bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angström-Prescott empirical model to estimate solar radiation in Norte de Santander, Colombia
Authors: Contreras-Sepúlveda Wilmer , Galban-Pineda Migan Giuseppe , Bustos-Márquez Luis Fernando , Sepúlveda-Mora Sergio Basilio , Ramírez-Mateus Jhon Jairo
Published: July 2021

The document shows the application of the empirical Angström-Prescott model in different places in Norte de Santander, Colombia. The model estimates solar radiation from hours of sunlight, at a site where brightness and solar radiation are measured. The data were obtained from the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies, IDEAM; algorithms were developed in RStudio to process and analyze the information. The model establishes a linear relationship between solar radiation and the hours of sunlight, in a specific geographic location. Therefore, regression analyzes were performed for three different sites, using historical records of brightness and solar radiation, obtaining the R-squared coefficients of: 0.73, 0.78, and 0.42. The models were then extrapolated to nearby regions with solar brightness records, but without solar radiation data, to obtain an estimate of radiation at these locations. Finally, a database was created with monthly average information on solar radiation for various subregions of Norte de Santander, which can be used for the design and implementation of photovoltaic systems.
Argumentación e inferencia en la lectura: propuesta de intervención en básica primaria
Authors: Zotaquira Martha Cecilia , Sánchez Reina Del Pilar
Published: July 2021

El presente proyecto pretendió resolver la pregunta de investigación: ¿cómo promover la lectura inferencial de textos argumentativos a través de prácticas pedagógicas en educación básica primaria? Una respuesta para los estudiantes de grado quinto de la Institución Educativa Saza de Gámeza, Boyacá, Colombia, Sede la Capilla, es mediante el diseño de guías flexibilizadas de aprendizaje a partir del proyecto de aula que favorecerán los procesos de lectura inferencial y crítica argumentativa. Para ello, se formuló y se aplicó una unidad didáctica enfocada en el fortalecimiento de la inferencia en los procesos de lectura, a través de elementos argumentativos para identificar y detectar de manera asertiva premisas y conclusiones. Se aplicó un diseño metodológico cualitativo con enfoque crítico social y de investigación acción participativa, vinculado al proyecto institucional Cultivo de Haba-Institución Educativa Saza. La intervención pedagógica brinda estrategias metodológicas de comprensión lectora, pertinentes y vivenciales.
Método de evaluación del pensamiento computacional y alfabetización en código
Authors: Cordenonzi Walkiria Helena , Del Pino José Claudio
Published: July 2021

Este artículo presenta un método de evaluación de pensamiento computacional para individuos adultos. Para lograrlo, se desarrolló toda la construcción andragógica de un curso, anclado en las teorías del aprendizaje significativo de Ausubel y de aprendizaje de adultos de Knowles. La propuesta consiste en presentar un modelo de referencia de pensamiento computacional, un método de evaluación y la clasificación de los sujetos. Como resultado de la aplicación de este método, es posible clasificar a los participantes en alfabetizado en código y pensador computacional desconectado. Este método se aplicó en un curso binacional, donde estudiantes brasileños y uruguayos comparten el mismo espacio de aprendizaje. A través de este estudio de caso y del análisis cualitativo de los resultados, el 25 % de los participantes alcanzó el estado de alfabetizado en código y el 12.5 % el de pensador computacional desconectado. Una contribución importante de este método es la combinación de instrumentos de evaluación y la clasificación resultante de los individuos, ya que no se han encontrado publicaciones similares a la fecha.
PENGARUH SERVANT LEADERSHIP, IKLIM ORGANISASI, DAN KEPUASAN KERJA TERHADAP KEPERCAYAAN ORGANISASI GURU [THE EFFECT OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATION CLIMATE, AND WORK SATISFACTION ON ORGANIZATION TRUST OF TEACHERS]
Authors: Natalia Natalia , Hidayat Dylmoon
Published: July 2021

Servant leader leading by not pursuing personal interest but striving to do the best for the organization and the people they lead. Servant leader can improve job satisfaction and trust of the people they lead. A good organizational climate also can triggers job satisfaction and organizational trust of the member towards the organization. This research was conducted with the aim to know the positive effect of servant leadership, organizational climate, and job satisfaction on organizational trust of the teacher in Sekolah Lentera Harapan Curug. This study uses quantitative approach with the subject of research amounted to 50 respondents. Path analysis and descriptive statistic were used to analyze the data collected. Result shows that (1) servant leadership has positive effect on job satisfaction; (2) organizational climate has positive effect on job satisfaction; (3) servant leadership has positive effect on organizational trust; (4) organizational climate has positive effect on organizational trust; and (5) job satisfaction has positive effect on organizational trust.

BAHASA INDONESIA ABSTRACT: Seorang pemimpin pelayan menjalankan kepemimpinan dengan tidak mengejar kepentingan pribadi tetapi berusaha untuk mengupayakan yang terbaik bagi kemajuan organisasi dan orang-orang yang dipimpinnya. Kepemimpinan pelayan dapat mendorong kepuasan dan kepercayaan orang yang dipimpinnya. Selain itu, iklim organisasi yang baik juga turut memicu kepuasan dan kepercayaan anggota terhadap organisasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh servant leadership, iklim organisasi, dan kepuasan kerja terhadap kepercayaan organisasi guru di Sekolah Lentera Harapan Curug. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan subjek penelitian sejumlah 50 responden. Metode pengolahan data menggunakan analisis jalur (path analysis) dan metode statistik deskriptif. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa (1) servant leadership berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan kerja; (2) iklim organisasi berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan kerja; (3) servant leadership berpengaruh positif terhadap kepercayaan organisasi; (4) iklim organisasi berpengaruh positif terhadap kepercayaan organisasi; dan (5) kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif terhadap kepercayaan organisasi.
PERKEMBANGAN MORAL SISWA SMP TERHADAP PERMASALAHAN BANTARAN SUNGAI ALALAK BANJARMASIN MENGGUNAKAN PENYELESAIAN MASALAH
Authors: Dela Yunisa , Arifin Yudi Firmanul , Putra Aminuddin Prahatama
Published: July 2021

Perkembangan moral merupakan dapat atau tidaknya suatu perbuatan atau tindakan yang diterima oleh sesamanya dalam hidup kemasyarakatan dan cara seseorang bertingkah laku saat berinteraksi terhadap sesama. Tujuan dari penelitian mendeskripsikan tahap perkembangan moral siswa SMPN 29 terhadap permasalahan bantaran sungai Alalak melalui penyelesaian masalah yang valid dan reliabel. Jenis penelitian adalah penelitian deskriptif menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini 8 orang siswa SMPN 29 ditentukan berdasarkan teori PMPMBS. Data yang dihasilkan dianalisis menggunakan analisa Miles & Huberman mencakup 3 tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Tahapan perkembangan moral siswa diperoleh 4 tahap teori PMPMBS yaitu PMPMBS 1 menyusun rencana bersifat sementara tetapi belum dapat memecahkan masalah dibantaran sungai Alalak, PMPMBS 2 membuat ide yang mampu merancang solusi masalah dibantaran sungai Alalak, PMPMBS 3 mempertimbangkan dan melaksanakan ide yang menjadi solusi sesuai rancangan untuk menyelesaikan masalah dibantaran sungai Alalak, PMPMBS 4 menunjukkan kemampuan mengevaluasi hasil solusi masalah dibantaran sungai Alalak.
Reduction of Magnetic Flux Density of Parallel Overhead Power Lines by Optimization of Phase Wires Hanging Order
Authors: Dymerets Andrii Vitaliyovich , Revko Dmitro Anatoliyovich , Krasnozhon Oleksii Vasyliovich , Krasnozhon Andrii Vasiliovich
Published: July 2021

Overhead power lines are one of the largest sources of the low-frequency magnetic fields. Such magnetic fields occur the harmful effects on human health and other biological objects. The current size of the security zones doesn’t provide a safe level of the magnetic flux density outside them. Therefore, the task of reducing the magnetic flux density value of the overhead power lines outside the security zone is urgent.
Some overhead power lines have sections where two lines pass parallel to each other at a short distance. For such lines the method of phase wires hanging order optimization can be applied.
For efficiency comparison of different hanging orders was chose two types of electricity pylons: portal (PB330-7) and triangular (P330-3). The cases both lines done by the same pylons were investigated. Analyze of different hanging orders efficiency was performed by mathematical simulation using MATLAB software. The magnetic flux density computation inside the security zone and outside it was done by a specialized simplified methodology of power lines electric and magnetic fields calculation.
It is shown that in case of identical phase wires hanging order and the same currents direction of two parallel lines there is a significant increasing of magnetic flux density value at the border of the security zone and outside it for both types of the electricity pylons. It is determined that with a certain hanging order it is possible to achieve a significant reduction of the magnetic flux density value.
For lines with electricity pylons of a portal type (PB330-7) the most efficient is the mirror order. It allows to obtain a decreasing of magnetic flux density more than 30 percent at the security zone border and more than 50 percent outside it. For pylons of a triangle type (P330-3) the most efficient is the nonsymmetrical order. It provides the decreasing of magnetic flux density up to 20 percent. In case of opposite currents direction, the most efficient is the same hanging order for both types of electricity pylons.
It is shown that optimal phase wires hanging order allows to decrease the magnetic flux density value outside the security zone border, to reduce the distance to border of the area with safe level of the magnetic flux density, to increase the phase current value at which the magnetic flux density value reaches the safe level within the security zone.
Interplay between γδT-Cell Metabolism and Tumour Microenvironment Offers Opportunities for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Barisa Marta , Fowler Daniel , Fisher Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Solid tumour targeting using adoptive cell therapy has failed to reproduce the spectacular clinical successes seen with chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies and B cell malignancies. Low in glucose, oxygen, pH and populated with suppressive cells, the solid tumour microenvironment (TME) remains a formidable obstacle to successful immune targeting. The use of atypical, tissue-tropic lymphocytes, such as γδT cells, may offer enhanced tumour trafficking over canonical αβT cells. Nonetheless, γδT cells too interact with the TME. The consequences of this interaction are poorly understood and of high translational relevance. Lopes and colleagues sho w that, in a murine context, low glucose environments preferentially retained pro-tumorigenic IL-17-producing γδT cells. Anti-tumorigenic IFN-γ-producing γδT cells, meanwhile, required high ambient glucose to survive and exert effector function. Unexpectedly, this metabolic imprinting was evident in the murine thymus, suggesting that the ontological separation of these functional subsets occurs early in their development. Elucidation of this relationship between TME glucose levels and γδT cell functionality in a human context is likely to carry significant implications for the development of γδT cell-based oncoimmunotherapeutics.
Can Digital Inclusive Finance Impact on the Rural Income? An Empirical Study in Henan Province, China
Authors: Li Xiuhui , Zhang Zihan , Yang Fan
Published: July 2021

This paper empirically analyzes the relationship between digital inclusive finance and rural income, and demonstrates that digital inclusive finance plays a significant role in promoting rural income, based on the 2012-2018 panel data of 17 cities in Henan Province of China. Further dimensional research unveils that all of its breadth of coverage, depth of use and degree of digitization present significant positive correlation with rural income, and a robustness test was conducted through the sub-sample method. In addition, according to regression analysis on the influencing factors of digital inclusive finance through the Tobit model, the level of economic development, the Internet popularity rate and the urbanization rate have a positive effect on the development of digital inclusive finance in Henan, while the income gap between urban and rural areas and the degree of opening up have a negative effect. Finally, predicated on the analysis of the restrictive factors of Henan’s digital inclusive finance in increasing rural income, the paper puts forward specific policy proposals based on the native state quo.
Comparative Study of Excavation Length Effect on Stope Stability in Underground Mining
Authors: Xu Huawei , Apel Derek B. B , Pu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2021

Keywords: underground engineering; numerical simulation; excavation length effect, major principal stress; displacement; damage initiation; CPU time
Effect of Storage Conditions on the Quality of Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Impact on the Composition of Flavor-related Compounds (Phenols and Volatiles)
Authors: Caipo Leeanny , Sandoval Ana , Sepúlveda Betsabet , Fuentes Edwar , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Metherel Adam , Romero Nalda
Published: July 2021

Abstract: Commercialization of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) requires a best before date recom-mended at up to 24 months after bottling, stored under specific conditions. Thus, it is expected that the product retains its chemical properties and preserves its ‘extra virgin’ category. However, in-adequate storage conditions could alter the properties of EVOO. In this study, Arbequina EVOO was exposed to five storage conditions for up to one year to study the effects on the quality of the oil and the compounds responsible for flavor. Every 15 or 30 days, samples from each storage condition were analyzed determining physicochemical parameters, the profiles of phenols, volatile compounds, α-tocopherol and antioxidant capacity. Principal component analysis was utilized to better elucidate the relationships between composition of EVOOs and the storage conditions. EVOOs stored at -23 and 23 °C in darkness and 23 °C with light, differed from the oils stored at 30 and 40 °C in darkness. The former were associated with higher quantity of non-oxidized phenolic compounds and the latter with higher elenolic acid, oxidized oleuropein and ligstroside derivatives, which also increased with storage time. E-2-Nonenal (detected at trace levels in fresh oil) was selected as a marker of the degradation of Arbequina EVOO quality over time, with significant linear regressions identified for the storage conditions at 30 and 40 °C. Therefore, early oxidation in EVOO could be monitored by measuring E2-Nonenal levels.
Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder After SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer Vaccination
Authors: Massel Dustin H. , Haziza Sagie , Rivera Sebastian , Mohile Neil , Subhawong Ty K. , Hernandez Victor H.
Published: July 2021

Case:

We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who developed left shoulder glenohumeral joint septic arthritis within 1 week of receiving the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Conclusion:

Common vaccine complications include injection site pain, fever, chills, arthralgia, and hypersensitivity reactions. A less common and more serious complication of septic arthritis has been reported and requires invasive treatment of surgical irrigation and debridement, and culture-specific parenteral antibiotic therapy. The current report highlights the clinical presentation and significant potential for serious complication with the improper technique. We urge vaccine administrators to practice caution and aseptic technique when vaccinating patients to reduce the risk of complication and morbidity.
The Risk Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Urban Soil
Authors: Li Yan , Feng Dike , Ji Meiying , Li Zhanpeng , Zhang Ruocheng , Gu Chenwei
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of China's industrial economy, heavy metals and other pollutants continue to accumulate in the environment, which has created serious threats for the ecological environment and human health. To comprehensively evaluate the ecological risks from heavy metals in the soil in Nanjing, China, as well as the status of the risks to human health, this study randomly collected 50 surface soil samples, and the contents of Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Ti, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the samples were determined, combined with the ecological risk index and the USEPA health risk assessment model for a comprehensive risk assessment of soil heavy metals in Nanjing. The results show that there has been heavy metal enrichment of Mn, Pb, Zn and other heavy metals in the research area in Nanjing city, and the variation coefficients of Pb and Cu are distinctly large; that is, the distribution of Pb and Cu in the research area shows a great fluctuation. These elements are all slightly polluting, among which the Cu heavy metal pollution degree is different, and Pb element pollution is the most serious. Children are at a high risk of exposure in various ways, among which Pb and Cu elements have a high risk of causing non-carcinogenic issues. Overall, Pb and Cu in Nanjing are important risk elements that should be monitored and controlled. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the content changes of Pb, Zn and Cu; Ni, Ti and Fe; and Zn and Pb had extremely significant correlations, indicating that they may have the same source; while Ti and Ca, Ti and Cu, and Pb and Zn showed opposite changes, indicating that their concentrations were inversely related. The results of the principal component analysis showed that industrial sources in Nanjing contributed the most heavy metals, reaching 34.4%. The second largest source was from parent material and fertilizer, which contributed 32.3% and 19.6%, respectively. The sources with the lowest contributions were from weathering and deposition, which reached 13.7%.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Intravenous And Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel With S-1 Versus Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel For Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma With Peritoneal Metastasis (SP Study)
Authors: Yamamoto Tomohisa , Fujii Tsutomu , Hirano Satoshi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Honda Goro , Uemura Kenichiro , Kitayama Joji , Unno Michiaki , Kodera Yasuhiro , Yamaue Hiroki , Shimokawa Toshio , Hashimoto Daisuke , Yamaki So , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Miura Fumihiko , Ueno Hideki , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Satoi Sohei
Published: July 2021

The prognosis of pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) with peritoneal metastasis remains dismal. Systemic chemotherapy alone may not be effective, and the combination of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with systemic chemotherapy is expected to prolong overall survival in patients with peritoneal metastasis. We have designed a randomized phase III trial to confirm the superiority of intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) paclitaxel (PTX) with S-1 relative to gemcitabine plus nab-PTX (GnP), which is the current standard therapy for patients with metastatic PDAC. A total of 180 patients will be accrued from 30 institutions within 3 years. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either i.v. and i.p. PTX with S-1 or GnP (target of 90 patients per group). The primary endpoint is overall survival; secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, response rate, proportion with negative peritoneal washing cytology during chemotherapy, proportion requiring conversion surgery, and adverse event profiles. This study has been registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, registration number jRCTs051180199 (https://jrct.niph.go.jp/).
Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Extracted From Guar Seedling Under Cu Heavy-Metal Stress By Trichoderma Harzianum And Their Bio-Efficacy Evaluation Against Staphylococcus Aureus And Escherichia Coli
Authors: Ahmadi-Nouraldinvand Farnaz , Afrouz Mehdi , Elias Sabry G , Eslamian Saeid
Published: July 2021

Copper nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with the help of the agriculturally beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum through a simple green and eco-friendly route. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the application of Trichoderma harzianum and assess the effect of guar plant cultivation on heavy metal contaminated lands of copper in municipal and industrial wastewaters, and 2) develop a method to increase the antibacterial effects on the risk of two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). Two factors were investigated: 1) two copper (Cu) levels, Natural Hoagland Arnold solution as a control, and application of 100 μlit Cu in Hoagland Arnold solution, and 2) two bio-fertilizer levels, no application as a control, and fungus application. Biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Diffusion disk, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) were used for the antibacterial tests. The results of TEM and SEM showed that the copper nanoparticles synthesize from guar extract, had a spherical structure, and a size of approximately 20 nm. The crystal structure from the XRD analysis, confirmed the synthesized particles as copper nanoparticles. The formation of Cu-NPs was confirmed by the FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of copper nanoparticles towards bacterial growth were evaluated. The copper nanoparticles and Trichoderma harzianum fungi presented antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The results suggested that green synthesis of nanoparticles using guar extracts can increase their antibacterial effect. The effect of copper nanoparticles and Trichoderma harzianum fungi on biochemical properties of guar was also investigated. The results showed that the highest antioxidant enzymatic activity and proline amino acid were obtained at 100 μlit Cu and T. harzianum fungi application. Moreover, the results suggested that the use of T. harzianum fungi can be useful in increasing the resistance to heavy metal stress in plants by increasing the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and secondary metabolites.
Sodium Titanate Synthesis For The Photocatalytic Degradation of NO
Authors: Bastida Marco Antonio Cueto , Maldonado Yadira Guadalupe , Vidal Yolanda Reyes , Lopez Myriam Solis , Gonzalez Eduardo Coutino , Ayala Fabricio Espejel
Published: July 2021

The synthesis and characterization of sodium titanates (ST) and its evaluation in the photocatalytic reduction of nitric oxide (NO) is described in this contribution. The materials were synthesized by an hydrothermal route using the following parameters; 5 M NaOH concentration used as TiO2 mineralizer agent, under 170 °C for 48 hours, and a dose of TiO2 of 0.06 mg/mL (expressed as the mass ratio of TiO2/mL with respect to NaOH); resulting in tri- and hexa- ST. A nanotubular morphology was observed for the ST as proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a subsequent heat-treatment at 400 °C allowed a complete transformation of tri- to hexa- sodium titanates to modify the bandgap. The obtained ST were impregnated with Ag+ and Zn+ cations, respectively (ST-Ag, ST-Zn), to tune the bandgap of the materials. XPS analysis of the ST-Ag materials showed evidence of metallic Ag pointing to the formation of silver nanoparticles, whereas for ST-Zn oxide phases were mainly spotted. The materials were evaluated for the photocatalytic reduction of NO using a reactor fed with a continuous flow rate of NO, generated in situ, at a flow rate of 280 ml/min using nitrogen and a 253 nm wavelength UV irradiation source. The photocatalytic tests showed that pristine ST (tri and hexa-titanate) was the photocatalyst that displayed the best performance in the reduction of NO with respect to the impregnated samples (ST-Ag, ST-Zn). Maximum efficiencies of 80% degradation were reached when using 1 g of photocatalyst with a flow of 280 ml/min and a lamp of 253 nm.
Exploration of Targeting Mechanisms of Cinnamon Essential Oil Against Water Borne Multiple Drug Resistant Isolate Aeromonas Hydrophila C4
Authors: Sagar Sadhana , Rani Sangeeta , Sanusree P.S. , Sru K.V
Published: July 2021

Introduction:Cinnamon is dietary part of almost every Indian, hence there is no harm to consume it or apply it as antibacterial agent. Herein, we have observed that 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 % concentrations cinnamon essential oil sufficient to control A. hydrophila within 5hrs of exposure. Cinnamaldehyde of is major component of used essential oil which has targeted the Flgn, Fij and Flja protein of flagella flowed by inhibition of swimming motility. Cinnamaldehyde was associated with damaging of cell membrane and leakage of electrolytes in extracellular environment.Aim of the study:In the current study cinnamon essential oil has been used to control the growth of multiple drug resistant A. hydrophila. A. hydrophila was isolated from well water system, and it was imipenem resistant bacteria as well. Materials and Methods: Cinnamon essential oil was characterized by using HPLC and FTIR. Antibacterial killing mechanism was determined by using electrical conductivity test, cytotoxic test by MTT assay, cell wall integrity test and motility test. Results:Cinnamon essential oil has potential to control the growth of A. hydrophila, and complete inhibition of cells was observed within 5hrs of exposure to 0.7% concentration of essential oil. By motility test and molecular docking it has been confirmed that for killing of bacterial cells, cinnamaldehyde of cinnamon essential oil targeting the cell membrane proteins as well as flagellar proteins Flgn, Fij and Flja.
Comparative Evaluation of Agronomic Performance of Selected Landraces And Improved Groundnuts Cultivars In Central Uganda
Authors: Mulumba John W , Kakeeto Ronald , Nankya Rose , Lwandasa Hannington , Isabirye Brian , Jarvis Devra
Published: July 2021

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is important for providing food, income, livestock fodder for smallholder farmers, and improving soil fertility. However, groundnut yields on farmers’ fields in Sub-Saharan Africa are still very low due to various constraints. Several groundnut cultivars are available within the farmer’s domain but the adoption of these varieties favours landraces as opposed to improved varieties. Limited information is available on performance of commonly grown cultivars for guiding selection by different user groups (farmers, breeders and other users). This study was thus designed to determine the performance of selected landraces and improved groundnut varieties in Uganda. 23 groundnut lines with varying degrees of tolerance to a range of stresses were evaluated at two sites. Results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05 to P≤ 0.001) differences among genotypes for yield. Significant (P≤0.05 to P≤0.001) varietal differences were also observed between landraces and improved varieties for growth and physiological traits but not for pest and disease reaction. Clustering was not evident on the basis of either landraces or improved cultivars for pests and diseases incidences. However, associations of a mix of both groundnut classes of with particular diseases and/or pests were observed. Varieties such as India, Serenut 10, Kabonge, and DOK Tan associated with diseases such as rosette virus disease and its vector pest, the aphids. The results reported in this study shall be useful for driving the development of new cultivars owing to their good adaptability and acceptance thus the need to conserve and ensure sustainable use of these germplasm.
A phase I study of anlotinib combined with platinum-pemetrexed in untreated non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Meijuan , Liu Yong-mei , Yu Min , Li Yan-ying , Zhang Yan , Zhu Jiang , Li Li , Lu You
Published: July 2021

Background

Anlotinib hydrochloride is an oral small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and it has been approved as third-line therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China. This dose-exploration study was designed to investigate the feasibility of anlotinib in combination with chemotherapy in patients with non-squamous NSCLC.
Methods

This phase I study followed a 3 + 3 dose reduction design with three dose levels of anlotinib (12mg, 10mg, 8mg). Anlotinib was given at an initial dose of 12mg with pemetrexed (500mg/m2) plus cisplatin (75mg/m2) or carboplatin (AUC = 5) on 21-day cycles for 4 cycles. The primary goal of the study was to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results

A total of eight participants were enrolled. DLTs were observed in two patients (pts) at anlotinib 12mg (grade 3 hand-foot syndrome and grade 3 appetite loss). No DLTs occurred at anlotinib 10mg and the MTD was 10mg. Among seven pts evaluable, four achieved confirmed partial response (PR) and three had stable disease (SD). With a median follow-up of 10.05 months, the median PFS was 7.00 months (95%CI: 2.76 to NE). Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) included appetite loss (n = 2), hypertension (n = 2), thrombocytopenia (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 1) and hand-foot syndrome (n = 1). No grade 4 or grade 5 TRAEs observed during the treatment.
Conclusion

The feasible dose of anlotinib in combination with platinum-pemetrexed as first-line therapy was 10 mg, which was well tolerated and showed promising antitumor activity in advanced non-squamous NSCLC.
A Regulatory Framework Assessment on Multispecies Urban Planning in Indonesia A Case Study of Two Indonesian Cities in Java and Borneo
Authors: Setiadi Rukuh , Nadhiroh Salma Zulfa , Rupprecht Christoph
Published: July 2021

Despite benefits for human civilization, urbanization has brought an enormous consequence to non-human species. Multispecies planning is a potential solution in response to increasingly insensitive urban planning to non-human species. This paper aims to understand the link between a national regulatory framework and its outcome in terms of urban spatial plan from multispecies planning point of view using indicators such as from protected forest to natural reserve and from ecological corridors to private yards. It examines whether the existing regulatory framework is an obstacle to the practice and implementation of multispecies planning ideas in a city. We employ a content analysis to assess 18 laws and policies at the national level. We also utilize a case study to test the spatial plan outcome in two areas in Indonesia, namely the city of Semarang (Central Java) and Barito Utara Regency (Central Borneo), in which also involve additional content analysis of 4 local regulations accordingly. The study successfully maps out the extent of relative emphasis of each multispecies urban planning indicators according to Indonesian national regulatory frameworks. The study also reveals that regulatory frameworks at the national level do not really determine multispecies urban planning practices at the local level, nor does the status of biodiversity assets owned by a city or region. Improving the literacy of planners, planning committee, and other key decision makers in multispecies planning is pivotal and warrants a further investigation.
Tricking Enzymes In Living Cells: A Mechanism-Based Strategy For Design of DNA Topoisomerase Biosensors
Authors: Ba Sai , Gao Guangpeng , Li Tianhu , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2021

Most activity-based molecular probes are designed to target enzymes that catalyze the breaking of chemical bonds and the conversion of a unimolecular substrate into bimolecular products. However, DNA topoisomerases are a class of enzymes that alter DNA topology without producing any molecular segments during catalysis, which hinders the development of practical methods for diagnosing these key biomarkers in living cells. Here, we established a new strategy for the effective sensing of the expression levels and catalytic activities of topoisomerases in cell-free systems and human cells. Using our newly designed biosensors, we tricked DNA topoisomerases within their catalytic cycles to switch on fluorescence and resume new rounds of catalysis. Considering that human topoisomerases have been widely recognized as biomarkers for multiple cancers and identified as promising targets for several anticancer drugs, we believe that these DNA-based biosensors and our design strategy would greatly benefit the future development of clinical tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Classificatied Prediction of Coronary Heart Disease Based on Patient Similarity Analysis
Authors: LI Xinyao , ZHANG Linlin , BI Xuehua , ZHANG Ying , YU Guanglei , ZHAO Kai
Published: July 2021

Objective:It is important for physicians' clinical decision support to classify the coronary heart disease (CHD).Customizing personalized predictive models for patients requires selecting a patient group from an existing medical database that most closely resembles the indexed patients. In this study,we introduce a new concept that using the patient similarity for the classification of patient with CHD.Materials and methods: We performed a structured representation of CHD patients. Obtain the multidimensional attribute distance matrix between patient pairs by calculating the multidimensional attribute distance of the patients. Predict similarity between patient pairs using machine learning (ML) models to predict clinical outcomes for indexed patients based on matched similar patients.Results:The new measure shows marked improvements over the traditional classification measures. LightGBM is the top-performing ML model. The best model achieved 88.52% accuracy.Conclusion:The medical applications of ML supported by similarity analytics represent a promising solution through which to reduce the physican workload to achieve the goal of “precision medicine”.
Segmentation of Lymph Nodes in Ultrasound Images using U-Net Convolutional Neural Networks and Gabor-based Anisotropic Diffusion
Authors: Chen Haobo , Wang Yuqun , Shi Jie , Xiong Jingyu , Jiang Jianwei , Chang Wanying , Chen Man , Zhang Qi
Published: July 2021

Objective Automated segmentation of lymph nodes (LNs) in ultrasound images is a challenging task mainly due to the presence of speckle noise and echogenic hila. In this paper, we propose a fully automatic and accurate method for LN segmentation in ultrasound. Methods The proposed segmentation method integrates diffusion-based despeckling, U-Net convolutional neural networks and morphological operations. Firstly, we suppress speckle noise and enhance lymph node edges using the Gabor-based anisotropic diffusion (GAD). Secondly, a modified U-Net model is proposed to segment LNs excluding echogenic hila. Finally, morphological operations are adopted to segment entire LNs by filling the regions of echogenic hila.Results A total of 531 lymph nodes from 526 patients were included to evaluate the proposed method. Quantitative metrics of segmentation performance, including the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Jaccard similarity and Dice coefficient, reached 0.934, 0.939, 0.937, 0.763 and 0.865, respectively.Conclusion The proposed method automatically and accurately segments LNs in ultrasound, which may assist artificially intelligent diagnosis of lymph node diseases.
Brazilian Private Health System: History, Scenarios, and Trends
Authors: Cruz June Alisson Westarb , Cunha Maria Alexandra Viegas Cortez da , Moraes Thyago Proença , Tuon Felipe Francisco , Linhares Gisele de Paula , Gomide Arivelton Loeschke , Marques Sandro
Published: July 2021

Background: Health care is a complex economic and social system, which combines market elements and public and social interest. This combination in Brazil, like systems in China and America, is operationalized through the public and private system. The sector represents approximately 9% of the country's GDP, of which 56% is privately sourced and 44% is of public origin. In the private sector, supplementary health includes a structure with 711 hospital medical health plan operators, 47 million beneficiaries and revenues of US$30 billion a year. Methods: Therefore, this research describes and analyzes the complementarity of Supplementary Health before the Brazilian Unified Health System, highlighting its main characteristics, scenarios, and trends in the face of the health system and the Brazilian market. This descriptive and exploratory research uses secondary data from various sources, submitted to quantitative data analysis methods. The object of the research is the history of supplementary health in Brazil and its main actors. Results: The data are organized into three groups, each with its approach of collection and analysis. Thus, it is perceived as the notorious growth of large operators, to the detriment of operators with a lower concentration of beneficiaries; the increasing concentration of the market through mergers and acquisitions promoted by large publicly traded corporations, especially in regions with a lower rate of supplementary health coverage; and the growth of the sector through business plans, whose central characteristic is the dependence on the country's employability rate.Conclusions: It is possible to perceive an intense trend of concentration of Brazilian supplementary health in large institutions that have capitalized and have a great appetite for growth through mergers and acquisitions, whether from smaller operators or health institutions that integrate their health networks, following complementary health models already consolidated in countries such as China, and the United, among others. This concentration projects a market with fewer options and competitiveness, reduction in transaction costs and operational effectiveness of care.
The barley leaf rust resistance gene Rph3 encodes a putative executor protein
Authors: Dinh Hoan , Singh Davinder , Cruz Diana , Hensel Goetz , Mascher Martin , Stein Nils , Perovic Dragan , Ayliffe Michael , Moscou Matthew , Park Robert , pourkheirandish Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Host resistance is considered the most effective means to control plant diseases; however, individually deployed resistance genes are often rapidly overcome by pathogen adaptation. Combining multiple effective resistance genes is the optimal approach to durable resistance, but the lack of functional markers for resistance genes has hampered implementation. Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei, is an economically significant disease of barley, but only a few major Resistance genes to P. hordei (Rph) have been cloned. In this study, gene Rph3 was isolated by positional cloning and confirmed by mutational analysis and transgenic complementation. The Rph3 gene, which originated from wild barley and was first introgressed into cultivated Egyptian germplasm, encodes a unique transmembrane resistance protein that differs from all known plant disease resistance proteins at the amino acid sequence level. Genetic profiles of diverse accessions indicated limited genetic diversity in Rph3 in domesticated germplasm, and higher diversity in wild barley from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Expression profiling using P. hordei isolates with contrasting pathogenicity for the Rph3 host locus showed that the Rph3 gene was expressed only in interactions with Rph3-avirulent isolates, a phenomenon also observed for transcription activator-like effector-dependent genes known as executors conferring resistance to Xanthomonas spp. Like the known transmembrane executors such as Bs3 and Xa7 heterologous expression of Rph3 in N. benthamiana induced a cell death response. Given that Rph3 shares several features with executor genes, it seems likely that P. hordei contains effectors similar to the transcription activator-like effectors that target host executor genes. The isolation of Rph3 highlights convergent evolutionary processes in diverse plant-pathogen interaction systems, where similar defence mechanisms evolved independently in monocots and dicots and provide evidence for executor genes in the Triticeae tribe.
The Role of miRNA-377 as a Tumor Suppressor in Lung Cancer by Negative Regulation of Genes Belonging to ErbB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hashemi Saba , Yari Naghmeh , Jamnani Fatemeh Rahimi , Mahdian Reza , Karimipoor Morteza , Zeinali Sirous , Rafiee Mohammad Hesam , Azizi Masoumeh
Published: July 2021

The ErbB signaling pathway plays important role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. We explored the role of miRNA-377 as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC through silencing of some genes in the ErbB pathway.Targeting the effect of miRNA-377 on EGFR, MAPK1, ABL2, and PAK2 was evaluated. The expression levels of these genes and miRNA-377 were surveyed in NSCLC and normal human tissues, Calu-6, and A549 cells. Real-time PCR was used to figure out whether miRNA-377 could decrease the target genes mRNAs in transfected lung cancer cell lines. The effects of miRNA-377 on apoptosis cell and proliferation were analyzed. We showed that miRNA-377 targets EGFR, MAPK1, and PAK2 mRNAs in in-silico and luciferase reporter assay. The expression of miRNA-377 was significantly downregulated in human NSCLC tissues, Calu-6 and A549 cells compared to their controls. We observed a negative correlation between EGFR, MAPK1, PAK2, and miRNA-377 expression in human NSCLC tissues. A significant reduction in EGFR, MAPK1, and PAK2 mRNA levels was detected, following miRNA-377 transfection in Calu-6 and A549 cells. The higher levels of miRNA-377 in Calu-6, and A549 cells induced apoptosis and reduced proliferation, significantly. All these data reveal that miRNA-377 functions as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
The Efficacy of Iodine-131-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy in Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Huihui , Xu Qiaoling , Yu Chunjing
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveNeuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Recently, multiple treatments have been practiced including Iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine radiation (131I-MIBG) therapy. However, the efficacy varies greatly. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of 131I-MIBG for relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma and to provide evidence and hints for clinical decision-making.MethodsMedline, EMBASE database and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. Eligible studies were clinical trials of refractory assigned to 131I-MIBG with data on efficacy including tumor response. The overall efficacy was calculated using a random-effects model considering of the heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 26 clinical trials including 883 patients were analyzed. The overall rates of objective response SD, PD and MR was 39% (95% CI: 32%-47%), 31% (95% CI: 24%, 37%), 22% (95% CI: 15%, 30%) and 15% (95% CI: 3%, 31%), respectively. Overall objective response rates of 131I-MIBG in combination with chemotherapy was 28%（95% CI: 14%, 44%）. Median event-free survival (EFS) ranged from 10 to 16 months in the studies included.Conclusion131I-MIBG treatment is effective on clinical outcomes in relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma, more randomized-controlled clinical trials investigating the efficacy of 131I-MIBG in combination with chemotherapy should be conducted.
Successful Treatment of Chronic Monteggia Fracture-dislocations in Children---A New Reference
Authors: Xu Ping , Zhang Zhiqiang , Ning Bo , wang Dahui
Published: July 2021

BackgroundGreat difficulty and more failures were the descriptions of a chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation. The treatment of chronic Monteggia lesion remains controversial and challenging for surgeons. This study aims to introduce our experience of a new reference in the treatment of chronic Monteggia fracture-dislocation in children and evaluate outcomes from clinical and radiographic findings.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 18 children who underwent surgical treatment because of chronic Monteggia lesion. Electronic medical records of clinical data, radiographic parameters, and operative details, were reviewed for study analysis. Parameters were compared at the time of pre-operation and the last follow-up. The relationship of lengthening and angulation of ulnar was calculated.ResultsMean interval time was 11.1 ± 15.7 months and follow-up time was 34.6 ± 23.7 months in this study. A congruent radiocapitellar reduction was observed in 15 (83.3%) patients, while 2 (11.1%) patients developed subluxation, and 1 (5.6%) patient had redislocation. The mean posterior bending angle was 12.88° (range, 3 to 25°), and the mean amount of elongation of the ulnar was 8.78 mm (range, 3.6 to 17.5 mm). The lengthening was significantly proportional to the magnitude of angulation of ulnar in good outcome patients (r = 0.637, p = 0.009), and the index was larger than the failed ones. Postoperatively, the Kim scores were obviously improved, from 59.17 ± 18.17 to 90 ± 6.64.ConclusionsWe highlight the ulnar osteotomy as the essential procedure during the reconstruction surgeries. Enough elongation and balanced angulation of the osteotomy is warranted to keep satisfactory outcomes. The ulnar should be lengthened to more than normal proportional ulnar length to stable the radial head reduction. Iliac crest autograft is recommended to avoid nonunion of ulnar osteotomy after enough lengthening.Level of evidenceLevel IV; Case Series; Treatment Study
Epigenetic Mechanism of TGF-β1 Promoting Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis
Authors: He Jianwei , Cao Weiwei , Fang Qinzheng , Azeem Inayat , Liu Wei
Published: July 2021

Objectives: It had been proved that TGF-β1 was correlated with onset of osteoarthritis in vitro and vivo. Here, This study was to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism of TGF-β1 promoting osteogenic differentiation in osteoarthritis. Methods: hBMSCs surface antigens were assayed by flow cytometry tests. qRT-PCR was performed to detect hBMSCs mRNA levels of RUNX2, PPARγ and SOX9. hBMSCs were stained by osteoalkaline phosphatase and alizarin red. The qRT-PCR and Western blot were both used to detect the expression levels of methylases, demethylases and osteogenic transcription factor RUNX2 after hBMSCs were cultrued in osteogenic medium coincubated with TGF-β1 solution. Results: hBMSCs were identified by over expressions of CD90, CD105 and CD44, as well as the positive multi-diffenentiation potential tests. hBMSCs bone alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining were observed to deepen in TGF-β1 group compared with the osteogenic culture group. The mRNA expression levels of EZH1, KDM2B, KDM4A/4B/4C/4D, and KDM6A /6B were increased in hBMSCs cultured in osteogenic medium. The expression levels of KDM6A/6B were shown increasement when TGF-β1 was co-incubated with osteogenic medium. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of KDM6A/6B were significantly decreased after SB431542 was added in the medium. RUNX2 was significantly inhibited by the addition of GSK-J4 solution, while KDM6A/6B expression level did not change significantly. Conclusion: The osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs was related to the enhanced expressions of EZH1, KDM2B, KDM4A-4D, KDM6A/6B. The expression levels of demethylase KDM6A/6B were positively regulated by the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs.