bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FINANCIAL METHODS OF INFLUENCE ON INNOVATIVE MODERNIZATION OF ECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WORLD EXPERIENCE
Authors: Bilyk R.S.
Published: August 2019

These article is about the objective preconditions and regularities of conducting transformational changes in the economy of different countries of the world on innovative basis. It is substantiated, that the development of innovative modernization of the economy should be one of the main means system of state regulation itself. The experience of developed countries of the world had analyzed with regard to the use of financial methods and tools for activating innovation and conducting R & D. It substantiated, that the necessity of implementation of this experience in Ukraine in order to ensure modernization of the economy through introduction of various tax privileges, accelerated depreciation of fixed capital, cheap loans, etc.. It had proved, that the development and implementation of financial regulation methods in the mechanism of innovation modernization of the economy should take into account the features and structure of the domestic economy, the depth of globalization transformations and the degree of development of financial institutions. The focus of financial regulatory methods for modernizing the economy involves the concentration, distribution and redistribution of financial and economic resources, reorientation of the economy towards an innovative model of development. The priority directions had determined and recommendations had developed on improving the institutional foundations of financial policy in the context of innovative modernization of the Ukrainian economy. Among the most important areas are the following: the search for new sources and increase of financing of innovative development, improvement of the effectiveness of the influence of financial instruments on the rate of economic growth, the growth of the share of high-tech component of the economy, etc.
Ekstrak Etanol Daun Belimbing Wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi) sebagai Antioksidan dan Antiinflamasi
Authors: Hasim Hasim , Arifin Yupi Yulianita , Andrianto Dimas , Faridah Didah Nur
Published: August 2019

Belimbing wuluh merupakan tanaman jenis buah dan obat tradisional. Tanaman belimbing wuluh sudah sering dimanfaatkan masyarakat salah satunya untuk mengobati penyakit seperti batuk dan radang rektum. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menguji senyawa fitokimia, menganalisis kandungan total fenolik dan flavonoid, serta aktivitas antioksidan dan antiinflamasi secara in vitro pada ekstrak etanol daun belimbing wuluh. Metode yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini adalah ekstraksi daun belimbing wuluh, skrining fitokimia, perhitungan total fenol dan flavonoid, uji aktivitas antioksidan, dan uji aktivitas antiinflamasi. Senyawa fitokimia yang terkandung pada ekstrak etanol daun belimbing wuluh adalah saponin, tanin, steroid, flavonoid, dan alkaloid. Kandungan total fenolik dan flavonoid ekstrak etanol daun belimbing wuluh secara berturut-turut sebesar 39,03 dan 97,28 µg QE/mg. Ekstrak etanol daun belimbing wuluh memiliki aktivitas antioksidan yang tergolong sangat kuat, sementara aktivitas antiinflamasinya terutama ditunjukkan pada konsentrasi ekstrak 200 µg/ ml, memiliki nilai persen inhibisi hemolisis yang paling tinggi. Kesimpulannya, ekstrak etanol daun belimbing wuluh dapat menjadi salah satu sumber antioksidan dan antiinflamasi alami.Ethanol Extracts of Averrhoa Bilimbi Leaf Demonstrated Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory ActivityAbstractAverrhoa bilimbi, a fruit-bearing plant, has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes such as treatment of cough and rectal inflammation. In this current work, ethanol extract of Averrhoa bilimbi leaf was analyzed, with regard to phytochemical composition, i.e. total phenolic, and flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antiinflammation activity. Extraction of carambola leaves, phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid contens, assay of antioxidant activity, and assay of anti-inflammatory activity were done in this research. As a result, the leaf extract positively contained some phytochemical compounds, i.e. saponin, tannin, steroid, flavonoid, and alkaloid. Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoid of the leaf extract was found at 39.03 and 97.28 µg QE/mg extract, respectively. Additionally, antioxidant activity of the leaf extract was classified as very strong, while its anti-inflammatory feature at extract concentration of 200 µg/ml exhibited the highest inhibition of hemolysis. In summary, the ability of Averrhoa bilimbi leaf ethanol extracts to act as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agents was determined and this may open the use for natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
BIOMETRIA DE FRUTOS E SEMENTES E TRATAMENTOS PRÉ-GERMINATIVOS EM SEMENTES DE Hymenaea courbaril
Authors: Santos Jania Claudia Camilo dos , Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , Costa Renato Nunes , Santos Saymon Acchile , Silva Lennon Kledson dos Santos , Silva José Vieira
Published: August 2019

A caracterização de frutos e sementes de espécies florestais é fundamental para o conhecimento das condições ideais de germinação e seu uso na revegetação de ambientes degradados. Este trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar biometricamente frutos e sementes e definir o método adequado para superação de dormência das sementes de Hymenaea courbaril. Foram mensurados comprimento, largura, espessura e massa de frutos e sementes, sendo posteriormente, as sementes submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos pré-germinativos: sementes sem tratamento (controle); ácido sulfúrico por 10; 20 e 30 minutos; escarificação mecânica; e imersão em água quente a 100 °C até resfriamento. Os dados biométricos foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e distribuição de frequência. Ao longo da germinação foram avaliadas a percentagem, índice de velocidade e tempo médio de germinação. Constatou-se que 15% da biomassa dos frutos foram alocadas para as sementes, 72% na casca e 13% na polpa farinácea. Os métodos pré-germinativos da escarificação química durante 30 minutos e mecânica apresentaram 80% e 93% da germinação, respectivamente. Os frutos e sementes de H. courbaril apresentaram ampla variação biométrica e de biomassa, o que constitui características importantes na germinação das sementes. Entre as classes, a biomassa variou entre 2,90 a 4,34 g. Os tratamentos que apresentaram germinação satisfatória foram ácido sulfúrico e lixa.
Estratégias de comunicação de informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais. uma análise exploratória em portugal
Authors: Faria Maria José Silva
Published: August 2019

Este artigo examina aspectos das estratégias de comunicação da informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais nas empresas portuguesas. As estratégias de comunicação do capital humano e matérias ambientais podem ser múltiplas, a utilização da informação contabilística é mais uma na medida em que é fonte e canal de comunicação social. A informação contabilística comunicada assenta numa perspectiva qualitativa e quantitativa podendo ou não ser usada estrategicamente pela empresa. A utilização estratégica da informação contabilística difere de outras estratégias e formas de comunicação social da informação de capital humano e matérias ambientais vulgarmente comunicadas em rótulo, indicadores, etc.O principal objectivo deste artigo é descrever as formas de comunicação usadas para divulgação da informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais em Portugal, servindo de base à verificação do uso de demonstrações financeiras tradicionais como o balanço, a demonstração dos resultados, o relatório de gestão e outras peças para além das tradicionais. O conhecimento que providencia este artigo deverá permitir perceber a existencia de comunicação de informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais que é produzida e como esta comunicação social pode ser usada estrategicamente em benefício das empresas portuguesas. Dedicou-se sessões separadas para a comunicação de informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais e estratégias de comunicação contabilística. A metodologia adoptada inclui revisão bibliográfica nos periódicos nacionais de maior referência na área e nos últimos congressos de contabilidade realizados em Portugal 2002, 2004 e 2006. Com base na literatura nacional pretende-se examinar o que pensam e sugerem os investigadores nacionais sobre a comunicação de informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais, servindo de exemplo à realidade de outros países com situação económica, social, contabilística e legal semelhante à de Portugal. Conclui-se falta de comunicação da informação relativa a capital humano e matérias ambientais por virtude das demonstrações financeiras tradicionais serem insuficientes ao seu relato, e também por outras dificuldades acrescidas tais como: reconhecimento, mensuração, identificação, classificação, etc. As demonstrações alternativas ou complementares às tradicionais nem sempre tornam pública a comunicação da informação dos elementos humano e ambiental. Em Portugal, a não existência de comunicação de informação contabilística de capital humano e matérias ambientais inviabiliza o planeamento e execução de uma estratégia eficaz de tratamento e comunicação destes elementos.
Los diputados del parlamento gallego en Facebook
Authors: Rúas Araújo José , Dapena González Borja
Published: August 2019

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la presencia y utilización de la red social Facebook por parte de los diputados del Parlamento de Galicia, partiendo de los datos más recientes de audiencias y del repaso de diferentes investigaciones sobre la actividad de los parlamentarios españoles en la red (mails, páginas web, blogs, Facebook y Twitter), y comparando los resultados obtenidos en cada caso.Se trata de una investigación cuantitativa, de carácter exploratorio y longitudinal, a través del rastreo de las cuentas en Facebook de los representantes del Parlamento gallego a lo largo de cinco meses, y del seguimiento diario de la actividad en la red de los diputados, observando las distintas variables y posibilidades ofrecidas en el empleo de esta herramienta por parte de los 75 miembros de la Cámara autonómica que integran el universo de estudio.En concreto, se observaron todas las actualizaciones de estado realizadas, comentarios, enlaces, fotografías y vídeos visibles en el muro de cadaparlamentario, calculando sus medias y ranking de actividad, además de comprobar la lista de amigos, grupos y páginas agregadas o el idioma empleado.Para acceder al Facebook de los diputados gallegos se utilizó la técnica de la simulación, a través de la observación participante, además de la información institucional disponible en la red y los datos complementarios solicitados a los distintos grupos parlamentarios.Los resultados muestran que la evolución en la utilización de Facebook es mayor en la sociedad que en los parlamentarios del Congreso de los Diputados y el Parlamento de Galicia y que, si bien en los representantes gallegos se observa mayor presencia que en los anteriores, la utilización de esta herramienta es muy similar en ambos casos, pues apenas la tercera parte de ellos registran cierta actividad, siendo prácticamente testimonial en la mayoría de los diputados estatales y autonómicos analizados.
A SCALE DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION: A PERCEIVED DIMENSION OF QUALITY EDUCATION
Authors: Paharia Pooja
Published: August 2019

Purpose of the study: A 22 item Likert scale was developed by using Trochim (2000) procedure to measure the academic leader ’ s impact on student satisfaction, which is ultimately considered a factor contributing to quality education. Such an instrument can be used in further empirical researches to understand the role of academic leaders in student satisfaction.

Methodology: Exploratory in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 academicians from the Central University of Rajasthan for item generation, followed by expert testing done by 10 HR experts. Data were collected from 30 students by employing multistage simple random sampling to ensure validity and reliability. SPSS version 21 was used for calculating corrected inter-item to total correlations (CITC) and t values for finalizing items of the questionnaire.

Main Findings: A pool of 25 items was generated at first stage of qualitative interviews with academicians, at the second stage of expert testing 23 items were retained and 2 items were deleted due to low CITC score and t-value. At third stage of pilot testing, 1 item was deleted and 22 items were retained. The instrument for measuring student satisfaction contains was developed containing 22 items.

Applications of this study: This study can be useful in the educational sector for analyzing quality education. It directs further future work by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis on larger sample sizes.

Originality of this study: The instrument is developed purely for measuring the impact of academic leaders rather than any other educational and quality factors filling the research gap, based on academic leaders’ behavior, concern, responses, knowledge and other characteristics having an influence on elevating student satisfaction, which is perceived dimension of quality education.
(Post)Modern Apocrypha as an Epiphany of Sense (on the Basis of Bulgarian Literary Biblical Paraphrases)
Authors: Drzewiecka Ewelina
Published: August 2019

The paper is devoted to the author’s concept of modern apocrypha in the context of the two main tendencies of (Post)modernity: unmasking and paraphrasing. On the basis of the literary paraphrases of the Evangelical story, found in the Bulgarian (Post)Modern literary, there is shown a hermeneutic passage from “apocrypha as a literary mystification” (“literary apocrypha”), i.e. a concept often applied in literary studies, to “apocrypha as an epiphany of sense”, i.e. a concept which can be useful in cultural studies and in history of ideas. It is suggested that in the light of the postsecular thought, being an individual interpretation of the canon, the (Post)Modern apocrypha has a great epiphanic potential, which means that hiding minority truths, it reveals in fact some crucial, and crypto-theological, problems of the present. Drawing the axiological difference between “the unmasking apocrypha” (pseudo-gospel) and “the paraphrasing apocrypha” (epiphany of sense), the author claims that only the last one does actually incarnate Charles Taylor’s ideal of the authentic (and poetic) expression (of will), which helps in establishing an individual sense-making horizon as a positive response to the “heretical imperative” of (Post)Modernity.
The Bohemian Redaction of the Evangelium Nicodemi in Medieval Slavic Vernaculars
Authors: Izydorczyk Zbigniew
Published: August 2019

The Bohemian Redaction of the Evangelium Nicodemi is a hybrid form of the apocryphon, combining elements of Latin traditions A and B. It circulated in central and eastern Europe, and was used as a source for late medieval translations into Byelorussian, Czech, and possibly Polish. The Byelorussian translation closely follows the idiosyncratic Latin text preserved in Gdańsk, Biblioteka Polskiej Akademii Nauk MS Mar. F. 202. The Bohemian Redaction may have also been translated into Polish, but it has left only faint traces in Polish texts. The Czech translation was carried out independently of both Byelorussian and Polish versions; it expands the text on the basis of Latin A and duplicates certain episodes. The Bohemian Redaction continued to be printed in Slavic vernaculars until the end of the nineteenth century.
Selected Elements of Animated Nature Associated with the Birth of Jesus in the Bulgarian Oral Culture and Apocryphal Narratives
Authors: Krzeszewska Karolina , Gucio Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

The article attempts to extract textual and extratextual planes on which representatives of fauna made their mark in the folklore of the South Slavs, mainly Bulgarians; in their oral literature, rituals, and beliefs, juxtaposed with selected Apocrypha, primarily from the Protoevangelium of James, confronted with the Scripture. The analysed texts (legends, folk tales, ritual songs performed during Christmas) relate to the birth of Christ in Bethlehem and placing him in a manger – the events of Night of Bethlehem and the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. The excerpted texts of fairy tales and legends marginalise the theme of the Divine Birth, focusing on the figure of the Mother of God and her actions: meeting with St. Tryphon, rejecting the child, receiving lessons on motherhood from the frog, escaping with the Child to Egypt. The birth of Jesus is used as an excuse to tell a story of an etiological character (theme cursing animal or plant), often based on ritual custom and referring to it, such as clipping vines. Just as in the case of fairy tales and legends, folk song uses the birth of Jesus to explain the genesis of some of the characteristics and phenomena of nature. Presentation of animals in ritual songs occasionally refers to the economic sphere (the shepherds slept, and their flock wandered away), while wild animals are the object of punishment or reward. The Apocrypha known among the South Slavs mention animals in situations encountered also in the Bulgarian oral literature – the cosmic silence when fauna and flora freezes in anticipation of the birth of the Young God. The quoted texts of the Bulgarian oral culture referring to the theme of the Nativity of the Lord, the Gospel inspiration or even interaction with the apocryphal text fades into the background. The content of the stories and folk songs seems to be primordial in relation to the processed content of the Gospel; biblical characters and situations are introduced to oral stories already in circulation, creating texts that are testament of the so-called folk Christianity.
LOS HERMOSOS TONOS ROJIZOS DE LOS ATARDECERES
Authors: Gama Campillo Lilia María , Moguel Ordóñez Eduardo Javier
Published: August 2019

Las tonalidades rojo-naranja, que observamos en el cielo al alba o en el ocaso, son fenómenos que de forma natural se presentan en la atmósfera y que las culturas ancestrales han podido asociar con mucho éxito a la ocurrencia de otros fenómenos meteorológicos. En la actualidad toda persona que disfruta al alba u ocaso de este fenómeno óptico, puede explicárselo conociendo un poco la composición de la atmósfera y los fenómenos de dispersión de Rayleigh y Efecto o Difusión de Mie Scatter. Sin embargo, dada la creciente actividad productiva del hombre y las emisiones a la atmósfera, es importante reconocer que los gases y partículas emitidas pueden modificar las propiedades ópticas del aire, originando o intensificando los tonos rojizos al amanecer o atardecer, e incluso obstruir casi por completo el paso de la luz solar y solo veríamos colores grisáceos en el cielo.

Palabras clave: Contaminación; Dispersión de Rayleigh; Difusión de Mie; espectro visible.
Keywords: Pollution; Rayleigh scattering; Mie scattering; Visible spectrum.
Ekspresi Partai Politik Anggota Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur
Authors: Buluamang Yohanes Museng Ola
Published: August 2019

In realizing the role of political parties, legislative members had been faced with a battle of political discourse in the courtroom. The purpose of this study is to explore the political communication performance of legislators in the NTT provincial legislature in expressing party ideology. The research method that used is qualitative approach. The results shows that the expression of political party ideology verbally and nonverbally was carried out in accordance with the context and function of political communication politics, leading to the management of audience impressions that display positive emotions, politeness, and impression management and facework strategies. Besides that, the expression of the ideology of political parties by DPRD members is carried out in the form of political lobbying, political negotiations and political rhetoric which presents three political stages as a space for communication. The three forms of political communication have different political agendas communicated among DPRD members, between DPRD members and the government so that the context of political communication often experience message distortions and message inconsistencies which have implications for the quality of communication performance of DPRD members.
Membrane theory of the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension: What do we know about this, half a century later?
Authors: Orlov S. N.
Published: August 2019

The review summarizes the history of the discovery in the mid-70s of the impaired ion transport across the plasma membrane of cells during primary arterial hypertension. A half-century’s history of studies on the molecular nature of the ionic transporters underlying these disorders and the mechanisms mediated by them leading to the development of hypertension and complications caused by a long-term increase in blood pressure is analyzed.
The Response of Remittances Inflows to Asymmetric Oil Price Shocks in Egypt
Authors: Zahran Mohamed Samir
Published: August 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyse the dynamic relationship between remittances inflows of Egyptians working abroad and asymmetric oil price shocks. Design: This study uses a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to explain the impulse response functions (IRFs) and the forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD). The rationale behind using these tools is its ability to examine the dynamic effects of our variables of interest. Findings: The impulse response functions confirmed that remittance inflows have various responses to asymmetric oil price shocks. For instance, inflowing remittances increase in response to positive oil price shocks, while it decreases in response to negative oil price shocks. Also, the results indicate that the responses are significant in the short and medium-run and insignificant in the long run. The magnitude of these responses reaches its peak or trough in the third year. Further, the variance decomposition reveals that oil price decreases are more influential than oil price increases. Originality: This means that remittances inflows in Egypt are pro-cyclical with oil price shocks. That explained by the fact that more than one-half of those remittances sent from GCC countries where real economic growth is very pro-cyclical with the oil prices. This empirical assessment will help policymakers to determine the behaviour of remittances and highlights the impact of different kinds of oil prices shocks on remittances. Unlike the little existing literature, this study is the first study applied the VAR model using a novel dataset spanning 1960-2016.
QTLs identified for Biofortification Traits in Wheat: A Review
Authors: Devi Pooja , Kaushik Prashant , Saini Dinesh Kumar
Published: August 2019

Wheat is the essential constituent of cereal-based diets and one of the most significant sources of calories. However, there is an inherently low bioavailability of proteins, mineral, and vitamins in modern wheat grains. Biofortification has earned recognition as an outstanding approach, at the same time as a cure for world hunger. The developments in the identifications of quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and understanding of the physiological and molecular basis of QTLs controlling the biofortification traits in wheat has revealed new horizons for the improvement of modern wheat varieties. Within this review, we have compiled the information from the studies carried out in wheat using QTL mapping methodologies that is among the best methods for biofortification traits. We hope this review will serve as an essential reference for the QTLs identified for the several important biofortification traits in wheat.
Schizophrenia Phenomenology Comprises a Bifactorial General Severity and a Single-group Factor, Which Are Differently Associated with Neurotoxic Immune and Immune-regulatory Pathways
Authors: Maes Michael , Vojdani Aristo , Geffard Michel , Moreira Estefania , Sabbatini Barbosa Decio , Michelin Ana Paula , de Oliveira Semeão Laura , Sirivichayakul Sunee , Kanchanatawan Buranee
Published: August 2019

In schizophrenia, a single latent trait underlies psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, negative (PHEMN) symptoms, formal thought disorders (FTD) and psychomotor retardation (PMR). Schizophrenia is accompanied by a breakdown of gut and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) pathways, increased tryptophan catabolite (TRYCAT) levels, bacterial translocation, and lowered natural IgM and paraoxonase (PON)1 activity. The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of schizophrenia symptom domains and the biomarker correlates of these factors. We recruited 80 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy subjects and assessed the IgA/IgM responses to paracellular/transcellular (PARA/TRANS) ratios, IgA responses to TRYCATs, natural IgM to malondialdehyde and Gram-negative bacteria, and PON1 enzymatic activity.Direct Hierarchical Exploratory Factor Analysis showed a bifactorial oblique model with a) a general factor which loaded highly on all symptom domains, named overall severity of schizophrenia (“OSOS”); and b) a single-group factor (SGF) loading on negative symptoms and PMR. We found that 40% of the variance in the OSOS score was explained by IgA/IgM to PARA/TRANS ratio, male sex and education while 36.9% of the variance in SGF score was explained by IgA to PARA/TRANS, IgM to Gram-negative bacteria, female sex (positively associated) and IgM to MDA, and PON1 activity (negatively associated). Schizophrenia phenomenology comprises two biologically-validated dimensions, namely a general OSOS dimension and a single-group negative symptom dimension, which are associated with a breakdown of gut/BBB barriers, increased bacterial translocation and lowered protection against oxidation, inflammation and bacterial infections through lowered PON1 and natural IgM.
Studying Grain Boundary Strengthening by Dislocation-Based Strain Gradient Crystal Plasticity Coupled with a Multi-Phase-Field Model
Authors: Amin Waseem , Ali Muhammad Adil , Vajragupta Napat , Hartmaier Alexander
Published: August 2019

One ambitious objective of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) is to shorten the materials development cycle by using computational materials simulation techniques at different length scales. In this regard, the most important aspects are the prediction of the microstructural evolution during material processing and the understanding of the contributions of microstructural features to the mechanical response of the materials. One possible solution to such a challenge is to apply the Phase Field (PF) method because it can predict the microstructural evolution under the influence of different internal or external stimuli, including deformation. To accomplish this, it is necessary to take into account plasticity or, specifically, non-homogeneous plastic deformation, which is particularly important for investigating the size effects in materials emerging at the micron length scale. In this work, we present quasi-2D simulations of plastic deformation in a face centred cubic system in a finite strain formulation. Our model consists of dislocation-based strain gradient crystal plasticity implemented into a PF code. We apply this model to study the influence of grain size on the mechanical behavior of polycrystals, which includes dislocation storage and annihilation. Furthermore, the initial state of the material before deformation is also considered. The results show that a dislocation-based strain gradient crystal plasticity model can capture the Hall-Petch effect in many aspects. The model reproduced the correct functional dependence of the flow stress of the polycrystal on grain size without assigning any special properties to the grain boundaries. However, the predicted Hall-Petch coefficients are significantly smaller than those found typically in experiments. In any case, we found a good qualitative agreement between our findings and experimental results.
A NEW ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE TO GRAPHICALLY CHARACTERIZE THE TAPHONOMIC PROPERTIES OF SKELETAL CARBONATES. AN EXAMPLE FROM MIOCENE LIMESTONES OF NEW ZEALAND
Authors: CARON VINCENT , BAILLEUL JULIEN , CHANIER FRANK , MAHIEUX GEOFFROY , JOANNY FRANÇOIS-XAVIER
Published: August 2019

A new graphical representation of the taphonomy of skeletal carbonates observed at the thin-section scale is proposed, demonstrating their utility in drawing information about the effects of early sea-floor processes on the post-mortem fate of fossil hard parts. The graphical representations consist of two-axis diagrams, which integrate the degree of fragmentation, abrasion, bioerosion, and encrustation as primary descriptors of the average state of fossil remains in a Miocene limestone section from southeastern North Island of New Zealand. Numerical values are expressed as percentages that represent the contribution of each factor to alteration (i.e., the four factors represent up to 25% each of the total alteration), the sum of values quantifying the amount of departure from pristine condition. Data are plotted in a cumulative form that reflects synergistic action of sea-floor processes towards hard parts destruction. One important virtue of this graphical representation is that the nature, degree, and variability of taphonomic alteration can be visualized and compared in a single diagram for several grain categories within a sample, and between samples. The proposed scheme is particularly flexible because more than four taphonomic categories can be integrated, independently from the number of alteration classes specific to each category, provided conversion of scores obtained in each taphonomic categories into percentages.

Compiled results of such taphonomic analyses could be used in the future to identify specific depositional conditions, such as hydraulic regime, transportation, and residence time on the sea floor (a potential proxy to net accumulation rates).
The effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Xu Xiao , Pi Haichen , Yang Zhikai , Johnson David W , Dong Jie
Published: August 2019

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be closely associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of conducting a large, powered randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of PD-related peritonitis in patients who have already experienced an episode of peritonitis.
Methods: This prospective, open-label randomized controlled pilot trial with blinded end-points (PROBE) aims to determine the feasibility of oral vitamin D supplementation and to explore its effects on the risk of subsequent PD-related peritonitis among PD patients who have recovered from a recent episode of peritonitis. Eligible patients will be randomized 1:1 to either oral vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU per day; intervention group) or no vitamin D supplementation (control group) in addition to usual care according to International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) Guidelines. The sample size will be 30 for both groups. All participants will be followed for 12 months. The primary outcome is the assessment of feasibility (recruitment success, retention, adherence, safety) and fidelity (change in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level during follow-up) for a large, powered randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of vitamin D on the risk of PD-related peritonitis in the future. Secondary outcomes include time to peritonitis occurrence, recovery of peritonitis, peritonitis-related transition to hemodialysis, and peritonitis-related death (defined as death within 30 days of peritonitis onset).
Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trail investigating the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of subsequent PD-related peritonitis among patients on PD. The findings for this pilot study will determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale randomized controlled trail, which may provide a new strategy for preventing PD-related peritonitis among PD patients.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrails.gov, NCT03264625, registered on 29 August 2017. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03264625?term=NCT 03264625&rank=1, assessed on 1 July 2019.
Comparing the effectiveness of magnesium oxide and naldemedine in preventing opioid-induced constipation: A proof of concept, single institutional, two arm, open-label, phase II, randomized controlled trial: the MAGNET study
Authors: Ozaki Anna , Kessoku Takaomi , Iwaki Michihiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Yoshihara Tsutomu , Kato Takayuki , Honda Yasushi , Ogawa Yuji , Imajo Kento , Higurashi Takuma , Yoneda Masato , Taguri Masataka , Yamanaka Takeharu , Ishiki Hiroto , Saito Satoru , Ichikawa Yasushi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Background: Patients taking opioids are known to develop opioid-induced constipation (OIC), which reduces their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to compare magnesium oxide and naldemedine to determine which is more effective in preventing OIC.
Methods: This is a proof of concept, prospective, randomized controlled trial, conducted in Japan in March 2018. Initially, a questionnaire survey will be carried out targeting adult cancer patients who had concomitantly commenced opioid and OIC prevention treatment. Patients will then be randomly allocated into a magnesium oxide (500 mg, tid) group or a naldemedine (0.2 mg, sid) group. Each drug will be orally administrated for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint is defined as any improvement in the Japanese version of Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (JPAC-QOL) scores from the baseline to 2 weeks of treatment.
Discussion: The primary endpoint is changes in the JPAC-QOL scores from the baseline to 2 weeks of intervention. The key secondary endpoint will be changes in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) at 2 and 12 weeks of intervention. This study will determine whether magnesium oxide or naldemedine is more effective for the prevention of OIC.Trial registration: This trial is registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031891). Registered 25 March 2018, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000036408.
Ambivalence among women who gave birth after receiving a negative result on non-invasive prenatal testing: a qualitative study
Authors: Yotsumoto Junko , Sekizawa Akihiko , Inoue Satomi , Suzumori Nobuhiro , Samura Osamu , Yamada Takahiro , Miura Kiyonori , Masuzaki Hideaki , Sawai Hideaki , Murotsuki Jun , Hamanoue Haruka , Kamei Yoshimasa , Endo Toshiaki , Fukushima Akimune , Katagiri Yukiko , Takeshita Naoki , Ogawa Masaki , Okamoto Yoko , Tairaku Shinya , Kaji Takashi , Maeda Kazuhisa , Nishizawa Haruki , Matsubara Keiichi , Ogawa Masanobu , Osada Hisao , Ohba Takashi , Kawano Yukie , Sasaki Aiko , Sago Haruhiko
Published: August 2019

Background
This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting ambivalent feelings among women who gave birth after having received negative results on non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT).
Methods
A questionnaire was sent to women who received a negative NIPT result, and a contents analysis was conducted for those 1562 women who responded to the open-ended question. The contents of these qualitative data were analyzed using the N-Vivo software package.
Results
Environmental factors, genetic counseling-related factors, and increased anticipatory anxiety affected the feeling of ambivalence among pregnant women. Furthermore, pregnant women desired more information regarding the detailed prognosis for individuals with Down syndrome and living with them and/or abortion, assuming the possibility that they were positive.
Conclusions
Three major interrelated factors affected the feeling of ambivalence in women.　Highlighting and discussing such factors during the genetic counseling may resolve some of these ambivalences, thereby enhancing the quality of decisions made by pregnant women.
The association between symptoms of depression during pregnancy and low birth weight:a prospective study
Authors: Li Xiu xiu , Gao Rui , Dai Xiaowei , Liu Hong , Zhang Jinxin , Liu Xuemei , Si Dongmei , Deng Te , Xia Wei
Published: August 2019

BackgroundTo identify whether prenatal depression is a risk factor of low birth weight (LBW) in a Chinese population.Methods1377 singleton pregnant women were recruited from Nanshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen in this prospective cohort study. Depression scales were assessed by the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) questionnaire in the second trimester of gestation; cut-points for the indication of prenatal depression were ≥12 scores in this study. Sociodemographic data, life-style and pregnancy outcomes were collected through Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare database. The risks of adverse outcomes in patients with depression were determined by multivariate logistic regression and represented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf 1377 subjects, the prevalence of prenatal depression was 19.1%. The EPDS scores were 14.7±7.8and6.5±2.9 (P<0.001) in subjects with and without prenatal depression, respectively. After adjustment for maternal age, education, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), residential area, passive smoking conditions,fetal gender and other confounders, an EPDS score≥12 (versus. <12) was associated withanincreased risk for LBW (odds ratio: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12-4.64).ConclusionPregnant women presenting antenatal depressive symptoms are at elevated risk of low birth weight.
Association between maternal sleep duration and quality and the risk of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: wang ling , Jin Feng
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: The association between sleep duration and quality and the risk of preterm birth remains controversial.
Methods: Relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to the end of September 2018 and the reference lists of the retrieved articles were reviewed. Random effects models were applied to estimate summarized relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: Ten identified studies (nine cohort studies and one case-controlled study) examined the associations between sleep duration and quality and the risk of preterm birth. Compared with women with the shortest sleep duration, the summary RRs were 0.76 (95% CI = 0.64–0.89) for women with the longest sleep duration, without between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Additionally, as compared with women with good sleep quality, the summary RRs were 1.54 (95% CI = 1.18–2.01) for women with poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5), with high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 76.7%). The results of stratified analysis by trimester, geographical location, study design, type of preterm birth, and adjustment for potential confounders were comparable to those of the main meta-analysis. Funnel plots as well as the Egger’s and Begg’s tests showed no evidence of publication bias.
Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
Evaluationof Integrated Modular Teaching in Chinese Ophthalmology Trainee Courses
Authors: Xin Wei , Zou Yuxian , Ao Yong , Cai Yu , Huang Zheqian , Li Miaoling , Xu Chaochao , Jia Yu , Yang Ying , Yang Yangfan , Lin Haotian
Published: August 2019

Background: Before receiving ophthalmology trainee courses in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, the medical students of Sun Yat-sen University had finished two years of premedical education, following thesix years of medical courses including basic medical course, clinical medical courses, clerkship, and research training in medical school. Integrated modular teaching using different problem-based teaching methods in Ophthalmology was designed bythe teaching steering committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction scales of the integrated modular teaching among the trainee students. Methods: A total of 100 medical students who was receiving ophthalmology trainee courses in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre were enrolled, which were randomly allocated to 4 groups according to teaching arrangement, each of which contained 6 small groups.The trainee courses included several sections and multiple methods, such as "flipped classroom"section and team-based learning section. The pre-class test and post-class test were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated modular teaching, and participants satisfaction survey questionnaire was collected to investigate the satisfaction among the participants.Results: Comparing with the first-day-test scores, the last-day-test score was significantly improved in total (t=3.288, P=0.001) in a pair t test. There was no significant difference of the last-day-test scores (F=1.163, P=0.328) in an ANOVA test among the four groups, even when the final grade of ophthalmology before entering the trainee courses was significantly different, and a significant difference of the first-day-test scores was found (F=7.614, P=0.000) among the four groups. Since the pre-class knowledge of ophthalmology could be evaluated by the final grade of ophthalmology before entering the trainee courses and the first-day-test scores, these results just showed us that the integrated modular teaching using in trainee courseswas effective and useful. There were 19 students who had an outstanding improvement with ranking ahead of more than 10 in all the participants in the last-day-test, which did not have higher average scores for daily performance than other students (t=0.469, P=0.654). According to the participant satisfaction questionnaires, these innovative teaching methods were considered effective and popular.Conclusions:Integrated modular teaching was effective and popular to the medical college students in ophthalmology trainee courses.
MRI-based Radiomics of Rectal Cancer: Preoperative Assessment of the Pathological Features
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Shen Fu , Jia Yan , Xia Yuwei , Li Qihua , Lu Jianping
Published: August 2019

[EXSCINDED]
Abstract

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the significance of MRI-based radiomics model derived from high-resolution T2-weighted images (T2WIs) in predicting tumor pathological features of rectal cancer.Methods

A total of 152 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery without any neoadjuvant therapy between March 2017 and September 2018 were included retrospectively. The patients were scanned using a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging, and high-resolution T2WIs were obtained. Lesions were delineated, and 1029 radiomics features were extracted. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to select features, and multilayer perceptron (MLP), logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, random forest (RF), and K-nearest neighbor were trained using fivefold cross-validation to build a prediction model. The diagnostic performance of the prediction models was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curves.Results

A total of 1029 features were extracted, and 15, 11, and 11 features were selected to predict the degree of differentiation, T stage, and N stage, respectively. The best performance of the radiomics model for the degree of differentiation, T stage, and N stage was obtained by SVM [area under the curve (AUC), 0.862; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.750–0.967; sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 85.0%], MLP (AUC, 0.809; 95% CI, 0.690–0.905; sensitivity, 76.2%; specificity, 74.1%), and RF (AUC, 0.809; 95% CI, 0.690–0.905; sensitivity, 76.2%; specificity, 74.1%).Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the high-resolution T2WI–based radiomics model could serve as pretreatment biomarkers in predicting pathological features of rectal cancer.
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision and Sexual Practices among Sexually Active Circumcised Men in Mzuzu, Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chatsika Zimveka Jones , Kumitawa Andrew , Samuel Vincent , Azizi Steven Chifundo , Jumbe Vincent C
Published: August 2019

Background

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is one of the strategies being promoted to prevent sexual heterosexual transmission of HIV. It has been adopted by 14 countries with high HIV prevalence and low circumcision rates. The 60% protective efficacy of VMMC has come with misconceptions in some societies in Malawi, hence VMMC clients may opt for risky sexual practices owing to its perceived protective effect. The study estimated proportion of circumcised men engaging in risky sexual behaviors post-VMMC, assessed knowledge on VMMC protective effect and identified socio-demographic factors associated with risky sexual practices.

Method

A cross sectional study was conducted at two sites of Mzuzu city. Systematic random sampling was used to select 322 clients aged 18-49 who had undergone VMMC. The independent variables included age, location, occupation, religion, marital status and education. Outcome variables were non condom use, having multiple sexual partners and engaging in transactional sex. Data from questionnaires was analyzed using Pearson’s chi square test and logistic regression.

Results

Out of 322 respondents, 84.8% (273) understood the partial protection offered by VMMC in HIV prevention. Ninety-six percent of the participants self-reported continued use of condoms post VMMC. Overall 23.7% - 38.3% clients self-reported engaging in risky sexual practices post VMMC, 23.7% (76) had more than one sexual partner; 29.2% (94) paid for sex while 39.9% (n=187) did not use a condom. Residing in high density areas was associated with non-condom use, (p = 0.043). Being single (p <0.0001), and residing in low density areas (p = 0.004) was associated with engaging in transactional sex.

Conclusion

Risky sexual practices are evident among clients that have undergone VMMC. Messages on safer sexual practices and limitations of VMMC need to be emphasized to clients, especially unmarried or single and those residing in low density areas.
Extent of misuse and dependence of codeine-containing products among medical and pharmacy students in a Nigerian University
Authors: Akande-Sholabi Wuraola , Adisa Rasaq , Ilesanmi Olayinka S , Bello Ayomide Esther
Published: August 2019

Background

Misuse and dependency of opioids especially codeine-containing products is of increasing global concern. Inappropriate use of opioids among healthcare students could affect quality of service and ethical conducts of these future professionals, thereby putting the society at risk.

Objectives

To evaluate knowledge and perception of medical and pharmacy students in a Nigerian tertiary University on use of opioids with focus on codeine-containing products.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey among 335-medical and 185-pharmacy students from University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between September and December 2018, using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results

Codeine-containing cough syrup was the most commonly used opioid-products (163;31.3%) among the students. Majority (469;90.2%) had good perception about codeine-containing products, while 319(61.3%) had poor knowledge of opioids usage. Logistic-regression shows that students who experienced some side-effects they would like to experience again, 36.31[AOR=36.31, 95% CI: (10.89-121.12)] and those pressured into using codeine-containing products, 11.77[AOR=11.77, CI=95% (2.50-55.38)] had more tendency of misuse.

Conclusion

Misuse of codeine-containing products among medical and pharmacy students is obvious. Peer-influence and experience of some effects are significant predictors of misuse among the students. Thus, healthcare curriculum should incorporate preventive program on medication misuse, while policy that favours peer-support program on medication misuse is advocated for healthcare students.