bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Safety Risks Associated with Hepatitis E Virus Detection in Wild Boar Liver
Authors: ANITA Adriana , POREA Daniela , COZMA Andreea , ANITA Dragos , SAVUTA Gheorghe
Published: May 2020

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has significantly impacted humans due to its potential to cause acute viral hepatitis. Discovery of hepatitis E virus in domestic pigs and wild boars worldwide and the realization that it is highly prevalent, raised concerns of the implications for food-borne transmission of HEV in Europe. Present work focusses on molecular detection of hepatitis E virus in wild boar liver samples, underlining the possible role of wildlife as a source of HEV transmission to humans. During hunting season 2016-2017, liver samples were collected from 37 wild boars in Iași and Suceava County. All tissues samples were submitted for RNA isolation followed by nested RT-PCR. Genetic characterization of wild boar HEV targeted the structural gene in the ORF2 region of hepatitis E virus genome. After specific amplification by nested RT-PCR of a 348 nt fragment from HEV ORF2, five liver samples positive for hepatitis E virus genotype 3 RNA were identified. In the present study HEV detection in Romanian fresh liver from wild boars highlights the importance of swine as a possible source of foodborne transmission. Moreover, our results along with the reviewed literature data emphasize the necessity of efficient food safety control measures implementation.
Introduction of Methods to Reduce and Remove Patulin from Food Products
Authors: ZIARATI Parisa , SHIRKHAN Faezeh , MOSTAFIDI Mahdieh , ZAHEDI Maryam Tamaskani , SAWICKA Barbara
Published: May 2020

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by different species of fungi of the genus Penicillium and Aspergillus, found in several species of fruit, and significant in apples. The purpose of this investigation is to the theoretical study of food contamination mechanisms by patulin and hazard of patulin for health. Various methods of determination of patulin and the possibility of reducing its level in apple-based products were analyzed. To reduce and remove patulin, several methods have been proposed that include post-harvest patulin control in products, pre-treatment control, and control by using physical and chemical methods, post-processing control such as packaging and using methods such as activated carbon or lactic acid bacteria. The standards and comparing the amount of patulin with them can be an important help in controlling this substance throughout the production processing of safe food.
Trace Element Content of Polyfloral Honey and Beeswax from the Vicinity of Non-Ferrous Metal Plant
Authors: NIKOLOV Bogdan , GOLUBINOVA Irena , MARINOV-SERAFIMOV Plamen , PETROVA Slaveya
Published: May 2020

Bees and their products occupy an important place in the trophic chain “toxicant-soil-plant-bee-bee product-man”, so it has been suggested that bees and bee products should be considered as not a costly method for monitoring of the environmental pollution. Aim of the present study was to analyse trace element content of polyfloral honey and beeswax, produced in three beehives, situated in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal plant and to assess the hazardous risk at consummation. For the purposes of the study, three beehives in this area have been chosen, as follows: BH1 – located at distance of 3.8 km from the smelter, SW; BH2 – at 4 km distance, NE; BH3 – at 4.6 km distance, SE. Content of Al, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn was determined by ICP-MS. Data revealed approximately low content of heavy metals and toxic elements. Beeswax samples were found to contain significantly more Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn, in comparison with the honey samples (p<0.05). On the basis of the trace elements content in bee products, the hazardous risk at consummation could be arranged in the following descending order: BH2 > BH1 > BH3.
Chemicals Migrating from Food Contact Materials: European Regulations, Characterization and Human Exposure (An Overview)
Authors: TOMA Diana , SOCACIU Carmen
Published: May 2020

Food contact materials have high societal importance due to their influence on food quality and safety. In the food chain production, food matrix may interfere with many types of materials, particularly with food packaging. During the last decades, the concerns related to food packaging (especially plastics) and the migration of chemicals from food contact materials increased significantly, being affected by the nature and complexity of the food, the contact time and temperature, the type of food packaging material and the molecular size of the migrators. Some of these migrators are toxic and/or have endocrine disrupting activity. This overview reveals recent data (since 2015) about food contact materials as a source of food chemical contamination, their compliance in Europe, the analytical characterization of chemicals migrating from food contact materials as well the human exposure to such chemicals. There are mentioned the most recent scientific articles and experimental data on these topics, available from official, public reports or web sources. The major point in defining shortcomings in the current food contact risk assessment mechanism and legislation is that safety of food contact materials is currently less guaranteed due to different risk assessment, authorization processes across the Europe and their problematic enforcement.
Consumers’ Requirements for Functional Foods
Authors: MAXIM Corina , FĂRCAȘ Anca , VODNAR Dan Cristian , TOFANĂ Maria , SOCACI Sonia
Published: May 2020

Although there is still no legal definition, functional foods are considered by the scientific community as providing additional benefits beyond the general benefits of nutrient intake and satisfaction of hunger. The bioactive compounds present in these products should provide a scientifically proven health benefit for the prevention, management or treatment of chronic disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consumers’ awareness, knowledge and interest for functional food consumption. The study was conducted on 120 respondents that answered a 16-questionaire distributed online. The participants were adults from rural and urban area, with different levels of education. The data collected from the respondents showed that women are more aware and interested in functional foods than the male respondents. Only 15% of the participants said that they do not know the meaning of the term “functional foods”. This study has shown that the knowledge and interest of consumers’ for the functional foods is influenced by factors such as gender, age, education or income level. The prices together with the sensorial and health benefits were among the decisive factors.
Improving Students’ Reading Comprehension Skills through the GOSCIENCE Project’s Methods
Authors: COLIBABA Cintia , COLIBABA Anca , GHEORGHIU Irina , COLIBABA Anais , URSA Ovidiu
Published: May 2020

The article is based on the GoScience project funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The project relies on the European context, where in spite of the development of science and technology fewer and fewer students follow a science career let alone one in agricultural sciences. As a result professors of science and their students from seven European countries have joined their efforts to identify innovative practices to motivate students to study and pursue a career in science. The aim of the project is to develop innovative tools for science teaching and learning which will make science education more appealing and empower students to take ownership of their learning. The article studies the main findings of the project’s research on methods and techniques used in teaching science and reading comprehension skills applied to scientific texts in foreign languages in Romania. The project’s research has identified a common conclusion: an effective reading comprehension instruction would bring about significant changes in students’ motivation to study science.
New Genotypes of Sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) Acclimatized and Bred at Buzau
Authors: VÎNĂTORU Costel , MUȘAT Bianca , BRATU Camelia , TSOKTOURIDIS Georgios
Published: May 2020

In Romania, during the 1980s, this species was studied in addition to other sweetener plants, such as Jerusalem artichoke, sweet sorghum, sweet iris, etc. After 1996, the researches were restarted intensively at Vegetable Research and Development Station Buzau by the Breeding and Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory. A valuable germplasm collection has been made for this species and the new genotypes will be proposed for approval.
Effects of Tomato Pomace Composts on Yield and Quality of Processing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: ROUSSIS Ioannis , KAKABOUKI Ioanna , FOLINA Antigolena , KONSTANTAS Aristidis , TRAVLOS Ilias , BILALIS Dimitrios
Published: May 2020

Organic farming encourages the use of organic waste materials as substitutes for chemical fertilizers. Tomato pomace presents an alternative to inorganic fertilizer. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of tomato pomace composts and nitrogen fertilization on agronomic and quality parameters of the processing tomato. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and five fertilization treatments (untreated, nitrogen fertilizer, tomato pomace with biocyclic humus soil, tomato pomace with manure and tomato pomace with plant residues). The results showed that the highest average fruit weight and fruit yield (163.4 t/ha) were found in plots subjected to nitrogen fertilization, while the highest total soluble solids content (4.29 °Brix), and L* and a* colour parameters, important quality parameters to processing tomato industry, were obtained through the application of tomato pomace mixed with biocyclic humus soil making organic tomatoes suitable for processing tomato industry.
The Influence of Cutting Roots on the Growth and Fruiting of ‘Top Group’ Plum Cultivars
Authors: MITRE Viorel , ANDRECAN Andreea , MOLNAR Sabin , CODREA Maria , MELNIC Vasile , LUKACS Lehel , MOLNAR Berta Ştefania
Published: May 2020

The influence of cutting roots on the growth and fruiting of ‘top group’ plum cultivars (‘Topfirst’, ‘Topfive’, ‘Toptaste’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Topend Plus’), under the pedoclimatic conditions of Sînmihaiu Almasului, in the centre of Transylvania, Romania, in 2017-2018, was studied. The trees were grafted on Saint Julien rootstock, trained as Zahn Spindel and the orchard had a density of 1000 trees/ha. Roots were cut twice, at 40 cm distance from the trunk, in an angle of 45° and 30 cm depth, as followed: first time in the autumn during the fall of leaves, on one side of the row and the second time in spring, at blooming time, on the other side of the row. The measurements were done each year after the leaves have been fallen. There were made observations on some growth parameters (length of shoots, height of trees, trunk sectional area, the fruits and vegetative branches ratio) and fructification (average yield for 2017-2018 period, and was determined the productivity index). The treatments influenced the shoot growth, height of the trees, cumulative yield, trunk cross sectional area, the ratio of the yield to a trunk sectional area, with differences statistically assured. Root pruning reduced the average length of shoots. The longest shoots, in mean values, gave the unpruned root variant (131.0 cm). Root pruning decreased the average length of annual growth (51.1 cm). The biggest average trunk cross sectional area with the unpruned root system was obtained (58.7 cm2). Also root pruning influenced the height of the trees. The best cumulative yield was obtained in the variant of root pruning system (28.75 t/ha) followed by the unpruned root system (25.87 t/ha). Finally, root pruning increased productivity. The biggest value was registered in ‘Tophit’ in the root pruned variant (0.73 kg/cm2). The lowest value of productivity index was obtained in the unpruned system.
How to Create an Effective Thematic Map
Authors: VASILCA Doina
Published: May 2020

Considering the evolution of automatic mapping programs and the huge amount of available data, the key elements that go into creating thematic maps are presented so that those less familiar with map-making might be able to craft accurate, reliable and illustrative maps.Here, we used ArcGIS Pro in order to exemplify the process of creating thematic maps presenting correlations between the number of emergency/total 112 calls and the population of Romanian counties. These freely-available data were classified using Natural Brakes, Quantile, Equal Interval, Geometric Interval, Standard Deviation, Defined Interval and Manual Interval, so as to highlight their relevant aspects. The value of the goodness of absolute deviation fit was calculated for each method and each data set. The maps were then created using combined choropleth and proportional symbol methods. The ratio between the total number of 112 calls and the county populations, structured into five classes, has been represented using choropleth method. On the resulting map, emergency calls have been represented with proportional symbols. Furthermore, aspects related to the other map elements were presented all in one place, in order to create a thematic map that would be easy to understand and interpret.The findings of the present paper could be used by those who want to represent their own data in a very suggestive and reliable manner, without having had any cartographic training beforehand. They could also more easily interpret their datasets and be able to take the necessary steps in their own domains of activity.
Implementation of Aerial Monitoring Technology in Permanent Grassland Management
Authors: POPESCU George , POPESCU Cosmin Alin , HERBEI Mihai , DRAGOMIR Lucian , SAMFIRA Ionel , BARLIBA Costel
Published: May 2020

In the last decade, in Romania, the management of large and very diverse agricultural areas from the point of view of the relief has been imposed especially the for the case of permanent grasslands. These ecosystems that are in balance due to the interdependence between the biotic and abiotic factors should be exploited according to correct management practices, supervised so that their level of production and quality should not be damaged. With the help of computer systems, the management and exploitation plan was established for 10-year periods corresponding to the period of renting these areas to livestock breeders. The present study aims at using the aerial monitoring with drone systems, the aerial surveillance of the correct implementation of management practices contractually assumed by the users and the breeders respectively. Thus, it is analyzed the quadratic processing of the surfaces, the compliance with the limits of rented areas, the observance of the load with animals per hectare (livestock unit LU) as well as of other management elements imported for maintaining and improving the condition of the permanent grasslands of Romania.
Airborne Bacteria and Fungi Concentration in Relation with Bedding Type in Broiler Houses
Authors: POPESCU Silvana , BORDA Cristin , EL MAHDY Cristina , LAZAR Eva Andrea , BLAGA PETREAN Anamaria , SPINU Marina
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work was the investigation of the effect of bedding type on the airborne concentration of bacteria and fungi in broiler houses. The study was performed in two commercial farms (A and B) with different bedding (chopped straw in farm A, sunflower seed hulls in farm B). The determination of the bacteria and fungi’s numbers was performed in the first and the sixth weeks of the production cycle. Both the concentration of the bacteria and fungi showed higher values in the farm A compared with the farm B, especially in the latter period of the production cycle. In both farms, significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded between the two periods of the determinations. The results of this study suggest that using sunflower seed hulls as bedding leads to lower levels of microbial contamination of the air in broiler houses, comparing with the use of chopped straw.
Clinical Relevance of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Dogs (Review)
Authors: DANCIU Cecilia Gabriella , OBER Ciprian Andrei , OANĂ Liviu , OGNEAN Laurenț
Published: May 2020

From the early 20th century, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was an invaluable diagnostic process in clinical neurology and later in veterinary neurology. For the clinicians, the CSF analysis provides reliable information about the neurological health and the presence of a disease.The purpose of this review is to bring scientific evidence and support for the current state regarding the clinical relevance of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in veterinary neurology. The utility of this review is to highlight the canine breed specific diseases in veterinary neurology and the role of CSF analysis for the diagnosis of CSF inflammatory disorders.The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid represents an important diagnostic tool, which has to be assessed in every neurological patient in order to obtain information about the central nervous system. Moreover, we strongly encourage to step forward with this diagnostic procedure and corroborate with the diagnostic imaging results.
Induced sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture in a rat model: hepatic and renal histological features
Authors: GAL Adrian Florin , BOGDAN Sidonia , RUXANDA Flavia , RUS Vasile
Published: May 2020

Animal models have been developed in an attempt to test potential therapeutic agents. The study aims to determine the hepatic and renal histological features induced by sepsis following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in a rat model. Regarding the material, we used 20 adult-male Wistar rats (control group 1, n=10, and group 2, n=10, that underwent CLP protocol). The experimental protocol was approved by the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Authority, Cluj (Romania), project number 116/11.05.2018. The endpoint of the experiment was pre-set to 10 hours post-surgery. A complete necropsy survey was performed. The main renal lesions detected histologically were: glomerular congestion and edema, hyalinization of glomerular mesangium, presence of hyaline in the urinary space with associated compression atrophy of vascular glomerular tuft, granules of hyaline in the lumen of cortical tubules, and reduction of the urinary space. The hepatic lesion identified histologically was represented by isolated miliary necrotic foci.
Contribution to the Epidemiological Study on the Main Pathologies of Ruminants Declared in the Central Slaughterhouse of Jijel (Algeria)
Authors: HAMIROUNE Mourad , DAHMANE Mohamed , CHENIGUEL Hadjer , CHAREF Amina , FOUGHALIA Abdelhamid
Published: May 2020

In order to assess the epidemiological situation of certain infectious and parasitic diseases of ruminants, a study was carried out in the central abattoir of Jijel on 625 animals (511 cattle, 74 sheep and 40 goats).The results showed that the overall organ contamination rate by the pathologies studied was 17.12% with a higher prevalence rate for fasciolosis (12.32%) compared to other pathologies. In addition, the lungs are contaminated with abscess and hydatidosis (3.04% and 0.48%, respectively), whereas the liver is mainly affected by fasciolosis, abscess and hydatidosis (12.32%, 0.64% and 0.48%), respectively) and the kidneys are affected only by cysts (0.16%). In parallel, the liver is more contaminated (13.44%) compared to the lungs (3.52%) and the kidneys (0.16%). In addition, with the exception of two weak positive correlations between hydatidosis and temperature (r = +0.01689, R2 = +0.00029) and between abscesses and precipitation (r = +0.27335, R2 = +0.07472), other high positive and negative correlations were observed between the rest of the pathologies and mean values of temperature and precipitation. Therefore, it is necessary to implement an extension program of all stakeholders in the industry in order to avoid significant economic losses and preserve consumer health.
The Conservative Approach to Dental Crown Fractures in Dogs and Cats
Authors: NEDELEA Raluca Ioana , TOMA Adrian , MARINCUS Andreea
Published: May 2020

Dental crown fractures in small animal pathology are common dental issues in every day practice. The most frequently performed procedure is extraction with all the negative consequences.The conservative approach to dental crown fractures involves endodontic treatment and coronal reconstruction in order to keep the fractured teeth on the dental arch.They were taken into study 74 dental crown fractures involving the pulp chamber, leaving the root undamaged.Clinical and radiological one-year check-up revealed us that the conservative approach to dental crown fractures in dogs and cats, when the selection criteria correspond to the indications of the specialized literature and when it is performed by latest protocols, is a reliable alternative to veterinary dental extractions.
An Overview of Specific Pathogens in Goat Mastitis
Authors: NOVAC Cristiana Ștefania , ANDREI Sanda , FIȚ Nicodim Iosif
Published: May 2020

Goat milk ranks fourth in terms of global milk production and lately it has become increasingly popular among consumers. Unfortunately, mastitis is one of the most common diseases that affects dairy goats, with serious economic consequences and food safety matters. The prevalence of clinical mastitis is lower than 5% and the main aetiological agent is S. aureus. On the other hand, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis is between 5-30%, with coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) representing the most often isolated microorganisms.The aim of this paper is to highlight the main aspects regarding the aetiology of goat mastitis, as well as the importance of the milk somatic cell count (MSCC) in the diagnosis process. Although the inflammation of the mammary gland in goats is not as frequently diagnosed compared to cow mastitis, there are several aspects worth discussing in order to fully understand the pathogenesis of intramammary infections.
Monitoring of Mycotoxins in Feed for Dairy Cows and Swine from Muntenia Region, Romania
Authors: MARINA Aneta , MIHAIU Marian , COLOBĂŢIU Liora Mihaela , MIHAIU Romolica , SOBOLU Rodica Cristina , CIOCA Ana Andreea
Published: May 2020

Mycotoxins have a strong negative impact on crops, animal health and human health. These secondary metabolites are toxic can cause major economic losses and illnesses (Zain, 2011). This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the most prevalent mycotoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), in feed intended for dairy cows and swine from farms located in the Region of Muntenia (Călăraşi, Giurgiu and Teleorman), Romania. 136 samples of fodder and forage intended for cattle and 37 samples for pigs were collected during 2017 - 2018. Some of the samples were analyzed within the national surveillance program and some on request. AFB1 has been extracted and purified in an immunoaffinity column specific for AFB1. Detection and quantification of toxic secondary metabolites were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). All four mycotoxins were detectable and quantifiable. The level of contamination was generally low. The maximum allowable limits for AFB1, OTA, DON and ZEN were not exceeded. The low level of contamination indicates no potential risks for animal and human health and suggests that the best practices in the management and storage of feed were applied in the studied area.
Epidermal and Melanocitic Tumors in Dogs and Cats: a Review
Authors: DUMITRAȘ Daria Antonia , ANDREI Sanda , GAL Adrian Florin
Published: May 2020

Skin is the organ-barrier which assures the isolation and the protection of the organism, but in the same time, it is vulnerable because of its continuous exposure to various environmental factors. Unfortunately, the prevalence of skin cancer in pet animals continues to rise. Several studies have been conducted with the purpose of establishing incidence rates of skin cancer in pets, revealing that regarding dogs, tumors of the skin are the most common, accounting for approximately 30% of all tumors. Similarly, skin tumors in cats are very often diagnosed, accounting for approximately 25% of all tumors (Meuten, 2012; Withrow and Vail, 2007).Considering the importance of deepening the studies related to skin cancer in dogs and cats, this review aims to emphasize the most common types of epidermal and melanocytic neoplastic lesions, highlighting their prevalence, the associated factors, the gross morphology and the histological features.
Anthelmintic Resistance in Equine Nematodes – A Review on the Current Situation, with Emphasis in Europe
Authors: SILVA Pedro Afonso , CERNEA Mihai , MADEIRA de CARVALHO Luís
Published: May 2020

Since the introduction of the last equine broad-spectrum anthelmintic group in the 1980’s, the investment in new drugs to control horse’s parasites did not result in new advancements. These drugs allowed a very effective and extensive control of equine nematodes through successful interval dosing programs, firstly introduced in the 1960’s. However, the widespread and indiscriminate use of anthelmintics in these intensive treatments have led to increasing resistance in the major equine nematodes. Reports of reduced effectiveness are virtually worldwide and repercussions in livestock production farms have already been seen.Based on recent questionnaires about horse farm practices, preventive measures and international recommendations, it is clear that most of them are still not being widely implemented. It is also clear that these recommendations are outdated and new approaches must be considered to correctly tackle this rapidly evolving issue in horse management, as more accurate diagnostic methods are currently available, such as Mini-FLOTAC. This article intends to do a general review of the history and current situation of anthelmintic resistance in horses, with emphasis in Europe, as well as, how to diagnose and delay or even prevent its further development, mentioning new methods of diagnostic and directions in which to develop research.
Teaching the Novel in the Audio Age
Authors: English James F.
Published: May 2020

According to Practically Every Metric of the Publishing Industry, Audiobooks are Winning the Format Wars. The Codex continues its twenty-first-century struggle to maintain market share, and the e-book has plunged into a steep decline, but the audiobook goes from strength to strength. Sales in the United States are up threefold in the last decade and more than fifty percent just in the last two years (“New Survey”; Watson). In the United Kingdom, unit sales have doubled and revenues tripled since 2014 (“Michelle Obama”). Roughly a quarter of adults in the United States, and half of all adult readers, now listen to at least one audiobook a year. To service this swelling customer base, the industry is producing over five thousand new full-length recordings every month, ten times as many as a decade ago. Audible's studio division has become the largest employer of actors in the New York City area (Kozlowski).
Thermal desiccation of geosynthetic clay liners under brine pond conditions
Authors: Ghavam-Nasiri A. , El-Zein A. , Airey D. , Rowe R. K. , Bouazza A.
Published: May 2020

Desiccation of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) in composite lining systems is investigated experimentally. Field conditions similar to those encountered in brine ponds (high surface temperature and low overburden pressure of 20 kPa) are simulated in two soil columns. The GCL is first allowed to hydrate from a sandy subsoil under isothermal conditions (44 days), then subjected to a thermal gradient applied through a heat source (78°C) on top of the geomembrane (39 days). Changes in water content, temperature of subsoil and movement of the surface during hydration and heating stages are measured. A sharp rise in moisture content is observed in the upper region of the subsoil immediately after the start of heating, which shortly dissipates. After 39 days of heating, the bentonite in the tested GCLs is dehydrated to around 8% gravimetric water content, down from over 100% after hydration. In addition, more than 3 mm of shrinkage of bentonite in the vertical direction is recorded. X-ray imaging after the tests reveals extensive desiccation cracking of bentonite. The study has confirmed the existence of a significant risk of desiccation of GCLs under thermal gradients and has generated data that are useful for validating models used for the prediction of GCL behaviour.
A Time-Updated, Parsimonious Model to Predict AKI in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Sandokji Ibrahim , Yamamoto Yu , Biswas Aditya , Arora Tanima , Ugwuowo Ugochukwu , Simonov Michael , Saran Ishan , Martin Melissa , Testani Jeffrey M. , Mansour Sherry , Moledina Dennis G. , Greenberg Jason H. , Wilson F. Perry
Published: May 2020

Significance Statement

Because AKI in hospitalized children is associated with poor outcomes, a tool allowing early identification of children at risk of developing AKI may facilitate timely interventions. The authors describe various machine learning techniques used to build a parsimonious model predictive of pediatric AKI. From an initial pool of 720 potential variables, they evaluated multiple feature selection techniques to create a ten-feature logistic regression model that could predict, in time-updated fashion, the risk of AKI in the next 48 hours. A machine learning-based genetic algorithm (reflecting the process of natural selection) was the best variable selection method, using ten factors extracted from electronic health records to use for AKI prediction. Risk-stratifying hospitalized children might allow clinicians to implement targeted and timely interventions prior to AKI development.

Background

Timely prediction of AKI in children can allow for targeted interventions, but the wealth of data in the electronic health record poses unique modeling challenges.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all children younger than 18 years old who had at least two creatinine values measured during a hospital admission from January 2014 through January 2018. We divided the study population into derivation, and internal and external validation cohorts, and used five feature selection techniques to select 10 of 720 potentially predictive variables from the electronic health records. Model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the validation cohorts. The primary outcome was development of AKI (per the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes creatinine definition) within a moving 48-hour window. Secondary outcomes included severe AKI (stage 2 or 3), inpatient mortality, and length of stay.

Results

Among 8473 encounters studied, AKI occurred in 516 (10.2%), 207 (9%), and 27 (2.5%) encounters in the derivation, and internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. The highest-performing model used a machine learning-based genetic algorithm, with an overall receiver operating characteristic curve in the internal validation cohort of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72 to 0.79] for AKI, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.83) for severe AKI, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.86) for neonatal AKI. To translate this prediction model into a clinical risk-stratification tool, we identified high- and low-risk threshold points.

Conclusions

Using various machine learning algorithms, we identified and validated a time-updated prediction model of ten readily available electronic health record variables to accurately predict imminent AKI in hospitalized children.
The Choice Between Public and Private Debt by Russian Companies at Different Stages of the Life Cycle
Authors: Rossokhin Vladimir , Ryabova Elena
Published: May 2020

The problems of formation of the company’s capital structure to date have already been studied well. A large number of theoretical papers and empirical studies devoted to this issue have been published. However, managers are confronted not only with the question of the optimal balance between equity and debt capital, but also with the choice of debt structure in the presence of several of its sources, such as public and private debt. This is a new paradigm in corporate finance. On the one hand, companies are not always ready to issue listed securities at the initial stages of their activity.  On the other hand, raising funds in open markets has several advantages. With the help of public debt, one can attract a sufficiently large amount of financial resources with a lower cost in comparison with private borrowing. At the same time, as a rule, the public debt is not secured by the assets in the proper amount.

According to the author’s opinion, in dealing with this question, companies can take into account not only the current state of the company and its financial indicators, but also the stages of the life cycle, since each of them has its own development features. The purpose of this study is to analyze whether life cycle stages and other financial indicators of a company affect the choice of a source of borrowed capital (private or public debt), thereby to contribute to the development of this research direction. The objects of study are Russian companies. In the empirical part of the study, the binary choice model had been applied.

The sample size is 1,818 companies, the financial statements for three years were used. The stages of the organization’s life cycle were calculated by the method of V. Dickinson. A number of control variables were also included in the model. The results of empirical analysis indicate that the company decides to issue public debt, regardless of the stage of the life cycle. This allows us to conclude that the company, when conceptually resolving the question about the structure of borrowed capital, relies on economic indicators such as profitability, size of the company, structure of assets and financial leverage. Understanding this fact can also help potential investors in making investment decisions to form conservative portfolios.
UKRAYNALILARA YABANCI DİL OLARAK TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETİMİNDE KARŞILAŞILAN PROBLEMLER
Authors: KARADAVUT Göknur
Published: May 2020

Küreselleşen dünya düzeni resmi sınırları ortadan kaldırmış gün geçtikçe çeşitlenen ve gelişen kitle iletişim araçları dünya ülkelerindeki farklı milletlerden insanların iletişimini ayrı bir boyuta taşımıştır. Ayrıca ülkeler arasındaki siyasi, ekonomik, bilimsel ve kültürel faaliyetler de günden güne artmıştır. Bu iki unsur yabancı dil öğretimini gündeme getirmiş ve bu alandaki çalışmaların hız kazanmasına zemin hazırlamıştır. Türkçe de Türkiye’nin dünya üzerindeki jeopolitik ve stratejik konumu ve dünya siyasetinde oynamış olduğu etkin rol dolayısıyla dünya ülkelerinin ve diğer milletlerin dikkatini çekmiştir. Bu da Türkçenin yabancı dil olarak öğretimi konusunu meydana getirmiştir.
Türkiye son zamanlarda çevresinin ilgi odağı ülke haline gelmiştir. Buradan hareketle Türkçe de öğrenilmesi gereken diller arasında yerini almıştır. Türkçe öğrenen topluluklar arasında Ukraynalılar önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Farklı dil ailelerine mensup bu iki millet hedef dili öğrenirken çeşitli zorluklar yaşamaktadır. Çalışmanın konusu olan Ukraynalılara yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde karşılaşılan problemlerin başında, Türkçenin sesletimiyle ilgili problemler, biçim bilgisi açısından yaşanan problemler, tümce kuruluşu açısından yaşanan problemler ve anlam bilgisine ilişkin problemlerin geldiğini görmekteyiz. Bu çalışmada yukarıda belirtilen yapı farklılıklarına, bireylerin bu farklılıklarından meydana gelen problemlerine değinilmiş, yaptıkları hatalar incelenmiş ve önerilere yer verilerek yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğrenimini Ukraynalılar için etkin bir hale getirmek amaçlanmıştır.
Sample fixation of biopsy tissue for Electron Microscopy (EM) v1
Authors: Riesterer Jessica , Stempinski Erin , Lopez Claudia
Published: May 2020

The most crucial step in the entire electron microscopy workflow is sample fixation. Tissue needs to be preserved in strong fixative as soon as possible to maintain cellular ultrastructure. In a clinical setting, fixation time is critical in order to capture precious human tissue adequately. Of course, priority is given to patient care, and therefore, the tissue sometimes cannot be handled as quickly as needed for optimal ultrastructure preservation. However, we recommend 2 minutes as a “best practice” time to start of preservation.
The Role of a Region in the Implementation of Innovative Projects for Non-Defence High-Technology Production
Authors: Erygin Iurii V. , Borisova Elena V.
Published: May 2020

The article discusses the problems of involving the innovative potential of enterprises of the military-industrial complex in the implementation of innovative projects for the non-defence high-technology production, as well as determining the role and place of the regional innovation infrastructure in their implementation. The aim of the study is to justify the role of a region in the implementation of innovative projects for the non-defence high-technology production, to determine features and formulate requirements for the development of the regional innovation infrastructure that provides support for these innovative projects based on the interaction of the regional innovation system enterprises with the military-industrial complex and infrastructure facilities at the national and international levels. As a result of the study, the authors highlighted the most important areas of interaction between the enterprises of the military-industrial complex and the region’s innovative infrastructure facilities (raising funds, promoting high-tech civilian products to national and international markets, etc.) and formulated the requirements for its formation. The results of the study can be used in managing the innovative development of the regions where high-tech enterprises of the militaryindustrial complex are located
Introducing Norwegian Oil and Gas Model in Russia: Institutional Challenges
Authors: Kryukov Valeriy A. , Krivorotov Andrey K.
Published: May 2020

While the Norwegian oil and gas model is a popular reference case in Russia, one should realize that it has developed over time within a specific national, historical and institutional context. The core role in this model belongs to the Norwegian state in terms of resource management, establishing the regulatory framework, massive taxation, and actual involvement in the business, first of all through the national petroleum company Statoil/Equinor. Equinor has evolved since 1972 from a modest carried partner to a large streamlined corporation, operating in 35 countries and focusing heavily on global technological leadership. All investors, either state-owned or private, are put under the same public scrutiny and stimulated with non-fiscal incentives, such as political stability, predictable regulations and abundant geological information. This large scale government intervention relies on proactive, professional and incorrupt bureaucracy enjoying broad powers. Much of this practice is not common and may not be introduced directly in Russia, which tends to limit the role of public servants and rely on big state corporations. However, the Norwegian experience seems very relevant for the urgently needed overhaul of the Russian energy policies, both offshore and in Western Siberia
Software Implementation of Statistical Modeling of Loads and Accounting for Multimodality of Electric Networks
Authors: Gerasimenko Alexey A. , Puzyrev Evgeny V.
Published: May 2020

Based on earlier authors’ software development, a single multifunctional software complex “POTERI V1.1: SETI, REG10PVT” (hereinafter POTERI) was created, which provides accurate and reliable calculation of energy losses in electric networks with a voltage of 6–110 (220) kV. The paper presents the general structure of the POTERI software complex together with a brief description of the software modules SETI, REG10PVT, VES, RES and their performance features. The software modules and algorithms, as well as the whole complex are tested at the network enterprises of the Russian Federation
Los currículos de formación de profesores de Educación Física y el Síndrome de Estocolmo: explicaciones para el choque con la realidad
Authors: Neira Marcos Garcia
Published: May 2020

Este artículo analiza los currículos de la formación inicial en Educación Física con el objetivo de obtener aclaraciones con respeto al llamado “choque de realidad”. Los datos obtenidos a través de observaciones, análisis de documentos y entrevistas con docentes y discentes, han sido confrontados con las referencias teóricas de los Estudios Culturales. Las interpretaciones realizadas indican que las experiencias de formación durante los cursos de Educación Física pueden ser responsabilizadas por las dificultades enfrentadas por los egresos así que esos empiezan sus carreras. Los jóvenes profesores tienden a culpabilizar los alumnos sin cuestionar su formación, y experimentan una relación que se asemeja a la Síndrome de Estocolmo.
La producción de una educación contemporánea: la experiencia con el cine y el olvido
Authors: Junior Donald Hugh de Barros Kerr
Published: May 2020

Una vez que ya se sabe de tantos métodos para “formar” un profesor que, en su mayoría privilegian la memoria, el pensamiento racional, el retorno al mismo y la identidad, a partir de algunas relaciones entre experiencias con el cine y el olvido. ¿Se pregunta por donde va? ¿Cómo trabajar una “formación” docente buscando encontrar lo que no se sabe? ¿Cómo permitir un encuentro cuando se quiere apostar a olvido? En este artículo se aproximan las imágenes del cine, según Gilles Deleuze, y el concepto de olvido, a partir de Jean – Louis Chréhen, deseando trabajar otra idea de “formación” de profesores. Junto a esta aproximación, también se considera el texto del artículo en sus rupturas y reflexiones, modo necesario para pensar en educación como creación e invención.
Factores asociados con la adherencia a la actividad física en el tiempo libre
Authors: Vélez Elkin Fernando Arango , Villada Fredy Alonso Patiño , Cardona Gildardo Díaz
Published: May 2020

Introducción: existe en Colombia poco conocimiento respecto a los facto- res asociados con la adherencia al ejercicio. Objetivo: evaluar los factores asociados con la adherencia a la actividad física en el tiempo libre (AFTL) de los adultos que participan en un programa de actividad física (AF). Mé- todos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo de Casos y Controles. Se definió como caso a quien realizó durante un periodo de 5 meses un promedio 150 minutos o más de AFTL por semana a una intensidad moderada ó 75 minutos a una intensidad vigorosa; como control se tomó a quien no cum- plió con los anteriores requisitos. Se evaluaron variables independientes sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y osteomuscular, y las motivacionales para la práctica del ejercicio. Los datos se analizaron por medio de un modelo de regresión logística multivariado. Resultados: la muestra la conformaron 176 personas usuarias de un programa de AF, en su mayoría mujeres (69,3%); el promedio de edad fue de 55,7 años. Las variables asociadas con la adherencia a la AFTL fueron el antecedente personal de artrosis (OR 0,392; IC95% 0,184-0,837; p=0,016) y la edad (OR 1,027; IC95% 1,001-1,054; p=0,041), las cuales explicaron el 8,0% de la variabilidad. Conclusiones: las variables que se asociaron en forma independiente con la adherencia a la AFTL fueron la edad y el anteceden- te personal de artrosis. Se requiere realizar nuevos estudios que incluyan otras variables que puedan explicar en forma más global este fenómeno.
Niveles y estados de cambio de la actividad física en una comunidad universitaria de Medellín-Colombia
Authors: Serna Víctor Hugo Arboleda , Vélez Elkin Fernando Arango , Feito Yuri
Published: May 2020

Este estudio se planteó como objetivos determinar los niveles y los estados de cambio frente a la actividad física en la comunidad universitaria del campus “Ciudadela de Robledo” de la Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. Participaron de manera voluntaria 92 estudiantes, 72 docentes y 45 emplea- dos; utilizando un muestreo aleatorio simple para cada grupo. Se empleó el Cuestionario Global de Actividad Física (GPAQ) para identificar los niveles de actividad física, y el Sample Physical Activity Questionnaire para los estados de cambio; las encuestas fueron recolectadas durante el segundo semestre del año 2012. Se manejó el programa estadístico SPSS versión 21 para el análisis de los datos, utilizando técnicas de distribución de frecuencias para realizar el análisis descriptivo; las variables cualitativas fueron analizadas de acuerdo al vínculo con la universidad y al sexo, utilizando la prueba de X2 para comparar las proporciones. Pudo identificarse que el 51,1% de los estudiantes, el 48,6% de los docentes y el 46,7% de los empleados presentan niveles altos de AF. La mayor proporción encontrada para los estados de cambio de acuerdo al vín- culo, la obtuvo el estado de mantenimiento, 47,2% para los docentes, 28,9% para los empleados y 26,1% para los estudiantes. Los resultados del presente estudio podrían servir como insumos para la creación de estrategias que per- mitan mejorar los programas deportivos y de AF del campus universitario, y busquen incrementar los niveles de AF de la población.
Resenha do livro: O corpo utópico, as heterotopias
Authors: Mendes Maria Isabel Brandão de Souza , Medeiros Rosie Marie Nascimento de
Published: May 2020

Esta resenha analisa o livro “O corpo utópico, as heterotopias”, de Michel Foucault. A obra analisada traz contribuições emblemáticas para o debate sobre corpo e espaço. O livro tem relevância para os estudos nas humanidades, evidenciando espaços diferentes capazes de aglutinar corpos diversos que não são levados em consideração dentro de sistemas normalizadores.
Hábitos de ocio en estudiantes de música: el caso del Conservatorio del Tolima, Colombia
Authors: TOVAR TORRES HERNAN GILBERTO
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Identificar y describir los hábitos de ocio de las y los estudiantes de carreras de música del Conservatorio del Tolima, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de tipo cuantitativo. Hace parte de una investigación más amplia sobre ocio y salud, se analizan dos dimensiones del cuestionario ad hoc, “características formación musical” y “hábitos tiempo libre”. Resultados: se muestra una alta pasión personal por los estudios de carreras de música. Poca disponibilidad de tiempo libre en un día normal de estudio. Preferencias de ocio sedentarias y correspondidas con los estudios musicales, percibiendo alto grado de satisfacción. Desean realizar principalmente actividades de ocio como viajar visitar museos y actividad físico-deportiva, encontrando barreras como no tener tiempo e inexistencia de oferta universitaria. Conclusión: se identifica la necesidad de modificar hábitos de ocio en este colectivo para conseguir mayor prevención de los problemas de salud que aquejan al músico durante su formación universitaria.
Significaciones sobre cuerpo en el campo académico de la Educación Física argentina
Authors: Galak Eduardo , Boyezuk Agustina , Moya Agustina
Published: May 2020

Este estudio interpela significaciones desde una perspectiva sociopedagógica sobre el concepto “cuerpo” en la revista Educación Física y Ciencia desde su inicio en 1995 hasta 2016. Para ello, primero se desarrolla un trabajo bibliométrico relevando datos y mapeando esta publicación paradigmática del campo académico de la Educación Física argentina. Luego, se interpretaron los datos obtenidos cuantitativos y cualitativos, y con ello se construyeron una serie de categorías analíticas, identificándose una recurrencia en los artículos respecto de la relación del cuerpo con: el género, las representaciones culturales, el biopoder, la epistemología, la biología y los procesos de escolarización. Esta investigación se propone observar qué sentidos sobre “cuerpo” circulan en el campo académico de la Educación Física argentina, considerando para ello los aspectos contextuales en los cuales se ha ido desarrollando la revista, los actores que producen y reproducen el conocimiento y las conceptualizaciones sobre el cuerpo.