bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of occupational exposure to petrol and gasoline components on liver and renal biochemical parameters among gas station attendants, a review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rahimi Moghadam Somayeh , Afshari Mahdi , Ganjali Ali , Moosazadeh Mahmood
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Kidney and liver are of the most affected organs during permanent exposure to petrol and gasoline components in gas stations. This study aims to investigate the renal and liver involvements in these workers using meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, ISI web of science, and Google scholar motor engine were searched using Mesh terms of the relevant keywords. Screening of titles, abstracts and full texts was continued until the eligible articles meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. Quality assessment was conducted using NOS (Newcastle–Ottawa Quality score). The pooled standard mean difference of the renal and liver indices between exposed/unexposed groups was estimated using Stata ver. 11 software.

Results

In this systematic review, 22 papers were entered. The pooled standard mean difference (95% confidence interval) between exposed and unexposed groups was estimated as of 0.74 (0.28, 1.21) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 2.44 (1.80, 3.08) for aspartate transaminase (AST), 2.06 (1.42, 2.69) for alanine transaminase (ALT), 0.10 (−0.09, 0.29) for total Bilirubin (TB), 0.74 (−0.42, −1.90) for total protein (TP), −0.49 (−0.82, −0.15) for albumin, 0.88 (−0.10, 1.87) for uric acid, 1.02 (0.45, 1.59) for creatinine and 1.44 (0.75, 2.13) for blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis showed that the serum AST, ALT, ALP, total protein, total bilirubin, BUN, uric acid and creatinine levels were higher among workers exposed to petrol and gasoline than control group, while albumin was lower in the serum of the exposed workers. Therefore, occupational exposure to gasoline stations can create adverse effects on kidney and liver function.
Testing the low dose mixtures hypothesis from the Halifax project
Authors: Goodson William H. , Lowe Leroy , Gilbertson Michael , Carpenter David O.
Published: August 2020

In 2013, 60 scientists, representing a larger group of 174 scientists from 26 nations, met in Halifax, Nova Scotia to consider whether – using published research – it was logical to anticipate that a mixture of chemicals, each thought to be non-carcinogenic, might act together in that mixture as a virtual carcinogen. The group identified 89 such chemicals, each one affecting one or more Hallmark(s) – collectively covering all Hallmarks of Cancer – confirming the possibility that a chemical mixture could induce all the Hallmarks and function as a virtual carcinogen, thereby supporting the concern that chemical safety research that does not evaluate mixtures, is incomplete. Based on these observations, the Halifax Project developed the Low-Dose Carcinogenesis Hypothesis which posits “…that low-dose exposures to [mixtures of] disruptive chemicals that are not individually carcinogenic may be capable of instigating and/or enabling carcinogenesis.” Although testing all possible combinations of over 80,000 chemicals of commerce would be impractical, prudence requires designing a methodology to test whether low-dose chemical mixtures might be carcinogenic. As an initial step toward testing this hypothesis, we conducted a mini review of published empirical observations of biological exposures to chemical mixtures to assess what empirical data exists on which to base future research. We reviewed studies on chemical mixtures with the criteria that the studies reported both different concentrations of chemicals and mixtures composed of different chemicals. We found a paucity of research on this important question. The majority of studies reported hormone related processes and used chemical concentrations selected to facilitate studying how mixtures behave in experiments that were often removed from clinical relevance, i.e., chemicals were not studied at human-relevant concentrations. New research programs must be envisioned to enable study of how mixtures of small doses of chemicals affect human health, starting, when at all possible, from non-malignant specimens when studies are done in vitro. This research should use human relevant concentrations of chemicals, expand research beyond the historic focus on endocrine endpoints and endocrine related cancers, and specifically seek effects that arise uniquely from exposure to chemical mixtures at human-relevant concentrations.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation in children exposed to air pollution: a possible mechanism underlying respiratory health effects development
Authors: Suhaimi Nur Faseeha , Jalaludin Juliana , Abu Bakar Suhaili
Published: August 2020

Air pollution is a substantial environmental threat to children and acts as acute and chronic disease risk factors alike. Several studies have previously evaluated epigenetic modifications concerning its exposure across various life stages. However, findings on epigenetic modifications as the consequences of air pollution during childhood are rather minimal. This review evaluated highly relevant studies in the field to analyze the existing literature regarding exposure to air pollution, with a focus on epigenetic alterations during childhood and their connections with respiratory health effects. The search was conducted using readily available electronic databases (PubMed and ScienceDirect) to screen for children’s studies on epigenetic mechanisms following either pre- or post-natal exposure to air pollutants. Studies relevant enough and matched the predetermined criteria were chosen to be reviewed. Non-English articles and studies that did not report both air monitoring and epigenetic outcomes in the same article were excluded. The review found that epigenetic changes have been linked with exposure to air pollutants during early life with evidence and reports of how they may deregulate the epigenome balance, thus inducing disease progression in the future. Epigenetic studies evolve as a promising new approach in deciphering the underlying impacts of air pollution on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) due to links established between some of these epigenetic mechanisms and illnesses.
Channels to consciousness: a possible role of gap junctions in consciousness
Authors: Dere Dorothea , Zlomuzica Armin , Dere Ekrem
Published: August 2020

The neurophysiological basis of consciousness is still unknown and one of the most challenging questions in the field of neuroscience and related disciplines. We propose that consciousness is characterized by the maintenance of mental representations of internal and external stimuli for the execution of cognitive operations. Consciousness cannot exist without working memory, and it is likely that consciousness and working memory share the same neural substrates. Here, we present a novel psychological and neurophysiological framework that explains the role of consciousness for cognition, adaptive behavior, and everyday life. A hypothetical architecture of consciousness is presented that is organized as a system of operation and storage units named platforms that are controlled by a consciousness center (central executive/online platform). Platforms maintain mental representations or contents, are entrusted with different executive functions, and operate at different levels of consciousness. The model includes conscious-mode central executive/online and mental time travel platforms and semiconscious steady-state and preconscious standby platforms. Mental representations or contents are represented by neural circuits and their support cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and become conscious when neural circuits reverberate, that is, fire sequentially and continuously with relative synchronicity. Reverberatory activity in neural circuits may be initiated and maintained by pacemaker cells/neural circuit pulsars, enhanced electronic coupling via gap junctions, and unapposed hemichannel opening. The central executive/online platform controls which mental representations or contents should become conscious by recruiting pacemaker cells/neural network pulsars, the opening of hemichannels, and promoting enhanced neural circuit coupling via gap junctions.
Detection of disease-associated microRNAs — application for autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Konečná Barbora , Radošinská Jana , Keményová Petra , Repiská Gabriela
Published: August 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnostic procedure still lacks a uniform biological marker. This review gathers the information on microRNAs (miRNAs) specifically as a possible source of biomarkers of ASD. Extracellular vesicles, and their subset of exosomes, are believed to be a tool of cell-to-cell communication, and they are increasingly considered to be carriers of such a marker. The interest in studying miRNAs in extracellular vesicles grows in all fields of study and therefore should not be omitted in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. The summary of miRNAs associated with brain cells and ASD either studied directly in the tissue or biofluids are gathered in this review. The heterogeneity in findings from different studies points out the fact that unified methods should be established, beginning with the determination of the accurate patient and control groups, through to sample collection, processing, and storage conditions. This review, based on the available literature, proposes the standardized approach to obtain the results that would not be affected by technical factors. Nowadays, the method of high-throughput sequencing seems to be the most optimal to analyze miRNAs. This should be followed by the uniformed bioinformatics procedure to avoid misvalidation. At the end, the proper validation of the obtained results is needed. With such an approach as is described in this review, it would be possible to obtain a reliable biomarker that would characterize the presence of ASD.
Above and beyond emotional suffering: the unique contribution of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding in chronic pain
Authors: Carvalho Sérgio A. , Pinto-Gouveia José , Gillanders David , Lapa Teresa , Valentim Ana , Santos Elsa , Paciência Juliana , Castilho Paula
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Studies have shown that self-compassion plays a protective role against depression in women with chronic pain (CP). However, the majority of studies in CP have used the total score of the self-compassion scale (SCS), which have raised concerns due to potential overlap, not only between the uncompassionate self-responding factors and psychopathology, but also between self-compassion as a whole and other well-known psychological processes (e.g., mindfulness, acceptance, psychological flexibility). This calls for a more nuanced understanding of which components of (un)compassionate self-responding adds to better mental health in CP.

Methods

This study explores the unique contribution of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding to depressive symptoms in women with CP undergoing pain consultation (n = 49).

Results

Correlation analyses suggest that compassionate self-responding only significantly correlates with progress in valued living, while the uncompassionate self-responding significantly correlates with pain fusion, pain avoidance, obstructions to valued living and depression. Multiple regression analysis showed that self-compassion contributes to depressive symptoms (R2 = 8%) above and beyond pain intensity and disability (R2 = 12%) and psychological (in) flexibility processes (R2 = 31%), and uncompassionate (but not compassionate) self-responding uniquely contributes to depressive symptoms (sr

2
 = 18%).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that uncompassionate self-responding is a stronger contributor to depression in CP than compassionate self-responding. Clinical implications are further discussed.
Southeast Asia after the Caliphate: Identifying Spatial Trends in Terrorism and Radicalization in Malaysia
Authors: Henkin Samuel , Boyd Marcus A. , Martin Adam
Published: August 2020

Recent scholarship on militant Islamist radicalization in Southeast Asia highlights the significance of local context in understanding support and recruitment into militancy. While research on terrorism in Southeast Asia engenders a dynamism of epistemic inquiry in diverse areas of research, an empirical mapping of radicalization is generally absent. Research on militant Islamic radicalization in Southeast Asia needs more robust consideration of geospatial relations and data to fill this lacuna. A geospatial analysis is, above all else, synthesis. It bridges spatial statistical analytics and qualitative socio-spatial investigation. We argue that a geospatial analytical approach to understanding radicalization offers a way in which to begin empirically mapping radicalization in the region. Correspondingly, our work considers militant Islamic radicalization in Malaysia by employing geospatial analysis to build a more nuanced layering and comprehensive understanding of the spatial arrangements of radicalization. Viewed from this perspective, radicalization can be understood through spatial logics and practices aimed at facilitating better understandings of socio-political relations of political violence and terrorism more broadly.
The (crucial yet neglected) category of interjections in Xhosa
Authors: Andrason Alexander , Dlali Mawande
Published: August 2020

The present paper analyzes the category of interjections in Xhosa within a prototype approach. The evidence demonstrates the robustness and internal complexity of the interjectional category. Interjections ranges from canonical and asystematic to non-canonical and (relatively) systematic, with emotive primary interjections entertaining the highest extent of interjectionality and asystematicity.
Orthogonale Regression – Realität oder Isotropie?
Authors: Lösler Michael , Eschelbach Cornelia
Published: August 2020

Nicht nur in der Metrologie wird für die Analyse von Daten auf eine orthogonale Regression zurückgegriffen. Bei der orthogonalen Regression stehen die zu minimierenden Verbesserungen senkrecht auf der Funktion, weshalb dem Verfahren häufig ein hoher Anschauungsgrad beigemessen wird. In diesem Beitrag werden einige Eigenschaften der orthogonalen Regression untersucht und geprüft, ob diese exklusiv diesem Verfahren zuzuordnen sind oder ob es sich lediglich um übertragene Eigenschaften eines allgemeinen Optimierungsproblems handelt. Ergänzend zu den Ausführungen von Kolaczia [9] soll die Frage nach der Eignung dieses Verfahrens für die Messtechnik beantwortet werden.
Re-placing PStem in the prosodic hierarchy
Authors: Downing Laura J. , Kadenge Maxwell
Published: August 2020

A persistent issue for the Prosodic Hierarchy is what repertory of prosodic constituents is needed to define the commonly recurring domains for phonological processes. Even though there is a long tradition of work arguing in favor of up to three subphrasal constituents (Composite Group (CG), PWord and PStem), a body of recent work has argued in favor of a more parsimonious view of the repertory,making the strong claim that, at the subphrasal level, the Prosodic Hierarchy contains only one constituent, Phonological Word (PWord). Any additional subphrasal domains required by the phonology must be defined as recursions of PWord. This paper argues that PStem must find a place even in a parsimonious Prosodic Hierarchy. It cannot easily be replaced by recursive PWord or by a CG-PWord distinction. The cross-linguistic validity of a PStem-PWord distinction is supported by showing that it accounts for a robust cross-linguistic generalization concerning subphrasal phonological domains. Alternatives to PStem not only miss this generalization but also prove to be formally inadequate.
Eine Bildungsgenossenschaft für faire Studienfinanzierung
Authors: Littmann Annette
Published: August 2020

In dem Beitrag wird die Entstehung einer Bildungsgenossenschaft, der CHANCEN eG, zur Finanzierung von Studiengebühren beschrieben. Ziele des im Jahr 2016 aus dem Umfeld der Universität Witten/Herdecke gegründeten Sozialunternehmens sind Chancengerechtigkeit und Selbstbestimmung bei der Berufswahl. Im Besonderen wird auf die Gründe eingegangen, die für die Wahl der Rechtsform der Genossenschaft sprachen, sowie das Finanzierungsmodell der Genossenschaft, der „Umgekehrte Generationenvertrag“. Darüber hin­aus stellt der Beitrag die jüngste Entwicklung der CHANCEN eG und deren aktuelle Herausforderungen dar.
Exact solution of the 1D Dirac equation for the inverse-square-root potential 1/x$1/\sqrt{x}$
Authors: Ishkhanyan Artur M.
Published: August 2020

We present the exact solution of the 1D Dirac equation for the inverse-square-root potential1/x$1/\sqrt{x}$for several configurations of vector, pseudo-scalar, and scalar fields. Each fundamental solution of the problem can be written as an irreducible linear combination of two Hermite functions of a scaled and shifted argument. We derive the exact equations for bound-state energy eigenvalues and construct accurate approximations for the energy spectrum.
Fundamental limitations of the mode temperature concept in strongly coupled systems
Authors: Biehs Svend-Age , Kittel Achim , Ben-Abdallah Philippe
Published: August 2020

We theoretically analyze heat exchange between two quantum systems in interaction with external thermostats. We show that in the strong coupling limit the widely used concept of mode temperatures loses its thermodynamic foundation and therefore cannot be employed to make a valid statement on cooling and heating in such systems; instead, the incorrectly applied concept may result in a severe misinterpretation of the underlying physics. We illustrate these general conclusions by discussing recent experimental results reported on the nanoscale heat transfer through quantum fluctuations between two nanomechanical membranes separated by a vacuum gap.
Kinetic and equilibrium study of (poly amido amine) PAMAM dendrimers for the removal of chromium from tannery wastewater
Authors: Naveed Rizwana , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Sohail Isra , Ashar Ambreen , Ibrahim Sobhy M. , Iqbal Munawar , Nazir Arif
Published: August 2020

Water gets polluted by industrial effluents, mainly composed of heavy metals and organic materials. Water soluble heavy metals can be taken up by living organisms. Chromium mainly occurs in the form of chromate and cationic hydroxo complexes in water. Apart from conventional methods of heavy metal removal, there are some novel approaches such as using dendrimers for removal of heavy metal. Dendrimers are extremely branched nano sized polymers with a three-dimensional symmetry around a core that imparts poly functionality. PAMAM (poly amido amine) dendrimers having ethylene diamine as core and methyl acrylate as repeating unit was divergently synthesized. Characterization of PAMAM dendrimers was evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, zeta sizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Zero generation dendrimers have amine terminal groups, showed intense amide group peak at 1596.76 cm−1. The λ
max value was 278 nm. SEM exhibited spherical shape for full generation while needle like structure for −0.5 generation. Evaluation of chromium removal from wastewater has been done by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The data revealed that optimal removal of Cr occurs at dendrimer concentration of 5 mL, Cr concentration of 300 ppm, contact time of 2 min and pH 7. The synthesized dendrimers have effectively removed Cr from tannery wastewater.
D. 50,9,6 (Scaev. 1 dig): Auslegung eines statthalterisch veranlassten Stadtgesetzes?
Authors: Häusler Adrian
Published: August 2020

D. 50,9,6 (Scaev. 1 dig): Interpretation of a Municipal Statute Induced by a Governor? The responsum D. 50,9,6 (Scaev. 1 dig) of Q. Cervidius Scaevola contains a municipal law in Greek, punishing anyone requiring justice by avoiding the ordinary legal proceedings before the synhedrion. The inquirer asks if he committed a punishable offence since he acted in ignorance against a decretum. Scaevola replies that only offenders acting intentionally will undergo punishment. Although repudiating his suspicions of interpolations, this paper supports the hypothesis of Staffhorst, who considers the statute not emanating from a municipium, but from a Greek Polis. Furthermore, the analysis confirms that the decretum contains an interdiction to take action within another court than the synhedrion. The ignorantia concerns neither the statute, nor the decision, but the unlawfulness of the behaviour itself (adversus decretum facere) and is a conventional criterion of the Roman jurists in order to exclude bad faith or fault. Finally, the statute could be regarded as a rule originating from the authority of a Roman governor concerning provincial procedural law and its promulgation might have been induced by the governor himself in order to reduce the number of provincial inquiries towards Roman officials.

Inhalt: I. Einleitung; II. Zur Datierung der Responsen Scaevolas; III. Interpolationsvermutungen; IV. Zu ignorans adversus decretum facere und zur Auslegung der Strafnorm; V. Ergebnisse
Parvalbumin and Somatostatin Interneurons Contribute to the Generation of Hippocampal Gamma Oscillations
Authors: Antonoudiou Pantelis , Tan Yu Lin , Kontou Georgina , Upton A. Louise , Mann Edward O.
Published: August 2020

γ-frequency oscillations (30-120 Hz) in cortical networks influence neuronal encoding and information transfer, and are disrupted in multiple brain disorders. While synaptic inhibition is important for synchronization across the γ-frequency range, the role of distinct interneuronal subtypes in slow (<60 Hz) and fast γ states remains unclear. Here, we used optogenetics to examine the involvement of parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) and somatostatin-expressing (SST+) interneurons in γ oscillations in the mouse hippocampal CA3ex vivo, using animals of either sex. Disrupting either PV+or SST+interneuron activity, via either photoinhibition or photoexcitation, led to a decrease in the power of cholinergically induced slow γ oscillations. Furthermore, photoexcitation of SST+interneurons induced fast γ oscillations, which depended on both synaptic excitation and inhibition. Our findings support a critical role for both PV+and SST+interneurons in slow hippocampal γ oscillations, and further suggest that intense activation of SST+interneurons can enable the CA3 circuit to generate fast γ oscillations.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe generation of hippocampal γ oscillations depends on synchronized inhibition provided by GABAergic interneurons. Parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons are thought to play the key role in coordinating the spike timing of excitatory pyramidal neurons, but the role distinct inhibitory circuits in network synchronization remains unresolved. Here, we show, for the first time, that causal disruption of either PV+or somatostatin-expressing (SST+) interneuron activity impairs the generation of slow γ oscillations in the ventral hippocampusex vivo. We further show that SST+interneuron activation along with general network excitation is sufficient to generate high-frequency γ oscillations in the same preparation. These results affirm a crucial role for both PV+and SST+interneurons in hippocampal γ oscillation generation.
Single-Stage Treatment of Extensive Aortic Pathology Using the Frozen Elephant Trunk Procedure
Authors: Risteski Petar , Papestiev Vasil , Hadzievska Stefanija , Mehmedovic Nadica , Lazovski Nikola , Zimbakov Zan , Filipce Venko , Shokarovski Marjan
Published: August 2020

Background: Extensive pathology involving the aortic arch and descending aorta traditionally has been treated with two open procedures. We report our institutional experience with a single stage frozen elephant trunk procedure for treatment of extensive aortic pathology.
Methods: Between June 2018 and October 2019, nine patients (eight males, 89%, mean age 61 ± 6 years) with extensive aortic pathology were operated using the frozen elephant trunk procedure. Five (56%) patients underwent primary operation for chronic arch and proximal descending aneurysm in two (22%) patients, chronic type B aortic dissection in two (22%) patients and penetrating aortic ulcer in one (11%) patient. The other four (44%) patients received reoperative surgery for chronic post-dissection aneurysms. For organ protection during the aortic arch procedure, we used selective antegrade cerebral perfusion and mild systemic hypothermia at 28°C.
Results: Early mortality was not observed. A single (11%) patient developed focal stroke. Unilateral vocal cord palsy was present in two (22%) patients. Spinal cord injury was not observed. Reexploration for bleeding was required in two (22%) patients. Prolonged ventilation, liver and kidney failure as well as cardiac morbidity were not observed. Two patients (22%) with anticipated Endoleak type Ib received TEVAR extension at follow up. Mid-term mortality was observed in two (22%) patients, due to pneumonia.
Conclusion: The frozen elephant trunk procedure can be used for a single-stage treatment of patients with extensive aortic pathology, due to chronic degenerative aneurysms or post-dissection aneurysms involving the aortic arch and the descending aorta, with acceptable mortality and morbidity.
TAVR in Patients on Hemodialysis: Outcome of A High-Risk Patient Group
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Deutsch Marcus-André , Erlebach Magdalena , Burri Melchior , Bleiziffer Sabine , Lange Ruediger
Published: August 2020

Background: Perioperative mortality is high and long-term survival is poor for patients on hemodialysis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers a safe and effective therapy for high-risk patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis. However, in patients on hemodialysis only limited information is available on the outcome following TAVR.
Methods: Of the 2613 consecutive patients in our single-center TAVR registry, all hemodialysis patients, were identified. Demographics, procedural details, clinical outcomes, mortality, and complications were evaluated.
Results: Forty-two hemodialysis patients with a mean age of 75.2±8.2 years, a mean STS predicted risk of mortality of 11.1±9.5% and a mean logEuroScore of 27.9±18.8% underwent TAVR. Mean duration on hemodialysis prior to intervention was 62.8±49.6 months. A transfemoral access was chosen in 24 patients, a transapical in 16, and a transaxillary and a transaortic in one patient, respectively. Estimated survival at 30 days, one, three and five years was 83.3%, 68.3%, 37.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Estimated median survival was 1.8±0.4 years. VARC-2 defined perioperative complications included stroke in 7.1% (3/42), major bleeding in 16.7% (7/42), and vascular complications in 7.1% (3/42). In two patients, echocardiographic examination at three and four years, respectively, showed evidence for structural valve deterioration.
Conclusion: A high number of patients with ESRD undergoing TAVR require a non-transfemoral access. Predominantly, bleeding events contribute to the perioperative morbidity. An estimated median survival of less than two years after TAVR allows only limited assessment of valve prosthesis durability. Cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality contribute equally to the causes of death beyond the first year after TAVR.
Characterization of the F Locus Responsible for Floral Anthocyanin Production in Potato
Authors: Laimbeer F Parker E , Bargmann Bastiaan OR , Holt Sarah H , Pratt Trenton , Peterson Brenda , Doulis Andreas G , Buell C Robin , Veilleux Richard E
Published: August 2020

Anthocyanins are pigmented secondary metabolites produced via the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and play important roles in plant stress responses, pollinator attraction, and consumer preference. Using RNA-sequencing analysis of a cross between diploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) lines segregating for flower color, we identified a homolog of the ANTHOCYANIN 2 (AN2) gene family that encodes a MYB transcription factor, herein termed StFlAN2, as the regulator of anthocyanin production in potato corollas. Transgenic introduction of StFlAN2 in white-flowered homozygous doubled-monoploid plants resulted in a recovery of purple flowers. RNA-sequencing revealed the specific anthocyanin biosynthetic genes activated by StFlAN2 as well as expression differences in genes within pathways involved in fruit ripening, senescence, and primary metabolism. Closer examination of the locus using genomic sequence analysis revealed a duplication in the StFlAN2 locus closely associated with gene expression that is likely attributable to nearby genetic elements. Taken together, this research provides insight into the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato while also highlighting how the dynamic nature of the StFlAN2 locus may affect expression.
Pengaruh Faktor Tekanan, Peluang, Rasionalisasi, Kompetensi, dan Arogansi Terhadap Kecurangan Laporan Keuangan
Authors: Alfina Dian Fathma , Amrizal Amrizal
Published: August 2020

This study was to examine the influences of the fraud pentagon theory’s factors towards the financial statement fraud on banking listed in BEI for the period of 2014-2018. This study consisted of nine independent variables. Four variables of pressure (financial stability, external pressure, financial targets, personal financial needs). Two variables of the opportunity (nature of industry, ineffectiveness of monitoring). And a variable of rationalization, competence, and arrogance. Based on the results of Beneish M-Model analysis, out of 43 banks, 28 of them were indicated to have manipulated their financial statements during the study period. Meanwhile, the results of logistic regression analysis showed a positive influence of financial stability (ACHANGE), personal financial needs (OSHIP), nature of the industry (RECEIVABLE), ineffective monitoring (IND), competence (DIRCHANGE), and arrogance (CEOPIC) on financial statement fraud, while external pressures (LEV), financial targets (ROA), and rationalization (AUDCHANGE) have a negative effect on financial statement fraud
Foreign Aid and Child Mortality Rate in Nigeria
Authors: Adebanji Funmilola Bukola , Nwosa Philip Ifeakachukwu , Ojo Olusoji , Alake Olamide Jacquilyne
Published: August 2020

Several factors have attributed to the high child mortality rate, including poverty, age of women at birth, and length of the interval between births. Besides, the lack of financial resources in developing countries has been a challenge in addressing the prevalent high child mortality rate. Thus, this study seeks to examine the relationship between foreign aid and infant mortality in Nigeria from 1981 to 2018. Employing Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique, the study observed that foreign aid, government expenditure on health, real GDP, and carbon dioxide emission negatively impacted child mortality. Hence, the study concludes that foreign aid reduces child mortality in Nigeria. The study recommends that the government ensure that all foreign aid and grants use immediately to reduce child mortality by building the necessary infrastructure and making it readily available.JEL Classification: F35, I19.How to Cite:Adebanji, F. B., Nwosa, P. I., Ojo, O. O., & Alake, O. J. (2020). Foreign Aid and Child Mortality Rate in Nigeria. Signifikan: Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi, 9(2), 187-194.  https://doi.org/10.15408/sjie.v9i2.14960.
Inflation-Unemployment Trade-Offs In ASEAN-10
Authors: Lisani Nurul , Masbar Raja , Silvia Vivi
Published: August 2020

This study empirically explores the nature of inflation-unemployment dynamic causal relationships both in the short and long-run in the ASEAN-10 over the 1989-2018 period. Based on the panel cointegration test, the study documented a long-run equilibrium between inflation and unemployment. Using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) analysis, the study found an insignificant inflation-unemployment relationship in the short-run. However, in the long-run, inflation is found to affect the unemployment rate positively. Our results from the Variance Decompositions (VDCs) analysis also supported these findings, where the unemployment responded at the more significant percentage to shocks in inflation compared to the response of inflation to shocks in unemployment. These findings only supported the relevance of the Phillips curve theory in the long-run. Overall, these findings imply that although inflation targeting policy is not relevant to the short-run, it becomes crucial and effective to reduce the unemployment rate in ASEAN-10 in the long-run.JEL Classifications: E52, E58, J64 How to Cite:Lisani, N., Masbar, R., & Silvia, V. (2020). Inflation-Unemployment Trade-Offs In Asean-10. Signifikan: Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi, 9(2), 241-256. https://doi.org/10.15408/sjie.v9i2.16346.
Effect of aqueous extracts of Brachiaria decumbens on the development of ornamental pepper
Authors: Krause Marcelo Rodrigo , Merlo Meneghelli Lorena Aparecida , Merlo Meneghelli Caroline , Matiello Hediberto Nei , Ferreira Nascimento Mayana
Published: August 2020

The use of natural plant growth promoters can be an effective, sustainable, and low-cost alternative to reduce input costs for the production of ornamental pepper. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Brachiaria decumbens aqueous extract on the growth of ornamental pepper (Capsicum frutescens). The experiment was carried out in the Plant Nursery sector of the Federal Institute of Espirito Santo (IFES), located in the municipality of Santa Teresa, in the Serrana region of theEspirito Santo State (Brazil). The study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with four replicates in a 4×2 factorial scheme with four doses of the Brachiaria decumbens extract (0, 50, 75 and 100%) and two application methods (edaphic application or foliar sprays). The number of days to flowering, plant height, leaf number, fruit number, leaf area, fruit, root, shoot, and total dry mass were determined. According to the results, the variables number of fruits and root dry mass had no significant effect on the interaction, with the best results found with the edaphic application when compared to the foliar sprays. When considering interaction, the application of 100% of the extract reduced the number of days to floweringfor both edaphic application and foliar sprays. For growth variables, this same dose promoted the best results for most of the variables. Based on the results, the edaphic application of B. decumbens at 100% dosage is recommended to reduce the number of days to flowering and promote better development of ornamental pepper.
Closing yield gaps in Colombian direct seeding rice systems: a stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Arango-Londoño David , Ramírez-Villegas Julián , Barrios-Pérez Camilo , Bonilla-Findji Osana , Jarvis Andy , Uribe Jorge Mario
Published: August 2020

Rice is one of the most important crops in terms of harvested area and food security both globally and for Colombia. Improvement of technical efficiency levels in rice production in order to close yield gaps in a context in which rice demand increases, natural resources are depleted, and where there are growing expectations about both climate changes and trade agreements is likely the most important challenge that farmers confront. This research assessed the main management factors that limit both rice crop productivity and the likely drivers of non-optimal technical efficiency levels (a proxy for yield gaps). This study focused on both upland and irrigated direct seeding systems across a variety of environments in Colombia. Stochastic frontier models were used to integrate microeconomic theory and empirical regression analysis in conjunction with a large commercial rice production database developed by the Colombian rice growers’ federation (Fedearroz). A large variation was found in technical efficiency (from 40 to 95%) levels for both upland and irrigated systems, and major differences were obtained in the limiting factors of the two systems (e.g. seed availability, variety type, market accessibility, fertilizer type, and use rate). This suggests both substantial and varied opportunities for improvements in current technical efficiency levels. Across systems, the correct choice of variety was identified as a common key factorfor maximizing yield for a particular environment. For upland systems, optimal choices were F174 and F2000, whereas for irrigated rice F473 was found to produce the highest yield. Additionally, numerical analysis suggests a yield impact of ca. 0.18% for each 1% increase in the nitrogen application rate for upland systems. For irrigated rice, phosphorous rather than nitrogen application rates were found to be more important. Since our analysis is based on farm-scale commercial production data, we argue that once our results are brought to consensus with local extension agents, technicians and agronomists, then management recommendations for closing yield gaps can be used to improve rice productivity.
The Analysis of Legal Cases: A Narrative Approach Flora Di Donato (2019)
Authors: Mukhtar Qurrat-ul-ain
Published: August 2020

The Analysis of Legal Cases: A Narrative Approach Flora Di Donato (2019)
The science of talk in clinical science: using a conversation analytic approach as a foundation for communication skills training
Authors: White Sarah J
Published: August 2020

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Communication skills are considered a central part of medical and health professional curricula. The focus for both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in these curricula is often, necessarily, on that which is directly relevant to consultations and other clinical activities. Prior to engaging in this more specific and often experiential learning, it is arguable that the inclusion of foundational learning around how interaction works to adequately scaffold more specific, clinically-contextualised learning, building through the zone of proximal development. In this paper, I describe a conversation analysis-informed curriculum for communication skills in an undergraduate pre-clinical science degree which is designed to enhance the ability to critically and constructively reflect on their own communication.
Capacidade do sistema de saúde nos municípios do Rio de Janeiro: infraestrutura para enfrentar a COVID-19
Authors: Silva Giuliano Alves Borges e , Saraiva Ernani Viana , Ferreira Guilherme José Santos Nunes , Peixoto Junior Rogério de Mesquita , Ferreira Luiz Felipe
Published: August 2020

Abstract Considering the growing number of cases requiring emergency care as a result of SARS-CoV-2 in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro, this study focuses on mapping the health infrastructure of the municipalities of the state, comparing the Structure Efficiency Index (IEE) before (2016) and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The article fills a gap in the academic literature, informing public health policies specialists and technicians, as well as policy and decision-makers, about the capacity of municipalities to face the problem. We calculated the Structure Efficiency Index (IEE) of the states’ 92 municipalities and positioned them on the pandemic curve. It was possible to verify that the government of the State of Rio de Janeiro needs to start acting to suppress COVID-19, maintaining the policy of providing more hospital beds, and purchasing equipment. However, it is also necessary to consider the particularities and deficiencies of each region, as the policy to transfer patients to places with available beds can contribute to the spread of the disease.
Healthcare system capacity of the municipalities in the State of Rio de Janeiro: infrastructure to confront COVID-19
Authors: Silva Giuliano Alves Borges e , Saraiva Ernani Viana , Ferreira Guilherme José Santos Nunes , Peixoto Junior Rogério de Mesquita , Ferreira Luiz Felipe
Published: August 2020

Abstract Considering the growing number of cases requiring emergency care as a result of SARS-CoV-2 in the Brazilian State of Rio de Janeiro, this study focuses on mapping the health infrastructure of the municipalities of the state, comparing the Structure Efficiency Index (IEE) before (2016) and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The article fills a gap in the academic literature, informing public health policies specialists and technicians, as well as policy and decision-makers, about the capacity of municipalities to face the problem. We calculated the Structure Efficiency Index (IEE) of the states’ 92 municipalities and positioned them on the pandemic curve. It was possible to verify that the government of the State of Rio de Janeiro needs to start acting to suppress COVID-19, maintaining the policy of providing more hospital beds, and purchasing equipment. However, it is also necessary to consider the particularities and deficiencies of each region, as the policy to transfer patients to places with available beds can contribute to the spread of the disease.
Socioeconomic vulnerability in the face of COVID-19 in municipalities of Ceará
Authors: Câmara Samuel Façanha , Pinto Francisco Roberto , Silva Felipe Roberto da , Gerhard Felipe
Published: August 2020

Resumo Os efeitos da pandemia da COVID-19 têm causado sérios impactos socioeconômicos, expondo a vulnerabilidade de estados e municípios brasileiros. Concebendo-a em sentido amplo, a vulnerabilidade se relaciona à suscetibilidade social e econômica a riscos ou perdas potenciais, causados por eventos extremos. Nesse contexto, este artigo objetiva identificar a vulnerabilidade socioeconômica dos municípios do Ceará, epicentro da região Nordeste, quanto à pandemia da COVID-19. Para tal, realizou-se um estudo exploratório-quantitativo, utilizando-se informações secundárias obtidas em bases de dados públicas governamentais. A vulnerabilidade socioeconômica dos municípios foi avaliada de forma dinâmica, baseando-se em modelo matemático de previsão do número de casos da COVID-19 aplicado à cidade de Wuhan, na China. Os indicadores de vulnerabilidade foram calculados sob duas trajetórias: valor de produção e número de pessoal ocupado, considerando-se características municipais como densidade demográfica, mobilidade interurbana e índice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH). No caso do estado do Ceará, os achados evidenciaram uma série de determinantes demográficos, sociais e econômicos locais que agravam os impactos da crise. Os indicadores de vulnerabilidade construídos na pesquisa podem servir de base para as decisões de governos municipais e estadual na cronologia da abertura econômica do estado por setores, municípios e regiões.
Orientação política e apoio ao isolamento social durante a pandemia da COVID-19: evidências do Brasil
Authors: Ramos Guilherme , Vieites Yan , Jacob Jorge , Andrade Eduardo B.
Published: August 2020

Abstract Social distancing practices have been widely recommended to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the medical consensus, many citizens have resisted adhering to and/or supporting its implementation. While this resistance may stem from the non-negligible personal economic costs of implementing social distancing, we argue that it may also reside in more fundamental differences in normative principles and belief systems, as reflected by political orientation. In a study conducted in Brazil, we test the relative importance of these explanations by examining whether and how support for social distancing varies according to self-identified political orientation and personal economic vulnerability. Results show that while economic vulnerability does not influence support for social distancing, conservatives are systematically less supportive of these practices than liberals. Discrepancies in sensitivity to threats to the economic system help explain the phenomenon.
Atuação da sociedade civil no enfrentamento dos efeitos da COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Andion Carolina
Published: August 2020

Resumo Este texto discute a atuação da sociedade civil na ação pública para o enfrentamento das consequências da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Partindo de uma lente pragmatista de análise, examinamos as ações coletivas da sociedade civil no combate aos efeitos da COVID-19, ressaltando suas características, seus alcances e seus limites na governança dessa crise. Para tanto, em primeiro lugar, por meio de um levantamento documental, analisamos a mobilização recente da sociedade civil e, depois, examinamos a realidade da cidade de Florianópolis, a qual acompanhamos mais de perto, mediante pesquisa de campo. Os resultados permitem construir um panorama da atuação dessas “redes invisíveis” e lançar pistas sobre as consequências e os desafios dessa atuação. As conclusões chamam a atenção para a necessidade de explorar mais a fundo o papel, as possibilidades e os dilemas da sociedade civil na produção de uma “governança experimentalista” em resposta aos inúmeros desafios impostos pela crise causada por essa pandemia no âmbito local.
Moedas complementares digitais e políticas públicas durante a crise da COVID-19
Authors: Gonzalez Lauro , Cernev Adrian Kemmer , Araujo Marcelo Henrique de , Diniz Eduardo H.
Published: August 2020

Resumo Programas de renda básica têm sido utilizados em todo o mundo como uma ferramenta para mitigar os efeitos adversos da crise da COVID-19. No Brasil, a implementação de iniciativas federais de renda básica emergencial (RBE) enfrenta um duplo desafio: a logística de distribuição de dinheiro e os critérios de elegibilidade dos cidadãos. No entanto, iniciativas de moedas complementares existem há muitos anos no Brasil, estando associadas especialmente aos bancos comunitários, os quais operam no nível local e possuem conhecimento mais aprofundado sobre as necessidades dos moradores. Este artigo analisa o uso de moedas digitais complementares no enfrentamento de desafios de distribuição de renda. Apresentamos o caso da moeda complementar digital Mumbuca E-Dinheiro, adotada pelo município de Maricá (RJ). Discutimos como esta iniciativa permitiu a distribuição de renda de forma rápida e segura com o objetivo de mitigar os efeitos da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. Sugerimos que, no momento atual, a RBE poderia ser paga através do E-dinheiro, começando pelos municípios nos quais ele já atua e depois se expandindo para os demais. A interoperabilidade com outros atores do ecossistema de pagamentos e articulações com governos locais são medidas adicionais para dar escala ao uso das moedas complementares digitais no combate à crise do coronavírus.
Avoiding the poverty pandemic: the potential of the Bolsa Família program and the Single Registry for Social Programs to face the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Paiva Luis Henrique , Souza Pedro H. G. Ferreira de , Bartholo Letícia , Soares Sergei
Published: August 2020

Resumo Neste estudo propomos três medidas para potencializar o uso do Programa Bolsa Família e do Cadastro Único para Programas Sociais (Cadastro Único) como resposta às consequências econômicas da pandemia da COVID-19. As medidas propostas são as seguintes: (i) zerar a fila de espera do Programa e suspender procedimentos que possam levar à cessação de benefícios; (ii) reajustar benefícios e linha de elegibilidade do Programa; e (iii) conceder um benefício extraordinário para todas as famílias do Cadastro Único, beneficiárias ou não do Bolsa Família. As combinações para as alternativas destas medidas resultam em 56 cenários com parâmetros únicos, para os quais, com base nos dados do Cadastro Único e na folha de pagamentos do Bolsa Família, estimam-se o público alvo e os custos. Também avaliamos as eventuais dificuldades institucionais e operacionais para a implementação destas medidas, já que as iniciativas podem ter uma magnitude inédita na política social brasileira. Recomendamos uma combinação relativamente generosa destas medidas, por um período de pelo menos seis meses.