bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relación entre la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y el Gobierno Corporativo y los principales indicadores financieros de las empresas que han cotizado en la Bolsa de Valores de Lima durante el periodo 2013 - 2017
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Baldeón Zapata Andrea Lucía , Bazán Pino Liliana Victoria
Published: December 2020

La Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y el Gobierno Corporativo han tomado gran importancia hoy en día en el Perú, estos hacen referencia a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Agenda 2030 de las Naciones Unidas, los cuales buscan alinear a los países en temas de relevancia mundial. Anualmente, las empresas en el Perú se posicionan en diversos rankings y distintivos en Responsabilidad Social y Gobierno Corporativo como Great Place to Work, Distintivo Empresa Socialmente Responsable - Perú 2021, Monitor Empresarial de Reputación Corporativa - MERCO y La Llave de la Bolsa de Valores de Lima (BVL). Algunos posicionan a las empresas en el aspecto financiero. En este aspecto, la BVL detalla mayor información sobre la medición de la rentabilidad de las empresas por medio de ratios financieros como el ROE, ROA, ROS y PER. Teniendo en cuenta lo mencionado, se planteó la siguiente pregunta: ¿Existe relación entre la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial y el Gobierno Corporativo de las empresas que cotizan en la Bolsa de Valores de Lima y, sus principales indicadores financieros de rentabilidad? Para responderla, se tomó los estados financieros de las empresas que cotizan en la BVL durante el periodo comprendido entre el 2013 y 2017 y, se realizó un análisis estadístico y econométrico con las empresas también presentes en el Ranking MERCO de Responsabilidad Social y Gobierno Corporativo, puesto que dentro de su análisis considera información financiera. Se concluye que el modelo econométrico presentado no es viable ya que existe una baja relación entre las variables. Se recomienda para próximos estudios ahondar en otros factores que motivan a las empresas a tener Responsabilidad Social y Gobierno Corporativo.
TLC Perú EE. UU.: factores que predominaron en la disminución de las exportaciones de T- shirts de algodón, periodo 2009-2015
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Grandez Espinoza Nicole Mirtha , Guerrero Garibaldi Gemylle Gardenia
Published: December 2020

El Perú es considerado como el mayor productor de algodón en las regiones de la costa y selva, donde se cultivan dos tipos variedades representativas como es el algodón Pima y Tangüis. No solo Perú es productor, sino también exportador de una de las más importantes partidas arancelarias dentro del sector textil, los t-shirts de algodón, el cual ha se ha visto afectado desfavorablemente durante los años 2009 al 2015. Por lo cual, se elaboró la presente investigación que tiene como fin determinar cómo se presentó la disminución de las exportaciones de t-shirts de algodón peruano al mercado de Estados Unidos. En primer lugar, se realizó una descripción de la cultura exportadora, la defensa comercial y los obstáculos técnicos del comercio de las exportaciones de t-shirts de algodón. Estas se identificaron dentro del periodo de tiempo analizado del 2009 hasta el 2015 que en ese tiempo determinado se tuvo un mayor panorama de la situación que estaba pasando el sector textil. En segundo lugar, para contar con una obtención de los resultados efectiva, se utilizó el diseño metodológico no experimental, donde se elaboró un cuestionario a los expertos de la materia y encuestas a las empresas exportadoras que representaban mayor porcentaje en el sector. Finalmente, se tiene como resultado frente a los factores predominantes en las exportaciones que han tenido un impacto negativamente en las exportaciones peruanas de t-shirts de algodón en las empresas textileras nacionales, a raíz de la fuerte competencia internacional, la cultura exportadora, la defensa comercial y los obstáculos técnicos al comercio.
Endüktans Seçim Kriteri ve Güç Elektroniği Uygulamaları için Tasarım Aşamaları
Authors: Sahin Mustafa
Published: December 2020

Güç elektroniği devreleri günümüzde yenilenebilir enerji uygulamaları ve enerji depolamak için kaçınılmaz aygıtlardır. Bu güç elektroniği devrelerinin ana elemanlarından biride endüktanstır. Endüktans bir canlının kalbi gibi çalışır, enerjiyi depolar ve çeviriciler de enerjiyi kaynaktan yüke doğru pompalar ve bu sayede yük devresine sürekli akım akışını sağlar. Bu yüzden iyi tasarlanmış bir endüktans çeviriciyi sürekli modda çalıştırmak için oldukça önemlidir ve böylece akım akışı kesintisiz olur. Bu çalışmada çeviriciyi sürekli modda çalıştırmak için gerekli bobin seçim kriteri literatürde incelenmiş ve sınır değer koşulu için kullanılan denklemler yardımıyla bulunmuştur. Yine gerekli denklemleri içeren tasarım aşamaları bir örnek uygulama ile gösterilmiştir. Çekirdek ve kabloların endüktans verimi üzerindeki etkisi de bu çalışmada incelenmiştir. Ferit çekirdek ve Litz teli kullanılan bir endüktans önerilmiş ve bir çevirici devresi için deneysel olarak tasarlanmıştır. Endüktans değerinin belirlenmesi için ölçümler gösterilmiştir. Ayrıca endüktans akım değişimleri yüksek frekanslar için araştırılmış, çeviricide kullanımı gösterilmiştir.
Express information “How are you, Russia?”, 50th stage of the sociological monitoring, August-September 2020
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Political Research of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation, Levashov Viktor K. , Velikaya Nataliya M. ,   Institute of Socio-Political Research of FCTAS RAS; Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow, Russian Federation, Shushpanova Irina S. ,   Institute of Socio-Political Research of FCTAS RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2020

В издании представлены экспресс-результаты 50 этапа российского социологического мониторинга «Как живешь, Россия?», отражающие динамику восприятия основными группами и слоями населения социально-политической ситуации в России. Для исследователей, аналитиков, преподавателей, аспирантов, студентов, специализирующихся на изучении социально-политических процессов, политиков, организаторов и активистов избирательных кампаний, управленческого персонала
Karakteristik Sistem Akuifer pada Formasi Endapan Permukaan di Daerah Sei Mati Kota Medan Berdasarkan Metode Geolistrik 2D
Authors: Mutaqin Deden Zaenudin , Mardiana Undang , Alfadli Muhammad Kurniawan , Mohammad Febriwan , Yuniardi Yuyun , Nur Andi Agus
Published: December 2020

Daerah Sei mati memiliki potensi sumber daya air yang baik, dikarenakan daerah yang termasuk Cekungan Air tanah Medan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi airtanah dengan menggunakan metode geolistrik 2D dengan konfigurasi wenner-schulumberger. Hasil penelitian menunjukan terdapat 2 lapisan akuifer yaitu akuifer dangkal dan dalam. Lapisan akifer dangkal berada pada kedalaman berkisar antara 0 – 50 meter, membentuk pola channel-channel yang menunjukan endapan fluvial dengan nilai tahanan jenis antara 5 Ω.m - 10 Ω.m, dengan litologi pasir lempungan, namun dibeberapa tempat dijumpai channel lempung yang bersifat akuiklud (tidak dapat menyimpan air). Lapisan akuifer dalam muncul pada kedalaman 50 meter hingga 100 meter dengan litologi pasir.
Analisis Perbandingan Kapasitas Balok Komposit Baja-Beton dengan Steel Headed Stud dan UNP Stud
Authors: Hayu Gati Annisa , Mifta Ahmad , A. Syamsul
Published: December 2020

Penghubung geser atau stud memiliki peranan penting dalam menghasilkan perilaku komposit baja-beton. Terdapat dua jenis stud yang direkomendasikan, yaitu steel headed stud atau paku berkepala dan UNP stud atau kanal. Penelitian ini menganalisis perbandingan kapasitas balok komposit baja-beton dengan penghubung geser jenis steel headed stud dan UNP stud. Pemodelan menggunakan program elemen hingga dipilih sebagai metode dalam analisis perilaku non-linier. Luas permukaan kedua jenis penghubung geser dibuat sama sehingga kuat nominal, jumlah, dan jarak pemasangan penghubung geser pun juga akan sama untuk kedua jenis pemodelan ini. Kapasitas yang ditinjau meliputi tegangan pada balok baja WF, tegangan pelat beton, tegangan pada stud, konsentrasi tegangan pada balok baja dan pelat beton, serta defleksi pada balok komposit. Sebelum melakukan pemodelan dengan program elemen hingga, proses desain sesuai SNI 1727:2015 dilakukan terlebih dahulu untuk menentukan dimensi struktur yang akan digunakan. Validasi diperlukan untuk melihat tingkat keakuratan pemodelan yang dilakukan. Metode validasi dilakukan dengan membandingkan nilai tegangan lentur pada serat bagian bawah dan atas balok komposit baja-beton. Persentase pemodelan mencapai 86,95% untuk model steel headed stud dan 87,4% untuk UNP stud. Hasil pemodelan menunjukkan bahwa balok komposit dengan UNP stud memilik kapasitas yang lebih baik karena menghasilkan nilai tegangan-tegangan dan defleksi yang lebih kecil. Tegangan lentur balok baja UNP stud dan steel headed stud adalah 19,129 MPa dan 19,556 MPa (perbedaan 2,18 %). Tegangagan lentur pelat beton UNP stud dan steel headed stud adalah 1,21 MPa dan 1,194 MPa (perbedaan 1,34 %). Defleksi balok komposit dengan UNP stud dan steel headed stud adalah 0.478 mm dan 0,435 mm (perbedaan 8,99 %).
ANALISIS KREATIVITAS MATEMATIS SISWA SMA MELALUI PROJECT BASED LEARNING TERINTEGRASI STEM PADA PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA ELASTISITAS DI KELAS XI MIPA 6 SMAN 2 JEMBER
Authors: Devi Nuri Ade Iksani , Lesmono Albertus Djoko , Widodo Heni Mulyo
Published: December 2020

This study examines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as one approach that is integrated with the project based learning model. This study aims to analyze the mathematical creativity of high school students through the integrated STEM project based learning model in learning physics material elasticity. The research method used was a pre-experimental design with the One Group Post-test Only Design which was carried out in class XI MIPA 6 of SMAN 2 Jember with 36 students consisting of 14 male students and 22 female students formed in 6 heterogeneous groups each - each group consisted of 6 people. Data collection was performed using the final test in the form of analysis of student worksheets and video analysis of student learning processes to measure students' mathematical creativity. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the application of STEM integrated project based learning affected the mathematical creativity of high school students in class XI MIPA 6 of SMAN 2 Jember.
Paisagens desconoliais
Authors: Nolasco Edgar Cézar
Published: December 2020

Detenho-me na leitura da epígrafe-passagem/paisagem convocando a presença do lugar de onde penso no exato momento em que erijo meu discurso crítico aqui, o qual pode e deve, sim, ser entendido como um ensaio biográfico fronteiriço: vivo, trabalho e estou escrevendo o que escrevo agora da zona fronteiriça que compreende uma tríplice fronteira: Mato Grosso do Sul/Brasil/Paraguai/Bolívia. A esse lugar fronteiriço venho denominando há bastante tempo de fronteira-sul.
Innate Perception of Risk: Probability Ratio or Difference?
Authors: Watve Milind , Vidwans Dubey Harshada , Kharate Rohini
Published: December 2020

In public health literature the risk of death or disease associated with a dietary, environmental of behavioral factor is most commonly denoted by odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR) or risk ratio (RR). The ratio indices have several desirable statistical properties. However, the most important question is whether there are some evolved innate norms of perception of risk that people use and what they are. We conducted a simple one question survey of 98 individuals with different age, sex, educational and professional backgrounds. The respondents were asked to judge the relative perceived risk of four different hypothetical habits for which data on the percentage of people affected by the disease with and without the habit was given. They were asked to rank the risks for the four habits. Results showed that the habits that had the highest difference between probability of acquiring the disease were ranked high on risk perception. The probability ratios did not affect risk perception significantly. Further age, sex, profession or formal training in statistics did not affect the response significantly. Even individuals that were formally trained to use OR and HR as risk indicators, preferred using probability differences over ratios for judging their own risk in the perceived context. This preliminary inquiry into intuitive statistical perception suggests that designing statistical indices based on people’s innate perception may be a better strategy than trying to train people to understand the indices designed by expert statisticians.
Characteristic of the Regional Rainy Season Onset over Vietnam: Tailoring to Agricultural Application
Authors: Acharya Nachiketa , Bennett Elva
Published: December 2020

Owing to its unique position within multiple monsoon regimes, latitudinal extent, and complex topography, Vietnam is divided into seven agroclimatic zones, each with distinct rainy season characteristics. Variation in the dominant rainfall system across zones affects the rainfall climatology, the primary water resource for regional crops. This study explores the creation of an agronomic rainy season onset based on high-resolution rainfall data for each agroclimatic zone for applications in an agricultural context. Onset information has huge practical importance for both agriculture and the economy. The spatiotemporal characteristics of zonal onset date are analyzed using integrated approaches of spatial and interannual variability, temporal changes, and estimation of predictability using teleconnection with Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) for 1980 to 2010. Results suggest that northern and southern zones experience regional onset dates in May, while the central zones experience rainy season onset in late August. The regional variability of rainy season onset is lower in a single dominant monsoon regime (northern and southern zones) and higher in latitudinally extended zones on the border of monsoon regimes (central zones). The interannual variation in rainy season onset date is found to be approximately 2 weeks across all agroclimatic zones. The significant negative trend in rainy season onset date is found for Central Coast and South Central Coast zones, suggesting that the onset date shifted earlier for the entire period. In the decadal scale, the zonal mean onset date shifted later in the Northwest and earlier in the Central Highlands. Out of the seven climate zones, a significant positive correlation is only noticed in the Central Highlands and South zones between zonal mean onset date and Niño 3.4 SSTA for Dec-Jan-Feb, suggesting the potential of seasonal scale predictability of rainy season onset date with respect to preceding El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
An Efficient Synthesis Towards the Core of Crinipellin and Alliacol-B Along With Their Docking Studies
Authors: Sahu Raghaba , Mohapatra Ranjan Kumar , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Das Debadutta , Parhi Pankaj K. , Pintilie Lucia , Azam Mohammad
Published: December 2020

In this present work, we are reporting a novel route for the synthesis of the tetracyclic ring systems, which is a common core of crinipellin via oxidative dearomatization, cycloaddition and oxa- di-pi-methane rearrangement. We considered to exploring a route to tetracyclic core (1e) of Crinipellin and tricyclic core (1g) of Allicaol B through intermolecular diels alder reaction and photochemically 1,2 acyl shift. Moreover, docking study of compound 13 and 16has been investigated against AcrB multidrug efflux pump of Escherichia coli (PDB ID: 1T9U), main protease of SARS COV-2 (PDB ID: 6W63), DNA gyrase of Streptococcus pneumonia (PDB ID: 4Z2C), human estrogen receptor alpha (PDB ID: 3ERT), human lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51)(PDB ID: 3JUS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Prostaglandin Synthase-2) (PDB ID: 1CX2). The obtained results herein are important for the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of these derivatives as antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antifungal or anti-inflammatory agents.
The Impact of Ambient Atmospheric Mineral-Dust Particles on the Calcification of Lungs
Authors: Jablonska Mariola , Janeczek Janusz , Smieja-Król Beata
Published: December 2020

For the first time, it is shown that inhaled ambient air-dust particles settled in the human lower respiratory tract induce lung calcification. Chemical- and mineral compositions of pulmonary calcium precipitates in the lung right lower-lobe (RLL) tissues of 12 individuals who lived in Upper Silesia Conurbation in Poland and who had died from causes not related to lung disorder were determined by transmission- and scanning electron microscopy. Whereas calcium salts in lungs are usually reported as phosphates, calcium salts precipitated in RLL are almost exclusively carbonates, i.e. Mg-calcite and calcite. These constitute 37% of 1652 mineral particles examined. Mg-calcite predominates in the submicron size range with the MgCO3 content up to 50 mol%. Magnesium plays a significant role in the lung mineralization, a fact so far overlooked. The calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) content in RLL is negligible. The predominance of carbonates is explained by increased CO2 fugacity in RLL. Carbonates enveloped inhaled mineral-dust particles, including uranium-bearing oxides, quartz, aluminosilicates, and metal sulfides. Three possible pathways for the carbonates precipitation on the dust particles are postulated: (1) precipitation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) followed by its transformation to calcite; (2) precipitation of Mg-ACC followed by its transformation to Mg-calcite; (3) precipitation of Mg-free ACC causing a localized relative enrichment in Mg ions and subsequent heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth of Mg-calcite. The actual number of inhaled dust particles may be significantly greater than observed because of the masking effect of the carbonate coatings. There is no simple correlation between smoking habit and lung calcification.
EJERCICIO DE LA ACCIÓN PENAL POR PARTICULAR: ¿DERECHO PROCESAL PENAL SIMBÓLICO?
Authors: García Zermeño Víctor Antonio
Published: December 2020

En el presente artículo se analiza desde una postura crítica la eficacia del acceso a la justicia en la Ciudad México. Se toman en consideración posturas académicas, Derecho comparado, legislación, antecedentes jurídicos y estadísticos, todo desde un punto de vista sintético para llegar a aproximaciones específicas en relación al ejercicio de la acción penal por particular. El acceso a la justicia es un derecho humano que faculta a los particulares para ejercer acción penal, institución que forma parte de la expansión del derecho procesal penal, que a su vez, atendiendo a los requisitos someros de ley, la abrumadora incidencia delictiva, la exigüidad de participación de las víctimas y la obnubilación del Estado, hacen de esta un claro ícono de un Derecho Procesal Penal Simbólico. Cabe destacar que en atención a la escasa información pública, es complejo dimensionar el impacto jurídico-social, por lo cual es importante señalar que uno de los principales beneficios en el ejercicio de la acción penal por particular es la certeza jurídica a la que la víctima se vería sujeta en caso de proceder la controversia llevada a escrutinio judicial, ello en atención a la pericia de los operadores del sistema procesal penal acusatorio.
LA MEDIACIÓN FAMILIAR Y EL DERECHO DE NIÑAS, NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES A SER ESCUCHADOS
Authors: Almada Mireles María de Lourdes
Published: December 2020

En el presente artículo se valora si la mediación en general, y la participación de niñas, niños y adolescentes en sus procesos, constituyen una herramienta para garantizar los derechos de las personas menores de dieciocho años instituidos en la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño y la Ley General de los Derechos de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes. En particular se analiza el derecho a tener una opinión propia, a ser escuchados y a participar en las decisiones sobre asuntos que les afectan. Aunque forma parte de una investigación más amplia, que incluye la sistematización y evaluación de procesos de mediación, en este documento se incluye únicamente información derivada de la revisión documental.
Prevalence Of Syphilis, Neurosyphilis And Associated Factors In a Cross-Sectional Analysis Of HIV Infected Patients Attending Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza Tanzania
Authors: Haule Adeodatus Richard , Msemwa Betrand , Mgaya Evarista , Masikini Peter , Kalluvya Samuel
Published: December 2020

Background: HIV-syphilis co-infection can enhance the rapid progression of early or late latent syphilis to neurosyphilis and can cause catastrophic neurological complications. In studies in Mwanza, syphilis affects ~8% of healthy outpatients and studies done in the 1990s have suggested that up to 23.5% of HIV-syphilis co-infected patients also have neurosyphilis.Methodology: This was a cross sectional study in which adult HIV infected patients who were hospitalized or attending the outpatient Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and screened for syphilis using serum Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA). Blood was also taken for CD4+ T cells and viral load. Those who were found to have syphilis underwent neurological examination for any neurologic deficit and were offered a lumbar puncture. Results: The prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients was found to be 9.6%. The majority of patients were female (72.5%) and median age was 42 years [interquartile range, 32-50]. Most patients were on ART (99.4%). In the study population of 1748 participants, 9.6% were TPHA positive; the majority (89.2%) reported not knowing their syphilis status and not previously been treated. One hundred and forty-one participants with syphilis had neurological examinations performed. Four of these had abnormal findings that necessitated a lumbar puncture. Neurosyphilis was confirmed in one patient (0.7%).Conclusion: The high prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients indicates that there is a need to increase efforts in targeting this population to reduce sexually transmitted infections. Screening for syphilis should be done for all HIV patients given the high prevalence of the infection and the risk that aggressive forms of neurosyphilis can occur despite recovery of CD4+ T cell counts in untreated syphilis.
A multistep computational procedure to identify candidate master Transcriptional Regulators (TRs) of glioblastoma (GBM)
Authors: Cordenonsi Michelangelo , Bicciato Silvio , Piccolo Stefano
Published: December 2020

We describe a multistep computational procedure to identify candidate master Transcriptional Regulators (TRs) of glioblastoma (GBM) from glioblastoma single cell gene expression profiles and tissue-specific transcription factors.
Five Crucial Prognostic-Related Autophagy Genes Stratified Female Breast Cancer Patients Aged 40-60 Years
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhang Hengchao , Liu Jingjing , Li Ping , Sun Yi
Published: December 2020

Background : Autophagy is closely related to the progression of breast cancer. The aim at this study is to establish a prognostic-related model comprised of hub autophagy-genes (AGs ) to assess patient prognosis. Simultaneously, the model can guide clinicians to make up individualized strategies and stratify patients aged 40-60 years based on risk level. Methods : The hub AGs were identified with univariate COX regression and LASSO regression. The functions and alterations of these selected AGs were analyzed as well. Moreover, the multivariate COX regression and correlation analysis between hub AGs and clinicopathological parameters were done. Results : Totally, 33 prognostic-related AGs were obtained from the univariate COX regression (P<0.05 ) . SERPINA1 , HSPA8 , HSPB8 , MAP1LC3A , and DIRAS3 were identified to constitute the prognostic model by the LASSO regression . The survival curve of patients in high-risk and in low-risk group was statistically significant (P<0.05 ) . The 3-year and 5-year ROC displayed that their AUC value reached 0.762 and 0.825 , respectively . Stage and risk score were independent risk factors relevant about prognosis . RB1CC1 , RPS6KB1 , and BIRC6 were identified as the most predominant mutant genes . It was found that AGs were mainly involved in regulating the endopeptidases synthesis and played important roles in ErbB signal pathway . SERPIN1 , risk score were closely related to stage (P<0.05 ) ; HSPA8, risk score were closely related to T stag (P<0.05 ) ; HSPB8 was closely related to N stag (P<0.05 ). Conclusions : Our prognostic model had relatively robust predictive ability on prognosis for patients aged 40-60 years. If stage was added into 3 the prognostic model, the predictive ability would be more powerful.
G6PD upregulates Cyclin E1 and MMP9 to promote clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Yang Zhe , Zhang Qiao , Ni Yueli , Han Qiaoqiao , Wang Shujie , Agbana Yannick , Bai Honggang , Yi Zihan , Yi Xiaojia , Yang Lijuan , Shi Qiong , Kuang Yingmin , Zhu Yuechun
Published: December 2020

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a cell metabolic disease with high metastasis rate and poor prognosis. Our previous studies demonstrate that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, is highly expressed in ccRCC and predicts poor outcomes of ccRCC patients. The aims of this study were to confirm the oncogenic role of G6PD in ccRCC and unravels novel mechanisms involving Cyclin E1 and MMP9 in G6PD-mediated ccRCC progression. Methods: Real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression patterns of G6PD, Cyclin E1 and MMP9 in ccRCC. TCGA dataset mining was used to identify Cyclin E1 and MMP9 correlations with G6PD expression, relationships between clinicopathological characteristics of ccRCC and the genes of interest, as well as the prognosis of ccRCC patients. The role of G6PD in ccRCC progression and the regulatory effect of G6PD on Cyclin E1 and MMP9 expression were investigated by using a series of cytological function assays in vitro. To verify this mechanism in vivo, xenografted mice models were established. Results: G6PD, Cyclin E1 and MMP9 were overexpressed and positively correlated in ccRCC, and they were associated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. Moreover, G6PD changed cell cycle dynamics, facilitated cells proliferation, promoted migration in vitro, and enhanced ccRCC development in vivo, more likely through enhancing Cyclin E1 and MMP9 expression. Conclusion: These findings present G6PD, Cyclin E1 and MMP9, which contribute to ccRCC progression, as novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for ccRCC treatment.
A Topological Switch in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulates Channel Activity and Sensitivity to Disease-Causing Mutation
Authors: Scholl Daniel , Sigoillot Maud , Overtus Marie , Colomer Rafael , Martens Chloé , Wang Yiting , Pardon Els , Laeremans Toon , Garcia-Pino Abel , Steyaert Jan , Sheppard David , Hendrix Jelle , Govaerts Cedric
Published: December 2020

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel is essential to maintain fluid homeostasis in key organs such as the lungs or the digestive systems. Functional impairment of CFTR due to mutation in the cftr gene lead to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) the most common lethal genetic disorder. Here we observe that the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) of CFTR can spontaneously adopt an alternative conformation that departs from the canonical NBD fold previously observed for CFTR and other ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins. Crystallography studies reveal that this conformation involves a topological reorganization of the β-subdomain of NBD1. This alternative state is adopted by wild-type CFTR in cells, where it leads to enhanced channel activity. Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy shows that the equilibrium between the conformations is regulated by ATP binding. However, under destabilizing conditions, such as a the prominent disease-causing mutation F508el , this conformational flexibility enables unfolding of the β-subdomain. Our data indicate that in wild-type CFTR switching to this topologically-swapped conformation of NBD1 regulates channel function, but, in the presence of the F508del mutation, it allows domain misfolding and subsequent protein degradation. Our work provides a framework to design conformation-specific therapeutics to prevent noxious transitions.
Application of Three-dimensional Visualization assisted Ultrasound for Percutaneous Renal Puncture
Authors: Xu Zhibin , Li Zhenchi , Guo Maomao , Bian Hao , Niu Tianli , Wang Jiangping
Published: December 2020

We present here the three-dimensional (3D) visualization fused with ultrasound and to evaluate its clinical application effect preliminarily. One hundred and eighteen patients with renal calculi in our hospital from September 2017 to December 2019 were prospectively randomized into two groups. The experimental group was treated with percutaneous renal puncture guided by the 3D visualization fused with ultrasound. The control group was treated with percutaneous renal puncture guided by B-ultrasonography (B-US). The puncture time, operation time, and the loss of hemoglobin in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the success rate of establishing the channel at one time, and the coincidence rate between the channel and the longitudinal axis of the target renal calyx were higher. The stone clearance rate in the experimental group was higher, while the postoperative blood transfusion rate and interventional embolization rate in the experimental group were significantly lower. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). 3D visualization assisted ultrasound could preliminarily guide precise navigation to puncture tissues, reduced operation time and bleeding, improved stone clearance rate and operation safety.
Evaluation of an International Medical E-Learning Course with Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning
Authors: Borakati Aditya
Published: December 2020

Background: In the context of the ongoing pandemic, e-learning has become essential to maintain existing medical educational programmes. Evaluation of such courses has thus far been on a small scale at single institutions. Further, systematic appraisal of the large volume of qualitative feedback generated by massive online e-learning courses manually is time consuming. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an e-learning course targeting medical students collaborating in an international cohort study, with semi-automated analysis of feedback using text mining and machine learning methods.Method: This study was based on a multi-centre cohort study exploring gastrointestinal recovery following elective colorectal surgery. Collaborators were invited to complete a series of e-learning modules on key aspects of the study and complete a feedback questionnaire on the modules. Quantitative data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using text mining with most frequent words, sentiment analysis with the AFINN-111 and syuzhet lexicons and topic modelling using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). Results: 1,611 collaborators from 24 countries completed the e-learning course; 1,396 (86.7%) were medical students; 1,067 (66.2%) entered feedback. 1,031 (96.6%) rated the quality of the course a 4/5 or higher (mean 4.56; SD 0.58). The mean sentiment score using the AFINN was +1.54/5 (5: most positive; SD 1.19) and +0.287/1 (1: most positive; SD 0.390) using syuzhet. LDA generated topics consolidated into the themes: (1) ease of use, (2) conciseness and (3) interactivity.Conclusions: E-learning can have high user satisfaction for training investigators of clinical studies and medical students. Natural language processing may be beneficial in analysis of large scale educational courses.
Computer-aided Diagnosis of Psychiatric Distress in Children and Adolescents Using deep Interaction Networks: The CASPIAN-IV Study
Authors: Marateb Hamid Reza , Tasdighi Zahra , Mohebian Mohammad Reza , Naghavi Azam , Hess Moritz , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaiel , Heshmat Ramin , Mansourian Marjan , Mananas Miguel Angel , Binder Harald , Kelishadi Roya
Published: December 2020

Early diagnosis of psychiatric disorders among children can reduce the risk of adverse psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. We aimed to design a computer-aided screening tool to examine the association between modifiable risk factors and psychiatric disorders in a developing country. Ten thousand three hundred fifty students, aged 6–18 years from all Iran provinces, participated in this study. We used feature discretization and encoding, stability selection, and regularized group method of data handling (GMDH) to classify the comprehensive risk factors to depression (the prevalence of 20.1%), worriedness (23.7%), and emotional problems (11.1%). Self-rated health was the most important feature. The selected modifiable factors were eating breakfast, screentime, salty snack for depression, physical activity, salty snack for worriedness, (abdominal) obesity, sweetened beverage, and sleep-hour for emotional problems classification. The area under the ROC Curve (AUC) of the GMDH was 0.88 [CI 95%: 0.87-0.89], 0.79 [0.77-0.80], and 0.70 [0.68-0.72] for depression, worriedness, and emotional problem outcomes, respectively. The GMDH provided a deep interaction network to introduce important features that univariate modeling had not identified. It significantly outperformed the state-of-the-art (adjusted p <0.05; McNemar's test). It is thus a promising new psychiatric screening tool for children and adolescents.
Distribution and Utilization of Homestead Windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia Subelliptica Merr.) Trees: An Ethnobotanical Approach
Authors: Chen Bixia , Akamine Hikaru
Published: December 2020

Background:Garcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) is an evergreen tropical tree, first identified in Batanes, the Philippines, which has been planted as a homestead windbreak and in coastal forests extensively on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This article focuses on the traditional uses and cultural values of Fukugi trees and provides ethnobotanical information for the conservation scheme of this important tree species.Methods:A combination of ecological and ethnobotanical approaches was applied in this study. Extensive field surveys were conducted to collect dimensions of relatively large trees, and in-depth interviews with the village leaders and knowledgeable persons were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. Results:Fukugi trees have been primarily planted as homestead or farmland windbreaks. Timber was harvested during difficult times, for example, after WWII, and used for recreational purposes for children or farmers. The fruits were also eaten on some remote islands. Old-growth Fukugi trees are widely found in sacred sites, within cities, and as symbolic trees. The older generations respect Fukugi trees; however, the cultural significance valued by older generation seems to be lacking in the younger generation. We argue that Fukugi is a cultural keystone species in Okinawa, which underpins Ryukyu culture and has transformed islands into a pleasant land, a unique place, and shared identity for the community.Conclusions:Fukugi windbreaks provide significant ecosystem services, such as biodiversity in the forest, reducing soil erosion, and spiritual and cultural values. A combination of biophysical environment, as well as tradition and custom, has played an essential role in tree species selection for windbreaks. The positive impacts that anthropogenic activities have had on the sustainability of woody species, namely, the active utilization of tree species, may have enabled the species to sustain. Strategies for protecting old-growth Fukugi trees, in addition to restoration of damaged trees, are needed to improve the sustainable management of Fukugi trees in Okinawa.
Longitudinal Structural MRI Data Prediction in Nondemented and Demented Older Adults via Generative Adversarial Convolutional Network
Authors: Song Liyao , Li Haiwei , Fan Jiancun
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and threatens the health of millions of people. Early stage diagnosis of AD is critical for improving clinical outcomes and longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collection can be used to monitor the progress of each patient. However, missing data is a common problem in longitudinal AD studies. The main factors come from subject dropouts and failed scans. This hinders the acquisition of longitudinal sequences that consist of multi-time-point magnetic resonance (MR) images at relatively uniform intervals. In this paper, we present a generative adversarial convolutional network to predict missing structural MRI data. In particular, we include multiple MRI scans as a temporal sequence collected at different times and determine the spatio-temporal relationship between the different scans in the proposed network. We adopt residual bottlenecks in the generator to decrease parameter values and deepen the network. In order to make full use of the longitudinal information, our discriminator classifies not only real MR images from generated MR images, but also fake sequences from real sequences in which the longitudinal MR images for all time points come from the dataset, only the last MR image comes from the generator. Results of our experiment show that our method performs more accurately for the longitudinal structural MRI data prediction of a brain afflicted with AD.
Perspectives on Frailty Screening, Management and Its Implementation Among Acute Care Providers in Singapore: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Liu Xiao , Le Vivienne Mai Khanh , Chen Amber Lim Yew , Koh Emily Jiali , Nguyen Tu , Malik Naveed Anjum , Lien Christopher Tsung Chien , Lee Jer En , Au Lydia Shu Yi , Low James Alvin , Wee Shiou Liang
Published: December 2020

Background Frailty has emerged to be a public health concern among aging populations. COVID-19 pandemic has reminded how the frailest individuals are particularly exposed to adverse outcomes. It is important to identify and manage frailty to delay functional decline and reduce unnecessary health utilizations. Our study explored understanding on frailty and practice of frailty screening among different acute care professionals in Singapore, (2) identify barriers and facilitators concerning frailty screening, management and its implementation.Methods A qualitative study using focus group discussion among nurses and individual interviews among physicians from four departments (Accident & Emergency, Anaethesia, General Surgery, Orthopedics) in three acute hospitals from the three public health clusters in Singapore. Participants were recruited through a combination of purposive, convenience and snowball approach with a directed approach by using NVIVO 12.0 to analyse the data. Result Frailty was mainly but inadequately understood as a physical and age-related concept. Screening for frailty in acute care was considered necessary to reduce adverse health outcomes. Specific issues related to screening, management and implementation identified were: cooperation from patient/caregivers, acceptance from healthcare workers/hospital managers, need for dedicated resources, guidelines for follow-up management and consensus on the scope of measurement for different specialties. Conclusion Our findings indicated the need for 1) education program for patients/care givers and stakeholders 2) hospital wide push to adopt and develop a uniform frailty screening tool and process and 3) applying relevant guidelines, developing whole of hospital approach and process for the management of frail patients.
Effect of Meloxicam on Behavior, Physiology and Pain Sensitivity in Holstein Calves Following Dehorning
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Yulong , Cui Yaocheng , Qi Jianchen , Cai Dongjie , Fang Jing , Tan Tianyu , Zou Huawei , Xie Yue , Guo Hongrui , Chen Shiyi , Yi Jun , Wang Wei , Ma Xiaoping , Gou Liping , Cui Hengmin , Geng Yi , Zhang Ming , Ye Gang , Zhong Zhijun , Ren Zhihua , Hu Yanchun , Wang Ya , Deng Junliang , Yu Shuming , Cao Suizhong , Zuo Zhicai , Wang Zhisheng
Published: December 2020

The present work aimed to assess the effects of meloxicam on the behavior, feed intake, physiology and pain sensitivity in calves following dehorning. Calves were randomly allocated to four groups: dehorning by amputation with saline (ADNM) or meloxicam (ADM) and chemical disbudding with saline (CDNM) or meloxicam (CDM). Significant differences in the frequencies of all behaviors and activity levels were not observed for the treatment*time interaction (p ≥ 0.05) but were observed for time points (p < 0.05), and the total intake, foraging, hay or milk intake, rectal temperatures, respiration and heart rates and mechanical nonreceptive thresholds (MNTs) in calves were all noted (p < 0.05). For the treatment*time interaction, significant differences were showed between the CDNM and CDM groups in the total intake (at d 0 and 1), foraging (at d 1), hay or milk intake (at d 0 and 1), rectal temperatures (at 24 hr), heart rates (at 4 and 6 hr), and MNTs ( right horn at 2, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hr; left horn at 6 and 24 hr); and significant differences were found between the ADNM and ADM groups in the rectal temperatures (at 6 hr), respiration rates (at 4, 6 and 24 hr), heart rates (at 2, 4 and 6 hr), and MNT (right horn at 2 to 72 hr; left horn at 24 hr). Our results indicated that meloxicam relieves pain after calf dehorning and helps restore feed intake.
MORC3, a novel MIWI2 association partner, is an epigenetic regulator of piRNA-dependent transposon silencing.
Authors: Nakano Toru , Kuramochi-Miyagawa Satomi , Nakayama Manabu , Koseki Haruhiko , Jacobsen Steven , Kojima-Kita Kanako
Published: December 2020

The PIWI (P-element-induced wimpy testis)-interacting-RNA (piRNA) pathway plays a crucial role in the repression of TE (transposable element) expression via de novo DNA methylation in mouse embryonic male germ cells. Various proteins, including MIWI2 are involved in the process. TE silencing is ensured by piRNA-guided MIWI2 that recruits some effector proteins of the DNA methylation machinery to TE regions. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the methylation is complex and has not been fully elucidated. Here, we identified MORC3 as a novel associating partner of MIWI2 and also a nuclear effector of retrotransposon silencing via piRNA-dependent de novo DNA methylation in embryonic testis. Moreover, we show that MORC3 is important for transcription of piRNA precursors and subsequently affects piRNA production. Thus, we provide the first mechanistic insights into the role of this effector protein in the first stage of piRNA biogenesis in embryonic TE silencing mechanism.
Perceived general health in relation to oral health status in a rural Kenyan elderly population
Authors: Fukuda Hideki , Hayashi Yoshihiko , Toda Kazuo , Kaneko Satoshi , Wagaiyu Evelyn
Published: December 2020

Background: This study aimed to determine the present oral health status of the rural Kenyan elderly population and to investigate whether oral health status is associated with the perceived general health.Methods: A total of 131 individuals aged 65 years and over in Mbita District, Nyanza Province, Kenya, were randomly selected and visited at home. The home visit study, which was conducted from 2014 to 2016, included oral examination by a dentist and administration of a self-reporting questionnaire. The number of teeth present and functional tooth unit (FTU) points were calculated using the dental chart. Perceived general health, subjective masticatory ability, and periodontal symptoms were collected using a self-recorded questionnaire sheet.Fisher’s exact test and nonparametric test were used to determine the difference in percentage and means. The odds ratio of good general health based on the participants’ masticatory satisfaction was calculated by logistic analysis.Results: Satisfactory mastication was dependent on the number of teeth present, FTU points, and periodontal symptoms. Furthermore, satisfactory mastication was associated with perceived general health status independent of sex and age. The adjusted odds ratio of good perceived general health was 2.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.05–4.99) for participants who had the subjective masticatory ability.Conclusion: Among the Kenyan elderly population, satisfactory mastication was dependent on the number of teeth present, FTU points, and periodontal symptoms. Furthermore, satisfactory mastication was associated with perceived general health status independent of sex and age.
Survey-based experiential learning as a means of raising professional awareness: a new educational approach for developing healthcare settings
Authors: Hodza-Beganovic Ruhija , Berggren Peter , Hugelius Karin , Edelbring Samuel
Published: December 2020

Background This study outlines key aspects of professional development among health professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). LMICs need support in developing their continuing medical education, and non-technical skills (NTS) that have been neglected in this respect. Given the nature of NTS, educational methods should be used experientially. This study aims to explore an interactive educational approach to increase NTS among health care professionals in an LMIC setting. Methods. Key NTS concepts were identified and these directed the selection of research-based surveys. A series of workshops was designed in which a survey-based experiential approach was developed. The educational process followed a pattern of individual reflection, small group discussion and relating the concepts to the local practice in a wider group.Results. An approach to increase NTS in LMIC settings emerged in iterative development through conducting workshops with health care teams in the Balkans. The topics could be grouped into individual, team, and organisational dimensions. The approach can be described as survey-based experiential learning involving steps in recurring interaction with participants. The steps include identifying concepts in individual, team and organization dimensions and contextualising them using experiential learning on the individual and group levels. Conclusion An overarching approach has been developed that addresses NTS in an LMIC setting. The survey-based experiential learning approach can be beneficial for raising professional awareness and the development of sustainable healthcare settings in LMICs.
Cerebral Malaria: Insight into Pathology from Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Tu Zhanhan , Gormley Jack , Sheth Viral , Seydel Karl , Taylor Terrie , Beare Nicholas , Barrera Valentina , Proudlock Frank , Manda Chatonda , Harding Simon , Gottlob Irene
Published: December 2020

Purpose We aimed to investigate structural retinal changes in malarial retinopathy (MR) using hand-held optical coherence tomography (HH-OCT) to investigate its diagnostic potential.Methods Children with MR (n=43) underwent ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and HH-OCT during admission, one month (n=31) and one year (n=8) post-discharge. Controls were comatose patients without malaria (n=6) and age/sex-matched healthy children (n=43). OCT changes and retinal layer thicknesses were compared.Results On HH-OCT hyper-reflective areas (HRAs) were seen in the inner retina of 81% of MR patients, corresponding to ischaemic retinal whitening. Cotton wool spots present in 37% and abnormal hyper-reflective dots, co-localized to capillary plexi, in 93%. Hyper-reflective vessel walls were present in 84%, and intra-retinal cysts in 9%. Vascular changes and cysts resolved within 48 hours. HRAs developed into retinal thinning at one month (p=0.027) which was more pronounced after one year (p=0.009).Conclusions Ischaemic retinal whitening is located within inner retinal layers, distinguishing it from cotton wool spots. Vascular hyper-reflectivity may represent the sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in vessels, a key CM feature. The mechanisms of post-ischemic retinal atrophy and cerebral atrophy with cognitive impairment may be similar in CM survivors. HH-OCT has potential for monitoring patients, treatment response and predicting neurological deficits.