bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fighting COVID-19 spread among nursing home residents even in absence of molecular diagnosis: a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Strazzulla Alessio , Tarteret Paul , Postorino Maria Concetta , Picque Marie , Pontfarcy Astrid de , Vignier Nicolas , Chakvetadze Catherine , Noel Coralie , Drouin Cecile , Benguerdi Zine Eddine , Diamantis Sylvain
Published: August 2020

Background Access to molecular diagnosis was limited out-of-hospital in France during the 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. This study describes the evolution of COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home in absence of molecular diagnosis. Methods A monocentric prospective study was conducted in a French nursing home from March 17th, 2020 to June 11th, 2020. Because of lack of molecular tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-Cov2) infection, probable COVID-19 cases were early identified considering only respiratory and not-respiratory symptoms and therefore preventing measures and treatments were enforced. Once available, serology tests were performed at the end of the study.A chronologic description of new cases and deaths was made together with a description of COVID-19 symptoms. Data about personal characteristics and treatments were collected and the following comparisons were performed: i) probable COVID-19 cases vs asymptomatic residents; ii) SARS-Cov2 seropositive residents vs seronegative residents. Results Overall, 32/66 (48.5%) residents and 19/39 (48.7%) members of health-care personnel were classified as probable COVID-19 cases. A total of 34/61 (55.7%) tested residents resulted seropositive. Death occurred in 4/66 (6%) residents. Diagnosis according to symptoms had 65% of sensitivity, 78% of specificity, 79% of positive predictive value and 64% of negative predictive value.In resident population, the following symptoms were registered: 15/32 (46.8%) lymphopenia, 15/32 (46.8%) fever, 8/32 (25%) fatigue, 8/32 (25%) cough, 6/32 (18.8%) diarrhoea, 4/32 (12.5%) severe respiratory distress requiring oxygen therapy, 4/32 (12.5%) fall, 3/32 (9.4%) conjunctivitis, 2/32 (6.3%) abnormal pulmonary noise at chest examination and 2/32 (6,25%) abdominal pain. Probable COVID-19 cases were older (81.3 vs 74.9; p=0.007) and they had higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (8/32, 25% vs 2/34, 12%; p=0.030); insulin treatment (4/34, 12% vs 0, 0%; p=0.033) and positive SARS-Cov2 serology (22/32, 69% vs 12/34, 35%; p=0.001) than asymptomatic residents. Seropositive residents had lower prevalence of diabetes (4/34, 12% vs 9/27, 33%; p=0.041) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors’ intake (1/34, 1% vs 5/27, 19%; p=0.042). Conclusions During SARS-Cov2 epidemic, early detection of respiratory and not-respiratory symptoms allowed to enforce extraordinary measures. They achieved limiting contagion and deaths among nursing home residents, even in absence of molecular diagnosis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome miR-21-3p Prevents Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Li Zongying , Cao Shuyi
Published: August 2020

Background: Renal fibrosis is the pathological result of excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process of chronic kidney disease, but its mechanism is not clear. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).MSCs exerts its therapeutic effect mainly through paracrine effects, such as exosome, to change the cellular microenvironment. Here, we would explore the function of MSCs derived exosome in renal fibrosis.Materials and Methods: MRNA, microRNAs and proteins carried by exosomes produced by MSCs could save damaged cells by regulating endogenous molecules to regulate apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Results: In this study, we observed that exogenous miR-21-3p, interacted with smad2, the downstream target of miR-21-3p, which prevented renal fibrosis in UUO mice, and alleviate fibrosis in TGF-β1-induced renal tubular epithelium cells (HK-2). Then we forced expression of miR-21-3p in MSCs and isolated the exosomes. The extractive exosome-miR-21-3p treatment blocked renal fibrosis in UUO mice and alleviated fibrosis in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, Overexpression of miR-21-3p prevented CKD-induced renal fibrosis via exosome-mediated miR-21-3p transfer. These results suggest possible therapeutic strategies for using exosome delivery of miR-21-3p to treat complications of CKD.
Clinical features and disease severity in an Iranian population of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Nabavi Shima , Javidarabshahi Zahra , Allahyari Abolghasem , Ramezani Mohammad , Seddigh-Shamsi Mohsen , Ravanshad Sahar , AkbariRad Mina , Ebrahimzadeh Farnoosh , Khatami Shohre , Emadzadeh Maryam , Saeedian Neda , Zarifian Ahmadreza , Miri Maryam , Rezaeetalab Fariba , Hejazi Sepide , Basiri Reza , Mozdourian Mahnaz
Published: August 2020

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with a variety of symptoms. Severity of the disease may be associated with several factors. Here, we review clinical features of COVID-19 patients with different severities.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran, during February-April 2020. COVID-19 patients with typical computed tomography (CT) patterns and/or positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included. The patients were classified into three groups of moderate, severe, and critical based on disease severity. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings were collected and compared. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Overall, 200 patients with mean age of 69.75±6.39 years, of whom 82 (41%) were female were studied. Disease was severe/critical in the majority of patients (167, 83.5%). Disease severity was significantly associated with age, malignant comorbidities, dyspnea, nausea/vomiting, confusion, respiratory rate, pulse rate, O2 saturation, extent of CT involvement, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), pH, pO2, and aspartate transaminase (P<0.05). Moreover, complications including shock, coagulopathy, acidosis, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and intubation were significantly higher in patients with higher severities. O2 saturation, nausea/vomiting, and extent of lung CT involvement were independent predictors of severe/critical COVID-19 (OR=0.342, 45.93, and 25.48, respectively; P<0.05).Conclusions: Our results indicate O2 saturation, nausea/vomiting, and extent of lung CT involvement as independent predictors of severe COVID-19 conditions. Serum CRP levels and pO2 were also considerably higher patients with higher severity and can be used along with other factors as possible predictors of severe disease in COVID-19 patients.
Pregnancy Outcome in Late-onset Severe OHSS Patients Following Different Ascetic Fluid Drainage and Comparison With the Non-OHSS IVF Patients
Authors: YUN Ren , li rong , Shuo Yang , Rui Yang , hong Song Dong , Jie Qiao
Published: August 2020

Introduction： Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic serious complication during assisted reproductive technology, the aim of our research is to explore the differences of pregnancy outcome between severe OHSS patients and the non-OHSS IVF patients, and also compare the pregnancy outcome of different ascites drainage way of severe OHSS patients.Design: This is a retrospective cohort analysis carried out in a University-affiliated reproductive center from 2012 to 2019 ,between 359 women with severe OHSS following ascites draining and 345 non-OHSS women (matched by age and retrieved oocyte number).We examined the rates of clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, live birth and preterm delivery between the two groups. Within the OHSS group (central venous catheter group vs paracentesis group), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of measure of clinical pregnancy were also analyzed.Result： The biochemical pregnancy loss rate of non-OHSS patients was significantly higher than that of severe OHSS patients (11.1% vs 0.6%) , the live birth, multiple pregnancy (twin pregnancy ) was much more in severe OHSS group than in control group(88.9% vs 73.5%; 57.6% vs 28.1% respectively), and there was no significant difference between singleton and twin preterm rate and neonatal birth weight between OHSS and control group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed multiple pregnancy and long-protocol showed relatively high odds ratio, suggest that thelong-protocol of COS and multiple pregnancy are the risk factor of severe OHSS.Among severe OHSS following ascites draining, in comparison with abdominal paracentesis and central venous catheter, the ascites volume in central venous catheter group was much more than abdominal paracentesis group, there was significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in comparison of live birth, and the birth weight of singleton and twin between these two groups. but the premature birth rate of singleton in group 1 was 9.3% (10/107), whereas in group 2, it was 3.75%.Conclusion： In conclusion, this preliminary report suggests that for the IVF-ET patients, less basic follicle number, GnRH antagonist cycle, singleton maybe the protective factors for the late-onset OHSS. Paracentesis and central venous catheter are all the effective modality to manage the ascites for the severe OHSS patients. For the patients who have the possibility of repeated paracentesis, catheter is a safe and effective way.
Assessing the functionality of an emergency obstetric referral system among public healthcare facilities in a low resource setting: an application of process mapping approach
Authors: OFOSU BERNICE , OFORI DAN , NTUMY MICHAEL YAO , ASAH-OPOKU KWAKU , BOAFOR THEODORE KOBLA
Published: August 2020

Background: Weak referral systems remain a major concern influencing timely access to the appropriate level of care during obstetric emergencies, particularly for Low-and Middle-Income Countries, including Ghana. It is a serious factor threatening the achievement of the maternal health Sustainable Development Goal. The objective of this study is to establish process details of emergency obstetric referral systems across different levels of public healthcare facilities to deepen understanding of systemic barriers and preliminary solutions, using Ablekuma district in Accra, Ghana as a case study.Methods: The study is an analytical cross-sectional study. Nine (9) in-depth interviews (IDI) were carried out for a three-weeks period in June and July 2019 after informed consent with two (2) Obstetrics & Gynaecology consultants, two (2) Residents, one family physician, and four (4) Midwives managing emergency obstetric referral across different levels of facilities. Data collected included a narration of the referral process, and challenges experienced with each step. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded by topics and thematically analysed. Transcribed narratives were used to draft a process map and analyze the defects within the emergency obstetric referral system.Results: Out of the 33 main activities in the referral process within the facilities, 24 (73%) had a range of barriers in relation to communication, transport system, resources (space, equipment and physical structures), staffing (numbers and attitude), HCP knowledge and compliance of referral policy and guideline, and financing for referral. Healthcare providers suggested that strengthening communication and coordination, review of referral policy, training of all stakeholders and provision of essential resources would be beneficial.Conclusion: Our findings clearly establish that the emergency obstetric referral system in Ablekuma district, Accra-Ghana is functioning far below optimum levels. This suggests that the formulation and implementation of policies should be focused around structural and process improvement interventions likely to ensure that women receive timely and quality care.
Effect of Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles on Rigidity Sensing of Human Embryonic Kidney Cells
Authors: Ketebo Abdurazak Aman , Shin Tae Hwan , Jun Myeongjun , Lee Gwang , Park Sungsu
Published: August 2020

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) can enter cells and cause cellular dysfunction. For example, reactive oxygen species generated by NPs can damage the cytoskeleton and impair cellular adhesion properties. Previously, we reported that cell spreading and protrusion structures such as lamellipodia and filopodia was reduced when cells are treated with silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles incorporating rhodamine B isothiocyanate (MNPs@SiO2(RITC)), even at 0.1 μg/μL. These protruded structures are involved in a cell’s rigidity sensing, but how these NPs affect rigidity sensing is unknown.Results: Here, we report that the rigidity sensing of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells was impaired even at 0.1 μg/μL of MNPs@SiO2(RITC). At this concentration, cells were unable to discern the stiffness difference between soft (5 kPa) and rigid (2 MPa) flat surfaces. The impairment of rigidity sensing was further supported by observing the disappearance of locally contracted elastomeric submicron pillars (900 nm in diameter, 2 μm in height, 24.21 nN/μm in stiffness k) under MNPs@SiO2(RITC) treated cells. A decrease in the phosphorylation of paxillin, which is involved in focal adhesion dynamics, may cause cells to be insensitive to stiffness differences when they are treated with MNPs@SiO2(RITC).Conclusions: Our results suggest that NPs may impair the rigidity sensing of cells even at low concentrations, thereby affecting cell adhesion and spreading.
On the Quantitative Tripartite Allocation of the Atmospheric Vapor, Oqtav
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Fahmy , Zouari Kamal , Anter Mohamed , Nosser Mariam
Published: August 2020

The quantitative distribution of AVM into three distinguished vapor endmembers is lacking in the literature. This work fills such a gap. The isotope ratio, δ18OL, of rainwater in Winter, and artificial condensates in Summer, gave the 18OV contents of the AVMs at temperature-dependent equilibrium, downtown Cairo city, Nile Delta apex. We used our models, TIMAM, CLAW, and SIGNALS to process the δ18OV and the commensurate S values in several AVM data sets for determining the percent and mass contributions of three moisture origins and their temporal waveforms. The proportions revealed the Marine vapor dominance, followed by Evapotranspiration contribution. By far, the free Troposphere source showed a slight input. The quota of each constituent manifests a delayed waveform vs. the δ18OV influx, which shows a diurnal peak and a nocturnal tunnel. The moderate ET percent inputs in Winter, and by daytime, impose significant AVM 18O enrichment. In contrast, the high Maritime vapor inputs in Summer, and by night, stand behind the depleted AVM 18O content. The relationship between the mass input of each source and the AVM isotope ratio show significant dispersion for the negative trend of the diurnal-nocturnal Marine vapor in the two seasons. Such a high scattering is due to the mingling of the diurnal northern wind-gust convection (marked by low Marine vapor input) and the nocturnal steady advection (characterized by high Marine vapor input). Marine vapor waveform has a 12-hour time-lag by the intertwining of turbulent diurnal transmission, and steady nocturnal transport, via the long trajectory (180 km) from the Mediterranean coast to Cairo. In contrast, the relationships between ET mass input and AVM isotope ratio, on the one hand, and between the Troposphere vapor mass input and AVM isotope ratio, on the other hand, manifest low-dispersion positive and negative regressions, respectively. Such a low dispersion is due to short transport pathway, narrow range of the biological input (that increases only during daytime), and Troposphere downdraft (moving northward in Winter but southward in Summer). The ET waveform has a Zero-hour time-lag, like that of the Troposphere vapor. Albeit the low S value of the Troposphere vapor, its impact on the AVM isotopic depletion is significant due to its extremely shallow 18O content. The Troposphere input increase, at low S values of the AVM, is related to regional drought, as expected. The high S values, of Marine and biotic origins, usually go with temperature apogees, especially in Summer, as anticipated. The used models help in improving the time-series simulation of evaporation runs, since using seasonal δ18OV and S markers is better than using a snapshot. The ternary-vapor-source allocation procedure is a breakthrough in isotope hydrology. This thoroughly useful procedure will prove its ultimate benefits when the users get CRDS laser-controlled devices for the continuous measurements of the isotopic ratios in the local AVMs.
Nanoparticle composite TPNT1 is effective against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses
Authors: Chang Sui-Yuan , Huang Kuo-Yen , Chao Tai-Ling , Kao Han-Chieh , Pang Yu-Hao , Lu Lin , Chiu Chun-Lun , Huang Hsin-Chang , Cheng Ting-Jen Rachel , Fang Jim-Min , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: August 2020

A metal nanoparticle composite TPNT1, which contains Au-NP (1 ppm), Ag-NP (5 ppm), ZnO-NP (60 ppm) and ClO2 (42.5 ppm) in aqueous solution was prepared and characterized by spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering analysis and potentiometric titration. Based on the in vitro cell-based assay, TPNT1 can inhibit six major clades of SARS-CoV-2 with effective concentration within the range to be used as food additives. TPNT1 was shown to block viral entry by inhibiting the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins to ACE2 receptor and to interfere with the syncytium formation. In addition, TPNT1 also effectively reduced the cytopathic effects induced by human (H1N1) and avian (H5N1) influenza viruses, including the wild-type and Tamiflu-resistant virus isolates. Together with previously demonstrated efficacy as antimicrobials, TPNT1 can block viral entry and inhibit or prevent viral infection to provide prophylactic effects against both SARS-CoV-2 and opportunistic infections.
Investigating effects of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers on predicting survival outcomes of peripheral intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Zhou Yufan , Hu Kuan , Huang Yun
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) stands as the second most common malignant tumor in liver with poor patient prognosis. Increasing evidences have shown that inflammation plays a significant role in tumor progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the prognosis significance of inflammatory biomarkers on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in peripheral ICC patients is poorly recognized.Methods: Peripheral ICC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy and diagnosed pathologically were retrospectively analyzed. Inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were investigated.Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed no significance in NLR, PLR and LMR in RFS and OS, while significant results were shown on SII in both RFS (P=0.035) and OS (P=0.034) with areas under ROC curve as 0.63 (95%CI: 0.52-0.74) and 0.62 (95%CI: 0.51-0.72), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed statistically significant better survival data in SII-low groups on both RFS (P＜0.001) and OS (P＜0.001). The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that higher level of SII was independently associated with both poorer RFS time and OS time. However, no significant result was shown on NLR, PLR or LMR.Conclusion: SII is an effective prognostic factor for predicting the prognosis of peripheral ICC patient undergone curative hepatectomy, while NLR, PLR and LMR are not associated with clinical outcomes of these patients.
Combating Phone Harassment through VoiceAnalysis Filtration of Anonymous Reports
Authors: Kushum Obonee , Mahi Julkar Nayeen , Biswas Milon
Published: August 2020

Given the increasing popularity of smartphones as all-in-one computing devices for corporate work and everyday personal use, it is no wonder that mobile devices have become the most appealing attack surface for today's cyber criminals. In that case obscene or harassing phone calls can be one of the most stressful and frightening invasions of privacy a person experiences. Thus Mobile security has become increasingly important in mobile computing. There exist various applications that block spam calls through the SIM card numbers by establishing a spam database which identities the source of income calls. But unfortunately, their effciency of work is not up to the mark, since its usually pointless to track and block the SIM card number, as the number of spam callers is constantly changed. Considering this point, we are presenting a new concept in which frauds will be recognized through their vocals, even in a noisy environment, with a few seconds of speech, as one can change his number several times but can't change his voice. Here we have used several algorithms and techniques, such as speaker verification, speaker identification, forensic speaker recognition (FSR), spectrogram masking, voice ltering, Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coeffcient (MFCC) and a combination of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Hidden Markov Model (HMM). Moreover, this system doesn't require any kind of personal information of the users. In this consequence, safety issues also remain in force. Findings of this study will be useful for lawyers, law enforcement agencies, and judges in the courts to recognize their suspects.
All the 14 meridians course can be searched enough by meridian-like high thermal line inducing technique in human body.
Authors: Cha Yongchol , Choe Hyok , Oh Songjin , Cha ZinHwa , Dong Zhang
Published: August 2020

Background: The meridian-like high thermal line (MLHTL) is induced along the target meridians course after acupoints stimulus by mineral pulse light stimulator. The rising temperature is average 1.85±0.52°C. So then, what’s the inducing mechanism of MLHTL? And can search all the 14 meridians course? Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explain the inducing mechanism of MLHTL, and the searching possibility of MLHTL course and all the 14 meridians course in the human body.Methods: Inducing character of meridian-like high thermal lines were researched and analyzed. And the searching possibility of MLHTL course and all the 14 meridians course, was analyzed.Results: Inducing characteristic of MLHTL is that MLHTL is induced when acupoints are stimulated by the mineral pulse light (Hz= 1.25), and in opposite, never induced, when acupoints is stimulated by the mineral non-pulse light (Hz= 0). This result is same as meaning of the pulse light resonance circuit (pulse current circuit) at electronic engineering. And the mini atomic magnetometer (QZFM Gen-2) can search enough pulse magnetic field induced from MLHTL course. Conclusions: The meridian-like high thermal lines are induced by pulse ion current occurred along the classic meridians course, so that all the 14 meridians course can be searched by MLHTL inducing technique enough in human body.
Treatment of patient with end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma by the mineral pulse light stimuli on LV acupoints- case report
Authors: cha yongchol , Choe Hyok , Oh Songjin , Cha ZinHwa
Published: August 2020

Background; Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major and steadily increasing global health challenge as the most common primary liver malignancy and leading cause of death in cirrhotic patients. The only hope for curative treatment or significant increase in life expectancy is early detection. Once patients have progressed towards end-stage HCC, effective treatment options are extremely limited on the background of a very high degree of heterogeneity in clinical presentation and outcome. Objectives; The purpose of this study is to perform clinical trial on an end-stage HCC patient by mineral pulse light stimulus on LV acupoints without any drugs use. Methods; End-stage HCC patient was stimulated by mineral pulse light stimulator (MPLS). Stimulus acupoints; LV3, LV14, SP6. The selected acupoints were stimulated by MPLS for 50~60 minutes once a day. The same method was performed on the patient for 25days and rested for 5days, and again repeated every month without any drugs use. Results; After treatment, the general patient conditions and alfa-fetoprotein level were improved and hepatoma size was decreased to 9.1×8.5cm from 11.0×9.7cm before treatment (a), and the decay areas was disappeared.Conclusions; End-stage HCC patient was improved by mineral pulse light stimulus on LV acupoints without any drugs use.
Seasonal monitoring of Cryptosporidium species and genetic diversity in neonatal dairy calves on two large-scale farms in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wu Yayun , Zhang Kuankuan , Jing Bo , Xu Chunyan , Chen Yuancai , Wei Zilin , Zhang Ying , Cui Zhaohui , Qi Meng , Zhang Longxian
Published: August 2020

Background: Neonatal dairy calves infected with Cryptosporidium can possess a significant source of zoonotic infections and disease. To assess seasonal variations in the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in neonatal dairy calves, 380 fecal samples from neonatal dairy calves on two large-scale farms in Xinjiang (Alaer and Wensu) were screened for the Cryptosporidium small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 48.7% (185/380): 48.6% (108/222) in Alaer and 48.7% (77/158) in Wensu. Cryptosporidium was most frequent in summer (56.8%, 54/95), followed by spring (50.0%, 44/88), winter (46.8%, 44/94), and autumn (41.7%, 43/103) (P > 0.05). Cryptosporidium was significantly more prevalent in calves with diarrhea (72.4%, 113/156) than in those without (32.1%, 72/224) (P < 0.01). Based on a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, C. parvum (n = 173), C. bovis (n = 7), C. ryanae (n = 3), and co-infections of the three species (n = 2) were identified. Most (172/175) C. parvum samples were successfully sequenced at the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60), revealing two zoonotic subtypes: IIdA14G1 (n = 94) and IIdA15G1 (n = 7) in Alaer and IIdA15G1 (n = 71) in Wensu.Conclusions: These results showed that neonatal dairy calves were commonly infected with Cryptosporidium throughout the year, and there was a significant association between the occurrence of diarrhea and Cryptosporidium infection. Presence of IIdA14G1 and IIdA15G1 indicated neonatal dairy calves may be a source of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes.
Insecticide-impregnated netting as a potential surface treatment: an alternative to insecticide spraying for control of the leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)?
Authors: Barbosa Vanessa , Souza Cristian F , Gatherer Derek , Brazil Reginaldo P , Hamilton James Gordon Campbell
Published: August 2020

Background: The sand fly, Lutzomyia longipalpis, is the main vector of Leishmania infantum in Brazil. A previous laboratory study showed that covering surfaces with insecticide-impregnated netting may provide an alternative method for killing sand flies. Synthetic male Lu. longipalpis sex/aggregation pheromone co-located with micro-encapsulated l-cyhalothrin demonstrated the potential of “lure-and-kill” to significantly reduce canine infection and sand fly densities. In this study we were interested to determine if insecticide impregnated netting could replace sprayed insecticide for Lu. longipalpis control.Methods: We placed synthetic pheromone in experimental and real chicken sheds treated with a 1m2 surface of either sprayed insecticide or insecticide-impregnated netting. Two experiments in experimental chicken sheds were carried out to determine the effect of the insecticide treatments on Lu. longipalpis over 1-week and 16-week periods. We counted the number of Lu. longipalpis collected overnight and dead at 24 hours. Two longitudinal intervention studies were carried in real chicken sheds and compared the numbers of Lu. longipalpis (collected and dead at 24h) before adding the intervention (either the netting or sprayed insecticide treatments) with the numbers collected 24h after the intervention. Results: In the first experiment all flies caught in the spray treated experimental chicken sheds were dead at 24 hours and in netting treated sheds 97% of females and 88% of males were dead at 24 hours (257 vs 225, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test P=0.043). The netting and spray treated traps were equally effective at killing both female and male Lu. longipalpis over the first 8-weeks however after 16-weeks both treatments killed a significantly lower proportion of females (64%vs 96%; P=0.000) and males 89%vs 100%; P=0.000) compared to the beginning. In the first of the longitudinal studies in real chicken sheds only the netting intervention significantly increased the proportion of females dead after 24h (60%vs81%; P=0.042). The subsequent study showed that both netting and spraying treatments had similarly significant impacts on the proportion of females dead after 24h (netting: 60%vs80%: P=0.0194 and spraying: 43%vs72%: P=0.0004).Conclusions: The netting and spray insecticide interventions (with synthetic sex/aggregation pheromone) have similar impacts on the Lu. longipalpis population.
Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting Quality: Preliminary Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Khonain Sarah , Al-Adeem Khalid
Published: August 2020

The investment climate in the country depends largely on the level of confidence of potential investors, which actualizes the need to provide transparent and quality financial reporting to economic entities. Powerful corporations that have established an effective corporate governance mechanism are able to provide high competitive advantage over the long term, contributing to their financial and economic stability. The purpose of the article is to determine the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on the quality of a company’s financial statements. The corporate governance rules in force in Saudi Arabia were developed in 2006, then revised twice in 2009 and 2015, and only finally approved in 2017. The survey was based on the results of an electronic survey of 56 Saudi financial analysts selected from their LinkedIn profiles (financial analysts were selected by respondents because they play a significant role in the capital markets and are users of financial statements). The author points out that the objectivity of the survey results can be enhanced by expanding the sample of survey participants. The questionnaire contained 11 questions about corporate governance and its contribution to improving the quality of the financial statements of the respective companies. The results of the survey have empirically confirmed that corporate governance is a factor contributing to improving the quality of financial reporting and, consequently, increasing foreign investment inflows, so compliance with the new corporate governance rules is extremely important for Saudi Arabia corporations. Improvements in corporate governance mechanisms are perceived by members of boards of directors, audit committees, and internal audit departments as one of the main factors in improving the quality of financial reporting.

Keywords: corporate governance; Financial Statements; financial analysts; transparency of reporting; investors; Saudi Arabia.
Impact of Accounting Software among SMEs Accountants in Oman
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali
Published: August 2020

Financial losses, bankruptcy and closure of the company may be the result of incorrect choice of accounting software, inefficient modernization of such software depending on the specifics of the economic entity and ignorance of technical knowledge of staffs to work with the software product. The paper notes that for companies from member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the technique of implementation and application of tax legislation and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) differs significantly from other countries. The article emphasizes that in Oman, companies need to prepare financial statements in accordance with current applicable IFRS, as well as the Law on Commercial Companies 2019 and the guidelines and requirements for disclosure of capital market information. The purpose of this paper is to study and study the impact of the implementation of accounting software among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman. The study systematizes the features and issues of assessing the relationship between generalized accounting software (GAS) and its use by accountants working for SMEs. Twenty small and medium business accountants were selected as the target audience, taking into account their experience and basic knowledge of accounting in the context of ownership and use of GAS. The study confirms and theoretically proves that the use of GAS in the financial and economic activities of SMEs has a significant impact on the practice of accountants working in such enterprises, ie, there is a positive and significant relationship between GAS choice and use of GAS by SME accountants. The results of this study can be useful for the government, representatives of tax authorities, higher education institutions in the context of establishing adequate policies regarding the use of software for accounting by economic entities. Keywords: Generalized accounting software, accounting, accountant, small and medium enterprises, international financial reporting standards (IFRS), Oman.
PROBATION OF THE IMPROVED UNINTERRUPTED PASTEURIZATION SET “TUBE IN TUBE”
Authors: Zahorulko Andrii , Zagorulko Aleksey , Yancheva Maryna , Dromenko Olena , Sashnova Mariana
Published: August 2020

There have been conducted probation studies of an improved uninterrupted pasteurization set “tube in tube” that allowed to provide modern market needs of consumers in getting high-quality food products that must undergo pasteurization stages at technological production. Heat delivery by FFREHRT is used in the set for providing heat flow distribution evenness. There has been established the optimal working space of processed raw materials by studying a temperature drop in the middle of the raw material flow and at the apparatus surface. At the width of the linear ring size of the working environment as 9.5 mm and the flow speed as 0.4 m/s there is provided the least temperature drop value as 0.7 °С. At decreasing the air gap width, the temperature drop value increases and at 5.5 mm is equal to 2 °С that favors the effectiveness decrease of the pasteurization process.

According to results of comparative indices of the main composition and obtained quality of pasteurized cow milk, just the experimental sample, obtained at the probation of the offered apparatus is advantageous, comparing with a traditional. It is explained by the decrease of milk temperature processing at the expanse of double pasteurization by FFREHRT, comparing with the traditional pasteurization method.

The conducted studies prove the effectiveness of constructive-technological solutions for realization of pasteurization in the set “tube in tube”: the use of two-side heating by FFREHRT that due to its technical parameters is able to take any geometric form of the working chamber and at that provides the necessary evenness of heat flow distribution. We must also note the improvement of exploitation parameters of the offered set, namely facilitation of the automatic control of temperature regulation and the absence of the steam coat and correspondent armature as in the traditional apparatus that decreases metal consumption essentially.

The obtained results are urgent for using the presented invention for pasteurization of different food raw materials (milk, juice, low-alcohol beverages and so on). The use of the improved pasteurizer allows to decrease resource consumption and to improve the quality of obtained products
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING AEROSOL PACKAGING AND DETERMINING THE OPTIMUM QUANTITY OF A PROPELLANT
Authors: Putyatin Bogdan , Kunitsia Ekaterina , Sytnik Natalia
Published: August 2020

Development of a new generation of functional antiage cosmetics is a most important area of cosmetic industry development. An integral part of such products are biologically active substances (BAS) with essential oils, being among the sources of which.

Each essential oil is characterized by a well balanced unique composition of biologically active substances.

Development of new cosmetic products consists of correct selection of the required composition of components with required properties and selection of a suitable package, preserving product properties throughout its shelf life.

During production of cosmetic products in aerosol package a number of issues are solved, unlike with antiage-products in form of creams in customary tubes. The degree of oxidation-reduction reactions, having negative impact on the properties of essential oils, is substantially reduced.

The concentration providing for the optimum degree of evacuation and excess pressure in the packaging are essential issues.

The aim of this research is to determine the degree of evacuation of the contents, excess pressure, and mass fraction of a propellant in the product test samples to find the samples of aerosol package with optimum parameters.

A number of tests to determine the degree of evacuation of the contents from aerosol package, excess pressure and a mass fraction of a propellant have been performed. The greatest degree of evacuation of products was observed with mass fraction of propellant of 13.79%. Based on the results of the tests for excess pressure in aerosol packaging, it has been found, that with mass fraction of a propellant of 13.79% excess pressure is 0.4 MPa, which was taken as an optimum value. The test showed that the mass of a propellant of 16 g evacuates the product from aerosol package to the maximum extent and does not exceed the acceptable limits for excess pressure (0.2–0.6 MPa)
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF MICELLAR CASEIN AND SPELT FLOUR ON YOGHURT QUALITY INDICATORS
Authors: Polischuk Galyna , Breus Nataliia , Kochubey-Litvinenko Oxana , Osmak Tetiana , Semko Tetiana , Borova Marina
Published: August 2020

The aim of the research is to study the effect of protein-containing ingredients of animal and plant origin on the quality indicators of yoghurt for the scientific substantiation of its recipe composition. Micellar casein and spelled flour are characterized by high nutritional value, exhibit functional and technological properties and can significantly affect the quality indicators of yogurt. To confirm this, the possibility of complete replacement of the structure stabilizer in the composition of yoghurt with micellar casein and spelled flour, both separately and in various ratios, was studied. As a single criterion for optimizing the recipe composition of yoghurt at various ratios between casein and spelled flour, product quality indicators were used: the degree of syneresis, effective viscosity, organoleptic indicators. The optimal values of the single criteria were obtained at different ranges of ratios between natural ingredients, which don’t allow developing uniform recommendations for the formulation of a new type of yogurt. Therefore, to study the combined effect of protein and spelled flour on the characteristics of yoghurt and the coefficients of their significance, a complex quality indicator was used. This indicator was determined as a function of estimates of single quality indicators, converted to scaled values, taking into account the coefficients of significance of individual indicators. Using a complex quality indicator, the ranges of optimal values of the content of micellar casein and spelled flour in yoghurt were established. So, when adding casein in an amount of 1.25 to 3.0 % and spelled flour - from 0.75 to 1.50 %, the quality of yoghurt reached its maximum value. The use of these ingredients alone showed a significantly lower technological effect in comparison with their compositions. Therefore, a conclusion was made about the synergistic interaction of casein and spelled flour, as well as the advisability of using the compositional composition of these ingredients in the yogurt technology
Fundeb, remuneração docente e dívida pública: uma discussão sobre disputa pelo fundo público (2008 – 2016)
Authors: Silva Marcus Quintanilha da
Published: August 2020

Esse artigo teve como objetivo compreender os efeitos da complementação da União no Fundeb para a remuneração de professores públicos municipais entre 2008 e 2016. Situa-se o problema no contexto de disputa pelo fundo público, ampliando o debate com a alocação de recursos federais para a rolagem da dívida pública. A metodologia se baseou em um estudo panorâmico de compreensão de dados quantitativos, evidenciando a influência dos recursos da União na valorização da remuneração docente no Brasil, bem como algumas tendências da disputa pelo fundo público após o período analisado.
Princípios da administração fayolista na administração escolar paraense na década de 1920: Os relatórios de Aurelia de Seixas Franco
Authors: Reschke Monika , Damasceno Alberto
Published: August 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo identificar os princípios da administração do Grupo Escolar Benjamin Constant de 1922 a 1927, a partir dos relatórios da diretora Aurélia de Seixas Franco. Para tanto, realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, a qual nos possibilitou inferir que as práticas administrativas da diretora se aproximavam dos princípios do Fayolismo, em um momento no qual o estado do Pará passava por uma crise financeira que afetava o funcionamento da rede escolar como um todo, prejudicando a consolidação do ideário republicano na instrução pública
Uma produção que se intensifica: a educação domiciliar nas pesquisas acadêmicas
Authors: Vasconcelos Maria Celi Chaves , Kloh Fabiana Ferreira Pimentel
Published: August 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a produção acadêmica de dissertações e teses sobre a educação domiciliar na última década, buscando demonstrar a ampliação do interesse pelo assunto, a partir de diferentes motivações. Para tanto, tomamos como fonte os bancos de dados de teses e dissertações da Capes e da BDTD, no período de 2010 até 2019. Entre os resultados disponíveis foi possível localizar e acessar trinta e cinco pesquisas de mestrado e doutorado que enfocam a discussão a respeito da educação domiciliar, corroborando a existência de um aumento gradual do interesse pela temática.
VIOLENCIA JUVENIL: O DESAFIO DAS PRÁTICAS RESTAURATIVAS NO ESPAÇO ESCOLAR
Authors: De Lima Cezar Bueno
Published: August 2020

O artigo questiona as representações coletivas e as práticas institucionais que tendem naturalizar o fenômeno da violência assim como justificarem ações verticalizadas e punitivas de poder na composição dos conflitos juvenis no âmbito escolar. Apresenta alternativas teórico-metodológicas que ampliam o significado do termo violência, relacionando-o à teoria dos Direitos Humanos, à democracia deliberativa e às práticas restaurativas. Sugere a importância da construção de estratégias dialogadas, participativas e deliberativas de mediação e prevenção pacífica dos conflitos no espaço escolar.
PLANEJAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO NA GESTÃO ESCOLAR PÚBLICA: UM ESTUDO NA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Hioni Renata , Prearo Leandro Campi
Published: August 2020

Este artigo verifica o nível de incorporação dos conceitos de Planejamento Estratégico pelas Secretarias Municipais de Educação da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, além de traçar o perfil dos seus gestores. A metodologia utilizada teve ênfase nos aspectos quantitativos de natureza aplicada do tipo descritiva. Foi aplicado questionário estruturado aos Dirigentes de Educação, indicando que o comando é tipicamente feminino e com graduação completa. Evidenciou-se a prática de Planejamento Estratégico com vulnerabilidade nos construtos “Alocação de recursos” e “Monitoramento de desempenho”.
A CORRELAÇÃO DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS URBANAS COM O PATRIMÔNIO HISTÓRICO E NATURAL: O CASO DE MANHUMIRIM/MG
Authors: Leite Ana Caroline Guerhardt , Espindula Lidiane
Published: August 2020

As políticas públicas urbanas e patrimoniais desempenham papéis importantes no meio urbano e na história das cidades. A correlação dessas políticas é essencial para a preservação da memória, cultura e o contexto visual da paisagem urbana. O alinhamento da aplicabilidade dessas diretrizes deve ser parte do processo diário da administração pública e dos usuários do local. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a legislação vigente na cidade de Manhumirim, bem como sua história e patrimônios existentes, com base em pesquisas bibliográficas, levantamento fotográfico e análise do espaço urbano, com foco no centro comercial do município, uma vez que é exatamente onde se localizam obras de maior porte e carga histórica, por se tratar também do local dos primeiros registros da cidade. Mediante o levantamento de dados, é possivel concluir que a cidade possui muita história e memória para ser contada e vivida e, diante disso, seu potencial turístico e econômico poderia ser muito mais valorizado, desde que se fizessem presentes as políticas de planejamento urbano e preservação histórica, cultural e natural. Manhumirim possui um acervo histórico-cultural importante, concluindo assim que a mescla entre espaço urbano e histórico já existe, mas necessita de diretrizes específicas aplicáveis que promovam mudanças no meio urbano patrimonial.
UMA PROPOSTA DE RECONSTRUÇÃO DO CONCEITO, DOS COMPONENTES FUNCIONAIS BÁSICOS E DO MÉTODO DE ANÁLISE DA ORAÇÃO
Authors: Silva Carlos Vinícius , Pardini Gisela Márcia Miarelli
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho pretende inicialmente discutir os conceitos, primordialmente, de oração, e em segundo plano, de predicado, utilizados por Bechara (2009), Garcia (2007) e Perini (2011), demonstrando, de modo resumido, alguns problemas dessas concepções teóricas. Em seguida, este texto propõe-se a introduzir uma alternativa às visões gramaticais discutidas, construindo uma nova concepção de oração; elaborando novos elementos funcionais básicos para a oração que sejam detalháveis de modo tão ou mais coerente que as ideias de sujeito e predicado; estabelecendo um método quadridimensional de estudo da oração, ao invés do bidimensional saussuriano; e estipulando uma fórmula de base para a análise sintática de orações da língua portuguesa, que, apesar de provavelmente ser aplicável a uma parte considerável das línguas orais humanas, não foi testada em outros idiomas, não podendo, portanto, a princípio, ser tomada como uma fórmula ampla. Como resultado das reflexões propostas neste texto, é esperado que sejam postos em dúvida, por parte da comunidade acadêmica, princípios gramaticais bem pouco questionados na atualidade, e, com isso, que seja iniciada uma discussão pertinente sobre esses princípios, que resulte na construção coletiva de uma nova fundamentação conceitual e uma metodologia atualizada de análise sintática condizentes com o que é esperado de um campo de estudos científicos complexo, que é a linguística. Dessa forma, a relevância deste artigo faz-se evidente tanto pela originalidade e pela coerência das ideias por ele propostas quanto por sua intenção de promoção de trabalhos coletivos para a reflexão sobre o caráter científico real da sintaxe e de outros objetivos de estudo da linguística dura.