bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of omni-channel banking and preview of upcoming developments in Germany
Authors: Menrad Michael
Published: June 2020

Banks have not come to rest since the 2008 banking crisis and have been struggling for their future ever since. In addition to serious market distortions, there are increasingly digital challenges and investments in the banks’ platforms to remain competitive and continue to meet customer requirements. Other industries are showing the banks how to do it and investing heavily in the networking of distribution channels to form an omni-channel system, as this is where all interfaces converge. The banking industry has also recognized this groundbreaking approach in the distribution channel. Academic literature is also increasingly examining omni-channel management, but studies in the banking industry are still sparse. This study uses multi-method research in the form of a systematic literature review and semi-structured qualitative bank expert interviews to examine omni-channel management in the banking industry. Thereby, the state of scientific research and the future objectives of the banks are analyzed. Bank experts in Germany explain what bank customers will expect, how far German banks have progressed in implementing an omni-channel system, and how the bank-customer relationship will change. Findings show that banks will completely transform their distribution by omni-channel management by breaking with existing structures and creating a new customer experience and higher customer value. The paper provides critical insight into what omni-channel integration means for the banking sector.
Apresentação do número
Authors: Fabiano Sulemi , Alves Maria da Penha
Published: June 2020

A cada publicação da Revista Gelne, sentimo-nos fortalecidos por perceber que, apesar dos tempos difíceis vividos pelo país, em função do corte de verbas para as universidade públicas, temos conseguido ser resistência, mantendo o trabalho de pesquisa e de divulgação científica. O volume 21, número 2 da Revista do Gelne representa, assim, uma parte do que se tem produzido no âmbito das pesquisas acadêmicas, traz um conjunto de dezesseis artigos que congregam descrição e análise linguística e reflexões sobre o ensino-aprendizagem de Língua Portuguesa. Desse modo, seguimos firme com o ensino, a pesquisa e extensão e propomos a nossos leitores e autores um diálogo sobre os temas contemplados nessa edição, os quais apresentamos de forma sucinta nos parágrafos que seguem.
Lexicultura do sertão: uma proposta didática para estudantes da educação profissional no semiárido baiano
Authors: Cardoso Elisângela , Lins Alex
Published: June 2020

A escola deve ter como objetivo formar cidadãos críticos e respeitadores da diversidade cultural e linguística em que está inserida. Para isso, se faz necessário conhecer os falares e a cultura nos quais está inserido. Através do estudo da lexicografia regional, o aluno poderá desvendar a existência do outro ao seu redor, e ao romper uma visão limitada sobre a língua, possibilitará ao educando o desenvolvimento de seu universo de entendimento, seu horizonte de expectativas. Assim surgiu a proposta de realizar uma oficina pedagógica com turmas do 1º ano de uma escola de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica, na cidade de Uauá- BA, com a finalidade de incentivar o respeito ao falar próprio da região, utilizando como instrumento de motivação a pesquisa de verbetes específicos do município. Baseado nestes aspectos o processo da oficina resultará na construção de um dicionário regional destacando como fundamentação teórica a lexicultura com base nas autoras Maria do Socorro Aragão (2010), Aparecida Negri Isquerdo (2003) e Maria Lúcia Barbosa (2009). A abordagem metodológica utilizada para o desenvolvimento da oficina será a sócio interacionista. Nesse sentido, este trabalho poderá trazer consequências positivas, pois o conhecimento de mundo dos alunos inseridos na pesquisa se ampliará, através da aprendizagem por meio da construção do dicionário e da contribuição no combate ao preconceito linguístico.
CENTRO DE RESGATE À MEMÓRIA
Authors: Albuquerque Glauce , Araújo Raíssa Gabrielly , Carvalho Pedro Henrique , Figueredo Andrielly , Maia Yago
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo apresenta, por meio de representações gráficas e explanação textual, a proposta de projeto desenvolvida pela Equipe Prumo para o Concurso de Ideias Memória do Hotel Reis Magos, realizado pelo Coletivo [R]existe Reis Magos, Instituto dos Amigos do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Cultural e da Cidadania (IAPHACC) e o Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil – IAB-RN. A referida proposta refere-se a um Museu de Resgate a Memória da Arquitetura Potiguar, que tem como objetivo revitalizar o edifício do antigo Hotel Internacional dos Reis Magos, um importante símbolo da arquitetura modernista da cidade de Natal, e que se encontra atualmente em estado de abandono. Para tal, como procedimentos metodológicos foram adotadas referências projetuais, somadas a pesquisas históricas tanto do edifício como do entorno, reconhecendo as necessidades e potencialidades para que fosse desenvolvido um projeto que atenda a realidade local. A partir desse estudo, foram elencadas diretrizes: priorização da mobilidade ativa, integração com o entorno e a adequação às demandas da população local. Assim, por meio de croquis, maquetes de papel e digital, a ideia foi evoluindo e se desenvolveu. O projeto propõe a restauração parcial do edifício e adição de novos elementos arquitetônicos e urbanos que dialoguem com o entorno, atribuindo ao local uma diversidade de usos, sendo eles: comercial, lazer, convivência e educacional. As alterações sugeridas estão voltadas, principalmente, ao ambiente interno do edifício e à utilização de áreas externas para inserir novos elementos, sem alterar ou interferir visualmente na envoltória modernista.
O CONCEITO DE PRAÇA E A QUALIDADE DA PAISAGEM URBANA
Authors: Dall'Igna Ecker Vivian
Published: June 2020

As praças são uma tipologia decorrente da cultura urbana de origem europeia, e que está associada à imagem de espaço livre, cercado de edificações. São espaços públicos presentes em muitas cidades, desde as suas origens, e possuem qualidades arquitetônicas e paisagísticas que lhes denotam a característica de espaço de convergência e centralidade. Nesta pesquisa, parte-se do pressuposto de que, a partir de determinados atributos, as praças incentivam as práticas de sociabilidade, fortalecendo o senso de identidade e pertencimento dos habitantes às cidades. Da mesma forma, a partir de atributos ambientais e paisagísticos, estas contribuem para a qualidade da paisagem urbana. Com base nos pressupostos apresentados, pretende-se expor, neste artigo, uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da qualidade espacial de praças, descrevendo os principais conceitos, relativos a esta tipologia.
3D Printing in Modern Cardiology
Authors: Celi Simona , Gasparotti Emanuele , Capellini Katia , Vignali Emanuele , Fanni Benigno M. , Ali Lamia A. , Cantinotti Massimiliano , Murzi Michele , Berti Sergio , Santoro Giuseppe , Positano Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Background:

3D printing represents an emerging technology in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
3D printing can help to perform a better analysis of complex anatomies to optimize intervention planning.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed to illustrate the 3D printing technology and to describe the
workflow to obtain 3D printed models from patient-specific images. Examples from our laboratory of the benefit
of 3D printing in planning interventions were also reported.

Results:

3D printing technique is reliable when applied to high-quality 3D image data (CTA, CMR, 3D echography),
but it still needs the involvement of expert operators for image segmentation and mesh refinement. 3D
printed models could be useful in interventional planning, although prospective studies with comprehensive and
clinically meaningful endpoints are required to demonstrate the clinical utility.

Conclusion:

3D printing can be used to improve anatomy understanding and surgical planning.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence Behavior of π-Conjugated 3-Substituted Isoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Hou Qiufei , Wu Jiajie , Liang Jiemei , Liu Hongfu , He Yuqing , Zhang Rui , Cheng Hua , Chen Cheng , Peng Dayong
Published: June 2020

In this work, a series of π-conjugated isoquinoline derivatives, bearing diverse
aryl groups at the 3-position, were synthesized in a facile and straightforward manner. A Pdcatalyzed
protocol, the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 3-bromoisoquinoline and different aryl
boronic acids, was applied, and the structures of the resulting target compounds were determined
by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of
these compounds were investigated. Distinct halochromic properties were revealed for them,
which exhibited UV emissions in ethanol but visible emissions in an acidic
solution.
Recent Advances in the Exploitation of Kojic Acid in Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Chaudhary Ankita
Published: June 2020

Kojic acid, one of the most widespread 3-hydroxypyran-4-one derivatives, displays a wide range of biological activities and found application in food as well as cosmetics industry. The synthesis of kojic acid derivatives has provoked great interest as an easily available and biologically active precursor among organic and medicinal researchers. Multicomponent reactions, involving three or more reactants in one-pot thereby resulting in a structure with functional diversity are efficient methods for the promotion of green chemistry in the context of modern drug discovery. They offer several advantages over conventional stepwise protocols like simplicity, efficiency, selectivity, convergence and atom economy. This review aims to highlight the versatility of kojic acid as an important synthon in multicomponent reactions for the construction of various biologically relevant compounds such as pyrano[3,2‐ b]chromenediones, pyrano[3,2-b]pyrans, pyrano[2′,3′:5,6]pyrano[2,3‑b]pyridines, spiro[indoline-3,4’-pyrano[3, 2-b]pyrans, 2-substituted kojic acid conjugates, etc.
CO Surrogates: A Green Alternative in Palladium-Catalyzed CO Gas Free Carbonylation Reactions
Authors: Khedkar Mayur V. , Khan Shoeb R. , Lambat Trimurti L. , Chaudhary Ratiram G. , Abdala Ahmed A.
Published: June 2020

Carbonylation reactions with carbon monoxide (CO) provide efficient and attractive
routes for the synthesis of bulk and fine chemicals. However, the practice of using a
large excess of an inflammable, lethal and greenhouse CO gas is always a concern in this
chemistry. The development of CO surrogates has gained substantial interest and become a
green alternative to gaseous CO. Many of the recent studies have focused on the development
of other benign and safe reagents to work as a CO source in carbonylation reactions,
and the assortment of feasible CO surrogates for specific reaction can be accomplished by
the literature data. This review describes the recent developments in palladium-catalyzed
carbonyl insertions without the direct use of gaseous CO.
A Current Perspective of Plants as an Antibacterial Agent: A Review
Authors: Garg Saksham , Roy Arpita
Published: June 2020

With the emergence and evolution of bacterial strains, it is now becoming difficult for pharmaceutical industries to provide remedies required for the betterment of mankind. Continuous exposure with available medication leads to the development of new strains with a significant amount of resistance, due to which pharmaceutical industries are facing various challenges. Antimicrobial resistance is the phenomenon causing a challenge in new drug development through conventional methods. Therefore, the requirement of alternative medicine is in high demand. Recently, allopathic medicines have seen a disinterest and people are preferring natural solutions due to their fewer side effects comparable to conventional medicine. Worldwide plants are utilized for various disease treatments such as bacterial infection, skin disorders, cancer, asthma, respiratory problems, etc. The presence of a wide range of phytocompounds in different plants provides an alternative to the pharmaceutical industries to counter the problem of bacterial infections. Different plants contain various phytochemicals that possess numerous therapeutic activities and provide a remedy to suppress various bacterial strains. Therefore, in this review, an overview of various plants and their phytocompounds which are responsible for antibacterial activity has been discussed.
A Glance on the Role of Bacterial Siderophore from the Perspectives of Medical and Biotechnological Approaches
Authors: AlMatar Manaf , Albarri Osman , Makky Essam A. , Var Işıl , Köksal Fatih
Published: June 2020

Iron, which is described as the most basic component found in nature, is hard to be assimilated by microorganisms. It has become increasingly complicated to obtain iron from nature as iron (II) in the presence of oxygen oxidized to press (III) oxide and hydroxide, becoming unsolvable at neutral pH. Microorganisms appeared to produce organic molecules known as siderophores in order to overcome this condition. Siderophore's essential function is to connect with iron (II) and make it dissolvable and enable cell absorption. These siderophores, apart from iron particles, have the ability to chelate various other metal particles that have collocated away to focus the use of siderophores on wound care items. There is a severe clash between the host and the bacterial pathogens during infection. By producing siderophores, small ferric iron-binding molecules, microorganisms obtain iron. In response, host immune cells produce lipocalin 2 to prevent bacterial reuptake of siderophores loaded with iron. Some bacteria are thought to produce lipocalin 2-resistant siderophores to counter this risk. The aim of this article is to discuss the recently described roles and applications of bacterial siderophore.
Emerging Multi-cancer Regulatory Role of ESRP1: Orchestration of Alternative Splicing to Control EMT
Authors: Vadlamudi Yellamandayya , Dey Debasish K. , Kang Sun C.
Published: June 2020

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) associate with nascent and mature RNAs to perform biological
functions such as alternative splicing and RNA stability. Having unique RNA recognition
binding motifs, RBPs form complexes with RNA in a sequence- and structure-based manner. Aberrant
expressions of several RBPs have been identified in tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
These uncontrolled RBPs affect several mechanisms, including cell proliferation, tumor growth, invasion,
metastasis and chemoresistance. Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) is a member
of the hnRNP family of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating numerous cellular processes,
including alternative splicing and translation of multiple genes during organogenesis. Abnormal
expression of ESRP1 alters the cell morphology, and leads to cell proliferation and tumor
growth during cancer progression. ESRP1 mediated alternative splicing of target genes, including
CD44, FGFR, PTBP1, LYN, ENAH, SPAG1 and ZMYND8, results in cancer progression. In addition,
ESRP1 also regulates circularization and biogenesis of circular RNAs such as circUHRF1,
circNOL10 and circANKS1B, whose expressions have been identified as key factors in various cancers.
This multi-functional protein is also involved in imposing stability of target mRNAs such as
cyclin A2, and thereby cell cycle regulation. The scope of this review is to examine recent scientific
data, outcomes of the up- and down-regulated proteins, and the role of ESRP1 in various cancers.
We conclude by summarizing ESRP1 dysregulation and its consequences on target genes in various
human cancers. Collectively, the consequences of ESRP1 mediated splicing in cancer cells suggest
the role of ESRP1 in cell proliferation and chemoresistance via apoptosis and autophagy modulation,
which could, therefore, be potential targets for cancer therapeutics.
Indole Alkaloids with Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Xu Dan , Xu Zhi
Published: June 2020

Indole alkaloids, which are abundant in nature, are a significant source of pharmacologically
active compounds. Indole alkaloids have the potential to exert anticancer activity via various antiproliferative
mechanisms, and some of them, such as Vinblastine and Vincristinem, have already used in clinics
or under clinical evaluations for the treatment of cancers. Therefore, indole alkaloids occupy an important
position in the discovery of novel anticancer agents. This review emphasizes the recent development
of indole alkaloids as potential anticancer agents, their structure-activity relationship, and
mechanisms of action covering the articles published from 2015 to 2020.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact on the Cardiovascular Disease Patient Care
Authors: Kulkarni Prashanth , Mahadevappa Manjappa , Alluri Srinivas
Published: June 2020

:

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a serious global threat causing a large number
of fatalities and putting enormous strain on the health care resources across the world. This has resulted
in preferentially triaging the coronavirus infected patients and placing others, especially cardiovascular
patients at increased risk for adverse complications. The effective management of cardiac
patients in the hospital environment during this COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a real
challenge. We try to address this issue and also highlight the interplay between COVID-19 and cardiovascular
diseases. We hereby review the available literature and emerging guidelines about cardiovascular
implications related to COVID-19 which will have a bearing on the patient care, health
care professionals and cardiac centres.
Salinomycin Modulates the Expression of mRNAs and miRNAs Related to Stemness in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Talkowski Karol , Kiełbasiński Kamil , Peszek Wojciech , Grabarek Beniamin O. , Boroń Dariusz , Oplawski Marcin
Published: June 2020

Background:

Salinomycin, an ionophore antibiotic, has a strong anti-cancer effect, inducing
the apoptosis of cancer cells and cancer stem cells.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of salinomycin on the expression profile of
genes related to stemness and miRNA regulating their expression in endometrial cancer cells.

Methods:

Endometrial cancer cells of cell line Ishikawa were exposed to salinomycin at concentrations
in the range of 0.1-100 μM, with the aim of determining its pro-apoptotic potential and the concentration
which would cause the death of 50% of the cells (Sulforhodamine B test). In the following stages,
the cells were incubated with the drug at a concentration of 1μM for 12,24 and 48 hour periods and
compared to the control. Determining the changes in the expression of the genes related to stemness
and regulating their miRNA was done using the microarray technique and RTqPCR. ELISA assay was
performed in order to determine the level of TGFβ2, COL14A1, CDH2, WNT5A in cell culture under
salinomycin treatment in comparison to the control.

Results:

Salinomycin caused the apoptosis of cells. For the concentration of 0.1 μM, a decrease in the
population of living cells by 11.9% was determined. For 1 μM, it was 49.8%, for 10 μM -69.4%, and
for a concentration of 100 μM - 87.9%. The most noticeable changes in the expression caused by the
addition of salinomycin into the culture were noted for mRNA: TGFβ2; WNT5A (up-regulated);
COL14A1; CDH2 (down-regulated), as well as miRNA: hsa-miR-411 (up-regulated); hsa-miR-200a;
hsa-miR-33a; hsa-miR-199a; hsa-miR-371-5p; hsa-miR-374; hsa-miR-374b (down-regulated).

Conclusion:

It was confirmed that salinomycin has an influence on the stemness process. The most noticeable
changes in the expression were noted for mRNA: TGFβ2; COL14A1; CDH2; WNT5A, as well
as for miRNA: hsa-miR-200a; hsa-miR-33a; hsa-miR-199a; hsa-miR-371-5p; hsa-miR-411; hsa-miR-
374a; hsa-miR-374b.
Recent Advances in Vaginal Delivery for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Sukhbir
Published: June 2020

Background:

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infection caused by
candida species, affecting 70% of the women. It may occur due to the imbalance in the vaginal micro-
biodata, pregnancy, diabetes, use of antibiotics, frequent sexual activities or AIDS.

Aim:

The main aim of this review is to provide overview about different vaginal delivery systems
for the administration of antifungal agents like conventional, mucoadhesive and muco-penetrating
delivery systems.

Method:

The conventional delivery systems available have limited efficacy due to the less residence
time and adverse effects. In order to overcome these issues, a delivery system with mucoadhesive
and muco-penetrating properties is required. Mucoadhesive polymers have excellent binding
properties with mucin and thus increasing residence time. On the other hand, muco-penetrating polymers
transport the antifungal agents across the mucus layer.

Results:

This review summarizes the pathophysiology of VVC along with novel delivery systems
for the treatment of infection through mucoadhesive and muco-penetrating approaches. Surface
modifications of nano/ microparticles with mucoadhesive or muco-penetrating particles may
provide delivery systems with improved therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusion:

Based on the available data, conventional and mucoadhesive drug delivery systems
have some limitations, they still require improvement/ development for safe and effective delivery
of antifungal agents.
Advances in Small Molecules in Cellular Reprogramming: Effects, Structures, and Mechanisms
Authors: Zeng Jun , Li Yanjiao , Ma Zhaoxia , Hu Min
Published: June 2020

The method of cellular reprogramming using small molecules involves the manipulation of
somatic cells to generate desired cell types under chemically limited conditions, thus avoiding the ethical
controversy of embryonic stem cells and the potential hazards of gene manipulation. The combinations
of small molecules and their effects on mouse and human somatic cells are similar. Several small
molecules, including CHIR99021, 616452, A83-01, SB431542, forskolin, tranylcypromine and valproic
acid [VPA], have been frequently used in reprogramming of mouse and human somatic cells.
This indicated that the reprogramming approaches related to these compounds were essential. These
approaches were mainly divided into four classes: epigenetic modification, signal modulation, metabolic
modulation and senescent suppression. The structures and functions of small molecules involved
in these reprogramming approaches have been studied extensively. Molecular docking gave insights
into the mechanisms and structural specificities of various small molecules in the epigenetic modification.
The binding modes of RG108, Bix01294, tranylcypromine and VPA with their corresponding
proteins clearly illustrated the interactions between these compounds and the active sites of the proteins.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β [CHIR99021], transforming growth factor β [616452, A83-01 and
SB431542] and protein kinase A [forskolin] signaling pathway play important roles in signal modulation
during reprogramming, however, the mechanisms and structural specificities of these inhibitors are
still unknown. Further, the numbers of small molecules in the approaches of metabolic modulation and
senescent suppression were too few to compare. This review aims to serve as a reference for reprogramming
through small molecules in order to benefit future regenerative medicine and clinical drug
discovery.
Biochemical Composition, Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities of Indian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mulat Mulugeta , Khan Fazlurrahman , Pandita Archana
Published: June 2020

Background:

Medicinal plants have been used for the treatments of various health ailments
and the practices as a remedial for thousands of years. Currently, plant-derived compounds
are used as alternative ways of treatment for multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Objective:

In the present study, various parts of six medical plants such as Solanum nigrum, Azadirachta
indica, Vitex negundo, Mentha arvensis, Gloriosa superba, and Ocimum sanctum were
extracted for obtaining active biological constituents.

Methods:

Soxhlet method of extraction was used for obtaining crude extracts. Agar disc diffusion
and 96-well plate spectroscopic reading were used to detect the extract’s antibacterial and antibiofilm
properties.

Results:

The obtained extracts were tested for antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties at 25 mg/mL
concentrations. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed in O. sanctum chloroform extracted
(TUCE) against Staphylococcus aureus (24.33±1.52 mm), S. nigrum acetone extract (MAAC)
against Salmonella Typhimurium (12.6 ± 1.5 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.0 ±2.0 mm).
Only TUCE exhibited antibacterial activity at least a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.781
mg/mL. Better antibiofilm activities were also exhibited by petroleum extracts of G. superba
(KAPE) and S. nigrum (MAPE) against Escherichia coli, S. Typhimurium, P. aeruginosa and S.
aureus. Moreover, S. nigrum acetone extract (MAAC) and O. sanctum chloroform extract (TUCE)
showed anti-swarming activity with a reduction of motility 56.3% against P. aeruginosa and
37.2% against S. aureus. MAAC also inhibits LasA activity (63.3% reduction) in P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion:

Extracts of TUCE, MAAC, MAPE, and KAPE exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm
properties against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. GC-MS identified
that chemical constituents are responsible for being biologically active.
Effects of light availability and seed size on germination and initial growth of two congeneric species of Fabaceae
Authors: Fagundes Marcilio , Cuevas-Reyes Pablo , Araujo Walter S. , Faria Mauricio L. , Valerio Henrique M. , Pimenta Marcio A. , Falcão Luis A.D. , Reis-Junior Ronaldo , Aguilar-Peralta Joan Sebastian , Dos Santos Henrique Tadeu
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims: Environmental factors can interact with plant life history to determinate the reproductive strategies of adult plants and seedling recruitment. We expect that widely distributed tree species produce heavier seed and with greater variation in seed size than shrubs of restricted geographic distribution. We also predict that widely distributed tree species should be capable to germinate and develop under variable range of light conditions, while sun-adapted shrubs should germinate and develop better under high light intensity. We used as models two congeneric species of Fabaceae. Copaifera langsdorffii is a widely distributed arboreal species and C oblongifolia is a shrub with restricted distribution. Methods: Seeds were collected from two plant species in a Cerrado vegetation area, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The effects of light available on seed germination and seedling development was conducted in a germination chamber with controlled photoperiod, temperature and light intensity.Key results: The widely distributed tree (C. langsdorffii) had greater seed mass than the shrub (C. oblongifolia). Seeds of C. langsdorffii germinated faster under available high light, while the shrub C. oblongifolia seeds required less time to germinate under available low light and darkness. Under high light intensity, germination percentage of C. langsdorffii and C. oblongifolia seeds did not vary. However, seeds of the shrub showed a higher germination percentage under low light intensity and darkness. In general, seed mass showed a negative relationship with germination percentage, but this relationship varied in function of species and the availability of light. Copaifera langsdorffii seedlings had larger shoots and roots than C. oblongifolia. In contrast, the root:shoot ratio was higher in shrub than in tree species.Conclusions: Our results have important implications for understanding the patterns of distribution of two Copaifera species and explain the ability of C. oblongifolia to colonize disturbed areas.
Toward Optimal Heparin Dosing by Comparing Multiple Machine Learning Methods: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Su Longxiang , Liu Chun , Li Dongkai , He Jie , Zheng Fanglan , Jiang Huizhen , Wang Hao , Gong Mengchun , Hong Na , Zhu Weiguo , Long Yun
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Heparin is one of the most commonly used medications in intensive care units. In clinical practice, the use of a weight-based heparin dosing nomogram is standard practice for the treatment of thrombosis. Recently, machine learning techniques have dramatically improved the ability of computers to provide clinical decision support and have allowed for the possibility of computer generated, algorithm-based heparin dosing recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to predict the effects of heparin treatment using machine learning methods to optimize heparin dosing in intensive care units based on the predictions. Patient state predictions were based upon activated partial thromboplastin time in 3 different ranges: subtherapeutic, normal therapeutic, and supratherapeutic, respectively.

METHODS

Retrospective data from 2 intensive care unit research databases (Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care III, MIMIC-III; e–Intensive Care Unit Collaborative Research Database, eICU) were used for the analysis. Candidate machine learning models (random forest, support vector machine, adaptive boosting, extreme gradient boosting, and shallow neural network) were compared in 3 patient groups to evaluate the classification performance for predicting the subtherapeutic, normal therapeutic, and supratherapeutic patient states. The model results were evaluated using precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy.

RESULTS

Data from the MIMIC-III database (n=2789 patients) and from the eICU database (n=575 patients) were used. In 3-class classification, the shallow neural network algorithm performed the best (F1 scores of 87.26%, 85.98%, and 87.55% for data set 1, 2, and 3, respectively). The shallow neural network algorithm achieved the highest F1 scores within the patient therapeutic state groups: subtherapeutic (data set 1: 79.35%; data set 2: 83.67%; data set 3: 83.33%), normal therapeutic (data set 1: 93.15%; data set 2: 87.76%; data set 3: 84.62%), and supratherapeutic (data set 1: 88.00%; data set 2: 86.54%; data set 3: 95.45%) therapeutic ranges, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The most appropriate model for predicting the effects of heparin treatment was found by comparing multiple machine learning models and can be used to further guide optimal heparin dosing. Using multicenter intensive care unit data, our study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting the outcomes of heparin treatment using data-driven methods, and thus, how machine learning–based models can be used to optimize and personalize heparin dosing to improve patient safety. Manual analysis and validation suggested that the model outperformed standard practice heparin treatment dosing.
Online survey of covid-19 among residents of Plateau State, Nigeria: an assessment of knowledge, perception and prevention practices (Preprint)
Authors: Gomerep Simji Samuel , Miner Chundung Asabe , Meshak Daniel Jatau , Chollom Solomon Chuwang , Bot Kim Jerry , Okolo Mark Ojogba , Dablet Ezra Samuel , Nwokolo Louis Onyechi , Jonathan Bulus , Pyentim Ponfa , Lenka Mercy , Ndak Andrawus Zuhumnan , Adewale Mathew Adeniyi , Eugene Eugene Chidi
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has continued to spread across the world due to its highly infectious nature. Its control as of present is dependent on measures that involve banning of large gatherings, physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough hygiene and restrictions of movement. This requires that the general public is made aware of these strategies and adheres to them strictly.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to generate information on the knowledge base, perception, and prevalent practices in Plateau State of Nigeria.

METHODS

It was a cross-sectional survey in which responses were obtained through an online platform from adult residents of the State. Knowledge, perceptions and prevention practices of COVID-19 were assessed and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Epi-Info 7.2.3.1 at a significance level of p < 0.05

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 732 participants. Sixteen out of the 17 local government areas of the state were captured. The age group 21-50 year made up 85% of the respondents and all had some level of education. The mean level of knowledge was 24.5 ± 3.9 and was significantly associated with age and level of education. Perceptions and practices were however not commensurate with the high level of knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to increase awareness efforts to fill knowledge gaps and dispel some misconceptions and there is a need for a reciprocal improvement by the residents to adapt the practices that are needed to ensure that the disease is brought under control.
Terapi Reminiscence: Memberdayakan Lansia untuk Mencapai Successful Aging
Authors: Susanto Timotius Iwan , Soetjiningsih Christiana Hari , Samiyono David
Published: June 2020

Penuaan manusia merupakan proses yang kompleks, dimulai sejak lahir, dan dipengaruhi banyak faktor. Oleh karena itu penuaan yang berhasil (successful aging) perlu dipersiapkan sebaik mungkin sejak manusia dilahirkan. Komponen successful aging yaitu: (1) tidak rentan terjangkit penyakit dan efeknya; (2) kapasitas fungsional kognitif dan fisik yang baik; (3) keterlibatan aktif dalam kehidupan; dan (4) spiritualitas positif. Sebagian lansia termasuk dalam kategori successful aging rendah dan terdapat kesenjangan kultural antara lansia dan generasi di bawahnya berkaitan dengan kemajuan teknologi. Dari penelitian sebelumnya salah satu terapi yang terbukti efektif untuk meningkatkan successful aging adalah reminiscence, yaitu terapi dengan aktivitas mengenang masa lalu sehingga lansia bisa menerima pengalaman dengan positif. Saat ini metode terapi reminiscence dapat dirancang secara kreatif dengan memanfaatkan kemajuan teknologi yang sesuai dengan kondisi lansia. Kajian pustaka ini dapat menjadi acuan dalam merancang model reminiscence untuk meningkatkan successful aging lansia dengan teknologi (gerotechnology) agar dibuktikan melalui penelitian empiris.
Discounted Cash Flow Methods in Lease versus Purchase Analysis—A Technical Note
Authors: Wang Guan Jun
Published: June 2020

The earlier framework uses the before-tax cost of debt as the discount rate in valuation of lease contracts for the reason that such framework explicitly includes the interest tax credits as a component of each period’s cash flows. The short-cut or modern standard textbook approaches use after-tax cost of debt as the discount rate for the reason that it ignores the interest tax credits. Some existing literatures state the two approaches are equivalent without exploring the reasons analytically. This note provides a mathematical demonstration showing, the two approaches are not equivalent accompanied by numerical examples.
COMPORTAMIENTO GERMINATIVO Y CRECIMIENTO TEMPRANO DE PINUS DEVONIANA Y PINUS PSEUDOSTROBUS (PINACEAE)
Authors: Romero-Rangel Silvia , Rubio-Licona Liliana Elizabeth , Chávez-Serrano Lizbeth , Rojas-Zenteno Ezequiel Carlos , García-Pineda Marcial
Published: June 2020

Es importante conocer el comportamiento germinativo y el crecimiento en vivero durante los primeros meses de vida de especies de Pinus para planificar tanto la producción de plantas para la reforestación como el establecimiento de plantaciones. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo describir estos dos aspectos para Pinus devoniana y Pinus pseudostrobus. Para el comportamiento germinativo, se establecieron cinco lotes (repeticiones) con 50 semillas de cada especie, los que se mantuvieron en cámara de germinación a una temperatura de 25°C, humedad a imbibición y fotoperiodo de 24 horas luz, se registró el número de semillas germinadas diariamente. Las plántulas obtenidas se trasplantaron a suelo para evaluar su crecimiento durante ocho meses. Ambas especies tardaron en promedio seis días para germinar. Las semillas de P. pseudostrobus mostraron el porcentaje de germinación más alto (74%) con respecto al de P. devoniana (66.4%), obteniendo también, el mejor valor del índice de Maguire (calidad germinativa) (10.7) frente al de ésta última especie (9.81). En cuanto al crecimiento, las plantas de P. devoniana alcanzaron después de ocho meses 14.9 cm de altura promedio y entre 12 y 14 cm2 de cobertura; mientras que las de P. pseudostrobus alcanzaron 9.8 cm de altura promedio y entre 9 y 11cm2 de cobertura. La información obtenida es complementaria a la publicada en otros trabajos para estas especies.
On the Value of Collective Work and Studying Practices: An Interview
Authors: Daston Lorraine
Published: June 2020

A conversation with historian of science Lorraine Daston covers the current state of the discipline and Dr. Daston’s own projects. She argues that a history of science is indispensable for understanding contemporary science. She believes that the history of science has the potential to be liberating. By studying the historical variability of science, the discipline shows how science has become what it is — with certain subjects, standards and methods — and points to alternative ways for it to develop. The conversation also turns to whether “big pictures” of the development of science are possible. Although the discipline is trending toward localization with a focus on concrete material practices, historicism, and avoiding generalizations, those big pictures are still possible through collective research projects. Daston cites the efforts of the Working Group at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin as one example.
The question of the relation between the history of science and philosophy is also discussed. Daston briefly outlines the status of the current interactions between these disciplines and singles out Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Bachelard, Canguilhem, Foucault, and Hadot as some of the key, at least on the European tradition. Speaking about the difference between histories of the natural sciences and the humanities, she suggests that the more interesting optics in their study may be practice-oriented rather than disciplinary. An example of research built around particular practices is her joint research project with Peter Galison on objectivity as a history of the practices for creating and reading scientific images. Daston briefly describes the history and features of their collaboration. In conclusion, she shares her immediate research plans.
Astronomers and Surveyors in the Struggle for Central Asia. Notes on the Epistemology of Colonization
Authors: Ivanov Konstantin
Published: June 2020

Central Asia was mainly desert land that contained just a few small, densely populated oases when it was forcibly occupied by Imperial Russia between 1865 and 1885. What reason was there to gain control of it? It did not serve any military purpose because the Russian Empire was already well protected on its southern frontier by Central Asia’s notorious deserts and dry steppes. Nor was there much economic advantage to be gained. To present it merely as an opportunity for the thievish embezzlement of public money — and theft there was — is somewhat beside the point. The advance of Great Britain into the same region from the opposite side reflected the same trend. What kind of reasoning was behind these incursions? The counterintuitive answer is that the only rational reason to move into the region was a scientific one. At that time the Central Asia was still a blank spot on European maps and it was the only region on Earth in which the great empires had not yet confronted each other. The frontier lines of both empires were bound to move in on each other, although neither empire gained much advantage from the expansion.
The article analyzes the way in which the struggle for the territory eventually turned into a symposium about the territory. The main agents in that war — and also its beneficiaries — were the British and Russian military geodesists and surveyors who used the latest astronomical methods. Systematic mapping of the desert region was important not only for the geographical knowledge it produced, but also for advancing the surveyors’ careers and improving their social status and personal prosperity. The so-called Afghan Demarcation between the Russian Empire and Great Britain in 1885 seemed to them more like an enjoyable conference for sharing topographical and geographical information than a hostile confrontation. After the outer and inner demarcations had been fixed, the result was that this region — “Created by the Lord in Anger” — was surveyed and studied not only in terms of geography, but also geologically, ethnically and historically.
Phenomenology vs Symbolic AI: Hubert Dreyfus’s Philosophy of Skill Acquisition
Authors: Astakhov Sergey
Published: June 2020

A conflict between artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and phenomenologist Hubert Dreyfus arose in the 1960s and continued until the 2000s. The creators of the first AI programs believed that skill acquisition is a matter of solving problems by using particular mental representations,or heuristics. Dreyfus set out to prove that heuristics are not needed for skill acquisition because the human mind and body are capable of reacting to problematic situations in a flexible way without any mental representations. By clarifying the backstory of the conflict and analyzing the fundamental contradictions between the two theories of skill, the article shows how the phenomenology of skill acquisition originated from a critique of symbolic AI. Dreyfus developed his understanding of interconnections between mind and body in opposition to the associationism in the theories of Herbert Simon, Allen Newell and Edward Feigenbaum. He maintained that human beings have fringe consciousness, insight and tolerance of ambiguity and that they have a specific body structure and needs which make it possible to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant features in the environment and get a maximum grip of it. The author analyzes how theories of learning created within symbolic AI influenced Dreyfus’s five-stage model of skill acquisition. That model explained why programs by Simon and his colleagues achieved initial success, but it also exposed their limitations. To clarify the teleology of skill, Dreyfus explored how the idea of motor intentionality is connected with neural network modelling. Two perspectives on the role of Dreyfus in the history of AI are outlined together with the reasons why his philosophy had almost no effect on the AI community even though it was influential in the social sciences and humanities. Finally, current challenges facing the phenomenology of skill acquisition are explored.
Geophysical Datascapes of the Cold War: Politics and Practices of International Data Centers
Authors: Aronova Elena
Published: June 2020

The International Geophysical Year or IGY (1957–1958) was conceived against a background of nuclear secrecy intensified by Cold War political tensions, but the IGY provided the impulse for constructing the distinct data regime which took hold in Soviet and American World Data Centers in the 1950s and 1960s — a regime that turned data into a form of currency traded by the political players in the Cold War. This essay examines that data regime in detail by taking up the issues of secrecy and access, sharing and exchange, accumulation and archiving, and finally the handling and use of the IGY data. Features of the IGY’s data centers, such as the notion of centralized storage of open data freely accessible to users from around the world, played an important role in establishing the practices of data governance that continue today in the form of Big Data. These practices, however, were outcomes of the politics, visions, and accompanying technologies that were embedded in and supported by the political culture of the Cold War. By revisiting the drawbacks and challenges that accompanied that Big Data moment in the early Cold War, this essay explores the multiple meanings of data and the ways in which data circulated in a veiled Cold War political economy that ran parallel to their use (or neglect) in the pursuit of knowledge.
ESTRUTURAÇÃO E APLICAÇÃO DE UM MODELO MULTICRITÉRIO PARA APOIAR A ESCOLHA DE FORNECEDORES INTERNACIONAIS EM UMA EMPRESA DO SETOR METAL MECÂNICO LOCALIZADA NO SUL DO BRASIL
Authors: Martini Camila Gaspari , Vieira Guilherme Bergmann Borges , Silva Rafael Mozart , França Jr. Rogério Silva
Published: June 2020

O processo de seleção de fornecedores vem ganhando força nas últimas décadas, com as empresas sendo pressionadas a buscar parceiros que forneçam produtos de qualidade, com preços competitivos e entregas confiáveis. Para selecionar bons fornecedores, tanto nacionais quanto internacionais, é necessário analisar critérios quantitativos e qualitativos, os quais variam de acordo com as necessidades e características de cada empresa. Inserido nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estruturar e aplicar um modelo multicritério para auxiliar os gestores de uma empresa do setor metal-mecânico situada no Sul do Brasil no processo de seleção de seus fornecedores internacionais. Os resultados do estudo indicaram o lote mínimo de compra e o lead time de ressuprimento como os principais critérios de seleção de fornecedores e permitiram a identificação do fornecedor mais indicado para a empresa.
Retos y oportunidades: teatro como estrategia de mediación pedagógica para el desarrollo de habilidades sociales
Authors: Sandoval-Poveda Alicia , González-Rojas Viviana , Madriz-Bermúdez Linda
Published: June 2020

El teatro puede ser una estrategia de mediación pedagógica para el desarrollo de habilidades sociales de las personas con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Con una metodología de investigación-acción se implementó esta premisa desde la Universidad Estatal a Distancia, integrando en un proceso de formación actoral de tres años a un grupo de jóvenes con TEA, con el apoyo de un equipo de profesionales, voluntarios y las familias de los jóvenes participantes. Este proceso, tuvo por objetivos la mejora en las habilidades de: expresión de emociones, comunicación, autocontrol y trabajo de equipo. Ha sido posible observar progresos en estos cuatro aspectos, pero en especial se han enfrentado diversos retos que han brindado oportunidades para que los alcances del proyecto se expandan más allá de los objetivos iniciales. El conocimiento generado se ha expandido del ámbito de la investigación al ámbito académico y de extensión, así como a la conformación del Grupo de Teatro Rompecabezas como un espacio inclusivo donde los participantes encuentran oportunidades recreativas, laborales y personales. En la actualidad, el principal reto del proyecto es la consolidación y continuidad como propuesta para el desarrollo de habilidades sociales y la consolidación de la compañía de Teatro del Grupo Rompecabezas.
Cellulose acetate butyrate graphene oxide nanocomposite membrane: Fabrication, characterization, and performance
Authors: Alghamdi Majed , El-Zahhar Adel
Published: June 2020

In this study, the effects of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on the physicochemical properties and performances of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) membranes were investigated. Nanocomposite membranes were fabricated using CAB and a small amount of GO in the range of 0 to 0.07 wt.%, using a conventional phase-inversion method. Membranes were characterized by different methods and their performances were tested using a dead-end filtration system. Compared with pristine CAB membrane, experimental results demonstrated an improvement in features such as hydrophilicity, permeability, salt rejection, antifouling, and stability. The results proved an increase in the porosity and pore sizes of membranes with GO addition. Furthermore, the membrane containing 0.07 wt.% of GO exhibited a low contact angle of 37??and a dramatic improvement in water flux of about 450% (from 2 to 11 L/(m2 h)). Moreover, it demonstrated a salt rejection of 39% for NaCl and 87% for Na2SO4, corresponding to improvements of about 144 and 93%, respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed a higher antifouling property with an 86% improvement in flux recovery and higher stability in terms of performance and thermal properties compared to CAB.