bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteome Based de novo Sequencing of Novel Conotoxins from Marine Molluscivorous Cone Snail Conus amadis and Neurological Activities of Its Natural Venom in Zebrafish Model
Authors: Rajesh R.P. , Franklin Jayaseelan B. , Badsha Iffath , Arjun P. , Jain Ruchi P. , Vignesh M.S. , Kannan Rajesh R.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Conus amadis is a carnivorous snail found abundantly in coastal waters of India. Despite its abundance in southern coastal waters of India and the fact that most of the conotoxin act in neuronal system, research work on Conus amadis venom was not much focused. So we have made a brief study on the venom complex of Conus amadis to identify the library of novel conotoxins and to screen the natural venom for neurological function.

Objective:

De novo sequencing of novel conopeptides from the venom cocktail of Conus amadis and to screen its natural venom for the presence of biological activities in zebrafish model.

Methods:

Proteome based MALDI-TOF and LC-MS-MS analysis for identification of novel conotoxins and subsequent sequencing. Due to the complex disulfide rich nature of the venom peptides, the study also involves global chemical modification experiments of the venom extract to unambiguously determine the sequence of novel conotoxins. Biological function analysis of natural venom was tested in zebrafish model to ascertain anti-epileptic properties.

Results:

In this study, we have identified 19 novel conotoxins containing 1, 2 & 3 disulfides, belonging to different classes. Among them, 2 novel contryphans, 3 T-superfamily conotoxins, 2 A-superfamily conotoxins and 2 Mini M-Superfamily conotoxins were sequenced to its amino acid level from the fragmented spectrum of singly and doubly charged parent ions using de novo sequencing strategies. ama1054, a contryphan peptide toxin, possesses post translationally modified bromo tryptophan at its seventh position. Except ama1251, all the sequenced peptide toxins possess modified C-terminal amidation. Crude venom exhibited anticonvulsant properties in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in zebrafish larvae, which suggested anti-epileptic property of the venom cocktail. Acetylcholinesterase activity was also identified in the venom complex.

Conclusion:

Based on the preliminary evidence, if this study is extended further through bioassay guided purification, could possibly yield peptide toxins with anticonvulsant and other neurologically active molecules.
Plasma Clusterin as a Potential Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shi XinRui , Xie BeiJia , Xing Yi , Tang Yi
Published: October 2019

Background:

Plasma clusterin has been reported to be associated with the pathology, prevalence,
severity, and rapid clinical progress of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, whether plasma
clusterin can be used as a biomarker of AD is inconsistent and even conflicting.

Objective:

We conducted this study to evaluate the potential of plasma clusterin as the biomarker of AD.

Method:

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies on the relationship
between plasma clusterin levels and AD diagnosis, risk and disease severity. We also compared
the difference in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) clusterin levels between AD and control groups. We
converted and pooled data using standardized mean difference, Pearson linear regression model and the
Cox regression model.

Results:

A total of 17 articles and 7228 individuals, including 1936 AD were included. The quality
ranged from moderate to high. There was no difference in plasma clusterin between AD and control
groups (SMD= 0.19 [-0.10, 0.48], p=0.20). Plasma clusterin levels were not correlated with the risk
(RR=1.03 [0.97-1.09], p=0.31), the MMSE scores (R=0.33 [-0.06, 0.71], p= 0.09), and the integrated
neuropsychological measurements (R=0.21 [-0.20, 0.63], p=0.31) of AD. Additionally, there was no
difference in CSF clusterin between AD and control groups (SMD=1.94 [ -0.49, 4.37], p=0.12).

Conclusion:

Our meta-analysis suggested no relationship between plasma clusterin levels and the diagnosis,
risk, and disease severity of AD and no difference in the CSF clusterin between AD and the control
groups. Overall, there is no evidence to support plasma clusterin as a biomarker of AD based on the
pooled results.
Anti-Alzheimer’s Materials Isolated from Marine Bio-resources: A Review
Authors: Rathnayake Anuruddhika Udayangani , Abuine Racheal , Kim Yong-Jae , Byun Hee-Guk
Published: October 2019

The most common type of dementia found in the elderly population is Alzheimer’s disease. The disease not only impacts the patients and their families but also the society therefore, the main focus of researchers is to search new bioactive materials for treating AD. The marine environment is a rich source of functional ingredients and to date, we can find sufficient research relating to anti- Alzheimer’s compounds isolated from marine environment. Therefore, this review focuses on the anti- Alzheimer’s material from marine bio-resources and then expounds on the anti-Alzheimer’s compounds from marine seaweed, marine animal and marine microorganisms. Moreover, because of the complexity of the disease, different hypothesizes have been elaborated and active compounds have been isolated to inhibit different stages of pathophysiological mechanisms. Sulfated polysaccharides, glycoprotein, and enzymatic hydrolysates from marine seaweeds, peptides, dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and skeletal polysaccharide from marine animals and secondary metabolites from marine microorganism are summarized in this review under the anti-Alzheimer’s compounds from the marine.
Novel Quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione Derivatives Against Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Rogerio Kamilla Rodrigues , Graebin Cedric Stephan , Pinto Domingues Luiza Helena , Oliveira Luana Santos , de Souza Fernandes da Silva Vitoria , Daniel-Ribeiro Claudio Tadeu , Carvalho Leonardo J.M. , Boechat Nubia
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

In this work DHPMs were combined with the quinoline nucleus to obtain new
quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione compounds with improved antiplasmodial activity as
well as decreased cytotoxicity. Nineteen quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione derivatives connected
by a linker group to quinolone ring moieties with different substituents were synthesized and assayed
against P. falciparum.

Materials and Methods:

Nineteen quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione derivatives connected
by a linker group to quinoline ring moieties with different substituents were synthesized and assayed
against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, along with the reference drug chloroquine.
Among these compounds, the derivatives with two methylene carbon spacers showed the best activity
accompanied by low cytotoxicity.

Results:

The derivative without substituents on the aromatic ring (2a) and the derivative with a chlorine
group at position 4 (2d) provided the best results, with IC50 = 1.15 µM and 1.5 µM, respectively.

Conclusion:

Compared to the parent drugs, these compounds presented marked decreases in cytotoxicity,
with MDL50 values over 1,000 µM and selectivity indexes of >869.5 and >666.6, respectively. The
quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione framework appears to be promising for further studies as
an antimalarial for overcoming the burden of resistance in P. falciparum.
Functionalization of Silver Nanoparticles Loaded with Paclitaxel-induced A549 Cells Apoptosis Through ROS-Mediated Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zou Jianjun , Zhu Bing , Li Yinghua
Published: October 2019

Background:

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the most important and effective anticancer drugs for
the treatment of human cancer. However, its low solubility and severe adverse effects limited clinical
use. To overcome this limitation, nanotechnology has been used to overcome tumors due to its excellent
antimicrobial activity.

Objective:

This study was to demonstrate the anticancer properties of functionalization silver nanoparticles
loaded with paclitaxel (Ag@PTX) induced A549 cells apoptosis through ROS-mediated signaling
pathways.

Methods:

The Ag@PTX nanoparticles were charged with a zeta potential of about -17 mv and characterized
around 2 nm with a narrow size distribution.

Results:

Ag@PTX significantly decreased the viability of A549 cells and possessed selectivity between
cancer and normal cells. Ag@PTX induced A549 cells apoptosis was confirmed by nuclear condensation,
DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, Ag@PTX enhanced the anti-cancer
activity of A549 cells through ROS-mediated p53 and AKT signalling pathways. Finally, in a xenograft
nude mice model, Ag@PTX suppressed the growth of tumors.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that Ag@PTX may be a candidate as a chemopreventive agent and
could be a highly efficient way to achieve anticancer synergism for human cancers.
Imaging Strategies for Rectal Cancer Initial Staging: Does Pelvic Computed Tomography Provide Significantly Additional Findings when High-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging has Been Performed?
Authors: Liu Li-Yan , Liu Li-Heng
Published: October 2019

Background:

Initial staging of rectal cancer is done by high-resolution magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), however, pelvic computed tomography (CT) is also frequently used. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the added clinical benefit of pelvic CT or whether it can alter the
initial staging or not.

Methods:

The study was composed of 187 patients with rectal cancer. Firstly, imaging except pelvic
CT was evaluated. Secondly, the pelvic CT was evaluated and the staging was adjusted according
to the new findings. Subsequently, the two staging results were compared to investigate
the added clinical benefit of pelvic CT.

Results:

Compared with the imaging data except pelvic CT, new findings revealed by the pelvic
CT included metastases of the pelvic bone (n = 1) and pelvic peritoneum (n = 3). However, the
new findings did not change the primary staging. Of the three patients with pelvic peritoneal metastasis,
two were already determined with peritoneal involvement and ascites by abdominal CT,
and the third patient was observed with liver and distant lymph node metastasis. Thus, none of
their initial stagings needed to be changed.

Conclusions:

The addition of pelvic CT to the pre-treatment imaging strategy cannot provide
added clinical benefit for the primary evaluation of rectal cancer.
Virtual Screening-Based Discovery of Potent Hypoglycemic Agents: In Silico, Chemical Synthesis and Biological Study
Authors: Khedr Mohammed A. , Mohafez Omar M. M. , Al-Haider Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV has been reported to be an important target for the
development and discovery of new therapies for diabetes mellitus type II.

Objective:

The main aim of this study was to discover chemical entities that target the inhibition of
DPP IV and feature potent hypoglycemic action.

Methods:

A structure-based virtual screening was applied to discover new hypoglycemic agents.
Molecular docking was performed to compute the binding free energies. Molecular dynamics simulations
were done to evaluate the binding stability of resulted hits.

Results:

Seven small non-peptide potential inhibitors of Dipeptidyl peptidase IV with 3-imino-4-(4-
substituted phenyl)-1, 2, 5-thiadiazolidine-1,1-dioxide scaffold were discovered. The binding free
energies ranged from -24.50 to -36.06 kJ/mol. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed high stability
of all protein-ligand complexes with low root mean square deviation over 10 ns simulation
time. The tested compounds expressed a significant reduction in blood glucose level up to 90%
with excellent oral glucose tolerance test after 120 minutes of injection in a diabetes mellitus type II
animal model. A promising release of insulin was observed with a potential hypoglycemic activity
for all compounds.

Conclusion:

The virtual screening was successful to discover potent hypoglycemic agents with
drug-like properties that may need more consideration for future studies and development.
Dietary Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids as Potential Anti-Cancer Agents: Current State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bonta Ramesh K.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Cancer is a rapidly growing disease and the second most leading cause of death
worldwide. Breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer are the most diagnosed types of cancer among the majority
of the population. The prevalence of these cancers is increasing rapidly due to the lack of effective drugs. The
search for anti-cancer bioactive components from natural plant sources is gaining immense significance. The
aim of the paper is to introduce the readers about the in vitro and in vivo biochemical mechanisms of phenolic
acids and flavonoids in these four types of cancers.

Methods:

A literature search was carried out in databases, including Scopus, SciFinder, Springer, Science direct
and Google. The main keywords used were fruits & vegetables, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anticancer, bioavailability,
etc. The data obtained were integrated and analyzed.

Results:

The study revealed the potential molecular mechanisms of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which include
the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, induction of Poly ADP ribose
polymerase cleavage, downregulation of Matrix metalloproteinases-2 and Matrix metalloproteinases-9 activities,
decreased levels of B-cell lymphoma-2, etc. Promising effects of phenolic acids and flavonoids have been observed
against breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers.

Conclusion:

The in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer mechanisms of phenolic acids and flavonoids have been revealed
in this study. With the knowledge of specific molecular targets and the structural-functional relationship
of bioactive compounds, the current review will open a new gateway for the scientific community and provide
them a viable option to exploit more of these compounds for the development of novel and efficacious anticancer
compounds.
A Comprehensive Framework to Evaluate Websites: Literature Review and Development of GoodWeb
Authors: Allison Rosalie , Hayes Catherine , McNulty Cliodna A M , Young Vicki
Published: October 2019

Background

Attention is turning toward increasing the quality of websites and quality evaluation to attract new users and retain existing users.

Objective

This scoping study aimed to review and define existing worldwide methodologies and techniques to evaluate websites and provide a framework of appropriate website attributes that could be applied to any future website evaluations.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases and gray literature for studies of website evaluation. The results were exported to EndNote software, duplicates were removed, and eligible studies were identified. The results have been presented in narrative form.

Results

A total of 69 studies met the inclusion criteria. The extracted data included type of website, aim or purpose of the study, study populations (users and experts), sample size, setting (controlled environment and remotely assessed), website attributes evaluated, process of methodology, and process of analysis. Methods of evaluation varied and included questionnaires, observed website browsing, interviews or focus groups, and Web usage analysis. Evaluations using both users and experts and controlled and remote settings are represented. Website attributes that were examined included usability or ease of use, content, design criteria, functionality, appearance, interactivity, satisfaction, and loyalty. Website evaluation methods should be tailored to the needs of specific websites and individual aims of evaluations. GoodWeb, a website evaluation guide, has been presented with a case scenario.

Conclusions

This scoping study supports the open debate of defining the quality of websites, and there are numerous approaches and models to evaluate it. However, as this study provides a framework of the existing literature of website evaluation, it presents a guide of options for evaluating websites, including which attributes to analyze and options for appropriate methods.
Fatty Acid Composition, Proximate Analysis, and Consumer Sensory Evaluation of United States Retail Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Authors: Najar-Villarreal F. , Boyle E. A. E. , Danler R. D. , O’Quinn T. G. , Houser T. A. , Gonzalez J. M.
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, consumer liking, and consumer acceptability of ground beef with 2 finishing diets. Three ground beef treatments were used in this study and included grass-fed, grain-fed Angus, and grain-fed commodity beef. Ground beef samples were evaluated for consumer sensory response, pH, proximate composition, and fatty acid composition. Grain-fed samples were rated higher (P < 0.01) for overall liking compared to grass-fed samples. Consumers found tenderness and juiciness similar (P > 0.05) for all 3 types of ground beef. Consumers preferred (P < 0.05) Angus over grass-fed ground beef with a flavor acceptability of 83.3 and 73.9%, respectively; and 94.9 and 82.5%, respectively, for overall acceptability. Commodity ground beef had a similar (P > 0.05) flavor acceptability and overall acceptability to Angus and grass-fed ground beef. Grass-fed, Angus, and commodity ground beef were similar (P > 0.05) for moisture, fat, and protein content. Commodity ground beef had a higher pH (P < 0.05) than Angus and grass-fed ground beef. Samples of ground beef from the 2 grain-fed treatments had greater (P < 0.05) total saturated fatty acids (SFA) than grass-fed samples; however, ground beef from grass-fed cattle had higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; P < 0.01) than the grain-fed treatments. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was similar (P > 0.01) across all treatments. Omega-3 fatty acids were found in the greatest (P < 0.05) proportions in samples from grass-fed beef. Additionally, the omega-6:omega-3 ratio for grass-fed ground beef was lower (P < 0.05) than grain-fed source. Angus and commodity ground beef were more palatable, and there was no evidence of higher PUFA in grass-fed ground beef.
OCCULTISM AND MYSTICISM ON PAGES OF THE HARBIN PERIODICAL PRESS (A CASE STUDY OF "RUBEZH" JOURNAL)
Authors:   Eugenia A. Kontaleva Amur State University, Kontaleva Eugenia A.
Published: October 2019

The paper reveals features of relation to mystic in the culture of east branch of the Russian émigré community. The author addresses one of the most popular editions of the Russian abroad - to “Rubezh” (“Frontier”) journal. “Psychological homelessness” of the emigrants, their frontier situation cause aspiration to maintaining identity and the leaving heritage, Orthodox belief and culture in the world of the Russian diaspora. At the same time, the reader meets spirits and ghosts, gods and deities, hypnotists and soothsayers, clairvoyants and predictors, magicians, alchemists, etc. on the pages of “Rubezh”. On the one hand, it is a peculiar response to the surge of interest to supernatural in its different manifestations: spiritualism and Egyptomania, clairvoyance, mantic and occult practices, creations of theosophic circles and so forth. On the other hand, it was natural reaction of the Russian émigré community to its critical situation as a result of negative sociopolitical processes at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries: confusion and need for spiritual bases turns into illusory confidence in a possibility of affecting objective reality by means of various occult and mystical practices and begins to emanate in different forms including literary ones. The author makes an attempt of identification of main subjects set in literary and art and publicistic texts of “Rubezh” journal and try to reconstruct the underlying ideas and images.
Board gender diversity and firm performance: evidence from the Russian agri-food industry
Authors: Tleubayev Alisher , Bobojonov Ihtiyor , Gagalyuk Taras , Glauben Thomas
Published: October 2019

This study provides pioneering empirical evidence on board gender diversity and firm performance relationship for the case of large-scale agri-food companies in Russia. While Russia plays an important role in the global food security, its domestic agri-food production is heavily dependent on large scale producers. Our findings suggest a strong positive link between the percentage of female directors in boardrooms and firm performance. Moreover, in line with critical mass theory, boards with three or more female directors have greater impact on firm performance compared to boards with two or less female directors. Further analysis shows that the presence of female directors in the company has a positive impact on firm performance, mainly due to their executive, rather than monitoring effects. The paper shed light on gender diversity of Russian corporate boardrooms and provides empirical recommendations for policy makers as well as corporate executives in Russia.
Modelos matemáticos para a estimativa da área foliar de cultivares brasileiros de goiabeira-serrana (Acca sellowiana)
Authors: Sánchez-Mora Fernando David , Borghezan Marcelo , Saifert Luciano , Ciotta Marlise Nara , Nodari Rubens Onofre
Published: October 2019

A goiabeira-serrana [Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret] é uma espécie nativa do Sul do Brasil e do Nordeste do Uruguai. O conhecimento da área foliar é importante para o manejo das plantas, em estudos de fisiologia e para a estimativa de danos fitossanitários. Os modelos matemáticos utilizados para a estimativa da área foliar da goiabeira-serrana não consideram as diferenças entre os formatos das folhas de cada cultivar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, ajustar e validar modelos matemáticos para a estimativa da área foliar de quatro cultivares brasileiras de goiabeira-serrana. Foram realizadas duas coletas de folhas, a primeira para o estabelecimento dos modelos matemáticos e a segunda para a validação e estimativa da área foliar. As folhas dos cultivares SCS411 – ‘Alcântara’, SCS412 – ‘Helena’, SCS414 – ‘Mattos’ e SCS415 – ‘Nonante’ foram coletadas do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma (BAG) da Epagri, em São Joaquim/SC, Brasil. Foram mensurados: a área foliar (AF), o comprimento (C), a largura (L) e o índice de forma das folhas, sendo os dados analisados com o uso dos modelos de regressão linear e quadrático. A estimativa da área foliar a partir das equações propostas apresenta elevada precisão e simplicidade de execução. A equação y=0,7345x+0,0298, onde x refere-se ao produto do comprimento pela largura da folha (L*C), apresentou os melhores resultados de ajustes nos modelos testados. Termos para indexação: Feijoa; comprimento; largura; forma da folha; avaliação não destrutiva.
Prevendo os níveis de poluição fecal na água e nos moluscos produzidos em fazendas marinhas das baías da Ilha de Santa Catarina
Authors: Souza Robson Ventura de , Campos Carlos José Alexandre de , Garbossa Luis Hamilton Pospissil , Seiffert Walter Quadros
Published: October 2019

Modelos matemáticos vêm sendo utilizados ao redor do mundo para prever os níveis de poluição em áreas costeiras e comunicar ao público quando a segurança para banho ou consumo de moluscos pode estar comprometido. Estudos recentes da Epagri desenvolveram modelos baseados em regressão que permitem prever os níveis de coliformes em áreas utilizadas para o cultivo de moluscos nas baías Norte e Sul da Ilha de Santa Catarina. Este trabalho apresenta os principais achados desses estudos de forma didática e sugere aplicações práticas para técnicos da área de maricultura, pesca e gestão de recursos hídricos que atuam na região.
Termos para indexação: Saúde pública; modelos matemáticos; aquicultura; balneabilidade.
Qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de aveia preta submetidas a tratamento químico e biológico
Authors: Silva Gerarda Beatriz Pinto da , Lovatto Maike
Published: October 2019

A aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.) é uma cultura de grande interesse para agropecuária no Sul do Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de aveia preta tratadas com Trichoderma spp. e fludioxonil de forma isolada e combinada. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: sementes imersas em água (controle), sementes microbiolizadas com Trichoderma spp., sementes tratadas com fludioxonil e, sementes tratadas com a combinação Trichoderma spp. + fludioxonil. A combinação Trichoderma spp. + fludioxonil exibiu a maior eficácia no controle de fungos presentes em sementes de aveia preta, no entanto, reduziu o crescimento inicial das plantas.

Termos para indexação: Trichoderma spp.; Avena strigosa; controle biológico.
Qué es y cómo se desarrolla un plan de marketing territorial. – Yessika Caro – Emilian Amilcar – Alix Gómez
Authors: Caro Maldonado Yessika Alejandra , Cuervo García Emilian Almilcar , Gómez Camargo Alix Camila
Published: October 2019

El papel que desempeñan los territorios frente a un mundo dinámico y competente con crecientes desarrollos, obliga a idear elementos que permitan cautivar y vender por medio del diseño de identidad, una imagen que comunique eficazmente los atributos y potencialidades de una región, puesto que hoy más que nunca, las características de origen son un aspecto de mucha relevancia en la toma de decisiones de consumo. Es así, como el concepto y desarrollo del plan de marketing territorial, proporciona elementos y estrategias para la promoción y posicionamiento de las naciones, departamentos y ciudades; pues parte de la identificación de aspectos diferenciadores territoriales para crear una imagen integral, que permita satisfacer las necesidades de los Stakeholders (locales, inversores y turistas), mejorando el desarrollo social y económico de un territorio. Por lo anterior, en este artículo se expone el concepto y fases para elaborar un plan de marketing territorial.
Sexshop: Tendencias y percepciones entre jóvenes universitarios – Daniel Ruiz – Madeline Melchor
Authors: Ruiz Daniel , Melchor Madeline
Published: October 2019

El concepto sobre sexualidad ha cambiado con el tiempo y actualmente se observan nuevos comportamientos enfocados hacia la diversidad, que se pueden reflejar por ejemplo en la apertura de tiendas Sexshop que comercializan juguetes sexuales. La presente investigación explora las percepciones y actitudes cognitivas, respecto a las prácticas asociadas al comportamiento de compra en tiendas Sexshop entre jóvenes universitarios. Se trabajó a través de un enfoque mixto en dos etapas Cualitativa (grupo focal) – Cuantitativa (cuestionario) encontrando que gran parte del segmento en estudio encuentra cómodo hablar sobre sexualidad, existe una percepción mayor de uso de juguetes sexuales por parte de las mujeres y que la publicidad en el negocio debe ser reconsiderada por su poco impacto.
Estrategias comerciales para la competitividad en una ciudad intermedia: caso Manizales – Rocio Tabares – Diego López
Authors: Tabares Hoyos Rocío , López Cardona Diego
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo resulta del análisis de información recolectada desde el observatorio del comercio, con los comerciantes de la ciudad de Manizales. Se pretende mostrar unas características del sector comercio como actividad económica importante que aporta al PIB de la ciudad y que contribuye para el desarrollo social y económico de los habitantes; características que identifican a Manizales (ciudad intermedia) con un mercado en donde se aplica una gama de estrategias que están de acuerdo a las tendencias y que le dan condiciones de competitividad a sus empresas. Conceptualmente se abordan generalidades de la competitividad del comercio, estrategias de venta para ser competitivo, estrategias promocionales, la competitividad del sector comercio y estrategias comerciales más utilizadas por los comerciantes. Se halla que los comerciantes Manizaleños utilizan una variedad de tácticas y acciones de promoción y de servicio al cliente las cuales van a tono con el marketing directo y el marketing relacional, las cuales están encaminadas a mantener cautivados a los clientes, demostrando que la planeación es necesaria para tener éxito y ser competitivos en lo que desarrollan en sus empresas, mostrando su capacidad y creatividad para atender al público objetivo. De igual manera éstas van dirigidas a cumplir los objetivos corporativos previstos con el fin de lograr dinamismo incrementar su cuota de participación en el mercado y por supuesto, enfrentar la competencia y superar la crisis económica que ha golpeado tanto la actividad comercial.
Group Identity, Performance Transparency, and Employee Performance
Authors: Shang Ruidi , Abernethy Margaret A. , Hung Chung-Yu
Published: October 2019

Economics, social psychology, and management studies suggest that group identity plays an important role in directing employee behaviors. On the one hand, strong group identity could motivate high effort to resolve conflicts of interests in the workplace. On the other hand, it could encourage conformity toward group norms. We examine whether the effect of group identity is conditional on managers' performance reporting choices. Drawing on survey and archival data from a field site, we find that when performance transparency is low, the interest alignment effect is more salient and group identity positively relates to employee performance. However, when performance transparency is high, the conformity effect is more salient and higher group identity is associated with more homogeneous, but not necessarily higher, employee performance. Our findings contribute to the management control literature by documenting that managers' performance reporting choices determine whether group identity has positive effects on employee performance.

Data Availability: Data in this study are derived from a proprietary source.
Do Effort Differences between Bonus and Penalty Contracts Persist in Labor Markets?
Authors: Gonzalez George C. , Hoffman Vicky B. , Moser Donald V.
Published: October 2019

Conventional economics assumes workers provide the same effort under penalty contracts and economically equivalent bonus contracts. However, prior research finds that although workers prefer bonus contracts, they provide more effort under penalty contracts. Given these findings, the prevalence of bonus contracts in practice is puzzling. If penalty contracts yield more worker effort, why would employers not use them more often? We conduct experimental labor markets to test whether the prior finding of more effort under penalty contracts than bonus contracts (i.e., the contract frame effect) persists when workers can choose their contract and know that their employer intentionally offered the contract they choose. As predicted, these features of labor markets eliminate the difference in effort between penalty and bonus contracts reported in prior studies. This finding suggests employers may use bonus contracts more often than penalty contracts because they can offer the contract most workers prefer without sacrificing worker effort.
Asymmetric Timeliness and the Resolution of Investor Disagreement and Uncertainty at Earnings Announcements
Authors: Barth Mary E. , Landsman Wayne R. , Raval Vivek , Wang Sean
Published: October 2019

This study finds that greater asymmetric timeliness of earnings in reflecting good and bad news is associated with slower resolution of investor disagreement and uncertainty at earnings announcements. These findings indicate that a potential cost of asymmetric timeliness is added complexity from requiring investors to disaggregate earnings into good and bad news components to assess the implications of the earnings announcement for their investment decisions. Such a disaggregation impedes the speed with which investor disagreement and uncertainty resolve. The findings indicate that asymmetric timeliness also delays price discovery at earnings announcements. We also find a positive relation between asymmetric timeliness and stock returns during the earnings announcement period after the initial price reaction to the announcement, which is consistent with resolution of valuation uncertainty. However, we do not find clear evidence of more net stock purchases during this period by insiders of firms with greater asymmetric timeliness.

JEL Classifications: M41; G14.
Atorvastatin Targets the Islet Mevalonate Pathway to Dysregulate mTOR Signaling and Reduce β-Cell Functional Mass
Authors: Shen Linyan , Gu Yanyun , Qiu Yixuan , Cheng Tingting , Nie Aifang , Cui Canqi , Fu Chenyang , Li Tingting , Li Xuelin , Fu Lihong , Wang Yanqiu , Ni Qicheng , Wang Qidi , Wang Weiqing , Feng Bo
Published: October 2019

Statins are cholesterol-lowering agents that increase the incidence of diabetes and impair glucose tolerance via their detrimental effects on nonhepatic tissues, such as pancreatic islets, but the underlying mechanism has not been determined. In atorvastatin (ator)-treated high-fat diet–fed mice, we found reduced pancreatic β-cell size and β-cell mass, fewer mature insulin granules, and reduced insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Transcriptome profiling of primary pancreatic islets showed that ator inhibited the expression of pancreatic transcription factor, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and small G protein (sGP) genes. Supplementation of the mevalonate pathway intermediate geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which is produced by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, significantly restored the attenuated mTOR activity, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA) expression, and β-cell function after ator, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, and fluvastatin treatment; this effect was potentially mediated by sGP prenylation. Rab5a, the sGP in pancreatic islets most affected by ator treatment, was found to positively regulate mTOR signaling and β-cell function. Rab5a knockdown mimicked the effect of ator treatment on β-cells. Thus, ator impairs β-cell function by regulating sGPs, for example, Rab5a, which subsequently attenuates islet mTOR signaling and reduces functional β-cell mass. GGPP supplementation could constitute a new approach for preventing statin-induced hyperglycemia.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Diabetes Management
Authors: Lee Jusung , Callaghan Timothy , Ory Marcia , Zhao Hongwei , Bolin Jane N.
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is a chronic health condition contributing to a substantial burden of disease. According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 10.9 million people were newly insured by Medicaid between 2013 and 2016. Considering this coverage expansion, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could significantly affect people with diabetes in their management of the disease. This study evaluates the impact of the Medicaid expansion under the ACA on diabetes management.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study includes 22,335 individuals with diagnosed diabetes from the 2011 to 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. It uses a difference-in-differences approach to evaluate the impact of the Medicaid expansion on self-reported access to health care, self-reported diabetes management, and self-reported health status. Additionally, it performs a triple-differences analysis to compare the impact between Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states considering diabetes rates of the states.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in Medicaid expansion states as compared with non–Medicaid expansion states were evident in self-reported access to health care (0.09 score; P = 0.023), diabetes management (1.91 score; P = 0.001), and health status (0.10 score; P = 0.026). Among states with large populations with diabetes, states that expanded Medicaid reported substantial improvements in these areas in comparison with those that did not expand.

CONCLUSIONS

The Medicaid expansion has significant positive effects on self-reported diabetes management. While states with large diabetes populations that expanded Medicaid have experienced substantial improvements in self-reported diabetes management, non–Medicaid expansion states with high diabetes rates may be facing health inequalities. The findings provide policy implications for the diabetes care community and policy makers.
Simulation of laser-driven cratering experiments on aluminum
Authors: Aubert Bertrand , Hebert David , Rullier Jean-Luc , Lescoute Emilien , Videau Laurent , Berthe Laurent
Published: October 2019

After a brief description of the physical principles involved in the cratering process, the authors present a specific methodology to simulate laser-driven cratering experiments performed with a long pulse duration (100 ns) and a small focal spot diameter (220μm). This methodology can be divided into two steps. First, the 2D-axisymmetrical pressure field generated by the laser on the target is determined from laser parameters. Second, this pressure is applied on the surface of the target in a Eulerian simulation. In order to validate this methodology, the authors simulate a laser shot on a thin aluminum target whose rear surface velocity is recorded by a VISAR (Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector). Once validated, they use the methodology to simulate laser-driven cratering experiments on semi-infinite aluminum targets. Numerical results are compared to experimental measurements of the craters. Although slight differences are pointed out and discussed, the proposed methodology is well adapted to simulate craterization laser shots.
PENGARUH KETEPATAN WAKTU PELAPORAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN, OPINI AUDIT, PERGANTIAN KANTOR AKUNTAN PUBLIK, PERUBAHAN REPUTASI KANTOR AKUNTAN PUBLIK, DAN INFORMASI LABA TERHADAP REAKSI INVESTOR
Authors: Herdiana Brenda Christin
Published: October 2019

Abstract

This research purposed to search empirical evidence danmenganalisis that this study has the effect of timeliness of financial statement reporting the reaction of investors to seek empirical evidence and analysis that this study has the effect of audit opinion, the reaction of investors to seek empirical evidence and analysis that this study has the effect of change of accounting firms publikterhadap investor reaction, to search for and analyze empirical evidence that this study has the effect of changes in accounting firm reputation publikterhadap investor reaction, to search for and analyze empirical evidence that this study has the effect of earnings information to the investor reaction.Samples were companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during the years 2008-2012, obtained by purposive. The data analysis technique is a multiple linear regression analysis. Timeliness of research results is a significant effect on investor reactions, opinions no significant effect on investor reaction, switching significantly influence investors' reaction, change the reputation of KAP no significant effect on investor reaction, the EU does not significantly influence investor reaction.

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mencari bukti empiris danmenganalisis bahwa penelitian ini memiliki pengaruh ketepatan waktu pelaporan laporan keuangan terhadap reaksi investor, untuk mencari bukti empiris dan menganalisis bahwa penelitian ini memiliki pengaruh opini audit terhadap reaksi investor, untuk mencari bukti empiris dan menganalisis bahwa penelitian ini memiliki pengaruh pergantian kantor akuntan publikterhadap reaksi investor, untuk mencari bukti empiris dan menganalisis bahwa penelitian ini memiliki pengaruh perubahan reputasi kantor akuntan publikterhadap reaksi investor, untuk mencari bukti empiris dan menganalisis bahwa penelitian ini memiliki pengaruh informasi laba terhadap reaksi investor.Sampel penelitian adalah perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama tahun 2008-2012, yang diperoleh secara purposive. Teknik analisis data adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian adalahTimelinessberpengaruh signifikan terhadap reaksi investor, opinitidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap reaksi investor, switching berpengaruh signifikan terhadap reaksi investor, perubahan reputasi KAPtidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap reaksi investor, UE tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap reaksi investor.
Sistem Pengendalian Manajemen dan Proactive Working Behavior
Authors: Aji Nindhika Rina Ayuning
Published: October 2019

This study examines the moderating effect of flexible role orientation on the relationship between lack of controllability dan proactive work behaviour. Flexible role orientation encourages proactive cognitive motivational states. When employees feel flexible in role orientation, they feel more responsibility for organizational goals. On the other hand, managers who feel inferior in their level of responsibility will form a narrow role with a rigid role orientation. Flexible roles describe cognitive conditions that arise from the need to achieve a higher level of organizational responsibility. This study replicates Burkert et a.l's research additional external variabels. This research uses managers of manufacturing companies in the city of Semarang. The data analysis employs linear regression technique and Sobel Test. Results show that flexible role orientation can mediate the relationship between lack of controllability and proactive work behavior

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh keberadaan sistem pengendalian manajemen terhadap proactive work behaviour. Orientasi peran yang fleksibel mendorong motivasi kognitif proaktif dan kontras dengan keadaan pasif. Ketika karyawan merasakan orientasi peran yang fleksibel, mereka merasakan lebih banyak tanggung jawab untuk tujuan organisasi. Penelitian ini mereplikasi riset Burkert et al. (2016) dengan menambah variabel eksternal. Sampel yang digunakan adalah manager yang bekerja pada perusahaan-perusahan manufaktur di kota Semarang. Teknik analisis data adalah regresi linear dan Sobel Test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan flexible role orientation dapat memediasi hubungan antara lack of controllability dan proactive work behaviour
Recorridos por las memorias de Ensenada. El caso del Espacio de Cultura y Memoria El Rancho Urutaú y sus representaciones de los desaparecidos y asesinados por el terrorismo de Estado de los setenta. Tesis de Maestría en Historia y Memoria
Authors: Jean Jean Melina
Published: October 2019

La obra artística del Espacio de Cultura y Memoria el Rancho Urutaú se inscribe en los diversos modos en que el pasado de la espiral de violencia y el terrorismo de Estado de los años setenta del siglo XX en Argentina y sus consecuencias ha sido abordado. A lo largo de esta investigación, presentamos y analizamos las particularidades del caso que devienen de los hechos en su escala local: el trabajo de las memorias en la ciudad de Ensenada, provincia de Buenos Aires. El objetivo general es conocer el proyecto "Mosaicos por la memoria" del grupo Rancho Urutaú (2010-2017) apuntando a los modos de representación de desaparecidos/as y asesinados ensenadenses. El proyecto se materializa a través de murales con técnica de mosaico, emplazados en los barrios a los que pertenecían los/as homenajeados/as. Estos murales, a escala urbana, privilegian representaciones figurativas que a partir de una narrativa humanitaria recuperan un perfil identitario que apela a aquello cotidiano, lúdico, y ameno de la vida de esas personas. Nuestra hipótesis central es que los murales emplazados adquieren la cualidad de lugares de memoria tanto para los integrantes del grupo como para los familiares y allegados de los homenajeados. En este sentido, la pregunta que guía esta investigación es ¿Cómo un espacio puede convertirse en un lugar de memoria? O bien ¿Qué significa y qué implica que un espacio se convierta en un lugar de memoria?
Mangrove Mapping and Above-Ground Biomass Change Detection using Satellite Images in Coastal Areas of Thai Binh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Long Duc , Nguyen Cuong Trong , Le Hoa Sy , Tran Bao Quang
Published: October 2019

Mangroves are recognized as a highly valuable resource due to their provision of multiple ecosystem services. Therefore, mangrove ecosystems mapping and monitoring is a crucial objective, especially for tropical regions. Thai Binh province is one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in Vietnam. The mangrove ecosystem in this province has faced threats of deforestation from urban development, land reclamation, tourism activities, and natural disasters. Recently, to maintain the fundamental functions of the ecosystems, a large mangrove area was planted in Thai Binh. The aim of this research is to detect the change in the mangrove areas and to create an aboveground biomass map for mangrove forests in Thai Binh province. Landsat and Sentinel-2 satellite images from 1998 to 2018 were analysed using the supervised classification method to detect mangrove area change. Mangrove Above-ground Biomass (AGB) was estimated using linear regression between vegetation indices and field AGB survey. The accuracy assessment for the classified images of 1998, 2003 and 2007, 2013 and 2018 are 93%, 86%, 96%, 94% and 91% respectively with kappa of 0.8881, 0.7953, 0.9357, 0.9114 and 0.8761. The mangrove cover in the study area was estimated at 5874.93 ha in 1998. This figure decreased significantly to 4433.85 ha in 2007, before recovery began to take place in the study area, which was estimated at 6587.88 ha in 2018. In 1998, the average AGB in this study area was 22.57 ton/ha, and in 2018 it was 37.74 ton/ha with a standard error of 12.41 ton/ha and the root mean square error (RMSE) was ±12.08 ton/ha.