total of five promising ligands with projected inhibitory potential; namely, 2′deoxy-thymidine-5′-diphospho-alpha-d-glucose, uridine diphosphate glucose, 2′-deoxy-thymidine-beta-l-rhamnose, thymidine-5′-triphosphate, and citicoline. We are confident that with further lead optimization and experimental validation, these lead compounds may provide a sound basis to develop safe and effective drugs against tuberculosis disease in humans.
An Improvement on Estimated Drifter Tracking through Machine Learning and Evolutionary Search
Authors: Nam Yong-Wook , Cho Hwi-Yeon , Kim Do-Youn , Moon Seung-Hyun , Kim Yong-Hyuk
Published: November 2020

In this study, we estimated drifter tracking over seawater using machine learning and evolutionary search techniques. The parameters used for the prediction are the hourly position of the drifter, the wind velocity, and the flow velocity of each drifter position. Our prediction model was constructed through cross-validation. Trajectories were affected by wind velocity and flow velocity from the starting points of drifters. Mean absolute error (MAE) and normalized cumulative Lagrangian separation (NCLS) were used to evaluate various prediction models. Radial basis function network showed the lowest MAE of 0.0556, an improvement of 35.20% over the numerical model MOHID. Long short-term memory showed the highest NCLS of 0.8762, an improvement of 6.24% over MOHID.
Taking Advantage of Promiscuity of Cold-Active Enzymes
Authors: Nandanwar Sondavid K. , Borkar Shweta Bharat , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kim Hak Jun
Published: November 2020

Cold-active enzymes increase their catalytic efficiency at low-temperature, introducing structural flexibility at or near the active sites. Inevitably, this feat seems to be accompanied by lower thermal stability. These characteristics have made cold-active enzymes into attractive targets for the industrial applications, since they could reduce the energy cost in the reaction, attenuate side-reactions, and simply be inactivated. In addition, the increased structural flexibility could result in broad substrate specificity for various non-native substrates, which is called substrate promiscuity. In this perspective, we deal with a less addressed aspect of cold-active enzymes, substrate promiscuity, which has enormous potential for semi-synthesis or enzymatic modification of fine chemicals and drugs. Further structural and directed-evolutional studies on substrate promiscuity of cold-active enzymes will provide a new workhorse in white biotechnology.
New System to Determine the Evolution of the Dynamic Young’s Modulus from Early Ages in Masonry Mortars
Authors: Yedra Engerst , Ferrández Daniel , Morón Carlos , Gómez Edmundo
Published: November 2020

This work presents a new method to determine the evolution of the dynamic Young’s modulus (MOE) from small mechanical disturbances caused by cement mortar samples and whose value is collected using a low-cost Arduino accelerometer. The results obtained are correlated with measurements made using traditional ultrasound techniques, in addition to the evolution of MOE being related to the variation in mechanical properties that cement mortars experience over time. In this way, in this work, a secure application method is presented that allows us to advance the knowledge of construction materials with the incorporation of construction and demolition waste (CDW) and—more specifically—of cement mortars made with aggregates recycled from ceramic or concrete waste.
Improvement of Radiant Heat Efficiency of the Radiant Tube Used for Continuous Annealing Line by Application of Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Ha Won , Ha Jaehyun , Roh Yonghoon , Lee Youngseog
Published: November 2020

This study presents the application of additive manufacturing (AM) technology to a W-type INCONEL radiant tube (RT) used to improve its radiant heat efficiency. Appropriate dimensions of honeycomb structure were determined from finite element (FE) analysis and the resulting increase in radiant heat was computed. The honeycomb patterns on the RT surfaces were printed using the directed energy deposition (DED) method. Radiant heat efficiency of a prototype RT with a honeycomb pattern printed was examined in a pilot furnace emulating the continuous annealing line (CAL). Finally, soundness of the prototype RT was tested on-site on the actual the CAL of No. 3 CGL in POSCO Gwangyang Steel Works. The results revealed that partial FE analysis, which predicts the amount of radiant heat by partially modeling the RT structure rather than modeling the entire RT structure, is suitable for overcoming the limitation of the computer memory capacity and calculating the design parameters of honeycomb patterns. The DED is suitable for printing honeycomb patterns on RT with large and curved surfaces. The average amount of gas consumed to maintain 780 °C and 880 °C for 1440 min was reduced by 10.42% and 12.31%, respectively. There were no cracks and no gas leaks on the RT surface in an annual inspection over three years.
Bibliometric Analysis on the Trend of the Computed Tomography (CT)-Related Studies in the Field of Forensic Science
Authors: Jeong Yangseung , Woo Eun Jin , Lee Sookyoung
Published: November 2020

The computed tomography (CT) technique has attracted much attention as a promising tool for non-invasive diagnosis and examination in the field of forensic science. The purpose of this study is to assess the trend in CT-related forensic studies through bibliometric methods and thus present a holistic idea about the application of CT in the field of forensic science of the past and present. A total of 2084 articles published in the Scopus index journals between 1978 and 2020 were analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.15. A drastic increase in the number of CT-related articles was noticed in forensic science since the early 2000s. Switzerland, having the most productive institution (University of Zurich) and author (Michael J. Thali), contributed most to the increasing number of publications. Forensic Science International was the top journal, where approximately 12.5% of the articles (261 out of 2084) have been published. CT was frequently used for autopsy and diagnosis purposes, but recently its applicability has expanded to the field of forensic anthropology and personal identification. This research is expected to provide researchers using CT with not only an understanding about past research trends but also an insight about future research topics and potential collaborative opportunities.
vIS: An Immersive Virtual Storytelling System for Vocational Training
Authors: Doolani Sanika , Owens Luke , Wessels Callen , Makedon Fillia
Published: November 2020

Storytelling has been established as a proven method to effectively communicate and assist in knowledge transfer. In recent years, there has been growing interest in improving the training and learning domain by using advanced technology such as Virtual Reality (VR). However, a gap exists between storytelling and VR, and it is as yet unclear how they can be combined to form an effective system that not only maintains the level of engagement and immersion provided by VR technology but also provides the core strengths of storytelling. In this paper, we present vIS, a Vocational Immersive Storytelling system, which bridges the gap between storytelling and VR. vIS focuses on vocational training, in which users are trained on how to use a mechanical micrometer by employing a creative fictional story embedded inside a virtual manufacturing plant’s workplace. For the evaluation, a two-phase user study with 30 participants was conducted to measure the system’s effectiveness and improvements in long-term training, as well as to examine user experience against traditional methods of training—2D videos and textual manuals. The results indicate that the user’s ability to retain their training after seven days was nearly equal for vIS and the 2D video-based technique and was considerably higher than the text-based technique.