bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fructan determination in transgenic nicotiana tabacum l. Plants harbouring human inf α2b gene infected by tobacco mosaic virus
Authors: Potrokhov Andrii
Published: March 2018

Fructan is one of the main storage compounds in higher plants, their accumulation and synthesis is associated with the plant's adaptation. They take part in cryoprotection, osmoregulation and water balance and included in plant protection from pathogens (biotic stress). Fructan, anthocyanins, proline are involved in reduction of negative effects of biotic factors on plants.Utilizing of genetic engineering methods makes it possible to create stress resistant plants. However, the impact of the transformation still remains unclear, because transformation can be regarded as biotic stress factor for plants. Investigation of the biotic stress effects on metabolic pathways in transformed plants is still actual.The aim of our work was to identify changes in fructan accumulation caused by the presence of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants with human ifn - α2b gene. Control wild type plants contained 6.8 + 0.08 mg/g of fructan. In the transgenic line №1, the level of fructan accumulation was 4.68 ± 1.02 mg/g. In the transformed line №3, its content increased to 30+1.8 mg/g. The fructan content in control plants increased from 6.8 + 0.08 to 8.2 + 1 mg/g, after viral infection. For transgenic line №1, the content of fructan increased to 25 + 1 mg/g. The growth of fructan concentration was not observed in the line №3. The increase in fructan content in infected transgenic plants can be regarded as adaptive response to viral infection as biotic stress.
Using ensemble systems to study natural processes
Authors: Yamashkin Stanislav , Radovanovic Milan , Yamashkin Anatoliy , Vukovic Darko
Published: March 2018

Increasing accuracy of the data analysis of remote sensing of the Earth significantly affects the quality of decisions taken in the field of environmental management. The article describes the methodology for decoding multispectral space images based on the ensemble learning concept, which can effectively solve important problems of geosystems mapping, including diagnostics of the structure and condition of catchment basins, inventory of water bodies and assessment of their ecological state, study of channel processes; monitoring and forecasting of functioning, dynamics and development of geotechnical systems. The developed methodology is based on an algorithm for analyzing the structure of geosystems using ensemble systems based on a fundamentally new organization of the metaclassifier that allows for a weighted decision based on the efficiency matrix, which is characterized by an increase in accuracy of the decoding of space images and resistance to errors. The metaclassification training algorithm based on the method of weighted voting of monoclassifiers is proposed, in which the weights are calculated on the basis of error matrix metrics. The methodology was tested at the test site ‘Inerka’. The performed experiments confirmed that the use of ensemble systems increases the final accuracy, objectivity, and reliability of the analysis.
Hydrological responses and adaptive potential of cascaded reservoirs under climate change in Yuan River Basin
Authors: Guo Yuxue , Fang Guohua , Wen Xin , Lei Xiaohui , Yuan Yu , Fu Xiaoying
Published: March 2018

The ongoing cascading hydropower exploitation in southwestern China has been the subject of debate and conflict in recent years. This study aims to assess the climate change impacts on the hydropower system of Yuan River and to quantify the future potential in operation optimization of Gasa-Madushan (GS-MDS) Reservoir system. The Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) projections are bias-corrected and downscaled to drive the Soil and Water Assessment Tool hydrological model, aiming to predict the climate and runoff changes for the future. Then, an adaptive operation chart model of cascaded reservoirs is established to balance hydropower generation and ecological requirements under climate change. In the future, the decadal average temperature and annual average precipitation will possibly increase by 0.80–2.22 °C and 2.56–4.65%, respectively; the monthly average runoff may increase by 6.89%, 6.17%, and 18.26% for GS Reservoir Basin, and by 8.89%, 8.14%, and 23.14% for MDS Reservoir Basin under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5, respectively. The adaptive operation chart results in a reduction of 52.66–70.77% in the total water shortage at a cost of 2.09–4.54% decrease in total power generation of the GS-MDS cascaded hydropower system compared to that of non-adaptive operation chart.
Capacity Building for Agricultural Biotechnology in Developing Countries
Authors: Lee Hyejin
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

Agricultural biotechnology holds a unique position in formulating food and trade policies due to its conflicting aspects: its potential to improve food security especially in developing countries, and the intense debates over its risks and unknown impacts on human health and the environment. Agricultural biotechnology, nevertheless, has been widely utilized to help enhance food security with its extensive applications.

Explanation:

The technology is knowledge-resource intensive, therefore reinforcing a gap between developed and developing countries. One of the critical determinants of availability and accessibility of the technology is a developing country’s own capacity. Developing countries that wish to benefit the technology should build sufficient capacity. The current study intends to review the concepts of capacity building in agricultural biotechnology, and identify areas frequently considered in need of capacity building; coordinating partnerships, making financial commitment, setting priorities, establishing a regulatory system, and building public awareness.

Conclusion:

While each area has its own territory, they juxtapose on one another to some extends, which can act as a virtuous or vicious cycle to facilitate or obstruct capacity building. Programs for successful capacity building in agricultural biotechnology should consider this nature.
Corrosion Behavior of 3% Cr Casing Steel in CO2-Containing Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Xu Lin , Xu Jie , Xu Ming-biao , Li Si-yang , Liu Shuai , Huang Yue , You Fu-chang
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The production casing of 3% Cr steel has encountered severe internal corrosion in Huizhou Oilfield. To disclose corrosion behavior of inner casing, a series of corrosion exposure tests were systematically conducted on 3% Cr coupons in terms of in-field conditions.

Material and Methods:

Influence of exposure time, temperature, and water-cut on the CO2corrosion of 3% Cr steel was investigated, and analyses on weight loss, composition and morphology of corrosion product, and Tafel polarization curves were further carried out.

Result:

The results showed that the corrosion rate of 3% Cr steel increased with increasing temperature, but such trend descended when the temperature exceeded 65°C due to formation of an compact and adherent corrosion product film on the surface of 3% Cr coupons. While varying exposure time from 7 days to 14 days, the corrosion rate decreased, and the Cr and O enrichment was determined in the corrosion products. The corrosion rate of 3% Cr steel increased with a continuous increment of water-cuts, especially when the water-cut was larger than 40%.

Conclusion:

The localized corrosion can happen at the lower water-cut due to the presence of amorphous films. The main corrosion products were FeCO3, Cr5O12, Fe2O3, and Fe-Cr. Entry of CO2to the simulated formation water caused an increase in the anodic Tafel slope, and accelerated dissolution of 3% Cr steel.
Prospect and Competence of Quantitative Methods via Real-time PCR in a Comparative Manner: An Experimental Review of Current Methods
Authors: Mahboudi Hossein , Heidari Negin Mohammadizadeh , Rashidabadi Zahra Irani , Anbarestani Ali Houshmand , Karimi Soroush , Darestani Kaveh Darabi
Published: March 2018

Background:

There are numerous approaches dealing with relative and absolute quantitation. The methods differ in their efficiency assumption and applicability.

Objective:

Current methodologies and rations used in qPCR quantification were compared in an experimental study of transgenic copy number determination of a monoclonal antibody Daclizumab.

Methods:

With an inter and intra-methodical view, variations in relative and absolute quantification strategies were discretely extracted and compared to one another.

Results:

In relative quantification, six methods were studied and the ratios were computed relative to Glucagon as internal control. For Absolute quantification, the calculations were based on standard curve. Relative quantification considers the relative changes in expression levels while Absolute quantification relates the PCR signal to input copy number with a calibration curve.

Conclusion:

The observed unevenness of the ratios in Relative approach pointed mainly to the efficiency changes and its calculation formula. Whereas results in Absolute approach strategies showed homogeneity which indicates the consistency of the calculation method.
Otro reto para la Revista MVZ Córdoba: Lo importante no es llegar, es mantenerse
Authors: González Tous Marco , Mattar V. Salim
Published: March 2018

Cuando se recibió la revista MVZ Córdoba en el año 2001, nos propusimos desde ese entonces llevar la revista a la máxima categoría de PUBLINDEX-COLCIENCIAS. Para cumplir con lo propuesto, se planearon cambios cualitativos y cuantitativos de su contenido, así como políticas editoriales orientadas a cumplir con los requisitos nacionales e internacionales exigidos a las revistas científicas en torno a la calidad. Todos los cambios enunciados anteriormente se pueden notar a través de los años, observándose un crecimiento en el número de manuscritos recibidos, número de manuscritos aceptados y publicados. Igualmente, se destaca el incremento de la visibilidad de la Rev.MVZ Córdoba tanto nacional como internacionalmente, especialmente después de creada su página WEB y la aceptación en más de dieciséis bases de datos e índices bibliográficos internacionales.
EFICIENCIA ANÉSTESICA DE 2-FENOXIETANOL, BENZOCAINA, QUINALDINA Y METASULFONATO DE TRICAINA EN ALEVINOS Y JUVENILES DE CACHAMA BLANCA (Piaractus brachypomus)
Authors: Velasco S. Yohana , Palacios R. Camilo , Cruz C. Pablo
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad anestésica de 2-fenoxietanol, benzocaina, quinaldina y metanosulfonato de tricaina (MS-222) en alevinos y juveniles de cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus). Materiales y métodos. Alevinos (7.3 ± 6.8 g) y juveniles (49.6 ± 28.4 g) fueron expuestos a 2-fenoxietanol (200, 400 y 600 ppm), benzocaina (50, 100 y 150 ppm), quinaldina (7.5, 15 y 30 ppm) o MS-222 (100, 150 y 200 ppm) (n=12), para evaluar la duración de la inducción y recuperación, frecuencia opercular y la sobrevivencia post-anestesia. Resultados. El desarrollo corporal y la concentración afectaron el periodo de inducción, siendo mayor en juveniles que en alevinos (p0.05), mientras que juveniles expuestos a MS-222 mostraron el menor tiempo de inducción con la menor concentración (p
Evaluación de las propiedades del cajaro (Phractocephalus hemiliopterus) como potencial para la obtención de surimi y productos derivados
Authors: Sotelo D. Indira , Filomena A. Annamaria , Rodríguez P. Jenny
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Determinar el uso potencial de carne de Cajaro (Phractocephalus hemiliopterus), para la obtención de surimi y productos derivados. Materiales y métodos. Filetes de Cajaro fueron troceados y lixiviados con agua en relación 1:3, formando pasta base surimi con la cual se preparó kamaboko, sometiendo la pasta moldeada a vapor (60oC) durante 15 min; y chikuwa donde la pasta en forma de rollo fue cocida a 80oC por 10 min. Se determinó la proteína total por método Kjeldahl, la capacidad de retención de agua (CRA) y el análisis de perfil de textura (TPA). El contenido de humedad se determinó por método AOAC (985.14) y se evaluó la calidad de la proteína miofibrilar por electroforesis SDS-page. Resultados. El Cajaro presentó un contenido proteico de 17.90±0.79% b.h.; porcentaje de humedad de 81.65±2.2% b.h. y CRA de 66.25±3.53% b.h. Los productos derivados presentaron 18.66±1.35% b.h., de proteína total equivalente a la proteína miofibrilar, influyendo en la gelificación por aumento de la CRA con respecto al surimi. El TPA incrementó (á=0.05) en la masticabilidad de la pasta base (51.04 N.s) con respecto al kamaboko (480.80 N.s), generando características cohesivas a los productos derivados, frente a características adhesivas de la pasta base. En la electroforesis se evidenció que la calidad de la miosina en productos derivados se conservó después de congelados, mientras que en filete y pasta base se deterioró. Conclusiones. La calidad de la proteína miofibrilar de Cajaro evidencia el potencial tecnológico que tiene esta especie del Amazonas, convirtiéndose en una oportunidad de negocio para obtención de productos tipo surimi de alto valor nutricional con calidad exportable.
Análisis de dos poblaciones de caninos (Canis familiaris) de la raza cimarrón uruguayo utilizando rapds como marcadores moleculares
Authors: Llambí D. Silvia , Gagliardi B. Rosa , Martínez T. Mónica , Estevez C. Jorge , Gorozurreta O. Ana , Costa De F. Gabriela , Bianco Y. Carolina , Artigas S. Rody , Arruga L. María Victoria
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Analizar la variabilidad genética en dos poblaciones de caninos de la raza autóctona “Cimarrón uruguayo” provenientes de distintas zonas del País. Materiales y métodos. Se aisló ADN de 40 animales de la raza Cimarrón. Mediante la técnica de PCR se analizaron 11 marcadores moleculares RAPD (amplificación al azar de ADN polimórfico). Resultados. Se detectó un 14.9% de loci polimórficos. Se obtuvo un índice de bandas compartidas de 0.91, una distancia genética de 0.16 e índice promedio de diversidad de Nei’s de 0.08. Conclusiones. Ambas poblaciones presentan una alta homogeneidad e identidad genética para estos marcadores y pertenecerían a un núcleo genético común.
Evaluación de tres metodologías de recuperación de embriones en caninos utilizando un modelo post-mortem
Authors: Jiménez E. Claudia , Bustos B. Omar
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Evaluar tres técnicas de recuperación de embriones, utilizando como modelos de simulación oocitos desnudos introducidos en úteros recuperados post–mortem. Materiales y métodos. Se introdujeron 10 oocitos en el extremo ovárico de cada cuerno. El tratamiento 1 (T1) consistió en realizar una punción a nivel del extremo ovárico de cada cuerno para introducir el medio de lavado. Se incidió la base de cada cuerno para ubicar un catéter TOMCAT 8-Fr, recuperando el medio en una caja de petri. En el tratamiento 2 (T2) se realizó una punción en el extremo ovárico de cada cuerno pero la recuperación de los oocitos se realizó con un catéter de 56 cm de longitud que se pasó transcervicalmente hasta la base de cada cuerno. En el tratamiento 3 (T3) se utilizó el mismo tipo de catéter por vía transcervical y el lavado y la recuperación se realizó a través del mismo catéter. Resultados. El número de estructuras recuperadas fue de 7.3 ± 2.4 (73%) para el T1; 8.5 ± 1.9 (85%) para el T2 y de 5.8±2.2 (58%) para el T3. La tasa de recuperación fue similar para T1 y T2, pero significativamente mayores que para el T3 (p>0.01). Conclusiones. Las técnicas que se proponen son menos invasivas y tienen resultados comparables a otros estudios donde realizan histerectomía y laparotomía. Con este tipo de técnicas, se disminuye el trauma generado por incisiones quirúrgicas y la posible generación de adherencias. Adicionalmente permitirían realizar recuperaciones de embriones no quirúrgicas en caninos.
Frecuencia de hemoparásitos en bovinos del bajo Cauca y alto San Jorge. 2000 – 2005
Authors: Herrera Mariana , Soto Ángela , Urrego Viviana , Rivera Gloria , Zapata Mario , Rios Leonardo
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de hemoparásitos en los bovinos evaluados por microscopía directa en el laboratorio Lavebac- ASOGAUCA. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó un modelo epidemiológico cuyo diseño de investigación fue transeccional de tipo descriptivo retrospectivo transversal. Se analizó la totalidad de los datos de los últimos 5 años, proporcionados por el laboratorio Lavebac que presta su servicio a las regiones del Bajo Cauca Antioqueño y Córdoba. Se realizó un análisis de tendencias por el tipo de parásito, sistema de explotación, procedencia y época climática; seguido de un análisis comparativo de asociación utilizando la razón de disparidad (RD) y el X2, mediante el programa EPI-INFO versión 3.3. Resultados. Se encontró una frecuencia hemoparasitaria del 22.5%, y de estos el 59.3% correspondió a Anaplasma sp, el 3.1% a Babesia sp y para Trypanosoma sp 30.9%. La región con mayor frecuencia hemoparasitaria fue Bajo Cauca (14%); los diagnósticos positivos fueron realizados con mayor frecuencia en época seca (14.9%), en la que se detectó mayor proporción de infección por Anaplasma sp. Conclusiones. Los resultados dan una aproximación a la frecuencia y distribución de Trypanosoma sp, Babesia sp y Anaplasma sp en dos zonas ganaderas de Colombia, en donde durante la época seca se encontró un mayor porcentaje de infección, y de los agentes hemoparasitarios Anaplasma sp es el más frecuente.
Aislamiento y caracterización de cepas de Staphylococcus enterotoxigénicos aislados de quesos en Bogotá
Authors: Venegas L. María , González G. Lina , Martínez L. Aida , Buitrago Francisco
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Caracterizar cepas de Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxigénicos provenientes de quesos distribuidos en supermercados, tiendas y en ventas callejeras en la ciudad de Bogota, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se ecolectaron muestras de quesos provenientes de tiendas, supermercados y ventas callejeras. Se detectó la presencia del gen para enterotoxina A usando un set de primers reportado en estudios previos. Un total de 50 quesos fueron analizados, 13 comercializados en tiendas y en ventas callejeras y 37 en supermercados. Resultados. De las trece muestras de quesos de tiendas y ventas callejeras se aisló Staphylococcus aureus. No hubo presencia de Staphylococcus spp en muestras de quesos de supermercados (n=37). Todos los aislamientos amplificaron para toxina A. Conclusión. Existen diferencias en la calidad de los quesos según sean distribuidos en tiendas de mercado, plazas, ventas callejeras o distribuidos por supermercados, con una alta frecuencia de Staphylococcus aureus coagulasa positivo y productor de toxina A en quesos distribuidos en tiendas y en ventas callejeras.
Contracaecum sp (anisakidae) en el pez Hoplias malabaricus, capturado en la Ciénaga grande de Lorica, Córdoba
Authors: Pardo C. Sandra , Zumaque M. Alan , Noble C. Hernando , Suárez M. Héctor
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de Contracaecum en el pez moncholo (Hoplias malabaricus). Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 45 peces recolectados en la cienaga grande de Lorica entre julio de 2006 y mayo de 2007. Una vez en el laboratorio fueron analizados biometricamente, posteriormente fueron eviscerados y analizados en búsqueda de nemátodos. Se les extrajo la musculatura esquelética la cual fue disecada en láminas delgadas y observadas con luz ultravioleta para evidenciar la presencia de nemátodos. Los nemátodos encontrados fueron contabilizados, aislados y fijados en formol al 4% con glicerina al 5%. Para la identificación de los nemátodos se utilizaron claves morfométricas. Resultados. Los nemátodos fueron encontrados solamente en vísceras e identificados como Contracaecum sp en estado larval III. La prevalencia fue de 100% con tasas de infestación leve (88.9%) y moderada (11.1%). El valor del factor de condición fue de 0.036±0.04, los índices hepatosomático, branquiosomáticos y bazosomático de 1.65±0.37, 3.40±0.43, 0.09±0.04 respectivamente y sin relación entre estos y el índice parasitario en moncholo (r0.05). Conclusiones. Contracaecum sp parasita las vísceras de moncholo de la Ciénaga Grande de Lorica. El FC y los índices organosomáticos no sirven como predictores de esta situación.
Estudio histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico sobre neosporosis en fetos bovinos procedentes de matadero
Authors: Oviedo S. Teresa , Bustamante G. Gustavo , Mejía L. Jorge
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de lesiones, formas evolutivas y antígenos compatibles con Neospora caninum, a través de estudios histopatológicos e inmunihistoquímicos en el sistema nervioso central de fetos bovinos procedentes de matadero. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron muestras de cerebro, cerebelo y médula de 108 fetos mayores de cinco meses, provenientes de un frigorifico del municipio de Montería – Córdoba. Los estudios histopatológicos se realizaron mediante coloración con hematoxilina - eosina y los estudios inmunohistoquímicos a través de la técnica de peroxidasa anti-peroxidasa. Resultados. El estudio estableció que de los 108 fetos examinados por histopatología, el 27,8% presentaron lesiones compatibles con el protozoario. Estas lesiones, fueron observadas principalmente en cerebro (24.1%) y en menor número a nivel medular (3.7%). Las lesiones compatibles observadas consistieron en gliosis, meningitis, congestión y hemorragia focal severa. Los estudios inmunihistoquímicos, utilizados para detectar antígenos tisulares del agente etiológico, resultaron negativos. Conclusiones. Con base en los resultados, se puede afirmar que existen alteraciones histopatológicas en el sistema nervioso central de fetos bovinos procedentes de matadero, compatibles con infecciones por el protozoario N. caninum. La coloración inmunohistoquímica para detección del parásito fue negativa, no obstante, no se descarta la presencia del agente por lo que se sugiere la realización de técnicas más específicas como PCR.
Relación longitud-peso del rubio (Salminus affinis Steindachner, 1880) en la cuenca del Río Sinú, Colombia.
Authors: Olaya-Nieto Charles , Tordecilla-Petro Glenys , Segura-Guevara Fredys
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Estimar la relación longitud-peso del rubio en la cuenca del río Sinú, como contribución al ordenamiento de su pesquería. Materiales y métodos. Entre enero 2000 y agosto 2005 se capturaron 122 ejemplares con tallas entre 9.3 y 63.0 cm de longitud total (LT) y peso total (WT) entre 6.6 y 3966.0 g. Resultados. La relación longitud-peso fue WT= 0.005 (± 0.03) LT3.19 (± 0.02), coeficiente de crecimiento (b) alométrico positivo y coeficiente de correlación de 0.99. El coeficiente de crecimiento osciló entre 3.34 y 3.21 (p≤0.05) sin diferencia estadística significativa. El factor de condición osciló entre 0.003 (2000) y 0.005 (2005), sin diferencias estadísticas significativas (p≤0.05). Se encontró correlación entre el factor de condición, los niveles del Río Sinú y la época de reproducción del rubio, la cual se extiende de marzo a septiembre. Conclusion. Al no observarse diferencias significativas entre los años estudiados el rubio se ha adaptado a las nuevas condiciones del río Sinú en el crecimiento en talla y peso.
Relaciones entre peso, condición corporal y producción de leche en vacas del sistema doble propósito
Authors: Salgado O. Roger , Vergara G. Oscar , Simanca S. Juan
Published: March 2018

Objetivo. Evaluar las relaciones entre peso corporal, condición corporal y producción de leche en respuesta a la suplementación con semilla de algodón. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 13 vacas y se conformaron dos grupos de tratamientos utilizando un diseño al azar: G1 (n=7) vacas suplementadas con 2 kg. de semilla de algodón; G2 (n=6) vacas no suplementadas. Para el análisis de resultados se emplearon correlaciones de Spearman. Resultados. Se presentaron correlaciones positivas entre la variación de peso corporal y condición corporal (p0.05) en las vacas suplementadas; por el contrario se presentaron correlaciones positivas (p0.05). Conclusiones. La suplementación con semilla de algodón presentó relaciones positivas importantes entre la variación del peso, condición corporal y producción de leche en vacas de primer parto manejadas bajo condiciones de pastoreo.
Creating a Theoretically Grounded, Gamified Health App: Lessons From Developing the Cigbreak Smoking Cessation Mobile Phone Game (Preprint)
Authors: Edwards Elizabeth A , Caton Hope , Lumsden Jim , Rivas Carol , Steed Liz , Pirunsarn Yutthana , Jumbe Sandra , Newby Chris , Shenvi Aditi , Mazumdar Samaresh , Smith Jim Q , Greenhill Darrel , Griffiths Chris J , Walton Robert T
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Gaming techniques are increasingly recognized as effective methods for changing behavior and increasing user engagement with mobile phone apps. The rapid uptake of mobile phone games provides an unprecedented opportunity to reach large numbers of people and to influence a wide range of health-related behaviors. However, digital interventions are still nascent in the field of health care, and optimum gamified methods of achieving health behavior change are still being investigated. There is currently a lack of worked methodologies that app developers and health care professionals can follow to facilitate theoretically informed design of gamified health apps.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present a series of steps undertaken during the development of Cigbreak, a gamified smoking cessation health app.

METHODS

A systematic and iterative approach was adopted by (1) forming an expert multidisciplinary design team, (2) defining the problem and establishing user preferences, (3) incorporating the evidence base, (4) integrating gamification, (5) adding behavior change techniques, (6) forming a logic model, and (7) user testing. A total of 10 focus groups were conducted with 73 smokers.

RESULTS

Users found the app an engaging and motivating way to gain smoking cessation advice and a helpful distraction from smoking; 84% (62/73) of smokers said they would play again and recommend it to a friend.

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated gamified app to promote smoking cessation has the potential to modify smoking behavior and to deliver effective smoking cessation advice. Iterative, collaborative development using evidence-based behavior change techniques and gamification may help to make the game engaging and potentially effective. Gamified health apps developed in this way may have the potential to provide effective and low-cost health interventions in a wide range of clinical settings.
A Deep Learning Method to Automatically Identify Reports of Scientifically Rigorous Clinical Research from the Biomedical Literature: Comparative Analytic Study (Preprint)
Authors: Del Fiol Guilherme , Michelson Matthew , Iorio Alfonso , Cotoi Chris , Haynes R Brian
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

A major barrier to the practice of evidence-based medicine is efficiently finding scientifically sound studies on a given clinical topic.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a deep learning approach to retrieve scientifically sound treatment studies from the biomedical literature.

METHODS

We trained a Convolutional Neural Network using a noisy dataset of 403,216 PubMed citations with title and abstract as features. The deep learning model was compared with state-of-the-art search filters, such as PubMed’s Clinical Query Broad treatment filter, McMaster’s textword search strategy (no Medical Subject Heading, MeSH, terms), and Clinical Query Balanced treatment filter. A previously annotated dataset (Clinical Hedges) was used as the gold standard.

RESULTS

The deep learning model obtained significantly lower recall than the Clinical Queries Broad treatment filter (96.9% vs 98.4%; P<.001); and equivalent recall to McMaster’s textword search (96.9% vs 97.1%; P=.57) and Clinical Queries Balanced filter (96.9% vs 97.0%; P=.63). Deep learning obtained significantly higher precision than the Clinical Queries Broad filter (34.6% vs 22.4%; P<.001) and McMaster’s textword search (34.6% vs 11.8%; P<.001), but was significantly lower than the Clinical Queries Balanced filter (34.6% vs 40.9%; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep learning performed well compared to state-of-the-art search filters, especially when citations were not indexed. Unlike previous machine learning approaches, the proposed deep learning model does not require feature engineering, or time-sensitive or proprietary features, such as MeSH terms and bibliometrics. Deep learning is a promising approach to identifying reports of scientifically rigorous clinical research. Further work is needed to optimize the deep learning model and to assess generalizability to other areas, such as diagnosis, etiology, and prognosis.
Exploring the Clinical Relevance of Providing Increased Removal of Large Middle Molecules
Authors: Wolley Martin , Jardine Meg , Hutchison Colin A.
Published: March 2018

Dialysis technologies have continued to advance over recent decades; however, these advancements have not always been met with improved patient outcomes. In part, the high morbidity and mortality associated with dialysis have been attributed to a group of uremic toxins, which are described as “difficult to remove.” With a new generation of hemodialysis membranes now making meaningful clearance of these molecules possible, it is an apt time to review the clinical relevance of these middle molecules. Our review describes the developments in membrane technology that enable the removal of large middle molecules (molecular mass >15 kD) that is limited with high-flux dialysis membranes. Of the known 58 middle molecules, a literature search identified 27 that have molecular mass >15 kD. This group contains cytokines, adipokines, hormones, and other proteins. These molecules are implicated in chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, structural heart disease, and secondary immunodeficiency in the literature. Single-center safety and efficacy studies have identified that use of these membranes in maintenance dialysis populations is associated with limited loss of albumin and increased clearance of large middle molecules. Larger, robustly conducted, multicenter studies are now evaluating these findings. After completion of these safety and efficacy studies, the perceived clinical benefits of providing clearance of large middle molecules must be assessed in rigorously conducted, randomized clinical studies.
Association between Duration of Predialysis Care and Mortality after Dialysis Start
Authors: Liu Ping , Quinn Robert R. , Oliver Matthew J. , Ronksley Paul E. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Quan Hude , Hiremath Swapnil , Bello Aminu K. , Blake Peter G. , Garg Amit X. , Johnson John , Verrelli Mauro , Zacharias James M. , Abd ElHafeez Samar , Tonelli Marcello , Ravani Pietro
Published: March 2018

Background and objectives

Early nephrology referral is recommended for people with CKD on the basis of observational studies showing that longer nephrology care before dialysis start (predialysis care) is associated with lower mortality after dialysis start. This association may be observed because predialysis care truly reduces mortality or because healthier people with an uncomplicated course of disease will have both longer predialysis care and lower risk for death. We examined whether the survival benefit of longer predialysis care exists after accounting for the potential confounding effect of disease course that may also be affected by predialysis care.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We performed a retrospective cohort study and used data from 3152 adults with end stage kidney failure starting dialysis between 2004 and 2014 in five Canadian dialysis programs. We obtained duration of predialysis care from the earliest nephrology outpatient visit to dialysis start; markers of disease course, including inpatient or outpatient dialysis start and residual kidney function around dialysis start; and all-cause mortality after dialysis start.

Results

The percentages of participants with 0, 1–119, 120–364, and ≥365 days of predialysis care were 23%, 8%, 10%, and 59%, respectively. When we ignored markers of disease course as in previous studies, longer predialysis care was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio120–364 versus 0–119 days, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 0.78]; hazard ratio≥365 versus 0–119 days, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.51 to 0.71; standard Cox model adjusted for demographics and laboratory and clinical characteristics). When we additionally accounted for markers of disease course using the inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox model, this association was weaker and no longer significant (hazard ratio120–364 versus 0–119 days, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.60 to 1.18; hazard ratio≥365 versus 0–119 days, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 1.13).

Conclusions

The association between longer predialysis care and lower mortality after dialysis start is weaker and imprecise after accounting for patients’ course of disease.
National Identity Card: Opportunities and Threats
Authors: Khan Anisur Rahman
Published: March 2018

Biometric national identity card schemes are increasingly becoming common around the world and are also commonly considered as an essential social component. It is assumed that issuing national identity cards to all the citizens would help governments to combat social malice such as terrorism, illegal immigration, fraudulent activities, as well as enable the acceleration of the social service delivery mechanism. Nevertheless, the introduction of national identity card has been a matter of academic and policy debate. This review paper portrays an overview of the state of understanding about the benefits and concerns associated with biometric national identity schemes. Although there are strapping arguments with regard to the introduction of biometric national identity scheme, the unintended, unwelcome and unanticipated consequences of such a high-tech scheme must be critically assessed. It is suggested that in order to combat or control social threats and vices, social resistance is more important than the introduction and use of sophisticated technology.
AI writing bots are about to revolutionise science journalism: we must shape how this is done
Authors: Tatalovic Mico
Published: March 2018

The rise of artificial intelligence has recently led to bots writing real news stories about sports, finance and politics. As yet, bots have not turned their attention to science, and some people still mistakenly think science is too complex for bots to write about. In fact, a small number of insiders are now applying AI algorithms to summarise scientific research papers and automatically turn them into simple press releases and news stories. Could the science beat be next in line for automation, potentially making many science reporters --- and even editors --- superfluous to science communication through digital press? Meanwhile, the science journalism community remains largely unaware of these developments, and is not engaged in directing AI developments in ways that could enhance reporting.
Memorias del Congreso internacional de investigaciones. Desarrollo institucional y gobernanza para la paz. Retos en el postconflicto colombiano.
Authors: Munoz Vargas César , Fajardo Ailed Marcela
Published: March 2018

Del 23 al 26 de octubre de 2017 en la Escuela Superior de Administración Pública (ESAP), con el liderazgo de la Facultad de Investigaciones, se realizó el Congreso Internacional de Investigaciones Desarrollo institucional y Gobernanza para la paz. Retos en el poscon- flicto colombiano. Uno de los principales objetivos de este evento fue propiciar un diálogo abierto y constructivo en el que expertos internacionales, altos funcionarios del Estado, investigadores de la ESAP y líderes de distintas organizaciones hicieron aportes desde su experiencia, estudio y visión del posacuerdo en Colombia.
ANALISIS PENGENDALIAN PERSEDIAAN BAHAN BAKU KAIN KEMEJA POLOSHIRT MENGGUNAKAN METODE ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY (EOQ) DI PT BINA BUSANA INTERNUSA
Authors: Nissa Khoirun , Siregar M Tirtana
Published: March 2018

PT.Bina Busana Internusa adalah perusahaan yang bergerak dibidang garmen dengan memproduksi kemaja pria & wanita dan seragam kerja khususnya pada Kain kemeja poloshirt yang membutuhkan pengendalian persediaan bahan baku yang baik dan tepat. Produk yang akan diteliti adalah kain kemeja poloshirt. Permasalahan yang terjadi di kain kemeja poloshirt adalah keterlambatan datangnya bahan baku selama 4 hari. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengendalikan persediaan bahan baku menggunakan metode EOQ di PT Bina Busana Internusa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode EOQ untuk mengetahui total biaya persediaan. Data yang dibutuhkan pada penelitian ini yaitu jumlah pembeliaan bahan baku, jumlah penggunaan bahan baku, biaya simpan, biaya pemesanan, lead time dan frekuensi pemesanan . Hasil yang diperoleh dari metode EOQ yaitu terjadi perbaikan pada pembelian bahan baku, total biaya persediaan bahan baku, frekuensi pemesanan, safety stock dan reorder point. Nilai pembeliaan bahan baku sebesar 1.313,167 kg menjadi 1.837 kg. Nilai total biaya persediaan bahan baku sebesar Rp 2.447.395 menjadi Rp. 2.315.356. Nilai Frekuensi pemesanan sebesar 24 kali menjadi 17 kali. Safety stock yang di hasilkan dari metode EOQ sebesar 749,91 kg. Reorder point yang dihasilkan dari metode EOQ sebesar 969 kg. Oleh karena itu, perusahaan disarankan untuk menimasi total biaya persediaan bahan baku.
THE EFFECT OF LOCATION AND FACILITIES SERVICES USER SATISFACTION CONTAINER LOADING AND UNLOADING IN PORT OF INDONESIA IV (Persero) BRANCH MERAUKE
Authors: Kana Tarsisius
Published: March 2018

The Influence of Location and Facilities Against Satisfaction of Container Unloading Service User at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero) Merauke Branch.This study aims to determine how much influence the location and facilities to the satisfaction of service users. Locations have indicators: access, visibility, traffic and facilities have indicators: organizational characteristics and objectives, land availability and space and space requirements, flexibility, aesthetic factors, communities and the environment, construction and operation costs while service user satisfaction has indicators: customer satisfaction , dimensions of customer satisfaction, confirmation of expectations, repurchase interest, willingness to recommend, customer dissatisfaction.The method used in this research is quantitative method by using the technique of processing descriptive data, data collecting technique with interviews, questionnaires and literature study. Sampling technique used incidental sampling. The measurement using likert scale and processed using SPSS version 23 program to calculate the validity and reliability test, calculate hypothesis test that is t test, f test and coefficient of determination. The result of research shows that location and facility variables together have a positive influence on service user satisfaction at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero) Merauke Branch. This can be proven from the result of F count 39.984> 3.11 with significance level 0.000 ≤ 0.05, then Ho is rejected Ha accepted. Itcan be concluded there is a positive and significant relationship between location and facility to the satisfaction of service users of loading and unloading of containers at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero) Merauke Branch.The result of research shows that location and facility variables together have a positive influence on service user satisfaction at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero) Merauke Branch. This can be proven from the result of F count 39.984> 3.11 with significance level 0.000 ≤ 0.05, then Ho is rejected Ha accepted. It can be concluded there is a positive and significant relationship between location and facility to the satisfaction of service users of loading and unloading of containers at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia IV (Persero) Merauke Branch.
THE INFLUENCE OF GIVING INCENTIVES AND THE APPLICATION OF WORK DISCIPLINE TO THE WORKING SATISFACTION OF PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE OFFICE OF PAJARAKAN SUB DISTRICT, PROBOLINGGO
Authors: Hermanto Hermanto
Published: March 2018

This research intends to know and analyze the incentive and work discipline of its effect on employee job satisfaction in Pajarakan Sub-district, Probolinggo. the type of explanatory research is to find the influence or causal relationship between variables, the population of all employees in Pajarakan sub district with the technique of purposive sampling using inclusion criteria is permanent employees and those who are willing to be respondents as much as 20 people, the analysis of multiple linear regression with F test and t test as hypothesis test .The result of the study describes the incentive and work discipline has simultaneous influence to job satisfaction, and partially incentive variable has a significant and dominant influence on job satisfaction variable while work discipline variable partially have a positive but not significant influence on the variable of job satisfaction indicates the application of work discipline needs sufficient understanding and awareness. Performance indicators have the lowest correlation to incentives so that performance improvement should receive management attention and compliance indicator on the lowest correlate working standard to the work discipline so that management need to increase the attention and awareness in increasing the compliance to the standard work in fulfilling job satisfaction of employees in Pajarakan Sub-district Probolinggo.
A ressignificação do sujeito latino americano a partir da perspectiva pós-colonial aplicada às Relações Internacionais
Authors: Emiliano Martins Pinheiro Rosa Aruanã
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar e verificar como a partir do surgimento das teorias pós-coloniais uma nova percepção da história política, econômica e social da América Latina tornou-se possível. A intensificação do processo de globalização e o surgimento de novos atores inseridos dentro de um sistema internacional assimétrico impulsionaram novas teorizações dos estudos internacionais, na medida em que até então prevalecia tradicionais análises que desconsideravam elementos específicos da formação da sociedade latino-americana e negava as consequências sobre sujeitos colonizados. A partir das contribuições pós-coloniais, procura-se evidenciar a história do sujeito latino-americano por meio de uma nova ótica de análise teórica, reescrevendo a história das relações internacionais sob diferentes variáveis pautadas pela importância histórico-política dessa temática. Para responder aos objetivos do trabalho, se realiza pesquisa documental bibliográfica pertinente ao tema e outros documentos que pudessem ajudar a compreender a problemática levantada.
Augusto Roa Bastos e a representação do ex-cêntrico
Authors: Lima Damaris Pereira Santana
Published: March 2018

É legítima a apresentação do escritor paraguaio Augusto Roa Bastos (1917-2005), uma vez que se trata de um escritor que em sua produção literária e em sua participação político-cidadã abrange os temas priorizados pela proposta, a saber: “biogeografias”, “crítica biográfica fronteiriça”, “discursos indígenas” e “literaturas de fronteira”, estéticas periféricas, epistemologias marginais, produções de conhecimentos a partir de conhecimentos etc., mas delimitando, nesta apresentação a tônica recai sobre o tema das epistemologias marginais e se seguirá pelo viés do escritor de um país marginalizado em função de sua condição colonial e a representação de personagens da margem em seu discurso literário. Serão citados exemplos de sua obra ficcional e também seus conceitos como crítico e agente político de seu país. Para tratar da questão periférica ou marginal será utilizado o conceito do excêntrico cunhado por Linda Hutcheon em Poética do pós-modernismo: história, teoria, ficção.
Deep Learning Based High-Resolution Remote Sensing Image classification
Authors: Kaur Sumit
Published: March 2018

Abstract- Deep learning is an emerging research area in machine learning and pattern recognition field which has been presented with the goal of drawing Machine Learning nearer to one of its unique objectives, Artificial Intelligence. It tries to mimic the human brain, which is capable of processing and learning from the complex input data and solving different kinds of complicated tasks well. Deep learning (DL) basically based on a set of supervised and unsupervised algorithms that attempt to model higher level abstractions in data and make it self-learning for hierarchical representation for classification. In the recent years, it has attracted much attention due to its state-of-the-art performance in diverse areas like object perception, speech recognition, computer vision, collaborative filtering and natural language processing. This paper will present a survey on different deep learning techniques for remote sensing image classification.
An Investigation on Various Learning Ontology Methods using in Medical Systems
Authors: Aravazhi R. , Chidambaram M.
Published: March 2018

Universal health researchers are creating, editing, investigating, incorporating, and storing huge amounts of digital medical statistics daily, through observation, testing, and replication. In the event that we could viably exchange and coordinate information from every single conceivable asset, at that point a more profound comprehension of every one of these informational indexes and better uncovered learning, alongside fitting bits of knowledge and activities, would be allowed. Tragically, as a rule, the information clients are not the information makers, and they in this way confront challenges in tackling information in unanticipated and spontaneous ways. With a specific end goal to get the capacity to incorporate heterogeneous information, and along these lines proficiently alter the customary therapeutic and organic research, new approaches created upon the undeniably inescapable cyberinfrastructure are required to conceptualize conventional medical and biological data, and gain the "profound" knowledge out of unique information from that point. As formal information portrayal models, ontologies can render precious help in such manner. In this paper, we shorten the state-of-the-art research in ontological systems and their creative application in medical and biological areas.
A Review on Various Approaches of Image Steganography and Data Security
Authors: Saini Mangat , Pratibha .
Published: March 2018

Images are used as the popular cover objects for steganography. A message is embedded in a digital image through an embedding algorithm, using the secret key. In this process image is divided into different regions for the detection of least significant bits available in different images. The  no. of bits that can be utilized for image enhancement depend upon the pixel  intensity the low intensity pixel utilizes less no. of bits and pixel  having a high intensity utilized maximum bits in the process of hiding the image. The issue in this is security for prevention image from stegnalysis attack and the secret data is available in such a manner as it transmitted.in this paper a review on various approaches have been done that has been used for embedding of secret information behind the cover object.