bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criticidade dos estoques de uma empresa do agronegócio brasileiro simulada a partir de uma modelagem matemática
Authors: Eleuthério Ludhyane de Carvalho , Nogueira Vinicius Passos , Barbosa Junior Salvador Quintão , Silva Helder Antônio da , Siqueira José Carlos de Cnop
Published: April 2020

A logística vem exercendo um papel fundamental no processo de expansão das empresas, ao se tornar um fator determinante de competitividade para a gestão logística de estoque, ferramenta essa, de grande valia para as organizações que buscam uma melhor performance na sua gestão. A realização deste trabalho teve como objetivo a análise do grau de criticidade XYZ sob à luz dos resultados obtidos pela curva ABC obtidos em uma empresa mineira do agronegócio. Através da pesquisa, utilizou-se de um estudo de caso com aplicação de revisão bibliográfica, análise de documentos e observação participante. As informações foram tratadas e corroboradas por meio de visita à empresa. A partir do estudo, pôde-se conhecer as políticas de gestão de estoques adotadas e perceber o interesse da empresa em dar continuidade a futuros projetos que envolvam as classificações XYZ e ABC, uma vez que a pesquisa trouxe reflexos diretamente na busca pela competitividade e inovação para a gestão de produtos no agronegócio Brasileiro. Por fim, como resultado do trabalho, foi detectado que a empresa reconhece a importância dos modelos de criticidade e classificação apresentados, ao confirmar que a proposta pode evitar perdas de produtos e proporcionar uma gestão mais eficiente no que tange à gestão de sua cadeia de suprimentos.
A metric for the measurement of passively transparent behavior in communication chains
Authors: Souza Oscar Quirinus Herbertus de , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present a method for empirically measuring the extent to which social institutions actively cooperate in the provision of public information. The method described here allows researchers to collect accurate empirical data corresponding to specific items of requested information to produce presentable meta-data on the information collection process. The data are extracted from communication chains and generated by tracking each unitary item of requested information in an item chain. After describing the data collection process and how the data are indexed using a three-figure tag, we explain how the collected data can be used to produce aggregated passive transparency ratings for institutions across content topics and for content topics across institutions. The article ends with a discussion of the social value of using transparency data, and the benefits that might be derived from institutional and content-specific passive transparency ratings.
Gerenciamento de Resultados Através de Decisões Operacionais no Setor Industrial
Authors: Silva Realdo de Oliveira da , Gasparetto Valdirene , Flach Leonardo
Published: April 2020

Pesquisas recentes se concentraram no estudo da prática de gerenciamento de resultados por meio de decisões operacionais, especialmente após o surgimento de escândalos financeiros envolvendo grandes corporações. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo verificar se as empresas industriais listadas na Bolsa de Valores brasileira (B3) praticaram gerenciamento de resultados por meio de decisões operacionais para interferir nos resultados publicados através da manipulação dos níveis de produção. A pesquisa utiliza a análise de regressão de dados em painel, com uma amostra de 820 observações, de 2014 a 2018, compreendendo 41 empresas listadas no índice INDX, também conhecido como índice do setor industrial, que abrange ações das empresas mais representativas do setor. Os resultados indicam a prática de gerenciamento de resultados por meio de decisões operacionais com objetivo de influenciar nos resultados apresentados nas demonstrações financeiras. A complexidade dos processos industriais e consequentemente a dificuldade de valoração dos estoques sugere uma oportunidade para os gestores interferirem nos resultados reportados destas empresas. Além disso, foi possível constatar que o tamanho da companhia influencia na adoção da prática de gerenciamento de resultados através da manipulação dos níveis de produção. Os resultados corroboram com estudos anteriores sobre a temática, os quais sugerem que empresas industriais manipulam seus níveis de produção.
Bitcoins: a moeda virtual sob a perspectiva contábil
Authors: Feitosa Andre Luis Oliveira , Silva Alexsandra Maria Gomes , Dantas Cristiane Feitoza
Published: April 2020

A contabilidade é fortemente desafiada a reconhecer e mensurar as informações de forma relevante e autêntica mantendo-as hodiernas, de acordo com o que afirma o CPC 00 para atender as necessidades dos usuários nas mais diferentes esferas de atuação. Uma vez que o Conselho de Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade, responsável pela padronização as normas internacionais, ainda não se posicionou sobre o tratamento contábil das moedas virtuais e a mesma, sendo uma moeda  descentralizada, não dispõe de um órgão regulador que discipline seus usos e registros, a contabilidade deve buscar alternativas, padrões na jurisprudência contábil para solucionar essas movimentações. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo geral identificar como as atividades realizadas em Bitcoins são reconhecidas sob a perspectiva da contabilidade junto aos órgãos responsáveis pela regulamentação e incidência de tributos sobre transações econômicas. Os procedimentos técnicos adotados foram à pesquisa bibliográfica e o estudo de caso. Conclui-se pela necessidade da criação de uma lei que regularize as moedas virtuais em defesa e segurança do usuário, descartando a intervenção estatal, uma vez que esta foi a falha das moedas virtuais que vieram anteriormente e, até que isso se concretize, sugere-se fazer a cotação dos Bitcoins já em uso empregando a cotação da exchange responsável.
Por uma pedagogia da criatividade para os cursos da área de gestão: desenvolvendo competências criativas
Authors: Pereira Marcela Rebecca , Mendonça José Ricardo Costa de , Santos Júnior Luiz Sebastião dos
Published: April 2020

A proposta principal desse papper é a de utilizar o modelo teórico de gestão criativa, proposto por Muzzio e Paiva (2018), como referência para reflexão acerca de uma pedagogia da criatividade a ser desenvolvida e aplicada em cursos da área de gestão, uma vez que os profissionais que derivam de cursos desta área parecem necessitar enfrentar crescentes desafios gerenciais em contexto de grande mudança. O modelo se apresenta como a criatividade sendo o eixo básico que movimenta as dimensões do indivíduo criativo, da liderança criativa e da cultura criativa, que ao interagirem entre si proporcionariam uma gestão criativa mais adequada aos novos contextos criativos. O ponto de chegada desse trabalho é a geração de proposições para reflexão que deverão ser capazes de estabelecer elementos constitutivos a serem medidos posteriormente de forma empírica em turmas onde haja indícios de que aspectos de uma 'edagogia da criatividade' estejam de alguma forma sendo aplicados, tanto na graduação quanto na pós-graduação de cursos da área de gestão, observando-se a perspectiva dos alunos para como avaliam as contribuições de disciplinas de características mais criativas para a sua própria formação criativa e consequente para a gestão criativa de novos negócios e empreendimentos, em organizações dos mais diferentes setores.
Assessment of a Multiplex Serological Test for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection: a Prospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Bémer Pascale , Bourigault Céline , Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Plouzeau-Jayle Chloé , Lemarie Carole , Chenouard Rachel , Valentin Anne-Sophie , Bourdon Sandra , Leroy Anne-Gaëlle , Corvec Stéphane
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Introduction: The diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) can be difficult in the chronic stage and is based on clinical and paraclinical evidence. A minimally invasive serological test against the main pathogens encountered during PJI would distinguish PJI from mechanical loosening.Methods: We performed a prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study to assess the contribution of serology in the diagnosis of PJI. Over a 2-year period, all patients undergoing prosthesis revision were included in the study. A C-reactive protein assay and a serological test specifically designed against 5 bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Cutibacterium acnes) were performed preoperatively. Five samples per patient were taken intraoperatively during surgery. The diagnosis of PJI was based on clinical and bacteriological criteria according to guidelines.Results: Between November 2015 and November 2017, 115 patients were included, 49 for a chronic PJI and 66 for a mechanical problem. Among patients with PJI, a sinus tract was observed in 32.6% and a C-reactive protein level ≥10 mg/L in 74.5%. The PJI was monomicrobial in 43 cases (targeted staphylococci, 24; S. agalactiae, 1; C. acnes, 2; others, 16), and polymicrobial in 6 cases (12.2%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75.0%, 82.1%, 58.3% and 90.8%, respectively, for targeted staphylococci. Specificity/negative predictive value was 97.3%/100% for S. agalactiae and 83.8% /96.9% for C. acnes.Conclusions: The serological tests are insufficient to affirm the diagnosis of PJI for the targeted bacteria. Nevertheless, the excellent NPV may help clinicians to exclude PJI.
Peculiarities of selective attention in reading a text (on the example of forensic problem)
Authors: Sennitskaya Elena Vladimirovna
Published: April 2020

The object of this research is attention, while the subject is the peculiarities of selective attention to various facts presented in forensic problem. A hypothesis is advanced that there is a dependence between attention to the fact, reflected in the amount of its interpretations in a written solution of the problem by the examinee on the one hand; and number of subsidiary elements specifying its separate sides, task conditions in the task on the other. In other words, if the text is a hierarchical structure illustrating the act of narration from general to specific, the fact that is not just mentioned, but described in details, attracts attention only due to the amount of defining subsidiary elements, regardless of content of the fact itself. Research methodology includes theoretical analysis of literature on the factors affective selectiveness of attention; experiment – a solution of forensic problems by examinees of different gender; surveying with open-ended questions. The novelty consists in identification of the previously unstudied factor influencing the “noticeability” of fact in the text for a reader: its position within the hierarchical system of facts. The conclusion is formulated that the biggest role in attraction of attention to the fact is played not by the overall number of subsidiary element, but rather their number at the closest level of hierarchy.
Value attitude towards health and personal development
Authors: Shmoilova Natal'ya Aleksandrovna , Kashirskii Dmitrii Valer'evich
Published: April 2020

This research is aimed at examination of objective meaning of the value of health, as well as such personal meaning instilled into this value and projection of the value of health into surrounding reality in form of actions, aimed at preservation of own health. The subject of this research is the value attitude towards health from the perspective of representation in person’s consciousness of the value of health at the level of objective meaning, subjective meaning, and sensual fabric of personality seeking self-development. The following conclusions were formulated in the course of this work: 1) personality with high and average level of psychological well-being, the value of health is on the level objective meanings, subjective meanings, and sensual fabric; 2) harmonious presence of three interconnected forms pf existence of the value of health in students’ consciousness – level of objective meanings, subjective meanings, and sensual fabric of the image testifies to the fact that the value of health manifests as psychological means of personal development; 3) young people, whose value of health is in all three levels of consciousness, constantly seek personal growth, open to new experience, as well as demonstrate readiness to encountering unfamiliar circumstances, independence of opinion, self-confidence, and orientation towards their inner world.
Evaluating the Impact of Rural Finance on Cocoa Farmers Productivity: A Case Study of Bodi District in Ghana
Authors: Attipoe Sonny Gad , Jianmin Cao , Opoku-Kwanowaa Yaa
Published: April 2020

Background: Agricultural finance from rural and community banks play a major role in increasing both yield and income of rural farmers in agricultural-dependent economies. These finances are needed for purchasing raw materials, paying labor fees and buying farming equipment, etc. However, substantial evidence about their roles in improving farm productivity is lacking, especially in the cocoa sector in Ghana, where rural and community banks are the forerunners in advancing credit to cocoa farmers in Ghana’s deprived rural cocoa-growing communities. This research, therefore, seeks to determine the impact of rural and community banks’ credit on cocoa farmers' productivity in the Bodi District of Ghana.

Methodology: Using random sampling method, a cross-sectional data of 350 cocoa farmers from 5 operational areas (Afere, Bodi, Amoaya, Kama and Suino) located in Bodi District in the Western region. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Statistical software (SPSS v20 and STATA v14) were used to analyze quantitative data on cocoa productivity.

Results: The results revealed that cocoa farmers with access to credit experienced significant yield increase (p<0.05) with a mean of 359.71 kgha-1 as compared to 235.30 kgha-1 for non-credit takers. Further, only 34.3% of farmers accessed credit for farming. With Pseudo R2 value of 0.78, farm tenure system, fertilizer use, access to credit and access to extension services significantly influenced cocoa yield, while the age of cocoa farmer, age of farm trees and vulnerability of farm to natural disaster negatively affected cocoa yield. Tukey HSD results (p<0.00) indicate that rural banks credit allocations to non-agricultural activities such as trade and transport, and social loans had the highest percentage means which suggests that agriculture is treated less favorable in rural banks' credit portfolio. These findings give credence to the assertion that rural banks are deviating from their core mandate of supporting agriculture in Ghana.

Conclusion: This study reaffirms the supporting roles played by rural and community banks in increasing cocoa yield in Ghana. However, this research recommends that, the Bank of Ghana should closely monitor the activities of these unit banks to reduce the instances of diverting all their funds to non-agricultural related activities.
Screening of Mungbean Genotypes under Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Induced Drought Stress Condition
Authors: Imtiaz Abdullah All , Shahriar Saleh Ahmed , Baque Md. Abdullahil , Eaty Most. Nurjahan Khatun , Falguni Maliha Rahman
Published: April 2020

Sixteen advance genotypes of mungbeans under 5 different concentrations of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) were studied to find out the better cultivar against drought stress condition. The experiment results revealed that germination, seedling production and water-related behavior of mungbean genotypes differed significantly under different PEG (drought inducer) concentrations. The mungbean genotype BINA Mung-6 (V8) is proved as highly tolerant against drought stress condition among all other tested genotypes. The results of the investigation revealed that BINA Mung-6 (V8) genotype consistently scored the highest value for all parameters except for the root shoot ratio and water retention capacity that was statistically comparable to genotypes BARI Mung-4 (V2) and BINA Mung-5 (V7). Consistently poor performance were recorded from IPM-02-03 (V16) genotype which is statistically similar as genotypes BMXK1-09015-2 (V13) and BMXK1-09015-6 (V10). The maximum percentage of germination (98.12%), shoot length (139.40 mm), root length (99.07 mm), shoot dry weight (22.32 mg), root dry weight (6.88 mg), relative water content (94.78), water retention capacity (24.98), germination co-efficient (22.27) and vigor index (233.90) were reported from BINA Mung-6 (V8) at a concentration of 0 percent PEG. The minimum percentage of germination (28.22 percent), shoot length (31.17 mm), root length (16.50 mm), shoot dry weight (2.21 mg), root dry weight (0.97 mg), relative water content (25.55), water retention capacity (3.08), germination co-efficient (6.06) and vigor index (13.45) were reported from IPM-02-03 (V16) mungbean advance lines at 0 percent PEG. Maximum (0.92) root shoot ratio was recorded from both BARI Mung-8 (V6) and BMX-08011-2 (V11) mungbean genotypes at 20 percent PEG concentration and minimum (0.22) at 0 percent PEG concentration from BARI Mung-5 (V3) genotype. Maximum water retention capacity (74.45) was recorded at 20 per cent PEG concentration from IPM-02-03 (V16) genotype and minimum (5.22) was at 0 per cent PEG concentration from BINA Mung-6 (V8) genotype.
Relative Change in Yields and Nutrient Uptake of Black Gram under Different Doses and Sources of Boron
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumari Sweeti , Shambhabhi Shweta , Priyadarshi Rashmi , . Shabana
Published: April 2020

The present study “Relative changes in Boron fractions in black gram rhizosphere” was contemplated with two objectives: 1) To find out the suitable source, dose and method of boron for black gram and 2) To study the changes in relative boron fractionation under black gram rhizosphere. To achieve the present objectives a field experiment was conducted with Greek gram var. IPU2-43 in factorial randomized block design with three sources, four doses and two methods of application of boron replicated thrice at Bihar Agricultural College Farm of BAU, Sabour during the year 2018-19. Three sources were: S1: Borax, S2: Solubor and S3: Boric acid; Doses: D1: 0.5 kg ha-1, D2: 1.0 kg ha-1, D3: 1.5 kg ha-1, D4: 2.0 kg ha-1and methods: Soil and foliar application. Based on the findings of field experiment it can be concluded that the application of 1.5 kg B ha-1 (D3) registered maximum seed yield of (8.27 q ha-1), straw yield of (10.04 q ha-1), nutrient uptake by grain (12.64 g ha-1) and nutrient uptake by straw (16.95 g ha-1) which was statistically at par with the application of 2.0 kg B ha-1 (D4) and was found to be statistically superior over rest of the doses. Among the sources, the maximum seed yield (7.96 q ha-1), straw yield (9.53 qha-1), nutrient uptake by grain (12.42 gha-1) and nutrient uptake by straw (16.36 gha-1)was found to be highest under the plots receiving 1.5 kg B ha-1 through foliar application of Solubor (S2) and the lowest grain yield (7.88 qha-1), straw yield (9.36 q ha-1),nutrient uptake by grain (11.85 gha-1) and nutrient uptake by straw (15.60 gha-1)was recorded from 0.5 kg B ha-1(D1) which was found statistical inferior over rest of the boron doses. Foliar application resulted in a better yield of straw as compared to soil application.
Mentoring Undergraduate Students: Perception of Medical and Dental Faculties on Undergraduate Mentoring Program
Authors: Swe Kye Mon Min , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: April 2020

Background: Mentoring is key to a successful career in medicine. Mentoring is the goal of developing nurturing relationships between elder adult who is dependable and someone who is younger needs consistent support or an intervention. Mentoring has shown to be essential for the acquisition of clinical and research skills, as well as career development. A good mentor maintains sight of the overall goal of the relationship and hold the focus for mentees personnel and professional growth overtime.

Objectives: The objectives of study were to explore how faculties of medical and dental programme understand their role as mentors and to identify the perceptions of faculties regarding mentoring medical and dental students.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted at Melaka Manipal Medical College and lecturers from medical and dental faculties were participated in the study. The data were analysed by using SPSS.

Results: There were total 48 faculties (38 medical and 10 dental faculties) participated in this study. Majority (39.58%) of faculties defined mentor as counsellor, (22.91%) career guide, (16.6%) role model while (8.3%) defined as research guide. Regarding perception of faculties on the mentorship program, (81.2%) of faculties perceived that mentors have positive influence on choosing future specialties options of the mentees, (75%) of the faculties were willing to discuss with the mentees regarding personal, financial issues as well as academic performance individually, (77%) perceived that time constraint is the barrier for successful programme and (62.5%) of faculties perceived that there should have a formal training prior to appointment as mentor.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the roles, tasks and communication of mentor and mentees should be standardized. Mentors should have a formal training prior to appoint as mentor.
Mapping of Pyroclastic Density Currents Hazards and Assessment of Related Risks by AMS Technique in the West-Cameroon Highlands: Case of Bambouto and Bamenda Volcanoes
Authors: Dedzo Merlin Gountié , Tefogoum Ghislain Zangmo , Tchamabé Boris Chako , Fozing Eric Martial , Njonfang Emmanuel , Kamgang Pierre
Published: April 2020

Ignimbritic flow deposits which derived from pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) are mostly observed in West-Cameroon Highlands located in the central portion of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), especially in Bambouto (21.12 - 0.50 Ma) and Bamenda (27.40 - 0 Ma) volcanoes. These deposits covering approximately 27% (≈195 km2) of the volcanoes surface with thickness ranging from 30 to 200 m representing a total volume estimated at 20 km3. Because of the intense weathering of the ignimbritic formations after their setting up and being buried by basaltic and trachtytic flows, the initial volume of these pyroclastic deposits is really much larger. Soil fertility has fostered an important population growth (more than 1,200,000 people) in these volcanoes. The economic and agropastoral activities on the flanks and inside the caldera of the volcanoes are estimated at about $US7.5 billion. In this paper, we evaluate and realize cartography of the hazards associated to ignimbritic eruptions which are most disastrous in term of volcanic process in this region. Magnetic studies, specifically, Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) method has been utilized for the determination of flow directions in visually nearly isotropic ignimbritic deposits outcrops. The AMS data reported from the Bamenda and Bambouto volcanoes ignimbrites produced significant informations about the depositional scheme of the PDCs. In most sites, magnetic lineations and principally magnetic foliation are reliably parallel to downhill directions, frequently with an upslope imbrication. Inferred palaeoflow directions based on the field indicators, orientation of minerals and other objects in oriented thin sections and the directional AMS data show that Bambouto caldera, Oku crater and Santa-Mbu caldera are the sources of main PDCs of Bambouto and Bamenda volcanoes. These AMS results have aided us to produce a hazard and risks maps related to potential future pyroclastic flows on these volcanoes. The assessment of risks in these volcanoes was based on populations in the study area, infrastructures (houses and roads) and average income of breeding activity.
Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco) Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ajani Rotimi Sunday , Balogun Oluwafisayomi Tesleem
Published: April 2020

Objective: The health hazards of tobacco smoking and diabetes mellitus constitute major and diverse global burden. The influence of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) powder and ethanolic extract on excised wound of diabetic rats was investigated.

Methods: The wounds of diabetic adult male wistar rats in groups of six were dressed with tobacco powder (TPD), tobacco ethanolic extract (TED), sofratulle (SD) and normal saline (ND) daily till healed. There were composite control groups namely TPC, TEC, SC and NC.

Every three days, the wound areas were measured in order to calculate the mean wound contraction rates. Granulation tissue was biopsied from an animal per group on day 3,6 and 9 for histopathological evaluation and after healing, the scars of the remaining animals were biopsied for histology.

Results: On day 3, the tobacco powder diabetic (TPD) group had the highest mean wound contraction rate and even higher than its control group. At day 18, the tobacco extract control group had the least mean wound contraction rate. The mean wound contraction rates of some diabetic groups were significantly higher than those of the respective control on day 3 and 12 (TPD vs TPC; TED vs TEC). The TPD mean wound contraction rates were significantly higher than those of ND on day 3,6,9 and 12. Histology of the granulation tissues of the tobacco diabetic groups was similar to those of the other groups. Sections of the wound scars revealed stratified squamous epithelia with abundant collagen fibres and blood vessels in all the groups. It was also observed that the scars were more fibrous than cellular with dermal appendages observed in some of the groups.

Conclusion: Topical application of Nicotiana tabacum (Tobacco) promotes wound healing with scars comparable to those of rats dressed with sofratulle.
Synthesis of 2‐(2‐Hydroxyaryl)‐4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones by Palladium‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Hydroxylation via Electro‐chemical Oxidation
Authors: Wu Hongfeng , An Qi , He Chaoyin , Fan Xiaodong , Guo Weihao , Zuo Minghui , Xu Chunzhao , Guo Rui , Chu Wenyi , Sun Zhizhong
Published: April 2020

An electrochemical direct ortho‐hydroxylation of 2‐aryl‐4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones was developed with Pd(OAc)2 as catalyst, oxazine ring as a directing group and Oxone as the hydroxylation reagent. A series of hydroxylation products were obtained under mild conditions, and the yields were from medium to good. This method is characterized by good functional group tolerance and a wide range of substrates. More importantly, use anodic oxidation to avoid the use of potentially toxic and polluting oxidants. A gram‐scale direct electrochemical hydroxylation of 2‐phenyl‐4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one was performed, and the hydroxylation product was applied to synthesize the drug deferasirox. In addition, the single crystal of 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐one was obtained and determined by X‐ray diffraction. Finally, the reaction mechanism was proposed and verified by cyclic voltammetry (CV). This protocol also provides an alternative electrochemical hydroxylation methodology for the functionalization of molecules.

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Addressing COVID‐19 Drug Development with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ho Dean
Published: April 2020

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the virus that led to the COVID‐19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, has resulted in substantial overburdening of healthcare systems as well as an economic crisis on a global scale. This has in turn resulted in widespread efforts to identify suitable therapies to address this aggressive pathogen. Therapeutic antibody and vaccine development are being actively explored, and a phase I clinical trial of mRNA‐1273 which is developed in collaboration between the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Moderna, Inc. is currently underway. Timelines for the broad deployment of a vaccine and antibody therapies have been estimated to be 12–18 months or longer. These are promising approaches that may lead to sustained efficacy in treating COVID‐19. However, its emergence has also led to a large number of clinical trials evaluating drug combinations composed of repurposed therapies. As study results of these combinations continue to be evaluated, there is a need to move beyond traditional drug screening and repurposing by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize combination therapy design. This may lead to the rapid identification of regimens that mediate unexpected and markedly enhanced treatment outcomes.
Disparities between Antibody Occupancy, Orientation, and Cytotoxicity in Immunotherapy
Authors: Ta Angeline N. , Tennyson Rachel L. , Aceveda Diane C. , McNaughton Brian R.
Published: April 2020

We report fusion proteins designed to bind spatially distinct epitopes on the extracellular portion of HER2, a breast cancer biomarker and established therapeutic target, and recruit IgG (either anti‐His6 or serum IgG) to the cell surface. When the proteins were incubated with anti‐His6 antibody and various concentrations of a single HER2‐binding protein His6 fusion, we observed interference and a decrease in antibody recruitment at HER2‐binding protein concentrations exceeding ∼30 nM. In contrast, concomitant treatment with two or three distinct HER2‐binding protein His6 fusions, and anti‐His6, results in increased antibody recruitment, even at relatively high HER2‐binding protein concentration. In some instances, increased antibody recruitment leads to increased antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. While a fusion protein consisting of a HER2‐binding nanobody and Sac7d, a protein evolved to recognize the Fc domain of IgG, binds IgG from serum, antibody recruitment does not lead to ADCC activity. Rationales for these disparities are provided. Collectively, our findings have implications for the design of efficacious targeted immunotherapeutic biologics, and ensembles thereof.
Mg2+/F− Synergy to Enhance the Ionic Conductivity of Na3Zr2Si2PO12 Solid Electrolyte for Solid‐State Sodium Batteries
Authors: He Shengnan , Xu Youlong , Ma Xiaoning , Chen Yanjun , Lin Jun , Wang Chao
Published: April 2020

Na super ion conductor (NASICON) Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) is considered to be one of the most promising solid electrolytes for solid‐state sodium batteries. However, low ionic conductivity is one of the main challenges for its practical application. Herein, we report a novel Mg2+/F− co‐assisting strategy to synthesize NZSP solid electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity. Mg2+/F‐ co‐assisting leads to a significant increase in the particle size and a reduction in the concentration of grain boundary. A dense microstructure is also formed with co‐assisting. Consequently, high ionic conductivity of 2.21 mS cm−1 at 300 K, low electronic conductivity of 1.76×10−5 mS cm−1 at 300 K and low activation energy of ∼0.27 eV are achieved for the optimized Mg2+/F− co‐assisted NZSP solid electrolyte. Finally, a Na/Na3V2(PO4)3 solid‐state sodium battery employing Mg2+/F− co‐assisted NZSP solid electrolyte exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance. High discharge specific capacity of 71.5 mAh g−1 is displayed at 1 C at 300 K, with 96 % retention after 100 cycles. Therefore, this cation/anion co‐assisting strategy provides inspiration for the development of other classes of ceramic solid electrolytes for solid‐state sodium batteries.
Benzobicyclon carryover to crops in the Mississippi Delta
Authors: Norsworthy Jason K. , Young Mason L.
Published: April 2020

One experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2016 on a Calloway and Dewitt silt loam soil near Pine Tree (pH 8.3) and Stuttgart (pH 6.0), Arkansas, respectively. The objective was to evaluate the potential for a benzobicyclon application to carryover from rice and cause damage to corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybean, and sunflower planted the subsequent year. No injury or stand reduction occurred for any crop after applications of benzobicyclon at 0.22 and 0.44 lb a.i. acre−1 at either location. Grain sorghum had a 29% height reduction at Pine Tree at 12 d after planting (DAP); however, no differences in height occurred at Stuttgart, and by 40 DAP, all heights were similar between treated and nontreated plots at both locations. Plant height of corn, cotton, soybean, and sunflower was not reduced in treated plots. At Pine Tree, 53 and 56% reductions in corn yield resulted from benzobicyclon at 0.22 and 0.44 lb acre−1, respectively, whereas cotton, grain sorghum, and soybean yields were not affected by benzobicyclon residues. Yields of all crops at Stuttgart were not negatively affected by benzobicyclon application the previous year. This research shows that benzobicyclon applied to rice is unlikely to injure cotton and soybean or to have a negative impact on crop yield the in subsequent growing season.
Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Propargylic Substitution Reaction of Racemic Secondary Propargylic Alcohols with Thiols
Authors: Kikuchi Jun , Takano Kyohei , Ota Yusuke , Umemiya Shigenobu , Terada Masahiro
Published: April 2020

Despite the significant progress of the enantioselective reaction using chiral catalysts, the enantioselective nucleophilic substitution reaction at the chiral sp3‐hybridized carbon atom of a racemic electrophile has not been largely explored. Herein, we report the enantioconvergent propargylic substitution reaction of racemic propargylic alcohols with thiols using chiral bis‐phosphoric acid as the chiral Brønsted acid catalyst. The substitution products were formed in high yields with high enantioselectivities in most cases. The cation‐stabilizing effect of the sulfur functional group introduced at the alkynyl terminus is the key to achieving the efficient enantioconvergent process, in which chiral information originating from not only the racemic stereogenic center but also the formed contact ion pair is completely eliminated from the present system.
MARTINI coarse‐grained model for poly‐ε‐caprolactone in acetone‐water mixtures
Authors: Lavino Alessio D. , Carbone Paola , Marchisio Daniele
Published: April 2020

In this work we present the development of a MARTINI‐type coarse‐graining (CG) model for poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) dissolved in a solvent binary mixture of acetone and water. A thermodynamic/conformational procedure is adopted to build up the CG model of the system, starting from the standard MARTINI force field. The single CG bead is parametrized upon solvation free energy calculations, whereas the conformation of the whole polymer chain is optimized using the radius of gyration values calculated at different chain lengths. The model is then able to reproduce the correct thermodynamics of the system, as well as the conformation of single PCL chains, especially in pure water and acetone. The results obtained here are then used to simulate the interactions between multiple longer PCL chains in solution. The model developed here can be used in the future to achieve deeper insight into the dynamics of the polymer self‐assembly.
Pharmacoepidemiologic Screening of Potential Oral Anticoagulant Drug Interactions Leading to Thromboembolic Events
Authors: Zhou Meijia , Leonard Charles E. , Brensinger Colleen M. , Bilker Warren B. , Kimmel Stephen E. , Hecht Todd E. H. , Hennessy Sean
Published: April 2020

Drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) with oral anticoagulants may lead to under‐anticoagulation and increased risk of thromboembolism. Although warfarin is susceptible to numerous DDIs, few studies have examined DDIs resulting in thromboembolism or those involving direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed to identify medications that increase the rate of hospitalization for thromboembolic events when taken concomitantly with oral anticoagulants. We conducted a high‐throughput pharmacoepidemiologic screening study using Optum Clinformatics Data Mart, 2000–2016. We performed self‐controlled case series studies among adult users of oral anticoagulants (warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban) with at least one hospitalization for a thromboembolic event. Among eligible patients, we identified all oral medications frequently co‐prescribed with oral anticoagulants as potential interacting precipitants. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate rate ratios comparing precipitant exposed vs. unexposed time for each anticoagulant‐precipitant pair. To minimize within‐person confounding by indication for the precipitant, we used pravastatin as a negative control object drug. Multiple estimation was adjusted using semi‐Bayes shrinkage. We screened 1,622 oral anticoagulant‐precipitant drug pairs and identified 226 (14%) drug pairs associated with statistically significantly elevated risk of thromboembolism. Using pravastatin as the negative control object drug, this list was reduced to 69 potential DDI signals for thromboembolism, 33 (48%) of which were not documented in the DDI knowledge databases Lexicomp and/or Micromedex. There were more DDI signals associated with warfarin than DOACs. This study reproduced several previously documented oral anticoagulant DDIs and identified potential DDI signals that deserve to be examined in future etiologic studies.
Good performance of p16/Ki‐67 dual‐stain cytology for detection and post‐treatment surveillance of high‐grade CIN/VAIN in a prospective, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Wei , Gong Jinping , Xu Haicang , Zhang Dan , Xia Nannan , Li Hongxuan , Song Kejuan , Lv Teng , Chen Yulong , Diao Yuchao , Jao Jinwen , Dai Shuzhen , Zhao Peng , Yao Qin
Published: April 2020

Background

The limited sensitivity of Papanicolaou (Pap) cytology and the low specificity of HPV testing in detecting cervical or vaginal lesions means that either precancers are missed or women without lesions are overtreated. To improve performance outcomes, p16/Ki‐67 dual‐stain cytology has been introduced as a useful biomarker.

Methods

A prospective, cross‐sectional study was performed and included 599 patients. Clinical performance estimates of Pap cytology, HPV DNA assay, and p16/Ki‐67 dual‐stain cytology for the detection of CIN2+/VAIN2+ were determined and compared.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of p16/Ki‐67 dual‐stain cytology in detecting histology proven CIN2+/VAIN2+ was 91.6% and 95.0%, respectively, while that of Pap cytology was 42.1% and 95.2%, respectively, and that of HPV DNA testing was 100% and 41.6%, respectively. Among the three tests, the AUC of p16/Ki‐67 immunocytochemistry was the largest, both for detecting cervical lesions and vaginal lesions, at 0.932 and 0.966, respectively. Among women who were HPV 16/18 positive or 12‐other hrHPV positive and Pap positive (≥ASCUS), dual staining reduced the number of unnecessary colposcopy referrals from 274 to 181. Among the women who were 12‐other hrHPV positive and Pap negative, dual staining could prevent underdiagnosis in six patients with CIN2+/VAIN2+ when used as a triage marker. Dual staining also identified four women with high‐grade lesions detected by diagnostic conization but with negative colposcopy‐guided biopsy results.

Conclusion

p16/Ki‐67 dual staining may be a promising tool for predicting high‐grade cervical and vaginal lesions.
Epigenetic regulation of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 in an activity‐based rat model of anorexia nervosa
Authors: D'Addario Claudio , Zaplatic Elizabeta , Giunti Elisa , Pucci Mariangela , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Scherma Maria , Dainese Enrico , Maccarrone Mauro , Nilsson Ida A. , Cifani Carlo , Fadda Paola
Published: April 2020

Objective

Both environmental and genetic factors are known to contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN), but the exact etiology remains poorly understood. Herein, we studied the transcriptional regulation of the endocannabinoid system, an interesting target for body weight maintenance and the control of food intake and energy balance.

Method

We used two well‐characterized animal models of AN: (a) the activity‐based anorexia (ABA) model in which rats, housed with running wheels and subjected to daily food restriction, show reductions in body weight and increase in physical activity; (b) the genetic anx/anx mouse displaying the core features of AN: low food intake and emaciation.

Results

Among the evaluated endocannabinoid system components, we observed a selective and significant down‐regulation of the gene encoding for the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (Cnr1) in ABA rats' hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens and, in the latter area, a consistent, significant and correlated increase in DNA methylation at the gene promoter. No changes were evident in the anx/anx mice except for a down‐regulation of Cnr1, in the prefrontal cortex.

Discussion

Our findings support a possible role for Cnr1 in the ABA animal model of AN. In particular, its regulation in the nucleus accumbens appears to be triggered by environmental cues due to the consistent epigenetic modulation of the promoter. These data warrant further studies on Cnr1 regulation as a possible target for treatment of AN.
Capacitance Polypyrrole‐based Impedimetric Immunosensor for Interleukin‐10 Cytokine Detection
Authors: Nessark Faiza , Eissa Mohamed , Baraket Abdoullatif , Zine Nadia , Nessark Belkacem , Zouaoui Ahmed , Bausells Joan , Errachid Abdelhamid
Published: April 2020

In the present study, we developed a novel label‐free capacitance impedimetric immunosensor based on the immobilization of the human monoclonal antibody anti‐interleukin‐10 (anti‐IL‐10 mAb) onto polypyrrole (PPy)‐modified silicon nitride (Si3N4) substrates. The immunosensor was used for the detection of the recombinant interleukin‐10 antigen (rh IL‐10) that may be secreted in patients at the early stage of inflammation. The immunosensor was created by chemical deposition of PPy conducting layer on pyrrole−silane (SPy)‐treated Si/SiO2/Si3N4 substrates (Si/SiO2/Si3N4−SPy), followed by anti‐IL‐10 mAb immobilization through carboxyl‐functionalized diazonium (CMA) protocol and carbodiimide chemistry. The surface characterization and the biofunctionalization steps were characterized by SEM, FTIR and cyclic voltammetry (CV) while the detection process was carried out by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The created immunosensor showed two linear fittings (R2=0.999) for the detection of rh IL‐10 within the concentration range from 1–50 pg/mL. It exhibited high sensitivity (0.1128 (pg/mL)−1) with a very low limit of detection (LOD)=0.347 pg/mL, more particularly, at the low concentration range (1–10 pg/mL). Thus, this developed polypyrrole‐based immunosensor represents a promising strategy for creation of miniaturized label‐free, fast and highly sensitive biosensors for diagnosis of inflammation biomarkers at very low concentrations with reduced cost.
Enrichment of heat transfer in a latent heat storage unit using longitudinal fins
Authors: Mehta Digant S. , Vaghela Bhavesh , Rathod Manish K. , Banerjee Jyotirmay
Published: April 2020

The charging and discharging rates of a phase change material (PCM) in a horizontal latent heat storage unit (LHSU) is largely influenced by the lower thermal conductivity of the PCM. In the present research, four different configurations of longitudinal fins are proposed to augment the heat transfer in horizontal shell and tube type LHSUs. Numerical investigations are reported to establish the thermal performance augmentation with rectangular, triangular, and Y‐shaped (bifurcated) fins. From the results, it has been inferred that all fin configurations provide a faster charging and discharging rate. In the present set of geometric dimensions of LHSU considered, a reduction in charging time of 68.71% is evaluated for case III (three rectangular fins with one fin positioned in the area of the heat transfer fluid [HTF] surface) and case V (two bifurcated fins with one fin positioned in the area of the HTF surface). Moreover, overall cycle (charging + discharging) time is reduced by 58.3% for case III. Employment of fins results in a faster rate of absorption and extraction of energy from the PCM.
High‐quality retinal vessel segmentation using generative adversarial network with a large receptive field
Authors: Zhao Hanli , Qiu Xiaqing , Lu Wanglong , Huang Hui , Jin Xiaogang
Published: April 2020

Retinal vessel segmentation is of great significance for assisting doctors in diagnosis of ophthalmological diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma. This article proposes a new retinal vessel segmentation algorithm using generative adversarial learning with a large receptive field. A generative network maps an input retinal fundus image to a realistic vessel image while a discriminative network differentiates between images drawn from the database and the generative network. Firstly, the proposed generative network combines shallow features with the upsampled deep features to assemble a more precise vessel image. Secondly, the residual module in the proposed generative and discriminative networks can effectively help deep nets easy to optimize. Moreover, the dilated convolutions in the proposed generative network effectively enlarge the receptive field without increasing the amount of computations. A number of experiments are conducted on two publicly available datasets (DRIVE and STARE) achieving the segmentation accuracy rates of 95.63% and 96.84%, and the average areas under the ROC curve of 98.12% and 98.53%. Performance results show that the proposed automatic retinal vessel segmentation algorithm outperforms state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in many validation metrics. The proposed algorithm can not only detect small tiny blood vessels but also capture large‐scale high‐level semantic vessel features.
Effectiveness of oral antibiotics for treating pyelonephritis caused by extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae: A case series
Authors: Terada Norihiko , Itoh Naoya , Kurai Hanako
Published: April 2020

Background

Recently, the spread of multidrug‐resistant bacteria has become a global problem. Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae (enterobacteria) is one example. The incidence of urinary tract infections caused by ESBL‐producing enterobacteria has been increasing in some Japanese community settings. Currently, there is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of oral antibiotics used for the treatment of pyelonephritis caused by ESBL‐producing enterobacteria. We investigated the effectiveness of oral antibacterial agents against pyelonephritis caused by ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Methods

The records of patients who had been treated for pyelonephritis caused by ESBL‐producing enterobacteria with oral antibiotics between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2019, were reviewed retrospectively to assess the effectiveness of oral antibiotic treatment.

Results

A total of seven cases were identified, including 1 patient with a positive blood culture and one patient with a Pitt bacteremia score of four points, indicating that the infections were severe. The antibiotics used to treat pyelonephritis were amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (n = 3), minocycline (n = 1), levofloxacin (n = 3), and sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim with amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid (n = 1). None of the patients had recurrence of pyelonephritis in the 60 days following oral antibiotic treatment, and there were no deaths during the 60‐day follow‐up period.

Conclusions

These antibiotics should be considered for oral treatment of pyelonephritis caused by ESBL‐producing enterobacteria. However, as there is insufficient evidence available on the effectiveness of these antibiotics for the management of ESBL‐producing enterobacterial infections, further large‐scale prospective studies are needed.