bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osa-miR162a balances rice yield and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Li Xu-Pu , Ma Xiao-Chun , Wang He , Zhu Yong , Liu Xin-Xian , Li Ting-Ting , Zheng Ya-Ping , Zhao Ji-Qun , Zhang Ji-Wei , Huang Yan-Yan , Pu Mei , Feng Hui , Fan Jing , Li Yan , Wang Wen-Ming
Published: February 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae, the causative agent of rice blast disease. Osa-miR162a targets Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) genes, which play vital roles in miRNA biogenesis and act as negative regulators in rice immunity. Here we demonstrate that Osa-miR162a improves rice immunity against M. oryzae and balances the trade-off between rice yield and resistance. Overexpression of Osa-miR162a compromises rice susceptibility to M. oryzae accompanying enhanced induction of defense-related genes and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, blocking miR162 by overexpressing a target mimic of miR162 enhances susceptibility to blast fungus associating with compromised induction of defense-related gene expression and H2O2 accumulation. Moreover, the transgenic lines overexpressing Osa-miR162a display decreased seed setting rate resulting in reduced yield per plant, whereas blocking miR162 leads to an increased number of grains per panicle, resulting in increased yield per plant. Altered accumulation of miR162 had limited impact on the expression of OsDCL1. Together, our results indicate that Osa-miR162a improves rice blast resistance and plays a role in the balance of trade-off between resistance and yield.
The Multi-biomarker Disease Activity test for assessing response to treatment strategies using methotrexate with or without prednisone in the CAMERA-II Trial
Authors: Jurgens Maud , Safy-Khan Mary , de Hair Maria , Bijlsma Johannes , Welsing Paco , Tekstra Janneke , Lafeber Floris , Sasso Eric , Jacobs Johannes
Published: February 2020

ObjectivesThe CAMERA-II trial compared two tight-control, treat-to-target strategies, initiating methotrexate with prednisone (MTX+pred) or MTX with placebo (MTX+plac), in early RA-patients. The multi-biomarker disease activity (MBDA) blood test objectively measures RA disease activity with a score of 1−100. In CAMERA-II, response profiles of the MBDA score, its individual biomarkers and DAS28 were assessed.MethodsWe evaluated 92 patients from CAMERA-II of whom clinical data and serum for MBDA testing at baseline and ≥1 timepoint from months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 or 12 were available. Changes (∆) from baseline for DAS28 and MBDA score and comparisons of ∆DAS28 and ∆MBDA score over time within the MTX+pred versus the MTX+plac strategy, were tested for significance with t-tests. Changes in biomarker concentration from baseline to months 1−5 were tested with Wilcoxon signed rank test and tested for difference between treatment arms by Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsMBDA and DAS28 showed similar response profiles, with gradual improvement over the first 6 months in the MTX+plac group, and in the MTX+pred group faster improvement during month 1, followed by gradual improvement. The 12 MBDA biomarkers could be grouped into 4 categories of response profiles, with significant responses for 4 biomarkers during the MTX+plac strategy and 9 biomarkers during the MTX+pred strategy.ConclusionsMBDA tracked treatment response in CAMERA-II similarly to DAS28. More individual MBDA biomarkers tracked treatment response of MTX+pred than of MTX+plac. Four response profiles could be observed.
Association between resistin, adiponectin and leptin and cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese school children
Authors: Matsudaira Toru , Sano Hironari , Miyashita Yumi , Tajima Naoko , Shirasawa Takako , Ochiai Hirotaka , Kokaze Akatsuki , Nishimura Rimei
Published: February 2020

Background It is not clear whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin are as closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk in childhood as in adulthood. Methods A survey was performed on elementary school 4 th graders aged 9 to 10 years in Ina-machi, Saitama, Japan to investigate whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin in these children might be associated with cardiovascular risk factors (atherosclerosis index: AI, waist-to-height ratio: W/H ratio, body mass index: BMI), and how the presence of obesity might affect their association. Results A total of 204 boys and 176 girls participated in the survey. Leptin and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio) were significantly correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors except AI, and adiponectin was shown to be negatively correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors examined in the entire study population. While the serum resistin concentration was not found to be significantly different among the boys and girls with or without obesity, the resistin-to-adiponectin ratio (R/A ratio) was found to be significantly different between the obese and non-obese boys but not between the obese and non-obese girls. Among the obese boys, there was a significant correlation between resistin and AI and between the R/A ratio and the cardiovascular risk factors, neither of which was noted among the entire boy population or the non-obese boys. Whereas the R/A ratio was significantly correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors only in the obese boys. (AI: 0.426, p<0.05, Waist Circumference: 0.545, p<0.01, W/Hr: 0.562, p<0.01, BMI: 0.401, p<0.05) Conclusions Our study findings suggest that school children with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels are placed at higher cardiovascular risk, regardless of gender. It was also suggested that among boys with obesity as a cardiovascular risk factor, cardiovascular risk was higher in those with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels, regardless of gender. Furthermore, the findings suggest that resistin is elevated and adiponectin is decreased in obese boys who are placed at higher cardiovascular risk.
Dexamethasone can attenuate the inflammatory response in asthma via regulation of the lncH19/miR-324-3p cascade
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhang Chao , Xiao Changxue , Li Xiao-dong , Hu Zhi-li , Xu Feng
Published: February 2020

Objective To investigate lncRNAs and their roles in regulating the inflammatory response under treatment of Dexamethasone (Dex) in asthma. Methods IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) was used to induce an inflammatory cell model with A549 cells. Dex was used to attenuate inflammation by IL-1beta, and its effect was assessed by RT-PCR to detect the inflammatory cytokines IKbeta-alpha, IKKbeta,, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha and ELISA to detect the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8. RT-PCR was used to quantify levels of lncRNAs, including lncMALAT1, lncHotair, lncH19, and lncNeat1. lncH19 was most closely correlated with the inflammatory response, which was induced by IL-1beta and attenuated by Dex, Thus, lncH19 was selected for further study. lncH19 expression was inhibited by shRNA transduced by lentivirus. Cell assays for cell viability and apoptosis as well as RT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA for inflammatory cytokines were conducted to confirm the functions of lncH19. Predicted target miRNAs of lncH19 included the following: hsa-miR-346, hsa-miR-324-3p, hsa-miR-18a-3p, hsa-miR-18b-5p, hsa-miR-146b-3p, hsa-miR-19b-3p, and hsa-miR-19a-3p. Following estimation by RT-PCR, hsa-miR-346, hsa-miR-18a-3p, hsa-miR-324-3p showed consistent patterns in A549 NC and A549 shlncH19. miRNA inhibitor was transfected into A549 cells, and expression levels were determined by RT-PCR. hsa-miR-324-3p was inhibited the most relative to hsa-miR-346 and hsa-miR-18a-3p and was subjected to further study. RT-PCR, ELISA and Western Blot for cytokine detection were conducted to validate the functions of the target hsa-miR-324-3p. Results Dex was shown to be effective in attenuating the inflammatory response. During this process, lncH19 significantly increased in expression ( P < 0.05). Under IL-1beta treatment with or without Dex, the inhibition of lncH19 lead to an increase cell viability, a decrease in cell apoptosis, an increase in the protein level of inflammatory-related genes, and the phosphorylation of P65, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and inflammatory cytokines. Following prediction of the targets of lncH19 and validation by RT-PCR, miR-346, miR-18a-3p, and miR-324-3p were found to be negatively correlated to lncH19. Additionally, Dex increased the expression of lncH19, but the expression of the aforementioned miRNAs was reduced. Among miRNAs, miR-324-3p was the most markedly down-regulated following treatment of miRNA inhibitors. The MTS assay and cell apoptosis assay showed that the miR-324-3p inhibitor inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis, thereby significantly attenuating the inflammatory response, which reversed the effect of lncH19 in regulating cell viability and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines ( P < 0.05). Therefore, lncH19 might regulate miR-324-3p during Dex treatment. Conclusion Dex can attenuate the inflammatory response via regulation of the lncH19/miR-324-3p cascade.
Association of Depression and Resilience with Fertility Quality of Life among patients presenting to the infertility Centre for treatment in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Zahid Nida , Zahid Wajeeha , Farooq Salima , Sachwani Saima , Chapman Marilyn , Asad Nargis
Published: February 2020

Background In Pakistan there is dire need to explore the quality of life among infertile males and females and their undesirable psychological outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was; 1. To compare the QoL of males and females presenting to the infertility centre for treatment, 2. To assess the association of QoL with resilience, depression and other soico-demographic factors among males and females presenting to infertility clinic for treatment Methods An Analytical Cross Sectional study was conducted and study participants were recruited from Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center Karachi (ACIMC) Pakistan. A non-probability (purposive) sampling strategy was used to recruit the participants. The sample size was 668. Data was analyzed using STATA version 12. Results After adjusting for the covariates we observed that males who were less resilient their QoL was 8.47 units significantly lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 17.849 units significantly lower as compared to their counterparts. . Formal education, low monthly income and friends were significantly associated with QoL among males . Similarly, females who were less resilient their QoL was 8.606 units lower and those who were depressed their QoL was 19.387 units significantly lower as compared to their counterparts.. Formal education and low monthly income had a significant association with QoL among females.Conclusion Fertility related QoL of men and women has a significant association with no formal education, number of friends, income, depression and resilience. Therefore, health care professionals in the field of infertility must be adequately trained to respond to the needs of individuals going through these psychological problems.
Split household and smoking behavior of rural migrants in China
Authors: Wang Zicheng , Liu Jiachun , Ming Juan
Published: February 2020

Background: With Hukou constraints, a large proportion of rural migrants have to leave part of their family members stay at hometown, the split household may cause serious smoking abuse among rural migrants in destination cites. Objective: This study aims to address the direct effect of split household on the smoking behavior, while sole migration, couple migration and family migration are incorporated to the explore the concise effect of differentiated split household forms. Method: A unique and comprehensive database named Rural Urban Migration in China (RUMiC-2009) is applied to explore the association between split household and the smoking amounts of rural migrants; Analyses are conducted using the Chi-square tests/ ANOVA tests and multiple Tobit regression. Results: The amounts of cigarettes consumed for the family migrants (0.1751±0.3757) are less than those sole migrants (0.2732±0.4218) and couple migrants (0.1892±0.3745). The couple migrants (Coefficient= -0.0575; 95% CI= -0.1378, 0.022717) and family migrants (Coefficient= -0.1313; 95% CI= -0.2127,-0.0498) smoke less than the sole migrants counterparts, but the coefficient of couple migrants is not significant. Conclusions: Split household is associated with smoking abuse. Family migration has a significant effect on smoking control, while couple migration only produces insignificant negative influence on cigarettes consumption.
Impact of a community-based pilot intervention to tackle childhood obesity: a ‘whole-system approach’ case study
Authors: Gadsby Erica Wirrmann , Hotham Sarah , Eida Tamsyn , Lawrence Christopher , Merritt Rowena
Published: February 2020

Background Go-Golborne was a 3-year pilot programme to test an innovative, community-based approach to preventing overweight in children in Golborne ward, London. This paper describes the findings of the evaluation of Go-Golborne. The evaluation uses a case study design, a theory of change approach and multiple methods to assess the effectiveness of the intervention according to a range of expected outcomes and with consideration to unanticipated outcomes. The RE-AIM framework is used to synthesise findings and examine public health impact. Methods Height/weight measurements of primary school children in the six participating primary schools were recorded each year for four years. For behavioural outcomes, children aged 6-11 completed four annual on-line surveys (with a total of 4331 responses). Parents were surveyed in year 1 and year 4 (177 responses). Three focus group discussions were held with children aged 10-11 (N=21); interviews were conducted with parents (N=11), and school representatives (N=4). For other intermediate outcomes, stakeholders were surveyed twice (37 responses), and interviews were conducted with key stakeholders (N=11). An extensive range of programme documents were reviewed and additional process data was collected from the programme team. Results Go-Golborne achieved excellent reach through the engagement of a diverse range of partners and schools. The proportion of children in the above healthy weight categories remained stable over time. A number of changes in home, school and neighbourhood environments to support healthy behaviour change were evidenced. There was some qualitative evidence of positive changes in children’s behaviours, though significant or sustained changes were not evidenced by the quantitative data. Conclusions Go-Golborne is an example of a ‘whole systems approach’ to obesity at local level which helped stakeholders and parents to develop a shared commitment to improving healthy weight in children, to identify barriers to a healthy lifestyle, and to start to make changes in their services/behaviours. The campaigns and changes made at micro-level appeared to be insufficient, in the face of counteracting forces and personal factors, to achieve significant behaviour change within three years. This highlights the need for local initiatives to be reinforced by supporting action at regional, national and global levels.
Patients with pheochromocytoma exhibit low aldosterone renin ratio
Authors: Yamada Tomoko , Fukuoka Hidenori , Hosokawa Yusei , Odake Yukiko , Yoshida Kenichi , Matsumoto Ryusaku , Bando Hironori , Okada Yuko , Hirota Yushi , Iguchi Genzo , Ogawa Wataru , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: February 2020

Background Plasma renin activity (PRA) is generally increased in patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC) due to low circulating plasma volume and activation of β-1 adrenergic receptor signaling. However, there has been no study on the aldosterone renin ratio (ARR) in patients with PCC. To elucidate the issue, this study aimed to determine the PRA, plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), and ARR in patients with PCC and compare them with those in patients with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (SCS) and non-functioning adrenal adenoma (NFA). Methods In this retrospective single-center, cross-sectional study, 67 consecutive patients with adrenal tumors (PCC (n =18), SCS (n =18), and NFA (n =31)) diagnosed at Kobe University Hospital between 2008 and 2014 were enrolled. Results PRA was significantly higher in patients with PCC than in those with SCS and NFA (2.1 (1.3~2.8) vs. 0.7 (0.5~1.8) and 0.9 (0.6~1.4) ng/mL/h; p =0.018 and p =0.025). Although PACs were comparable among the three groups, ARR was significantly lower in patients with PCC than in those with SCS and NFA (70.5 (45.5~79.5) vs. 156.0 (92.9~194.5) and 114.9 (90.1~153.4); p =0.001 and p <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that, in differentiating PCC from NFA, PRA >1.55 ng/mL/h showed a sensitivity of 70.0% and specificity of 80.6%. Interestingly, ARR <95.4 showed a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 86.7%, which were higher than those in PRA. Conclusions ARR decreased in patients with PCC, which was a more sensitive marker than PRA. Further study is necessary to understand the usefulness of this convenient marker in the detection of PCC.
Adapting school physical activity and health surveys for children with disabilities
Authors: Ng Kwok , Asunta Piritta , Kärnä Eija , Rintala Pauli
Published: February 2020

Background: The physical activity (PA) and health behaviours among pupils in special education classes and schools (SECS) is largely understudied. Results from surveys need to be comparable to data from children in general education. However, there is no systematic way to modify existing surveys to the SECS environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to report the process of converting PA and health surveys that can be comparable with the general population. Methods: There were a series of studies to address the purpose of this study. 1. Usability of the survey in SECS, 2. Pilot study data collection, 3. Further testing with a basic version, 4. National data collection among pupils in SECS. Items from the Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) were continuously developed. Detailed information from researchers who administered the surveys, results from the teachers, focus groups of pupils in the pilot studies, as well as data from the main data collection were used to guide the development of each sequential study. Results: The proposed questions were completed in 25min by pupils in SECS in study 1. Visual analogue scales were tested in study 2 for the CFM, and feedback generated from the researchers led to the development of a simplified version that was tested in study 3. In total, three versions of the survey were created and instructions were given to teachers to administer. The majority of the respondents (n=889) completed the simplified version of the survey (n=396) and the average time taken ranged from 13min to 21mins. Teachers reported positively about the administration of surveys. Conclusions: In national representative surveys, it is important to give teachers clear instructions on the allocation and study protocol for school-aged children surveys. Pupils in SECS may need help to explain the questions in the surveys and more development work is needed to investigate the effects it has on survey completion. The process of adapted PA and health behaviour surveys developed in this project could be implemented for other countries to adopt.
Reducing Postharvest Losses of Spinach Stored at Nonoptimum Temperatures with the Implementation of Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Authors: Batziakas Konstantinos G. , Singh Shehbaz , Ayub Kanwal , Kang Qing , Brecht Jeffrey K. , Rivard Cary L. , Pliakoni Eleni D.
Published: February 2020

Postharvest losses of fresh produce constitute the biggest portion of the total food losses occurring in food chains globally. The main driver behind the postharvest losses of fresh fruits and vegetables is temperature abuse occurring mainly during transportation and storage. This is a particular problem for small-acreage producers, who frequently have limited access to postharvest handling resources like optimum refrigeration conditions. Passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a relatively inexpensive intervention that does not require specialized equipment and has demonstrated some potential for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh produce stored in nonoptimum temperatures. Our objective was to determine the effect of passive MAP on the quality and storage life of spinach (Spinacia oleracea cv. Corvair) when stored in nonoptimum temperatures. Mature spinach leaves (≈320 g) were packaged in passive MAP bags, developed using the BreatheWay technology, and non-MAP produce bags and subsequently stored at 13 or 21 °C. Spinach physical and nutritional quality was evaluated throughout its storage life in terms of overall quality, water loss, leaf tenderness, surface color, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content. Spinach that was stored in MAP bags reached headspace equilibrium at ≈6% Ο2 and 11% CΟ2 at 13 °C and ≈4% Ο2 and 8% CΟ2 at 21 °C after 2 days of storage for both temperatures. The spinach stored in passive MAP at 13 or 21 °C demonstrated significantly higher overall quality during storage and 2 and 1 day longer storage life, respectively, when compared with the control. The spinach in passive MAP demonstrated a slower rate of yellowing and water loss during storage. The limiting factor for the spinach stored in MAP was decay due to condensation at 13 °C and yellowing at 21 °C. There were no statistical differences in the examined nutritional quality parameters between the spinach stored in MAP and produce bags. This study shows that passive MAP can be a valuable tool for reducing the food losses occurring in small-acreage fruit and vegetable operations that have limited access to cooling and refrigerated storage.
A CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS ANALYSIS ON INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GROUPS
Authors: Turan Ugur
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to observe the evaluation of all the factors that influence sustainable development, by doing this, the author collected all the logically affecting indicators of 2000–2018 and divided them into 4 groups by affiliation which are Economic and Political, Energy and Environmental, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Intellect and Social Capital. This paper tries to perform the correlation coefficients matrix analysis to show, how the innovative indicators on sustainable development groups interact with each other, and open by using statistical methods to new views to further studies, in addition, to make the sustainable development activities of the Ukraine's energy enterprise sector more efficient and to pioneer further initiatives.
The significance of the data was realized by using the normalization method, followed by using the Statistica mathematical program, and correlation coefficients were analyzed. At the last step, data were eliminated by applying the Cheddock scale. The data on the matrices that we built shows their noticeable significance and they are presented in this last stage of the study.
According to the results of the study, the relationship between the data in each group has a high standing, and an innovative study has emerged with a statistical perspective.
The resulting outcome demonstrates the connection of various 121 data and diversity between groups.
The contribution of this study is that the results will be developed and reveal an integrated sustainable development mechanism and economic perspective with the final stage of the author’s prospected research. This article, as a part of the author's research, plans and provides an alternative viewpoint for energy venture companies within the framework of sustainable development pillars in UNDP.
PHILOSOPHICAL BASES OF IMPROVEMENT OF PARADIGM DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGIES
Authors: Dmytriiev Illia , Babailov Vasil , Levchenko Yaroslava
Published: February 2020

The analysis of modern literary sources shows that the paradigms of the main areas of human activity were developed in 2013-18, using only time-based methods. However, in 2019, the development of paradigms of mechanics showed that they depend not on time, but only on space. Therefore, there arose a problem: when, where and how to apply the space-based method and the time-based method. This is a problem of improving the methodology for developing paradigms – global strategies, strategies of the behavior of mankind as a whole in a specific area of activity. The analysis of recent studies and publications indicates that this problem has not even been raised in world literature and research practice. In the coming new era, the depletion of basic natural resources of the planet and the aggravation of the need to develop a new, third generation of paradigms will only urge the importance of solving this problem. Therefore, the aim of the research is to improve the methodology for developing paradigms. For this purpose, the following tasks are solved:
– the analysis of the level of knowledge about space, time and matter is carried out;
– the essence and content of space, time and matter is determined;
– the nature of the relationship between the space- and time-based methods is determined;
– the nature of the connection of space- and time-based methods with matter is established;
– a brief description of the results obtained is given.
Research methods: review of literary sources; historical and logical method; analog method; 2C70; VEO; Babailov’s method.
Results: the matter-based methodology as the only methodology for the development of paradigms is created.
Scientific novelty: the composition and sequence of the application of methods for the development of paradigms – space- and time-based methods and the matter-based methodology are streamlined.
Practical relevance: the implementation of the matter-based methodology in the practice of developing paradigms will result in improving the methodology of strategic planning in an enterprise, which in turn will increase the efficiency of its management and production.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO MODELING INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors: Hrynko Pavlo , Grinko Alla
Published: February 2020

It is significant for businesses, especially in the digital economy, the solution of theoretical and methodological justifications and the development of practical recommendations for building an organization's information architecture as a holistic description of its key strategies, related to business, information, application systems and technologies, and also their impact on the functions and business processes of an organization.
The article discusses issues, related to methodological approaches to modeling an organization's information architectureб using information management tools to help manage innovation in information systems (IS) and information technologies (IT). The relevance of organizational provisions to determine the way, in which a business entity's business model is functionally integrated with the IS architecture is substantiated. The consideration and analysis of the use of industrial standards for describing the architecture of an organization, adopted by such institutions as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), The Open Group, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), etc. reveal that none of these standards is dominant and does not provide teams, responsible for the architecture development with all the tools, necessary from the methodological point of view and from the point of view of the templates, used to describe the architecture. Recommendations are given on the theoretical and methodological substantiation and construction of the information architecture of an organization as a complete description of its key strategies related to business, information, application systems and technologies, as well as their impact on the functions and business processes of an organization.
INDICATORS OF THE COMPACT CITY CONCEPT – NECESSARY DATA AND THE POSSIBILITY OF APPLICATION
Authors: OGRODNIK Karolina
Published: February 2020

The main objective of the study is to analyze the availability of statistical and spatial data necessary to define a set of indicators of a modern compact city model, as well as, to propose a multi-criteria method to determine the importance of individual indicators. An accessible and relatively easy to use set of compact city indicators is a necessary tool, both at the stage of evaluating a unit for a selected concept, as well as, during the implementation of its main postulates. The modern compact city model is now the key direction of the Polish urban policy and has been implemented in many cities around the world for years in connection with the principle of sustainable development. The paper presents the previous interpretations of the selected urban concept, its main assumptions, as well as, the author’s set of measurable indicators with sample weights, which were analyzed in the framework of the case study. To determine the weights, multi-criteria decision-making method (AHP – Analytic Hierarchy Process) was used, while GIS technologies were used at the stage of presentation of the values of selected indicators.
ANALYSIS OF WIND CONDITIONS AROUND A BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AS A PART OF ITS FORM DESIGNING PROCESS, A CASE STUDY
Authors: ZIELONKO-JUNG Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

Aerodynamic phenomena that occurs around building developments exert a significant impact on the quality of climate in cities. Environmental wind engineering is a dynamically developing field of knowledge that offers a chance to study and, in consequence, regulates the air flow around buildings and complexes of building developments. The following paper discusses the issue of wind conditions that may be experienced on pedestrian level. Such conditions should allow for a proper ventilation of city spaces, at the same time eliminating uncomfortable, sudden accelerations in the wind speed and wind turbulence. The present paper discusses whether it is possible to include the above mentioned issues in the process of urban and architectural design of medium-high urban building development units on the example of a particular project. The paper is aimed to test the validity of the use of aerodynamic tests and the possibilities of their introduction in the conceptual phase of architectonic design. Design methods based on the realities of common practices and legal conditions in Poland have been juxtaposed to research methods in the field of aerodynamics. Experimental studies in wind tunnel, using oil visualization method have been applied, as such a method allows to promptly arrive at a qualitative identification of the airflow around the building on pedestrian level.
LACK OF ATTENTION TO GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS INVESTING IN LAND PLOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
Authors: URBANAVICIENE Vita , SKUODIS Sarunas
Published: February 2020

Decisions – where and what type of building to build – are very important, determine the quality of life of residents, profitability and returns of companies. Considering of long-term asset acquisition decisions, purchasers or investors seek for proper and worth to invest land plot for construction. In real estate valuation literature usually the list of 7 or 12 factors influencing value and price of land plot is presented and broadly discussed. Certain factors raise property prices and others bring them down. Despite its importance, the influence of geological conditions on the appraised land plot are seldom investigated. Authors discuss how strongly land plot geological conditions can affect costs of prospect construction, thus decrease net present value of real estate investment project and profitability of property. In this paper the implication of negligence or underestimation of soil conditions valuation is highlighted and illustrated by case studies which show how such inobservance has resulted in a huge rise of unexpected costs of construction and loss of time.
A gyermekvállalás határhasznai és határköltségei mikro-, mezo- és makroszinten
Authors: Mihályi Péter
Published: February 2020

Amikor a családok ex ante döntést hoznak a gyermekvállalásról, akkor csökkenő hozadékkal számolnak. Ez történelmileg nem volt mindig így. Napjainkban az a meghatározó, hogy az első gyermek születése a család számára óriási boldogsággal jár, s ehhez képest a második és további gyermekek csökkenő boldogsághozadékot eredményeznek. Ily módon standard mikroökonómiai elemzést alkalmazunk, de azt három ponton is kiegészítjük az általános egyensúlyelmélet Kornai-féle kritikájával. A gyermeknevelésnek nyilvánvalóan társadalmi haszna is van. Minden egyes megszülető gyermek társadalmi hasznossága közel azonos, de ez alig-alig befolyásolja a családokat. Végkövetkeztetésünk az, hogy a tanulmányban figyelembe vett tényezők keretein belül nincs egyensúly, a stabil tendenciák nem vezetnek el a tankönyvi optimumhoz (2,1-es teljes termékenységi arányszám). A népesség fogyása és elöregedése nemzeti keretek között nem szüntethető meg, sőt számottevően nem is enyhíthető, akármilyen nagy pénzösszeggel is próbálja az állam társadalmasítani a gyermeknevelés családi költségeit.
Avaliação da governança corporativa/financeira das indústrias atendidas pelo PEIEX núcleo Poli - USP entre 2012 e 2013
Authors: Messias José Flávio , Rosini Alessandro Marco , Palmisano Angelo , Silva José Ultemar
Published: February 2020

O presente artigo é uma pesquisa aplicada com base nas micro, pequenas e médias empresas - PME¿S, atendidas pelo Projeto de Extensão Industrial Exportadora ? PEIEX, da APEX Brasil, em parceria com o Núcleo da Fundação Vanzolini - POLI / USP ? SP. Neste sentido, procurou-se identificar a adoção de práticas de governança corporativa e controles financeiros como instrumento de gestão nas empresas, uma vez que algumas delas já haviam sido atendidas e capacitadas no período anterior. Utilizamos as informações obtidas na aplicação dos questionários aplicados no Projeto PEIEX às empresas participantes, assim como as informações obtidas mais especificamente nas visitas in loco, procurando identificar a importância atribuída por elas aos controles financeiros e avaliar a melhoria no grau de governança corporativa obtido por estas empresas.
Liderazgo en el clima empresarial Mao Underaction EC del Cantón Ambato de la Provincia de Tungurahua
Authors: Gonzales Reyes Jorge Vladimir , Núñez Medardo Medardo Andrés Paredes , López Rocío Núñez , Núñez Verónica Paredes , Núñez Isaac Israel Paredes
Published: February 2020

El presente trabajo se basa en el liderazgo en el clima laboral de la empresa Mao Underaction EC del Cantón Ambato de la provincia de Tungurahua. El trabajo partió de la formulación de un objetivo general en torno al cual se traza cual es el liderazgo que caracteriza el trabajo diario dentro de las empresas y la relación existente entre el empleador y sus colaboradores, se prosigue con el marco teórico, que permite definir el concepto que debe marcar un lugar de trabajo armónico, para así poder alcanzar resultados de producción, con eficiencia y eficacia. Para lograrlo se realizó un análisis sobre la influencia del liderazgo en el clima laboral para determinar los efectos positivos en sus directivos y colaboradores. Dentro de la metodología aplicada se eligió la modalidad de investigación aplicada de campo y como instrumento se empleó la encuesta, la población objeto de estudio seleccionada fue 50 personas de la empresa escogida como campo de estudio estuvo constituida por empleador y trabajadores.  La encuesta estuvo estructurada así: 10 preguntas enfocadas hacia el concepto de Salario, definición del Ambiente Laboral, precisión de los Procesos, medición del nivel de Desempeño y Satisfacción Laboral, Entorno Físico, Relaciones Interpersonales, Valores Organizacionales, Normas y Autorrealización. Una vez evaluados los Resultados quedó demostrado que la mayoría de la población considera objeto de estudio expreso que la empresa no mantiene un liderazgo acorde a las expectativas de los trabajadores, lo cual influye de manera negativa en el rendimiento y eficiencia de la población trabajadora.
Microempreendedor individual: caracterização do perfil dos empreendedores no Brasil
Authors: Moraes Elenice da Silva , Lilian de Miranda Oliveira Milly , Araujo de Moraes Filho Rodolfo , Da Costa Borba Marcelo , Lucia de Andrade Lima Telma
Published: February 2020

O presente estudo temcomoobjetivo caracterizar o perfil do microempreendedor individual (MEI), formalizado pelo Programa de Cadastro de MEI, no Brasil, no período de julho de 2009 a junho de 2017. O Microempreendedor Individual é um programa criado por meio da Lei Complementar n° 128/2008 para motivar a formalização dos trabalhadores autÿnomos que não estavam inseridos no mercado de trabalho formal.Os dados foram coletados nos institutos de estatísticas do governo (IBGE, IPEA, Receita Federal). O estudoanalisa o perfil do empreendedor MEIsegundo o Estado ao qual pertence, caracterizando-o por gênero, faixa etária, escolaridade e área de atuação. A análise também apresenta a evolução da quantidade de MEI?s a partir da criação do programa. Conclui-se que a exploração do perfil evidenciado pode auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias a fim de captar empreendedores para a formalização institucional dos micros empreendimento.
Participação do agronegócio no PIB brasileiro e sua dependência do sistema rodoviário para o escoamento da produção
Authors: Araújo Hellen Gomes de , Pontes Jonathan Samuel Jesus
Published: February 2020

Um assunto muito abordado nos últimos quatro anos no Brasil é o fato de que o país está vivendo uma recessão e, a recuperação desse cenário poderia levar até uma década. Durante esse período, a atividade econÿmica foi afetada, refletindo no resultado do PIB, que registrou essas quedas de forma acentuada entre os anos de 2014 e 2016. Contudo, dentre os setores que compõem o PIB nacional, o setor do agronegócio permaneceu consistente e, apresentou na contramão dos demais setores, um crescimento da produção. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de trazer informações que sustentem a importância da produção agropecuária para a composição do resultado no país e, de que forma o setor sofre com a falta de investimentos no modal de transporte, aplicado majoritariamente para o escoamento dos produtos. Foram utilizados autores de influência na área econÿmica e dados de associações controladoras do setor agropecuário para basear o desenvolvimento do trabalho e demonstrar as origens da infraestrutura de transportes que hoje está aplicada no país. Aplicando a metodologia de estudo de caso, foi possível identificar os fatores político-econÿmicos que influenciaram, ao longo das últimas décadas, a forma como o Brasil desloca sua produção e, como isso interfere na competitividade dos produtos, principalmente, no que tange o custo que, posteriormente, determina o preço final.
A simple method for water balance estimation based on the empirical method and remotely sensed evapotranspiration estimates
Authors: Falalakis George , Gemitzi Alexandra
Published: February 2020

Developing a methodology for water balance estimation is a significant challenge, especially in areas with little or no gauging. This is because direct measurements of all the water balance components are not feasible. To overcome this issue, we propose a simple methodology based on the predefined empirical relationship between remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET), i.e. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ET and groundwater recharge (GR), and readily available precipitation data at the monthly time step. The developed methodology was applied in seven catchments in NE Greece using time series of precipitation and remotely sensed ET from 2009 to 2019. The potential of the proposed method to accurately estimate the water balance was assessed by the comparison of the individual water balance components against modeled values. Three performance metrics were examined and indicated that the methodology produces a satisfactory outcome. Our results indicated mean ET accounting for approximately 54% of precipitation, mean GR of 24% and mean surface runoff approximately 22% of precipitation in the study area. The proposed approach was implemented using freely available remotely sensed products and the free R software for statistical computing and graphics, offering thus a convenient and inexpensive alternative for water balance estimation, even for basins with limited data availability.
The Mediating Effect of Different Exercise Programs on the Immune Profile of Frail Older Women with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Eustáquio Furtado G. , Uba Chupel M. , Guerra Minuzzi L. , Luis Rama , Carlos Colado J. , Eef Hogervorst , Pedro Ferreira J. , Maria Teixeira A.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Frail individuals experience an accelerated immunosenescence, and exercise has been
identified as a therapy to promote a better inflammatory environment.

Objective:

To analyze the effects of 28-weeks of two different exercise protocols on the functional fitness and
immune profiles of institutionalized pre-frail and frail women with mild cognitive impairment.

Methods:

Participants residing in care homes (n=60, 81±7.84 years old) were randomized into three groups: a
chair elastic band muscle-strength exercise (CSE, n=21; 81±4.79), a chair multimodal exercise (CME, n=20;
80±8.19), and a control non-exercise (CGne, n=19; 80±10.01). Both CME and CSE groups performed
progressive circuit-training exercise sessions. The controls did not change their usual lifestyle. The Fried protocol
and the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire were used to identify the frail subgroups and the
participants with mild cognitive impairment. Data for anti and pro-inflammatory markers and physical fitness
were analyzed pre and post-interventions.

Results:

After the intervention, a significant effect of time and time by group for sIgA and time by group for IL-
10 levels were found (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis showed a significant moderate decrease in the TNF-α to
IL-10 ratio for the CME group and an increase in the controls (p > 0.05) and a slight reduction in the IL-6 and IL-
1β concentrations. The controls showed a negative trend towards a decrease in physical fitness and a trend for
increased levels in the pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-1β.

Conclusions:

The evidence regarding the use of systematic and moderate long-term exercise as therapy for
promoting a better balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory environments and a decrease in the inflammatory
index for the CME group were the most promising results from this study.
Molecular Docking, Synthesis and anti-HIV-1 Protease Activity of Novel Chalcones
Authors: Turkovic Nemanja , Ivkovic Branka , Kotur-Stevuljevic Jelena , Tasic Milica , Marković Bojan , Vujic Zorica
Published: February 2020

Background:

Since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, 75 million people have been infected with the HIV and about 32 million people have died of AIDS. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms critical to the HIV replication cycle led to the identification of potential drug targets for AIDS therapy. One of the most important discoveries is HIV-1 protease, an enzyme that plays an essential role in the replication cycle of HIV.

Objective:

The aim of the present study is to synthesize and investigate anti-HIV-1 protease activity of some chalcone derivatives with the hope of discovering new lead structure devoid drug resistance.

Methods:

20 structurally similar chalcone derivatives were synthesized and their physico-chemical characterization was performed. Binding of chalcones to HIV-1 protease was investigated by fluorimetric assay. Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the interactions.

Results:

The obtained results revealed that all compounds showed anti-HIV-1 protease activity. Compound C1 showed the highest inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.001 μM, which is comparable with commercial product Darunavir.

Conclusion:

It is difficult to provide general principles of inhibitor design. Structural properties of the compounds are not the only consideration; ease of chemical synthesis, low molecular weight, bioavailability, and stability are also of crucial importance. Compared to commercial products the main advantage of compound C1 is the ease of chemical synthesis and low molecular weight. Furthermore, compound C1 has a structure that is different to peptidomimetics, which could contribute to its stability and bioavailability.
Antioxidant Phytochemicals in Pulses and their Relation to Human Health: A Review
Authors: Ciudad-Mulero María , Matallana-González Mª Cruz , Cámara Montaña , Fernández-Ruiz Virginia , Morales Patricia
Published: February 2020

:

Pulses are a staple food cultivated since ancient times, which play an important role in the human diet. From a nutritional point of view, pulses are very interesting foods as they are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and dietary fibre. Dietary antioxidants are a complex mixture of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds usually present in foods of plant origin, including pulses. In the present study, the phytochemical composition of selected pulses (common beans, fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas and lupins) has been reviewed in terms of their content of antioxidant compounds. The content of hydrosoluble antioxidants (organic acids, phenolic compounds), liposoluble antioxidants (tocopherols, carotenoids) and other compounds which exert antioxidant properties, such as dietary fibre and minerals (zinc, selenium), has been studied, reporting that pulses are an interesting source of these compounds, which have important health benefits, including a preventing role in cardiovascular diseases, anticarcinogenic or neuroprotective properties.

:

It is important to take into account that pulses are not usually consumed raw, but they must be processed before consumption in order to improve their nutritional quality and their palatability, therefore, the effect of different technological and heat treatments (germination, cooking, boiling, extrusion) on the antioxidant compounds present in pulses has been also reviewed. In this regard, it has been observed that as a consequence of processing, the content of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties is usually decreased, but processed pulses maintain relevant amounts of these compounds, preserving their beneficial health effect.