bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Falla ovárica prematura: Causas genéticas
Authors: Arbeláez C. Felipe , Rebolledo A. Mario , Restrepo C. M.
Published: May 2020

Presentamos una paciente de 33 años de edad que consulta por amenorrea secundaria causada por una Falla Ovárica Prematura (FOP) secundaria a un Síndrome Turner en mosaico.La FOP definida como amenorrea hipergonadotrópica en pacientes menores de 40 años tiene una incidencia del 2 al 10%. Es causada por diferentes entidades entre las que encontramos desórdenes autoinmunes, defectos metabólicos y enzimáticos, enfermedades infecciosas, causas iatrogénicas, defectos en las gonadotropinas y causas genéticas. Estas últimas son responsables de FOP especialmente en pacientes menores de 30 años, en las que se justifica la solicitud de cario tipo como parte del estudio. Describimos las características de la disgenesia gonadal, del Síndrome Turner y los elementos funcionales del cromosoma X cuya ausencia altera la función gonadal. También mencionamos los diferentes mosaicos descritos en relación al Síndrome Turner y sus consecuencias en el desarrollo somático y gonadal.
Estudio clínico controlado aleatorizado abierto de la eficacia y seguridad de "gentamicina-clindamicina" Vs. "pefloxacinametronidazol" en el tratamiento de la endometritis post-cesárea
Authors: Gaitán H. , Trosi T. , Lancheros S. , Saravia J. , Pardo G.
Published: May 2020

Con el fin de comparar la eficacia y seguridad de dos regímenes terapéuticos (clindamicina-gentamicina y pefloxacinametronidazol) en el tratamiento de la endometritis post-cesárea, se incluyeron 71 pacientes que fueron sometidas a parto abdominal de urgencia en el Instituto Materno Infantil del 1 de septiembre de 1993 al 31 de agosto de 1994 y que presentaron endometritis post-cesárea diagnosticada por la presencia de tres de nueve criterios utilizados en el Servicio de Sépticas. Se asignaron de manera aleatoria a uno de los dos grupos de tratamiento: gentamicina-clindamicina o metronidazol-pefloxacina. Se estudió la eficacia terapéutica mediante la comparación del tiempo de desaparición de la fiebre, la evolución clínica, los fracasos terapéuticos y las complicaciones. También se evaluó la seguridad de los dos regímenes. Se aplicó la prueba t de student y Chi cuadrado para significación estadística (a=0.05).
Comportamiento de la atipia epitelial cervical en seguimiento a mediano plazo. Un estudio comparativo
Authors: Bravo de I. Myriam , Castro de O. Ligia , Lara Braulio
Published: May 2020

La incidencia de cáncer cervical en el Departamento del Cauca es un grave problema de salud pública.
Journeying into Academia via Immersion into Qualitative Research: Professor Shaffir as a Master Guide
Authors: Etoroma Efa E.
Published: May 2020

The choice of a work career is one of the most important events in a person’s life course and typically involves secondary socialization and identification with role models. This paper is concerned with the crucial role of my PhD dissertation supervisor at McMaster University, Dr. Billy Shaffir, in my choice of an academic career. I highlight and celebrate how, through the guidance of Dr. Shaffir, I experienced “immersive socialization” into field research and happily converted from an intended business career to an academic career.
Aplicación de Deep Learning al aprendizaje de modelos en robótica cognitiva
Authors: Rodríguez-Jiménez Ariel , Arias-Méndez Esteban , Bellas-Bouza Francisco , Becerra-Permuy Jose
Published: May 2020

El tipo de entrenamiento utilizado para una red neuronal artificial va a depender de factores como: disponibilidad de datos, tiempo de entrenamiento, recursos de hardware disponibles, entre otros. Los entrenamientos pueden ser offline u online. En el presente artículo se experimentan entrenamientos online sobre un robot cuya principal característica es que utiliza un mecanismo cognitivo darwinista para su supervivencia.

El aprendizaje del robot se produce en tiempo real. Este tiene redes neuronales artificiales profundas para predecir acciones a realizar, se entrena con la menor cantidad de espacio de almacenamiento y en el menor tiempo posible sin sacrificar confianza de la red neuronal artificial profunda.

Los entrenamientos experimentados son: Online Deep Learning, Online Deep Learning con memoria y Online Mini-Batch Deep Learning con memoria.
FIRST LANGUAGE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM DISCOURSE: IS IT NECESSARY?
Authors: Surjowati Ribut , Siswahjudioko Heru
Published: May 2020

To maintain the class alive, language choice used in the classroom plays an important role. So far, some English teachers have thought that they have to use English in the classroom during the learning process because it will encourage the learners to think and speak in English. In contrast, some research shows that the use of first language (L1) in the classroom will give positive benefits in the learners’ understanding to the subject learnt and responds during the discussion. This paper is intended to describe the positive effect and benefits of using L1 in the EFL classroom.
BETWEEN THE SA’ALIK AND THE EARLY MUSLIMS: A JAMESONIAN READING ON LAMIYYAT AL-ARAB
Authors: Yulianto Wawan Eko
Published: May 2020

This article aims to propose a possible answer to the curious case of the popularity of Lamiyyat al-Arab as a means of education among Muslim leaders during the Umayyad era. The curiosity lies in the fact that Lamiyyat al-Arab is attributed to al-Shanfara, who was reportedly a su’luk, an outcast in the society who was also known as a brigand poet. To answer the curiosity, I conducted a literature review on who the sa’alik are and how they share some vision with early Muslims. This exploration makes up the first part of the essay. The second half of the essay is a textual interpretation on Lamiyyat al-Arab guided by the three horizons of interpretation as proposed by Fredric Jameson. Looking at three different horizons of meaning, textual, social, and historical, I strongly hope that the interpretation offer a glimpse into the desire for change that the poem shares with the early Muslims. This constitutes as a possible answer to the curious popularity of the pre-Islamic poem among early Muslims.
THE BEAUTY PROPAGANDA IN BODY CARE ADVERTISEMENTS
Authors: Najihah Finda Muftihatun
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the application of Critical Discourse Analysis to the body care advertisements. In this study, the focus is on the discourse and the text of advertisement which create the ideological concept of beauty. The theory used is Fairclough’s three dimensional framework which concentrates on the textual features, discursive practice, and discourse as social practice. The discourses of body care advertisements which are analyzed are from three brands; Oriflame, Wardah and Nivea. Methodologically, descriptive qualitative is used in this study as the research design because the purpose of this study is to provide a deep analysis of the data. The findings reveal that the use of adjectives has two main functions, to describe the product and to describe the result after using the product. In addition, the presence of the verbs has function to describe the work and the quality of the products advertised. Furthermore, the most pronouns used in the advertisements is “your” which has function to directly point at the reader so the reader will fell engaged to the advertisement. In discursive techniques the finding shows there are nine techniques used to promote the products advertised. They are using natural resources ingredients or by giving clinical test proof, exposure of the existing content, self-representations, unrealistic representations through the exaggeration language, puffery which contain the discourse which is subjective without giving credible evidence, the use of emotive words, celebrity endorsement, the simple discourse used and the last is by offering discount sale on the product advertised. It is also found that the ideological concept of beauty is emerged by the limitation of the concept beauty on the discourse and image of beauty advertisements. The concept of beauty is divided into 3, the concept of eyes, ideal skin, and ideal lip.
Autumn Divas: Women of Color Who Achieved Doctorate Degrees After Age 50
Authors: Wilson Dana Burdnell , Darrell Linda , Rhodes Dasha J.
Published: May 2020

The Autumn Divas study objective was to examine the lived experiences of women of color who achieved doctoral degrees after the age of 50. This study used qualitative methods to reflect the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the participants; the strengths they had in common, the support of family and friends, and the personal, professional, and financial challenges they faced in their respective journeys. This phenomenological study described the meaning of the experience for the participants, as they matriculated through their doctoral programs, explored in three focus group sessions, with nine participants. Results showed that they experienced similar journeys, which led to the advancement of their personal growth, and sought to motivate other women of color. Most participant's pursuit of a doctorate at this time in their lives was a means of self-fulfillment and empowerment. In conclusion, the participants had deferred this goal, but were receptive to new challenges and perspectives, and validated each other's stories in the focus group discussions. Most had a message for the sisters coming behind them: pursue your dreams; make the investment in yourself; be a source of support and wisdom for each other; and contribute to uplifting your community.
Landscape and cattle management attributes associated with the incidence of Desmodus rotundus attacks on cattle
Authors: Lanzagorta-Valencia Karla , Fernández-Méndez José Ignacio , Medellín Rodrigo A. , Rodas-Martínez Alba Z. , Avila-Flores Rafael
Published: May 2020

Bovine paralytic rabies, transmitted by Desmodus rotundus, causes economic losses for Latin American livestock producers. Although the total number of reported cases has decreased markedly due to vaccination campaigns, economic losses can be significant for smallholders. Identifying risk factors for vampire bat attacks on cattle could help guide preventive control efforts in specific areas. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the incidence of D. rotundus attacks on cattle and various landscape features and cattle management practices in northeastern Puebla, Mexico. We visited 61 properties with cattle between May and October 2011, in which we quantified the incidence of attacks on cattle and described landscape and cattle management attributes. The following features were described within a 200-m radius around the nightly resting site of cattle: topography, percent forest cover, and number of forest fragments, rivers and streams, tree lines, buildings, roads and highways. With these variables, we built models that were assumed to describe the levels of human interference, prey availability, and movement facilitation for bats. The human interference model (number of buildings plus number of roads) best explained the incidence of attacks on cattle. According to our results, the cattle with the highest vulnerability to attacks by vampire bats are those resting at night in less confined sites, far away from human activity. Results of this study suggest that rabies vaccination campaigns on cattle should focus on fragmented areas with few livestock management practices.
Extractos de plantas del semidesierto en la inducción del crecimiento de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)
Authors: Jasso-de Rodríguez Diana , Alonso-Cueva Cesár F. , Rodríguez-García Raúl , Ramírez Homero , Díaz-Jiménez Lourdes , Villareal-Quintanilla José A. , Juárez-Maldonado Antonio
Published: May 2020

En las zonas semiáridas del noreste de México, se han identificado especies con alto contenido de polifenoles y actividad antioxidante, que pueden ser utilizadas como promotores de crecimiento y calidad del fruto en plantas de tomate. El objetivo fue conocer el efecto de extractos de Rhus trilobata, Rhus muelleri, Flourensia microphylla, Flourensia retinophylla y Cucurbita foetidissima, como promotores de crecimiento y calidad del fruto en plantas de tomate saladette, al compararlos con los biorreguladores AIA, AG y 6-BAP. La dosis del extracto y biorreguladores fue de 75 mg L-1, al trasplante, y a los 34 y 55 días después del trasplante. Cada quince días se evaluó el crecimiento longitudinal y diámetro de tallo, número de hojas, número de frutos, peso seco, peso y producción de fruto, además de las variables de calidad: diámetro polar y ecuatorial, firmeza, pH, sólidos solubles totales, contenido de licopeno y vitamina C. El experimento se estableció bajo un diseño completamente al azar con nueve tratamientos y 12 repeticiones. En general los extractos incrementaron la longitud y diámetro de tallo, peso seco de hojas, número y peso de frutos, y producción de fruto, con resultados similares al biorregulador 6-BAP. El extracto de R. muelleri mostró la mayor efectividad en promover el crecimiento y producción de fruto de tomate por lo que representa una alternativa para la formulación de un bioestimulante de origen biológico que mejore la productividad de las plantas de tomate.
Distribución, tallas y proporción sexual del calamar Lolliguncula panamensis del Golfo de Tehuantepec, México
Authors: Guzmán-Intzin Hugo Alonso , Alejo-Plata María del Carmen , González-Acosta Adrián Felipe , León-Guzmán Sairi Sarai
Published: May 2020

En el Golfo de Tehuantepec se desarrolla una intensa actividad pesquera centrada en la captura de camarones y peces demersales. Como parte de la pesca de arrastre de camarones, la captura de Lolliguncala panamensis es abundante. El objetivo fue evaluar la distribución, abundancia, estructura de tallas y proporción sexual del calamar dedal L. panamensis, en la zona de pesca del camarón en el Golfo de Tehuantepec. Los calamares se recolectaron de la fauna de acompañamiento del camarón, durante noviembre y diciembre de 2017 y febrero (temporada de pesca), mayo, julio y agosto de 2018 (temporada de veda); a partir de cinco viajes y 156 lances de pesca de altamar, realizados a bordo de embarcaciones camaroneras comerciales. Se recolectaron 746 hembras (21 a 110 mm Longitud del manto, LM) y 76 machos (21 a 93 mm LM), con la mayor abundancia (94.5%), entre los 20 y 30 m de profundidad. Las hembras dominaron la proporción sexual (1M:7H X2 = 248.81, p < 0.05), mientras que las diferencias en talla y peso entre ambos sexos, fueron significativas (K-S, p < 0.05). La abundante captura de esta especie en el Golfo de Tehuantepec, principalmente durante la veda del camarón (temporada de lluvias), sugiere la importancia de este calamar como un recurso potencial explotable y una alternativa para los pescadores durante la veda de otros recursos como el camarón y tiburón; así como una fuente de proteínas complementarias para las poblaciones locales.
Relationship between body mass index and body condition score in Pelibuey ewes
Authors: Salazar-Cuytun Eufracia de R. , Chay-Canul Alfonso J. , Ptácek Martin , García-Herrera Ricardo A. , Rivera-Alegría Flor de María , Aguilar-Caballero Armando J. , Sarmiento-Franco Luis A.
Published: May 2020

The objectives of this study were to detect the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body condition score (BCS) in Pelibuey ewes to predict BMI based on well-known BCS estimation. The body weight (BW), withers height, (WH), body length (BL) and BCS were determined in 402 ewes. The BMI was calculated as: BMI = (BW (kg)/WH (m)/ BL (m))/10. Relationships were estimated by means of regression models using PROC REG of the SAS. The BMI and the BCS showed a high relationship; correlation coefficient (r) of 0.80 (P<0.001). The linear regression for BMI prediction was as followed: BMI (kg/m2) = 8.38 (±0.189***) + 1.70 (±0.064***) × BCS (R2 = 0.65, MSE: 2.56; RMSE: 1.60; P <.0001 and n = 402). The BMI could be used as an indicator of the degree of obesity in non-pregnant and non-lactating Pelibuey ewes under field conditions.
Systems Biology Approach to Characterize Potential SARS-CoV-2 Pathways Based on Protein Functional Motifs
Authors: Sobhy Haitham
Published: May 2020

Although phylogenetic analysis shows coronaviruses (CoV) share similar genome sequences, CoVs encode different number of proteins (5 to 14), which has implication on viral pathogenicity and infection. Here, we aimed to identify (in-silico) the similarities between different members of coronavirus family. The analysis included 50 coronavirus proteomes, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), to find the variation of the number of protein functional motifs and domain in each coronavirus. For this role, we used the experimentally validated domain (motif) that known to be crucial for viral infection. Although human CoVs are classified within one genus, we found variations among them. SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV encode different type of domains, which has implications on the molecular interactions triggered by each virus within human cells. Secondly, we used functional motifs to reconstruct the potential molecular pathways or interactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 proteins within human cell.
C1-INH and the Contact System in COVID-19-Associated Coagulopathy
Authors: Thomson Timothy M. , Toscano Emily , Casis Ernesto , Paciucci Rosanna
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 is frequently associated with a coagulopathy with severe consequences. The mechanisms leading to a pro-coagulant state in these patients is multifactorial, including tissue destruction and inflammatory mechanisms. Based on the analysis of publicly available interactomes, we propose that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a deficiency in C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a pathogen-specific mechanism that may help explain the pro-coagulant state in COVID-19 patients.
Rapid Quantification and Neutralization Assays for Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Using Avicel RC-591 Semi-Solid Overlay
Authors: Honko Anna N. , Storm Nadia , Bean David J. , Henao Vasquez Jhonatan , Downs Sierra N. , Griffiths Anthony
Published: May 2020

When working with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during a pandemic response, having a rapid, reproducible and reliable assay for infectious virus quantitation and utilization for evaluation of potential therapeutics is critical. Compared to traditional agarose overlay plaques visualized with neutral red, assays performed with Avicel R RC-591 semi-solid overlay provide a simplified format for rapid and easy detection and neutralization testing. The method is easily modified for higher throughput using dispensers or automated processing. Fixation using formalin provides flexibility when dealing with pathogenic agents such as SARS-CoV-2 where tissue culture plates might be removed from biocontainment for staining. Although plaque assays are considered straightforward in principle, having an easily reproducible, consistent plaque assay is an invaluable tool.
Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic Spreading in India by an Epidemiological Model and Fractional Differential Operator
Authors: Shaikh Amjad S. , Jadhav Vikas S. , Timol Munir G. , Nisar Kottakkaran S. , Khan I.
Published: May 2020

Fractional differential mathematical model unfolding the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in India is presented and explored in this paper. The purpose of this study is to estimate the future outbreak of disease and potential control strategies using mathematical models in India as a whole country as well as in some of the states of the country. This model is calibrated based on reported cases of infections over the month of April 2020 in India. We have used iterative fractional complex transform method to find approximate solutions of the model having modified Riemann Liouville fractional differential operator. We have also carried out a comparative analysis between actual and estimated cumulative cases graphically, moreover, most sensitive parameters for basic reproduction number$(R_0)$ are computed and their effect on transmission dynamics of COVID-19 pandemic is investigated in detail.
Profile and Areal Surface Parameters for Fatigue Fracture Characterisation
Authors: Macek Wojciech , Branco Ricardo , Szala Mirosław , Marciniak Zbigniew , Ulewicz Robert , Sczygiol Norbert , Kardasz Piotr
Published: May 2020

Post-mortem characterisation is a pivotal tool to trace back to the origin of structural failures in modern engineering analyses. This work presents a comparison of both the crack propagation profiles and the rupture roughness profiles based on areal parameters for total fracture area. Notched and smooth samples made of weather-resistant structural steel (10HNAP), popular S355J2 structural steel and aluminium alloy AA2017A under bending, torsion, and combined bending-torsion are investigated. After the fatigue tests, fatigue fractures are measured with an optical profilometer, and the relevant surface parameters are critically compared. The results show a great impact of the loading scenario on both the local profiles and the total fracture areas. In this work, the results of both approaches (local and total fracture zones) for specimens with different geometries are investigated. For all specimens, measured texture parameters decreased in the following order: total area, rupture area, and propagation area.
Genetic Interaction Between the Non-homologous End Joining Factors during B and T Lymphocyte Development: In Vivo Mouse Models
Authors: Castañeda-Zegarra Sergio , Fernandez-Berrocal Marion , Tkachov Max , Upfold Nikki Lyn Esnardo , Oksenych Valentyn
Published: May 2020

The non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway is the main mechanism to repair DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) throughout the whole cell cycle. During NHEJ, core Ku70 and Ku80 subunits form the Ku heterodimer; Ku binds DSBs and promotes the recruitment of accessory factors (e.g., DNA-PKcs, PAXX, Mri) and downstream core factors (XLF, Lig4 and XRCC4). DSBs are induced during the V(D)J recombination in developing B and T lymphocytes to increase the repertoire of B and T cell receptors. Furthermore, DSBs are generated during the class switch recombination (CSR) in mature B lymphocytes, providing distinct effector functions of antibody heavy chain constant regions. The NHEJ is required for both V(D)J recombination and CSR. During the last decades, new NHEJ proteins have been reported, increasing the complexity of the molecular pathway. Multiple in vivo mouse models were generated and characterized to identify specific functions of NHEJ factors in the adaptive immune system. Here, we are summarizing available mouse models lacking one or several NHEJ factors, with a particular focus on early B cell development.
Flow Pattern and Pressure Drop for Oil-Water Flows in and around 180° Bends
Authors: Ayegba Paul Onubi , Edomwonyi-Otu Lawrence C. , Abubakar Abdulkareem , Yusuf Nurudeen
Published: May 2020

Pressure drop and flow pattern of oil-water flows were investigated in a 19 mm ID clear polyvinyl chloride pipe consisting of U-bend with radius of curvature of 100 mm. The range for oil and water superficial velocities tested were and respectively. Measurements were carried out under different flow conditions in a test section that consisted of four different parts: upstream of the bend, at the bend and at two redeveloping flow locations after the bend. The result indicated that the bend had limited influence on downstream flow patterns. However, the shear forces imposed by the bend caused some shift flow pattern transition and bubble characteristics in the redeveloping flow section after the bend relative to develop flow before the bend. Generally, pressure gradient at all the test sections increased with both oil fraction and water superficial velocity and there was a sharp change of pressure gradient profile during phase inversion. The transition point where phase inversion occurred was always within the range of . Pressure losses differed at the various test sections and the difference was strongly linked to the superficial velocity of the phases and the flow pattern. At high mixture velocity, pressure losses at the redeveloping section after the bend were higher than that at the bend and that for fully developed flows. At low mixture velocity, pressure losses at the bend are higher than in the straight sections. Pressure drop generally decreased with level of flow development downstream of the bend.
Chinese Stock Market Sector Indices Performance in the Time of Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Liew Venus Khim-Sen , Puah Chin-Hong
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to quantify the effect of the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak on Chinese stock market performance. Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index and its component sector indices are examined in this study. The pandemic is represented by a lockdown dummy, new COVID-19 cases and a dummy for 3 February 2020. First, descriptive analysis is performed on these indices to compare their performances before and during the lockdown period. Next, regression analysis with Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity specification is estimated to quantify the pandemic effect on the Chinese stock market. This paper finds that health care, information technology and telecommunication services sectors were relatively more pandemic-resistant, while other sectors were more severely hurt by the pandemic outbreak. The extent to which each sector was affected by pandemic and sentiments in other financial and commodity markets were reported in details in this paper. The findings of this paper are resourceful for investors to avoid huge loss amid pandemic outburst and the China Securities Regulatory Commission in handling future pandemic occurrence to cool down excessive market sentiments.
Coffee Consumption, Antioxidant Properties and Stomach Cancer
Authors: Parra-Lara Luis G. , Mendoza-Urbano Diana M. , Bravo Juan C. , Salamanca Constain H. , Zambrano Angela R.
Published: May 2020

Background: Coffee is the second most popular drink in the worldwide, and it has different components with antioxidant and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between coffee consumption and the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in the main consuming countries. Methods: An observational study was performed. Dataset of coffee consumption was obtained from WorldAtlas, and incidence and mortality rates from GLOBOCAN database. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. All statistical analysis were performed using STATA software. Results: A total of 25 countries were included in the study. There was a significant linear correlation between coffee consumption kg per person per year and an estimated age-adjusted incidence (r=0.5984, p=0.0016) and mortality (r=0.5877, p=0.0020). Conclusion: Coffee consumption could potentially have beneficial effects on incidence and mortality by stomach cancer.
Production and Application of Octenyl Succinic-Modified Starch as Fat Replacer: A Review of Established and Recent Research
Authors: Anggriawan Riyan , Maksum Ali , Nurhayati Nurhayati
Published: May 2020

Along with the rapid development of the trend in the health sector, various studies have been conducted to find alternative healthier foods, one of which is reducing fat consumption. Currently, many researchers focus on one of modified starches that can be utilized as a fat replacer is starch modified with OSA (octenyl succinic anhydride). In the last decade, there have been quite a lot of publications related to OSA starch, further the number is still increasing. This review discusses the synthesis method of OSA starch and its optimization, functional characteristics, and its application to be a fat replacer in many kinds of products daily consumed. Various pre-treatment methods could be applied to create OSA starch which has higher degree of substitution values. The presence of conjugate bonds with the OSA group in starch polymers could produce very amphiphilic starch characteristic so as to have an emulsifying function. Emulsions shaped from OSA starch were utilized as fat replacers in foods with high level of fat content. Partial OSA starch substitution was successfully utilized as a fat replacer for several types of food products with similar sensory attributes or even slightly better than the native product. The resulting product could be defined as a healthier choice because it had relatively lower fat and calorie content. Even so, adjustments through further study are still needed so that the food produced is able to have a higher level of sensory acceptance relative to native food without fat substitution.
Natural Rubber Latex and Gum Arabic: A Comparison of Physico-chemical Properties
Authors: Edomwonyi-Otu Lawrence
Published: May 2020

The present investigation deals with the determination of the physio-chemical properties of two commercial grade samples of local gums (Gum Arabic and Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)). The results revealed that the gum samples have high melting point that indicate thermal stability at room and moderate temperatures. The gum samples have about 95 % carbohydrate content and a corresponding high internal energy and can serve as a source of energy. The rheology of the samples revealed shear-thickening characteristics with gum Arabic being thixotropic and pseudo-plastic in nature while NRL was observed to be anti-thixotropic and rheopectic. Further results from the moisture absorption, contact angle and Fourier Transform Infrared Radioscopy (FTIR) analyses gave better insight into their hydroscopic behaviors. Gum Arabic has excellent water absorption capacity with less wettability as it consists mainly of more water-soluble compounds in comparison to Natural Rubber Latex. These insights from the study will enhance wider application of the gums with increased value-addition to the gums and the communities where they (can) thrive.
A First Review to Explore the Association of Air Pollution (PM and NO2) on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Copat Chiara , Cristaldi Antonio , Fiore Maria , Grasso Alfina , Zuccarello Pietro , Oliveri Conti Gea , Signorelli Salvatore Santo , Ferrante Margherita
Published: May 2020

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have determined a pneumonia outbreak in China (Wuhan and Hubei) on December 2019. While pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies are strengthened worldwide, the scientific community has been studying the risk factors associated with SARS-Cov-2, to enrich epidemiological information. For a long time, before the industrialized era, air pollution has been a real and big health concern and it is today a very serious environmental risk for many diseases and anticipated deaths in the world. It has long been known that air pollutants increasing the invasiveness of pathogens for humans by acting as a carrier and making people more sensitive to pathogens through a negative influence on the immune system. Based on scientific evidences, the hypothesis that air pollution, resulting from a combination of factors such as meteorological data, level of industrialization as well as regional topography, can acts both as an infection carrier as a harmful factor of the health outcomes of COVID-19 disease has been raised recently. This hypothesis is turning in scientific evidence, thanks to the numerous studies that have been launched all over the world.With this review, we want to provide a first unique view of all the first epidemiological studies relating the association between air pollution and SARS-CoV-2. The Authors, who first investigated this association, although with great effort and rapidity of analysis dictated by a global emergency, often used different research methods or not all include confounding factors whenever possible. In addition, to date incidence data are underestimated in all countries, and to a lesser extent also mortality data. For this reason, the cases included in the considered studies cannot be considered real. Although it determines important limitations for direct comparison of results, and more studies are needed to strengthen scientific evidences and support firm conclusions, major findings are consistent, highlighting the important contribution of PM2.5 and NO2 on the COVID-19 spread and with a less extent also PM10.
Nicotinic Cholinergic System and COVID-19: Identification of a Potentially Crucial Snake Toxin-Like Sequence in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos , Eliopoulos Elias , Tzartos Socrates , Poulas Konstantinos
Published: May 2020

Smoking is a risk factor for respiratory infections and there is reasonable concern that it may affect COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Recent studies have focused on the interaction between smoking (and nicotine) and ACE2 expression, suggesting that ACE2 up-regulation could contribute to enhanced viral cell entry. However, case series have shown that there is an unexpectedly low prevalence of smoking among hospitalized COVID-19 cases. Since early April, we were the first to hypothesize that dysfunction of the nicotinic cholinergic system (NCS) may be implicated in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19. We recently reported that many of the clinical manifestations of severe COVID-19 could be explained by dysregulation of the NCS. In this study, we present an amino acid sequence in the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein which is homologous to a sequence of a snake venom toxin. We present the 3D structural location of this “toxin-like” sequence on the Spike Glycoprotein. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could potentially interact with acetylcholine receptors causing dysregulation of the NCS and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
MICROPHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS IN CURUPERÉ ESTUARY AT THE AMAZONIAN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM
Authors: REIS Fernanda Nogueira , BELÚCIO Lucinice Ferreira , PAMPLONA Fábio Campos , REIS Luciana Thaila Lopes , VEIGA Giselle Damasceno , MELO Nuno Filipe Alves Correia
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate microphytoplankton dynamics and environmental parameters in the estuary of the Curuperé River, located in an Amazonian mangrove ecosystem. Ten sampling sites, where occupied to obtain surface water samples for qualitative and quantitative microphytoplankton analyses, chlorophyll-a, temperature, turbidity, salinity, and pH. Samplings were conducted in four months: in February, May, August and November/2015; the first two months corresponding to rainy season and the last two to dry season. Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed, for diversity, equitability and specific dominance of the microphytoplankton community. In total, 212 taxa were identified and this community was dominated by Bacillariophyta (149 taxa), followed by Myzozoa (29 taxa). The abundance varied from 7,700 ind L-1, (May, sampling site 1) to 343,800 ind L-1, in August (sampling site 4). The diatom Cymatosira belgica was the dominant species, followed by Dimeregramma minor (major peaks of 180,600 ind L-1 and 120,400 ind L-1, respectively) in August at point 4. Phytoplankton biomass indicates an eutrophic estuary as Chlorophyll-a varied from 13.01 to 112.88 mg m-3, probably due to marine shrimp farm effluents. It was possible to identify species strongly indicative of the environment, through analysis of indicator species (IndVal), and their relations with the main environmental conditions (pH, salinity and rainfall), determined by canonical redundancy analysis (RDA).
USING STOCK ASSESSMENT TO INVESTIGATE THE SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES OF THE YELLOW MANDI Pimelodus maculatus IN THE UPPER URUGUAY RIVER, SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Authors: Schork Gianfrancisco , Hermes-Silva Samara , Guereschi Renata Maria , Zaniboni-Filho Evoy , NUÑER Alex Pires de Oliveira
Published: May 2020

The yellow mandi Pimelodus maculatus is a medium-sized species with a wide geographical distribution. The species is very common in the Neotropical region, representing an important share of fishing activity in several Brazilian reservoirs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the current situation of the yellow mandi fish stock in the Itá reservoir, located in the Upper Uruguay River. Data collected from January 2004 to December 2016 were used to estimate growth, mortality, and fish recruitment rates. In addition, a stock assessment was performed, and the results were used to verify the status of the fishery. The mean of the population parameters were: total length (L) = 55.65 cm; length at which 50% of fish are vulnerable to capture (Lc) = 23.08 cm, growth rate (k) = 0.260 year-1, growth performance index (í­Ëœ) = 3.047, natural mortality rate (M) = 0.537, fishing mortality rate (F) = 0.413, total mortality rate (Z) = 0.95, exploitation rate (E) = 0.434, maximum age (Tmax) = 6.68 years. The growth curve obtained via ELEFAN I revealed that fishing operates on eight of the eleven cohorts of the population. Yellow mandi stock assessment did not show signs of fish overexploitation or any risk of depletion.
FATTY ACID PROFILE OF FROZEN FILLETS OF COBIA (Rachycentron canadum) STUNNED BY ELECTRONARCOSIS
Authors: MELO Fúlvio Viegas Santos Teixeira , PARISI Giuliana , MELO José Fernando Bibiano , CRUZ NETO Manoel Adriano , SOUZA Anderson Miranda , VIEGAS Elisabete Maria Macedo
Published: May 2020

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of desensitisation by electronarcosis on the changes to the fatty acid profile of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fillets stored at low sub-zero temperature. For stunning, 50, 100 and 150 V were used for 120 s and then exsanguination was performed, followed by storage at í 18 Â°C for 180 days. A total of 47 fatty acids were detected in cobia fillet samples, and most of the quantified fatty acids differed (p < 0.05) between treatments and storage times. The n6/n3 ratio did not differ (p > 0.05) among treatments; however, the n6/n3 ratio and Î£hypocholesterolaemic fatty acids Æ©hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids ratio were significantly affected by the storage times and their outcomes. In general, the electronarcosis intensities used to numb cobia did not promote differences during the frozen storage of the fillets for most of the analysed variables but a significant effect of the storage time was noted within the treatments, with meat quality loss observed over time.
Fluktuasi Harga Telur Ayam Ras dan Faktor Penyebabnya
Authors: Ilham Nyak , Saptana NFN
Published: May 2020

Sharp egg price fluctuation frequently takes place due to its unstable supply. This study aimed to analyze egg price fluctuation and its determinants. Conducted from September to November 2018, data of the study were collected by interviewing officers from related agencies, breeders, associations and egg traders in West Java Province. Price fluctuation was estimated using coefficient of variation. Factors influencing egg price fluctuation was analyzed descriptively. Egg price for the last five years kept increasing. Average egg price in 2018 was higher than those in last four years. High egg price at farm level affected its retail price in Jakarta. Increased egg price was due to increases in feed and DOC prices, and decreased egg production affected by disease attacks. At the same time the demand for egg enhanced along with National Religious holidays, school vacations, and foot ball world cup shows. Biosecurity, hygienic pens, and response to disease attack need improvement. Prohibition of AGP (Antibiotic Growth Promoters) should be followed up by farmers with enhancement in good farming practices, such as reducing chicken density. Corn import ban hampers poultry industry which has a negative impact on domestic egg production.

 

Abstrak

Fluktuasi harga dan pasokan telur ayam ras masih sering terjadi yang menyebabkan permasalahan bagi peternak di kala harga jatuh dan bagi konsumen pada saat harga tinggi. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis permasalahan fluktuasi harga telur ayam dan faktor-faktor penyebabnya, dilakukan pada bulan September sampai Nopember 2018. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan metoda wawancara kepada aparat dari beberapa instansi terkait, peternak, pengurus asosiasi, dan pedagang telur ayam ras di Provinsi Jawa Barat. Tingkat fluktuasi harga diproksi dengan nilai koefisien variasi dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi fluktuasi harga telur ayam ras dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa harga telur selama lima tahun terkahir terus meningkat. Rata-rata harga telur ayam tahun 2018 lebih tinggi dibandingkan empat tahun sebelumnya dengan fluktuasi tinggi. Harga telur yang tinggi di sentra produksi mendorong kenaikan harga di tingkat konsumen utama di DKI Jakarta. Kenaikan harga pakan dan harga DOC menyebabkan kenaikan harga telur ayam ras. Kenaikan harga telur juga disebabkan oleh berkurangnya produksi telur akibat serangan penyakit. Pada sisi lain terjadi peningkatan permintaan terhadap telur ayam akibat adanya momen Hari Besar Keagamaan Nasional, libur sekolah, dan momen piala dunia. Dari hasil kajian ini disarankan untuk meningkatkan biosekuriti dan higienitas kandang, dan peningkatan respon untuk pengendalian penyakit. Pelarangan AGP (Antibiotic Growth Promoters) sebaiknya diikuti peternak dengan perubahan pola budi daya, seperti mengurangi kepadatan kandang. Kebijakan menyetop impor jagung secara total menghambat pertumbuhan industri peternakan yang berdampak negarif pada kinerja produksi dan pasokan telur. 
The Dynamics of Indonesian Consumption Patterns of Rice and Rice-Based Food Eaten Away From Home
Authors: Saliem Handewi Purwati , Hermanto NFN , Suryani Erma , Suhaeti Rita Nur , Ariani Mewa
Published: May 2020

As a major staple food for most of the Indonesian population, rice has an important position in term of social, economic, and political aspects in the country. Because of that position, it is important to identify rice consumption pattern of Indonesian people. This research aims at analyzing the trends of rice consumption at home and rice-based eaten away from home in terms of weight and expenditure. By using mathematical and simple statistical methods, data of household rice consumption from National Socio-economic Survey (Susenas) years 1996 to 2017 (seven data sets) were analyzed by location and income quintiles. Results of these analyses indicated that during 1996 to 2017 the real expenditure of food away from home tended to increase, the real expenditure and per capita of rice consumption for all household categories tended to decrease, and the expenditure for processed rice had different path compared to the expenditure for rice consumption. The implication of this study is the estimation of national demand for rice should consider the amount of rice eaten away from home consumption and also processed rice.  

 

Abstrak

Sebagai makanan pokok hampir seluruh penduduk, beras menempati posisi penting dari sisi sosial, ekonomi, dan politik di Indonesia. Berdasar hal tersebut, penting untuk mengidentifikasi pola konsumsi beras penduduk Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis laju konsumsi beras yang dimakan di rumah maupun di luar rumah berupa makanan jadi berbasis beras baik dari sisi pengeluaran maupun jumlahnya. Dengan menggunakan metode matematika dan statistika sederhana, penelitian ini mengolah data Susenas tahun 1996 – 2017 (tujuh set data) dengan membedakan konsumsi rumah tangga menurut lokasi (desa-kota) dan kuintil. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa selama 1996 – 2017 pengeluaran riil untuk makanan jadi cenderung meningkat, pengeluaran riil dan konsumsi beras per kapita cenderung menurun untuk semua kategori rumah tangga, dan pengeluaran untuk pangan olahan berbasis beras memiliki pola yang berbeda dengan pengeluaran untuk konsumsi beras. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa dalam mengestimasi kebutuhan beras nasional perlu mempertimbangkan  jumlah konsumsi beras yang dimakan di luar rumah dan pangan olahan berbasis beras.
Lumbar Puncture in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge, Awareness, Acceptance and its Refusal Among Health Professionals
Authors: Alrehaili Amani A.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives:

Lumbar puncture (LP) is a standard technique to acquire cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for either diagnostic or therapeutic management of neurological disorders. This study assesses the awareness and level of acceptance of LP among medical laboratory students. The study also investigates the level of understanding of the purpose of performing LP and determines the acceptance rate among the study population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, using an online questionnaire distributed among medical laboratory students attending the College of Applied Medical Sciences at Taif University. Of over 200 questionnaires distributed, 176 students responded. The questionnaire queried students' sociodemographic information, their knowledge, acceptance rate, and possible complications and precautions concerning LP. A univariate analysis was performed.

Results:

The study showed that 81.8% of participants were aware of LP. About 53.6% of participants received their information from their education. The participants' understanding of the side effects and precautions surrounding LP operations was significantly high at 87.5% and 72.7%, respectively. In all, 65.9% of participants reported their acceptance compared to 34.1% of participants who did not accept LP. In contrast, about 72.7% of participants preferred not to do LP, even if the LP was prescribed by their doctor.

Conclusion and Implications for Translation:

The study showed high knowledge of the purpose, process, and duration of the LP procedure among clinical laboratory students. The key reasons for the rejection of the LP operation, for the majority of participants, were fear of injection and side effects, notably paralysis. This research demonstrated the need to raise proficiency in implementation and awareness of LP using methods such as training courses, academic seminars, and social media.
Comparison of refractive outcomes after photorefractive keratectomy with different optical zones using Mel 90 excimer laser
Authors: Shin Dae Hwan , Lee Yong Woo , Song Ji Eun , Choi Chul Young
Published: May 2020

Background: A larger optical zone for photorefractive keratectomy may improve optical quality and stability. However, there is need for limiting ablation diameter in that a larger ablation diameter requires greater ablation depth, and minimizing ablation depth may reduce adverse effects on postoperative wound healing, haze and keratoectasia. In this study, we compared the changes in clinical outcomes and the degree of regression between a 6.0 mm optical zone and 6.5 mm optical zone following PRK.Methods: The records of 95 eyes that had undergone PRK with a 6.0 OZ (n = 40) and a 6.5 OZ (n = 55) were retrospectively reviewed. We compared data including the spherical equivalent of manifest refraction (SE of MR), simulated K (Sim K), thinnest corneal thickness, change in thinnest corneal thickness (the initial value divided by corrected diopter [ΔTCT/CD]), Q value, corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) and spherical aberration (SA) pre-operation, at 3 and 6 months postoperative and at the last follow-up visit (Mean; 20.71 ± 10.52, 17.47 ± 6.57 months in the 6.0 and 6.5 OZ group, respectively).Results: There were no significant differences in the SE of MR, Sim K and UDVA between the 6.0 OZ group and the 6.5 OZ group over 1 year of follow-up after PRK, and the 6.0 OZ group required less ΔTCT/CD than the 6.5 OZ group. The 6.5 OZ group showed better results in terms of post-operative HOAs of RMS, SA and Q value. When comparing that pattern of change in Sim K, there was no significant difference between the 6.0 OZ group and the 6.5 OZ group.Conclusions: The clinical refractive outcomes and regression after PRK using Mel 90 excimer laser with a 6.0 OZ were comparable to those with a 6.5 OZ.