bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peranan social capital dalam memelihara keberlanjutan agribisnis jagung
Authors: Sudrajat Jajat , Mulyo Jangkung Handoyo , Hartono Slamet , Subejo Subejo
Published: August 2020

Study the role of social capital on nurturing of agribusiness sustainability is still limited. Whereas, the indepth understanding toward the role of social capital in facilitating cooperation on relationships among institutions (actors) of agribusiness is very important and strategic for planning of agricultural development. This study is aimed to describe the role of social capital in facilitating cooperation on relationships among marketing institutions of corn in Tujuh Belas sub district, Bengkayang regency. The primary data were collected by observation, focus group discussion, and indepth interview to farmers and traders. The result of this study shows that the implementation of social capital element in farming activities or agribusiness in this location, generally based on effort of resources exchange among actors. On the relationships among the farmers, social capital is implemented by exchange of household labor (strict and sort term reciprocity). Meanwhile, in relationships between farmer and village trader and also between village trader and wholesaler, the social capital is implemented by exchange of economic resources. The exchange of resources is frequent implemented by trial risk, risk sharing, and applying flexibility in any type of transaction (non strict reciprocity in the sort term). This resources’s exchange is understood as effort to nurture agribusiness sustainability in the long run.
Pola asuh oleh ibu pada balita dengan berat badan di Bawah Garis Merah (BGM) di Surabaya
Authors: Airinda Novida D
Published: August 2020

Widely known as Asian rice producer in the past, Indonesia is still struggling with the issue of malnutrition until recent times. Growth and development of toddler are not maximal because their nutrition are not properly fulfilled since their early age. This research tries to explain mother's parenting pattern for toddler under the red line (bawah garis merah/BGM). The research was conducted in Kenjeran, District of Bulak, Surabaya, by interviewing and observing five informants. Data were analyzed by interview and observation, later to be interpreted. The research found that mother's knowledge about parenting and child's health are still influenced by belief that do not solve problem properly. Giving solid food to baby is a common thing and believed to resulted better than giving breast milk before their minimum age. This action is not medically recommended because baby has a minimum age to be able to digest solid food as complementer to breast milk.
Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kualitas kinerja pegawai kantor pertanahan di Kabupaten Rote Ndao
Authors: Sayd Geraldino A , Gana Frans , Kase Petrus
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research is to analyzes determinant factors (input) and determinant factor (process) to employee working quality (output) in Land Agency in Rote Ndao regency. There are 6 variables used in this research with 6 independent variables and one dependent variable. 6 dependent variables consist of human resources, budget, facility, infrastructure, bureaucracy efficiency, and labor discipline; independent variable is working quality. Population in this research are 30 employees from Land Agency in Rote Ndao regency. Data analysis used in this research is Spearman’s correlation analysis method. This research concludes that the six independet variables have significant influnce toward the dependent variable partially and simultaneously.
Mestrados profissionais na área da comunicação: Notas sobre o design de projetos e critérios para avaliação
Authors: Santos Márcio Carneiro dos
Published: August 2020

Descreve-se um conjunto de orientações para o design e avaliação de projetos desenvolvidos para mestrados profissionais, a partir da experiência do caso do programa da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, o primeiro do tipo na região da Amazônia brasileira. Partindo das especificações do documento de área da CAPES para a área da Comunicação e Informação e dos conceitos da Design Science, o trabalho reflete também os dez anos de experiência do LABCOM- Laboratório de Convergência de Mídias na área da pesquisa aplicada, com abordagem interdisciplinar e criação de soluções de software para apoio ao trabalho dos pesquisadores.
Learning of teaching: A look at teacher education of the Communication professors in the UFRR
Authors: Baptaglin Leila Adriana , Santi Vilso Junior
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT:

This research aims to discuss teacher education implemented in the construction of the learning of teaching of the professors in the Bachelor’s Course in Social Communication/Journalism (CCOS) and the Postgraduate Program in Communication (PPGCOM) in the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR). For this, we analyzed the resumés in the Lattes platform and an inquiry via email to the teachers asking them about the activities they performed during their education process, related to the learning of teaching. This set of documents was studied through the Content Analysis, in which three categories were defined: Initial academic education; Postgraduate studies; and Educational trajectories. The discussion of the data makes it clear that while teachers are educators, they are also educated and this process requires a collaborative posture that is done in the classroom, it is a social, shared achievement. The process of learning of teaching, therefore, places the teacher in face of a challenge of using strategies to favor the mastery of specific knowledge, articulating with the pedagogical dimension, even if for that they need to have educational experiences other than necessarily go through formal education.
The importance of strengthening to social communication postgraduate at the state of Amapá
Authors: Lima Junior Walter Teixeira
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT:

This academic essay aims to raise points for the strategic importance of postgraduate courses in Social Communication in the state of Amapá (Brazil). The perceptions come from participant observation processes as a former teaching member of the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, belonging to the Graduate Program in Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer for Innovation, both operating at the Federal University of Amapá (Unifap ). The reflection also starts from the experience in other graduate programs, these established in the Southeast region of the country, more riches, and better infrastructure. Therefore, although the essay is based on data and documents, the work is a personal reflection.

 

KEYWORDS: Post graduation; Communication; Amapa; Relevance.
O (inter)agendamento no jornalismo regional: um estudo de dois telejornais de Imperatriz, no Maranhão (Brasil)
Authors: Silva Sarah Dantas do Rego , Tavares Camilla Quesada
Published: August 2020

RESUMO:

Este artigo tem por objetivo investigar o interagendamento entre os telejornais JMTV 1° edição, da TV Mirante, e o Na Hora D, da TV Difusora Sul, ambos da cidade de Imperatriz, no Maranhão. Para essa proposta, foram abordados a teoria do agendamento e a perspectiva de mídia regional e local no âmbito televisivo. Metodologicamente, este artigo está ancorado na análise de conteúdo quantitativa, e possui um corpus de 73 matérias analisadas dos dois telejornais, 26 do JMTV e 47 do Na Hora D – durante a primeira semana do mês de agosto de 2019. Sobre os principais achados da pesquisa, tem-se uma limitação no que é proposto sobre regionalismo e percebeu-se que, no período de análise, houve interagendamento midiático entre os dois telejornais.
Educational planning, municipal education plan and public policies in Miracema do Tocantins - between the ideal, the written, and the accomplished
Authors: Lagares Rosilene , Silva Meire Lúcia Andrade da
Published: August 2020

The present article is based on a bibliographical review, anchored in Lima and Kyoto (2007) and documentary research (Gil, 1999), based on the dialectical historical materialism method that indicates the whole of life in society [...] is "a way of understanding history and analyzing the evolutions and struggles in the economic and political sector" (AZEVEDO, 1999). We aim to describe the educational planning process in the municipality of Miracema do Tocantins, as resulting from the Plan, in the implementation of educational public policies and the articulation for the elaboration, monitoring and implementation of the SME 2015-2025, addressing perspectives, complexities, possibilities. As results, we apprehend a municipal documental collection produced from the guidelines, documents and guidelines of SASE/MEC, since 2013, when the SME was elaborated, which justified the elaboration of the Plan and which bases its monitoring and implementation process. However, we also learned that the SME's goals and strategies were minimally implemented.
Assessments of Landowners’ Willingness to Accept Compensation for Participating in Forest Certification in Shandong China
Authors: Tian Nana , Poudyal Neelam , Lu Fadian
Published: August 2020

Achieving sustainable management of forests in China is becoming increasingly important with more awareness and realization of the importance of forests in environmental protection. Forest certification, a market-based instrument to promote sustainable forest management, has been recognized by many countries including China. While landowners’ perception and perspective regarding this voluntary program have been well-documented in literature, how to motivate and incentivize landowners to participate in forest certification remained under-studied questions. With the face-to-face survey of landowners in Shandong, China, this study analyzed landowners’ willingness to accept compensation for participating in forest certification. Results indicated that landowners average accepted compensation, in terms of increased timber price, was about RMB120 (~$17.2)/m3 to have their forests certified. Results from multiple regression showed that the level of such compensation required for certification adoption was influenced by ownership size, owners’ demographics, certification program requirements, as well as importance placed on timber sale. These findings would inform policy-makers in designing compensation-related polices and establish incentive-based mechanisms to motivate landowners participate in forest certification programs in China.
Rethinking Aptamers as Nanotheranostic Tools for SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Dzuvor christian
Published: August 2020

The novel coronavirus named by WHO and Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) as SARS-COV-2 is the etiological agent of the newly emerged Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 has become a pandemic threat as the WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Early and precise detection of the virus is important for effective diagnosis and treatment. Various testing kits and assays, including real-time reverse Transcriptase PCR, thermal screening guns, ELISA-based immunoassays, and Point-of-Care (POC), have been implemented or are being explored to detect the virus and/or characterise cellular and antibody responses to the infection. However, these approaches have inherent limitations such as non-specificity, high cost, characterize by long turnaround times for test results, and can be labour intensive. Aptamers, which are single-stranded oligonucleotides, generated artificially by SELEX (Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) may offer the capacity to generate high affinity bioprobes for monitoring relevant SARS-COV 2 and COVID-19 biomarkers. This article discusses the prospects of implementing aptasensing technologies for rapid point-of-care detection of SARS-COV-2.
Studying Unemployment Effects on Mental Health: Social Media versus Traditional Approach
Authors: Ahmed Samara , Rajput Adil E. , Sarirete Akil , Aljaberi Asmaa , Alghanem Ohoud , Alsheraigi Abrar
Published: August 2020

Social media, traditionally reserved for social exchanges on the net, has been increasingly used by researchers to gain insight into different facets of human life. Unemployment is an area that has gained attention by researchers in various fields. Medical practitioners especially in the area of mental health have traditionally monitored the effects of involuntary unemployment with great interest. In this work, we compare the feedback gathered from social media using crowdsourcing techniques to results obtained prior to the advent of Big Data. We find that the results are consistent in terms of 1) financial strain is the biggest stressor and concern, 2) onslaught of depression is typical and 3) possible interventions including reemployment and support from friends and family is crucial in minimizing the effects of involuntary unemployment. Lastly, we could not find enough evidence to study effects on physical health and somatization in this work.
Geoethics for Nudging Human Practices in Times of Pandemics
Authors: Marone Eduardo , Bohle Martin
Published: August 2020

Geoscientists developed geoethics, an intra-disciplinary field of applied philosophical studies, during the last decade. Reaching beyond the sphere of professional geosciences, it led to professional, cultural, and philosophical approaches to handle the social-ecological structures of our planet ‘wherever human activities interact with the Earth system’. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 and considering geoscientists’ experiences dealing with disasters (related to hazards like tsunamis, floods, climate changes.), this essay (1) explores the geoethical approach, (2) re-casts geoethics within western philosophical systems, such as the Kantian imperatives, Kohlberg scale of moral adequacy, Jonas’ imperative of responsibility, and (3) advances a ‘geoethical thesis’. The latter takes the form of a hypothesis of a much broader scope of geoethics than initially envisioned. That hypothesis appears by suspecting a relationship between the relative successes in the COVID-19 battle with the positioning of agents (individual, collective, institutional) into ethical frameworks. The turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for the transfer of experiences between different disciplinary domains to further sustainable governance, hence generalising the geoethical approach. It is emphasized that only when behaving as responsible and knowledgeable citizens, then people of any trade (including [geo-]scientists) can transgress the boundaries of ordinary governance practices with legitimacy.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN KELOMPOK TERNAK KARYA UNGGUL MELALUI KELAS BELAJAR PEMBUATAN KOMPOS DI KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO
Authors: Utami Bekti Nur , Purwoko Deha
Published: August 2020

Norm in Sub district Sekar which requires each family maintain a minimum of one cow bringing the total number of cattle population in Sub District Sekar many as 7.676 cows. Livestock raising cattle in Karya Unggul Livest ock Group is carried out jointly with the colony cages as many as 54 cows. A cow can emit feces weighing 25 kg / day (Sihombing, 2000 in Alex S, Without the Year). It should therefore be able to produce compost herd weighing 1.350 kg / day. But the manure waste has not been used and simply discarded. Therefore, to improve the ability of farmers to do the class learned about composting. The purpose of this research was to determine the increase in the capabilities of Karya Unggul Livestock Group in composting through classroom learning. The method used is qualitative descriptive approach. The data collection is done by observation, interviews, focus group discussions, documentation. The research location determined by purposive, namely in group Livestock Karya Unggul In the village Sekar Sub District Sekar District Bojonegoro. The sample used in the census, cosnist of 60 responden. The results showed that increasing the capabilities of livestock group as classroom learning starts from: 1) Planning Study, 2) Implementation of Learning, and 3) Evaluation of Learning. Their classroom learning about composting expected farmers can apply compost processing technology that has been studied and used as a basic fertilizer plant.

                                                                                                            

 

 
PENDIDIKAN INKLUSI SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF SOLUSI MENGATASI PERMASALAHAN SOSIAL ANAK PENYANDANG DISABILITAS
Authors: Jauhari Auhad
Published: August 2020

Anak-anak penyandang cacat memiliki hak yang sama dengan anakanak
pada umumnya untuk mendapatkan pendidikan. Sayangnya,
ketersediaan pendidikan yang memadai untuk anak berkebutuhan
khusus tidak memadai dan setara. Karena penyediaan sekolah luar
biasa hanya ada di kota-kota besar. Pendidikan inklusi datang
sebagai solusi alternatif untuk mengatasi masalah sosial anak
penyandang cacat. Tujuan pembentukan sekolah inklusif adalah
meminimalkan dampak yang ditimbulkan oleh sikap eksklusif.
Sekolah inklusi juga memberi kesempatan kepada anak
berkebutuhan khusus dan kurang mampu menempuh pendidikan
pascasarjana.
PELAYANAN AKSESIBILITAS JALAN UMUM (JALUR PEDESTRIAN) BAGI PENYANDANG DISABILITAS (STUDI KASUS DI KOTA SERANG)
Authors: Hasanah Budi
Published: August 2020

Pelayanan publik merupakan bentuk pelayanan yang
diberikan oleh penyelenggara pelayanan dalam hal ini adalah
pemerintah Kota Serang Provinsi Banten. Pemerintah harus dapat
mendistribusikan pelayanan tersebut secara adildalam upaya
pemenuhan kebutuhan kepada semua lapisan masyarakat tanpa terkecuali. Salah satu jenis pelayanan publik yang berhak
masyarakat peroleh adalah pelayanan aksesibilitas. Penyediaan
aksesibilitas salah satunya akses dalam bentuk fisik yaitu
aksesibilitas jalan umum dengan cara menyediakan jalur pedestrian
(trotoar) bagi penyandang disabilitas.Tujuan dari penelitian ini
adalah untuk mendeskripsikan dan melakukan analisis bagaimana
pelayanan aksesibilitas jalan umum (jalur pendestrian) bagi
penyandang disabilitas. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian studi
kasus deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif.
dengan menggunakan teknis survei literatur akademis di bidang
keilmuan pelayanan publik untuk memperoleh konsep-konsep yang
relevan dengan kajian pelayanan aksesibilitas jalan umum (jalur
pedestrian) bagi penyandang disabilitas. Teknik pengumpulan data
ini melalui penelusuran berbagai sumber dan literatur, baik berasal
dari dokumen pemerintah serta pemberitaan media massa
elektronik, jurnal dan berbagai buku yang terkait dengan penelitian
ini. selain itu peneliti juga menggunakan teknik dokumentasi yang
ada di lapangan dalam bentuk foto-foto serta dilakukannya
pengamatan di lapangan untuk memperkuat data yang ada.Hasil
penelitian ini ditemukan bahwa pelayanan aksesi jalan umum (jalur
pedestrian) bagi difabel studi kasus di Kota Serang belum baik.
Artinya, aksesibilitas jalur pedestrian tidak ramah terhadap difabel
sehingga menyulitkan kaum difabel untuk dapat melakukan
mobilitas dengan baik dan mandiri serta kesulitan untuk
berpartisipasi secara penuh dan efektif dengan warga negara
lainnya berdasarkan kesamaan hak.
AGAMA DAN TRADISI LOKAL ( STUDI ATAS PEMAKNAAN TRADISI REBO WEKASANDI DESA JEPANG, MEJOBO, KUDUS)
Authors: Dzofir Mohammad
Published: August 2020

Upacara tradisional merupakan salah satu faktor penting
dalam peradaban Jawa yang memiliki akar kuat dan tidak lepas dari
kehidupan masyarakat Jawa. Bagi kebanyakan orang Jawa, ini
bukan tradisi budaya, tapi juga bagian dari komunitas religius.
Melalui upacara tradisional yang dikemas dalam ritual keagamaan,
mereka berhak mendapatkan keselamatan dan kebahagiaan hidup.
Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengungkap makna tradisi Rebo
Wekasan di Masjid Wali al-Makmur untuk komunitas Muslim di
desa Jepang, Mejobo, Kudus. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode
kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologis dengan pemahaman
menyeluruh secara mendalam dan mendalam makna tradisi Rebo
Wekasan untuk masyarakat muslim. Tradisi Rebo Wekasan
merupakan bagian integral dalam kehidupan beragama masyarakat
Jepang.
Motif Penggunaan Simbol Religiusitas Mahasiswa Berkopyah
Authors: Sanusi Sanusi
Published: August 2020

This study aims to determine the logical reasons for each student's social actions based on certain motives in the use of religiosity symbols in the form of skullcaps in all daily activities on campus and the surrounding environment. This research is a descriptive-qualitative study that describes the trends of reasons and motives for the use of religiosity symbols in the form of kopyah for students qualitatively. The results of the study obtained a number of reasons and factors that underlie the encouragement of students to use kopyah on campus. The dominant tendency towards what is done by a kopyah user is the psychological motive of fulfilling the need for comfort for a santri, the preventive motive is encouragement to guard against all immoral acts and other sins; in the form of encouragement to follow what was exemplified by a cleric who became a role model as a form of piety of a santri. In this case, kopyah becomes a certain identity characteristic inherent in itself along with the practice of its religiosity.

Keywords:

Motif, Symbol, Religiosity, Kopyah
Deltopectoral Approach for Arthroplasty After Early Failed Proximal Humerus Fixation Via Deltoid Split Heals Uneventfully
Authors: DeBaun Malcolm R. , Goodnough L. Henry , Gatewood Corey , Gardner Michael J. , Abrams Geoffrey D.
Published: August 2020

Case:

A 57-year-old male carpenter sustained a 2-part displaced proximal humerus fracture of his nondominant arm with varus angulation after a fall down the stairs. Fifteen days postinjury, the patient underwent direct reduction and surgical fixation with an intramedullary cage implant via a deltoid split approach. Nine days postsurgery, the patient presented to the emergency department after another fall with failed fixation. Two weeks after index surgery, he was revised to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty via a deltopectoral approach and healed both incisions uneventfully.

Conclusion:

A deltopectoral approach performed acutely after a deltoid split approach for fracture can heal uneventfully.
The Co-Movements Between Crude Oil Price and Internet Concerns: Causality Analysis in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Li Jingjing , Tang Ling , Li Ling
Published: August 2020

With the boom of web technology, Internet concerns (IC) have become emerging drivers of crude oil price. This paper makes the first attempt to measure the frequency-varying co-movements between crude oil price and IC in five domains (i.e., fundamentals, supply-demand, crisis, war and weather) by using the frequency causality test method. Based on the monthly Brent spot price and search volumes (SVs) captured by Google Trends from January 2004 to September 2019, new and complementary insights regarding the co-movements between crude oil price and IC are obtained. 1) The co-movements between crude oil price and the IC of supply-demand, war, and weather support a neutral hypothesis at all frequencies due to the characteristics (low value or volatility) of these IC data. 2) There is a unidirectional causal relationship between crude oil price and the IC of fundamentals, running from the latter to the former at low frequencies (long-term). 3) There is a feedback relationship between crude oil price and the IC of crisis, with the IC of crisis driving crude oil price at medium and low frequencies (mid- and long-term) and crude oil price causing the IC of crisis to change permanently. The conclusions of this paper provide important implications for both oil market economists and investors.
Correlation Analysis of Stock Market and Fund Market Based on M-Copula-EGARCH-M-GED Model
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Wang Hongjun
Published: August 2020

In this paper, M-Copula is used to analyze the correlation between Shanghai Composite Index and Shanghai Fund Index. By analyzing the characteristics of the logarithmic yields sequence of two samples, the marginal distribution model is established by using EGARCH-M-GED model. According to the correlation between two logarithmic yields sequence, the M-Copula model is selected to model its correlation structure, and its parameters are estimated by EM algorithm. Because M-Copula combines characteristics of different Copulas, it has more flexible distribution forms and more prominent ability to describe the fat tails and correlation characteristics of data, and more importantly, the effect is better than single Copula.
Truck and Trailer Routing Problem Solving by a Backtracking Search Algorithm
Authors: Yuan Shiyi , Fu Jianwen , Cui Feng , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2020

Truck and trailer routing problem (TTRP) is one of the most frequently encountered problem in city distribution, particularly in populated and intensive downtown. This paper addresses this problem and designs a novel backtracking search algorithm (BSA) based meta-heuristics to solve it. The initial population is created by T-sweep heuristic and then based on the framework of backtracking search algorithm, four types of route improvement strategies are used as building blocks to improve the solutions of BSA in the process of mutation and crossover. The computational experiments and results indicate that the proposed BSA algorithm can provide an effective approach to generate high-quality solutions within the satisfactory computational time.
Impact of image size reducing for image quality assesment
Authors: Golub Yu. I. , Starovoitov F. V. , Starovoitov V. V.
Published: August 2020

The article describes studies of the effect of image reduction on the quantitative assessment of their quality. Image reduction refers to the proportional reduction of horizontal and vertical image resolutions in pixels. Within the framework of these studies, correlation analysis between quantitative assessments of image quality and subjective assessments of experts was performed. For the experiments, we used images from the public TID2013 database with a resolution of 512 × 384 pixels and expert estimates of their quality, as well as photographs taken with a Nikon D5000 digital camera with a resolution of 4288 × 2848 pixels. All images were reduced in 2, 4 and 8 times. For this two methods were used: bilinear interpolation and interpolation by the nearest neighbor.

22 measures were selected to evaluate image quality. Quantitative assessment of image quality was calculated in two stages. At the first stage, an array of local estimates was obtained in the vicinity of each pixel using the selected measures. At the second stage, a global quality assessment was calculated from the obtained local ones. To summarize local quality estimates, the parameters of 16 distributions of random variables were considered.

According to the results of the experiments, it was concluded that the accuracy of the quality assessment for some measures decreases with image reduction (for example, FISH, GORD, HELM, LOEN measures). BREN and SHAR measures are recommended as the best. To reduce images, it is better to use the nearest neighbor interpolation method. At the same time, the computation time of estimates is reduced on average by 4 times while reducing images by 2 times. When images are reduced by 8 times, the calculation time decreases on average by 80 times. The amount of memory required to store the reduced images is 25 times less.
Using object-oriented databases in face recognition
Authors: Dong X. C. , Ionin V. I.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the work is to develop an algorithm functioning by a face recognition system using object-oriented databases. The system provides automatic identification of the desired object or identifies someone using a digital photo or video frame from a video source. The technology includes comparing pre-scanned face elements from the resulting image with prototypes of faces stored in the database. Modern packages of object-oriented databases give the user the opportunity to create a new class with the specified attributes and methods, obtain classes that inherit attributes and methods from super classes, create instances of the class, each of which has a unique object identifier, extract these instances one by one or in groups, and also download and perform these procedures. Using a convolutional neural network in the algorithm allows the transition from specific features of the image to more abstract details.
Toxicity of Povidone-Iodine to the Ocular Surface of Rabbits
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Ahn Yong Sun , Lee Yeo Jin , Kim Hyun Seung
Published: August 2020

Background: We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits.Methods: Twenty-three white rabbits were divided into four groups; these were a control group and three study groups in which the ocular surface was exposed to PI for different times. In control group, one drop of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied once for 10 minutes. In study groups, one drop of 5% (w/v) PI was topically applied once for 1 minute, 3 minutes, and 10 minutes, and then the animals were observed for 7 days. The Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival impression cytology were performed on day 0, 3, and 7. After 7 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and conjunctiva and cornea were collected and evaluated by light and electron microscope. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to detect mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC).Results: The decrease in goblet cell density, reductions in MUC5AC level and histopathological and ultrastructural changes of conjunctiva and cornea were more prominent in the 5% (w/v) PI groups than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, these changes were more prominent when PI was applied for 3 and 10 minutes rather than 1 minute (both p values < 0.05).Conclusions: 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine caused damages to the ocular surface in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we should be aware of that excessive PI exposure during ophthalmic procedures could be a pathogenic factor of dry eye syndrome after surgery.
Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Bakibinga Pauline , Kamande Eva , Kisia Lyagamula , Omuya Milka , Matanda Dennis J , Kyobutungi Catherine
Published: August 2020

Background

The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. We co-developed and tested a decision support mobile health (m-Health) application (app);with some of the forms used by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya to collect data and connected to health facilities. This paper explores the experiences of CHVs, health workers and members of Sub-County Health Management Teams following implementation of the project.

Methods

Data were collected in December 2017 through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with CHVs and key informant interviews with health care workers and health managers in Kamukunji sub-County of Nairobi, Kenya. Data coding and analysis was performed in NVivo 12.

Results

Regarding users and health managers’ perceptions towards the system; three main themes were identified: 1) variations in use, 2) barriers to use and 3) recommendations to improve use. Health workers at the private facility and some CHVs used the system more than health workers at the public facilities. Four sub-themes under barriers to use were socio-political environment, attitudes and behaviour, issues related to the system and poor infrastructure. A prolonged health workers’ strike, the contentious presidential election in the year of implementation, interrupted electricity supply and lack of basic electric fixtures were major barriers to use. Suggestions to improve usage were: 1) integration of the system with others in use and making it available on users’ regular phones, and 2) explore sustainable motivation models to users as well as performance based remuneration.

Conclusions

The findings reveal the importance of considering the readiness of information and communication technologies (ICT) users before rollout of ICT solutions. The political and sociocultural environment in which the innovation is to be implemented and integration of new solutions into existing ones is critical for success. As more healthcare delivery models are developed, harnessing the potential of digital technologies, strengthening health systems is critical as this provides the backbone on which such innovations draw support.
Particulate matter and emergency visits for asthma: a time-series study of their association in the presence and absence of wildfire smoke in Reno, Nevada, 2013-2018
Authors: Kiser Daniel , Metcalf William J. , Elhanan Gai , Schnieder Brendan , Schlauch Karen , Joros Andrew , Petersen Craig , Grzymski Joseph
Published: August 2020

Background: Health risks due to particulate matter (PM) from wildfires may differ from risk due to PM from other sources. In places frequently subjected to wildfire smoke, such as Reno, Nevada, it is critical to determine whether wildfire PM poses unique risks. Our goal was to quantify the difference in the association of adverse asthma events with PM on days when wildfire smoke was present versus days when wildfire smoke was not present. Methods: We obtained counts of visits for asthma at emergency departments and urgent care centers from a large regional healthcare system in Reno for the years 2013-2018. We also obtained dates when wildfire smoke was present from the Washoe County Health District Air Quality Management Division. We then examined whether the presence of wildfire smoke modified the association of PM 2.5 , PM 10-2.5 , and PM 10 with asthma visits using generalized additive models. We improved on previous studies by accounting for possible non-linearity in the association between PM concentration and asthma visits: wildfire-smoke days where the PM concentration exceeded the maximum PM concentration on other days were excluded. Results: Air quality was affected by wildfire smoke on 188 days between 2013 and 2018. We found that the presence of wildfire smoke increased the association of a 5 µg/m 3 increase in daily and three-day averages of PM 2.5 with asthma visits by 6.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-10.3%) and 6.8% (CI: 1.2-12.7%), respectively. Similarly, the presence of wildfire smoke increased the association of a 5 µg/m 3 increase in daily and three-day averages of PM 10 with asthma visits by 5.5% (CI: 2.5-8.6%) and 7.2% (CI: 2.6-12.0%), respectively. We did not observe any significant increases in association for PM 10-2.5 or for seven-day averages of PM 2.5­ and PM 10 . Conclusions: Since we found significantly stronger associations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 with asthma visits when wildfire smoke was present, our results suggest that wildfire PM is more hazardous than non-wildfire PM for patients with asthma.
Differential Mirror Neuron System (MNS) Activation During Action Observation with and without Social-Emotional Components in Autism: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies
Authors: Chan Melody M.Y. , Han Yvonne M.Y.
Published: August 2020

Background Impaired imitation has been found to be an important factor contributing to social communication deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been hypothesized that the neural correlate of imitation, the mirror neuron system (MNS), is dysfunctional in ASD, resulting in imitation impairment as one of the key behavioral manifestations in ASD. Previous MNS studies produced inconsistent results, leaving the debate of whether mirror neurons are “broken” in ASD unresolved. Methods This meta-analysis aimed to explore the differences in MNS activation patterns between typically developing (TD) and ASD individuals when they observe biological motions with or without social-emotional components. Effect-size signed differential mapping (ES-SDM) was adopted to synthesize the available fMRI data. Results ES-SDM analysis revealed hyperactivation in the right inferior frontal gyrus and left supplementary motor area in ASD during observation of biological motions. Subgroup analysis of experiments involving the observation of stimuli with or without emotional component revealed hyperactivation in the left inferior parietal lobule and left supplementary motor during action observation without emotional components, whereas hyperactivation of right inferior frontal gyrus was found during action observation with emotional components in ASD. Subgroup analyses of age showed hyperactivation of bilateral inferior frontal gyrus in ASD adolescents, while hyperactivation in the right inferior frontal gyrus was noted in ASD adults. Meta-regression within ASD individuals indicated that right cerebellum crus I activation increased with age, while left inferior temporal gyrus activation decreased with age. Limitations This meta-analysis is limited in its generalization of the findings to individuals with ASD by the restricted age range, heterogeneous study sample, and the large within-group variation in MNS activation patterns during object observation. Furthermore, we only included action observation studies which might limit the generalization of our results to the imitation deficits in ASD. In addition, the relatively small sample size for individual studies might also potentially overestimate the effect sizes. Conclusion The MNS is impaired in ASD. The abnormal activation patterns were found to be modulated by the nature of stimuli and age, which might explain the contradictory results from earlier studies on the “broken mirror neuron” debate.
LINC01006 facilitates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer through targeting miR-34a-5p to up-regulate DAAM1
Authors: Ma Enhui , Wang Qianqian , Li Jinhua , Zhang Xinqi , Guo Zhenjia , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: August 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a kind of malignancy occurring in the prostate gland. Substantial researches have proved the major role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PCa. However, the role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1006 (LINC01006) in PCa has not been investigated yet.Methods: RT-qPCR was used to examine the expression levels of LINC01006 and its downstream targets. The function of LINC01006 in PCa was tested by in vitro and in vivo assays. With application of RNA pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays, the interaction among LINC01006, miR-34a-5p and disheveled associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) were verified.Results: LINC01006 expression presented high in PCa cell lines. LINC01006 silencing suppressed cell proliferative, migratory, invasive capacities while accelerated apoptotic rate. Besides, LINC01006 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, miR-34a-5p, a tumor suppressor in PCa, was sponged by LINC01006. Moreover, DAAM1 was targeted by miR-34a-5p and promoted PCa progression. More intriguingly, rescue assays suggested that the inhibitory effect of LINC01006 knockdown on PCa development was offset by DAAM1 overexpression.Conclusions: LINC01006 promoted PCa progression by sponging miR-34a-5p to up-regulate DAAM1, providing a novel target for PCa therapy.
Intervening up-regulated SLC7A5 could mitigate inflammatory mediator by mTOR-P70S6K signal in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes.
Authors: Xu Jing , Jiang Congshan , Cai Yongsong , Guo Yuanxu , Wang Xipeng , Zhang Jiaxiang , Xu Jiawen , Xu Ke , Zhu Wenhua , Wang Si , Zhang Fujun , Geng Manman , Han Yan , Ning Qilan , Xu Peng , Meng Liesu , Lu Shemin
Published: August 2020

Objective: The disruption of metabolic events and changes to nutrient and oxygen availability due to sustained inflammation in RA increases the demand of bioenergetic and biosynthetic processes within the damaged tissue. The current study aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms of SLC7A5 (amino acid transporter) in synoviocytes of RA patients.Methods: Synovial tissues were obtained from OA and RA patients. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated and SLC7A5 expression was examined by using RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. RNAi and antibody blocking treatments were used to knockdown SLC7A5 expression or to block its transporter activities. mTOR activity assay and MMPs expression levels were monitored in RA FLS under amino acid deprivation or nutrient rich conditions. Results: RA FLS displayed significantly upregulated expression of SLC7A5 compared to OA FLS. Cytokine IL-1β was found to play a crucial role in up-regulating SLC7A5 expression via NF-κB pathway. Intervening SLC7A5 expression with RNAi or blocking its function by monoclonal antibody ameliorated MMP3 and MMP13 protein expression. Conversely, up regulation of SLC7A5 or tryptophan supplementation enhanced mTOR-P70S6K signals which promoted the protein translation of MMP3 and MMP13 in RA FLS.Conclusion: Activated NF-κB pathway up-regulates SLC7A5, which enhances mTOR-P70S6K activity and MMP3 and MMP13 expression in RA FLS.
Pancreatic duct guidewire placement for biliary cannulation as a risk factor for stone residue after endoscopic transpapillary stone removal
Authors: Fujita Akashi , Nakahara Kazunari , Michikawa Yosuke , Morita Ryo , Suetani Keigo , Sato Junya , Igarashi Yosuke , Araki Ryuichiro , Ikeda Hiroki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Itoh Fumio
Published: August 2020

Background: Recent improvements in stone extraction implements and apparatus have lessened the complexity of the endoscopic bile duct stone treatment. However, despite confirmation of complete removal, cases of residual stones have been reported, which can result in recurrent biliary symptoms, cholangitis, and pancreatitis and considerably increase cost given the need for repeat imaging and/or procedures. To date, risk factors for residual bile duct stones following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) extraction have not been thoroughly evaluated. This study retrospectively investigated the incidence and risk factors of residual bile duct stones following extraction via ERCP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all ERCP cases that underwent endoscopic bile duct stone extraction between April 2014 and March 2019. A total of 505 patients were enrolled and evaluated for the incidence and risk factors of residual bile duct stones after ERCP. Results: The rate of residual stones was 4.8% (24/505). Residual stones were detected by computed tomography (12/24) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (12/24). In univariate analyses, a large number of stones (P = 0.01), long procedure time (P = 0.005), and performance of the pancreatic duct guidewire placement method (P-GW) for selective bile duct cannulation (P = 0.01) were the factors involved in residual stones. In multiple logistic regression analysis, performing P-GW was retained as the only independent factor of residual stones (adjusted odds ratio, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.19–9.88; P = 0.02). Conclusions: When removing bile duct stones with a pancreatic guidewire in place, paying attention to residual stones is necessary.
Tiotropium/Olodaterol Treatment Reduces Cigarette Smoke Extract-induced Cell Death in BEAS-2B Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsiung , Li Yi-Rong , Lin Sheng-Hao , Chang Hsiu-Hui , Chai Woei-Horng , Chan Po-Chiang , Lin Ching-Hsiung
Published: August 2020

Background: Cigarette smoking is a critical risk factor for the destruction of lung parenchyma or the development of emphysema, which is characteristic of COPD. Disruption of epithelial layer integrity may contribute to lung injury following cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure. Tiotropium/olodaterol acts as a bronchodilator for COPD treatment; however, the effect of dual bronchodilators on epithelial cell injury and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of tiotropium/olodaterol on CSE-mediated cell death and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy were evaluated using flow cytometry. Autophagy-related protein, phosphorylated ERK, expression was determined using Western blotting.Results: Tiotropium/olodaterol significantly inhibited CSE-induced cell death, mitochondria dysfunction, and autophagy, which had no significant effect on apoptosis or necrosis in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. Moreover, tiotropium/olodaterol attenuated CSE-induced upregulation of JNK.Conclusions: CSE induced cell death and caused consistent patterns of autophagy and JNK activation in BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. Tiotropium/olodaterol treatment protected bronchial epithelial cells from CSE-induced injury and inhibited activation of autophagy and upregulation of JNK phosphorylation. These results indicate that tiotropium/olodaterol may protect epithelial cells from the deleterious effects of CSE exposure, which is associated with the regulation of autophagy and JNK activation.
The diagnostic power of CD117, CD13, CD56, CD64, and MPO in rapid screening acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Tran Vinh Thanh , Phan Thang Thanh , Mac Hong-Phuoc , Tran Tung Thanh , Ho Toan Trong , Pho Suong Phuoc , Nguyen Van-Anh Ngoc , Vo Truc-My , Nguyen Hue Thi , Le Thao Thi , Vo Tin Huu , Nguyen Son Truong
Published: August 2020

Objective: The same immuno-phenotype between HLA-DR-negative acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) causes APL rapid screening to become difficult. This study aimed to identify the associated antigens for APL and the best model in clinical uses.Results: A total of 36 APL (PML-RARA+) and 29 HLA-DR-negative non-APL patients enrolled in this study. When a cut-off point of 20% events was applied to define positive or negative status, APL and non-APL patients share a similar immuno-phenotype of CD117, CD34, CD11b, CD13, CD33, and MPO (P>0.05). However, expression intensity of CD117 (P=0.002), CD13 (P<0.001), CD35 (P<0.001), CD64 (P<0.001), and MPO (P<0.001) in APL are significantly higher while CD56 (P=0.049) is lower than in non-APL subjects. The Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) analysis identified CD117 (≥49% events), CD13 (≥88% events), CD56 (≤25% events), CD64 (≥42% events), and MPO (≥97% events) antigens as an optimal model for APL diagnosis. A combination of these factors resulted in an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.98 together with 91.7% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity, which is better than individual markers (AUC were 0.76, 0.84, 0.65, 0.82, and 0.85, respectively) (P=0.001).
Impact of the Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm on the interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Wyrzykowski Michał , Siminiak Natalia , Kaźmierczak Maciej , Ruchała Marek , Czepczyński Rafał
Published: August 2020

Background. Q.Clear is a new Bayesian penalized-likelihood PET reconstruction algorithm. It has been documented that Q.Clear increases the SUVmax values of different malignant lesions. Purpose. As SUVmax values are crucial for interpretation of PET/CT images in patients with lymphoma, particularly when early and final responses to treatment are evaluated. The aim of the study was to systematically analyse the impact of the use of Q.Clear on interpretation of PET/CT in patients with lymphoma.Methods. A total of 280 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in patients with lymphoma were performed for staging (sPET), for early treatment response (iPET), after the end of treatment (ePET) and when a relapse of lymphoma was suspected (rPET). Scans were separately reconstructed with two algorithms, Q.Clear and OSEM, and further compared.Results. The stage of lymphoma was concordantly diagnosed in 69/70 patients with both algorithms on sPET. Discordant assessment of the Deauville score (p<0.001) was found in 11 cases (15.7%) of 70 iPET scans and in 11 cases of 70 ePET scans. An upgrade from a negative to a positive scan by Q.Clear occurred in 3 cases (4.3%) of iPET scans and 7 cases (10.0%) of ePET. The results of all 70 r-PET scans were concordant. The SUVmax values of the target lymphoma lesions measured with Q.Clear were higher than those measured with OSEM in 88.8% of scans. Conclusion. Although the Q.Clear algorithm may alter interpretations of PET/CT in only a small proportion of patients, we recommend using standard OSEM reconstruction for the assessment of treatment response.