bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La productividad y tipos de turismo en la provincia de Los Ríos
Authors: Rivera García Christian , Parra Cerezo Glenda
Published: January 2021

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo aprovechar la productividad agrícola para ampliar las posibilidades de emprendimientos turísticos en la provincia, en base a la tipología de turismo bifurcada  en todo el territorio fluminense, el emprendimientos turísticos confluyen en iniciar una inversión de negocio con capital directo o financiado, que involucre al talento humano con sus múltiples recursos. El análisis de mercado es fundamental para ensamblar la iniciativa dentro de políticas estatales a bajo interés con facilidades de pago, buscar aliados estratégicos es clave para emprender iniciativas turísticas comunitarias a gran escala, favoreciendo la asociatividad y la convivencia cultural sobre los recursos naturales y culturales en crecimiento micro empresarial. Este sector se vuelve vulnerable cuando se trabaja independientemente las ideas de negocios, a excepción del poder adquisitivo que posea la persona o grupo familiar que conforman el proyecto, el asesoramiento técnico desde la empresa pública y privada incentiva la participación de organizaciones campesinas bien organizadas, con metas y objetivos establecidos con anterioridad, el emprendimiento informal se transforma en trabajo desleal hacia emprendimiento debidamente reconocidos en las instituciones tributarias, encontrando limitaciones de crecimiento económico, pero exigiendo nuevas iniciativas e innovaciones en promociones de productos comerciales de primera necesidad hacia el mercado identificado como meta.
Los valores morales en la formación del profesional de Turismo
Authors: Rivera García Christian , Parra Cerezo Glenda
Published: January 2021

La presente investigación pretende analizar la aplicación de los valores éticos y morales en el funcionamiento de los profesionales de la carrera de turismo, ampliar la relación profesional entre docentes y estudiantes en pleno cumplimiento de normas institucionales que rescaten el valor de “te doy mi palabra” en otrora marca de honradez y confiabilidad suprema, la presencia de la moralidad es innata, aunque obscurecida por la ambición de poder y dinero fácil. Lo único que queda es el autocompromiso de cumplir lo prometido sin embargar la verdad ni la credibilidad de los docentes universitarios y de los futuros profesionales en las labores con la sociedad civil.  Las encuestas reflejan el limbo de los métodos investigativos en raciocinio bidireccional de falso cumplimiento, el código binario se argumenta en valores y en antivalores coyunturales perniciosos que perfilan a líderes y lideresas de papel con pies de barro, esta inflexión académica implícita en los contenidos curriculares se rescata con vehemencia argumentativa de valorar los antivalores
La Gestión de la Innovación en las Agencias de Viajes Cubanas
Authors: Olivera Elosegui Rebeca
Published: January 2021

La innovación se ha convertido en uno de los instrumentos fundamentales dentro de las empresas que quieren seguir siendo competitivas en un entorno cada vez más complejo y cambiante. No obstante, muchas entidades del sector turístico cubano, específicamente las agencias de viajes, presentan una insuficiente Gestión de la Innovación y se desconoce cuál es su situación actual. Por lo que se plantea como objetivo de la presente investigación: Valorar la gestión de la innovación en las agencias de viaje generalistas, pertenecientes a (OSDE) Viajes Cuba. Para ello se determinó aplicar en tres agencias de viajes, uno de estos modelos de diagnóstico y mejora de la gestión de la innovación: Guía para la Autoevaluación de la Gestión de la Innovación) Empresarial elaborada por Centro Andaluz para la Excelencia en la Gestión, (2009), El Modelo de las 7 Dimensiones (7 D´s) de Arzola & Mejías, (2007), y la fusión del modelo del Centro de Innovación y Desarrollo Empresarial de la Generalitat de Catalunya (CIDEM) desarrollado en el año 2002 y el procedimiento para la evaluación de la Gestión de la Innovación propuesto por la misma institución en el 2009. Las etapas correspondientes al diagnóstico dentro de estas metodologías incluyeron la aplicación de cuestionarios, entrevistas a directivos, entrevista a profundidad a especialistas de I+D+i y análisis documental. El diagnóstico y la aplicación de  la Matriz de Vester, el árbol de problemas y el árbol de objetivos, posibilitaron la identificación de las brechas existentes entre el estado ideal y actual, permitiendo estructurar el marco lógico para la mejora, así como establecer un conjunto de indicadores para la planificación y el control en estas instituciones turísticas.
A game proposal for teaching math operations to 6th / 9th grade students
Authors: Dias Gustavo Nogueira , Belleza Yann Sávio de Souza , Saraiva Carlos Mairton Barreto , Costa Edith Gonçalves , Pinto Gerson Pompeu , Silva Pedro Roberto Sousa da , Farias Fernando Ramos de , Bonfim Adenilson Pereira , Farias Aneliza Alves Silva de , Barreto Wagner Davy Lucas , Silva Junior Washington Luiz Pedrosa da , Souza Junior José Carlos Barros de , Vogado Gilberto Emanoel Reis , Pamplona Vanessa Mayara Souza , Rodrigues Alessandra Epifanio , Rocha Herson Oliveira da , Lobato Fabricio da Silva
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this work is to serve as an aid tool for the teacher, for the students and for the development of the classes, however, we hope that the game is developed in an appropriate way so that it does not harm their performance. The objective of this work is to analyze the possibilities of teaching / learning of mathematical operations from the application of the game "the awakening of mathematics" for 6th and 9th grade students. The work methodology was developed for the students in order to solve such difficulties that some students were presenting during the math classes, developed from cardboard paper, A4 paper in 9x9 square format (9 squares in height and width), containing a total of 81 cells on the board, where the mental calculation of the four mathematical operations is proposed. It was realized that the use of the game should not be applied only as a means of interaction between students, therefore, if the teacher proposes the game as a teaching strategy, he should treat it as a vehicle for building knowledge, creating and experimenting.
APPLICATION OF SNOWBALL THROWING LEARNING MODEL TO IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES IN CLASS 4A SUB THEMES I LOVE TO READ AT SDN CUKIR 1 YEAR ACADEMIC 2019/2020
Authors: Diniyah Yasinta Nurlaila
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe the improvement of student learning outcomes in class 4A sub-themes I love reading through the application of snowball throwing learning models at SDN Cukir 1 school year 2019/2020. This research uses Classroom Action Research (CAR) which includes several stages namely planning, action, observation and reflection. Data collection techniques were obtained from test results, observations, documentation and interviews. The results of increased learning outcomes through the application of snowball throwing learning models have increased from pre-cycle, cycle 1 and cycle II. Presentation of student learning completeness pre cycle by 21%, in cycle 1 has increased by 60% and in cycle II has increased with high criteria that is equal to 100%. The improvement was also seen in the average value of students in the pre-cycle average value of students 6.73, in cycle 1 it became 7.32 and in cycle II it increased again to 8.87.
Measuring Online Learning Readiness during Corona Virus Pandemic: an Evaluative Survey on History Teachers and Students in Tembilahan, Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Akmal Atqo
Published: January 2021

Corona virus pandemic has rapidly changed the way of life, as well as the way of learning system in entire world. The need of information and communication technology (ICT) competencies and improved digital infrastructure are the main requirement to conducting the distance or online learning, In addition, both teacher and student must be adapted with this “abnormal” condition. Since the online learning or distance learning has been officially applied by Indonesian government at March 2020 then extended to unknown end time (the end of pandemic), a massive overhaul and evaluation are needed to begin a “new normal” learning period. This is an evaluative survey study about the online learning readiness during pandemic. The data has been collected equally using online survey platform from three hundreds high school students in the rural and urban region; and thirty history teachers. Based on the research, mainly students and teacher are not well prepared and fully ready for conducted online learning due to technical problems such as stability of internet access, internet network availability, and financial issue. Consequently, in long-term effect, the unbalanced in preparation of online learning could be resulted in digital divided which raise the inequality of quality education between the learners.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCIENCE LITERATION CULTURE THROUGH ENCYCLOPEDIC TEACHING MATERIALS IN SCIENCE LEARNING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE WEST JAKARTA REGION
Authors: Unaenah, M.Pd. Een
Published: January 2021

This study emphasizes the importance of teaching materials to improve the culture of scientific literacy in science learning through encyclopedia books. The culture of scientific literacy plays an important role in dealing with everyday life in society, participating in various science-related issues that are complex and greatly affect our view of the world and the place of humans in it and the need for a scientifically literate workforce is thought to be improved through teaching materials encyclopedia. Thus, there is scientific literacy between students, and between teachers and students through a teaching material tailored to student interests which aims to create a culture of scientific literacy. The purpose of this study was to obtain a product and determine the learning outcomes of fifth grade students after using encyclopedia teaching materials. The quantitative method through the pre-test and post-test used in this approach is data collection by means of data collection, planning, product development and validation and testing stages. This research was conducted in 3 elementary schools in West Jakarta, namely SDN Sukabumi Utara 07, SDN Sukabumi Utara 08 and SDN Sukabumi 09. The object developed was Science in grade V SD which was developed in the form of encyclopedia teaching materials.
Effects of 2-amino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol derivatives on the viability and functional state of human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Nizheharodava Darya B. , Ksendzova Galina A. , Sysa Aliaksei G. , Yurkevich Mariya Yu. , Labai Maryna V. , Shadyro Оleg I. , Zafranskaya Marina M.
Published: January 2021

Derivatives of 2-amino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol exhibit antiviral properties and radical regulatory activity against various types of organic radicals which determines the actuality of their further investigation. But the question of aminophenol derivatives immunomodulatory activity remains open. In this regard, the aim of the study was to assess the effects of 2-amino-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol derivatives on the viability and functional potential of human peripheral blood lymphocytes. As a result of the studies, it was shown that aminophenol compounds at concentrations of 10–5–10–7 mol did not exert a toxic effect while at a concentration of 10–4 mol showed a cytotoxic effect due to the induction of secondary necrosis. Compounds N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-morpholinophenol at a concentration of 10–6 mol stimulated the extracellular production of α-interferon by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and intracellular production of γ-interferon by CD3+T-lymphocytes. An immunosuppressive effect (more than 50 %) of N-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-morpholinophenol compounds at a concentration of 10–5 mol was revealed to the mitogen-induced proliferation of T-lymphocytes.
Communal oviposition of the Cuban tree snail Polymita muscarum (Gastropoda: Cepolidae) in an agroecosystem
Authors: Flores-Ricardo Libertad A. , Gordillo-Pérez Mario J. , Bosch-Diaz Camila , Steensma Karen M. M. , Reyes-Tur Bernardo
Published: January 2021

Communal oviposition remains to be convincingly shown in terrestrial gastropods. The present study reports data on communal oviposition of a threatened tree snail, Polymita muscarum, in a Cuban agroecosystem from Yaguajay, Banes municipality, Holguín province, in a fixed plot of 119 m2. Between 2011 and 2012, we took data on oviposition site microhabitats, the number of snails/nest and the number of ovipositions/day. We found communal oviposition involving between two and 20 individuals. Usually the oviposition took place underground, at the base of trees and shrubs, between the roots. This study indicates the potential value of understanding behavioral ecology in order to better support conservation programs.
Registro de anormalidad morfológica en Anolis cybotes (Squamata: Dactyloidae), en un ejemplar de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana
Authors: Ramírez Tiburcio Crismeidi , González Yaritsa , Filpo Sisa Jeimy , Reyes Francis O.
Published: January 2021

En diciembre de 2019, se encontró un individuo de Anolis cybotes que presentaba cifosis y escoliosis, en el refugio de vida silvestre Los Tres Ojos, Santo Domingo Este. Además de las deformaciones de la columna, el animal también mostraba deformaciones severas en la cola. Este hallazgo constituye el primer registro de cifoescoliosis en un individuo silvestre de esta especie, y el primer reporte para la Hispaniola.
Practical Clinical and Diagnostic Pathway for the Investigation of the Infertile Couple
Authors: Garolla Andrea , Pizzol Damiano , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Borini Andrea , Ubaldi Filippo Maria , Calogero Aldo Eugenio , Ferlin Alberto , Lanzone Antonio , Tomei Francesco , Engl Bruno , Rienzi Laura , De Santis Lucia , Coticchio Giovanni , Smith Lee , Cannarella Rossella , Anastasi Attilio , Menegazzo Massimo , Stuppia Liborio , Corsini Christian , Foresta Carlo
Published: January 2021

Capsule

This expert opinion summarizes current knowledge on risk factors for infertility and identifies a practical clinical and diagnostic approach for the male and female partners of an infertile couple aimed to improve the investigation and management of fertility problems.

Background

Infertility represents an important and growing health problem affecting up to 16% of couples worldwide. In most cases, male, female, or combined factor can be identified, and different causes or risk factors have been related to this condition. However, there are no standardized guidelines on the clinical-diagnostic approach of infertile couples and the recommendations concerning infertility are sometimes lacking, incomplete, or problematic to apply.

Objective

The aim of this work is to provide an appropriate clinical and diagnostic pathway for infertile couples designed by a multidisciplinary-team of experts. The rationale is based on the history and physical examination and then oriented on the basis of initial investigations. This approach could be applied in order to reduce variation in practice and to improve the investigation and management of fertility problems.

Methods

Prominent Italian experts of the main specialties committed in the ART procedures, including gynecologists, andrologists, embryologists, biologists, geneticists, oncologists, and microbiologists, called “InfertilItaly group”, used available evidence to develop this expert position.

Outcomes

Starting from the individuation of the principal risk factors that may influence the fertility of females and males and both genders, the work group identified most appropriate procedures using a gradual approach to both partners aimed to obtain a precise diagnosis and the most effective therapeutic option, reducing invasive and occasionally redundant procedures.

Conclusions

This expert position provides current knowledge on risk factors and suggests a diagnostic workflow of infertile couples. By using this step-by-step approach, health care workers involved in ART, may individuate a practical clinical management of infertile couples shared by experts.
In silico Screening of Natural Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease and Spike RBD: Targets for COVID-19
Authors: Teli Divya M. , Shah Mamta B. , Chhabria Mahesh T.
Published: January 2021

Historically, plants have been sought after as bio-factories for the production of diverse chemical compounds that offer a multitude of possibilities to cure diseases. To combat the current pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), plant-based natural compounds are explored for their potential to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the cause of COVID-19. The present study is aimed at the investigation of antiviral action of several groups of phytoconstituents against SARS-CoV-2 using a molecular docking approach to inhibit Main Protease (Mpro) (PDB code: 6LU7) and spike (S) glycoprotein receptor binding domain (RBD) to ACE2 (PDB code: 6M0J) of SARS-CoV-2. For binding affinity evaluation, the docking scores were calculated using the Extra Precision (XP) protocol of the Glide docking module of Maestro. CovDock was also used to investigate covalent docking. The OPLS3e force field was used in simulations. The docking score was calculated by preferring the conformation of the ligand that has the lowest binding free energy (best pose). The results are indicative of better potential of solanine, acetoside, and rutin, as Mpro and spike glycoprotein RBD dual inhibitors. Acetoside and curcumin were found to inhibit Mpro covalently. Curcumin also possessed all the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters in the range. Thus, phytochemicals like solanine, acetoside, rutin, and curcumin hold potential to be developed as treatment options against COVID-19.
A Novel mRNA-miRNA Regulatory Sub-Network Associated With Prognosis of Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Miao Xiaofen , Bai Zhanxiang , Tu Jian , Shen Shanshan , Niu Hui , Xia Wei , Wang Juan , Zhang Yongsheng
Published: January 2021

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a urinary disease with high incidence. The high incidence of metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with ccRCC. This study was aimed to identify the gene signatures during the metastasis of ccRCC.

Methods

Two datasets, including one gene expression profile dataset and one microRNA (miRNA) expression profile dataset, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The integrated bioinformatics analysis was performed using the (limma) R package, miRWalk, DAVID, STRING, Kaplan-Meier plotter databases. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was conducted to validate the expression of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DE-miRNAs.

Results

In total, 84 DEGs (68 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) and 41 DE-miRNAs (24 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated) were screened from GSE22541 and GSE37989 datasets, respectively. Furthermore, 11 hub genes and 3 key miRNAs were identified from the PPI network, including FBLN1, THBS2, SCGB1A1, NKX2-1, COL11A1, DCN, LUM, COL1A1, COL6A3, SFTPC, SFTPB, miR-328, miR-502, and miR-504. The qPCR data showed that most of the selected genes and miRNAs were consistent with that in our integrated analysis. A novel mRNA-miRNA network, SFTPB-miR-328-miR-502-miR-504-NKX2-1 was found in metastatic ccRCC after the combination of data from expression, survival analysis, and experiment validation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, key candidate genes and miRNAs were identified and a novel mRNA-miRNA network was constructed in ccRCC metastasis using integrated bioinformatics analysis and qPCR validation, which might be utilized as diagnostic biomarkers and molecular targets of metastatic ccRCC.
Phenotypical Changes of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Sepsis Patients: Correlation With Immune Status?
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Jun , Li Yi-hao , Wang Lan , Shang Hong-cai , Wang Jian-xun
Published: January 2021

Background: Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction associated with high risk of death. The immune response of sepsis is complex and varies over time. The immune cells are derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) which can respond to many infections. Our previous study found that sepsis causes HSPC dysregulation in mouse. But few studies have previously investigated the kinetics of HSPC and its contribution to immune system in sepsis patients.

Purpose: We aimed to identify the kinetics of HSPCs and their contribution to immune system in sepsis patients.

Methods: We enrolled eight sepsis patients and five healthy control subjects. Peripheral blood (PB) samples from each patient were collected three times: on the first, fourth, and seventh days, once from each healthy control subject. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by density centrifugation and stained with cocktails of antibodies. Populations of HSPCs and their subpopulation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry and blood cell analysis. Correlations between HSPCs and immune cells were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.

Results: We found that the frequency of HSPCs (CD34+ cells and CD34+CD38+ cells) in sepsis patients on day 4 was significantly higher than that in the healthy controls. The most pronounced change in subpopulation analysis is the frequency of common myeloid progenitors (CMPs; CD34+CD38+CD135+CD45RA−). But no difference in the immunophenotypically defined hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs; CD34+CD38−CD90+CD45RA−) in sepsis patients was observed due to rare HSC numbers in PB. The number of PBMCs and lymphocytes are decreased, whereas the white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were increased in sepsis patients. Importantly, we found a negative correlation between CD34+ on day 1 and WBC and lymphocytes on day 4 from correlation analysis in sepsis patients.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the HSPC and its subpopulation in sepsis patients expanded. Importantly, the changes in HSPCs at early time points in sepsis patients have negative correlations with later immune cells. Our results may provide a novel diagnostic indicator and a new therapeutic approach.
Development of an Exoskeleton-Type Assist Suit Utilizing Variable Stiffness Control Devices Based on Human Joint Characteristics
Authors: Kimura Seigo , Suzuki Ryuji , Machida Katsuki , Kashima Masashi , Okui Manabu , Nishihama Rie , Nakamura Taro
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the prototype of the assistive suit for lower limbs was developed. The prototype was based on an assist method with joint stiffness and antagonized angle control. The assist method comprises a system consisting of a pneumatic artificial muscle and a pull spring, which changes the joint stiffness and the antagonized angle to correspond to the movement phase and aims at coordinated motion assistance with the wearer. First, the characteristics of the developed prototype were tested. It was confirmed that the measured value of the prototype followed the target value in the relationship between torque and angle. In addition, there was hysteresis in the measured value, but it did not affect the assist. Next, the evaluation of standing-up and gait assist by measuring electromyography (EMG) of the knee extensor muscle was conducted using the prototype. In all subjects, a decrease in EMG due to the assist was confirmed. In one subject, the maximum decrease rate at the peak of the EMG was about 50% for standing-up motion and about 75% for gait motion. From the results of these assist evaluations, the effectiveness of the assist method based on the joint stiffness and antagonistic angle control using the prototype was confirmed.
Meteorological Conditions in a Temperate Climate for Colletotrichum acutatum, Strawberry Pathogen Distribution and Susceptibility of Different Cultivars to Anthracnose
Authors: Morkeliūnė Armina , Rasiukevičiūtė Neringa , Valiuškaitė Alma
Published: January 2021

Previously, Colletotrichum spp. has been considered a warmer climate pathogen as these meteorological conditions are most optimal for its development. However, climate change is fostering the spread of plant disease and complicating the ability to predict meteorological conditions for disease development. This study aims to determine meteorological conditions for anthracnose development, evaluate the susceptibility of different strawberry cultivars and detect the distribution of strawberry pathogens in temperate climate conditions. The experiment was carried out in the Institute of Horticulture Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) in Lithuania during the 2018–2019 strawberry growing season. To evaluate the contamination levels (fungal and bacterial pathogens) of strawberry plant parts, soil and susceptibility to Colletotrichumacutatum, samples were collected at four different locations in Lithuania from eleven cultivars. The results revealed that Colletotrichum spp. was not equally prevalent in the soil at all strawberry farms tested. The evaluation indicated that strawberry leaves and stems were similarly contaminated with pathogenic fungi. The most frequently isolated fungi from the leaves and stems were Mycosphaerella spp., Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Colletotrichum spp., Phytophthora spp., and Botrytis spp. Our study confirmed that the response of cultivar susceptibility to C. acutatum was unequal. The most suitable temperature for C.acutatum development was 25 °C. Monitoring of meteorological conditions, evaluation of inoculum source and appropriate cultivar selection could reduce or avoid yield losses caused by the C. acutatum.
Effects of Fertigation with Untreated and Treated Leachates from Municipal Solid Waste on the Microelement Status and Biometric Parameters of Viola × wittrockiana
Authors: Plaza Blanca María , Carmassi Giulia , Diara Cecilia , Pardossi Alberto , Lao María Teresa , Jiménez-Becker Silvia
Published: January 2021

Landfill leachate can release pollutants into the environment. Nevertheless, it can be treated using a phytodepuration system via constructed wetlands to reduce contaminants. Moreover, this leachate can also increase the availability of macro and micronutrients in soil and water. In this trial, the reuse of untreated and treated wastewater from municipal solid waste (MSW) for fertigation was assessed. Plantlets of Viola × wittrockiana (pansy) were grown in a greenhouse and five fertigation treatments were applied: W9.0 (pure wastewater, EC 9.0 dS m−1), W4.5 (diluted wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), DW4.5 (depurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), PW4.5 (phytodepurated wastewater, EC 4.5 dS m−1), and T (tap water, control, EC 1.5 dS m−1). The treatment with untreated wastewater had a negative effect on plant dry weight, leaf size, specific leaf area, water content, and the number of closed and open flowers, due to the high concentration of SO42− in the fertigation water. It also reduced the content of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn with respect to the control, because of the dry biomass diminution. Conversely, fertigation with phytodepurated wastewater enhanced root and shoot dry weight, water content, and the number of closed and open flowers. Cu and Mn contents in flowers surpassed the content detected in plants fertigated with untreated leachates. These findings demonstrate that phytodepurated wastewater obtained from MSW can be employed for the fertigation of this species.
Reduced Pollination Efficiency Compromises Some Physicochemical Qualities in Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) Fruit
Authors: Tran Xuan T. , Parks Sophie E. , Nguyen Minh H. , Roach Paul D.
Published: January 2021

Gac is valued for the nutritious aril surrounding its seed. When pollinators are limited or when flower sex expression is female-biased, hand pollination is necessary. Here, female flowers were hand pollinated with male flowers or pollen stored for up to 84 days at 4 or −20 °C, and fruit set and some qualities of mature fruit were evaluated. Cool storage reduced pollen viability (germinability and pollen tube length) and compromised fruit set (10–87%) compared with fresh pollen (97%). Fruit weight was also reduced at least by 8%, and oil concentration in aril by 40%. However, the lycopene and β-carotene concentrations in aril were largely uncompromised, and some fruits were of a marketable weight (>1.2 kg) and quality. Cool storage is a low-cost method for the short-term storage of Gac pollen. However, methods for drying pollen to an inactive state need investigation for a storage protocol, and for improvements in fruit set and fruit physicochemical qualities using hand pollination.
Drivers of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Overuse across Diverse Hospital Contexts—A Qualitative Study of Prescribers in the UK, Sri Lanka and South Africa
Authors: Tarrant Carolyn , Colman Andrew M. , Jenkins David R. , Chattoe-Brown Edmund , Perera Nelun , Mehtar Shaheen , Nakkawita W.M.I. Dilini , Bolscher Michele , Krockow Eva M.
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial stewardship programs focus on reducing overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSAs), primarily through interventions to change prescribing behavior. This study aims to identify multi-level influences on BSA overuse across diverse high and low income, and public and private, healthcare contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 prescribers from hospitals in the UK, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, including public and private providers. Interviews explored decision making about prescribing BSAs, drivers of the use of BSAs, and benefits of BSAs to various stakeholders, and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Analysis identified drivers of BSA overuse at the individual, social and structural levels. Structural drivers of overuse varied significantly across contexts and included: system-level factors generating tensions with stewardship goals; limited material resources within hospitals; and patient poverty, lack of infrastructure and resources in local communities. Antimicrobial stewardship needs to encompass efforts to reduce the reliance on BSAs as a solution to context-specific structural conditions.
Preharvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatment Increased the Antioxidant Activity and Glucosinolate Contents of Hydroponically Grown Pak Choi
Authors: Baek Min Woo , Choi Han Ryul , Solomon Tifsehit , Jeong Cheon Soon , Lee Ok-Hwan , Tilahun Shimeles
Published: January 2021

Vertical hydroponics farming has emerged as an alternative solution to feed the continuously growing world population. Additionally, recent studies reported that the exogenous treatments of jasmonic acid influence the phytochemical composition of Brassicaceae. We conducted this study to determine the effect of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of soil- and hydroponically grown pak choi. An aqueous solution of 0.5-mM MeJA was sprayed to saturation on the aerial plant part three days before harvest. The harvested pak choi was freeze-dried and then powdered to measure the antioxidant activity and the contents of chlorophylls (Chls), total phenolics and flavonoids, and glucosinolates (GSLs). The overall results revealed that pak choi grown in vertical hydroponics had higher total Chls and total phenolics than those grown in soil in the greenhouse, regardless of MeJA treatment. Nevertheless, the GSLs content and total flavonoids increased significantly due to MeJA treatment in both growing systems, and the highest values were recorded in hydroponically grown MeJA-treated pak choi. Similarly, the 2, 2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were highest in hydroponically grown MeJA-treated pak choi. Taken together, the preharvest foliar treatment of MeJA can be used to improve the phytochemical composition of pak choi grown in both growing systems. Interestingly, the results strongly support the use of MeJA treatment in the vertical hydroponics growing system compared to the conventional growing system in the soil. This indicates that supplementing the vertical hydroponic growing system with preharvest MeJA treatment could be the best option to improve both the yield per square meter and the quality of pak choi. Besides, MeJA-treated pak choi could be used as a value-added horticultural commodity, as its antioxidant activity increased after treatment. Moreover, after further studies, MeJA could also be applied to other Brassica vegetables to improve their GSL contents and antioxidant properties.
Assessment of the Telomere Length and Its Effect on the Symptomatology of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Levstek Tina , Redenšek Sara , Trošt Maja , Dolžan Vita , Podkrajšek Katarina Trebušak
Published: January 2021

Telomeres, which are repetitive sequences that cap the end of the chromosomes, shorten with each cell division. Besides cellular aging, there are several other factors that influence telomere length (TL), in particular, oxidative stress and inflammation, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative brain diseases including Parkinson’s disease (PD). So far, the majority of studies have not demonstrated a significant difference in TL between PD patients and healthy individuals. However, studies investigating the effect of TL on the symptomatology and disease progression of PD are scarce, and thus, warranted. We analyzed TL of peripheral blood cells in a sample of 204 PD patients without concomitant autoimmune diseases and analyzed its association with several PD related phenotypes. Monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR (mmqPCR) was used to determine relative TL given as a ratio of the amount of DNA between the telomere and albumin as the housekeeping gene. We found a significant difference in the relative TL between PD patients with and without dementia, where shorter TL presented higher risk for dementia (p = 0.024). However, the correlation was not significant after adjustment for clinical factors (p = 0.509). We found no correlations between TLs and the dose of dopaminergic therapy when the analysis was adjusted for genetic variability in inflammatory or oxidative factors. In addition, TL influenced time to onset of motor complications after levodopa treatment initiation (p = 0.0134), but the association did not remain significant after adjustment for age at inclusion and disease duration (p = 0.0781). Based on the results of our study we conclude that TL contributes to certain PD-related phenotypes, although it may not have a major role in directing the course of the disease. Nevertheless, this expends currently limited knowledge regarding the association of the telomere attrition and the disease severity or motor complications in Parkinson’s disease.
Robust Resolution-Enhanced Prostate Segmentation in Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound Images through Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Pellicer-Valero Oscar J. , Gonzalez-Perez Victor , Ramón-Borja Juan Luis Casanova , García Isabel Martín , Benito María Barrios , Gómez Paula Pelechano , Rubio-Briones José , Rupérez María José , Martín-Guerrero José D.
Published: January 2021

Prostate segmentations are required for an ever-increasing number of medical applications, such as image-based lesion detection, fusion-guided biopsy and focal therapies. However, obtaining accurate segmentations is laborious, requires expertise and, even then, the inter-observer variability remains high. In this paper, a robust, accurate and generalizable model for Magnetic Resonance (MR) and three-dimensional (3D) Ultrasound (US) prostate image segmentation is proposed. It uses a densenet-resnet-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) combined with techniques such as deep supervision, checkpoint ensembling and Neural Resolution Enhancement. The MR prostate segmentation model was trained with five challenging and heterogeneous MR prostate datasets (and two US datasets), with segmentations from many different experts with varying segmentation criteria. The model achieves a consistently strong performance in all datasets independently (mean Dice Similarity Coefficient -DSC- above 0.91 for all datasets except for one), outperforming the inter-expert variability significantly in MR (mean DSC of 0.9099 vs. 0.8794). When evaluated on the publicly available Promise12 challenge dataset, it attains a similar performance to the best entries. In summary, the model has the potential of having a significant impact on current prostate procedures, undercutting, and even eliminating, the need of manual segmentations through improvements in terms of robustness, generalizability and output resolution.
Automated Parking Space Allocation during Transition with both Human-Operated and Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Wu Mingkang , Jiang Haobin , Tan Chin-An
Published: January 2021

As fully automated valet parking systems are being developed, there is a transition period during which both human-operated vehicles (HVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) are present in the same parking infrastructure. This paper addresses the problem of allocation of a parking space to an AV without conflicting with the parking space chosen by the driver of a HV. A comprehensive assessment of the key factors that affect the preference and choice of a driver for a parking space is established by the fuzzy comprehensive method. The algorithm then generates a ranking order of the available parking spaces to first predict the driver’s choice of parking space and then allocate a space for the AV. The Floyd algorithm of shortest distance is used to determine the route for the AV to reach its parking space. The proposed allocation and search algorithm is applied to the examples of a parking lot with three designed scenarios. It is shown that parking space can be reasonably allocated for AVs.
Effects of Phase Shift Errors in Recurrence Plot for Rotating Machinery Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Torres-Contreras Ignacio , Jáuregui-Correa Juan Carlos , López-Cajún Carlos Santiago , Echeverría-Villagómez Salvador
Published: January 2021

For fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance of rotating machinery, the phase errors generated by the integration processing of a vibration signal are an essential investigation subject. Phase errors affect the solution of mechanical systems with multiple vibration sources and also the information transmitted through the vibration that is used for fault diagnosis. This work proposes the use of phase plane, recurrence plot (RP), and cross recurrence plot (CRP) to evaluate phase shift error effects on the solution of multiple asynchronous and simple periodic functions, and on the smoothing of a Gaussian peak with white noise. Noisy peaks were smoothed twice with the triangular method and with a different number of points. The analysis of the asynchronous periodic functions and the smoothing indicated that a small phase shift changes the phase plane and the RP pattern. These changes can affect not only the accuracy of machinery fault diagnosis but also prediction for the application of timely maintenance actions.
Design and Calibration of a Tri-Directional Contact Force Measurement System
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan , Firrone Christian Maria , Zucca Stefano
Published: January 2021

In low pressure turbine stages, adjacent blades are coupled to each other at their tip by covers, called shrouds. Three-dimensional periodic contact forces at shrouds strongly affect the blade vibration level as energy is dissipated by friction. To validate contact models developed for the prediction of nonlinear forced response of shrouded blades, direct contact force measurement during dynamic tests is mandatory. In case of shrouded blades, the existing unidirectional and bi-directional contact force measurement methods need to be improved and extended to a tri-directional measurement of shroud contact forces for a comprehensive and more reliable validation of the shroud contact models. This demands an accurate and robust measurement solution that is compatible with the nature and orientation of the contact forces at blade shrouds. This study presents a cost effective and adaptable tri-directional force measurement system to measure static and dynamic contact forces simultaneously in three directions at blade shrouds during forced response tests. The system is based on three orthogonal force transducers connected to a reference block that will eventually be put in contact with the blade shroud in the test rig. A calibration process is outlined to define a decoupling matrix and its subsequent validation is demonstrated in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the measurement system to measure the actual contact forces acting on the contact.
Decomposing the Krohn-Rhodes Form of Electroencephalography (EEG) Signals Using Jordan-Chevalley Decomposition Technique
Authors: Ahmad Fuad Amirul Aizad , Ahmad Tahir
Published: January 2021

This paper explores how electroencephalography (EEG) signals in the Krohn-Rhodes form can be decomposed further using the Jordan-Chevalley decomposition technique. First, the recorded EEG signals of a seizure were transformed into a set of matrices. Each of these matrices was decomposed into its elementary components using the Krohn-Rhodes decomposition method. The components were then further decomposed into semisimple and nilpotent matrices using the Jordan-Chevalley decomposition. These matrices—which are the extended building blocks of elementary EEG signals—provide evidence that the EEG signals recorded during a seizure contain patterns similar to that of prime numbers.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Prevents Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNA ATXN8OS from Inhibiting Tumor-Suppressive microRNA-424-5p in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Heejoo , Ji Hwee Won , Kim Hyeon Woo , Yun Sung Hwan , Park Jae Eun , Kim Sun Jung
Published: January 2021

Ginsenoside Rg3 exerts antiproliferation activity on cancer cells by regulating diverse noncoding RNAs. However, little is known about the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) or their relationship with competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in Rg3-treated cancer cells. Here, a lncRNA (ATXN8OS) was found to be downregulated via Rg3-mediated promoter hypermethylation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SiRNA-induced downregulation of ATXN8OS decreased cell proliferation but increased apoptosis, suggesting that the noncoding RNA possessed proproliferation activity. An in silico search for potential ATXN8OS-targeting microRNAs (miRs) identified a promising candidate (miR-424-5p) based on its high binding score. As expected, miR-424-5p suppressed proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of the MCF-7 cells. The in silico miR-target-gene prediction identified 200 potential target genes of miR-424-5p, which were subsequently narrowed down to seven that underwent hypermethylation at their promoter by Rg3. Among them, three genes (EYA1, DACH1, and CHRM3) were previously known oncogenes and were proven to be oppositely regulated by ATXN8OS and miR-424-5p. When taken together, Rg3 downregulated ATXN8OS that inhibited the tumor-suppressive miR-424-5p, leading to the downregulation of the oncogenic target genes.
The Ketogenic Diet: Breath Acetone Sensing Technology
Authors: Alkedeh Omar , Priefer Ronny
Published: January 2021

The ketogenic diet, while originally thought to treat epilepsy in children, is now used for weight loss due to increasing evidence indicating that fat is burned more rapidly when there is a low carbohydrate intake. This low carbohydrate intake can lead to elevated ketone levels in the blood and breath. Breath and blood ketones can be measured to gauge the level of ketosis and allow for adjustment of the diet to meet the user’s needs. Blood ketone levels have been historically used, but now breath acetone sensors are becoming more common due to less invasiveness and convenience. New technologies are being researched in the area of acetone sensors to capitalize on the rising popularity of the diet. Current breath acetone sensors come in the form of handheld breathalyzer devices. Technologies in development mostly consist of semiconductor metal oxides in different physio-chemical formations. These current devices and future technologies are investigated here with regard to utility and efficacy. Technologies currently in development do not have extensive testing of the selectivity of the sensors including the many compounds present in human breath. While some sensors have undergone human testing, the sample sizes are very small, and the testing was not extensive. Data regarding current devices is lacking and more research needs to be done to effectively evaluate current devices if they are to have a place as medical devices. Future technologies are very promising but are still in early development stages.
Understanding Selectivity in CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol for MoP Nanoparticle Catalysts Using In Situ Techniques
Authors: Duyar Melis S. , Gallo Alessandro , Regli Samuel K. , Snider Jonathan L. , Singh Joseph A. , Valle Eduardo , McEnaney Joshua , Bent Stacey F. , Rønning Magnus , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: January 2021

Molybdenum phosphide (MoP) catalyzes the hydrogenation of CO, CO2, and their mixtures to methanol, and it is investigated as a high-activity catalyst that overcomes deactivation issues (e.g., formate poisoning) faced by conventional transition metal catalysts. MoP as a new catalyst for hydrogenating CO2 to methanol is particularly appealing for the use of CO2 as chemical feedstock. Herein, we use a colloidal synthesis technique that connects the presence of MoP to the formation of methanol from CO2, regardless of the support being used. By conducting a systematic support study, we see that zirconia (ZrO2) has the striking ability to shift the selectivity towards methanol by increasing the rate of methanol conversion by two orders of magnitude compared to other supports, at a CO2 conversion of 1.4% and methanol selectivity of 55.4%. In situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and in situ X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicate that under reaction conditions the catalyst is pure MoP in a partially crystalline phase. Results from Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy coupled with Temperature Programmed Surface Reaction (DRIFTS-TPSR) point towards a highly reactive monodentate formate intermediate stabilized by the strong interaction of MoP and ZrO2. This study definitively shows that the presence of a MoP phase leads to methanol formation from CO2, regardless of support and that the formate intermediate on MoP governs methanol formation rate.