bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modern state of learning outcomes assessment (the case of geologist education)
Authors: Kuzko Marianna
Published: February 2021

Assessment is an important element of educational process. It evaluates the level of student preparation as well as influences its quality. The article focuses on methods of learning outcomes’ assessment. It is based on the results of the future geologists` curricula and syllabus analysis, observation of educational process, and the survey conducted among future geologists. The study shows the imperfection of the current summative assessment of future geologists and reveals the main reasons for competencies assessment` inefficiency. The list of the most common task types that are usually being used by educators for the learning outcomes assessment of future geologists is composed; and frequency rate of their use and the students’ attitude towards them is identified. Some explanations about students` bias toward the most popular (among educators) assessment methods are provided. The article proposes an assessment procedure suitable for vocational training of future geologists, starting from the assessment methods selection and up to educator`s feedback.

The above assessment procedure could be useful not only for students of geology, but other fields as well. Considering the levels of information assimilation, the scale of conformity of assessment methods (tests, assignments) to the information assimilation levels has been developed and the list of tasks allowing to assess learning outcomes of geology students properly formulated. The concept of combining modern and more traditional assessment methods has been proposed.
Healthcare risk management during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic in the European Union: The guaranteed access to medicines
Authors: Enríquez-Fernández Silvia , del Castillo-Rodríguez Carlos
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: The disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread escalating the situation to an international pandemic. The absence of a vaccine or an efficient treatment with enough scientific evidence against the virus has generated a healthcare crisis of great magnitude. The precautionary principle justifies the selection of the recommended medicines, whose demand has increased dramatically. METHODS: we carried out an analysis of the healthcare risk management and the main measures taken by the state healthcare authorities to a possible shortage of medicines in the most affected countries of the European Union: Spain, France, Italy and Germany. RESULTS: the healthcare risk management in the European Union countries is carried out based on the precautionary principle, as we do not have enough scientific evidence to recommend a specific treatment against the new virus. Some measures aimed to guarantee the access to medicines for the population has been adopted in the most affected countries by the novel coronavirus. CONCLUSIONS: in Spain, Italy and Germany, some rules based on the precautionary principle were pronounced in order to guarantee the supply of medicines, while in France, besides that, the competences of pharmacists in pharmacy offices have been extended to guarantee the access to medicines for the population.
Governo eletrônico: Um levantamento das iniciativas de e-GOV em municípios da Região Metropolitana de Manaus
Authors: Coelho José Ilcleson Mendes , Oliveira Júnior Nilson José de , Lima Orlem Pinheiro de , Araújo Paulo César Diniz de , Maduro Márcia Ribeiro , Souza Andréa Lanza Cordeiro de , Zogahib André Luiz Nunes , Santiago Sandro Breval , Araújo Elias Moraes de
Published: February 2021

A aplicação de tecnologias da informação e comunicação pelos governos ficou conhecida como Governo Eletrônico, constituindo-se numa alavanca de modernização que proporciona um salto de qualidade na gestão pública diante do imperativo de prestar mais e melhores serviços a uma sociedade mais atenta e exigente. Os municípios são responsáveis por atender demandas locais e podem se apropriar das TICs em benefício de sua administração e de seus habitantes. Este trabalho objetivou levantar as iniciativas de governo eletrônico em Municípios da região metropolitana de Manaus, com base numa pesquisa exploratória e descritiva de natureza quali-quantitativa que utilizou procedimentos documentais e bibliográficos para apresentar o histórico, potencialidades e barreiras à aplicação de TICs pelos governos na prestação de serviços e informações à sociedade, sendo esses os objetivos específicos deste estudo. Manaus, capital do Amazonas, foi excluída, tendo em vista as evidentes diferenças relacionadas à infraestrutura, quantidade e qualidade dos serviços e volume de recursos de que dispõe. A principal fonte de dados foi a Pesquisa Nacional de Informações Básicas Municipais, realizada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e que investigou, em 2014, o uso e a disponibilidade de TIC pelos governos Municipais em temas como comunicação, acesso à informação e disponibilidade de serviços. Dados do Censo Demográfico 2010, do Produto Interno Bruto e Estimativa Populacional 2014, e do Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano, serviram para uma breve caracterização da população e economia dos Municípios. Foram realizados, ainda, entrevista semiestruturada sobre O Portal da Transparência dos Municípios e o Diário Oficial Eletrônico e consultas às páginas das Prefeituras na Internet. Os resultados demonstram a carência de infraestrutura de TICs nos Municípios pesquisados e que suas páginas na Internet são utilizadas para a prestação de informações, visando atender obrigações legais, em detrimento da oferta de serviços que, quando existente, limita-se aos serviços sem complexidade.
Papel da Gestão Pública e a qualidade no transporte coletivo
Authors: Sousa Júnior Antônio Ressa Rodrigues de , Lima Orlem Pinheiro de , Silva Meiryjane Moura da , Araújo Paulo César Diniz de , Maduro Márcia Ribeiro , Souza Andréa Lanza Cordeiro de , Oliveira Nilson José de , Santiago Sandro Breval
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a Gestão Pública e a qualidade no transporte coletivo, que é considerada uma das formas de locomoção mais usadas no Brasil, porém, não basta apenas oferecer o serviço, este precisa ser prestado com qualidade, mas essa não é a realidade de muitos estados da federação. Diante disso, pretende-se realizar uma pesquisa bibliográfica, baseada em livros, artigos, monografias, teses, dissertações indexados nas bases de dados Scielo e Google acadêmico, abrangendo um recorte temporal, de 2009 a 2019. Os resultados mostraram que a Gestão Pública precisa ser planejada para que a qualidade dos serviços públicos, como a oferta de transporte coletivo, para a população em geral seja satisfatória, ou seja, com ônibus novos, com acessibilidade, pois sabe-se que as pessoas com necessidades especiais são amparados legalmente pela CF de 1988, bem como pela Lei da Inclusão, atentando-se ao conforto e comodidade, bem como ao custo da tarifa. Diante dos resultados apresentados nas publicações selecionadas, em que as pesquisas foram realizadas no Distrito Federal, Natal e Bahia, evidenciou-se a insatisfação dos usuários pelos serviços prestados pelas empresas terceirizadas, pois o sucateamento dos ônibus, além das altas tarifas não, fiscalizadas pela contratante, no caso, as prefeituras. Serão apresentados alguns dados da capital amazonense que mostram a precariedade do serviço por causa da má gestão, e, com isso, interfere-se no tempo e distâncias das pessoas para chegarem em determinados locais.
Obtaining Dynamic Parameters by Using Ambient Vibration Recordings on Model of The Steel Arch Bridge
Authors: Kasimzade Azer A. , Tuhta Sertaç , Günday Furkan , Aydın Hakan
Published: February 2021

Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) is a one of the most popular method to extract the dynamic characteristics from ambient vibration response signals. In this study, the dynamic characteristics of a model of steel arch bridge with a bolt connection constructed in a 6.10 m span and 1.88 m height laboratory were determined by finite element method and operational modal analysis methods. Firstly, finite element model was created in SAP2000 software of model steel system and dynamic characteristic were obtained numerically. Then, accelerometers were placed where the displacements are high on points of the system and dynamic characteristics were determined by operational modal analysis method. The aim of this study is to obtain the dynamic parameters (frequency, damping ratio, mode shapes) of the model of the steel arch bridge accurately and reliably by operational modal analysis method by making use of ambient vibrations in the laboratory conditions. For this purpose, analytical analysis of the model of the steel arch bridge with finite element method and the dynamic parameters obtained as a result of the operational modal analysis of the model steel arch bridge were compared. Also, the modal assurance criterion (MAC) was used. Good compatibility was recognized between the results obtained for experimental and numerical procedures in terms of both the natural frequency and the mode of vibration. At the end of this study, reasonable correlation is obtained between mode shapes, frequencies and damping ratios. Analytical and Operational modal frequencies differences between 0.139 %–7.170 %.
Atividade do extrato hidroetanólico das folhas de Raphanus Sativus em glândulas submandibulares de ratos com diabetes mellitus
Authors: Miranda Filho Aluísio Eustáquio de Freitas , Silva Amanda Basílio , Apolicauto Érica , Lopes Gabriela Dias Siqueira , Rodrigues Pamela Rafaela , Neves Thamiris Vilas Boas , Veloso Roberta Bessa , Garcia José Antônio Dias , Salles Bruno Cesar Correia , Reis Luis Felipe Cunha dos , Santos Gérsika Bitencourt
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma doença identificada pelo elevado nível de glicose no sangue que é resultante de um defeito na secreção de insulina. Indivíduos com diabetes descontrolada apresentam alterações importantes na cavidade oral como a periodontite e hipossalivação, tornando mais predisposto à cáries, xerostomia, além de afetar a imunidade e aumentar a susceptibilidade à infecções. Neste estudo, avaliou-se a atividade do extrato hidroetanólico de Raphanus sativus (rabanete) na diminuição do estresse oxidativo em ratos wistar machos induzidos a diabetes através de Aloxano (120 mg/kg) e tratados em um período de 90 dias com o extrato hidroetanólico de Raphanus Sativus diariamente por gavagem, na concentração de 300 mg/kg/dia.   O extrato testado apresentou resultados positivos, atuando na diminuição do estresse oxidativo, reduzindo a lipoperoxidação (MDA) e oxidação proteica nas glândulas submandibulares dos ratos com diabetes. O extrato hidroetanólico de Raphanus sativus possui propriedades antioxidantes capazes de reverter os danos causados pelo extressse oxidativo. Os resultados deste trabalho mostram que o extrato de Raphanus sativus pode ser tornar uma opção terapêutica para o controle dos danos da DM que envolvam a cavidade bucal.
The Nexus of Human Resource Management and Productive Performance of Staff at Arak Petrochemical Complex
Authors: Farahani Mohammad Reza , Heydary Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The presence of human resource management (HRM) with its strategic role including critical responsibility and responsiveness required superior strategic knowledge and profound comprehension of the field. In this study the relation between the HRM and employees performance productivity is being investigated. The methodology of collecting data, here, is descriptive and survey-based. The statistical society of this research includes all levels of employment, including managerial and labour positions made up of 4100 personnel from which 370 people were chosen as sample using Cochran technique. Regarding inferential statistics the Pearson correlation coefficient was validated for the assumptions considered. The terms containing each of organization strategies, human resource capabilities and human resource strategies made a sum of 68% of performance variance.
Az IBD sebészete
Authors: Lestár Béla
Published: February 2021

Az egyre hatékonyabb gasztroenterológiai gyógyszeres kezelés, biológiai szerek széles körben történő elterjedése ellenére a sebészeti beavatkozások továbbra is nélkülözhetetlen terápiás eszközök maradnak a gyulladásos bélbetegség kezelésében. A javuló gyógyszeres kezelés hatására a colitis ulcerosa miatt végzett műtétek száma csökkent, addig a Crohn-betegségnél ezt nem lehet elmondani. Colitis ulcerosa sikeres műtéte teljes „gyógyulást” tud elérni, addig ez Crohn-betegségben nem igaz. Colitis ulcerosa esetén a totál proctocolectomia, perinealis ilealis rezervoár- (pouch) képzés, ileoanalis anastomosissal az analis kontinencia megfelelő szinten megőrizhető. Crohn-betegségnél vékonybél-érintettség esetén ún. „takarékos” technikák, stricturaplasztikák, szűk reszekciók lettek jellemzőek. Vastagbél Crohn esetén szabadabb reszekciós elvek érvényesülnek, de a rectum megkímélését szem előtt kell tartani, gondolva arra, hogy ileorectalis anastomosis készítésére is esély maradjon. Analis elváltozások kezelésében szintén mértéktartó sebészi elvek érvényesülnek. Szétesett, funkcióját vesztett analis csatorna esetén azonban végleges stoma a választandó eljárás.
Széklettranszplantáció hatékonysága és feltételezhető hatásmechanizmusai
Authors: Péterfi Zoltán , Vincze Áron
Published: February 2021

A széklet gyógyításra való felhasználása nem új keletű dolog. Már a negyedik században a kínaiak alkalmazták a „sárga levest” elhúzódó hasmenéses kórképek kezelésére. Állatgyógyászatban csaknem rutinszerűen alkalmazott beavatkozás. A humán gyógyászatban az elmúlt 10 évben a világjárvány kialakulásáért és a magas egészségügyi kiadásokért felelős refrakter Clostridioides difficile-fertőzések alternatív, hatékony kezelési lehetőségeként vált ismertté. Azóta számos krónikus betegség kezelésére alkalmazták és bizonyította hatékonyságát. A széklet komplex összetétele miatt az egyes betegségekben jótékony hatást kiváltó alkotórészek nem pontosan ismertek. Közleményünkben röviden összefoglaljuk jelen ismereteinket a transzplantáció alkalmazási módjairól, indikációkról, illetve a transzplantációt követő mikrobiális és anyagcsere-változásokról.
АНАЛІЗ КРИТЕРІЇВ ОЦІНКИ ФАСАДНИХ КОНСТРУКТИВНИХ СИСТЕМ ЗІ ШТУКАТУРНИМ ШАРОМ
Authors: ФАРЕНЮК Г. Г. , ОЛЕКСІЄНКО О. Б.
Published: February 2021

Вирішення стратегічного завдання із забезпечення зміни енергетичного статусу житлових та громадських будівель можливе тільки при застосуванні сучасних конструктивних рішень фасадної теплоізоляції. Як конструктивна система фасадна теплоізоляція виникла при реконструкції будівель і споруд, у вітчизняній будівельній практиці. Ці конструктивні рішення широко застосовуються і у новому будівництві, що обумовлює необхідність удосконалення системи критеріїв, які визначають можливість зниження питомих тепловтрат на опалення будинків з одночасним забезпеченням необхідної теплової надійності конструкцій під час експлуатації. У статті наводиться аналіз розробки та впровадження нових критеріїв оцінки фасадних систем зі штукатурним шаром з урахуванням європейського досвіду, розглядаються особливості імплементації європейських стандартів унаціональне нормативне поле. Стаття є продовження попередніх наукових робіт, що здійснюються у ДП НДІБК на протязі останніх п’ятнадцяти років направлені на розробку методологічних основ при створенні системи норм та стандартів, що забезпечує впровадження сучасних інноваційних технічних рішень у практику вітчизняного будівництва. В статті розглянуто особливості здійснення оцінки відповідності та визначення придатності застосування конструкцій фасадної теплоізоляції згідно методологічних принципів, що існують в Україні та країнах Європейської спільноти. У статті аналізуються вимоги, що встановлюються для конструкцій фасадної теплоізоляції з опорядженням штукатурками національним нормативним документом – ДСТУ Б В.2.6-36:2008 «Конструкції зовнішніх стін із фасадною теплоізоляцією та опорядженням штукатурками», та для цих конструкцій -згідно європейській термінології ETICS (Exterior Thermal Insulation Composite System), що встановлюються настановою з європейських технічнихухвалень та визначення придатності для застосування ETAG 004 «Guideline for European technical approval of external thermal insulation compositesystems with rendering».
A Phage Therapy Guide for Clinicians and Basic Scientists: Background and Highlighting Applications for Developing Countries
Authors: Khalid Ali , Lin Ruby C. Y. , Iredell Jonathan R.
Published: February 2021

Approximately 10% of global health research is devoted to 90% of global disease burden (the so-called “10/90 Gap”) and it often neglects those diseases most prevalent in low-income countries. Antibiotic resistant bacterial infections are known to impact on healthcare, food security, and socio-economic fabric in the developing countries. With a global antibiotic resistance crisis currently reaching a critical level, the unmet needs in the developing countries are even more striking. The failure of traditional antimicrobials has led to renewed interest in century-old bacteriophage (phage) therapy in response to the urgent need to develop alternative therapies to treat infections. Phage therapy may have particular value in developing countries where relevant phages can be sourced and processed locally and efficiently, breaking specifically the economic barrier of access to expensive medicine. Hence this makes phage therapy an attractive and feasible option. In this review, we draw our respective clinical experience as well as phage therapy research and clinical trial, and discuss the ways in which phage therapy might reduce the burden of some of the most important bacterial infections in developing countries.
Multiple Displacement Amplification as a Solution for Low Copy Number Plasmid Sequencing
Authors: Yao Kuan , González-Escalona Narjol , Hoffmann Maria
Published: February 2021

Plasmids play a major role in bacterial adaptation to environmental stress and often contribute to antibiotic resistance and disease virulence. Although the complete sequence of each plasmid is essential for studying plasmid biology, most antibiotic resistance and virulence plasmids in Salmonella are present only in a low copy number, making extraction and sequencing difficult. Long read sequencing technologies require higher concentrations of DNA to provide optimal results. To resolve this problem, we assessed the sufficiency of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) for replicating Salmonella plasmid DNA to a satisfactory concentration for accurate sequencing and multiplexing. Nine Salmonella enterica isolates, representing nine different serovars carrying plasmids for which sequence data are already available at NCBI, were cultured and their plasmids isolated using an alkaline lysis extraction protocol. We then used the Phi29 polymerase to perform MDA, thereby obtaining enough plasmid DNA for long read sequencing. These amplified plasmids were multiplexed and sequenced on one single molecule, real-time (SMRT) cell with the Pacific Biosciences (Pacbio) Sequel sequencer. We were able to close all Salmonella plasmids (sizes ranged from 38 to 166 Kb) with sequencing coverage from 24 to 2,582X. This protocol, consisting of plasmid isolation, MDA, and multiplex sequencing, is an effective and fast method for closing high-molecular weight and low-copy-number plasmids. This high throughput protocol reduces the time and cost of plasmid closure.
Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing for Prediction of Human Factors in Aviation Incident Reports
Authors: Madeira Tomás , Melício Rui , Valério Duarte , Santos Luis
Published: February 2021

In the aviation sector, human factors are the primary cause of safety incidents. Intelligent prediction systems, which are capable of evaluating human state and managing risk, have been developed over the years to identify and prevent human factors. However, the lack of large useful labelled data has often been a drawback to the development of these systems. This study presents a methodology to identify and classify human factor categories from aviation incident reports. For feature extraction, a text pre-processing and Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipeline is developed. For data modelling, semi-supervised Label Spreading (LS) and supervised Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques are considered. Random search and Bayesian optimization methods are applied for hyper-parameter analysis and the improvement of model performance, as measured by the Micro F1 score. The best predictive models achieved a Micro F1 score of 0.900, 0.779, and 0.875, for each level of the taxonomic framework, respectively. The results of the proposed method indicate that favourable predicting performances can be achieved for the classification of human factors based on text data. Notwithstanding, a larger data set would be recommended in future research.
Breeding of Black Soybean with Green Cotyledon and Four Recessive Alleles for Lipoxygenase, Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor, Lectin, and Stachyose
Authors: Choi Sang Woo , Kang Jae Eun , Lee Seong Kyeong , Ly Sarath , Chung Jong Il
Published: February 2021

Anthocyanins from the black soybean seed coat are known to have many pharmaceutical effects. However, black soybean seed contains antinutritional factors such as lipoxygenase, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI), lectin, and stachyose. The genetic removal of these components will improve the nutritional value of black soybean seed. The objective of this research was to breed a soybean strain with the black seed coat color, green cotyledon color, and tetra recessive allele (lox1lox2lox3/lox1lox2lox3-ti/ti-le/le-rs2/rs2) for lipoxygenase, KTI, lectin, and stachyose components. Eight parents were used to breed the tetra null strain. Analysis of lipoxygenase, KTI, lectin, and stachyose components in mature seeds was conducted by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and HPLC. The soybean line with the black seed coat color, the green cotyledon color, a large seed size, and tetra recessive alleles has purple flowers, a determinate growth habit, and brown pods at maturity. The stem height of the breeding line was 52.3 cm. The 100-seed weight of the breeding line was 35.2 g and the yield (Ton/ha) was 2.50. The stachyose content of the breeding line was 3.30 g/kg. This is the first soybean strain with the black seed coat color, the green cotyledon color, a large seed size, and tetra null alleles (lox1lox2lox3/lox1lox2lox3-ti/ti-le/le-rs2/rs2, low content of stachyose, free of lipoxygenase, KTI, and lectin proteins).
Key Agronomic Fertilization Practices That Influence Yield of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Viera William , Díaz Alejandra , Caicedo Carlos , Suárez Alfonso , Vargas Yadira
Published: February 2021

An application of a balanced nutrition will improve the soil as well as enhance the yield of naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) grown in the Ecuadorian Amazon. A field experiment was carried out in Palora, 16 de Agosto (Morona Santiago province) and Fátima (Pastaza province) to find which variables are related with the yield of the naranjilla crop and the yield response when the crop receives complete nutrition with N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S plus lime and with the omission of each of these nutrients. A Random Complete Block Design with three replications was used in the three environments. The naranjilla crop had higher yields (18.14 Mg ha−1) in the complete treatments (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and without S and Mg, consequently, these two last nutrients did not limit the production. When N, P, K, and Ca were not applied, the yields fell to 14.62 Mg ha−1. The main environmental effect showed that Palora had the highest fruit yields (19.73 Mg ha−1), followed by 16 de Agosto (13.57 Mg ha−1) and finally Fátima with 11.04 (Mg ha−1). These preliminary results showed that with the treatments without S (18.55 Mg ha−1), without Mg (18.42 Mg ha−1) and complete (17.46 Mg ha−1) the highest yields were obtained, consequently, the production was not affected by the absence of these elements; the opposite happened when N, P, K, and Ca were not present.
Early Intervention against Desert Locusts: Current Proactive Approach and the Prospect of Sustainable Outbreak Prevention
Authors: Showler Allan , Ould Babah Ebbe Mohammed , Lecoq Michel , Maeno Koutaro
Published: February 2021

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a major Old World pest, is associated with agricultural losses and undesirable societal effects. There are three broad approaches to its control: reaction, proaction, and outbreak prevention. Reaction protects crops from swarms but it is costly and disruptive. Proaction involves early intervention during outbreaks to avert further development to plague status; it is in current use because it is effective, relatively inexpensive, and it is the best available option for now. Outbreak prevention, largely unavailable since the 1970s, at least on a regional scale, will require highly sensitive surveillance to detect the onset of gregarization. Sufficiently early intervention can, hypothetically, extend desert locust recession indefinitely. While research on desert locust biology and behavior is, almost, no longer an urgent requirement to improve the efficacy of control, new priorities have arisen for developing outbreak prevention capability (and for enhancing proaction). Salient needs presently include long residual tactics for prophylactic (preventive) control in breeding areas, intervention thresholds, and improved, sustainable coordination among stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels. The most recent desert locust episode of 2020 provides an illustrative example of how prevention might have averted the entire upsurge, and how proaction in some countries contained the spread of swarms. The initial outbreak in Saudi Arabia escaped control due to unpreparedness, and impacts of armed conflict in Somalia and Yemen, which weakened surveillance and control, further contributed to the invasion of ≥22 countries, and the spraying of ≈4.9 million ha, by the end of 2020.
From Farm-to-Fork: E. Coli from an Intensive Pig Production System in South Africa Shows High Resistance to Critically Important Antibiotics for Human and Animal Use
Authors: Abdalla Shima E. , Abia Akebe Luther King , Amoako Daniel G. , Perrett Keith , Bester Linda A. , Essack Sabiha Y.
Published: February 2021

Antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli were investigated in an intensive pig production system in the uMgungundlovu District, South Africa, using the ‘farm-to-fork’ approach. Four hundred seventeen (417) samples were collected from pig and pig products at different points (farm, transport, and abattoir). E. coli was isolated and enumerated using the Colilert® 18/Quanti-Tray® 2000 system. Ten isolates from each Quanti-tray were selected randomly and putatively identified on eosin methylene blue agar. Real-time PCR targeting the uidA gene was used to confirm isolates to the genus level. The Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine the isolates’ antibiotic susceptibility profiles against 20 antibiotics. A total of 1044 confirmed E. coli isolates were obtained across the three critical points in the food chain. Resistance was observed to all the antibiotics tested with the highest and lowest rates obtained against tetracycline (88.5%) and meropenem (0.2%), respectively. Resistance was also observed to chloramphenicol (71.4%), ampicillin (71.1%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (61.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (43.8%), cephalexin (34.3%), azithromycin (23.9%), nalidixic acid (22.1%), cefoxitin (21.1%), ceftriaxone (18.9%), ciprofloxacin (17.3%), cefotaxime (16.9%), gentamicin (15.5%), cefepime (13.8%), ceftazidime (9.8%), amikacin (3.4%), piperacillin-tazobactam (1.2%), tigecycline (0.9%), and imipenem (0.3%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 71.2% of the resistant isolates with an overall multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.25, indicating exposure to high antibiotic use environments at the farm level. A high percentage of resistance was observed to growth promoters and antibiotics approved for veterinary medicine in South Africa. Of concern was resistance to critically important antibiotics for animal and human use and the watch and reserve categories of antibiotics. This could have adverse animal and human health consequences from a food safety perspective, necessitating efficient antibiotic stewardship and guidelines to streamline antibiotic use in the food-animal production chain.
Identification and Validation of New Cancer Stem Cell-Related Genes and Their Regulatory microRNAs in Colorectal Cancerogenesis
Authors: Urh Kristian , Žlajpah Margareta , Zidar Nina , Boštjančič Emanuela
Published: February 2021

Significant progress has been made in the last decade in our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer stem cells (CSC) have gained much attention and are now believed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including CRC. In the current study, we validated gene expression of four genes related to CSC, L1TD1, SLITRK6, ST6GALNAC1 and TCEA3, identified in a previous bioinformatics analysis. Using bioinformatics, potential miRNA-target gene correlations were prioritized. In total, 70 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy samples from 47 patients with adenoma, adenoma with early carcinoma and CRC without and with lymph node metastases were included. The expression of selected genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Differential expression of all investigated genes and four of six prioritized miRNAs (hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-335-5p, hsa-miR-425-5p, hsa-miR-1225-3p, hsa-miR-1233-3p and hsa-miR-1303) was found in at least one group of CRC cancerogenesis. L1TD1, SLITRK6, miR-1233-3p and miR-1225-3p were correlated to the level of malignancy. A negative correlation between miR-199a-3p and its predicted target SLITRK6 was observed, showing potential for further experimental validation in CRC. Our results provide further evidence that CSC-related genes and their regulatory miRNAs are involved in CRC development and progression and suggest that some them, particularly miR-199a-3p and its SLITRK6 target gene, are promising for further validation in CRC.
Review on Inflammation Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Petreski Tadej , Piko Nejc , Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan , Bevc Sebastjan
Published: February 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major health problems of the modern age. It represents an important public health challenge with an ever-lasting rising prevalence, which reached almost 700 million by the year 2017. Therefore, it is very important to identify patients at risk for CKD development and discover risk factors that cause the progression of the disease. Several studies have tackled this conundrum in recent years, novel markers have been identified, and new insights into the pathogenesis of CKD have been gained. This review summarizes the evidence on markers of inflammation and their role in the development and progression of CKD. It will focus primarily on cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. Nevertheless, further large, multicenter studies are needed to establish the role of these markers and confirm possible treatment options in everyday clinical practice.
Monoassociation of Preterm Germ-Free Piglets with Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. lactis BB-12 and Its Impact on Infection with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Splichalova Alla , Donovan Sharon M. , Tlaskalova-Hogenova Helena , Stranak Zbynek , Splichalova Zdislava , Splichal Igor
Published: February 2021

Preterm germ-free piglets were monoassociated with probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB12) to verify its safety and to investigate possible protection against subsequent infection with Salmonella Typhimurium strain LT2 (LT2). Clinical signs of salmonellosis, bacterial colonization in the intestine, bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), blood, liver, spleen, and lungs, histopathological changes in the ileum, claudin-1 and occludin mRNA expression in the ileum and colon, intestinal and plasma concentrations of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 were evaluated. Both BB12 and LT2 colonized the intestine of the monoassociated piglets. BB12 did not translocate in the BB12-monoassociated piglets. BB12 was detected in some cases in the MLN of piglets, consequently infected with LT2, but reduced LT2 counts in the ileum and liver of these piglets. LT2 damaged the luminal structure of the ileum, but a previous association with BB12 mildly alleviated these changes. LT2 infection upregulated claudin-1 mRNA in the ileum and colon and downregulated occludin mRNA in the colon. Infection with LT2 increased levels of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the intestine and plasma, and BB12 mildly downregulated them compared to LT2 alone. Despite reductions in bacterial translocation and inflammatory cytokines, clinical signs of LT2 infection were not significantly affected by the probiotic BB12. Thus, we hypothesize that multistrain bacterial colonization of preterm gnotobiotic piglets may be needed to enhance the protective effect against the infection with S. Typhimurium LT2.
iPSCs in Modeling and Therapy of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Csobonyeiova Maria , Polak Stefan , Nicodemou Andreas , Zamborsky Radoslav , Danisovic Lubos
Published: February 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) belongs to chronic degenerative disorders and is often a leading cause of disability in elderly patients. Typically, OA is manifested by articular cartilage erosion, pain, stiffness, and crepitus. Currently, the treatment options are limited, relying mostly on pharmacological therapy, which is often related to numerous complications. The proper management of the disease is challenging because of the poor regenerative capacity of articular cartilage. During the last decade, cell-based approaches such as implantation of autologous chondrocytes or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising results. However, the mentioned techniques face their hurdles (cell harvesting, low proliferation capacity). The invention of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has created new opportunities to increase the efficacy of the cartilage healing process. iPSCs may represent an unlimited source of chondrocytes derived from a patient’s somatic cells, circumventing ethical and immunological issues. Aside from the regenerative potential of iPSCs, stem cell-derived cartilage tissue models could be a useful tool for studying the pathological process of OA. In our recent article, we reviewed the progress in chondrocyte differentiation techniques, disease modeling, and the current status of iPSC-based regenerative therapy of OA.
AgNWs@TiO2 and AgNPs@TiO2 Double-Layer Photoanode Film Improving Light Capture and Application under Low Illumination
Authors: Chou Jung-Chuan , Lin Yu-Che , Lai Chih-Hsien , Kuo Po-Yu , Nien Yu-Hsun , Syu Ruei-Hong , Yong Zhen-Rong , Wu Yi-Ting
Published: February 2021

In this article, silver nanowires (AgNWs) were prepared and introduced into the double-layer photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Silver nanowires with a diameter of about 50–60 nm and a length of 1–2 mm were prepared by the polyol method. The power conversion efficiency of the double-layer photoanode DSSC made of AgNWs@TiO2 and AgNPs@TiO2 composite materials is 6.38%. Compared with the unmodified DSSC, the composite double-layer photoanode combined with AgNWs and AgNPs increased the efficiency of DSSC by 58.7%. This increased efficiency was mainly due to the localized surface plasmon resonance effect caused by AgNPs and AgNWs. The increased light collection was caused by the plasma effect of AgNPs, and it increased the short-circuit photocurrent density (JSC). The conductive properties of AgNWs improved interface charge transfer and delay charge recombination. The effect of a low light environment on DSSC efficiency was also investigated, and the best photovoltaic conversion efficiency under an irradiance of 10 mW/cm2 was found to be 8.78%.
Clinical Syndromic Phenotypes and the Potential Role of Genetics in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Authors: Zaidi Abbas H. , Yamada Jessica M. , Miller David T. , McEnaney Kerry , Ireland Christina , Roberts Amy E. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Jenkins Kathy J. , Chen Ming Hui
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare, frequently lethal disease with heterogeneous phenotypes and an unclear etiology. Limited studies have reported associations between PVS and congenital heart disease (CHD), chronic lung disease (CLD), and/or prematurity; however, to date, there have been no studies that report detailed clinical syndromic phenotypes and the potential role of genetics in PVS. An existing registry of multivessel PVS patients seen at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) was queried between August 2006 and January 2017 for all existing genetic testing data on these patients. PVS was defined as an intraluminal pulmonary venous obstruction in ≥2 vessels with mean pressure gradients > 4 mmHg. One-hundred-and-fifty-seven patients (46% female, with a median age at PVS diagnosis of 3 months) formed the cohort. Seventy-one (45%) patients had available genetic testing information. Of the 71 patients, a likely genetic diagnosis was found in 23 (32%) patients: 13 (57%) were diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (T21), five (22%) with Smith–Lemli–Opitz Syndrome, five (22%) had other pathologic genetic disease, and 24 (33%) had variants of unknown significance. The majority of 13 patients with T21 and PVS had common atrioventricular canal (CAVC) (10, 77%) and all had severe pulmonary hypertension (PHTN), which led to their PVS diagnosis. In our study, PVS was associated with T21, the majority of whom also had CAVC and PHTN. Therefore, complete assessment of the pulmonary veins should be considered for all T21 patients, especially those with CAVC presenting with PHTN. Furthermore, prospective standardized genetic testing with detailed clinical phenotyping may prove informative about potential genetic etiologies of PVS.
Breakfast Eating Habits and Lifestyle Behaviors among Saudi Primary School Children Attending Public Versus Private Schools
Authors: Jabri Laura , Al-Rasheedi Amani A. , Alsulaimani Rayan A. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: February 2021

We investigated breakfast eating habits and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi school children attending public versus private schools. A random sample of 1149 children (girls: 54.4%) from public and private schools was selected from elementary schools using the multistage stratified cluster method. Measurements included body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and self-reported questionnaires filled by the child’s parents. There was no significant (p = 0.44) difference in the prevalence of breakfast intake between children attending public (20.6%) versus private (19.4%) schools. However, there was a gender by school type interactions in breakfast intake frequency, as boys in private but not in public schools had significantly (p = 0.006) higher (26.3%) daily breakfast intake than girls (13.3%). Over 56% of the children ate and drank from the school canteen, and impacting factors on children’s choices were children’s desire, food taste, and parental influence. More parents of children in private (12.1%) than in public (6.9%) schools were satisfied with the food in the school canteen. Younger age (aOR = 0.889, 95% CI = 0.815–0.970, p = 0.008), higher father education (aOR = 1.380, 95% CI = 1.130–1.686, p = 0.002), family income (aOR = 1.227, 95% CI = 1.005–1.498, p = 0.044), and insufficient sleep duration (aOR = 0.740, 95% CI = 0.553–0.990, p = 0.042) were significantly associated with being in a private school. Furthermore, no significant differences, when adjusted for socio-demographic factors, appeared in breakfast intake or overweight/obesity relative to school type. Interventions to improve daily breakfast consumption and lifestyle behaviors of Saudi children are warranted.
State of Research on Gamification in Education: A Bibliometric Survey
Authors: Swacha Jakub
Published: February 2021

Recent years have brought a rapid growth of scientific output in the area of gamification in education. In this paper, we try to identify its main characteristics using a bibliometric approach. Our preliminary analysis uses Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science as data sources, whereas the main analysis is performed on 2517 records retrieved from Scopus. The results comprise the cross-coverage of databases, geographic distribution of research, forms of publication, addressed research areas and topics, preferred publishing venues, the most involved scientific institutions and researchers, collaboration among researchers, and research impact. The main conclusions underline the sustained growth of the research output in the area for at least seven years, the widespread interest in the area across countries and branches of science, and an effective research communication in the area documented by the number of citations and the map of co-citations.
Elevated Concentrations of Metal(loids) in Seaweed and the Concomitant Exposure to Humans
Authors: Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Chijioke Nwokoma Oliver , Heffny Nurul’ Adillah Binti , Bradley David A. , Alsubaie Abdullah , Sulieman Abdelmoneim , Faruque Mohammad Rashed I. , Sayyed M. I. , Al-mugren K. S.
Published: February 2021

While the consumption of seaweed and seaweed-based products is very common amongst East Asian nations, forming a notable component of the daily diet, relatively very few studies have concerned the concentrations of heavy metals in these together with potential effects on human health. The present study analyses the concentrations of 17 elements in locally resourced seaweed, also assessing potential noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The samples were ground, homogenized, and quantified using the ICP-OES technique. It has been found that the essential elements K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Na typically show concentrations somewhat greater than a number of potentially toxic metals, in particular, Cd, Pb, Ag, and As, with exceptions being Ni, Cr-VI, and Si. Statistical analysis indicates all of the latter to have similar origin, with increased concentration of these metals within the marine ecosystem. While the daily estimated intake of most metals is seen to be within the daily dietary allowance level recommended by various international organizations, the noncarcinogenic risk shows a value greater than unity, estimated via the hazard quotient. This indicates a potential for adverse effects to health arising from consumption of the sampled seaweed. The carcinogenic risk resulting from nonessential elements shows values greater than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) reference limit of 10−4. Considering the nonbiodegradability of heavy metals and metalloids and their potential accumulation in seaweed, there is need for critical examination of metal levels in the seaweeds obtained from the present study locations, together with the introduction of practices of removal of heavy metals via bio-adsorbent techniques.
Polyphenol-Rich and Alcoholic Beverages and Metabolic Status in Adults Living in Sicily, Southern Italy
Authors: Micek Agnieszka , Godos Justyna , Cernigliaro Achille , Cincione Raffaele Ivan , Buscemi Silvio , Libra Massimo , Galvano Fabio , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Polyphenol-rich beverage consumption is not univocally accepted as a risk modulator for cardio-metabolic risk factors, despite mechanistic and epidemiological evidence suggesting otherwise. The aim of this study was to assess whether an association between polyphenol-rich beverage consumption and metabolic status could be observed in a Mediterranean cohort with relatively low intake of tea, coffee, red and white wine, beer, and fresh citrus juice. Demographic and dietary characteristics of 2044 adults living in southern Italy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between polyphenol-rich and alcoholic beverage consumption and metabolic status adjusted for potential confounding factors. Specific polyphenol-rich beverages were associated, to a various extent, with metabolic outcomes. Individuals with a higher total polyphenol-rich beverages had higher polyphenols intake and were less likely to have hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.73; OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.66; and OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.29–0.57, respectively). However, when adjusted for potential confounding factors, only the association with hypertension remained significant (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50–0.94). Current scientific evidence suggests that such beverages may play a role on cardio-metabolic risk factors, especially when consumed within the context of a dietary pattern characterized by an intake of a plurality of them. However, these associations might be mediated by an overall healthier lifestyle.
Evaluation of the Changes in Optical Properties of Peaches with Different Maturity Levels during Bruising
Authors: Sun Ye , Huang Yuping , Pan Leiqing , Wang Xiaochan
Published: February 2021

The main objective was to measure the optical coefficients of peaches after bruising at different maturity levels and detect bruises. A spatially resolved method was used to acquire absorption coefficient (μa) and the reduced scattering coefficient (µs’) spectra from 550 to 1000 nm, and a total of 12 groups (3 maturity levels * 4 detection times) were used to assess changes in µa and µs’ resulting from bruising. Maturation and bruising both caused a decrease in µs’ and an increase in µa, and the optical properties of immature peaches changed more after bruising than the optical properties of ripe peaches. Four hours after bruising, the optical properties of most samples were significantly different from those of intact peaches (p < 0.05), and the optical properties showed damage to tissue earlier than the appearance symptoms observed with the naked eye. The classification results of the Support Vector Machine model for bruised peaches showed that μa had the best classification accuracy compared to μs′ and their combinations (µa × µs’, µeff). Overall, based on μa, the average detection accuracies for peaches after bruising of 0 h, 4 h, and 24 h were increased.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Dynamics Explain Aroma Differences between Green and Red Prickly Ash Fruit
Authors: Fei Xitong , Qi Yichen , Lei Yu , Wang Shujie , Hu Haichao , Wei Anzhi
Published: February 2021

Green prickly ash (Zanthoxylum armatum) and red prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum) fruit have unique flavor and aroma characteristics that affect consumers’ purchasing preferences. However, differences in aroma components and relevant biosynthesis genes have not been systematically investigated in green and red prickly ash. Here, through the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially abundant metabolites, and terpenoid biosynthetic pathways, we characterize the different aroma components of green and red prickly ash fruits and identify key genes in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify 41 terpenoids from green prickly ash and 61 terpenoids from red prickly ash. Piperitone was the most abundant terpenoid in green prickly ash fruit, whereas limonene was most abundant in red prickly ash. Intergroup correlation analysis and redundancy analysis showed that HDS2, MVK2, and MVD are key genes for terpenoid synthesis in green prickly ash, whereas FDPS2 and FDPS3 play an important role in the terpenoid synthesis of red prickly ash. In summary, differences in the composition and content of terpenoids are the main factors that cause differences in the aromas of green and red prickly ash, and these differences reflect contrasting expression patterns of terpenoid synthesis genes.