bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conectividad y el uso de herramientas digitales en el aprendizaje del idioma inglés en estudiantes universitarios en tiempos del covid-19
Authors: Cabezas Leonardo Efraín , Moyota Amaguaya Patricia Pilar , Moyota Amaguaya Patricia Pilar
Published: February 2021

Introducción. La modalidad online ha sido implementada en tiempos de COVID-19 para el desarrollo de las actividades académicas lo que pone en riesgo a la accesibilidad a los entornos educativos debido a la falta de herramientas digitales y mala conectividad. Objetivo. Conocer la realidad de conectividad y accesibilidad a las herramientas digitales de los y las de la Escuela Politécnica de Chimborazo. Metodología: 136 estudiantes participaron en una encuesta descriptiva con un total de 13 interrogantes divididas en 4 categorías: Lugar de conectividad, dispositivo electrónico, eficiencia de conectividad y plataformas virtuales. Resultados: 35.29% de estudiantes pertenecen a Riobamba, un 86.76% de los estudiantes se mantienen en su hogar para recibir clases online, un 61.76% usa computadoras para conectarse a sus clases online, un 61.03% no poseen más de un dispositivo para conectarse a clases, un 68.03% necesitan compartir su dispositivo electrónico en su hogar, un 91.91% escogerían una computadora como herramienta digital para asistir a sus clases en línea, un 77.21% no contrataron específicamente un servicio de internet para sus clases online, un 53.28% tiene como proveedor a la compañía CNT, en un 47.06% la velocidad de internet es lenta y un 41.18% rápida. La calidad del internet en un 52.21% afecta de forma negativa en el desarrollo de las clases online en la opción “a veces”. En cuanto a las plataformas un 93.38% estuvo de acuerdo en que la Plataforma Microsoft Team es intuitiva y fácil manejo, un 51.47 % usa el Aula virtual como medio de apoyo y un 90.44% prefiere la Plataforma Microsoft Teams para el desarrollo de sus clases. Conclusión. Se concluyó que no todos los estudiantes gozan de las mismas condiciones de conectividad y de herramientas digitales las cuales son necesarias para un desarrollo académico pleno en un entorno completamente virtual en tiempos de Covid-19.
Relación entre la cultura organizacional, la satisfacción laboral y el engagement en el sector confecciones de Piedecuesta, Santander
Authors: Mendoza-Flórez Yurani , Villamizar-Correa Paula Andrea , García-Méndez Sebastián , Gutiérrez Juan Camilo
Published: February 2021

El documento pretende ahondar en la relación que existe entre la cultura organizacional, la satisfacción laboral y el engagement en el sector de confecciones en Piedecuesta. Para esto se determinaron las dimensiones de cada una de las variables objeto de estudio para la cultura organizacional, las dimensiones de características dominantes, líderes de la organización, estilo gerencial, unión de la organización, énfasis estratégicos y criterio de éxito, que se determinaron utilizando el cuestionario OCAI. Por su parte, el nivel de satisfacción laboral se definió con las condiciones laborales, la participación en las decisiones, la relación con los superiores, el trabajo y el reconocimiento, mediante el cuestionario de satisfacción laboral S20/23. Por su parte, el engagement se determinó con las dimensiones vigor, dedicación y absorción, aplicando el cuestionario UWES–17. Por último, se examinó la relación mediante la correlación de Spearman. Los hallazgos indican que se deben fomentar las buenas relaciones y eliminar las brechas que puedan existir entre trabajador y empleador, para mejorar las relaciones.
A contabilidade como ciência cultural. Considerações sobre o conceito doutrinal de Carlos García-Casella.
Authors: Chaves da Silva Rodrigo António
Published: February 2021

As definições de contabilidade durante a sua história gnosiológica foram muitas, todas surpreendentes, mas de maneira singular se destaca na doutrina de Carlos García-Casella um conceito de contabilidade como ciência cultural. As bases do grande mestre latino-americano estão presentes, especialmente, na filosofia de Mario Bunge. O objetivo desse artigo é trabalhar esta conceituação da ciência contábil em ótica caselhiana de maneira a destacarmos este conceito rico desta disciplina milenar.
Tecnoestrés. Evolución del concepto y sus principales consecuencias.
Authors: Salazar-Concha Cristian , Ficapal-Cusí Pilar , Boada-Grau Joan
Published: February 2021

El uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación puede generar estrés tecnológico. El tecnoestrés comenzó a estudiarse en 1982 y dada la naturaleza dinámica de las tecnologías, cobra importancia evaluar la evolución del concepto y sus consecuencias. El objetivo de este artículo es explorar la estructura intelectual y social de la producción científica sobre el tecnoestrés y analizar la evolución del concepto, detectando las características que influyen en los niveles de tecnoestrés en los individuos. Los resultados indican que las investigaciones más relevantes provienen del área de sistemas de información. El concepto ha evolucionado con el tiempo y sus consecuencias también pueden experimentarlo personas que no trabajan. Concluimos que los programas de prevención deben considerar diferencias individuales, organizacionales y tecnológicas.
Some Applications of Matrix Theory in Economics
Authors: Yakubova U. , Parpieva N. , Mirhojaeva N.
Published: February 2021

The paper provides some applications of matrix theory in economics. In particular, when the industry is connected by production and consumption of different products, the number of planned gross product of industries, inter-industry delivery of products, and net products of industries is calculated. The task of finding the budgets of states, with the specified structural matrix of trade of these states and the sum of their budgets, is also being considered. In addition, the application of the concept of eigenvector and eigenvalue to find the ratio of state budgets to balance the trade of participating states is considered.
Student’s Perception of Higher Education in Technical Universities and its Connection with Subsequent Professional Development (MSTU, MADI and MIREA - comparative analysis)
Authors: Nemtsov A.
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to presenting the results of a comparative study of technical University of Bauman, MADI and MIREA. These results were obtained using a sociological questionnaire with closed-type questions. The questionnaire contained nine main thematic blocks: 1. Professional choice; 2. Profession; 3. Study and education; 4. Educating; 5. Professional and personal competence; 6. Teachers; Communication of students; 8. Humanitarian knowledge in the training of an engineer; 9. Intelligentsia. This article presents the results for the first three blocks. They were analyzed and interpreted.
Analisa Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Stunting Pada Balita Usia 25-60 Bulan
Authors: Sugiyanto Sugiyanto , Sumarlan Sumarlan
Published: February 2021

Kerdil (Stunting) pada anak mencerminkan kondisi gagal tumbuh pada anak balita akibat dari kekurangan gizi kronis, sehingga anak menjadi terlalu pendek untuk usianya. Kekurangan gizi kronis terjadi sejak bayi dalam kandungan hingga usia dua tahun, dengan demikian periode 1000 hari pertama kehidupan seyogyanya mendapat perhatian khusus karena menjadi penentu tingkat pertumbuhan fisik, kecerdasan, dan produktivitas seseorang dimasa depan. Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana hubungan Asupan Energi, Protein, Penyakit Infeksi (Diare, ISPA), ASI Eksklusif dan Status Imunisasi dengan Kejadian Stunting Pada Balita. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian cross sectional. Tiap subjek penelitian hanya diobservasi sekali saja dan pengukuran dilakukan terhadap status karakter atau variabel subjek pada saat pemeriksaan. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 103 dari 150 populasi balita yang diambil menggunakan teknik Random Sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa asupan energi pada balita mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan nilai p = 0.003, asupan protein memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan nilai p = 0.010, ASI Eksklusif memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan nilai p = 0.000, status imunisasi juga memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan nilai p = 0.003, sedangkan status penyakit infeksi yang perna diderita balita dalam satu bulan terakhir selama dilakukan penelitian tidak memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan nilai p = 0.075. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah asupan energi, asupan protein, pemberian asi eksklusif serta imunisasi yang lengkap dapat berkontribusi dalam mencegah terjadinya stunting pada balita usia 25-60 bulan.
Waldo's Beautiful Things: Possession and Possessing in Otto Preminger's Laura
Authors: MacNeil William P
Published: February 2021

Despite its highly subjectivised title, Laura – Otto Preminger's dazzling 1944 noir classic – is, according to this article, a film not so much about persons as things. And what spectacularly beautiful things Laura proffers: exquisite objets d'art, chic fashion, striking design. All of which points to a certain psychic condition that underpins Laura: namely, fetishism. Of course, the fetish nonpareil in the film is Laura herself; she is the not so ‘obscure object of desire’ for all and sundry, possessing everyone in the film, and, in turn, being treated by those possessed, as a possession herself. Though the nature of these sorts of possessory regimes differs dramatically, being contingent upon the psychic profile of the possessor: love interest Shelby Carpenter, police detective Mark McPherson and wealthy mentor, Waldo Lydecker. This article will explore Laura's competing possessory regimes, utilising psychoanalytic concepts such as hysteria, repetition compulsion and the death drive, as well as fetishism and sado-masochism to unpack this vivid filmic representation of the ‘Law of Desire’ as a desire for what is, here, law's objet petit a – feminine sexuality itself.
‘All the Laws in the Book’: The Transgressive Impulse of Hammett'sThe Maltese Falcon
Authors: Carlson Matthew Paul
Published: February 2021

Scholars of detective fiction have long acknowledged Dashiell Hammett's crucial role in the formation of the American hard-boiled style. However, a closer look at his third novel, The Maltese Falcon (1930), reveals the extent to which Hammett self-consciously engaged with the generic conventions of the Golden Age mysteries that had dominated the previous decade. By partially following the rules, Hammett continually toys with the reader's expectations, charting a new course for detective fiction while simultaneously offering a self-reflexive commentary on the genre's history. In addition to providing a fresh reading of The Maltese Falcon, this essay contextualises Hammett's efforts by showing how he responds to contemporary crime novelists, especially the American Willard Huntington Wright (better known by his pseudonym S. S. Van Dine). In 1928, Wright published his famous ‘Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories’ in an attempt to define the genre's specific appeal, creating a pact between author and audience. The Maltese Falcon explores the nature of that pact and ultimately violates it through a series of reversed expectations. By showing just how deeply embedded this transgressive impulse is in The Maltese Falcon, this essay sheds new light on a pivotal moment in both Hammett's career and in the evolution of detective fiction.
Applied superconductivity: frustrations and hopes
Authors: Klimenko E Yu
Published: February 2021

The alternation of bright triumphs generating far-reaching expectations and subsequent deep disappointments is a characteristic feature of the development of applied super-conductivity, associated with creating superconducting windings and winding wires. This, unfortunately, testifies to the inadequacy of scientific and technical foundations formed on the basis of several speculative hypotheses and a useful, but not quite accurate, model of the critical state. The protracted romantic period of evolution has been marked by a noticeable number of remarkable but overly costly advances in industrial physics. At the same time, the victim of the situation turned out to be commercial applications, without the development of which the huge economic potential of applied superconductivity will remain unrealized.
Dependability Analysis of Bitcoin subject to Eclipse Attacks
Authors: Zhou Chencheng , Xing Liudong , Liu Qisi
Published: February 2021

The immense potential of the blockchain technology in diverse and critical applications (e.g., financial services, cryptocurrencies, supply chains, smart contracts, and automotive industry) has led to a new challenge: the dependability modeling and analysis of the blockchain-based systems. In this paper, we model the Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency system built on the blockchain technology that allows individuals to trade freely without involving banks or other intermediate agents. We analyze the dependability of the Bitcoin system subject to the Eclipse attack. A continuous-time Markov chain-based method is suggested to model the system behavior under the Eclipse attack and further quantify the dependability of the Bitcoin system. The effects of several model parameters (related to the miner’s habits in system protection, restart, and mining frequency) on the system dependability are demonstrated through numerical examples. Findings from this work may provide effective guidelines in designing a resilient and robust Bitcoin system.
Phase-Lag Compensator based Approach for Realizing MPPT through PMSG based Wind Turbine Generator
Authors: Srivastava Puneet Kumar , Tiwari Amar Nath , Singh Sri Niwas
Published: February 2021

Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers are widely accepted industrial controllers. These controllers also find their applications in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). Although such controllers are well researched and developed too, their linear nature and sensitivity of their gains towards variations in plant’s parameter are some noticeable disadvantages associated with them. Moreover, tuning of their gains involves certain approximations, which leads to demean their accuracy. On contrary, the designing of lag-compensators is procedural and discussed well in literature. Although such compensators could not have drawn the attention of wind turbine manufacturers but may a potential candidate for future developments. The focus of this paper is to design phase-lag compensators and use them to extract maximum available power in the wind, at every wind speed upto its rated value. Ability of the compensators is assessed through detailed simulation of a PMSG based WECS in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Observed responses are motivating and demonstrates the effectiveness of the designed compensators.
Maximum Likelihood Direction of Arrival Estimation using Chicken Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Gowri R. , Chowdary Vinay , Sharma Abhishek , Jately Vibhu
Published: February 2021

Aspects towards the area of array signal processing are majorly confined to two techniques, Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation and adaptive beamforming (ABF). There exist different traditional techniques for estimating the direction of incoming signals such as spectral and Eigen structure-based methods that find the direction of incoming signals. The major drawback of these techniques are that they fail to find the direction of the incoming signal in environments of low signal to noise (SNR). The maximum likelihood (ML) method has an upper hand in terms of statistical performance as compared to conventional methods and finds the direction of signal in low SNR conditions. In this article, the chicken swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm is explored for the optimization of ML function to find the direction of signals in uniform linear arrays (ULA). The algorithm is inspected with respect to the root mean square error (RMSE) and the probability of resolution (PR). Simulation results of the proposed technique prove that the ML-CSO algorithm outperforms other heuristic approaches such as the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) and other conventional techniques such as Capon, multiple signal classification (MUSIC), estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) algorithm in lower SNR environment.
A Global Supply Network Design Model: A Resilient Management Approach
Authors: Das Kanchan , Annand Adarsh , Ram Mangey
Published: February 2021

We propose a design model for creating a resilient supply network applicable for local and global markets. It addresses the ineffectiveness and failure of existing supply network that resulted current economic, food and hospital supply crisis during this ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic situation. The research includes resilience creation approach for the known previously experienced as well as unknown and unforeseen disruption situations. This research considers resilience management-based steps and methods covered in the literature to building abilities of supply networks for absorption, adaptation and recovery for containing disruptions that have severe negative effect on supply chain operations and society. The research studies the options for including SC intermediaries to take the role of supply agent or supply contractors (SCON) to manage supply of items when traditional/classical supply networks known to us were almost inoperative or ineffective to fulfill buyer requirements during this COVID 19 like pandemic situations. A numerical example is solved for illustrating applicability of the model.
Development of a Mobile, Self-Sovereign Identity Approach for Facility Birth Registration in Kenya
Authors: Freytsis Maria , Barclay Iain , Radha Swapna Krishnakumar , Czajka Adam , Siwo Geoffery H. , Taylor Ian , Bucher Sherri
Published: February 2021

Birth registration is a critical element of newborn care. Increasing the coverage of birth registration is an essential part of the strategy to improve newborn survival globally, and is central to achieving greater health, social, and economic equity as defined under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Parts of Eastern and Southern Africa have some of the lowest birth registration rates in the world. Mobile technologies have been used successfully with mothers and health workers in Africa to increase coverage of essential newborn care, including birth registration. However, mounting concerns about data ownership and data protection in the digital age are driving the search for scalable, user-centered, privacy protecting identity solutions. There is increasing interest in understanding if a self-sovereign identity (SSI) approach can help lower the barriers to birth registration by empowering families with a smartphone based process while providing high levels of data privacy and security in populations where birth registration rates are low. The process of birth registration and the barriers experienced by stakeholders are highly contextual. There is currently a gap in the literature with regard to modeling birth registration using SSI technology. This paper describes the development of a smartphone-based prototype system that allows interaction between families and health workers to carry out the initial steps of birth registration and linkage of mothers-baby pairs in an urban Kenyan setting using verifiable credentials, decentralized identifiers, and the emerging standards for their implementation in identity systems. The goal of the project was to develop a high fidelity prototype that could be used to obtain end-user feedback related to the feasibility and acceptability of an SSI approach in a particular Kenyan healthcare context. This paper will focus on how this technology was adapted for the specific context and implications for future research.
Emotion Induced Monoamine Neuromodulator Release Affects Functional Neurological Disorders
Authors: Liang Fei , Xu Qiuyue , Jiang Mingchen , Feng Rou , Jiang Shan , Yuan Bin , Xu Shijun , Wu Ting , Wang Fushun , Huang Jason H.
Published: February 2021

Functional neurologic disorders (FNDs), also called conversion disorder (previously called hysteria), can show almost all the symptoms of other neurological diseases, including both physical (for example, seizure, weakness, fatigue) and psychological (for instance, depression, anxiety) symptoms. In spite of our general knowledge about emotional processes and developmental defects in the formation of these somatic symptoms, there is still no systemic and comprehensive research on the effects of emotional developmental variables in FND. Recently, both experimental and theoretical emotion studies have been greatly increased, such as prediction error, conceptual act model, basic emotional theory, and monoamine neuromodulator based three primary emotions. In addition, a large amount of evidence has confirmed the role of psychosocial adversity (such as stressful life events, interpersonal difficulties) as an important risk factor for FND. Here, we review recent advances about emotional stress on FND, and pay special attention to the effects of monoamine neuromodulators, such as how norepinephrine and serotonin affect behaviors. Then, we discuss the significance of these changes for FND, which may contribute to clarifying the pathogenesis of FND, and thus provide potential therapeutic drug targets or psychological intervention methods in the future.
A Novel Homozygous Mutation Destabilizes IKKβ and Leads to Human Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Qin Tao , Jia Yanjun , Liu Yuhang , Dai Rongxin , Zhou Lina , Okada Satoshi , Tsumura Miyuki , Ohnishi Hidenori , Kato Zenichiro , Kanegane Hirokazu , Sun Xiulian , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: February 2021

Mutations in the IKBKB gene cause severe immunodeficiency, characterized clinically by persistent respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Targeted gene panel sequencing revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation in the IKBKB gene of a patient with immune dysregulation and combined T and B cell functional defects. PBMCs from the patient, Ikbkb Y397H mice, and transfected cells were used to elucidate how the Y395H mutation triggers IKKβ deficiency and impairs immune function. Here, we found that cells from both the patient and Ikbkb Y397H mice lacked or showed decreased levels of IKKβ protein, along with impaired lymphocyte function. IKKα and IKKγ protein expression by human PBMCs harboring the Y395H mutation was normal, but degradation of IKKβ protein was accelerated. Binding of human NF-κB to DNA in patient PBMCs fell upon stimulation with TNF-α or LPS. Additionally, a structural model of Y395H revealed loss of the hydrogen bond with D389. These data suggest that IKBKB deficiency induces abnormal IKKβ protein degradation, leading to impaired NF-κB signaling and immune function. We postulate that the Y395H variant in the IKKβ protein lost the hydrogen bond with D389, thereby affecting interaction between Y395 and D389 and increasing protein instability.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Attenuates Acute Cigarette Smoke-Induced Airway Neutrophilia Independent of the Dioxin Response Element
Authors: Rico de Souza Angela , Traboulsi Hussein , Wang Xinyu , Fritz Jorg H. , Eidelman David H. , Baglole Carolyn J.
Published: February 2021

Cigarette smoke is a prevalent respiratory toxicant that remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Cigarette smoke induces inflammation in the lungs and airways that contributes to the development of diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the presence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands in cigarette smoke, activation of the AhR has been implicated in driving this inflammatory response. However, we have previously shown that the AhR suppresses cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation, but the mechanism by which the AhR achieves its anti-inflammatory function is unknown. In this study, we use the AhR antagonist CH-223191 to inhibit AhR activity in mice. After an acute (3-day) cigarette smoke exposure, AhR inhibition was associated with significantly enhanced neutrophilia in the airways in response to cigarette smoke, mimicking the phenotype of AhR-deficient mice. We then used genetically-modified mouse strains which express an AhR that can bind ligand but either cannot translocate to the nucleus or bind its cognate response element, to show that these features of the AhR pathway are not required for the AhR to suppress pulmonary neutrophilia. Finally, using the non-toxic endogenous AhR ligand FICZ, we provide proof-of-concept that activation of pulmonary AhR attenuates smoke-induced inflammation. Collectively, these results support the importance of AhR activity in mediating its anti-inflammatory function in response to cigarette smoke. Further investigation of the precise mechanisms by which the AhR exerts is protective functions may lead to the development of therapeutic agents to treat people with chronic lung diseases that have an inflammatory etiology, but for which few therapeutic options exist.
Asymptomatic Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection Causes an Earlier Onset and More Severe Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Duarte Luisa F. , Altamirano-Lagos María J. , Tabares-Guevara Jorge H. , Opazo Ma. Cecilia , Díaz Máximo , Navarrete Romina , Muza Catalina , Vallejos Omar P. , Riedel Claudia A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. , González Pablo A.
Published: February 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an increasingly prevalent progressive autoimmune and debilitating chronic disease that involves the detrimental recognition of central nervous system (CNS) antigens by the immune system. Although significant progress has been made in the last decades on the biology of MS and the identification of novel therapies to treat its symptoms, the etiology of this disease remains unknown. However, recent studies have suggested that viral infections may contribute to disease onset. Interestingly, a potential association between herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection and MS has been reported, yet a direct relationship among both has not been conclusively demonstrated. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) recapitulates several aspects of MS in humans and is widely used to study this disease. Here, we evaluated the effect of asymptomatic brain infection by HSV-1 on the onset and severity of EAE in C57BL/6 mice. We also evaluated the effect of infection with an HSV-1-mutant that is attenuated in neurovirulence and does not cause encephalitis. Importantly, we observed more severe EAE in mice previously infected either, with the wild-type (WT) or the mutant HSV-1, as compared to uninfected control mice. Also, earlier EAE onset was seen after WT virus inoculation. These findings support the notion that a previous exposure to HSV-1 can accelerate and enhance EAE, which suggests a potential contribution of asymptomatic HSV-1 to the onset and severity of MS.
An Anti-Tumor Vaccine Against Marek's Disease Virus Induces Differential Activation and Memory Response of γδ T Cells and CD8 T Cells in Chickens
Authors: Hao Xiaoli , Li Shuai , Li Jiaqi , Yang Yi , Qin Aijian , Shang Shaobin
Published: February 2021

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that causes deadly T-cell lymphomas and serves as a natural virus-induced tumor model in chickens. The most efficacious vaccine, CVI988/Rispens (CVI988), against MD has been used for several decades. However, the mechanisms leading to protective immunity following vaccination are not fully understood. In this study, employing multi-parameter flow cytometry, we performed a comprehensive analysis of T cell responses in CVI988-vaccinated chickens. CVI988 vaccination induced significant expansion of γδ T cells and CD8α+ T cells but not CD4+ T cells in spleen, lung and blood at early time-points. The expansion of these cells was CVI988-specific as infection with very virulent MDV RB1B did not elicit expansion of either γδ or CD8α+ T cells. Phenotypic analysis showed that CVI988 vaccination elicited preferential proliferation of CD8α+ γδ T cells and CD8αα co-receptor expression was upregulated on γδ T cells and CD8α+ T cells after immunization. Additionally, cell sorting and quantitative RT-PCR showed that CVI988 vaccination activated γδ T cells and CD8α+ T cells which exhibited differential expression of cytotoxic and T cell-related cytokines. Lastly, secondary immunization with CVI988 induced the expansion of CD8+ T cells but not γδ T cells at higher magnitude, compared to primary immunization, suggesting CVI988 did induce memory CD8+ T cells but not γδ T cells in chickens. Our results, for the first time, reveal a potential role of γδ T cells in CVI988-induced immune protection and provide new insights into the mechanism of immune protection against oncogenic MDV.
A Weak Response to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Is Associated With Postoperative Organ Failure in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery With Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Clavier Thomas , Demailly Zoé , Semaille Xavier , Thill Caroline , Selim Jean , Veber Benoit , Doguet Fabien , Richard Vincent , Besnier Emmanuel , Tamion Fabienne
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in inflammatory organ failure. Our objective was to describe ERS, its unfolded protein response (UPR) expression/kinetics during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and its association with postoperative organ failure (OF).

Methods: Prospective study conducted on patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. Blood samples were taken before (Pre-CPB), 2 h (H2-CPB) and 24 h (H24-CPB) after CPB. Plasma levels of 78 kDa Glucose- Regulated Protein (GRP78, final effector of UPR) were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of genes coding for key elements of UPR (ATF6, ATF4, sXBP1, CHOP) was evaluated by quantitative PCR performed on total blood. OF was defined as invasive mechanical ventilation and/or acute kidney injury and/or hemodynamic failure requiring catecholamines.

Results: We included 46 patients, GRP78 was decreased at H2-CPB [1,328 (878–1,730) ng/ml vs. 2,348 (1,655–3,730) ng/ml Pre-CPB; p < 0.001] but returned to basal levels at H24-CPB [2,068 (1,436–3,005) ng/ml]. The genes involved in UPR had increased expression at H2 and H24. GRP78 plasma levels in patients with OF at H24-CPB (n = 10) remained below Pre-CPB levels [−27.6 (−51.5; −24.2)%] compared to patients without OF (n = 36) in whom GRP78 levels returned to basal levels [0.6 (−28.1; 26.6)%; p < 0.01]. H24-CPB ATF6 and CHOP expressions were lower in patients with OF than in patients without OF [2.3 (1.3–3.1) vs. 3.0 (2.7–3.7), p < 0.05 and 1.3 (0.9–2.0) vs. 2.2 (1.7–2.9), p < 0.05, respectively].

Conclusions: Low relative levels of GRP78 and weak UPR gene expression appeared associated with postoperative OF. Further studies are needed to understand ERS implication during acute organ failure in humans.
Detection of Cephalosporin and Fluoroquinolone Resistance Genes via Novel Multiplex qPCR in Fecal Salmonella Isolates From Northern Californian Dairy Cattle, 2002–2016
Authors: Basbas Carl , Byrne Barbara A. , Chigerwe Munashe , Escobar Edlin D. , Hodzic Emir , Pires Alda F. A. , Pereira Richard V.
Published: February 2021

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes, AmpC-type β-lactamase (ACBL) genes, and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Salmonella isolated at a Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital microbiology laboratory, examine trends in presence of these resistance genes, and to explore the correlation between phenotypic resistance and presence of specific genes. The presence of ESBL, ACBL, and PMQR genes were detected using a single, novel multiplex qPCR. Only the genes blaCMY–2 and blaTEM were detected in the 110 Salmonella isolates tested. PMQR genes were not detected in isolates screened. Of 94 third-generation cephalosporin resistant isolates, representing eight serotypes, 48% (n = 45) were positive for blaCMY–2 only and 50% (n = 47) were simultaneously positive for blaCMY–2 and blaTEM. Two third-generation cephalosporin resistant isolates were tested negative for all β-lactamase genes in our qPCR assay and likely house ESBL genes not screened for by our qPCR assay. A logistic regression model revealed that for serotype Dublin isolates (n = 38) the odds ratio for testing positive for blaTEM when compared to all other serotypes was 51.6 (95% CI: 4.01–664.03, p = 0.0029). For serotype Typhimurium (n = 9) the odds ratio for testing positive for blaTEM when compared to all other serotypes was 43.3 (95% CI: 1.76–1000, p = 0.0216). Overall, our results suggest that the prevalence of resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones due to ESBLs, ACBLs, and PMQR genes present in bovine nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica isolates has remained relatively constant in the isolates screened over a 14-year period.
The Non-peptide Angiotensin-(1–7) Mimic AVE 0991 Attenuates Delayed Neurocognitive Recovery After Laparotomy by Reducing Neuroinflammation and Restoring Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Aged Rats
Authors: Mi Xinning , Cao Yiyun , Li Yue , Li Yitong , Hong Jingshu , He Jindan , Liang Yaoxian , Yang Ning , Liu Taotao , Han Dengyang , Kuang Chongshen , Han Yongzheng , Zhou Yang , Liu Yajie , Shi Chengmei , Guo Xiangyang , Li Zhengqian
Published: February 2021

Delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) after surgery is a common postoperative complication in older adult patients. Our previous studies have demonstrated that cognitive impairment after surgery involves an increase in the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity, including overactivation of the angiotensin 2/angiotensin receptor-1 (Ang II/AT1) axis, which provokes the disruption of the hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nevertheless, the potential role of the counter-regulatory RAS axis, the Ang-(1–7)/Mas pathway, in dNCR remains unknown. Using an aged rat model of dNCR, we dynamically investigated the activity of both axes of the RAS following laparotomy. AVE 0991, a nonpeptide analog of Ang-(1–7), was administered intranasally immediately after laparotomy. We found that the elevation of Ang II, induced by surgery was accompanied by a decrease of Ang-(1–7) in the hippocampus, but not in the circulation. Surgery also significantly downregulated hippocampal Mas receptor expression at 24 h postsurgery. Mas activation with intranasal AVE 0991 treatment significantly improved hippocampus-dependent learning and memory deficits induced by surgery. Furthermore, it attenuated hippocampal neuroinflammation, as shown by the decreased level of the microglial activation marker cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b) and the decreased production of several inflammatory molecules. Along with these beneficial effects, the AVE 0991 treatment also alleviated the imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), modulated the expression of occludin, and alleviated the IgG extravasation, thereby restoring the integrity of the BBB. In conclusion, these data indicate that activation of Mas by AVE 0991 attenuates dNCR after surgery by reducing neuroinflammation and restoring BBB integrity. Our findings suggest that the Ang-(1–7)/Mas pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for treating dNCR after surgery in older adult patients.
Understanding the Link Between Allergy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Current Review of Factors and Mechanisms
Authors: Chua Regena Xin Yi , Tay Michelle Jia Yu , Ooi Delicia Shu Qin , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Tham Elizabeth Huiwen , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Meaney Michael J. , Broekman Birit F. P. , Loo Evelyn Xiu Ling
Published: February 2021

Both allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that not only impact on the quality of life and but also result in substantial economic burden. Immune dysregulation and inflammation are typical hallmarks in both allergic and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting converging pathophysiology. Epidemiological studies provided convincing evidence for the link between allergy and neurodevelopmental diseases such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Possible factors influencing the development of these disorders include maternal depression and anxiety, gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal allergic status, diet, exposure to environmental pollutants, microbiome dysbiosis, and sleep disturbances that occur early in life. Moreover, apart from inflammation, epigenetics, gene expression, and mitochondrial dysfunction have emerged as possible underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of these conditions. The exploration and understanding of these shared factors and possible mechanisms may enable us to elucidate the link in the comorbidity.
Case Report and Review of the Literature: Fatal Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Authors: Breville Gautier , Bailly Amelie , Fisch Loraine , Kulcsar Zsolt , Pugin Deborah , Carrera Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

Background: A fatal outcome occurs in 2% of patients with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). Due to its rarity, guidelines for the management of the most severe forms of RCVS are lacking.

Case presentation: Here, we describe the case of a 55 year-old woman who died from complications of RCVS and reviewed patients with fatal outcome reported in the literature. In our patient, the first episode of neurological deterioration was preceded by an increase of cerebral blood flow velocities assessed with transcranial Doppler. A fatal evolution could not be prevented despite therapeutic escalation consisting of multiple non-invasive and invasive treatments including cervical sympathetic bloc and continuous arterial infusion of nimodipine at the site of severe vasoconstriction.

Conclusion: This case and the review of literature illustrate the challenges in the management of patients with severe RCVS. We describe here how monitoring of cerebral blood flow might help anticipate clinical worsening at the beginning of the disease and propose novel invasive and non-invasive therapeutic strategies based on monitoring of neurophysiological parameters.
Excitation of Surface Electromagnetic Waves at the Silver/NaCl Aqueous Solution Interface
Authors: Kononov M.A. , Pustovoy V.I. , Svetikov V.V. , Usievich B.A.
Published: February 2021

The results of a study of the dynamics of the excitation angle of a surface electromagnetic wave (SEW) at the interface between a silver/NaCl aqueous solution of concentrations 10−3, 10−4, 10−6 and 10−10 M are presented. It is shown that the rate of change in the excitation angle of SEW is proportional to the concentration of the solution up to a dilution of 10−10 M. The observed effect is explained by the formation of silver chloride on the surface of the silver film as a result of the interaction of solution ions with nanoscale clusters of the silver film. The proposed technique for measuring the dynamics of the excitation angle of SEW can be used for a comparative analysis of the concentrations of highly dilute solutions, as well as for studying the formation and dynamics of transition layers and physicochemical processes in the near-surface regions.
A Comparative Study for Assessing the Drought-Tolerance of Chickpea Under Varying Natural Growth Environments
Authors: Arif Anjuman , Parveen Najma , Waheed Muhammad Qandeel , Atif Rana Muhammad , Waqar Irem , Shah Tariq Mahmud
Published: February 2021

This study was planned with the purpose of evaluating the drought tolerance of advanced breeding lines of chickpea in natural field conditions. Two methods were employed to impose field conditions; the first: simulating drought stress by growing chickpea genotypes at five rainfed areas, with Faisalabad as the non-stressed control environment; and the second: planting chickpea genotypes in spring to simulate a drought stress environment, with winter-sowing serving as the non-stressed environment. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and generalized linear models (GLM) models were both found to be equally effective in extracting main effects in the rainfed experiment. Results demonstrated that environment influenced seed yield, number of primary and secondary branches, number of pods, and number of seeds most predominantly; however, genotype was the main source of variation in 100 seed weight and plant height. The GGE biplot showed that Faisalabad, Kallur Kot, and Bhakkar were contributing the most in the GEI, respectively, while Bahawalpur, Bhawana, and Karor were relatively stable environments, respectively. Faisalabad was the most, and Bhakkar the least productive in terms of seed yield. The best genotypes to grow in non-stressed environments were CH39/08, CH40/09, and CH15/11, whereas CH28/07 and CH39/08 were found suitable for both conditions. CH55/09 displayed the best performance in stress conditions only. The AMMI stability and drought-tolerance indices enabled us to select genotypes with differential performance in both conditions. It is therefore concluded that the spring-sown experiment revealed a high-grade drought stress imposition on plants, and that the genotypes selected by both methods shared quite similar rankings, and also that manually computed drought-tolerance indices are also comparable for usage for better genotypic selections. This study could provide sufficient evidence for using the aforementioned as drought-tolerance evaluation methods, especially for countries and research organizations who have limited resources and funding for conducting multilocation trials, and performing sophisticated analyses on expensive software.
Current Situation and Key Parameters for Improving Wheat Quality in China
Authors: Ma Mingming , Li Yingchun , Xue Cheng , Xiong Wei , Peng Zhengping , Han Xue , Ju Hui , He Yong
Published: February 2021

Processing quality of winter-wheat is affected by genotype, environmental conditions, and crop husbandry practices. In the present study, a data set of 17 quality-related traits for 211 main winter-wheat varieties in China during 2006 to 2018 was extracted from China Wheat Quality Report. Analysis was carried out to evaluate the quality status and variations, to reveal correlation between quality-related traits, as well as to identify key influencing factors. Results indicated that the quality indicators of medium-gluten or medium-strong-gluten wheat varieties were acceptable, whereas those of weak- and strong-gluten wheat varieties were far below national standard, especially hardness index (HI), crude protein content (CPC), wet gluten content (WG), and water absorption for weak-gluten wheat and sedimentation value (SV), stability time (ST), and stretch area (SA) for strong-gluten wheat, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that WA, WG, development time, HI, CPC, falling number, ST, and tractility directly affected the overall quality of winter-wheat. CPC, SV, and WG in medium-gluten wheat had no significant correlation with the processing quality of noodles score, whereas gluten index significantly correlated with noodle score (P < 0.001). This implied that protein quality might play a more important role than protein quantity in determining medium-gluten wheat quality. Furthermore, analysis of variance showed that genetic characteristics (cultivars) had significant influences on the restriction indexes (SV, ST, and SA) of strong-gluten wheat, whereas genetic characteristics, environment conditions, and crop growing practices (cultivars, locations, and years) significantly affected the restriction indexes (HI, CPC, WG, and WA) of weak-gluten wheat. The results suggest that improvement of Chinese strong-gluten wheat should mainly focus on cultivating new varieties. As to weak-gluten wheat, cultivation and husbandry practices should be paid more attention to limit undesired high grain protein content.
The Relationship Between Cybervictimization and Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated-Mediation Model
Authors: Wang Yulong , Chen Apian , Ni Hong
Published: February 2021

The present study investigated the mediating role of negative emotion in the relationship between cybervictimization and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and the moderating role of friendship quality in the indirect relationship. This model was tested with 1,326 Chinese adolescents who suffered from cyberbullying in the last 1 year; 727 were boys and 591 were girls, and their mean age was 13.67 years (SD = 1.34, range 11–17). Participants filled out questionnaires regarding cybervictimization, negative emotion, friendship quality, and non-suicidal self-injury. After demographic variables were controlled, cybervictimization was significantly positively associated with non-suicidal self-injury. Mediation analysis revealed that negative emotion partially mediated the association between cybervictimization and non-suicidal self-injury. Moderated mediation analysis further indicated that the mediated path was weaker for adolescents with higher levels of friendship quality. These findings underscore the importance of identifying the mechanisms that moderate the mediated path between cybervictimization and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents.
How COVID-19 Triggers Our Herding Behavior? Risk Perception, State Anxiety, and Trust
Authors: Lee Yi-Chih , Wu Wei-Li , Lee Chia-Ko
Published: February 2021

People have felt afraid during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), because a virus is an invisible enemy. During the pandemic outbreak, society has become worried about the spread of infections and the shortage of protective equipment. This common fear among the public subsequently deepens each person's fear, increasing their belief in the content reported by the media and thus actively compelling these individuals to engage in the behavior of panic buying. In this study, we explored the effects of the public's risk perception, state anxiety, and trust in social media on the herding effect among individuals. The study was based on an online questionnaire survey and convenience sampling. The results showed that the public's risk perception increased their state anxiety and then deepened their willingness to wait in line for a purchase. In addition, the more people that trust the message delivered by the media, the more actively they will join the queue to buy goods. This study also found that anxiety had a greater impact on the public's willingness to wait for a purchase than trust in social media. Therefore, the top priority for the government should be to reduce the public's state anxiety and then reduce the herding effect.
Bioactive Pigments of Monascus purpureus Attributed to Antioxidant, HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibition and Anti-atherogenic Functions
Authors: Mohankumari H. P. , Naidu K. Akhilender , Narasimhamurthy K. , Vijayalakshmi G.
Published: February 2021

Monascus purpureus is known to produce pigment molecules. The pigments were extracted from M. purpureus fermented rice. In-vitro antioxidant effects of pigments were observed and presumed to alleviate oxidative stress related atherosclerosis effect in rats fed with high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. The formation of lipid peroxide due to the oxidation of serum lipid was higher in rats fed with HFD. While, the feeding of fermented rice (groups III-V) significantly lowered the formation of lipid peroxide (27.1–51.7%) in serum of rats, indicated antioxidative effect of pigments. In addition, feeding of fermented rice lowered serum cholesterol and triacylglycerol by 44.82 and 45.30%, respectively. Whereas, LDL-cholesterol levels were decreased by 70.12% and HDL-cholesterol increased by 34.58%. The atherogenic indices (LDL/HDL and TC/HDL) were reduced by 77.80 and 61.05%, respectively, in rats fed with fermented rice. These data confirmed the anti-atherosclerotic effect of pigments. Further liver enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity was significantly inhibited up to 54%. The identification of statins, sterols and fatty acids in fermented rice revealed the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity. This was confirmed by synthesis of lower levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerol in liver of rats fed with fermented rice. Accordingly antioxidant, inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, anti-atherogenic functions of M. purpureus fermented rice is attributed to the collective effect of bioactive metabolites.