bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH KOMPENSASI DAN MOTIVASI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DENGAN KEPUASAN KARYAWAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING PADA PT BANK NEGARA INDONESIA CABANG BATAM
Authors: Heryenzus Heryenzus , Laia Restui
Published: March 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of compensation, motivation, compensation on employee performance, employee performance motivation and to determine the effect of job satisfaction on employee performance at PT. Bank Negara Indonesi Batam Branch. This study uses saturated samples for all employees at PT. Bank Negara Indonesi Batam Branch. Analysis method of this research using path analysis. Based on the results of the analysis found that compensation has a positive effect on job satisfaction, motivation has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction, compensation has a positive and significant impact on employee performance, motivation has a positive and significant impact on employee performance, job satisfaction has a positive and significant influence on performance and employee satisfaction. Working mediates the effect of compensation and motivation on employee performance. Based on research results, PT. Bank Negara Indonesi Batam Branch. Should be fair compensation, motivate employees with promotion.
Gestión Emocional: Factor Crítico de la Competitividad Emocional en el Profesorado Universitario
Authors: Acosta Palomeque Galo Ramiro , Aviles Léon Byron Eduardo , Torres Fernández Jose Patricio
Published: March 2019

El artículo analiza la gestión de las emociones como un factor crítico para que exista competitividad emocional en el profesorado universitario. En las últimas décadas, el estudio de las emociones ha evolucionado desde una visión lineal y reduccionista hacia una perspectiva fundamentada en el paradigma de la complejidad. Las investigaciones actuales sugieren que las emociones son la base en que se sustenta el pensamiento racional. Para que haya competitividad organizacional, la clave está en la inteligencia emocional que equilibra tanto el pensamiento como las emociones. El estudio y la gestión de las emociones en el sector servicios son importantes, en particular en el campo de la educación, ya que los docentes realizan un trabajo que requiere desplegar estados emocionales. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en realizar un análisis de revisión documental del estudio de las emociones, así como aplicar el modelo de intervención relacionado con las experiencias para el caso de los docentes a tiempo completo del Departamento de Ciencias Económicas, Administrativas y de Comercio de la Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE) de Ecuador. En la investigación, para la elaboración del marco teórico se utilizó una metodología de investigación documental y descriptiva, mientras que para el estudio empírico se empleó el esquema metodológico de la fenomenología, de tipo transversal, con naturaleza exploratoria - descriptiva y se obtuvo una muestra de 42 docentes. El instrumento utilizado fue el modelo de intervención de las experiencias de Manucci (2016). La evidencia sugiere que se deberían desarrollar acciones de mejoramiento para el manejo de los contenidos y de las emociones que permitan redefinir realidades organizacionales.
La acción tutorial: Análisis de la dinámica intelectual desde la praxis universitaria.
Authors: Barrios Briceño Nanci Coromoto , Quiroz Villacís Jenny Andrea
Published: March 2019

Los estudios de post grado se han venido incrementando en los últimos años, tanto en cantidad ofertada como en la cantidad de participantes inscritos en los mismos, sin embargo el número de egresados no se corresponde con el número de inscritos, muchos culminan su carga académica más no cumplen con la presentación del Trabajo de titulación requisito para la obtención de la titularidad, por lo que la producción intelectual sigue sin responder las expectativas que el mercado y la  sociedad requieren.  Hasta ahora las diferentes investigaciones al respecto tratan de enfocar el problema hacia áreas muy específicas, sin embargo  los procesos de pensamiento  o la dinámica intelectual  que entra en juego no parecieran haber despertado inquietudes para su investigación, de allí que la presente investigación pretendió identificar  aquellos procesos que están implícitos durante el desarrollo de la praxis tutorial, para ello, la misma se enmarcó dentro de un enfoque mixto, donde lo cuantitativo se enmarcó en una  investigación de tipo descriptivo, con diseño no experimental, la población estuvo conformada por 18 docentes con función de tutor, la información se obtuvo a través de una encuesta tipo Lickert, el enfoque  cualitativo  permitió a las investigadoras un acercamiento directo con su objeto de estudio que es la Dinámica Intelectual, la información se obtuvo por medio de entrevistas a informantes clave. El uso de diferentes estrategias: resúmenes, subrayado,  cuestionamientos, entre otros quedaron evidenciados como estrategia de uso regular entre los mismos. De igual manera, la Praxis tutorial requiere de diferentes modos de pensamiento para el abordaje científico  en el desarrollo escritural y lingüístico. Los resultados evidencia la importancia que tiene el manejo afectivo emocional en el compromiso que tanto el tutor como el tutoriado  deben establecer, ya que esto es lo que permite que fluya la dinámica intelectual y se obtenga  el desarrollo exitoso de la gestión tutorial

 

Palabras claves: Dinámica Intelectual,  Praxis Tutorial,   Inteligencia Emocional, Postgrado,
La Economía Circular Como Factor De Desarrollo Sustentable Del Sector Productivo
Authors: Arroyo Morocho Flavio Roberto
Published: March 2019

La Economía Circular es un modelo de negocio que se basa en el reciclaje, la reutilización y la reducción de los recursos naturales, que, a partir de la revolución industrial, las empresas han creado una gran cantidad de productos, que promueven el consumo y se generan residuos destinados a la contaminación ambiental sin un posterior tratamiento. Se analizan los principales países que están tomando medidas al respecto y brindando un ejemplo de mejora al promover dicho modelo de economía, tomando en cuenta factores de diseño e innovación en la creación de productos. En el Ecuador se están llevando a cabo programas de participación más activa en el conocimiento y aplicación de la Economía Circular, donde el reciclaje de residuos se empieza a tomar conciencia en los hogares e instituciones encargadas de las políticas de aplicación sustentable.
Desafíos de la Educación Superior. Consideraciones sobre el Ecuador
Authors: Ruiz Lourdes , Torres Martínez Gisela , García Céspedes Damarys
Published: March 2019

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar el sistema de educación superior ecuatoriano contemporáneo a partir de una metodología fundamentada en métodos de información, análisis y síntesis. Los métodos empleados se basan en una reseña histórica de las escuelas de pensamiento mundial y su influencia en la realidad latinoamericana; a partir de la búsqueda documental de fuentes bibliográficas y un estudio de caso de la universidad ecuatoriana. Se concluye con el planteamiento de un modelo enseñanza-aprendizaje basado el empleo de instrumentos legales vigentes y el diagnóstico de la problemática o nodos críticos del sistema de educación superior en el Ecuador y conclusiones que pueden aportar al perfeccionamiento del sistema de educación superior en nuestro país.
Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Pre-Pupae Raised on Household Organic Waste, as Potential Ingredients for Poultry Feed
Authors: Kawasaki Kiyonori , Hashimoto Yuka , Hori Akihiro , Kawasaki Toshiya , Hirayasu Hirofumi , Iwase Shun-ichiro , Hashizume Atsushi , Ido Atsushi , Miura Chiemi , Miura Takeshi , Nakamura Satoshi , Seyama Tomohiro , Matsumoto Yoshiki , Kasai Koji , Fujitani Yasuhiro
Published: March 2019

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and pre-pupae could be satisfactorily raised on household organic waste and used as poultry feed, offering a potential sustainable way to recycle untapped resources of waste. The present study was conducted to determine if whole (non-defatted) BSF larvae and pre-pupae raised on experimental household waste could substitute soybean meal and oil as ingredients for laying hen diets. While no significant differences in feed intake and the egg-laying rate of hens were observed throughout the experiment, egg weight and eggshell thickness were greater in the pre-pupae-fed group than in the other groups. Moreover, although diversity of the cecal microbiota was significantly higher in the pre-pupae-fed than in the control group, no significant differences in bacterial genera known to cause food poisoning were observed when comparing the treatment groups. Nonetheless, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group. Fat content in BSF was possibly related with the changes in the cecal microbiota. Hence, since BSF fat was deficient in essential fatty acids, special attention should be paid to the fat content and its fatty acid composition in the case of regular inclusion of BSF larvae and pre-pupae oil as an ingredient in poultry diets.
Knowledge of Stakeholders in the Livestock Industries of East and Southeast Asia about Welfare during Transport and Slaughter and Its Relation to Their Attitudes to Improving Animal Welfare
Authors: Erian Ihab , Sinclair Michelle , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: March 2019

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) sets standards and guidelines for international animal welfare for the international livestock trade. The growing economic advancement in the East and Southeast Asian region suggested the potential benefit of a research study to examine stakeholders’ understanding of animal welfare during the transport and slaughter of livestock. A survey of stakeholders’ knowledge of livestock welfare in the transport and slaughter industries was conducted in four Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia, China, Vietnam and Thailand, in association with trainer and stakeholder workshops conducted in each country. The attitudes of participants towards animal welfare during slaughter and transport were also identified. Knowledge scores were in accordance with the respondents’ assessment of their own knowledge level. The biggest knowledge improvement was among Thai respondents, who tended to be younger and less experienced than in other countries. The respondents with the biggest improvement in knowledge scores were most likely to be involved in the dairy industry and least likely to be involved in the sheep and goat industries, with meat processors and those involved in pig or poultry production intermediate. The respondents who obtained their knowledge from multiple sources had most knowledge, but it increased the least after training. Connections between attitudes to improving animal welfare and knowledge were limited, being mainly confined to ambivalent responses about their attitudes. The study suggests that knowledge can be improved in animal welfare training programs focused on livestock welfare around transport and slaughter, but that local cultural backgrounds must be considered in designing the program.
A Spam Filtering Method Based on Multi-Modal Fusion
Authors: Yang Hong , Liu Qihe , Zhou Shijie , Luo Yang
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the single-modal spam filtering systems have had a high detection rate for image spamming or text spamming. To avoid detection based on the single-modal spam filtering systems, spammers inject junk information into the multi-modality part of an email and combine them to reduce the recognition rate of the single-modal spam filtering systems, thereby implementing the purpose of evading detection. In view of this situation, a new model called multi-modal architecture based on model fusion (MMA-MF) is proposed, which use a multi-modal fusion method to ensure it could effectively filter spam whether it is hidden in the text or in the image. The model fuses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to filter spam. Using the LSTM model and the CNN model to process the text and image parts of an email separately to obtain two classification probability values, then the two classification probability values are incorporated into a fusion model to identify whether the email is spam or not. For the hyperparameters of the MMA-MF model, we use a grid search optimization method to get the most suitable hyperparameters for it, and employ a k-fold cross-validation method to evaluate the performance of this model. Our experimental results show that this model is superior to the traditional spam filtering systems and can achieve accuracies in the range of 92.64–98.48%.
Resilient Modulus—Physical Parameters Relationship of Improved Red Clay by Dynamic Tri-Axial Test
Authors: Yuan Haiping , Li Weiqiang , Wang Yixian , Lin Hang , Liu Yan
Published: March 2019

As one of the important parameters used in the analysis and design of subgrade, resilient modulus is directly related to the safety, economic and life time of subgrade structure. In this paper, the characteristics of resilient modulus of improved red clay at different additive content were studied through conducting laboratory repeated load tri-axial tests. The influence of stress state, moisture content, compactness, additive types, and content on resilient modulus were analyzed. In addition, the regression analysis of resilient modulus, was carried out referencing three existing prediction models. The results showed that the Andrei model can better fit the resilient modulus of red clay and have a higher determination coefficient. However, the Andrei model and other existing prediction models, reflect only the influence of stress state on resilient modulus, without considering the influence of moisture content, compactness and additive content. Therefore, based on the Andrei model, a comprehensive prediction model, which can reflect the influence of compactness, moisture content, additive content, and stress state on resilient modulus was introduced. Good agreement between the regression results and the measured ones demonstrated the integrative ability of the introduced model.
Rethinking Luxury for Segmentation and Brand Strategy: The Semiotic Square and Identity Prism Model for Fine Wines
Authors: Galli Federica , Boger Carl , Taylor D.
Published: March 2019

Positioning a fine wine is a complex marketing operation which tends to focus on product characteristics and tends to ignore the consumer–brand relationship. As for other luxury products, fine wine consumers are a heterogeneous group which can be broken down into clearly distinctive and often antithetical subgroups. This conceptual paper proposes a different approach to defining fine wine consumers and the brand–consumer interaction. The Aristotle-inspired semiotic square model and Kapferer’s brand identity prism were coupled to identify not only fine wine consumer groups but also with which brand characteristics they mainly interact. While the semiotic square model identifies 6 distinct groups of fine wine consumers—enthusiasts, experts, connoisseurs, drinker, novice, event goers—the brand identity prism recognizes 6 constructs—physique (material), personality, culture, relationship, reflection and self-image. Pairing the consumer’s semiotic square and the brand’s identity prism could help brands to bridge the gap between the actual consumer subgroups and the ideal target consumers to better understand their customer base, to correctly position their brand, and to create an inclusive marketing strategy. This article is the first to apply the semiotic square/brand identity prism model within the context of the fine wine industry, as most positioning literature tends to focus on involvement or on the label itself.
Circadian Clocks in Fish—What Have We Learned so far?
Authors: Frøland Steindal Inga A. , Whitmore David
Published: March 2019

Zebrafish represent the one alternative vertebrate, genetic model system to mice that can be easily manipulated in a laboratory setting. With the teleost Medaka (Oryzias latipes), which now has a significant following, and over 30,000 other fish species worldwide, there is great potential to study the biology of environmental adaptation using teleosts. Zebrafish are primarily used for research on developmental biology, for obvious reasons. However, fish in general have also contributed to our understanding of circadian clock biology in the broadest sense. In this review, we will discuss selected areas where this contribution seems most unique. This will include a discussion of the issue of central versus peripheral clocks, in which zebrafish played an early role; the global nature of light sensitivity; and the critical role played by light in regulating cell biology. In addition, we also discuss the importance of the clock in controlling the timing of fundamental aspects of cell biology, such as the temporal control of the cell cycle. Many of these findings are applicable to the majority of vertebrate species. However, some reflect the unique manner in which “fish” can solve biological problems, in an evolutionary context. Genome duplication events simply mean that many fish species have more gene copies to “throw at a problem”, and evolution seems to have taken advantage of this “gene abundance”. How this relates to their poor cousins, the mammals, remains to be seen.
Radiosensitivity of Cancer Cells Is Regulated by Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Lee Ji-Sun , Lee Yun-Sil , Lee Kyunglim
Published: March 2019

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a ubiquitous multifunctional protein that is essential for cell survival. This study reveals that the regulation of radiosensitivity of cancer cells is yet another function of TCTP. The relationship between endogenous TCTP levels and sensitivity to radiation was examined in breast cancer cell lines (T47D, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7) and lung cancer cells lines (A549, H1299, and H460). Cancer cells with high expression levels of TCTP were more resistant to radiation. TCTP overexpression inhibited radiation-induced cell death, while silencing TCTP led to an increase in radiosensitivity. DNA damage in the irradiated TCTP-silenced A549 cells was greater than in irradiated control shRNA-transfected A549 cells. p53, a well-known reciprocal regulator of TCTP, was increased in irradiated TCTP down-regulated A549 cells. Moreover, introduction of p53 siRNA in TCTP knocked-down A549 cells abrogated the increased radiosensitivity induced by TCTP knockdown. An in vivo xenograft study also confirmed enhanced radiosensitivity in TCTP down-regulated A549 cells. These findings suggest that TCTP has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target to overcome radiation resistance in cancer, a major problem for the effective treatment of cancers.
Influence of Tea Consumption on the Development of Second Esophageal Neoplasm in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Wang Yao-Kuang , Chen Wei-Chung , Lai Ying-Ho , Chen Yi-Hsun , Wu Ming-Tsang , Kuo Chie-Tong , Wang Yen-Yun , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F. , Liu Yu-Peng , Wu I-Chen
Published: March 2019

Alcohol is an important risk factor for the development of second esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) in head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. However, the influence of tea consumption is uncertain. We prospectively performed endoscopic screening in incident HNSCC patients to identify synchronous esophageal neoplasm. In total, 987 patients enrolled between October 2008 and December 2017 and were analyzed. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the betel alkaloid, arecoline-stimulated carcinogenesis in two ESCC cell lines. There were 151 patients (15.3%) diagnosed to have synchronous esophageal neoplasm, including 88 low-grade dysplasia, 30 high-grade dysplasia and 33 squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC). Tea consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of having esophageal high-grade dysplasia or SCC in HNSCC patients, especially those who were betel nut chewers, alcohol drinkers or cigarette smokers (all adjusted odds ratio were 0.5; p-values: 0.045, 0.045 and 0.049 respectively). In vitro studies indicated that EGCG suppressed arecoline-induced ESCC cell proliferation and colony formation through the inhibition of the Akt and ERK1/2 pathway in a reactive oxygen species-independent manner. In conclusion, tea consumption may protect against the development of second esophageal neoplasms among HNSCC patients, especially those who regularly consume betel nuts, alcohol and cigarettes.
Symmetric-Key-Based Security for Multicast Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Carlier Matthias , Steenhaut Kris , Braeken An
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a new key management protocol for group-based communications in non-hierarchical wireless sensor networks (WSNs), applied on a recently proposed IP-based multicast protocol. Confidentiality, integrity, and authentication are established, using solely symmetric-key-based operations. The protocol features a cloud-based network multicast manager (NMM), which can create, control, and authenticate groups in the WSN, but is not able to derive the actual constructed group key. Three main phases are distinguished in the protocol. First, in the registration phase, the motes register to the group by sending a request to the NMM. Second, the members of the group calculate the shared group key in the key construction phase. For this phase, two different methods are tested. In the unicast approach, the key material is sent to each member individually using unicast messages, and in the multicast approach, a combination of Lagrange interpolation and a multicast packet are used. Finally, in the multicast communication phase, these keys are used to send confidential and authenticated messages. To investigate the impact of the proposed mechanisms on the WSN, the protocol was implemented in ContikiOS and simulated using COOJA, considering different group sizes and multi-hop communication. These simulations show that the multicast approach compared to the unicast approach results in significant smaller delays, is a bit more energy efficient, and requires more or less the same amount of memory for the code.
Antarctic Studies Show Lichens to be Excellent Biomonitors of Climate Change
Authors: Sancho Leopoldo G. , Pintado Ana , Green T. G. Allan
Published: March 2019

Lichens have been used as biomonitors for multiple purposes. They are well-known as air pollution indicators around urban and industrial centers. More recently, several attempts have been made to use lichens as monitors of climate change especially in alpine and polar regions. In this paper, we review the value of saxicolous lichens for monitoring environmental changes in Antarctic regions. The pristine Antarctica offers a unique opportunity to study the effects of climate change along a latitudinal gradient that extends between 62° and 87° S. Both lichen species diversity and thallus growth rate seem to show significant correlations to mean annual temperature for gradients across the continent as well as to short time climate oscillation in the Antarctic Peninsula. Competition interactions appear to be small so that individual thalli develop in balance with environmental conditions and, as a result, can indicate the trends in productivity for discrete time intervals over long periods of time.
Special Issue: Wine and Vine Components and Health
Authors: Latruffe Norbert , Rifler Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2019

There is much literature on the topic of wine and health dating back to the days of Hippocrates, and it is believed that there are unlimited varieties of wine, allowing the association of senses, nutrition, and hedonism [...]
Immediate and Delayed Effects of Severe Winds on an Old-Growth Forest in Kentucky: A Forty-Year Retrospective
Authors: Jones-Held Susan , Held Michael , Winstead Joe , Bryant William
Published: March 2019

Wind disturbance is an important factor that can affect the development of the forests of the Central Hardwood Region of the United States. However, there have been few long-term studies of the recovery of these systems following wind damage. Long-term studies of protected forest systems, such as Dinsmore Woods in Northern Kentucky, within the fragmented forest of this region are valuable as they provide a resource to document and understand the effect of both abiotic and biotic challenges to forest systems. This study is a 40-year analysis of both overstory and understory changes in the forest system at Dinsmore Woods as the result of damage caused by severe winds in the spring of 1974. The forest was surveyed before and immediately following the windstorm and then at 10-year intervals. Although the windstorm had an immediate effect on the forest, the pattern of damage was complex. The forest canopy (diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 30 cm) experienced an irregular pattern of damage while in the subcanopy (DBH ≤ 30 cm) there was a 25% reduction in total basal area. However, the major effects of the windstorm were delayed and subsequently have altered forest recovery. Ten years following the disturbance declines were seen in total density and basal area in the canopy and subcanopy of the forest as a consequence of windstorm damage. In the past 20 years the total basal area of the canopy has increased and exceeds the pre-disturbance total basal area. In contrast, the subcanopy total basal area continued to decline 20 years post-disturbance and has not recovered. Further openings in the canopy and subcanopy due to the delayed windstorm effects helped to establish a dense understory of native shrubs and sugar maple which have affected tree regeneration and is reflected in the continual decline in species diversity in the subcanopy and sapling strata over the 40-year period.
Use of Nonconventional Yeasts for Modulating Wine Acidity
Authors: Vilela Alice
Published: March 2019

In recent years, in line with consumer preferences and due to the effects of global climate change, new trends have emerged in wine fermentation and wine technology. Consumers are looking for wines with less ethanol and fruitier aromas, but also with a good balance in terms of acidity and mouthfeel. Nonconventional yeasts contain a wide range of different genera of non-Saccharomyces. If in the past they were considered spoilage yeasts, now they are used to enhance the aroma profile of wine or to modulate wine composition. Recent publications highlight the role of non-Saccharomyces as selected strains for controlling fermentations mostly in cofermentation with Saccharomyces. In this article, I have reviewed the ability of some bacteria and non-Saccharomyces strains to modulate wine acidity.
Effect of Fermentation on Enhancing the Nutraceutical Properties of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)
Authors: de Marco Castro Elena , Shannon Emer , Abu-Ghannam Nissreen
Published: March 2019

Arthrospira platensis (spirulina), a filamentous fresh-water planktonic cyanobacterium, possesses diverse biological activities and a unique nutritional profile, due to its high content of valuable nutrients. This study aimed to further improve the bioactive profile of spirulina, by fermenting it with the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum. In vitro comparison of the total phenolic content (TPC), C-phycocyanin, free methionine, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and protein fragmentation via SDS-PAGE in untreated versus 12 to 72 h fermented spirulina is reported here. After 36 h fermentation, TPC was enhanced by 112%, FRAP by 85% and ORAC by 36%. After 24 h, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased 60%, while the free methionine content increased by 94%, after 72 h. Past 36 h of fermentation, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) diminished, possibly due to deterioration of the heat-sensitive antioxidants. However, protein fragmentation and free methionine content increased, linearly, with the fermentation time. Cyanobacterial peptides and other bioactive compounds trapped within the spirulina cell wall are released during fermentation and have a significant potential as a functional ingredient in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, in addition to their nutritive value.
Exceptional Longevity and Polygenic Risk for Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Revelas Mary , Thalamuthu Anbupalam , Oldmeadow Christopher , Evans Tiffany-Jane , Armstrong Nicola J. , Riveros Carlos , Kwok John B. , Schofield Peter R. , Brodaty Henry , Scott Rodney J. , Attia John R. , Sachdev Perminder S. , Mather Karen A.
Published: March 2019

Studies investigating exceptionally long-lived (ELL) individuals, including genetic studies, have linked cardiovascular-related pathways, particularly lipid and cholesterol homeostasis, with longevity. This study explored the genetic profiles of ELL individuals (cases: n = 294, 95–106 years; controls: n = 1105, 55–65 years) by assessing their polygenic risk scores (PRS) based on a genome wide association study (GWAS) threshold of p < 5 × 10−5. PRS were constructed using GWAS summary data from two exceptional longevity (EL) analyses and eight cardiovascular-related risk factors (lipids) and disease (myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke) analyses. A higher genetic risk for exceptional longevity (EL) was significantly associated with longevity in our sample (odds ratio (OR) = 1.19–1.20, p = 0.00804 and 0.00758, respectively). Two cardiovascular health PRS were nominally significant with longevity (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides), with higher PRS associated with EL, but these relationships did not survive correction for multiple testing. In conclusion, ELL individuals did not have significantly lower polygenic risk for the majority of the investigated cardiovascular health traits. Future work in larger cohorts is required to further explore the role of cardiovascular-related genetic variants in EL.
Modelling External Magnetic Fields of Magnetite Particles: From Micro- to Macro-Scale
Authors: Ku Jiangang , Valdez-Grijalva Miguel A. , Deng Rongdong , Zuo Weiran , Chen Qidi , Lin Hua , Muxworthy Adrian R.
Published: March 2019

We determine the role of particle shape in the type of magnetic extraction processes used in mining. We use a micromagnetic finite element method (FEM) to analyze the effect of external magnetic fields on the magnetic structures of sub-micron magnetite particles. In non-saturating fields, the magnetite particles contain multiple possible non-uniform magnetization states. The non-uniformity was found to gradually disappear with increasing applied field strength; at 100 mT the domain structure became near uniform; at 300 mT the magnetic structure saturates and the magnetization direction aligned with the field. In magnetic separation techniques, we suggest that 100 mT is the optimal field for magnetite to maximize the magnetic field with the lowest energy transfer; larger particles, i.e., >1 µm, will likely saturate in smaller fields than this. We also examined the effect of external magnetic fields on a much larger irregular particle (L × W × H = 179.5 × 113 × 103 μm) that was too large to be examined using micromagnetics. To do this we used COMSOL. The results show the relative difference between the magnitude of magnetic flux density of the particle and that of a corresponding sphere of the same volume is <5% when the distance to the particle geometry center is more than five times the sphere radius. The ideas developed in this paper have the potential to improve magnetic mineral extraction yield.
Global Need for Physical Rehabilitation: Systematic Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Jesus Tiago S. , Landry Michel D. , Hoenig Helen
Published: March 2019

Background: To inform global health policies and resources planning, this paper analyzes evolving trends in physical rehabilitation needs, using data on Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. Methods: Secondary analysis of how YLDs from conditions likely benefiting from physical rehabilitation have evolved from 1990 to 2017, for the world and across countries of varying income levels. Linear regression analyses were used. Results: A 66.2% growth was found in estimated YLD Counts germane to physical rehabilitation: a significant and linear growth of more than 5.1 billion YLDs per year (99% CI: 4.8–5.4; r2 = 0.99). Low-income countries more than doubled (111.5% growth) their YLD Counts likely benefiting from physical rehabilitation since 1990. YLD Rates per 100,000 people and the percentage of YLDs likley benefiting from physical rehabilitation also grew significantly over time, across locations (all p > 0.05). Finally, only in high-income countries did Age-standardized YLD Rates significantly decrease (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.86). Conclusions: Physical rehabilitation needs have been growing significantly in absolute, per-capita and in percentage of total YLDs. This growth was found globally and across countries of varying income level. In absolute terms, growths were higher in lower income countries, wherein rehabilitation is under-resourced, thereby highlighting important unmet needs.
Molecular Analysis of HLA-G in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy and Their Partners with Regard to Possible Complications
Authors: Sipak Olimpia , Rył Aleksandra , Grzywacz Anna , Laszczyńska Maria , Szymański Sławomir , Karakiewicz Beata , Rotter Iwona , Cybulski Cezary
Published: March 2019

The understanding of the molecular and biochemical characteristics of the human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is important because of the diverse influence of this antigen’s polymorphisms on the course of a pregnancy. The aim of our study was to assess how the variation of the HLA-G allele and the HLA-G 14-bp ins/del polymorphism influence predisposition to a complicated pregnancy. The clinical material consisted of parental pairs with complicated pregnancies (210 women; 190 men). The control group included parental pairs without complications during pregnancy (89 women; 86 men). The study involved isolation of genome DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes, sequencing, and analysis of the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of the HLA-G gene based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The most common HLA-G allele in the group of women with complicated pregnancies was the HLA-G 10101 allele. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3′UTR of the HLA-G gene between the groups. Our results suggest that the risk of complications in pregnancy is influenced by the HLA-G 10101, HLA-G 10108, and HLA-G 10106 alleles and is not influenced by the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3′UTR of the HLA-G gene.
Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Osteopontin Expression and Axonal Myelination in the Developing Cerebellum of Lead-Exposed Rat Pups
Authors: Nam Sung Min , Seo Jin Seok , Nahm Sang-Soep , Chang Byung-Joon
Published: March 2019

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multi-functional protein that binds to integrin and calcium-binding phosphoprotein. OPN is required for normal neuronal development and its axonal myelination. We studied the combined effect of lead (Pb) and ascorbic acid treatment on OPN expression in the developing cerebellum. We randomly divided pregnant female rats into three groups: control, Pb (lead acetate, 0.3%, drinking water), and Pb plus ascorbic acid (PA; ascorbic acid, 100 mg/kg, oral intubation) groups. The blood level of Pb was significantly increased, while ascorbic acid reduced Pb levels in the dams and pups. At postnatal day (PND) 21, results from Nissl staining and OPN immunohistochemistry demonstrated that OPN was detected in the Purkinje cell layer in the cerebellum. Ascorbic acid treatment mitigated Pb exposure-induced reduction in the number of intact Purkinje cells and OPN immunoreactive Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of pups. In addition, Pb-induced reduction in the number of oligodendrocytes and myelin-associated glycoprotein is associated with the malformation of the myelin sheath. Ascorbic acid provided protection from Pb-induced impairments. Pb-induced structural deficits in the cerebellum resulted in functional deterioration observed during locomotive tests (bar holding test and wire mesh ascending test), while ascorbic acid ameliorated these harmful effects. Present results suggest that the change of OPN is associated with myelination in the developing cerebellum. The results also demonstrated that exposure to Pb is harmful, while ascorbic acid treatment is beneficial.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of PM2.5 Concentration and its Socioeconomic Influence Factors in Chinese Cities in 2014–2017
Authors: Wang Yazhu , Duan Xuejun , Wang Lei
Published: March 2019

PM2.5 is a main source of China’s frequent air pollution. Using real-time monitoring of PM2.5 data in 338 Chinese cities during 2014–2017, this study employed multi-temporal and multi-spatial scale statistical analysis to reveal the temporal and spatial characteristics of PM2.5 patterns and a spatial econometric model to quantify the socio-economic driving factors of PM2.5 concentration changes. The results are as follows: (1) The annual average value of PM2.5 concentration decreased year by year and the monthly average showed a U-shaped curve from January to December. The daily mean value of PM2.5 concentration had the characteristics of pulse-type fluctuation and the hourly variation presented a bimodal curve. (2) During 2014–2017, the overall PM2.5 pollution reduced significantly, but that of more than two-thirds of cities still exceeded the standard value (35 μg/m3) regulated by Chinese government. PM2.5 pollution patterns showed high values in central and eastern Chinese cities and low values in peripheral areas, with the distinction evident along the same line that delineates China’s uneven population distribution. (3) Population agglomeration, industrial development, foreign investment, transportation, and pollution emissions contributed to the increase of PM2.5 concentration. Urban population density contributed most significantly while economic development and technological progress reduced PM2.5 concentration. The results also suggest that China in general remains a “pollution shelter” for foreign-funded enterprises.
S-type Dissolved Oxygen Distribution along Water Depth in a Canyon-shaped and Algae Blooming Water Source Reservoir: Reasons and Control
Authors: Huang Yuwei , Yang Chun , Wen Chengcheng , Wen Gang
Published: March 2019

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a crucial indicator of water quality. DO usually shows a monotonic decrease along water depth during thermal stratification in reservoir, whereas metalimnetic oxygen minimum (MOM) is observed in some cases. Although MOM phenomena have been reported in different areas, the characteristics of different reservoirs are greatly different, and few comprehensive studies have been published regarding MOM in Chinese drinking water source reservoirs. The DO distribution along water depth was determined and the detailed reasons were clarified by two-years of field monitoring. In addition the effect of water lifting aerators (WLAs) on DO improvement was investigated in the Lijiahe Reservoir in Northwest China. A typical S-type DO distribution with two anaerobic water layers, below the epilimnion (10–25 m water depth) and above the sediment (bottom water), was observed derived from the decomposition of dead algae or organic matter and the restriction of DO vertical exchange. Moreover, after WLAs’ operation since 10 June 2018, the water body was completely mixed and DO was rich and uniform along water depth by eliminating the water stratification and inhibiting algae growth. The deep understanding of the DO distribution in a deep canyon-shaped reservoir and the technical support for reservoir restoration are meaningful for optimizing reservoir management.
Perceived Needs of The Family Caregivers of People with Dementia in a Mediterranean Setting: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Moreno-Cámara Sara , Palomino-Moral Pedro Ángel , Moral-Fernández Lourdes , Frías-Osuna Antonio , Parra-Anguita Laura , del-Pino-Casado Rafael
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify, classify and analyze the perceived needs of caregivers of elderly people with dementia during the care process. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study using seven focus groups was conducted in different primary health care centers in the province of Jaén (Spain) between July 2012 and February 2013. Eighty-two family caregivers who were caring for people with dementia in different stages of the disease were selected by purposeful maximum variation sampling. Data were analyzed and organized thematically, considering the semantic and pragmatic content and field notes. Two main categories of the perceived needs of caregivers were identified. The first was related to the management of caring for a relative with dementia, and the second was related to the management of the caregivers’ own care. Our findings support the provision of comprehensive interventions for the improvement of caregivers’ emotional health that encompass more than one care need. This is where psycho-educational interventions aimed at managing the various aspects of dementia and self-care in caregivers can be accommodated. In addition, proactive interventions to develop important skills to care for a relative with dementia, which are not perceived as needs by the caregivers, are needed. These include skills in family negotiation, planning and searching for resources outside the family.
The Best Day of the Week: New Technology Enhancing Quality of Life in a Care Home
Authors: Juul Anne , Wilding Raelene , Baldassar Loretta
Published: March 2019

Older people living in residential aged care facilities tend to be physically as well as socially inactive, which leads to poorer health and reduced wellbeing. A lack of recognition of the importance of social support, limited resources, lack of training and task-oriented work routines leave little time for staff to meet the social needs of residents. Through qualitative ethnographic fieldwork, this study investigates the potential for new technologies to enhance quality of life and facilitate meaningful engagement in physical and social activities among culturally and linguistically diverse residents and staff in care facilities. A continuum from nonparticipation to full participation among residents was observed when Touch Screen Technology activities were implemented. Data indicate that resident’s engagement is impacted by five interdependent factors, including environmental, organisational, caregiver, patient, and management- &government-related. Findings show that new technologies can be used to increase meaningful physical and social engagement, including transcending language and cultural barriers. However, the successful application of new technologies to enhance quality of life is dependent on their integration into the daily routine and social relationships of staff and residents, with the full support of management. Guidelines governing the use of new technologies to support meaningful engagement of older people in residential care are lacking: this project highlights the importance of attention to the social relational dimensions of technology interventions to support best practice in their use.
Peroxiporins in Cancer
Authors: Prata Cecilia , Hrelia Silvana , Fiorentini Diana
Published: March 2019

The transport of H2O2 across membranes by specific aquaporins (AQPs) has been considered the last milestone in the timeline of hydrogen peroxide discoveries in biochemistry. According to its concentration and localization, H2O2 can be dangerous or acts as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes as either a paracrine (intercellular) and/or an autocrine (intracellular) signal. In this review, we investigate and critically examine the available information on AQP isoforms able to facilitate H2O2 across biological membranes (“peroxiporins”), focusing in particular on their role in cancer. Moreover, the ability of natural compounds to modulate expression and/or activity of peroxiporins is schematically reported and discussed.
Association between CMV and Invasive Fungal Infections After Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Lymphoproliferative Malignancies: Opportunistic Partnership or Cause-Effect Relationship?
Authors: Marchesi Francesco , Pimpinelli Fulvia , Di Domenico Enea Gino , Renzi Daniela , Gallo Maria Teresa , Regazzo Giulia , Rizzo Maria Giulia , Gumenyuk Svitlana , Toma Luigi , Marino Mirella , Cordone Iole , Cantonetti Maria , Liberati Anna Marina , Montanaro Marco , Ceribelli Anna , Prignano Grazia , Palombi Francesca , Romano Atelda , Papa Elena , Pisani Francesco , Spadea Antonio , Arcese William , Ensoli Fabrizio , Mengarelli Andrea
Published: March 2019

Unlike allogeneic transplant, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) represents a procedure with a low-risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) symptomatic reactivation-infection/end-organ disease (CMV complications) and invasive fungal disease (IFD). However, novel drugs for the treatment of lymphoproliferative malignancies could cause an increase of such opportunistic infections, even after ASCT. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published data demonstrating an association between CMV and IFD in the autologous setting, while this association has been widely reported in allogeneic transplantation. We have reviewed our series of 347 ASCT in myeloma and lymphoma patients performed over a period of 14 years with the aim of investigating the descriptive and analytical epidemiology of bacterial, CMV and IFD complications, focusing on the association between CMV and IFD. Patients with myeloma have significantly fewer bacterial infections and IFD than patients with lymphoma, but a similar rate of CMV complications. Descriptive epidemiological data are consistent with the literature, indicating an overall incidence of 36%, 3.5% and 15.5% for bacterial infections, IFD and CMV complications, with a case mortality rate of 4%, 16.7% and 3.7%, respectively. A strong correlation between CMV and IFD exists, with 8 cases of IFD out of a total of 12 presenting a CMV complication. At multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of lymphoma, ≥3 previous treatment lines and age ≥60 years were found to be independent risk factors for IFD. Duration of neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) ≥7 days represents an independent risk factor for CMV complications, where neutropenia most likely represents a crude surrogate biomarker indicating a deeper and longer state of overall immunosuppression. From our data we conclude that (1) myeloma patients are at lower risk of bacterial infections and IFD as compared with lymphoma patients but are at equal risk of CMV complications, most likely as a consequence of a selective impact of bortezomib on Herpes Viruses infection control; (2) a significant association exists between CMV and IFD, although a possible cause-effect relationship remains to be determined; (3) IFD is a rare complication after ASCT but burdened by a mortality rate of about 17%, with peak rates in older lymphoma patients who underwent more intensive therapeutic regimens.