bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional complexity is complexity with an adjective
Authors: Papin Marielle
Published: June 2021

A review of the studies on institutional complexity reveals that the many definitions of institutional complexity and related concepts share similarities with the understanding of complexity and complex systems of complexity science. Yet few publications on institutional complexity engage explicitly with complexity science. Most observers still confuse complicated and complex systems, for instance. Furthermore, the variety of definitions may create disarray regarding what institutional complexity and its related concepts are and what they imply. Highlighting the similarities between institutional complexity and complexity science in global governance, this think piece offers a conceptual and operational definition of institutional complexity using a complexity science lens. It highlights the attributes and properties of institutional complexity. It also presents the benefits of such an approach. Besides offering advantages in terms of concept clarification, this approach aims to engage theoretically, epistemologically, and methodologically with the complexity of global governance, as well as propose a way to answer remaining questions on this crucial topic.
Key Questions for Forming Partnerships: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Fowler Luke
Published: June 2021

Partnerships receive significant attention in public administration scholarship, with the mass of this literature focusing on whether partnerships work, how to make them work, or how they fit into existing institutions (Provan and Milward, 2001; Vigoda, 2002; McGuire, 2006; Thomson and Perry, 2006; Andrews and Entwistle, 2010; McQuaid, 2010; O’Toole, 2015). Although partnership has been used variously by different scholars, in general, partnerships refer to formal arrangements between two or more organizations that are characterized by defined responsibilities, obligations, and/or governance structure, as compared to other forms of cooperative behaviors which may be more informal, unorganized, or involve few obligations. In general, existing scholarship on partnership formation argues that partnerships are a function of resource-exchanges, available partners, or fragmented authorities, and assumes a pragmatic managerial approach to these arrangements (Grady and Chen, 2006; Feiock and Scholz, 2009). However, scholarship is limited in linking these mechanisms together and explaining how organizations go from isolated and autonomous to integrated and interdependent. As such, it is difficult to determine how initial decisions in the partnership process eventually lead to success or failure in collaboration. Furthermore, much of this scholarship is written with a solely academic audience in mind, making difficult for practitioners, non-academics, or non-subject area experts to consume. To remedy this, we use Cohen, March, and Olsen’s (1972) Garbage Can Theory (GCT) of organizational choice as a guiding framework to identify key issues that affect partnerships formation and tie this disjointed set of literature together. We then synthesize these issues into three key questions that can be operationalized by practitioners: 1) is there a problem that cannot be managed unilaterally?; 2) what new capacities are needed?; and 3) what partnership opportunities are there? From this perspective, forming partnerships unfolds in organized anarchies, where decision-makers must sort through ambiguous problems, solutions, and participants in order to determine if partnership is the right choice for their organization. In general, the purpose of this discussion is to identify and examine key issues that likely affect partnership choices made by practitioners and that can provide guidance to those who are considering engaging in collaboration or partnership. Finally, we discuss links between partnership formation and broader understandings of collaborations and networks.
Artivismo - tensões entre vida e arte
Authors: Bordin Vanessa Benites
Published: June 2021

Experienciar um ritual pertencente a outra cultura proporciona pensarmos questões relacionadas à nossa própria cultura, a partir de uma espécie de ‘distanciamento’, pois ao ‘olhar’ o outro percebemos aspectos de nós mesmos. Para uma performer, vivenciar um ritual de iniciação feminina, no caso aqui, do povo indígena Tikuna: Worecü, é refletir sobre o quanto o contexto em que vivemos influência nosso fazer artístico, já que vida e arte estão entrelaçadas, pensando a partir do conceito de artivismo.
Variability of the arbutin content in wild growing populations of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng from Korab Mountain, Western Balkan
Authors: Stefkov Gjoshe , Cvetkovikj Karanfilova Ivana , Labroska Viktorija , Krsteska Orhidea , Qazimi Bujar , Karapandzova Marija , Gjoni Zyber , Bardhi Nikoll , Kulevanova Svetlana
Published: June 2021

Due to the presence of arbutin and hydroquinone in the bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Ericaceae), it is widely used as a urinary tract antiseptic and diuretic. The herbal substance consists of whole or cut dried leaves, and it should not contain less than 7.00% of anhydrous arbutin (Ph.Eur.10). The supply of this herbal substance in Balkan countries mainly comes from a wild plant harvested in the mountains. It is a common practice to collect the leaves during the flowering season of the plant (June-July). There is an abundance of wild growing natural populations of bearberry on Korab Mountain that represents a unique natural resource of this herbal substance for both countries, Albania and North Macedonia. The aim of the present study was to determine the arbutin content and to assess its variability in the bearberry leaves of seven wild populations from Korab Mountain. The leaves were collected monthly (May-October) during a period of 3 years (2014-2016). The HPLC assay (Ph.Eur.10) revealed that all populations have arbutin content over 7.00% (7.03-9.42%) and that the highest content of arbutin can be attained in September/October, during the phase after the fructification. Statistical analysis showed that there is significant difference between the content of arbutin in the different populations. The content was related to the altitude of the collection site and the collection month and year.
DESCRIPTION OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE POST PLACENTA IUD (INTRA UTERINE DEVICE) CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD FOR PREGNANT
Authors: Laila Fadliyah , Mardhika Amellia , Sulfat Emuliana , Iswatun Iswatun , Wijayanti Endah Sri , A. S Nela
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Post-placental IUD is a long-term contraceptive method with an effective pregnancy prevention 0.6-0.8 pregnancies / 100 women. Installation that is carried out when the mother gives birth has an impact on the coverage of contraceptive use from an early age. Post-placental IUD contraceptives are not only effective in the long term for up to 10 years but are also affordable contraceptives for people from low to high economies status. Currently, these contraceptives can be purchased or installed for free. Contraception does not interfere with milk production, does not require routine follow-up to the hospital, contraceptive examinations can be done independently. The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge about the post-placenta IUD contraceptive method. Methods: This study used a descriptive design, with a population of 98 people and a sample of 54 people. The sampling used is purposive sampling. Collecting data with a closed questionnaire. Data processing and data analysis by editing, scoring, coding, tabulating and presented in narrative form then draw conclusions. Results: Based on the results of the study, it was found that most (78.1%) pregnant women had less knowledge about Post Placenta IUD contraception. Conclusion: The reference of this study is to increase knowledge about the Post Placenta IUD (Intra Uterine Device) contraceptive method in pregnant women. Periodic health education regarding this contraceptive method during pregnancy so that at delivery, post placenta IUD contraception can be immediately installed.
DESCRIPTION OF HYPERTENSION LEVELS IN PRIMARY HYPERTENSION ADULTS AND ELDERLY IN KARANGBINANGUN LAMONGAN DISTRICT
Authors: Iswatun Iswatun , Wijayanti Endah Sri , Fadliyah Lailatul , Purwanto Cucuk Rahmadi , Rohmawat Iin
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Hypertension is often a silent killer because it is often without symptoms that warn of a problem. Symptoms that appear are often considered as common disorders, so that the victim is too late to realize that the disease is coming. Hypertension is an increase in blood pressure above normal limits with systolic value of 140 mmHg and diastolic value of 90 mmHg. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of hypertension in patients with primary hypertension in Karangbinangun Lamongan District. Method: This research design using descriptive with a population of 70 respondents then sampled using simple random sampling and get a sample of 64 respondents, in accordance with the inclusion criteria, are healthy patients and willing to sign the informed consent The variable in this study is the level of hypertension. The data of this study were taken from the results of blood pressure measurements by standards WHO. The data is tabulated in the form of frequency distribution by categorizing hypertension into mild, moderate and severe. Result: The results showed that half of the respondents (50%) had mild hypertension, 28.1% moderate hypertension and 21.9% severe hypertension. Conclusion: Seeing the results of this study, that there are still many people who have hypertension, so health education by health workers and family is needed to prevent recurrence.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE ELDERLY IN BAGELEN VILLAGE
Authors: Sulastri Sulastri , Kohir Dedek Saiful
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Efforts to overcome the effects of the aging process are a problem for the majority of the elderly, including those who live with their families. Family has an important role in providing old age with a good quality of life. The quality of life of the elderly is influenced by various factors such as social relationships, social environment, psychological factors, and social activities. This study aims to determine the relationship between family function and quality of life in the elderly. Methods: The research design used was a correlation study, with a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used was multistage random sampling, the number of samples was 95 people. Data collection used the World Health Organization's Quality of Life-OLD (WHOQOL-OLD) questionnaire. Results The results showed that there was a relationship between family support using family apgar and the quality of life of the elderly (p = 0.002).  Conclusion: It is recommended for families to provide optimal support by paying attention to the adaptability of the elderly, closeness, development, providing opportunities for the elderly to express feelings, and solving problems for a better quality of life for the elderly.
THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN LADIES WITH DEMENTIA: LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Seran Emeltriana Emilinda Aek , Haryanto Joni , Ulfiana Elida
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The decline in cognitive function that occurs in the elderly with dementia will have an impact on decreasing daily physical and social activities in the elderly resulting in decreased quality of life for the elderly. One of the interventions that can be used to maintain cognitive function in the elderly is by using virtual reality. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explain the effect of virtual reality on cognitive function in elderly people with dementia based on empirical studies in the last five years. Method: the process of searching for journals or articles using a database indexed by Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct using adequate keywords. The framework used for the review was PICOS and the inclusion criteria used were English-language journals with issues from 2015 to 2020. Data analysis and tabulation were carried out in articles or journals. Title, abstract, full text, and methodology are assessed to determine the eligibility of the article or journal. Results: 758's articles were identified, ten articles fit the research criteria. Virtual reality affects cognitive function where it can improve memory, attention, executive function and can increase the overall scale of the MoCA. The advantage over the use of virtual reality for the elderly with dementia is that it not only improves cognitive but also improves motor coordination, reduces behavioral and psychological symptoms, and can be used to detect cognitive impairments early. Conclusion: In carrying out cognitive rehabilitation programs in the elderly can use technology-based interventions by using virtual reality.
Akibat Hukum Perusahaan Perkebunan yang Tidak Melaksanakan Tanggung Jawab Sosial dan Lingkungan
Authors: Hutagalung Saut Parsaulian , Butar Butar Franky
Published: June 2021

Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept known in the business world as a form of company concern for society. Indonesia regulates CSR under the term Social and Environmental Responsibility. CSR or Tanggung Jawab Sosial dan Lingkungan (TJSL) is regulated in Article 74 of Law Number 40 of 2007 concerning Limited Liability Company. This regulation requires every company whose activities are to manage and / or relate to natural resources. Plantation companies are companies whose business activities are to manage natural resources and have an obligation to implement TJSL. However, in implementing TJSL, there are several problems, namely the absence of regulations that clearly regulate the form of activities including TJSL and sanctions for plantation companies that do not implement TJSL which creates legal vacuum and legal uncertainty for companies, government and for the community. This research was conducted with the aim of providing legal certainty and as a guideline for all parties related to the implementation of TJSL and law enforcement. The research method used in this research is a normative juridical research type that analyzes legal issues against the prevailing norms or positive legal rules. This research was conducted using a Statute Approach and a Conceptual Approach.Keywords: Limited Liability Company; legal sanctions; Corporate Social Responsibility.Corporate Social Responsibility merupakan konsep yang dikenal dalam dunia bisnis sebagai bentuk kepedulian perusahaan terhadap masyarakat. Indonesia mengatur CSR dengan istilah Tanggung Jawab Sosial dan Lingkungan. TJSL diatur dalam Pasal 74 Undang-Undang Nomor 40 Tahun 2007 Tentang Perseroan Terbatas. Pengaturan ini mewajibkan setiap perusahaan yang kegiatannya mengelola dan/atau berkaitan dengan sumber daya alam. Perusahaan perkebunan merupakan perusahaan yang kegiatan usahanya mengelola sumber daya alam memiliki kewajiban dalam melaksanakan TJSL. Namun, Perusahaan perkebunan dalam menjalankan TJSL terdapat beberapa permasalahan yaitu belum adanya peraturan yang mengatur secara jelas terkait dengan bentuk kegiatan yang termasuk TJSL dan sanksi bagi perusahaan perkebunan yang tidak melaksanakan TJSL yang menimbulkan kekosongan hukum dan ketidakpastian hukum bagi perusahaan, pemerintah maupun bagi masyarakat. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk memberikan kepastian hukum serta dapat menjadi pedoman bagi seluruh pihak terkait dengan pelaksanaan TJSL dan penegakan hukumnya. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tipe penelitian yuridis normatif yang menganalisa permasalahan hukum terhadap norma atau kaidah hukum posistif yang berlaku. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan Pendekatan Perundang-Undangan dan Pendekatan Konseptual.Kata Kunci: Perseroan Terbatas; Sanksi Hukum; Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan.
Hak-Hak Pekerja Rumah Tangga dan Perlindungan Hukum di Indonesia
Authors: Azhari Muhammad Yafi , Halim Abdul
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the rights of informal domestic workers and legal protection in Indonesia through Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower and Regulation of the Minister of Manpower (Permenaker) Number 2 of 2015 concerning Protection of Domestic Workers. This type of research is qualitative using a normative-empirical approach. Sources of data include primary data in the form of interviews, while secondary data through statutory approaches and document studies. The results show that the rights of domestic workers have not been fully regulated to provide a decent life for domestic workers and the drafting of Permenaker No.2 of 2015 has not become a state protection for domestic workers because the regulation focuses on supervising channeling agencies. Therefore, government awareness of the existence of domestic workers is necessary.Keywords: Domestic workers; Legal protection; Regulation.Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis hak-hak pekerja rumah tangga informal dan perlindungan hukum di Indonesia melalui Undang-Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2003 tentang Ketenagakerjaan dan Peraturan Menteri Ketenagakerjaan (Permenaker) Nomor 2 Tahun 2015 tentang Perlindungan Pekerja Rumah Tangga. Jenis penelitian ini kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan normatif-empiris. Sumber data meliputi data primer berupa wawancara sedangkan data sekunder melalui pendekatan ilmu perundang-undangan dan studi dokumen. Hasil menunjukan bahwa hak pekerja rumah tangga belum diatur secara lengkap untuk memberi kehidupan yang layak bagi PRT dan pembuatan Permenaker Nomor 2 Tahun 2015 belum menjadi perlindungan negara kepada pekerja rumah tangga karena peraturan tersebut berfokus untuk mengawasi lembaga penyalur. Kata Kunci: Pekerja Rumah Tangga; Perlindungan Hukum; Pengaturan.
The Model of Nonstructural Mitigation Policy to the Landslide Prone Residential Areas in Lebong, Bengkulu
Authors: Iskandar Iskandar , Andika Tri , Wulandari Wulandari
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to find a model of nonstructural disaster mitigation policies for landslide-prone settlements in Lebong Regency. The study is a sociological juridical (sociolegal). processing and analysis of primary data, secondary data, information from the results of the FGD and legal documents were carried out in a descriptive qualitative manner. The results of the study show that the implementation of non-structural mitigation policies for residential areas prone to landslides has not been implemented optimally. In implementing such non-structural mitigation policies, there are several obstacles, both internal and external. The non-structural mitigation policy model for landslide-prone settlements, namely that the Lebong Regency Government needs to formulate and determine community-based policy steps, which include: identification and mapping of potential landslide residential areas, increasing community preparedness, increasing community knowledge and capacity, monitoring continuity towards landslide-prone settlements, control/enforcement, maintain environmental balance, pay attention to the carrying capacity and amperage of the environment, compile planning and budgeting, integrate disaster education in primary and secondary school curricula, strengthen regulatory frameworks and establish mitigation SOPs.
Brain Tumor Detection based on Ensemble Learning
Authors: Kim Donghyun
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose methods for brain tumor detection in MRI images based on ensemble learning. We build upon prior research on ensemble methods by testing the concatenation of pre-trained models: features extracted via transfer learning are merged and segmented by classification algorithms or a stacked ensemble of those algorithms. The proposed approach achieved accuracy scores of 0.98 , outperforming a benchmark VGG-16 model. Considerations to granular computing are given in the paper as well.
Locating And Location Number
Authors: Garrett Henry
Published: June 2021

In this article, some notions about set, weight of set, number, number's position, special vertex are introduced. Some classes of graph under these new notions have been opted as if the study on the special attributes of these new notion when they've acted amid each other is considered. Internal and external relations amid these new notions have been obtained as if some classes of graphs in the matter of these notions are been pointed out.
Viral Toxin ns1 as Pivotal Target in Development of Efficient Dengue Vaccine
Authors: Lebeau Grégorie , Lagrave Alisé , Ogire Eva , Grondin Lauriane , Seriacaroupin Soundary , Moutoussamy Cédric , Mavingui Patrick , Hoarau Jean-jacques , Roche Marjolaine , Krejbich-trotot Pascale , Desprès Philippe , Viranaicken Wildriss
Published: June 2021

Mosquito-borne viral disease dengue is a global public health problem causing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild dengue fever to severe dengue with plasma leakage and bleeding which are often associated to fatality. To date, there are no specific medications to treat dengue and prevent the risk of hemorrhage. Dengue is caused by one of the four related antigenically distinct serotypes, DENV-1 to DENV-4. The growing burden that represents the four DENV serotypes has intensified both basic and applied researches to better understand the dengue physiopathology. It has been proposed a significant role for the secreted soluble DENV nonstructural protein 1 (sNS1) glycoprotein in the pathogenesis of severe dengue. Here, we provided an overview on current knowledge about the role of sNS1 in the immunopathogenesis of dengue disease. The reasons for the consideration of sNS1 in the design of future dengue vaccine candidates will be discussed.
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Simulation of Bifurcate Artery
Authors: Barzegar Yas , Barzegar Atrin
Published: June 2021

Heart attacks and strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the world today, and heart attacks caused by clogged arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle are a significant part of these strokes. These are caused by the accumulation of fat particles in the walls of the arteries and the reduction of blood flow through it over a long process. The process of fat penetration in the underlying layers of the Artery wall has been the focus of many researchers, and various researches and Simulations have been done on it, in each of them, the effect of specific parameters has been considered. In the present study, the effect of blood flow rate on the flow pattern in a bifurcate artery with two ducts has been investigated using FLUENT software with Computation fluid dynamic Method. The effect of the angle between the two ducts of the Artery on the flow pattern has been investigated.
Factors that Determine and Influences Foreign Exchange Rates
Authors: Akter Rabeya
Published: June 2021

The Foreign Exchange rate is very much crucial for determining the economic health level of the country. The foreign exchange rate provides financial stability, enhances purchasing power and allows global trades. This rate usually fluctuates due to the market forces which control the supply and demand of the currency. Nominal and relative inflation and income level have a substantial effect on determining the exchange rates. Government measures, international situations, natural disasters or any unexpected situation like Covid-19, Rohingya crisis etc. can affect the exchange rates. Besides this, the interaction between the factors can create different reasoning to affect the market. This study tries to identify some factors with relevant examples.
Role of Astrocytes in Central Nervous System, Disease Implications and New Physiological Implications in Memory and Learning
Authors: Valles Soraya L. , Singhb Sandeep Kumar , Campo Ignacio , Jorda Adrian
Published: June 2021

Inside Central Nervous System (CNS) appears neurons and glia cells. There are more glial cells than neurons and have more functions than neurons. Glia name represents different kind of cells, ones from neural origin (astrocytes, radial glia, and oligodendroglia), and others from blood monocytes (microglia). During ontogeny, neurons appear first (rat fetal 15th) and after astrocytes (rat fetal 21th) indicating a bigger importance function in the CNS. Also, during the phylogeny, reptiles have less astrocytes compared to neurons and in humans, astrocytes are double in number than neurons. This data, perhaps means that astrocytes are more special cells and work in memory and learning? Astrocytes have an important role in different mechanisms protecting CNS across the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proteins, cleaning extracellular medium and helping neurons to communicate with each other correctly. Inflammatory mediators production are important to prevent changes in normal physiology. But, excessive or continue production leads to many diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Sclerosis Lateral Amyotrophic (ELA), Multiple sclerosis (MS), and neurodevelopment diseases, like Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and Autism's symptomatology. Different drugs and thecniques can reverse oxidative stress and/or inflammatory excess. This review is intended to serve as an approximation to the field.
Desafios para prevenção e tratamento do câncer cervicouterino no interior do Nordeste
Authors: Santos Fernandes Noêmia Fernanda , Fidelis de Almeida Patty , De Brito Lima Prado Nília Maria , De Oliveira Carneiro Ângela , Ferreira dos Anjos Eduarda , Amorim Carvalho Paiva Jamille , Maia dos Santos Adriano
Published: June 2021

Analisa-se a articulação entre Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) e os diferentes pontos de atenção para controle do câncer do colo do útero (CCU). Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, com dados produzidos em dez grupos focais (70 participantes – enfermeiros e agentes comunitários em saúde) e 12 entrevistas semiestruturadas (seis gestores e seis ginecologistas). Os resultados foram agrupados em três eixos: detecção precoce e controle do CCU na APS; acesso à confirmação diagnóstica; e acesso ao tratamento do CCU e ao transporte sanitário. Os resultados indicam problemas desde o rastreamento (falhas na coleta do Papanicolaou e/ou na leitura das lâminas no laboratório, baixo envolvimento de médicos da APS, ausência de coordenação do cuidado entre níveis) até o tratamento do CCU (barreiras de acesso aos serviços especializados, fragmentação entre os serviços, atraso no tratamento). Entre os achados animadores, destacam-se a prática clínica e o vínculo do enfermeiro com as mulheres durante exame de Papanicolaou e a alta cobertura do exame na APS. Como recomendações apontam-se realização permanente de educação em serviço para ampliar a prática clínica do/a enfermeiro/a e maior envolvimento de médicos, bem como estreitar as relações entre especialistas e profissionais da APS para viabilizar a coordenação do cuidado.
Heterogeneity of the COVID-19 epidemic in Australia: What can we learn from it?
Authors: Chen Qiuli , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: June 2021

It has been more than one year since the World Health Organization declared the pandemic of COVID-19. Countries around the world are still struggling to control their epidemics. Australia has shown its resilience in the fight against the epidemic by providing a comprehensive response involving the whole-of-government and whole-of-society. Despite the overall successful national response, the epidemic in Australia has been heterogeneous across states. We conducted a mixed-methods study to analyze the epidemic and explain the variable manifestation of the epidemic across states in Australia. Most of the COVID-19 cases and deaths were in Victoria and New South Wales states due to differences in governance of the epidemic and public health responses (quarantine and contact tracing) among states. Countries could learn not only from Australia’s overall successful response, through good governance, effective community participation, adequate public health and health system capacity and multisectoral actions, but also from the heterogeneity of the epidemic among states. Successful response to epidemics in countries with a decentralized administration requires multi-level governance with alignment and harmonization of the response.
Identifying the Drought Impact Factors and Developing Drought Scenarios using the DSD Model
Authors: Lim Soyeon , Jung Donghwi
Published: June 2021

Due to climate change, droughts have become increasingly severe and frequent. Droughts do not simply create water scarcity but also various socio-economic issues. Therefore, it is necessary to manage droughts on the government level through water resource management policies that consider drought conditions. The drought characteristics within each administrative division need to be closely analyzed for effective policy. In this study, a drought impact factor analysis using the DSD model was presented as a method. Through the relationship between various hydrometeorological factors and drought index, the drought impact factor was identified for each area. For South Korea, meteorological factors have a greater impact on droughts than hydrological factors. Identified drought impact factors are analyzed depending on spatio-temporal variability to recognize the features in various aspects of droughts. For the temporal variability, water demand change and severe drought period are considered. Also, for the spatial variability, based on the type of water demand, administrative divisions are grouped into four zones and analyzed accordingly. Finally, a drought scenario based on identified drought impact factor was constructed to present the probable drought conditions in the future. Components of drought scenario reflect the organization of water resources within an area and it combine the each level of components. Through the constructed drought scenarios, it is possible to establish an effective policy for managing water resources considering the drought condition.
Effects of Unilateral Nasal Obstruction on the Development of the Cortical Masticatory Area in Growing Rats
Authors: Fujita Akiyo , Kato Chiho , Abe Yasunori , ishidori Hideyuki , Li Ruixin , Aung Phyo Thura , Ogawa Takuya , Okihara Hidemasa , Kokai Satoshi , Ono Takashi
Published: June 2021

The cortical masticatory area (CMA) regulates masticatory movements and controls rhythmic jaw movements. However, information regarding the effect of respiratory disturbances on the functional development of the CMA remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effect of chronic unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) on the motor representation of the anterior digastric (AD) muscle during the growth period. Forty-eight 8-day-old male Wistar albino rats were randomized into control (CONT, n=24) and UNO (n=24) groups. Both groups underwent intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) at ages 5, 7, and 9 weeks. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the number of positive ICMS sites for the AD muscle were measured throughout the experiment. The SpO2 values were significantly lower in the UNO group than in the CONT group at each age. Further, the number of positive ICMS sites for the AD muscle was significantly higher in the UNO group than in the CONT group at each age. Intragroup comparisons revealed that the number of positive ICMS sites increased with age. The onset latencies of the evoked AD potential significantly differed between the right and left sides. However, no differences were found between the CONT and UNO groups at any age. These findings suggest that UNO during development induces changes in the motor representation in the CMA.
Comparison of oral Dydrogesterone and 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caprate in the prevention of preterm birth
Authors: Alizadeh Fahimeh , Mahmoudinia Malihe , Mirteimoori Masoumeh , Pourali Lila
Published: June 2021

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant problem in obstetric care. Progesterone supplements are believed to reduce the rate of preterm labor, but formulation, type of administration, and dosage varies in different studies. This study was performed to compare oral Dydrogesterone with intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17α-OHPC) administration in prevention of PTB.Methods :In this randomized clinical trial, we studied 150 women with singleton pregnancy in 28Th-34Th Gestational week, who had received tocolytic treatment for preterm labor. Participants were divided to receive 30mg oral Dydrogesterone daily, 250mg intramuscular 17α-OHPC weekly, or no intervention (control group). All treatments were continued until 37Th Week or delivery, whichever occurred earlier. Obstetric outcomes, including latency period, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and neonatal mortality were recorded. All patients were monitored biweekly until delivery.Results: Baseline gestational age was not significantly different between groups. Latency period was significantly longer in the progesterone group compared with Dydrogesterone and control groups (41.06±17.29 vs. 29.44±15.6 and 22.20±4.51 days, respectively; P<0.001). The progesterone group showed significantly better results compared with the other two groups, in terms of gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and Apgar score (P<0.001). None of the participants showed severe complications, stillbirth, or gestational diabetes.Conclusion: Progesterone caproate can strongly prolong the latency period and improve neonatal outcomes and therefore, is superior to oral Dydrogesterone in the prevention of PTB.
Evaluation of The Effect of Epiphytic, Endophytic And Rhizosphere Bacteria On Seed Germination And Seedling Characteristics
Authors: Razinataj Mohammad , Khodakaramian Gholam
Published: June 2021

During 2013 and 2014, in order to investigate the effect of bacteria on the characteristics and growth rate of cotton seedlings, isolated epiphytic, endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria from cotton plants in Golestan province. Based on biochemical and phenotypic tests, amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, were identified strains. Isolates of Bacillus pumilus MR11, B. pumilus MR12, B. pumilus MR13, B. safensis MR21, B. safensis MR22 and Stenotrophomonas pavanii MR31 identified as superior endophytes and rhizosphere. Also Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. syringae and Pantoea annanatis were identified as epiphytic from plants and seeds. These isolates were evaluated to effect on seedling growth characteristics. Based on results, the six-day-old seedlings treated with Bacillus pumilus MR11 and B. pumilus MR12 had the highest root and shoot length and fresh shoot weight. Due to the fact that B. pumilus MR12 and S. pavanii MR31 isolates had the highest percentage and germination rate, so their use as seed treatment can increase the percentage and germination rate of seeds and be effective in reducing the damage caused by seedling diseases. This is the first report of isolation of B. safensis, B. pumilus and S. pavanii bacteria from rhizosphere and cotton endophytes in Iran.
4-[1-ethyl-1-methylhexy]-phenol Induces Apoptosis and Interrupts Ca2+ Homeostasis via ROS Pathway in Sertoli TM4 cells
Authors: Liu Xiaozhen , Li Fuxiang , Zhu Zhaoliang , Peng Gaoyi , Huang Danfei , Xie Mingyong
Published: June 2021

Biological effect of an individual nonylphenol (NP) isomer extremely relies upon the side chain structure. This research was designed to evaluate the impact of NP isomer, 4-[1-ethyl-1-methylhexy]-phenol (NP65), on Sertoli cells in vitro. Sertoli TM4 cells were exposed to various concentration (0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 20 μM) of NP65 for 24 h, and the outcomes indicated that treatment of NP65 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative stress as well as apoptosis for Sertoli TM4 cells. In addition, it was found that NP65 exposure affected homeostasis of Ca2+ in Sertoli TM4 cells by increasing cytoplasm [Ca2+]i, inhibiting Ca2+-ATPase activity and decreasing cAMP concentration. Pretreatment with ROS scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), attenuated NP65-induced oxidative stress as well as apoptosis for TM4 cells. Furthermore, NAC blocked NP65-induced disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis by attenuating the growth of intracellular [Ca2+]i and the inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase and cAMP activities. Thus, we have demonstrated that NP65 induced apoptosis as well as acted as a potent inhibitor of Ca2+-ATPase activity and resulted in disorder of Ca2+ homeostasis in Sertoli TM4 cells, ROS participated in the process. Our results supported the view that oxidative stress acted an essential role within the development of apoptosis and Ca2+ overload in TM4 cells as a consequence of NP65 stimulation.
The Clinical Use of Alzheimer’s Biomarkers in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium Survey
Authors: Caprioglio Camilla , Garibotto Valentina , Jessen Frank , Frölich Lutz , Allali Gilles , Assal Frédéric , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Altomare Daniele
Published: June 2021

Background. This study aims to investigate the clinical use of the main Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by examining the beliefs and preferences of clinicians and biomarker experts of the European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium (EADC).Methods. Out of 306 contacted EADC professionals, 150 (101 clinicians, 43 biomarker experts, and 6 falling into other categories) filled in an online survey from May to September 2020. The investigated biomarkers were: medial temporal lobe atrophy score (MTA) on structural MRI, typical AD (i.e. temporoparietal and posterior cingulate) hypometabolism on FDG-PET, CSF (Aβ42, p-tau, t-tau), amyloid-PET and tau-PET.Results. Despite the abnormal accumulation of amyloid rather than tau was deemed by the majority of responders as the initial cause of AD, responders did not show a clear preference for amyloid-PET. The most widely used biomarker is MTA (77% of responders reported to use it at least frequently), followed by Aβ42, p-tau, t-tau levels in CSF (45%), typical AD hypometabolism on FDG-PET (32%), amyloid-PET (8%), and tau-PET (2%). Imaging and CSF biomarkers were found to be widely used to support the etiological diagnostic process in MCI, while APOE genotyping was performed only in a minority of patients. CSF is considered the most valuable biomarker in terms of additional diagnostic value, followed by amyloid-PET, tau-PET, and typical AD hypometabolism on FDG-PET. The combination of amyloidosis and neuronal injury biomarkers is associated with the highest diagnostic confidence in an etiological diagnosis of AD in MCI, while MTA alone was perceived as the less reliable biomarker.Conclusions. Biomarkers are widely used across Europe for the diagnosis of MCI. Overall, we observed that CSF is currently considered as the most useful biomarker, followed by amyloid-PET. Moreover, the use of molecular imaging (i.e. amyloid-PET and tau-PET) in the diagnostic work-up of MCI patients is increasing over time.
Species Ecological Strategy and Soil Phosphorus Supply Interactively Affect Plant Biomass and Phosphorus Concentration
Authors: Moeneclaey Iris , Schelfhout Stephanie , Vanhellemont Margot , DeCock Eva , Coillie Frieke Van , Verheyen Kris , Baeten Lander
Published: June 2021

Background and aimExcess soil phosphorus often constrains ecological restoration of degraded semi-natural grasslands in Western-Europe. Slow-growing species, often target for restoration, are at a disadvantage because they are outcompeted by fast-growing species. Gaining insight into the responses of plant species and communities to soil phosphorus availability will help understanding restoration trajectories of grassland ecosystems.MethodsWe set up a pot experiment using twenty grassland species with contrasting growth forms (i.e. grasses versus forbs) and nutrient use strategies (i.e. acquisitive versus conservative nutrient use). We quantified the nutrient use strategy of a species based on the stress-tolerance value of the CSR framework (StrateFy, Pierce et al. 2017). We grew these species as monocultures and in mixtures along a soil phosphorus gradient and measured the aboveground biomass and plant phosphorus concentrations.ResultsWe found plant phosphorus to increase with soil phosphorus supply, but observed no biomass response. Forbs had higher plant phosphorus concentrations compared to grasses both in monocultures and mixtures. The species’ nutrient use strategy had contrasting effects on plant tissue phosphorus concentrations, depending on the amount of phosphorus supply (interaction effect) and the biomass of the vegetation (dilution effect). Species with conservative nutrient use strategies survived and even thrived in under excess soil phosphorus availability.ConclusionOur findings contribute to the knowledge required for successfull ecological restoration of species-rich grasslands. Adopting a trait-based approach enabled us to link findings from comparative ecological studies with insights from (eco)physiological research.
Fast-slow Variable Dissection with Two Slow Variables Related to Calcium Concentrations: A Case Study to Bursting in a Neural Pacemaker Model
Authors: Li Yuye , Gu Huaguang , Jia Yanbing , Ma Kaihua
Published: June 2021

Neuronal bursting is an electrophysiological behavior participating in physiological or pathological functions and a complex nonlinear alternating between burst and quiescent state modulated by slow variables. Identification of dynamics of bursting modulated by two slow variables is still an open problem. In the present paper, a novel fast-slow variable dissection method with two slow variables is proposed to analyze the complex bursting in a 4-dimensional neuronal model to describe bursting associated with pathological pain. The lumenal (Clum) and intracellular (Cin) calcium concentrations are the slowest variables respectively in the quiescent state and burst duration. Questions encountered when the traditional method with one low variable is used. When Clum is taken as slow variable, the burst is successfully identified to terminate near the saddle-homoclinic bifurcation point of the fast subsystem and begin not from the saddle-node bifurcation. With Cin chosen as slow variable, Clum value of initiation point is far from the saddle-node bifurcation point, due to Clum not contained in the equation of membrane potential. To overcome this problem, both Cin and Clum are regarded as slow variables, the two-dimensional fast subsystem exhibits a saddle-node bifurcation point, which is extended to a saddle-node bifurcation curve by introducing Clum dimension. Then, the initial point of burst is successfully identified to be near the saddle-node bifurcation curve. The results present a feasible method for fast-slow variable dissection and deep understanding to the complex bursting behavior with two slow variables, which is helpful for the modulation to pathological pain.
AKIP1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, stemness and activates PI3K-Akt, MEK/ERK, mTOR signaling pathways in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhao Jiabin , Zhao Binjiahui , Hou Limin
Published: June 2021

Background: The study aimed to examine the molecular mechanism and clinical significance of A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) in prostate cancer. Methods: The effect of AKIP1 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and stemness was determined by overexpressing and knocking down AKIP1 in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells via lentivirus infection. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by AKIP1 modification were determined using RNA sequencing. Besides, the correlation of AKIP1 with clinicopathological features and prognosis in 130 prostate cancer patients was assessed. Results: AKIP1 expression was increased in VCaP, LNCaP, DU145 cells while similar in 22Rv1 cells compared with RWPE-1 cells. Furthermore, AKIP1 overexpression promoted 22Rv1 and LNCaP cell proliferation, invasion, but inhibited apoptosis; meanwhile, AKIP1 overexpression increased CD133+ cell rate and enhanced spheres formation efficiency in 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells. Reversely, AKIP1 knockdown exhibited the opposite effect in 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells. Further RNA sequencing analysis exhibited that AKIP1-modified DEGs were enriched in the oncogenic signaling pathways related to prostate cancer, such as PI3K-Akt, MEK/ERK, mTOR signaling pathways. The following western blot indicated that AKIP1 overexpression activated while its knockdown blocked PI3K-Akt, MEK/ERK, mTOR signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells. Clinically, AKIP1 was upregulated in the prostate tumor tissues compared with paired adjacent tissues, and its tumor high expression correlated with increased pathological T, pathological N stage and poor prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Conclusion: AKIP1 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, stemness, activates PI3K-Akt, MEK/ERK, mTOR signaling pathways and correlates with worse tumor features and prognosis in prostate cancer.
Fusion of Hyperspectral Images. Looking at the structure of vegetal tissues: a case study.
Authors: Gómez-Sánchez Adrián , Marro Mónica , Marsal Maria , Zacchetti Sara , de Oliveira Rodrigo Rocha , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , de Juan Anna
Published: June 2021

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a useful non-invasive technique that offers spatial and chemical information of samples. Often, different HSI techniques are used to obtain complementary information from the sample by combining different image modalities (Image Fusion). However, issues related to the different spatial resolution, sample orientation or area scanned among platforms need to be properly addressed. Unmixing methods are helpful to analyze and interpret the information of HSI related to each of the components contributing to the signal. Among those, Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) offers very suitable features for image fusion, since it can easily cope with multiset structures formed by blocks of images coming from different samples and platforms and allows the use of optional and diverse constraints to adapt to the specific features of each HSI employed. In this work, a case study based on the investigation of cross-sections from rice leaves by Raman, synchrotron infrared and fluorescence imaging techniques is presented. HSI of these three different techniques are fused for the first time in a single data structure and analyzed by MCR-ALS. This example is challenging in nature and allows describing clearly the necessary steps required to perform unmixing in an image fusion context.
Prognostic Significance of the Albumin-to-globulin Ratio for Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Pembrolizumab: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Kawai Taketo , Nakagawa Tohru , Nakamura Yu , Kamei Jun , Obinata Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kenya , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Kakutani Shigenori , Tokunaga Mayuko , Uemura Yukari , Sato Yusuke , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Enomoto Yutaka , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Takahashi Satoru , Kume Haruki
Published: June 2021

Although the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) is a promising biomarker, no study has investigated its prognostic significance for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). This study conformed to the REporting recommendations for tumor MARKer prognostic studies (REMARK) criteria. We retrospectively reviewed 176 patients with advanced UC treated with pembrolizumab between 2018 and 2020. We evaluated the associations between pretreatment clinicopathological variables, including the AGR and performance status (PS), with progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariable analyses. The AGR was dichotomized as < 0.95 and ≥ 0.95 based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. After excluding 26 cases with missing data from the total of 176 cases, 109 (73%) patients experienced disease progression, 75 (50%) died from UC, and 6 (4%) died of other causes (median survival = 12 months). Multivariate analyses identified PS ≥ 2 and pretreatment AGR < 0.95 as independent poor prognostic factors for all endpoints. Furthermore, a prognostic risk model incorporating these two variables achieved a relatively high concordance index for all endpoints. This is the first report to evaluate the significance of AGR in advanced UC. Pretreatment AGR < 0.95 may serve as a prognostic marker for advanced UC treated with pembrolizumab.