bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and replicon typing of plasmids encoding carbapenemases in Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Manohar Prasanth , Kale Manali , Lopes Bruno S. , Ramesh Nachimuthu
Published: October 2019

Background Carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is an ongoing public-health problem of global dimensions leaving very few treatment options for severely infected patients. This study focuses on the dissemination of plasmid-borne carbapenemase genes in Gram-negative bacteria in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 151 non-repetitive isolates belonging to 11 genera were collected from a diagnostic center in Tamil Nadu. Minimal inhibitory concentration of imipenem and meropenem were determined using micro-broth dilution method. E. coli pathotyping, Klebsiella serotyping, screening for beta-lactamases and plasmid incompatibility grouping was performed.Results E. coli (n=57) isolates were classified as, Enteropathogenic (n=12), Enteroaggregative (n=9), Enterohemorrhagic (n=8), Enterotoxigenic (n=3), Enteroinvasive (n=1) and unclassified E. coli (n=24). Of the 45 Klebsiella species, 14 were K1 whereas 11 were K2 serotype and in 20 Klebsiella serotype could not be determined. Other isolates (n=49) consisted of P. aeruginosa , S. typhi , E. cloacae , A. baumannii , S. marcescens , A. xylosoxidans , P. mirabilis and E. meningoseptica . Of the total number of isolates, 71% (n=107) and 68% (n=103) were found to be resistant to meropenem and imipenem respectively. The most prevalent beta-lactamase gene was bla NDM-1 (21%, 12/57) followed by bla OXA-181 (16%, 9/57) both detected in E. coli . Other carbapenemase genes detected were bla GES-9 (n=8), bla OXA-23 (n=7) and bla IMP-1 (n=3). Interestingly bla GES-1 (n=11), bla OXA-51 (n=9) were also detected. The unusual presence of bla OXA-23 was seen in E. coli (n=4), and bla OXA-23 and bla OXA-51 (IncA/C) in K. pneumoniae (n=3). Plasmid incompatibility (inc/rep) typing results showed that the plasmids carrying resistance genes (n=11) belonged to IncX, IncA/C, IncFIA-FIB and IncFIIA groups. Six E. coli isolates and one K. pneumoniae were able to transfer plasmid-borne carbapenemase ( bla NDM-1 , bla OXA-181 , bla GES-1 , bla GES-9 ) via conjugation.Conclusions This study highlights the prevalence of carbapenem resistance and the acquisition of plasmid-borne carbapenemase genes in unusual Gram-negative bacteria highlighting the role of evolution by generating microbial diversity.
Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Consumers
Authors: Naeim Mahdi , Moghadam Sahar Aligholizadeh , Rezaei Farzin , Rezaeisharif Ali
Published: October 2019

Background: This research is aimed at Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Consumers Methods: The research performed about the effect of electric TDCS on depression and anxiety caused by methadone consumption has not been paid attention. In this research, 40 people were studied as a group. These people took a test before and after the eight-day period of simulation. After the primary test, people received device simulation for 8 consecutive days on a specific time. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon tests were used for analyzing the data. Results:The results show that with the score of 1.69 for the first variable, the patients’ anxiety level is much lower at the time of electric simulation. Also, regarding the score of 1.62 in the second hypothesis, it can be stated that depression level was much lower at the time of performing the simulation. Conclusions: Regarding the fact that drug consumption is one of the most important health problems in the society, performing such projects will be useful. It needs to be mentioned that even according to the findings of this research, people who are intended to quit their addiction should be under treatment of addiction treatment and consultation centers to control their depression and anxiety in order to achieve the desired results.
Climate Warming Trends in the U.S. Midwest Using Four Thermal Models
Authors: Abendroth Lori J. , Miguez Fernando E. , Castellano Michael J. , Hatfield Jerry L.
Published: October 2019

Thermal time (TT) is an agro‐climate index widely established and used in predicting plant development based on temperature. This index is a powerful tool for measuring multi‐faceted changes in temperature occurring from climate change. In the present study, TT was calculated for the entire frost‐free period and individual spring, summer, and fall seasons using growing degree day (GDD), general thermal index (GTI), crop heat unit (CHU), and heat stress degree day (HSDD) models for 1054 counties across 12 Midwest states on a daily basis from 1950 to 2017. The temporal trend for each county was fit with a linear regression model for percent change per year. During the frost‐free period, warming occurred in 260 to 489 counties with 0.06 to 0.34% gain per year dependent on model and county selected. Warming has occurred in northern and eastern counties primarily from gains in the fall season and partially from the spring. These TT gains are from additional calendar days from an expanded frost‐free period and secondarily from a change in maximum temperature (fall only). Heat stress (>30°C) during the frost‐free period has decreased for 212 counties in the west‐central region. Overall, the CHU model detected the most counties warming and had the lowest error particularly compared to the GDD model. Compared to 1950, some counties showed up to 1.2‐fold increase in frost‐free TT and are projected to 1.8‐fold by end of the 21st century. Current warming trends are related to projected TT trends such that adaptation planning can be guided by the trajectory from the past 68 yr.

Core Ideas

Northern and eastern counties in the Midwest have up to 1.2‐fold increase in frost‐free thermal time since 1950 while central and southern counties do not.

The growing degree day model results in fewer counties detected and lower rates of warming compared to the general thermal index and crop heat unit models.

The gain in thermal time is primarily from the fall season and secondarily from the spring.
An Inverse Correlation between Corn Temperature and Nitrogen Stress: A Field Case Study
Authors: Alzaben Heba , Fraser Roydon , Swanton Clarence
Published: October 2019

Nitrogen is one of the most important yield‐limiting nutrients for corn (Zea mays). The ability of thermal remote sensing to detect nitrogen deficiency in corn may enable precision agriculture to modify nitrogen rates according to field conditions. This study applies the exergy destruction principle as a theory to explain the inverse relationship between surface temperature and nitrogen rate. Two hypotheses were developed. First, it was hypothesized that agricultural crops experiencing greater growth and providing greater yield will have lower surface temperature. The second hypothesis was that corn grown under optimum levels of nitrogen will have lower surface temperatures compared to corn grown under nitrogen stressed conditions. Field studies were conducted during two summer seasons (2016 and 2017) on an established long‐term field trial of corn yield response to varying rates of nitrogen. It was found that corn surface temperature decreased as the rate of nitrogen increased. A shallow but statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative slope was observed consistently with increasing rates of nitrogen. Surface temperature measurements, however, were variable. This variability was the result of external and weather dependent variables that influenced leaf surface temperature. Despite this variability, the exergy destruction principle provides a theory from which thermal remote sensing can be applied through the use of surface temperature measurements to detect physiological stress in crop plants.

Core Ideas

Thermal remote sensing was proposed to detect nitrogen stress in corn plants.

Nitrogen stressed plants had higher surface temperatures than less stressed plants.

Temperature trends were consistent with the exergy destruction principle.

Nitrogen‐temperature correlations were statistically significant at the 0.05 significance level.

Corn yield increases with nitrogen rate increase and surface temperature decrease.
Network Controls on Mean and Variance of Nitrate Loads from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Crawford John T. , Stets Edward G. , Sprague Lori A.
Published: October 2019

Excessive nitrate loading to the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) has caused widespread hypoxia over many decades. Despite recent reductions in nitrate loads observed at local scales, decreases in nitrate loading from the Mississippi River basin (MRB) to the GoM have been small (1.58% during 2002–2012) with a low level of analytical confidence in this trend. This work seeks to determine the reasons why local‐scale improvements have not translated into reductions at the outlet of the Mississippi River. We estimated annual nitrate loads from 166 sites in the MRB over the 2002 to 2012 period to examine trends and variability. The Upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers together dominate the average nitrate load to the GoM, but very large interannual variability is driven primarily by the Upper Mississippi River. Within the Upper Mississippi River basin, decreasing trends in nitrate loading were common and the greatest improvements occurred at sites with the highest initial nitrate loads (the worst water quality). However, these improvements were balanced with increasing nitrate loads in other parts of the basin, such that the mean trend in load was near zero. Although load reductions in either the Ohio or Upper Mississippi basins have the potential to reduce the loads to the GoM, the improvements have not yet been large enough or widespread enough to lead to a change at the outlet. This analysis provides a basin‐wide perspective on recent nitrate trends and the contribution of tributary basins to the mean and variability of nitrate loading to the GoM.

Core Ideas

High nitrate loads to the Gulf of Mexico remained stable in the 2002 to 2012 period.

Nitrate load trends in the Mississippi River Basin were mostly small and offsetting.

Larger, more widespread decreases are needed to achieve larger reductions at the outlet.

Variation in nitrate load is driven mostly by the Upper Mississippi River subbasin.

Mean reductions in gulf hypoxic zone size could be disrupted by large interannual variation.
Cropland Amendment with Beef Cattle Manure Minimally Affects Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Miller Eric , Spiehs Mindy , Arthur Terrance M. , Woodbury Bryan , Cortus Erin , Chatterjee Amitava , Rahman Shafiqur , Schmidt John W.
Published: October 2019

Concerns exist that beef cattle manure amendment may increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in cropland soils and persist over time, potentially increasing food‐animal and human exposure via feed and produce. Manure and soil contain many types of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. However, zoonotic pathogens and fecal indicators are most directly linked to human disease and environmental surveillance efforts. We measured the levels of eight antimicrobial resistant zoonotic pathogens and fecal indicators at experimental farms at three locations: Nebraska (silt loam), North Dakota (silty clay), and South Dakota (silty clay loam). Each location had four treatments: beef cattle manure, beef cattle manure with corn stover bedding, inorganic fertilizer, and unamended control. Tetracycline‐resistant (TETr), nalidixic‐acid resistant, and third‐generation cephalosporin‐resistant (3GCr) Salmonella enterica were not detected in any cropland samples. Treatments did not significantly affect cropland levels of TETr Escherichia coli, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole‐resistant E. coli, 3GCr E. coli, TETr Enterococcus spp., or erythromycin‐resistant Enterococcus. Additionally, levels of 10 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were assessed in all soil samples. Except for erm(B) and tet(M) at Nebraska, ARG increases after manure application dissipated before planting occurred. Treatment did not affect the following ARGs: aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2′′)‐Ia, aadA1, blaCMY‐2, blaCTX‐M, mecA, tet(A), and tet(B). The replicated experimental design, quantification data, and paired genotypic and phenotypic information collected for this study can be used to inform risk assessment models. The common US Upper Midwest practice of land applying beef cattle manure in fall does not result in significantly higher levels of the AMR tested in spring cropland soils.

Core Ideas

Beef manure amendment did not affect soil levels of resistant pathogens and indicator bacteria levels.

Beef manure amendment minimally affected antimicrobial resistance gene levels.

Sample occasion had a larger effect than amendment on soil antimicrobial resistance levels.
Dicamba Losses to Air after Applications to Soybean under Stable and Nonstable Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Bish Mandy D. , Farrell Shea T. , Lerch Robert N. , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: October 2019

Challenges to control broadleaf weeds in broadleaf crops prompted development of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with dicamba resistance. As a result of an unprecedented number of dicamba‐related injury cases in the United States, the movement of dicamba was studied in an applied research setting. High‐volume air samplers were used to determine concentrations of dicamba in air after treatment to soybean. In the first set of experiments, new commercial dicamba formulations were applied to soybean. Applications were made at the same time with treated areas at least 480 m apart to avoid cross‐contamination. Similar levels of dicamba were detected for both formulations, and the highest amounts (22.6 to 25.8 ng m−3) were detected in the first 8 h after treatment (HAT). A second set of experiments involved comparisons of mid‐day applications, when the atmosphere was unstable, to later applications under stable atmospheric conditions. Dicamba detected in the first 8 HAT was nearly threefold higher in applications made under stable atmospheric conditions. All experiments resulted in detection of dicamba through the last time point 72 HAT, indicating that volatility occurred regardless of application timing or formulation. Applications that included glyphosate resulted in higher dicamba concentrations than applications lacking glyphosate. These results provide field‐level data that new commercial dicamba formulations can volatilize over time and that atmospheric conditions at application affect dicamba concentrations. Pesticide applicators need to be familiar with these factors to reduce off‐target movement of dicamba.

Core Ideas

The highest dicamba detections were associated with stable atmospheric conditions.

Addition of glyphosate to dicamba increased dicamba losses to air.

New low‐volatile dicamba formulations were detected at similar levels in the air.

Dicamba was detected in the air for 72 h after each experimental application.
Soil Aggregate Stability as Affected by Landuse and Soil Properties in the Lower Mississippi River Valley
Authors: Anderson Rebecca , Brye Kristofor R. , Wood Lisa S.
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

Improving soil aggregation may promote infiltration.

Soil aggregation properties differ by land use.

Grassland and forest restoration may improve groundwater recharge.

Improving soil aggregate stability, thus improving infiltration and reducing surface runoff and soil erosion, may lead to multiple environmental benefits in the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of common landuses (i.e., native prairie, deciduous forest, coniferous forest, Conservation Reserve Program [CRP] grassland, and conventional‐tillage [CT] and no‐tillage [NT] agriculture), aggregate‐size class, and soil depth on aggregate‐stability‐related properties on fine‐textured, loessial and alluvial soils in the Arkansas Delta region of the LMRV. Total water‐stable aggregate (TWSA) concentrations in the top 10 cm in the native prairie, CRP, and coniferous forest were similar (p > 0.05) to each other, averaging 806 g kg−1, and were 35% greater (p < 0.05) than that of the NT and CT agroecosystems, which did not differ and averaged 605 g kg−1. The mean weight diameter (MWD) in the top 10 cm in the native prairie, CRP, and coniferous forest was similar (p > 0.05) to each other, averaging 2.1 mm, and were 70% greater (p < 0.05) than that in the NT and CT agroecosystems, which did not differ and averaged 1.3 mm. In the top 5 cm, the MWD and TWSA concentration were 17 and 8% greater (p < 0.05), respectively, than that in the 5‐ to 10‐cm depth interval. Grassland and forest restoration, specifically of highly erodible agricultural land, should be considered to contribute to improvements in soil structural stability and the future sustainability of soil and water resources in the LMRV.
Accounting for Temperature Effects on the Performance of Soil Moisture Sensors in Sandy Soils
Authors: Schwartz Michelle , Li Zhen , Sakaki Toshihiro , Moradi Ali , Smits Kathleen
Published: October 2019

Core Ideas

Two‐point α‐mixing model with modified α‐value improves ambient calibration for 5TM.

Sensor's temperature response can be predicted as a function of water content.

Linear trend is adequate for predicting sensor's temperature response.

Capacitance sensors are widely used to monitor volumetric water content in both field and lab settings due to their low cost, ease of use, and capability of providing continuous measurements. However, these sensors are sensitive to temperature variations. Previous attempts to develop calibration equations that negate thermal effects incorporate many empirical constants that vary based on soil and sensor type. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of temperature on sensor performance and develop an improved calibration equation for a widely used capacitance soil moisture/temperature sensor, the ECH2O 5TM. Small cell experiments were conducted with silica sands for a range of temperatures (20–50°C) and water contents. The 5TM showed a bi‐directional response to temperature increases based on the soil water content. Within the temperature range examined, the slope of sensor‐reading vs. temperature could be predicted using a linear relationship as a function of actual water content.
General continuum model for twisted bilayer graphene and arbitrary smooth deformations
Authors: Balents Leon
Published: October 2019

We present a simple derivation of a continuum Hamiltonian for bilayer
graphene with an arbitrary smooth lattice deformation – technically in a
fashion parametrized by displacement fields with small gradients. We
show that this subsumes the continuum model of Bistritzer and Macdonald
for twisted bilayer graphene as well as many generalizations and
extensions of it. The derivation is carried out entirely in real
space.
Increase in high-sensitive C-reactive protein as a marker of polyvascular disease in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Genkel V. V. , Kuznetcova A. S. , Sumerkina V. A. , Salashenko A. O. , Lebedev E. V. , Shaposhnik I. I.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To estimate the prevalence of inflammatory residual risk in patients with stable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and establish the relationship between concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the presence of the polyvascular disease.

Materials and Methods. The study included 120 patients with stable ASCVD. The plan of the instrumental study included ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries and lower limb arteries with measurement of the ankle-brachial index. The concentration of hsCRP in the serum was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results. An increase in the content of hsCRP ≥ 2,0 mg/l was detected in 45,8% of patients. Clinically significant lesion of one vascular bed was observed in 41,6% of patients, two – in 36,6%, three – in 21,6%. In the group of patients with atherosclerosis of the three vascular beds, the median value of hsCRP was 3,28 (1,77–5,67) mg/l, which was statistically significantly higher compared to patients with the involvement of one vascular bed – 1,56 (0,68–3,92) mg/L. An increase in hsCRP over 2,0 mg/l was associated with an increase in the relative risk of a patient with polyvascular disease with a atherosclerosis of three vascular beds 3,63 times (95% CI 1,06–12,4; p = 0,04) with adjusting for gender, age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, cholesterol levels and glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion. Inflammatory residual risk was observed in 45,8% of patients with stable ASCVD. An increase in CRP was established with an increase in the number of affected vascular beds. An increase in hsCRP over 2,0 mg/l was independently associated with an increase in the relative risk of a patient having an polyvascular disease.
Caracterização física do município de Ipiaú-BA: Representação cartográfica como subsídio a análise ambiental.
Authors: Sampaio Sarah Andrade
Published: October 2019

Localizado na região Sul da Bahia, o município de Ipiaú possui importantes recursos naturais ainda parcialmente preservados e diferentes usos da terra. O município não possui um estudo aprofundado sobre a geografia física em escala local, e visando entender as dinâmicas naturais sobre as quais a ocupação urbana e os usos antrópicos de desenvolvem propõe-se tal mapeamento. A metodologia empregada na pesquisa visa obter uma análise segmentada das parcelas da paisagem, a partir da base de dados da Bahia SEI (2016), considerando aspectos geológicos, geomorfológicos, pedológicos, hidrográficos, vegetacionais e de uso da terra. O intuito final deste trabalho é contribuir para o ensino, com projetos de educação ambiental e reconhecimento da realidade nas escolas locais, assim como auxiliar na tomada de decisão pelos gestores municipais.
Abastecimento e qualidade da água subterrânea no município de Serra do Mel – RN/BRASIL
Authors: Peixoto Filipe da Silva , Pereira Tayline Cordeiro
Published: October 2019

O presente estudo realizou uma análise do contexto hidrogeográfico do território municipal de Serra do Mel-RN/Nordeste do Brasil, investigando a formação territorial associado a situações históricas de escassez, evolução do acesso à água, além de caracterizar condições atuais de abastecimento e qualidade da água subterrânea. realizado levantamento histórico da ocupação do município e a problemática do abastecimento de água local; composição de cadastro de poços; amostragem físico-química da água realizada em 10 poços. Ao todo, foram cadastrados 13 poços dos quais 10 são utilizados como fonte de abastecimento. As águas de 5 poços se mostraram apropriadas para abastecimento doméstico e para potabilidade. Em relação a qualidade para irrigação, alguns poços como o da vila Amazonas, e os poços da vila Pará possuem limitação de uso por conta do excesso de sais, oferecendo riscos a salinização dos solos. A utilização da água subterrânea de maneira sustentável foi considerada condição chave para alavancar o desenvolvimento econômico do município provendo água para irrigação e garantindo segurança hídrica para população.
INFORMAÇÃO SOBRE SECA E SAÚDE: SUBSÍDIO PARA AÇÕES PREVENTIVAS
Authors: Martins de Sena Aderita Ricarda , Barcellos Christovam
Published: October 2019

Este estudo aprofunda o conhecimento sobre o processo natural da seca, um evento climático extremo e complexo que tende a se tornar um desastre social e um problema de saúde pública, quando não reconhecido pelo setor saúde. Os riscos sobre os determinantes ambientais, sociais e econômicos que são acentuados pela seca e os impactos sobre o bem-estar e a saúde humana são descritos com o propósito de fortalecer a organização e disseminação de informação, bem como o desenvolvimento de ações para o setor saúde. Ações intersetoriais são recomendadas para o governo e a sociedade atuarem conjuntamente em medidas de prevenção e redução de risco associados à seca, adaptação e resiliência para fortalecer a infraestrutura governamental e o desenvolvimento humano na região. O planejamento de ações deve levar em consideração os dados sobre seca e saúde disponíveis, as experiências passadas e o saber e a cultura das populações afetadas.
REPOSITÓRIO DATASUS: ORGANIZAÇÃO E RELEVÂNCIA DOS DADOS ABERTOS EM SAÚDE PARA A VIGILÂNCIA EPIDEMIOLÓGICA
Authors: Silva Pollianna Marys de Souza e , Autran Marynice Medeiros Matos de
Published: October 2019

O DataSUS é um repositório de dados, alimentado pelos Sistemas de Informações em Saúde (SIS) do Ministério da Saúde. A Vigilância Epidemiológica (VE) alimenta esses sistemas e estuda o processo saúde-doença. A pesquisa objetiva analisar se o repositório DataSUS cumpre com os princípios/critérios preconizados pelo W3C Escritório Brasil para os dados abertos governamentais. Para responder a esse objetivo geral, delimitamos os seguintes objetivos específicos: apresentar a forma de organização do DataSUS por meio de um mapa conceitual; construir o mapa conceitual; demonstrar a relevância do DataSUS para a VE e explicitar a relevância da informação para a VE. Esta pesquisa se caracteriza como exploratória e documental. A relevância dos dados abertos governamentais para a VE é um meio de promover uma gestão eficiente nos três entes federativos. Conclui que O DataSUS cumpre com os requisitos preconizados pelo W3C para dados governamentais.Os profissionais da VE possuem em seu poder, através dos dados abertosgovernamentais, informações capazes de mudar as políticas públicas em saúde.
A DISCRIMINAÇÃO DE PESSOAS VIVENDO COM HIV/AIDS NO TRABALHO: UMA ANÁLISE QUANTITATIVA E QUALITATIVA
Authors: Pereira Carla Rocha , Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Damacena Giseli Nogueira
Published: October 2019

A discriminação de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids está presente desde o começo da epidemia, interferindo negativamente na vida dessa população. Este trabalho analisa distintos aspectos relacionados à discriminação de soropositivos no Brasil no acesso e/ou ambiente de trabalho. Foi realizada uma análise quantitativa (pesquisa nacional) e qualitativa, entrevistas em profundidade (Assessoria Jurídica de ONG/aids) e grupo focal (Policlínica no município do Rio de Janeiro). Os resultados quantitativos indicaram que quanto mais baixa a escolaridade e renda do entrevistado, maior a percepção de discriminação. A pesquisa qualitativa relatou discriminação direta e indireta, sendo que aqueles com renda mais baixa possuíam emprego informal e não processaram seus perpetradores, distinguindo-se daqueles que procuraram a Assessoria Jurídica, que possuíam uma renda e escolaridade mais alta e que processaram seus empregadores. O estigma foi articulado com outros existentes na sociedade, sendo necessário programas de invenção para conscientizar a população sobre as diversas questões da epidemia.
New Molecular Targets and Strategies for Antimalarial Discovery
Authors: Aguiar Anna Caroline , de Sousa Lorena R.F. , Garcia Celia R.S. , Oliva Glaucius , Guido Rafael V.C.
Published: October 2019

Malaria remains a major health problem, especially because of the emergence
of resistant P. falciparum strains to artemisinin derivatives. In this context, safe and affordable
antimalarial drugs are desperately needed. New proteins have been investigated
as molecular targets for research and development of innovative compounds with welldefined
mechanism of action. In this review, we highlight genetically and clinically validated
plasmodial proteins as drug targets for the next generation of therapeutics. The enzymes
described herein are involved in hemoglobin hydrolysis, the invasion process,
elongation factors for protein synthesis, pyrimidine biosynthesis, post-translational modifications
such as prenylation, phosphorylation and histone acetylation, generation of ATP
in mitochondrial metabolism and aminoacylation of RNAs. Significant advances on proteomics,
genetics, structural biology, computational and biophysical methods provided
invaluable molecular and structural information about these drug targets. Based on this,
several strategies and models have been applied to identify and improve lead compounds.
This review presents the recent progresses in the discovery of antimalarial drug candidates,
highlighting the approaches, challenges, and perspectives to deliver affordable, safe
and low single-dose medicines to treat malaria.
A new species of the genus Pucaya from Peru (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae)
Authors: Giraldo-Mendoza Alfredo Edgardo
Published: October 2019

A new species of Cyclocephalini scarab, Pucaya tabaconas nov. sp. is described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Cajamarca department. The genus Pucaya is recorded for the first time in Peru. A key to the known species of this genus is included.
Understanding Health Behavior Technology Engagement: Pathway to Measuring Digital Behavior Change Interventions
Authors: Cole-Lewis Heather , Ezeanochie Nnamdi , Turgiss Jennifer
Published: October 2019

Researchers and practitioners of digital behavior change interventions (DBCI) use varying and, often, incongruent definitions of the term “engagement,” thus leading to a lack of precision in DBCI measurement and evaluation. The objective of this paper is to propose discrete definitions for various types of user engagement and to explain why precision in the measurement of these engagement types is integral to ensuring the intervention is effective for health behavior modulation. Additionally, this paper presents a framework and practical steps for how engagement can be measured in practice and used to inform DBCI design and evaluation. The key purpose of a DBCI is to influence change in a target health behavior of a user, which may ultimately improve a health outcome. Using available literature and practice-based knowledge of DBCI, the framework conceptualizes two primary categories of engagement that must be measured in DBCI. The categories are health behavior engagement, referred to as “Big E,” and DBCI engagement, referred to as “Little e.” DBCI engagement is further bifurcated into two subclasses: (1) user interactions with features of the intervention designed to encourage frequency of use (ie, simple login, games, and social interactions) and make the user experience appealing, and (2) user interactions with behavior change intervention components (ie, behavior change techniques), which influence determinants of health behavior and subsequently influence health behavior. Achievement of Big E in an intervention delivered via digital means is contingent upon Little e. If users do not interact with DBCI features and enjoy the user experience, exposure to behavior change intervention components will be limited and less likely to influence the behavioral determinants that lead to health behavior engagement (Big E). Big E is also dependent upon the quality and relevance of the behavior change intervention components within the solution. Therefore, the combination of user interactions and behavior change intervention components creates Little e, which is, in turn, designed to improve Big E. The proposed framework includes a model to support measurement of DBCI that describes categories of engagement and details how features of Little e produce Big E. This framework can be applied to DBCI to support various health behaviors and outcomes and can be utilized to identify gaps in intervention efficacy and effectiveness.
Moderated Online Social Therapy: Viewpoint on the Ethics and Design Principles of a Web-Based Therapy System
Authors: D'Alfonso Simon , Phillips Jessica , Valentine Lee , Gleeson John , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario
Published: October 2019

The modern omnipresence of social media and social networking sites (SNSs) brings with it a range of important research questions. One of these concerns the impact of SNS use on mental health and well-being, a question that has been pursued in depth by scholars in the psychological sciences and the field of human-computer interaction. Despite this attention, the design choices made in the development of SNSs and the notion of well-being employed to evaluate such systems require further scrutiny. In this viewpoint paper, we examine the strategic design choices made in our development of an enclosed SNS for young people experiencing mental ill-health in terms of ethical and persuasive design and in terms of how it fosters well-being. In doing so, we critique the understanding of well-being that is used in much of the existing literature to make claims about the impact of a given technology on well-being. We also demonstrate how the holistic concept of eudaimonic well-being and ethical design of SNSs can complement one another.
Prevalence of fungal contamination in some of biology department’s laboratories
Authors: Shafiq Shatha Ali , Aljuraisy Y. H
Published: October 2019

Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are a serious threat to public health in indoor environments. The study was conducted to evaluate surface sampling in conjunction with air sampling for the detection of fungal contamination in Biology Department’s laboratoriesand determine the best detergent which treats with it.

The study was carried out at the Biology Department, College of Science, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad. It was includes  (i) isolation fungal samples on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and identification these isolates by using morphological and microscopical characteristics and (ii) evaluation of three detergents on the most prevalent species of isolated fungi by using disk diffusion method and measuring the zone of inhibition against the tested isolate around each detergent.The results identified ten fungal species isolated from these laboratories, Alterneria sp., Aspergillusniger, Aspergillusflavus, Aspergillusterreus, Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp.,Fusarium sp., Geotrichum sp. andOxysporum sp.. Among all,Aspergillusniger was the more prevalent in all scanned laboratories. On the other hand, formalin when tested on A. nigerwas more effective than other detergents.We concluded that all tested laboratories had fungal contaminants due to numerous contamination sources. Formaldehyde fumigation will be very necessary to sterilize these laboratories.
THE EFFECT OF HERBAL EXTRACTS AND PROBIOTIC FEEDING ON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF BROILERS
Authors: Hasibuan Ahmad Syukur , Silalahi J , Masfria M
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective: To find out the effect of probiotics, javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) leaves extract in feedon productivity and quality of broilers.

Design: The design of this study was experimental research. The viscous herbal extract from javanese turmeric and breadfruit leaves were prepared by maceration with 96% ethanol and the probiotics used EM4 (Effective Microorganisms-4). This study used male chicks and divided into 5 groups:  (1) negative control treatment (feed), (2) positive controls  (feed+antibiotics), (3) feed+0.1% extract+1% probiotics, (4) feed+0.2% extract+2% probiotics and (5) feed +0.3% extract+3% probiotics. The positive control used erythromycin. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion rate were observed for 35 days. Total cholesterol and crude protein levels were examined on day 35.

Interventions: The intervened variable was the concentration of extract used.

Main outcome measures: The main measurement in this study were feed conversion rate,total cholesterol and crude protein levels.

Results: The results showedthat combination of probiotics, javanese turmeric and breadfruit leaves herbal extract increased body weight 10.71% and feed intake 61.60%, decreased feed conversion 13.97% and total cholesterol 27.95% of treatment group and significantly different with negative and positive control groups (p<0.05) but did not affect (p>0.05) to crude protein levelsof treatment group or negative and positive control group.

Conclusion: The administration of probiotics, javanese turmeric and breadfruit leaves herbal extract increased productivity and decreased cholesterol levels but did not affect crude protein levels in broilers.
Smart model-based governance: Taking decision making to the next level by integrating data analytics with systems thinking and system dynamics
Authors: Armenia Stefano
Published: October 2019

Although Big Data initiatives are currently presenting promising results, there is still some skepticism about their real capabilities as they are contextual dependent, and their objective and accuracy are somehow misleading. Approaches underlying the extraction of knowledge from a large amount of data are surely important to understand how a system has behaved until a certain point in time. However, they, unfortunately, lack a real and effective capability to infer future system's behaviour and its relationship with other systems (some of which might even have counter-intuitive behaviours). As a direct consequence of this, the Systems Thinking approach may help fill the gap, as it advocates the ability to see the world as a complex system where everything is connected. Joining Analytics techniques and Systems Thinking models brings us to the definition of a new governance approach, based on "smart" models (Armenia et al., 2017). The aim of this work is to propose a new conceptual governance framework based on a systemic approach and translated into a system dynamics model for knowledge management within organizations: Smart Model-based governance
Can the viable systems approach represent a lens to interpret barriers and enablers to the integration of sustainability? Evidence from an empirical experience
Authors: Simone Cristina , Iandolo Francesca , Battaglia Massimo , Calabrese Mario
Published: October 2019

This study aims to propose the contribution of adopting a systems perspective to researching sustainability in terms of inclusivity and holistic view, by means of the experience of action research carried out in a big Italian retailing cooperative. Among the different systemic approaches, the one proposed herein is the Viable Systems Approach, according to which sustainability, which can be seen as a process that is dynamic and changing over time, is linked to the notion of systemic viability and, as a consequence, to the survival of the system itself
Corporate governance in Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Istrefi Vjollca
Published: October 2019

The crisis that swept the financial markets and economies of the major Asian countries in 1997 and the failure of several famous names (e.g., Enron, WorldCom, and Parmalat) that have occurred in the last 20 years led to questions over the importance and significance of good corporate governance practices. Global governance is at crossroads and appears incapable of overcoming the current gridlock in the most significant global negotiations. The repurposing of global governance to meet the new challenges is a vital and massive undertaking. This study takes a theoretical approach, and reviews the existing literature on traditional and Islamic corporate governance, analyzing the set of rules and processes, which form the governance mechanism of a firm, in each of these models
New challenges in bank corporate governance: Theory and practice. Does theory speak to practice?
Authors: Brogi Marina
Published: October 2019

Corporate governance can be broadly defined as processes and relations by which firms are managed (Brogi & Lagasio, 2019a). In the last two decades, non-binding principles have been issued by various international organisations (Brogi, 2008) (such as stock exchanges, international organisations, associations, institutional investors mainly) for listed and unlisted companies, in order to preserve the effectiveness and the soundness of the corporate governance frameworks of the companies worldwide. As concerns banks, the quality of corporate governance is one of the requirements for the stability of the banking system (Draghi, 2008). Banks are risk-takers, carry out activities with externalities, are fundamental in supporting the economy, in providing liquidity to the system, in the transmission of monetary policy (Brogi & Lagasio, 2017). Corporate governance in banks therefore also affects the governance of non-financial companies and their sound and prudent management (Francis, Hasan, Koetter, & Wu, 2009)
Duties of independent directors in listed companies in 2019
Authors: Pichet Eric
Published: October 2019

Rooted in the Enlightened Shareholder Theory that we firstly formulated in 2008, the present paper has both theoretical and practical ambitions. It begins with a short review of the spectacular progress over the past 30 years in the governance of listed companies, manifested in the increasing board members’ professionalisation and the growing collegiality resulting from boards’ collective intelligence. In the first part it then goes on to identify the two main kinds of challenges facing the boards of listed companies, namely the exponential and multi-form rise in the number of risks and the difficulties of developing relevant strategies in today’s increasingly complex environment. In the second part, we analyse in this context the duties of the independent directors. In the third part a focus is made on the specific role of the Audit Committee and the particular duties of its members who must be by law in the European Union independent and competent in finance and particularly on the mission of the President of the Audit Committee. In conclusion we suggest some solutions to resolve what we defined as the Paradox of the Independent Director in 2017
From information transfer to knowledge sharing in corporate governance: The challenging role of Blockchain technology
Authors: Barile Sergio , Caputo Francesco , Vito Pietro
Published: October 2019

The increasing market turbulence is recalling the attention of both researchers and practitioners interested in business dynamics on the need for developing conceptual and interpretative frameworks able to face the emerging challenges related to the on-going market changes. As a prominent domain of interest in business studies, corporate governance should rethink itself to overcome consolidated transactional approaches with the aim of ensuring companies’ survival thanks to the collaboration among all the actors involved in social and economic paths. Accordingly, the paper proposes conceptual reflections about the ways in which corporate governance could overcome traditional issues related to information asymmetry and agency problems and shift from an information transfer-based view to a knowledge-sharing approach thanks to the contribution provided by the information technologies. The Blockchain technology is used as an example for building a conceptual model able to explain the potential advantages of the proposed change in perspective for corporate governance
The concept of board capital in corporate governance research: A structured literature review
Authors: Ricci Federica , Scafarto Vincenzo , Moscarini Flaviano , della Corte Gaetano
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this paper is to review and critically evaluate the extant academic research employing the concept of board capital, which was introduced by Hillman and Dalziel (2003) in order to explain the antecedents of effective board functioning and the resulting impact on firm performance. The emergence of a growing body of empirical literature based on the concept of board capital and the goal of identifying the main research topics and empirical strategies triggered the structured review presented in this paper. This study analyses 64 empirical articles encompassing the concept of board capital using a structured literature review methodology. We narrowed the search to articles published from 2003 to July 2019 and listed in the Scopus database. The selected articles mainly focused on the impact of board capital on firm performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure. Other relevant but less numerous works focused on the impact of board capital on firm innovation and firm internationalization. This research also highlights the need for qualitative studies examining the actual process of board monitoring and advising on strategic issues. Additionally, findings revealed a scarcity of empirical studies addressing certain national contexts, including Italy. This study is limited with respect to the analysed time period (2003-July 2019) and to the methodological approach employed to review the selected articles. We found no evidence in published academic journals of any previous literature review on board capital research
Blockchain and AI: The technological revolution’s impact on corporate governance relationships
Authors: Di Prisco Domenico
Published: October 2019

Disorientation and instability characterize the globalized context in which the relations of corporate governance are carried out today. Suffocated by the huge numerical and qualitative dimension of data to be analysed, companies need organizational systems and tools that allow them to interface with this reality. Through the creation of decentralized and more efficient systems able to process information at a higher speed than any human, Blockchain and artificial intelligence are the answer to these renewal requests. This paper aims to analyse the possible implications of the adoption of these technologies within the corporate governance relations, supporting how they can constitute effective and necessary support to the current organizational systems and, at the same time, how they are not yet able to replace them completely. Such a hypothesis would lead to the constitution of information oligarchies, would expose the shareholders to AI’s errors or manipulations by removing any management responsibility and, ultimately, to the creation of autonomous markets driven exclusively by economic purposes of the IT protocols that constitute them
Corporate governance in family firms: Towards a model based on degree of institutionalization (DI), structuring change (SC) and destructuring change (DC)
Authors: Mastroberardino Piero , Calabrese Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

The family firm management literature underrates corporate governance issues both because in family firms the entrepreneur/owner tends to concentrate in his hands almost all the decision power and because the concept of family business is associated with that of small business. On the other hand, the ‘family’ character over firm governance has been traditionally analysed in terms of institutional overlap (family versus business) that causes processes of instability, conflicts, divisions and crisis, both inside the family and between owners and managers. Our paper, after a summary of the literature, aims at proposing a different point of view on the corporate governance dynamics in family business and a different path to understand the change processes into these organizations adopting a Situationist View of the Organizations (SVO) that is focused on the continuous work of two processes: action and institutionalization, that build, break and rebuild social reality. Under this point of view some topics – institutional processes, coalitional games and power dynamics – suggest different considerations about the processes of governance and power. The concept of actor (or strategic actor) is of particular relevance. It refers to an individual (human actor) or, more often, a coalition of individuals able to act strategically for the protection of their specific interests. The concept of strategic actor goes far beyond the organizational boundaries, as often a coalition is composed by both internal and external members