bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Résultats de six ans d'observations sur l'érosion au Niger
Authors: Delwaulle J.C.
Published: December 2020

Le Centre Technique Forestier Tropical a mis en place une station au Niger pour lutter contre l'érosion ; l'auteur rapporte ses observationsa fait ouer une période de six ans. Il s'occupe successivement de l'environnement, de la gare, de la pluviométrie, du facteur R de Wischmeiercaractérisant l'érosité des précipitations, le ruissellement, l'érosion, les conséquences de la nature du sol et ils travaillent sur l'érosion,et le rendement des cultures.Le dispositif expérimental comprend 4 parcelles de terrain : une parcelle P 1 où se trouvent des murets, une parcelle de référence P2 où se trouvent desmurs, culminant de manière traditionnelle ; une parcelle P3 où l'égétation est plantée le long des courbes de niveau ; et une parcelle P4 avecdes monticules de terre de wilh coulée en tranches le long du contour du levez. Les parcelles 1, 3 et 4 ont été fréquemment labourées et striées.Cette expérience a notamment permis de déterminer le rôle des précipitations dans l'érosion, mais aussi le rôle de l'anti-érosiondes mesures et des méthodes de culture qui s'avèrent efficaces pour réduire l'érosion et augmenter le rendement des cultures.
Integration Strategy of Marketing and Supply Chain PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. Holding Company
Authors: Zulkarnain Deki , Wahyudi Edy , Sasongko Sasongko
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis research focuses on exploring the marketing and supply chain integration strategy at PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. Holding Company. The status of the state-owned enterprise (SOE) cement industry has dominated the cement market share in Indonesia after the holding strategy, but the data shows that the market share of Semen Indonesia sales has continued to decline. Another problem is that the accumulated cost of revenue has increased sharply, especially since the income growth is not significant, so that gross income has decreased. This research presents integration activities that occur at the corporate and functional level in the marketing and supply chain directorates. The case study method is used in this research to track the integration of marketing and supply chains as an effort to improve the company's sales performance. Data was collected through in-depth interviews in the Marketing Research & Analysis section of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk and secondary data in the form of company annual reports. The results of this study indicate that PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk integrates marketing and its supply chain through a strategy of unifying the two functions in one directorate. The marketing and supply chain functions at each Operating holding have been revoked, all of them directly managed by the Holding Company. The supply chain is centrally integrated in the form of transportation, distribution and procurement functions. In the marketing aspect, the Holding Company integrates the marketing planning and marketing control and marketing functions as well as the sales function.

Keywords: Strategy; Integration; Marketing; Supply Chain; Holding Company
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, THEIR RISKS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF USING THEM IN THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
Authors:   Yaroslavl state pedagogical university named after K. D. Ushinsky, Rossiina Nina S.
Published: December 2020

The market of derivative financial instruments as a market for contracts for a specific underlying asset (commodity, currency, interest rate, loan debt, etc.) is an area of close interest of researchers, which indicates not only its exclusive role among other sectors of the financial market, but also a significant amount of risks that require careful analysis and evaluation. Presentation characteristics of derivative financial instruments, clearly focused on providing appropriate information to prospective beneficiaries at all stages of both the appearance and existence of derivatives, focused on the possibility of overcoming the risks of investment investments. However, there was no specification of entities that take on the consequences of unfavorable loss-making situations based on the results of operations on the derivatives market. The review analysis shows that real losses are incurred either by representatives of the real sector of the economy, or by hedgers, or by insufficiently successful participants in professional activities in the field of operations with derivative financial instruments. The researchers of the sphere of operations with derivative financial instruments, the tasks of clarification and justification of the essential characteristics, role, functions of derivatives market as at the macro economic level and at the level of the regional economy; the study of logic, laws and patterns of the presence of the derivatives market in the financial relations system of the country as a whole and its regions; justification of the need to identify criteria for assessing the impact of the derivatives market on the stability of the economic system of the Russian Federation and the country's regions; regulatory and legislative regulation and risk management at all levels.
FORMATION OF ECOLOGICAL CULTURE OF THE POPULATION: GOALS AND RESULTS
Authors:   Moscow city pedagogical university, Moscow, Yasvin Witold A.
Published: December 2020

In this article, the problem of effective organization of activities for the formation of environmental culture of the population is updated. It is emphasized that in modern socioeconomic conditions, the priorities of the national environmental policy formulated at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries by experts of the center for environmental policy of Russia remain relevant. The contribution of experts of this Center under the leadership of academician A. V. Yablokov is noted. The article presents an attempt to systematically analyze the main resources (tools and institutions) for creating a system of effective targeted formation of environmental culture of various categories of residents. It is emphasized that in order to implement this priority of the national environmental policy, it is necessary to create a system of effective targeted formation of the environmental culture of various categories of residents and ensure the solution of key tasks. The author refers to the data of the problem and reveals them through description of the main activities and results in the formation of a system of ideas about the value of natural resources, the main provisions of the strategy of sustainable development, the problems of maintaining the health of the environment and so on; on the formation of humane attitude to nature, providing psychological inclusion of animals and plants within the scope of ethics; the development of a population environmentally safe methods of land use; to teach people to consciously use the unique potential that lies in spiritual communication with the natural world for their own personal development; to form people's need for active personal support for the ideas of sustainable development and maintaining the health of the environment. The author argues for the need to analyze the organizational and intellectual potential of all relevant regional institutions (educational organizations, state nature reserves and national parks, zoos, botanical gardens, museums, environmental clubs, relevant public organizations, scientific institutions, and so on), as well as identify priority areas of activity for each of them in order to effectively target the formation of environmental culture of various categories of the country's population.
EVOLUTION OF THE SYSTEM OF POLITICAL VALUES IN MODERN RUSSIA
Authors:   National research university «Higher school of economics», Moscow, Zhdanov Andrew I. , Mukhaev Rashid T. ,   Plekhanov russian university of economics, Moscow
Published: December 2020

This article is devoted to the study of the evolution of the system of political values in modern Russia. Within the framework of the study, the results of sociological studies of the political orientations of citizens of the Russian Federation, conducted by the leading world and russian sociological agencies over the past 30 years, are considered. Various aspects of the dynamics of value orientations of the inhabitants of Russia and the peculiarities of the perception by the citizens of Russia of various components of political culture are shown. The author, using sociological methods, analyzes the political culture of the Russian Federation through the prism of the attitude of its inhabitants to various elements of the system of political values: democracy, political participation as such, equality, freedom, propensity to participate in protest actions, etc. The author also examines how much the position of such values as statism, nationalism, right, left and centrist ideological orientations has changed in the political consciousness of russian citizens. The research design is built around a cross-temporal analysis of the dynamics of political values. The main research problem is the dissemination of qualitatively new practices of political behavior for Russia, starting from 2017-2018. The central topic of the study is to identify the connection between the change in the vector of political behavior of citizens of the Russian Federation, which is why many researchers postulate the thesis of the emergence of a qualitatively “new” political reality, and more structural processes of the evolution of political values in modern Russia. Based on the data of opinion polls World Values Survey, European Values Study, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the author examines the main trends in changes in the political values of russian citizens and determines the trajectories of their further development.
METHODOLOGICAL POSSIBILITIES OF THE CONCEPT OF COMPLEX-COMPOSITE CONFLICT IN THE POST-SOVIET SPACE
Authors:   Russian presidential academy of national economy and public administration, Moscow, Nikovskaya Larisa I.
Published: December 2020

Based on the methodological possibilities of a complex-composite conflict, we study the features of a complex and contradictory process of formation, maturation and deployment of regional conflict in the post-soviet space. It is shown that the decisive starting point, or “nucleus”, the formation of the whole chain of monocomplexes, forming the “body” of the multidimensional education composite conflict today is defined geopolitical component, which builds and organizes the possible space of different combinations is difficult-part of conflict in the post-soviet area. It is shown that in the current conditions of the deepening crisis of the modern world order, the value contour of the confrontation becomes one of the most important values, obscuring the military and other means of influence in the regional conflict. An artificial confrontation between local civilizations is purposefully formed and the scenario of a local civilizational conflict is methodically implemented, which makes the problem of finding a model of national identity one of the most effective tools of soft power. The general conclusion consists in stating the fact that in the conditions of increasing dynamism of social changes, it is not enough to study individual social conflicts, leaving out the fact of the emergence of a qualitatively new phenomenon – the space of complex-composite conflict, without focusing on the mechanisms and features of its deployment and regulation. Today it is not enough to study individual social conflicts, leaving out the fact of the emergence of a qualitatively new phenomenon-the space of complexcomposite conflict, without focusing on the mechanisms and aspects of its deployment and regulation. Russian conflictology and political sociology have accumulated sufficient knowledge about many types and types of conflicts. Now we have to take the next step: to deepen the study of the phenomenon of complex-composite conflict, to find out the social effects that are formed by the dynamic and active “overlap” of the fields of various mono-conflicts in a certain social space in the conditions of social transformation and structural adjustment of world-system relations.
HUMAN RESOURCES POTENTIAL OF THE REGION AS A BASIS FOR ITS SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Yaroslavl state pedagogical university named after K. D. Ushinsky, Batrakova Ludmila G.
Published: December 2020

The current stage of development of the regional economy is associated with a new view of human resources as the most important factor of economic growth. In this regard, the rational use of labor resources is an urgent direction of socio-economic development. Innovative development of a region is an economic process aimed at forming an innovation system in it. It is important to address the issue of ways to activate regional innovation activities. A significant role in this process is assigned to the personnel component. Analysis of the scientific literature of recent years has shown that in economics, sociology, statistics, and management sciences there are various concepts related to human labor activity. Among all of them, a special place is occupied by “human potential”, which has not yet been unified in its interpretation. It is noted that the economic category “human potential” is based on the concept of efficiency. The article considers the theoretical foundations of the analysis of the region's human resources potential and the problems of its formation, and forms a system of indicators for its assessment. The initial data for calculations are taken from the information database of official statistics of Rosstat. In modern conditions, the formation, development and effective management of human resources should act as the most important factors of innovative development of the region, as the basis for increasing its competitiveness. A comprehensive analysis of the regional human resources potential, as well as a study of its development problems, can increase the competitive advantages of the region. Analysis and assessment of the state of human resources, identification of factors affecting its development, identification of strengths and weaknesses in the context of economic modernization are necessary for the sustainable growth of the regional economic system. An increase in the number of researchers of the most productive age can be considered a positive trend. It is important to study the level of employment of graduates, as well as the correspondence of their work and the received specialty.
Diagnostic value of anti-SA antibodies and antibodies to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors:   Belarusian medical аcademy of postgraduate education, Volkova M.V. , Kunder A.V. ,   Belarusian medical аcademy of postgraduate education, Roggenbuck D. ,   Brandenburg technical university
Published: December 2020

Annotation The aim of the research is to determine the levels and frequency of antibodies popularity to cyclic citrullinated peptide (APCCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-Sa antibodies and antibodies to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (anti-gRNP K) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare their diagnostic characteristics, and also to determine sensitivity and specificity of anti-Sa antibodies, anti-hRNP K in seronegative RA. Material and methods. The study included 270 patients with RA and 50 healthy individuals. The levels of ACCP, anti-Sa, anti-hRNP K were assessed in blood serum samples from patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial test systems. RF levels were assessed by kinetic nephelometry on automatic analyzer. Results. The levels and popularity frequency of the studied antibodies in patients with RА were significantly higher than in healthy individuals (p <0.05). Tests based on ADCP detection had the highest indices of sensitivity and specificity for RA diagnosis; sensitivity - 78.01%, specificity - 100.00%, and RF - 70.64%, specificity 96.97%. In case of serogegative APCCP and RA RF, diagnostic sensitivity of anti-Sa antibodies determination was 50.00%, specificity was 96.77%, sensitivity of anti-hRNP K antibodies determination was 55.56%, and specificity was 100.00%. Conclusion. Considering high specificity of tests for anti-Sa and anti-hRNP K antibodies in seronegative RA, they can be considered as additional confirmatory diagnostic tests.
Structure of unoperated congenital heart diseases in children of Zabaikalsky Territory
Authors:   Chita State Medical Academy, Ignatieva A.V. , Sibira O.F. ,   Chita State Medical Academy, Gaimolenko I.N. ,   Chita State Medical Academy
Published: December 2020

The aim of the research is to study the morbidity by appealability and some characteristics of congenital heart diseases in children of Zabaikalsky Territory. Material and methods. A retrospective clinical and anamnestic analysis of children with congenital heart diseases without surgical treatment, who were hospitalized, was carried out. The analysis included 3 year-observation. CHD diagnosed is an inclusion criterion; while surgical treatment of heart diseases is exclusion criterion. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2007, Statistica v.10.0 software package. χ2 test (Pearson) was used to compare two independent groups by qualitative characteristics. The results were considered statistically significant (reliable) at the achieved significance level of p <0.05. Results. In Zabaikalsky Territory, approximately 200 children with congenital heart disease without surgical treatment are hospitalized annually; the average age is 3 years. Fifty-three per cent of children applied for inpatient care for the first time, 44% of them were children at their first year. Gender distribution indicates the highest incidence of the pathology in girls. In CHD structure, atrial septal defects are on the first place, while interventricular septal defects are on the second. Combination of ASD and IVSD was observed with approximately equal frequency. Chronic heart failure associated with CHD was registered in 77% of children. In most cases CHF, stage 1, was diagnosed (63%). In 2/3 of cases, pulmonary hypertension of various severity was detected. Analysis of place of residence of children with CHD in the Zabaikalsky Territory shows that children from areas with the highest population density are hospitalized more often. Conclusion. The problem of congenital heart diseases in children of Zabaikalsky Territory is of current importance due to the widespread prevalence and high specific gravity among all internal organ defects in children of this region.
Combining 10% propolis with carbonated hydroxyapatite to observe the RANKL expression in a rabbit’s alveolar bone
Authors: Devitaningtyas Nungky , Syaify Ahmad , Herawati Dahlia
Published: December 2020

Background: Periodontitis causes an increased receptor activator level in the nuclear factor-κβ ligand (RANKL), which is one of the inflammatory mediators that plays a role in osteoclastogenesis. The open flap debridement (OFD) technique is the preferred treatment when accompanied by regenerative periodontal treatment using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Carbonated hydroxyapatite is a GBR material that serves as a scaffold and has strong osteoconductive properties for bone regeneration. Propolis is natural product that can decrease osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis by decreasing the RANKL expression. Purpose: To investigate the RANKL expression after open flap debridement by applying carbonated hydroxyapatite to 10% propolis in the alveolar bone of rabbits. Methods: Nine induced-periodontitis rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into three treatment groups of Group A OFD, Group B OFD followed by the application of carbonated hydroxyapatite, and Group C OFD followed by application of 10% propolis-carbonated hydroxyapatite. Each group was selected one to euthanised on the seventh, 14th and 28th day, respectively, and prepared using histology slides. The data was analysed using a two-way ANOVA followed by a post-hoc LSD test (p<0.05). Results: The RANKL expression in each group showed significant differences (p=0.00; p<0.05) on the seventh, 14th and 28th day. The post-hoc LSD test showed that the RANKL expression in the treatment group with carbonated hydroxyapatite-10% propolis had significant differences (p<0.05) in the intergroup analysis at different time points. Conclusion: Combining 10% propolis with carbonated hydroxyapatite in OFD treatment can decrease the RANKL expression in a rabbit’s alveolar bone.
Role of Immune Response and Some Microbial Agents in Atopic Dermatitis Pathogenicity and Management
Authors: Suzan Yousif Jasim  , Mayssaa E. Abdalah  , Bahir Abdul Razzaq Mshimesh
Published: December 2020

Atopic dermatitis is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation, exhibiting its effects on a large number of children and adults. This disease results from many factors like defects in skin barrier, immunological, genetic and environmental factors. In addition to these factors, the presence of microorganisms on the skin surface of the patients, like Staphylococcus aureus, play important role in exacerbating the chronic inflammation. Atopic dermatitis patients exhibit defects in immune responses, which in turn increase the susceptibility to infections (bacterial, fungal and viral), so the presence of bacterium or its toxin lead to exacerbate the activity of the disease by stimulating the immune cells like Th-2 cells and eosinophils, in addition to activate the production of toxin-specific IgE. The relationship among atopic dermatitis, immune response and microbial infection, especially S. aureus, is incompletely understood. The current review aims to help the researchers within immunologic and dermatologic fields through shedding a light on the role of immune response and some microbial agents on the pathogenicity of atopic dermatitis.
Carriage of Antibiotic Resistant Biofilm Producing Bacteria on Mobile Phones Used By Health Care Professionals (HCP) in a Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Authors: Soniya Shivani  , Osman Ahmed  , Michael Magaogao  , Hafiz Ahmad  , Ashfaque Hossain
Published: December 2020

Cell phones are the most common gadgets used in today’s world. Studies from different countries demonstrated that these electronic gadgets can carry different bacterial species, including potential pathogenic strains. These gadgets are in the hands of every health care professionals (HCPs) and can even be found in the operation theatres (OT). Moreover, healthcare workers tend to neglect the potential infectious threat that these gadgets carry. Hence, we investigated the microbial profile present on cell phones used by HCPs in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Standard microbiological procedures were used for collection and identification of bacterial species. Disk diffusion assay and crystal violet dye binding spectrophotometric assay were used for determining antibiogram and biofilm forming potential, respectively. Staphylococcus epidermidis was present in 64.1% of the samples, followed by Micrococci (22.3%), Streptococcus viridians (2.2%), Diphtheroids (2.9%), Bacillus spp. (5.2%), Enterobacter spp. (1.4%) and Pseudomonas spp. (1.4%). The tested strains exhibited varied degree of antibiotic resistance and biofilm producing potential. Our data highlights that mobile phones may just not be carriers for normal skin flora but also for antibiotic resistant, biofilm forming potential opportunistic pathogens and thus may serve as transmission vectors for bacteria.  This is the first report from UAE analyzing carriage of bacteria in mobile gadgets used by HCPs. Furthermore, this would help to raise awareness among the HCPs about these electronic gadgets serving as a vehicle of transmission of bacterial pathogen.
Evaluation of Load Factor to Be Applied in Buckling Design of Cylindrical Lattice Shells Under Asymmetric Snow Load
Authors: Kato Shiro , Niho Yutaka
Published: December 2020

The load factor is one of the keys in anti-buckling design for safety together for construction cost, and studies have been becoming demanded in a recent situation that super large and super light spatial structures have been constructed. This paper investigates the relationship between
reliability index β and snow load factor γs for anti-buckling design of a simply supported cylindrical lattice shell roof under simultaneous action of both dead load and asymmetric snow load. The cylindrical lattice shell analyzed is composed of an equilateral triangle
grid of which members are of steel circular hollow sections. Members are connected rigidly to nodes at their both ends. The snow distribution as a main target is assumed in a way that the snow depth on the half of the arch-like roof is half of the amount on the other half roof. The snow fall
depth is here assumed 50cm evaluated as 100-year return period, and its probability is assumed as Gumbel distribution with 100-year reference period. The probability distribution of buckling strength Pcr including geometrical and material nonlinearities is approximately evaluated
based on a first-order perturbation. The reliability is calculated based on AFOSM, and the relationship in a form of β to γs is finally expressed for design use.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reliability of the Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument (BackPEI) to the Spanish Adolescent Population
Authors: Miñana-Signes Vicente , Monfort-Pañego Manuel , Morant Joan , Noll Matias
Published: December 2020

The prevalence of back pain (BP) among children and adolescents has increased over recent years. Some authors advocate promoting back-health education in the school setting. It is therefore important to adopt a uniform suite of assessment instruments to measure the various constructs. The present study aimed to perform a cultural adaptation of a validated measurement instrument (BackPEI), beginning with a translation and cultural adaptation phase, followed by a second phase to test reliability using a test-retest design. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed based on the guidelines. Reliability was tested by applying the questionnaire to 224 secondary school students, at two different times with a 7-day interval between the tests. In general, the Spanish version presented adequate agreement for questions 1–20, with only question 9 achieving a low Kappa range of .312 [-.152- .189]. The question about pain intensity did not show differences between the averages for the test (4.72 ± 2.33) and re-test (4.58 ± 2.37) (p = .333), and the responses for these two tests were highly correlated (ICC= .951 [.928- .966]; p= .0001). Psychometric testing indicated that the Spanish version of the BackPEI is well-adapted and reliable, based on the test-retest design, providing similar results to the original Brazilian version.
Mass Gap Problem Physical Solution
Authors: Šorli Srečko
Published: December 2020

A given problem in physics can be solved if it is well formulated. Well formulated means that it has a bijective correspondence to physical reality. Mass Gap Problem has no bijective correspondence with the physical reality and is that’s why not solvable mathematically. It can be solved physically by the formulation of the photon’s mass accordingly to the Planck-Einstein relation.
Biomaterials Targeting AMD: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Lawless Rachel , Hidalgo-Alvarez Veronica , Haneef Atikah
Published: December 2020

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central blindness in developed countries. It affects people mainly over the age of 50 years. It is a disease of the macula, an area of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It particularly affects the Bruch’s membrane (BM); a layer in the retina that acts as the basement upon which retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) attach and survive. The pathology of AMD is not fully understood, but age is considered the main risk factor. There are two forms; nonexudative, leading to the end-stage of the disease, called nonexudative (or dry) AMD (90% of cases) where fatty deposits called drusen form under the RPE on top of the BM lifting off the RPE, and neovascular (or wet) AMD (10% of cases) where abnormal new blood vessels grow and push through the BM, bleeding in and disrupting the RPE. Neovascular AMD is well controlled with regular antiangiogenic drug injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) into the eye, whereas there is no current treatment for nonexudative AMD. Many research groups across the world are working on a treatment for nonexudative AMD. This review discusses the research currently being conducted including cell therapies, development of cell transplantation membranes, targeting other disease structures in affected retina (i.e. drusen), and drug delivery to the retina using nanoparticles. Finally, we include our research contributing to the field; developing a bioactive membrane intended to function two-fold: target diseased structures and transplant healthy RPE to the desired area.
Relative Efficiency of Pitfall vs. Bait Trapping for Capturing Taxonomic and Functional Diversities of Ant Assemblages in Temperate Heathlands
Authors: Hacala Axel , Gouraud Clément , Dekoninck Wouter , Pétillon Julien
Published: December 2020

Whereas bait and pitfall trappings are two of the most commonly used techniques for sampling ant assemblages, they have not been properly compared in temperate open habitats. In this study, taking advantage of a large-scale project of heathland restoration (3 sites along the French Atlantic Coast forming a north-south gradient), we evaluated the relative efficiency of these two methods for assessing both taxonomic and functional diversities of ants while accounting for a north south diversity gradient. Ants were collected and identified to species level, and 6 traits related to morphology, behavior (including diet, dispersal and maximum foraging distance) and social life (colony size and dominance type) were attributed to all 23 species. Both observed and estimated species were significantly higher in pitfalls compared to spatially pair-matched bait traps. Functional diversity followed the same pattern, with consistent results for both community weighted mean (CWM) and Rao’s quadratic entropy. Taxonomic and functional diversities from pitfall assemblages increased from North to South locations, following a frequently reported pattern at larger spatial scales. Bait traps can hardly be considered a complementary method to pitfall traps for sampling ants in open temperate habitats, as it appears basically redundant with pitfall traps at least on maritime cliff-tops of the East-Atlantic coast.
Evaluation of Terpenes Psiadin, Plectranthone, and Saudinolide as Selective Anti-Cancer Agents against Hepatic Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Orabi Khaled Y. , Abaza Mohamed S. , Al-Attiyah Rajaa , Luqmani Yunus A.
Published: December 2020

: Plant-derived terpenes have aroused considerable interest as chemotherapeutic agents for a variety of diseases. This study aimed at the isolation and purification of the scarce terpenes psiadin, plectranthone and saudinolide from their respective plants, followed by the determination of antiproliferative activity, against hepatic cancer cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B), and the potential molecular mechanisms. Time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity, evaluated using MTT and colony-forming assays, were exhibited by psiadin and plectranthone against the cancer cells. Flow cytometry showed that these two terpenes blocked cell cycle progression and induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, particularly through increased cytochrome c and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, they initiated the generation of reactive oxygen species as well as inhibiting NF-B. Psiadin lowered several essential cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases and reduced RB activation. It was concluded that psiadin, in particular, has a significant therapeutic potential with the biggest advantage of differentiating between cancer and normal cells which is acutely lacking in current cytotoxic drugs. Its precise mode of action needs further investigation but appears predominantly to cause cell cycle arrest by interfering with cyclin production. It will be important to determine, in future studies, whether these terpenes will similarly inhibit other cancer cell lines and retain its activity against tumors in vivo.
Treatment of Covid-19 with Minocycline and a Guanosine-Restricted Diet: Case Report
Authors: Baranowitz Steven , Nrekaj Marie
Published: December 2020

We report the treatment of a 21-year-old female Covid-19 patient by a novel combination of minocycline and a guanosine-restricted diet. Minocycline is an antibiotic with well documented broad spectrum anti-viral effects, including evidence of activity against SARS-CoV-2. Deprivation of guanosine has been documented as an effective anti-viral modality in vitro and in animal models, and specific in vitro activity against CoV-SARS-2 has been reported. The patient's symptoms resolved rapidly.
"Desde menor, a minha escola é minha favela”: Uma análise sobre o funk enquanto dispositivo pedagógico de educação nas aulas de História e Sociologia.
Authors: Bragança Juliana Da Silva , Maciel Ingra Daniela Dos Santos
Published: December 2020

É notável que o debate sobre a criminalização do funk vem se intensificando nos últimos anos. Há cerca de 1 ano, a prisão do DJ Rennan da Penha sob provas questionáveis fometou ainda mais os debates que giram em torno deste tema. Alguns meses depois, o massacre por parte da Polícia Militar do Estado de São Paulo contra adolescentes e jovens presentes no Baile da DZ-7, em Heliópolis (favela da Zona Sul da cidade de São Paulo) deixou um saldo de 9 mortos e a certeza de que o debate sobre a criminalização do funk e a perseguição contra suas manifestações (sobretudo bailes funk) e seus adeptos está longe de ser esgotado. Este artigo apresenta sugestões de como inserir estes debates na sala de aula com vistas a romper com a histórica criminalização do funk.
Entre efemérides e histórias de grandes vultos: a presença de biografias nas aulas de História do Ensino Médio
Authors: Galvão Jerônimo Adelino Pereira Cisneiros
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo discute o uso da biografia como recurso didático nas aulas de história do Ensino Médio. Para tal, partimos da análise do aporte teórico-metodológico da historiografia contemporânea sobre a escrita de biografias, em seguida passamos a discussão teórica acerca do ensino de história e da aprendizagem histórica, visando possibilidades de construção de saberes históricos a partir do uso de narrativas biográficas no Ensino Médio. Como resultado problematizamos o uso deste recorte temático nesta etapa do ensino apontando possibilidades de emprego de histórias de vida em sala de aula na atualidade, dentro de um processo de ressignificação das mesmas.
Aprendizagem histórica em tempos de rupturas de paradigmas
Authors: Ribeiro Renilson Rosa
Published: December 2020

Historical Learning in Times of Paradigm Ruptures
Demographic, Comorbidity, and Episode-of-Care Differences in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Siddiqi Ahmed , Warren Jared A. , McLaughlin John , Kamath Atul F. , Krebs Viktor E. , Molloy Robert M. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Understanding time trends in age, demographic characteristics, and comorbidities is especially critical to highlight the effects on clinical practice change, outcomes, and the value of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify trends in the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and episode-of-care outcomes for patients who underwent TKA from 2008 to 2018.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried to identify patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and episode-of-care outcomes in patients who underwent primary TKA from 2008 to 2018 (n = 350,879). Trends for continuous variables were analyzed using analysis of variance, and categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Results:

From 2008 to 2018, there was no clinically important difference in age, body mass index (BMI), and percentage of patients with BMI of >40 kg/m2 and no clinically important difference in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.5% in 2008 and 3.2% in 2018), congestive heart failure within 30 days (0.3% in both 2008 and 2018), and acute renal failure (0.1% in 2008 and <0.1% in 2018) among patients undergoing TKA. However, modifiable comorbidities, including smoking status (9.5% in 2008 and 7.7% in 2018; p < 0.001), hypertension (71.0% in 2008 and 63.7% in 2018; p < 0.001), and anemia (16.2% in 2008 and 9.7% in 2018; p < 0.001), functional status, and overall morbidity and mortality probability have improved, with no clinically important difference in the percentage of diabetes (19.0% in 2008 and 18.1% in 2018). The hospital length of stay (mean [and standard deviation], 3.8 ± 2.2 days in 2008 and 2.1 ± 2.0 days in 2018; p < 0.001) and 30-day readmission (4.6% in 2011 and 3.0% in 2018; p < 0.001) decreased, with a significant increase in home discharge (65.6% in 2011 and 87.8% in 2018; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The overall patient health status improved from 2008 to 2018, with improvement in the modifiable comorbidities of smoking status, malnutrition, hypertension, and anemia; the functional status; and the overall morbidity and mortality probability, with no clinically relevant change in patient age; patient BMI; percentage of patients with BMI of >40 kg/m2; or patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure within 30 days, or acute renal failure. Our findings may be a reflection of a global shift toward value-based care focusing on patient optimization prior to arthroplasty, quality of care, and improved outcomes. The results of our study highlight the potential increase in TKA procedural value, which is paramount for health-care policy changes in today’s incentivized, value-based, health-care environment.
Elastic Intramedullary Nailing of Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures
Authors: Upasani Vidyadhar V. , Li Ying
Published: December 2020

Background:

Elastic intramedullary nailing of both-bone pediatric forearm fractures is used to treat unstable fractures that fail conservative management with closed reduction and casting, open injuries, or injuries with neurovascular compromise.

Description:

Small incisions are used to enter the medullary canal of the distal end of the radius and proximal part of the ulna, avoiding injury to the adjacent physis. The elastic nail is advanced to the fracture site under fluoroscopic guidance. The fracture is reduced with traction and manipulation, and the nail is passed across the fracture site to stabilize the forearm.

Alternatives:

Closed reduction and casting is the mainstay of treatment in most pediatric forearm fractures. If conservative treatment fails, these fractures can be surgically managed with elastic intramedullary nails or with plate and screw fixation.

Rationale:

Elastic intramedullary nailing of pediatric forearm fractures provides a minimally invasive alternative to treat unstable fractures that fail closed reduction and casting. It has been shown to be a reliable method of achieving anatomic union with excellent function of the injured upper extremity in most patients with very few complications related to the surgery
1–3
.

Expected Outcomes:

We advise patients that in >90% of children treated with this technique, we achieve anatomic union with excellent wrist and elbow function. Usually, the nails can be removed 6 to 12 months after the procedure. Complications related to infection, nonunion, malunion, compartment syndrome, and neurovascular compromise are rare
1–3
.

Important Tips:

Position the patient and fluoroscopy machine to allow easy access to the elbow and wrist throughout the procedure.

Use a sharp-pointed awl to access the medullary canal without injuring the adjacent physes of the distal end of the radius or proximal part of the ulna.

Contour the radial implant to allow easy passage and to establish the anatomic radial bow.

Traction and direct manual pressure can be used to reduce the fractured fragments to allow passage of the implants across the fracture site.

A small open reduction of the fracture site should be performed after ≥3 failed attempts at obtaining a closed reduction.

The nails should be cut so that they can be buried subcutaneously but easily accessed for later removal without injuring the adjacent physes.
Apakah Kinerja Lingkungan dan Biaya Lingkungan Berpengaruh Terhadap Pengungkapan Informasi Lingkungan?
Authors: Adyaksana Rahandhika Ivan , Pronosokodewo Baniady Gennody
Published: December 2020

Environmental information disclosure is one type of disclosure that is still voluntary.  Only a few manufacturing companies in Indonesia have disclosed environmental information.  This study aims to determine the effect of environmental performance and environmental costs on environmental information disclosure.  The population of this research is all manufacturing companies in Indonesia from 2014-2018.  This study uses secondary data with sample selection using purposive sampling method.  The data obtained were 20 companies and processed using SPSS software with multiple linear tests.  The results showed that environmental performance had a positive and significant effect on environmental information disclosure.  Meanwhile, environmental costs have no effect on environmental information disclosure.  The implication of this research is that companies that already have good environmental performance and already have an efficient environmental cost are willing to disclose environmental information continuously even though they are still voluntary.
Strong Association of Glaucoma with Atherosclerosis and Potential Therapeutic Effect of Methazolamide on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Song XianQin , Li Peng , Yuan Lin , Li Yunfeng , Yan Xinfeng , Zhao Cong , An Yi , Chang XiaoTian
Published: December 2020

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyze the synthesis of HCO3− from H2O and CO2. The dysfunction of CAs leads to aqueous humor secretion and high intraocular pressure to cause glaucoma pathogenesis. Methazolamide (MTZ), a CA inhibitor, can effectively treat glaucoma by reducing aqueous humor secretion. We previously reported that carbonic anhydrase I (CA1), a CA family member, was highly expressed in atherosclerotic tissues of the aorta and stimulated atherosclerosis (AS) by promoting calcification. MTZ showed therapeutic and preventive effects on AS in a mouse model. The above findings suggest a relationship between AS and glaucoma. This study explored the possible association between AS prevalence and glaucoma prevalence and the therapeutic effect of MTZ on AS by analyzing medical records. Among 10751 patients with a primary diagnosis of glaucoma, 699 (6.5%) were also diagnosed with AS. However, the incidence of AS in patients with keratitis and scleritis, which are ophthalmic diseases, was 2.5% (206/8383 patients) and 3.5% (46/1308 patients), respectively. In the population without ophthalmic records, the AS prevalence was only 1.9% (99416/5168481 patients). Among 152425 patients with a primary diagnosis of AS, 1245 (0.82%) were also diagnosed with glaucoma. Among 199782 patients with a primary diagnosis of hypertension (excluding AS), 1149 (5.7‰) were diagnosed with glaucoma, and among 5313433 patients without AS or hypertension, 9513 (1.8‰) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Our study also found that AS patients with glaucoma were more likely to suffer from angle-closure glaucoma, Additionally, Among 14 patients who suffered from both AS and glaucoma and were treated with MTZ to cure their glaucoma, 9 people showed reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, the main index of AS, within 3 months after medication use (2.81 ± 0.61 mmol/L VS 2.38 ± 0.58 mmol/L, p = 0.039). The above findings show a strong relation between AS and glaucoma and support that MTZ can be considered a potential therapy to treat AS.
Multi-UAV Path Planning Methodology for Postdisaster Building Damage Surveying
Authors: Nagasawa Ryosuke , Mas Erick , Moya Luis , Koshimura Shunichi
Published: December 2020

For effective disaster relief decision-making, responders require extensive and rapid information on the damage situation in affected areas. Areas with unknown conditions pose a high risk of injury, and working on the ground limits the coverage and speed of information acquisition. An alternative is to exploit aerial observations and, in particular, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAVs can be rapidly deployed to access remote areas without risking survey teams. Moreover, large-scale disasters impact wide areas, and multiple UAVs are needed to increase coverage without compromising resolution or speed. Of particular importance for evaluation are assets such as hospitals, shelters and essential infrastructures. UAVs can survey such structures to construct three-dimensional (3D) models for inspection.A structure-from-motion (SfM) survey generates 3D models from multiple images. However, most path planning algorithms for SfM focus on points of interest taken from an individual UAV and consider a single structure. Here, we propose a path design method for multi-UAV SfM surveys. By designing flight paths with sufficient overlap and sidelap ratios for all faces of the surveyed objects, more precise 3D models can be constructed than with conventional methods. The fuzzy C-means method is adopted to reduce the UAV flight loads to a uniform minimum to ensure full battery utilization.
WITHDRAWN: Economic Burden of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis with Significant Fibrosis in Thailand
Authors: Phisalprapa Pochamana , Prasitwarachot Ratthanon , Kositamongkol Chayanis , Hengswat Pranaidej , Srivanichak Weerachai , Washirasaksiri Chaiwat , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: December 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been recognised as a significant form of chronic liver disease and a common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in a considerable financial burden on healthcare resources. Currently, there is no information regarding the economic burden of NASH in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of NASH in Thailand as a lesson learned for LMICs.Methods: To estimate the healthcare costs and prevalence of NASH with significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 2) in the general Thai population, an eleven-state lifetime horizon Markov model with 1-year cycle length was performed. The model comprised Thai population aged 18 years and older. The cohort size was based on Thailand Official Statistic Registration Systems. The incidence of NASH, transitional probabilities, and costs-of-illness were based on previously published literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The age-specific prevalence of NASH was based on Thai NASH registry data. Costs were expressed in 2019 US Dollars ($). As we undertook analysis from the payer perspective, only direct medical costs were included. All future costs were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed.Results: The estimated total number of patients with significant NASH was 2.9 million cases in 2019, based on a NASH prevalence of 5.74%. The total lifetime cost of significant NASH was $15.2 billion ($5,147 per case), representing approximately 3% of the 2019 GDP of Thailand. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the lifetime costs of significant NASH varied from $11.4 billion to $18.2 billion.Conclusions: The economic burden associated with NASH is substantial in Thailand. This prompts clinicians and policy makers to consider strategies for NASH prevention and management.