bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detección de Helicobacter pylori por PCR anidada en muestras no invasivas: guía práctica
Authors:   Universidad Libre, García Cuan Aracely
Published: November 2020

Helicobacter pylori es un bacilo, microaerófilo y agente etiológico asociado con la enfermedad ácido-péptica en humanos. Actualmente se le conoce responsable del 85-95 % de las úlceras duodenales, 70- 80 % de las úlceras gástricas y tiene protagonismo relevante en el 60- 70 % de los casos de cáncer gástrico, neoplasias más frecuentes a nivel mundial (1,2). En zonas costeras de Colombia (Barranquilla, Cartagena y Santa Marta), un estudio realizado a partir de biopsias gástricas reportó una frecuencia de infección por H. pylori de 77,9% (3). El riesgo de desarrollo, distribución y la severidad de las patologías relacionadas con infección por H. pylori depende de una variedad de factores: la patogenicidad y virulencia de la bacteria, la susceptibilidad del huésped y el nivel socio-económico, entre otros (4–8). Hoy se emplean diversidad de técnicas para el diagnóstico del H. pylori: cultivos microbiológicos, estudios histopatológicos, test del aliento, test rápido de la ureasa, test serológicos, test de antígeno en heces y más recientemente pruebas moleculares de ADN y ARN. Sin embargo, las técnicas convencionales se caracterizan por su complejidad, escaso valor predictivo y costos elevados (9–11). La PCR es la prueba molecular más extensamente usada por su sensibilidad, especificidad y aplicabilidad para detectar microorganismos de difícil aislamiento, como es el caso de H. pylori (12).
Analysis of Urban Solid Waste Management System of Bangladesh and Germany Waste Management System
Authors:   TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany, Chowdhury Mohammed Omar Sahed , Baksh Ashef Ainan
Published: November 2020

Bangladesh is a low-lying riverine country. Unplanned growth of urban population causes audacious generation of solid wastes and strives immense pressure on existing services and environment. At present days, urban solid waste management is considered as most immediate and demanding environmental problems vexing Municipal authorities or urban governments in developing Asian countries like Bangladesh. Cities are now clashing with the serious problems of high amount of waste. The traditional concepts and inferior technologies of collecting waste are becoming incomplete as well as incompetent resulting more than half of the engendered solid wastes remain uncollected, disposed of regionally, forging the environmental view of cities quite murky and disheartening for the future. In waste management system, Germany is a role model for the world and the New German Closed-Cycle management is aiming to curve the waste management into resource management. The main intent of this research study is to categories in the solid wastes, discussing the issues of waste generation, a popular method for solid waste management, gasification schematic and waste-management model for Bangladesh. This study also explains Germany Closed-Cycle Management Act as well as waste treatment facilities, recovery, and disposal rate in Germany. Germany keeps very high-quality to preserve soil, air and water from the emissions integrated with waste storage and treatment.
Selecting Fog Harvesting Meshes for Environmental Conditioning Structures
Authors:   the University of Minho, Portugal, Hadba L. , Mendonça P. , Silva L. T. , Carvalho M. A.
Published: November 2020

Fog harvesting is a technique used to collect water from the fog. This technique became widely used around the world due to the lack of fresh water, as fog harvesting is considered to represent an economical and a reliable source of water. On that sense, fog collecting methods are mostly implemented in areas that lack access to fresh water and is mostly used for agricultural purposes and, in some cases, also for providing clean drinking water. The basic idea of harvesting the fog was first developed by farmers when some types of adjoining cavities and containers were put around plants to collect water from humid air, after that those techniques were turned into fog harvesting structures. The introduction of fog harvesting techniques was accompanied with the introduction of new materials and different structures, providing a range of options in regards to the meshes and to the harvesting methods. In this paper, a practical and theoretical assessment of existing fog harvesting meshes is performed in order to characterize their economic and physical characteristics. The final objective is to provide information about their ability to perform in different conditions which is to be added to an environmental conditioning structure for exterior spaces.
Influence of Family Environment on Childhood Emotional and Behavioural Disorders
Authors: Kaimal Ganga G. , Punnoose Varghese P. , K Saibunnisa Beevi
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND India has a large proportion of child and adolescent population. Psychiatric disorders are common among children and adolescents, but they are often underdiagnosed. Family environment influences psychopathology in young children. Identification of risk factors for child psychiatric disorders can lead to early identification of children at risk and facilitation of preventive interventions. METHODS The study was conducted among 103 children attending the Child Guidance Clinic (CGC) in a tertiary care institute in Kerala. A specially prepared proforma was used to obtain the sociodemographic profile and clinical variables. Global Family Environment Scale was used to assess the quality of family environment. ICD 10 classification of mental and behavioural disorders was used for making diagnosis, and Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices was used for assessing intelligence. RESULTS Emotional disorders were seen more commonly in girls, and in older age group. Children with behavioural disorders were below average in academics and the difference between the groups was statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in socioeconomic status, locality, family type, family history of psychiatric illness, and in family environment. CONCLUSIONS Though there was no statistically significant difference, family history of psychiatric illness and poor and moderately unsatisfactory family environment was observed in a large proportion of children. This finding may have implication in management of childhood psychiatric disorders. KEYWORDS Family Environment, Children, Emotional Disorders, Behavioural Disorders
NATURAL CONTROL OF Helicoverpa armigera (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) PUPAE IN ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL MAIZE CROPS
Authors: CASTRO ANA LUISA GANGANA DE , LATINI ANDERSON OLIVEIRA , CRUZ IVAN , FADINI MARCOS ANTÔNIO MATIELLO
Published: November 2020

The natural biological control of soil pests is poorly studied. Notably, the control of Helicoverpa armigera in the pupae stage is unknown. To increase knowledge about the control of this pest in organic and conventional maize crop, tests were conducted to verify if the duration of pupae availability in days, the type of crop treatment (organic and conventional), the stage of crop development, and the depth of the soil significantly affect predation by natural enemies. The pupaeavailability time (days) in the soil did not affect their removal by natural enemies. However, in the fallow stage, on the surface and in the reproductive phase, the predation was higher. In organic maize, predation was 15% higher when compared to conventional maize. The rupture of the soil and the possible losses associated with beneficial fauna were the main factors responsible for higher predation during fallow, so conservationist practices usually used in organic treatment are the main reason for higher predation in this type of crop. There is a significant decrease in the control of H. armigera pests by natural enemies when maize is grown using conventional practices, what reinforces the importance of the conservation techniques used in maize crops.
The The pharmacy workforce in public primary healthcare centers: promoting access and information on medicines
Authors: Faraco Emilia B. , Guimarães Luciano , Anderson Claire , Leite Silvana N.
Published: November 2020

Background: Only few studies have analyzed the pharmaceutical workforce in primary healthcare centers, and a global recommendation calls for better understanding of the trends that shape workforce development and capacity.

Objective: To analyze the distribution of the pharmaceutical workforce in primary healthcare centers in the national health system [Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)] in Brazil.

Methods: The study was conducted using data from the National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil. Secondary data referring to the socioeconomic indicators of each municipality were obtained from national public databases. Data stratification in geographic regions was considered, and data on workers in the management of the municipal pharmaceutical services and medicines dispensing centers were analyzed. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated by Poisson regression in the study investigating the factors associated with low and high-density pharmacists per 10,000 inhabitants.

Results: The results showed that most Brazilian municipalities have a rate of 1 or more pharmacist per 10,000 inhabitants in primary healthcare public facilities, with a higher concentration of pharmacists in small municipalities. Even in Brazilian municipalities with lower economic capacity, the conditions of access to medicines and pertinent information on medicines were directly related to the number of pharmacists available in these centers.

Conclusions: This study showed a high number of pharmacists in the public health system. The higher density of pharmacists in primary healthcare public facilities correlated to increased access to medicines information and better municipal social development.
The role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: from clinical research to real practice
Authors: Misnikova I. V. , Kovaleva Yu. A. , Gubkina V. A.
Published: November 2020

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases occurs, which allows it to be considered as a cardiorenal metabolic syndrome. This should be taken into account when choosing hypoglycemic drugs. Patients with T2DM receiving insulin therapy often have a long history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and need to be prescribed high doses of insulin and/or complex insulin therapy regimens to maintain glycemic control, which does not always lead to the achievement of target levels of glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Adding to any insulin therapy regimen drugs from the class of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2), which have proven their cardio- and renoprotective properties, seems to be a rational combination in patients with T2DM and may have a number of advantages. The article presents 4 clinical examples of dapagliflozin administration, a drug from the SGLT2 class, to patients who are on insulin therapy, having T2DM with a  long history (10–26 years), as well as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and obesity. Dapagliflozin administration allowed to improve glycemic control, to stabilize the insulin dose, as well as reduce body weight without increasing the frequency of serious episodes of hypoglycemia in patients who initially received large doses of insulin. In the long term, we can expect reduction of the progression of cardiovascular risks and the risks of hospitalization due to existing complications of the disease.
Limitantes para las exportaciones tradicionales de servicios editoriales en Lima Metropolitana en el año 2018
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Alvarado Montero Kenny Hiroshi , Neyra Jimenez Franck Gustavo
Published: November 2020

A pesar de las iniciativas y mecanismos implementadas para promover las exportaciones de los servicios editoriales, cuya fuente predominante son las ventas de libros impresos, se ha observado una caída de esta actividad, siendo actualmente la mitad de lo exportado hace una década. El objetivo de este estudio es proponer cuáles han sido los limitantes para el desarrollo de las exportaciones de servicios editoriales de las empresas editoriales de la categoría PYME de Lima Metropolitana. En este contexto, se distinguieron 7 posibles limitantes, divididas en 3 grupos: limitantes legales, limitantes de gestión empresarial y limitantes de promoción en el extranjero. La investigación se responde a través de la aplicación de una entrevista a profundidad a 13 individuos: 11 editoriales de la categoría PYME, además de entrevistas con dos expertos del comercio editorial. Las entrevistas permitieron corroborar 3 limitantes: los altos costos logísticos, el no contar con acceso a personal u organizaciones especializadas en el comercio internacional, el limitado acceso a la participación en ferias internacionales de libros en el extranjero. Asimismo, surgieron dos limitantes como hallazgos, la dificultad de acceder a contactos como fuente de acceso a mercados en el exterior y la importancia con contar con autores reconocidos como fuentes de difusión en el extranjero. Teniendo esto en cuenta, se recomienda que es imperante desarrollar un análisis cuantitativo para determinar el verdadero impacto económico de estas limitantes y en el trabajo coordinado con las partes involucradas en el comercio internacional de libros para el desarrollo de este.
Covid-19 vaccine trials and ethics: Protection delayed is protection denied
Authors: John T Jacob , Dharmapalan Dhanya
Published: November 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is raging, taking a heavy toll of lives and livelihoods. The need for safe and effective vaccine(s) is urgent. Vaccine research has progressed rapidly and a few vaccine candidates have passed trial Phases 1 and 2, confirming reasonable safety and immunogenicity parameters. They are ready for large scale Phase 3 trials to quantify protective efficacy, if any, and to detect uncommon but serious adverse effects, if any. These developments present unprecedented opportunities and challenges, scientific and ethical. Globally hundreds die every day due to Covid-19, and emergency/compassionate use of vaccine candidates that are ready for Phase 3 trials are likely to save lives. We perceive an ethical imperative to allow such vaccination for those at high risk of death who voluntarily make such an informed choice – for them protection delayed will be tantamount to protection denied.
Live-Problem Project v. Client-Based Project: Which Is Most Effective for Perceived Learning of MBA-Level Marketing Concepts?
Authors: Hill TL , Paris Dennis , Nash David , Blau Gary
Published: November 2020

We utilize a research design of the same professor teaching consistent course material across a core MBA marketing course to test whether a live-problem project (LPP) or a client-consulting project (CCP) is perceived by students as more effective for learning fundamental marketing concepts. Using teaching evaluation data, MBA students reported higher perceived learning from classes featuring a LPP versus those featuring a CCP. We speculate that LPPs may be more appropriate for teaching core marketing classes and CCPs for more advanced, integrative classes, such as the MBA capstone. Study limitations and future research issues are discussed.
Antieukaryotic Type Six Secretion System Virulence Factors of Bacteria
Authors: Maphosa Silindile , Moleleki Lucy , Motaung Thabiso
Published: November 2020

The type 6 protein secretion system (T6SS) is prevalently utilized by Gram-negative bacteria to compete for resources and space. Upon activation, toxic effectors from this secretion system are translocated into the competitor prokaryote or eukaryote in a contact-dependent manner. While much has been reported on T6SS-mediated prokaryotic competition, very little is understood about the mechanisms of bacterial interactions with eukaryotic hosts. Likewise, many virulent T6SS effectors are known to be antibacterial. In recent years, however, evidence has emerged on numerous T6SS effectors that interact with related immunity proteins in a range of eukaryotic hosts. Insights into how this effector-immunity pairing alters the physiological responses of the recipient organism might provide opportunities relating to the T6SS agricultural and biotherapeutic applications. We, therefore, summarize the impacts of the T6SS effectors with a special focus on bacterial interactions with animals, plants, and fungi. We further briefly discuss pipelines that are currently used to characterize antieukaryotic T6SS effectors.
The Role of Divalent Transition Metal Ions in the Binding of Fur Dimer to DNA: Binding of Mn2+ and Co2+ to EC Fur dimer-DNA Complex
Authors: Hamed Mazen , Jabour Salih
Published: November 2020

Ferric uptake regulation protein is a repressor protein which binds an AT rich region of DNA (the iron box). Fur binds as a dimer in a helix turn helix mode and it is activated by iron(II) and other divalent transition metal ions at elevated concentrations in a process to regulate the ion uptake. Each transition metal ion induces certain conformational changes to aid the Fur binding, both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains take part in binding to DNA in addition to His 88 and His 86 residues. The process is discussed in view of experimental reports. Fe(II), Mn(II) and Co(II) activate Fur to bind DNA experimentally but Zinc plays a structural role and does not activate Fur to bind DNA.
Heterogeneous Ru Catalysts as the Emerging Potential Superior Catalysts in the Selective Hydrogenation of Bio-derived Levulinic Acid to γ-valerolactone: Effect of Particles Size, Solvent, and Support on activity, Stability, and Selectivity
Authors: Maumela Mulisa , Marx Sanette , Meijboom Reinout
Published: November 2020

Catalytic hydrogenation of a biomass-derived molecule, levulinic acid (LA) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) has been getting a lot of attention from researchers across the globe recently. This is because GVL has been identified as one of the potential molecules for the replacement of fossil fuels. For instance, GVL can be catalytically converted into liquid alkenes in the molecular weight range close to that found in transportation fuels via a process that does not require an external hydrogen source. Noble and non-noble metals have been used as catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of LA to GVL. Of these, Ru has been reported to be the most active metal for this reaction. The type of metal supports and solvents has been proved to affect the activity, selectivity, and yields of GVL. Water has been identified as a potential, effective “green” solvent for the hydrogenation of LA to GVL. The use of different sources of H2 other than molecular hydrogen (such as formic acid) has also been explored. In a few instances, the product, GVL, is hydrogenated further to other useful products such as 1,4-pentanediol (PD) and methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF). This review selectively focuses on the potential of immobilized Ru catalysts as a potential superior catalyst for selective hydrogenation of LA to GVL.
Advanced Materials and Technologies for Compressor Blades of Small Turbofan Engines
Authors: Pavlenko Dmytro , Dvirnyk Yaroslav , Przysowa Radoslaw
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Manufacturing costs, along with operational performance, are among the major factors determining the selection of the propulsion system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially for aerial targets and cruise missiles. OBJECTIVES: In this paper, the design requirements and operating parameters of small turbofan engines for single-use and reusable UAVs are analysed to introduce alternative materials and technologies for manufacturing their compressor blades, such as sintered titanium, a new generation of aluminium and an alloy based on titanium aluminides. METHODS: To assess the influence of severe plastic deformation (SPD) on the hardening efficiency of the proposed materials, the alloys in the coarse-grained and submicrocrystalline states were studied. Changes in physical and mechanical properties of materials were taken into account. The thermodynamic analysis of the compressor was performed in a finite element analysis system (ANSYS) to determine the impact of gas pressure and temperature on the aerodynamic surfaces of compressor blades of all stages. RESULTS: Based on thermal and structural analysis, the stress and temperature maps on compressor blades and vanes were obtained, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of advanced materials and technologies of their processing. The safety factors of the components were established based on the assessment of their stress-strength reliability. Thanks to nomograms, the possibility of using the new materials and the technologies was confirmed in view of the permissible operating temperature and safety factors of blades. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed alternative materials and production technologies for the compressor blades and vanes meet the design requirements of the turbofan at lower manufacturing costs.
Operation of Public Authorities in the Time of COVID-19 in Poland – Principles of Electronic Communication with the Party and Participants to Proceedings from the Perspective of the Activity of the Managing Authority of the Regional Operational Program
Authors: Klich Aleksandra
Published: November 2020

On 14 March 2020 the state of epidemic threat was introduced in Poland applicable until 20 March 2020 when the state of epidemic was introduced in the territory of the Republic of Poland. The situation associated with the growing number of SARS-CoV-2 infections forced ongoing monitoring of the epidemic situation, which entailed an introduction of a number of restrictions and solutions intended to isolate the infected persons on the one hand, and to minimize the risk of development of an epidemic in Poland on the other. Activity of the Polish legislator is also essential, which tried to introduce solutions that would correspond with current expectations and needs. In this paper, the author points to the issues of communication with a public authority by specific reflections on the principles of serving documents on beneficiaries of EU programs under which they were awarded funding for their implementation. The author points to the dynamics of the legislator’s work in this respect by analyzing the rules for serving documents by a public authority on beneficiaries who are public entities and those who are not.
Is Improved Milk Production from Supplementation of Buffalo with Molasses Nutrient Blocks Containing 10% Urea, a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Mitigation Strategy?
Authors: Windsor Peter , Martin Susan , Khounsy Syseng , Young James , Thomson Peter , Bush Russel
Published: November 2020

Milk production from Asiatic swamp buffalo is a new enterprise in Laos. As yields are limited, provision of high-quality Cow-Calf molasses nutrient blocks containing 10% urea (UMNB10) may improve productivity. A trial in a recently established commercial buffalo dairy examined dietary supplementation of lactating buffalo cows with UMNB10, with 3 groups of 9 cows in mid-lactation randomly selected. Two groups received ad-libitum access to UMBs with the remaining group free of block supplements. All animals were daily fed fresh Napier grass (30kg), corn (750gm), rice bran (1.45kg), plus accessed fresh Mulatto grass. Daily milk production (DMP) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded for the 2 months of access to UMB. Average DMP for the 2 supplemented groups were 1.02 litres and 0.96 litres, compared to 0.78 litres for the control group, suggesting improved milk productivity of 31% and 24% from accessing UMB. Partial budget analysis identified a strong incentive for use of the molasses blocks, with a net profit of USD408 and USD295 over a 30-day period for the supplemented groups. Molasses nutrient blocks may be a simple motivator for smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase the efficiency of large ruminant production, improving rural livelihoods, food security and potentially, reducing GHG emissions.
Hydrogen Production from Methane Cracking in Dielectric Barrier Discharge Catalytic Plasma Reactor using a Nanocatalyst
Authors: Khoja Asif Hussain , Azad Abul Kalam , Saleem Faisal , Khan Bilal Alam , Naqvi Salman Raza , Mehran Muhammad Taqi , Amin Nor Aishah Saidina
Published: November 2020

The study experimentally investigated a novel approach for producing hydrogen from methane cracking in dielectric barrier discharge catalytic plasma reactor using a nanocatalyst. Plasma-catalytic methane (CH4) cracking was undertaken in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) catalytic plasma reactor using Ni/MgAl2O4. The Ni/MgAl2O4 was synthesised through co-precipitation followed customised hydrothermal method. The physicochemical properties of the catalyst were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Ni/MgAl2O4 shows a porous structure spinel MgAl2O4 and thermal stability. In the catalytic-plasma methane cracking, the Ni/MgAl2O4 shows 80% of the maximum conversion of CH4 with H2 selectivity 75%. Furthermore, the stability of the catalyst was encouraging 16 hours with CH4 conversion above 75%, and the selectivity of H2 was above 70%. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of the catalyst and plasma. The plasma-catalytic CH4 cracking is a promising technology for the simultaneous H2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) production for energy storage applications.
Effect of Physical Activity on Obesity in Second Stage Pupils of Elementary Schools in the Region of Ústí nad Labem
Authors: Pyšná Jana , Pyšný Ladislav , Cihlář David , Petrů Dominika , Škopek Martin
Published: November 2020

Obesity is a serious problem of our society. A long-term positive trend in body weight gain continues to persist. Paediatric obesity arises from a changed lifestyle of children, characterised by an important restriction of their spontaneous physical activity. A lack of physical activity is one of the most important causes of paediatric obesity associated with a number of serious disorders. The paper evaluates the effect of physical activity on obesity in second stage pupils of elementary schools in the region of Ústí nad Labem. In their research survey, the authors determine the incidence of obesity and overweight as well as the relationship between physical activity and obesity in second stage pupils of elementary schools in the region of Ústí nad Labem. The data collection was based on questions of the CAV 2001 questionnaire and BMI-for-age. As revealed by the research survey, problems with obesity and overweight are present particularly in boys. Only a third of boys and girls engage in sufficient physical activity. At the same time, differences were shown in the study group where groups with higher BMI values had lower values of physical activity. Subsequently, a relationship was shown between those who use their bicycle as a means of transport and spend their leisure time bicycling at the same time. More than two thirds of the study subjects reported using a bicycle as a means of transport and using their bicycle in their leisure time as a means of being active; 93% of these subjects had normal body weight. Our results confirm the continued pandemic prevalence of obesity and indicate that appropriate physical activity should be included in the everyday life of children both at school and outside of school.
Do Export Activities Improve Small Firm Performance? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Revindo Mohamad Dian , Gan Christopher , Alta Aditya
Published: November 2020

"Research Aims: This study investigates the link between involvement in direct export activities and firm performance, with reference to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed primary data collected from questionnaires administered to 271 exporting SMEs in seven provinces in Jawa-Bali Region. The OLS and GLM regression techniques were employed to estimate the export impact model. Research Findings: The results show that export activities bring the highest performance improvement in product quality, moderate improvement in marketing and networking techniques, total sales, total profit, production technique or technology and worker productivity, and least improvement in domestic sales. SMEs' exports-induced performance improvement is positively affected by firm size, owners' education, the presence of foreign investors, and assistance from central government agencies, negatively affected by years of exporting, and shows an inverted U-shaped relationship with export intensity. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The discourse of firm internationalization theories should not only focus on pre-export activities, but also post-export activities. Further, the discourse on the relationship between firm performance and degree of internationalization should consider non-linear relationship. Managerial Implications in the Southeast Asian Context: SMEs should keep actively participating in the government's export assistance programs in their post-export stage. Especially, exporting SMEs should maintain and strengthen their relationships central government agencies. In order to maintain and expand their export activities, SMEs may consider partnership with foreign investors. Research Limitations and Implications: Future research may investigate the specific export stimuli and export barriers that SMEs encounter in post-export stage. The scope of the study can be expanded to provincial or country comparison in Southeast Asia, taking into account differences in social and economic characteristics, or specified to a particular province/region or product group/industry. Other definitions of SMEs-such as those based on asset or turnover size-might be attempted. Data accuracy may also be improved through the use of factual (quantitative) data to replace some perceptual data used in the current study. "
Strategic Alliances between Sharia Microfinance Institutions and Financial Technology in Strengthening Small Micro Enterprises (MSEs)
Authors: Amalia Euis , Rahmatullah Indra
Published: November 2020

Sharia microfinance and financial technology have a very significant role as an effective solution for accessing finance for small and micro-enterprises (MSEs). The research aims to investigate the business model used, type of contracts employed, other legal aspects, and the risk mitigation dimension involved. By utilizing qualitative methods and critically analyzing a specific case study related a business model by the alliances between PT Ammana Fintech Sharia and a sharia microfinance institution, BMT Syahida Ikaluin. In generating the data, interviews with several experts and practitioners. The study found that the business model used was based on crowdfunding, compliant with sharia principles dan has a strong basis both in positive law and Islamic edict (fatwa). The research showed that the strategic alliance between a sharia microfinance institution and financial technology is capable of strengthening access to capital sources for small and micro-enterprises. It also improves community financial literacy and financial inclusion. This research could contribute to the creation of innovative products concerning sharia microfinance and sharia financial technology. Furthermore, it could also become a benchmark in formulating policies to strengthen these strategic institutional alliances.
THE HIGH-MAGNESIUM CALCITE ORIGIN OF NUMMULITID FORAMINIFERA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF CALCITE DIAGENESIS
Authors: COTTON LAURA J. , EVANS DAVID , BEAVINGTON-PENNEY SIMON J.
Published: November 2020

Nummulites were one of the most abundant and widespread larger benthic foraminifera of the Paleogene, however, confusion remains within the literature as to whether their original test mineralogy was high or low magnesium calcite. As the number of studies using proxies based on Nummulites and related nummulitid geochemistry increase, it is essential to have a firm understanding of test composition to assess preservation within potential samples, and to interpret results. Here we employ a combination of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and laser ablation ICPMS to determine magnesium content across exceptionally preserved and poorly preserved fossil material as well as modern examples of nummulitids—showing conclusively a primary intermediate to high magnesium calcite composition. This composition appears to be closely related to fluctuating ocean chemistry through the Paleogene. Using these results as an indicator of preservation we examine variation in trace element data across a suite of samples, and introduce the concept of the preservagram, a method of quickly visualizing different styles of carbonate diagenesis. Understanding the original mineralogy of nummulitids and, therefore, the extent to which specimens have been diagenetically altered, is essential as larger foraminifera are increasingly used in geochemical studies.
Evaluating the performance of Temporal Pattern Discovery: New application using Statins and Rhabdomyolysis in OMOP databases
Authors: Lavallee M , Yu T , Evans L , Hemelrijck Mieke Van , Bosco C , Golozar A , Asiimwe A
Published: November 2020

Background: Temporal Pattern Discovery (TPD) is a method of signal detection using electronic healthcare databases, serving as an alternative to spontaneous reporting of adverse drug events. Here, we aimed to replicate and optimise a TPD approach previously used to assess temporal signals of statins with rhabdomyolysis (in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database) by using the OHDSI tools designed for OMOP data sources. Methods: We used data from the Truven MarketScan US Commercial Claims and the Commercial Claims and Encounters (CCAE). Using an extension of the OHDSI ICTemporalPatternDiscovery package, we ran positive and negative controls through four analytical settings and calculated sensitivity, specificity, bias and AUC to assess performance. Results: Similar to previous findings, we noted an increase in the information component (IC) for simvastatin and rhabdomyolysis following initial exposure and throughout the surveillance window. For example, the change in IC was 0.266 for the surveillance period of 1-30 days as compared to the control period of -180 to -1days. Our modification of the existing OHDSI software allowed for faster queries and more efficient generation of chronographs. Conclusion: Our OMOP replication matched the results of the original THIN study, only simvastatin had a signal. The TPD method is a useful signal detection tool that provides a single statistic on temporal association and a graphical depiction of the temporal pattern of the drug outcome combination. It remains unclear if the method works well for rare adverse events, but it has been shown to be a useful risk identification tool for longitudinal observational databases. Future work should compare the performance of TPD with other pharmacoepidemiology methods and mining techniques of signal detection. In addition, it would be worth investigating the relative TPD performance characteristics using a variety of observational data sources.
Characterization of type -2 diacylglycerol acyltransferases in Haematococcus lacustris reveals their functions and engineering potential in triacylglycerol biosynthesis
Authors: Cui Hongli , Zhao Chunchao , Xu Wenxin , Zhang Hongjiang , Hang Wei , Zhu Xiaoli , Ji Chunli , Xue Jinai , Zhang Chunhui , Li Runzhi
Published: November 2020

Background: Haematococcus lacustris is an ideal source of astaxanthin (AST), which is stored in oil bodies containing esterified AST (EAST) and triacylglycerol (TAG). Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) catalyze the last step of acyl-CoA-dependent TAG biosynthesis and are also considered as crucial enzymes involved in EAST biosynthesis in H. lacustris. Previous studies have identified four putative DGAT2-encoding genes in H. lacustris, and only HpDGAT2D allowed the recovery of TAG biosynthesis, but the engineering potential of HpDGAT2s in TAG biosynthesis remains ambiguous.Results: Five putative DGAT2 genes (HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2B, HpDGAT2C, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E) were identified in H. lacustris. Transcription analysis showed that the expression levels of the HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E genes markedly increased under high light and nitrogen deficient conditions with distinct patterns, which led to significant TAG and EAST accumulation. Functional complementation demonstrated that HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2B, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E had the capacity to restore TAG synthesis in a TAG-deficient yeast strain (H1246) showing a large difference in enzymatic activity. Fatty acid (FA) profile assays revealed that HpDGAT2A, HpDGAT2D, and HpDGAT2E, but not HpDGAT2B, preferred monounsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (MUFAs) for TAG synthesis in yeast cells, and showed a preference for polyunsaturated fatty acyl-CoAs (PUFAs) based on their feeding strategy. The heterologous expression of HpDGAT2D in Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii significantly increased the TAG content and obviously promoted the MUFAs and PUFAs contents.Conclusions: Our study represents pioneering work on the characterization of HpDGAT2s by systematically integrating expression patterns, AST/TAG accumulation, functional complementation, and heterologous expression in yeast, plants, and algae. These results (1) update the gene models of HpDGAT2s, (2) prove the TAG biosynthesis capacity of HpDGAT2s, (3) show the strong preference for MUFAs and PUFAs, and (4) offer target genes to modulate TAG biosynthesis by using genetic engineering methods.
GDF-5 promotes Epidermal Stem Cells proliferation via Foxg1-cyclin D1 signaling
Authors: Zhao Xiaohong , Bian Ruyu , Wang Fan , Wang Ying , Li Xue , Guo Yicheng , Zhang Xiaorong , Luo Gaoxing , Zhan Rixing
Published: November 2020

Objective: Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) can self-renew and are responsible for the long-term maintenance of the skin, it also plays a critical role in wound re-epithelization, but the mechanism underlying EpSCs proliferation is unclear. Here, we studied the effects of GDF-5 on mouse EpSCs proliferation mechanism in wound healing. Methods: Firstly, the effects of GDF-5 on EpSCs proliferation was tested by using CCK8 reagent and PCNA expression was analysed by western blotting. Secondly, we screened genes that promote EpSCs proliferation in the FOX family and cyclin by qPCR, and further analysed the protein expression level of the selected genes by Western blotting. Thirdly, siRNA plasmids and pAdEasy adenovirus were transfected or infected, respectively, into mouse EpSCs to detect the effect of target genes on GDF-5 induced cell proliferation. Furthermore, a deep partial thickness burn mouse model was used in which GDF-5 induced EpSCs proliferation was detected by immunohistochemical. Finally, the relationships target genes were analysed by qPCR, immunoblotting and dual luciferase reporter gene detection. Results: We discovered that 100 ng/ml recombinant mouse GDF-5 was the optimal concentration for promoting mouse EpSCs proliferation. Through preliminary screening by qPCR, we found that Foxg1 and cyclin D1 could be the downstream molecules of GDF-5, and the results were confirmed by Western blotting. And the effect of GDF-5 on mouse EpSCs proliferation was regulated by Foxg1/cyclin D1 in vitro and in vivo. Besides, GDF-5 induced transcription of cyclin D1 was regulated by Foxg1-mediated cyclin D1 promoter activity.Conclusion: This paper showed that GDF-5 promotes mouse EpSCs proliferation via Foxg1-cyclin D1 signal pathway. It is suggested that GDF-5 may be a new approach to yield EpSCs for wound healing.
WITHDRAWN: Machine Learning for the Prediction of Progression in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury in Critical Care
Authors: Zhang Lifan , Wei Canzheng , Zhang Xuepeng , Ma Aijia , Cheng Jiangli , Dong Meiling , Yang Jing , Kang Yan
Published: November 2020

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serve and harmful syndrome in the intensive care unit. Our previous study has shown that patients who will progress to AKI 3 stage are considered to receive RRT. This study aimed to develop a prediction model that can predict whether progression to AKI stage 3. Methods Patients with AKI stage 1/2, when they were first diagnosed with AKI in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III), were included. Patients who receive RRT or progress to AKI 3 stage within 72 hours of first AKI diagnosis were excluded. We build two predictive models, respectively using machine learning extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and logistic regression, to predict patients who will progress to AKI stage 3. Established models were evaluated by cross-validation and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AU-ROC). Results Of the 29238 patients included in the analysis, 3237 (11.1%) patients progressed to AKI stage 3. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sepsis and respiratory failure were the important predictors of AKI progression. The machine learning XGBoost model has a better performance than the Cox regression model on predicting AKI stage 3 progression (AU-ROC, 0.860 vs. 0.728, respectively). Conclusions The XGBoost model was able to identify patients with AKI progression better than the Cox regression model. Machine learning techniques may improve predictive modeling in medical research.
Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota of A Healthy Population and Covariates Affecting Microbial Variation in Two Large Japanese Cohorts
Authors: Park Jonguk , Kato Kumiko , Murakami Haruka , Hosomi Koji , Tanisawa Kumpei , Nakagata Takashi , Ohno Harumi , Konishi Kana , Kawashima Hitoshi , Chen Yi-An , Mohsen Attayeb , Xiao Jin-zhong , Odamaki Toshitaka , Kunisawa Jun , Mizuguchi Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: November 2020

Background: Inter-individual variations in gut microbiota composition are observed even among healthy populations. As gut microbiota in Japanese populations exhibit a unique composition compared to others, it is informative to conduct large-scale Japanese cohort studies for a comprehensive understanding of the association between healthy gut microbiota and host status. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the integrated and non-redundant factors associated with gut microbiota composition within the Japanese population by 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples and questionnaire-based covariate analysis. Results: A total of 1,596 healthy Japanese individuals participated in this study via two independent cohorts, NIBIOHN cohort (n = 954) and MORINAGA cohort (n = 642). Gut microbiota composition was described and the interaction of these microorganisms with metadata parameters such as anthropometric measurements, bowel habits, medical history, and lifestyle were obtained. Thirteen genera, including Alistipes, Anaerostipes, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Eubacterium halli group, Faecalibacterium, Fusicatenibacter, Lachnoclostidium, Parabacteroides, Prevotella_9, Roseburia and Subdoligranurum were predominant among the two cohorts. On the basis of univariate analysis for overall microbiome variation, 18 matching variables exhibited significant association in both cohorts. A stepwise redundancy analysis revealed that there were four common covariates, Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) scores, gender, age, and defecation frequency, displaying non-redundant association with gut microbial variance.Conclusions: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of gut microbiota in healthy Japanese individuals, based on two independent cohorts, and obtained reliable evidence that questionnaire-based covariates such as frequency of bowel movement and dietary intake affects the microbial composition of the gut. To our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate integrated and non-redundant factors associated with gut microbiota among Japanese populations.
Elucidating the Cellular Mechanism for E2-induced Dermal Fibrosis
Authors: Frost DeAnna Baker , Savchenko Alisa , Ogunleye Adeyemi , Armstrong Milton , Feghali-Bostwick Carol
Published: November 2020

Background: Both TGFb and estradiol (E2), a form of estrogen, are pro-fibrotic in the skin. In the connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), both TGFb and E2 are likely pathogenic. Yet, the regulation of TGFb in E2-induced dermal fibrosis remains ill-defined. Elucidating those regulatory mechanisms will improve the understanding of fibrotic disease pathogenesis and set the stage for developing potential therapeutics. Using E2-stimulated primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo, we identified the important regulatory proteins for TGFb and investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are directly stimulated by E2-induced TGFb signaling.Methods: We used primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo stimulated with E2 or vehicle (ethanol) to measure TGFb1, TGFb2 levels using quantitative PCR (qPCR). To identify the necessary cell signaling proteins in E2-induced TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription, human dermal fibroblasts were pre-treated with an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/ mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway, U0126. Finally, human skin tissue ex vivo was pre-treated with SB-431542, a TGFb receptor inhibitor, to establish the effects of TGFb signaling on E2-induced collagen 22A1 (Col22A1) transcription. Statistical tests used included parametric and non-parametric ANOVA, student’s T-test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Significance was defined as p-value ≤ 0.05.Results: We found that TGFb1, TGFb2, and collagen 22A1 (Col22A1), a TGFb-responsive gene, are induced in response to E2 stimulation. Mechanistically, Col22A1 induction is blocked by the TGFb receptor inhibitor SB-431542, despite E2 stimulation. Additionally, inhibiting E2-induced ERK/MAPK activation and early growth response 1 (EGR1) transcription prevents E2-induced increase in TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription and translation. Conclusions: We conclude that E2-induced dermal fibrosis occurs in part through induction of TGFb1, 2 and Col22A1, which is regulated through EGR1 and the MAPK pathway. Thus, blocking estrogen signaling and/or production may be a novel therapeutic option in pro-fibrotic diseases.
Persian Version of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF): A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Lamyian Minoor , Ansariniaki Mehri , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Curry Carolann L. , Barkin Jennifer L.
Published: November 2020

Background Postpartum maternal functioning has the potential to affect the quality of interaction between mother and child. A proper assessment of maternal functioning requires a comprehensive and accurate tool. The objective of this study was to prepare a Persian version of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) and evaluate its psychometric properties in order to determine its applicability in Iranian mothers.Methods The BIMF was translated into Persian and then culturally adapted for Iranian women. After evaluating face and content validity, a cross-sectional study was conducted using the Persian version of BIMF. The data was collected from two unique groups of 250 mothers (in all 500 mothers); the women had infants who were 2 to 12-months old and were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach’s alpha were employed in order to evaluate structural validity and reliability.Results Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a five-factor structure consisting of 20 items. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (X ²/ df= 1.61, RMSEA = 0.050, GFI = 0.91, CFI = 0.91) confirmed that the Persian version had satisfactory goodness of fit. Reliability and internal consistency were confirmed with a CR of 0.77, an ICC of 0.87 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. Conclusions The findings indicated that the Persian version of the BIMF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing maternal functioning among Iranian mothers.