bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examination of University Students' Nomophobia, Coping with Stress, and Anger Expression Styles
Authors: Kivrak Ali Osman
Published: September 2021

Aim: With this study, it is aimed to examine the nomophobia, coping with stress and anger expression styles of university students. Methods: A total of 532 university students (n=201 female; n=331 male) participated in the study. While the personal information form created by the researcher was used for socio-demographic data, the nomophobia scale developed by Yıldırım and Correia (2015) and adapted into Turkish by Yıldırım et al. (2016) for smartphone addiction, Anger Expression Style Scale, developed by Spielberger et al. (1983) and adapted to Turkish by Özer (1994), was used to determine anger expression styles, and the "Stress Coping Style Scale", which was developed by Folkman and Lazarus (1980) and adapted into Turkish by Şahin and Durak (1995), was used to determine stress coping styles. The homogeneity and variances of the data were tested, Independent Samples t Test was used for pairwise comparisons, One Way Anova was used for multiple comparisons, and Tukey HSD test was used to determine the source of difference. Results: While no statistical change was observed in the dimensions of coping with anger and stress depending on the gender factor, it was determined that the mean value of males was statistically higher than that of females in all nomophobia dimensions (p<0.05). There was no statistical change in the values of anger, nomophobia and coping with stress depending on the age and accommodation factors of the students. Conclusion: Today, the fact that female and male are closer to each other in respect of social status and social roles can be seen as the reason for the similarity in the values of anger expression and coping with stress. Results related to high nomophobia of males values can be evaluated as they are more addicted to smartphones than females. Keywords: Nomophobia, University Student, Stress, Anger
Recommendations for Improving Physical Activity and Health-Related Physical Fitness Elements During Pandemic Periods
Authors: Öztürk Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: Covid-19 has turned into a great pandemic that surrounds the whole world and exposes individuals to a physically inactive state, and as a result, has many negative effects together. Aim: The purpose of this research is to investigate physical activity behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic process, and also to offer specific suggestions for improving the physical activity and health-related physical fitness of individuals. Methods: Our research is a review research in which many studies examining the changes in physical activity behaviors of people during the pandemic period are examined. Results: According to the research results; It was observed that individuals living in urban centers were less physically active than before the pandemic and their health-related physical fitness developed negatively during the pandemic process, while some individuals living in rural areas had an increase in their physical activity levels. It has been observed that physical activity levels have also decreased, especially since individuals living in urban life cannot reach many opportunities they have reached before due to the pandemic and have to stay at home due to the restrictions imposed by the governments. Conclusion: In our research, various suggestions were made for indoor and outdoor activities that can be done at home and in rural recreation areas in these and similar situations, and it was tried to help individuals to maintain the continuity of physical activity behaviors and to develop health-related physical fitness elements. Keywords: physical activity, fitness, health, pandemic
Research on the Effects of the Covid-19 Quarantine Process on the Aggression Levels of University Students
Authors: Körmükçü Fatma Yeşim
Published: September 2021

Background: Due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the closure of universities and the transition to distance education in our country as well as all over the world have made university students one of the groups most affected by this process. Aim: The aim of this research is to examine the aggression levels of university students who had to take online learning due to the Covid-19 epidemic in terms of some variables. Methods: The sample of the study consists of a total of 204 students, 130 (63.7%) male and 74 (36.3%) female, who had taken online learning during the Covid-19 epidemic period. In order to collect the data, the personal information form prepared by the researcher and the "Aggression Scale", which is the Turkish version of the scale developed by Buss and Perry in 1992 and updated by Buss and Warren in 2000, are used. In the analysis of the data, frequency and percentage values are taken to examine the personal information distribution of the participants, Skewness-Kurtosis values are examined to determine whether the data showed a normal distribution and it is determined that it shows a normal distribution. Independent Sample T test and One Way ANOVA tests are used to determine the differences between the variables. The significance level is taken as 0.05. Correlation analysis is performed to determine the direction and amount (strength) of the relationship between the sub-dimensions of the scale. Results: According to the findings, it is shown in this research that the university students had normal level of aggression tendency. When the mean scores of the physical aggression, verbal, hostility, anger, and indirect aggression sub-dimensions of the aggression scale are examined, it can be said that the mean scores of the anger sub-dimension are higher than the mean scores of the other sub-dimensions. According to the gender variable; A significant difference was found in favor of males in total aggression scores, physical-verbal aggression and anger sub-dimensions. According to the variable of the field of learning; There were significant differences in total aggression scores, physical-verbal aggression and hostility sub-dimensions. Between the aggression scale sub-dimensions, a moderate and high level of significant correlation was found at the level of 0.01. Conclusion: It has been concluded that the Covid-19 process has no effect on the aggression level of university students. It was observed that as the level of anger and physical aggression of the students who spent the quarantine period at home and received online learning increased with respect to the level of general aggression is also increased. It can be said that during the quarantine period, the fact that students take time for themselves while they are at home and stay away from environmental conditions that will increase their aggression levels causes these results. Keywords: Covid-19, University students, aggression
The relationship between self-regulated learning strategies and students' academic performance in English course
Authors: Nodeh Helia
Published: September 2021

This study examines the relationship between self-regulated learning strategies and students' academic performance in English courses. The research method is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population includes all students of Azad University, Gorgan branch in the period 2020-2021. convenience sampling based on the Morgan table is used to select 384 people. The data collection tool is Zimmerman and Martinez-Pons Self-Regulated Learning Interview Schedule (1998), and for academic performance, the average grade in English course in two semesters was taken into account. Pearson correlation analyzes the data. The results show a significant relationship between self-regulated learning strategies and the academic performance of English course students. Keywords: education, academic performance, learning strategy
Investigation of the Changes in the Physical Parameters of Fitness Members During the Covid-19 Pandemic Process (Sample Province of Kayseri)
Authors: Apaydin Murat Bekleyiş , Kaya Bayram , Karakaya Mustafa
Published: September 2021

Background: The period of Covid 19 epidemic effect not only illness people but also human lives. A lot of People, participating some of activities in gym center from Kayseri. Some of restraint during the covid 19 epidemic by the ministry of interior was affected people who went to fitness center. This situation affected people of Body Weight, Body Mass Index, Body Fat Index unfavorable. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical changes of the participants who actively attended fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical changes of the participants who actively attended fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: In this study, 211 participants (male:155, female:56) enrolled in fitness centers in the experimental group were checked for 2 months and their Body Weight (BW), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Index (BFI) and were recorded twice. The findings obtained were evaluated statistically with the package program Results: In our study, n=55 over the age of 18, 26.1% were female; n=156, 73.9% of the male individuals voluntarily participated. At the end of the study, it was found that there was an increase in BW, BMI and BFI values of male and female participants and that they were significant at the level of paired sample t test findings (p<0.05). Although there was an increase in MMI values, these findings were found to be at the level of (p>0.05). Conclusion: At the end of the research, it was found that individuals who actively continued in fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kayseri province experienced restrictions and an increase in BW, BMI, and BFI due to sedentary life. Keywords: Covid 19 Restriction, Physical Parameter, Fitness Center
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMAN WORKERS AND ROBOTS AT WORK
Authors:   PhD professor, Valahia University of Târgovişte, Top Dan
Published: September 2021

Faced as we are by an unpredictable world of work, we have a greater need than ever for empirical studies on new and imaginative ways of organizing, rewarding, and managing work – matched with scientific knowledge about causality and complexity. Economic reality denotes that society is in a “digital revolution” and more and more activities previously carried out directly by human force are now being replaced by various computer programs, or by automating technical processes. It is expected that by 2030 many jobs will be filled by robots or devices, people will be replaced, but new types of jobs will be created. Among the jobs that will disappear in the next 25 years are accountants, agricultural workers and even construction workers. Soon, humans will compete with robots in the job market. The job market is changing radically in the next decade. Robots are increasingly present in our lives and we must prepare for the time when they will take over some of our jobs.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION RECRUITMENT IN ALBANIA IN THE VIEW OF EU STANDARDS
Authors:   PhD professor, University Aleksander Moisiu, Durres, Kume Andon , Qejvani Olta ,   Student PhD, University Aleksander Moisiu, Durres
Published: September 2021

European integration is a very important process in Albania being accompanied with many requests that asks for implementing the right answers. One of these requests, in order to reach out the European values, is the fair recruitment in public administration Even though, the profile of employees in public administration is strongly related to the inside power of government and national framework, the public administration performance as a whole is a key dimension of being dressed with EU standards. The public administration reform, which started in 2013 is still a prolong process, which keeps improving also the recruitment in public administration. Basically, the most crucial changes are referred to civil service system. This paper aims to: analyze some issues of the approximation level of Albanian legislation towards recruitment according to EU standards; presenting some alternatives on how this process can be improved by strengthening institutional cooperation; giving some practical issues for recruitment in local governance, too.
THIS IS NOT A WASTE PLANET; THE PARTICIPATION OF HUMAN GENDER IN THE FACE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Authors:   PhD, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Mexico, Hernandez Oscar Samario
Published: September 2021

This year the international community recalled under a common celebration about the achievement of humanity that managed to put man on Earth's satellite; Moon. On July 20, 1969 the media reported this event, this year is still remembered, but it is also news that from the photographs sent by the Apollo missions taken from the space in which the splendor of the Earth with its characteristic blue color, we call it the Great Blue Marble, the home of humanity today at risk of threat from pollution, the scientific community, organizations and international organizations have warned of the consequences and risks if this deterioration continues. This work is a recognition of this concern, but it is also a call to the responsibility of mankind to act in the face of the imminent danger of climate change.
A percepção da governança corporativa por servidores da controladoria geral do município de Goiânia
Authors: Mota Fernanda Ramos de Oliveira , Freitas Vailson Batista de
Published: September 2021

Este artigo aborda a utilização dos mecanismos de governança pelo órgão de controle interno do município de Goiânia como ferramenta essencial na busca para tornar a gestão municipal mais eficaz, eficiente e efetiva na execução das políticas públicas. Embora o modelo de gestão voltado as boas práticas de governança seja algo novo em termos de administração pública, a incorporação dos mecanismos de mercado e outras ferramentas de gestão privada para dentro da pública tem proporcionado importantes mudanças dentre elas a maneira com que os gestores administram os recursos públicos e abrindo novas oportunidades no processo de reforma e modernização da gestão pública. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar a aplicação dos conceitos da governança corporativa no âmbito público municipal e a sua utilização pelo controle interno desse ente federativo. A metodologia adotada comportou uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, visando buscar referenciais teóricos, que pudessem dar sustentação ao objeto da pesquisa. O campo de estudo limitou-se a verificação do uso da governança corporativa pelo controle interno municipal de Goiânia representado pela Controladoria Geral do Município de Goiânia. Analisando os mecanismos de governança pública: Liderança, Estratégia e Controle em conjunto, foi possível observar uma sinalização positiva do resultado geral, em especial na dimensão Controle, entretanto as práticas de governança no âmbito do controle interno do Município de Goiânia ainda se mostram incipientes, necessitando do aperfeiçoamento.
Fine root biomass and seed bank in secondary and primary forests in Eastern Amazon
Authors: Sousa Madson Alan Rocha de , Negrão de Lima Raul , Lima Ana Clara Saraiva de , Milhomem Camila de Almeida , Dionisio Luiz Fernandes Silva
Published: September 2021

Amazon is made up of a mosaic of ecosystems that have important structure, flora, and ecological functions for Brazil and the world. Knowing aspects of this biome related to the production and biomass of fine roots is of major importance given the role that the plant root system plays in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the fine root mass in two regeneration areas and in primary forest, with a forest edge, in order to verify whether in different environments there are significant differences in root mass, as well as to compare the seed bank of the three areas to try to identify similarities among banks. The native forest presented a higher root mass, which differs from the two regeneration areas. The seed bank of succession forests is more similar to each other. The native forest has a greater number of seeds per volume of soil and litter collected. Concerning morphospecies, a higher number was observed in succession forests. The three areas differ in terms of fine root mass; however, regarding the seed banks, a possible edge effect may be affecting the native forest.
Post-harvesting natural regeneration of Theobroma subincanum Mart. (Cupuí) (Malvaceae) inside and around logging gaps
Authors: Costa Nisângela Severino Lopes , Jardim Fernando Cristovam da Silva , Neves Raphael Lobato Prado , Schwartz Gustavo , Dionisio Luiz Fernandes Silva
Published: September 2021

The natural regeneration dynamics of Theobroma subincanum Mart. (Malvaceae) around canopy gaps created by tree felling due to selective logging was assessed. For that, an experiment located in the Experimental Field of Embrapa Eastern Amazon in Moju municipality, PA, Brazil was carried out. Nine logging gaps were selected, and four strips of 10 m x 50 m were installed in each of these gaps following the cardinal directions. These plots were split in five 10 m x 10 m plots numbered from 1 to 5 from the gap’s border toward the forest. In plots 1, 3, and 5 and in the gap’s center 2 m x 2 m plots were installed to monitor individuals ≥ 10 cm in height and < 5 cm in DBH. In most of the variation factors analized, Theobroma subincanum presented higher recruitment rate in period 1 (1998-2000), since the competition for light were less intense. In period 2 (2000-2010), under a possible lower luminosity and higher competition, RR was lower for all factors analyzed. In relation to gap size, T. subincanum presented the best results in RR around medium size gaps. The distance of 20 m in relation to the gap center, with intermediary sunlight condititions, T. subincanum presented higher RR. The population of T. subincanum had better performance under intermediate light conditions.
Influência de fatores edáficos e topográficos na composição florística de florestas secundárias na mesorregião Sudeste do Pará, Brasil
Authors: Duarte Joyce Ananda Paixão , Ferreira Gracialda Costa , Gama Marcos André Piedade , Barbosa Rodrigo de Souza , Milhomem Camila de Almeida , Dionisio Luiz Fernandes Silva
Published: September 2021

As florestas têm dominado o trópico, e estas alterações, seja pela extração madeireira, pastagem e/ou agricultura, acarreta alterações nas composições químicas e físicas do solo e consequentemente na composição florística da área. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência dos fatores edáficos e altitudinais na composição florística de florestas alterados antropicamente na mesorregião do Sudeste Paraense. O levantamento da composição florística e estrutural e a coleta das variáveis ambientais foram conduzidos em 63 parcelas de 10m x 250 m, para quantificar os indivíduos com (DAP) ≥10 cm do estrato superior e, no interior destas parcelas de 10m x 10m para os indivíduos do estrato médio com 10cm < DAP > 2 cm. Foram coletadas, em cada parcela, variáveis ambientais relacionadas às características químicas e físicas dos solos e atitudinais em florestas degradadas e secundárias em estágio inicial e intermediário de sucessão classificadas conforme a Instrução Normativa 08 de 28/10/2015. O solo em floresta primária degradada apresentou baixa fertilidade de nutrientes, acidez muito elevada, presença de alto teor de alumínio trocável e baixos teores de matéria orgânica em relação às florestas secundárias. Para os três tipos de florestas, em geral, houve mudança nos atributos físicos e químicos do solo, especialmente na camada superficial (0-10 cm) em relação às camadas mais profundas. A composição florística foi influenciada pelo teor de potássio no solo no estrato médio da floresta secundária e sódio, areia grossa e topografia no estrato superior.
Inovasi Instrumen Penilaian Menggunakan Aplikasi Kahoot di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Widodo Slamet , Supriyono Supriyono , Ratnaningsih Arum
Published: September 2021

The assessment using Kahoot is a measuring tool to assess the extent to which the learning process is conveyed to students. Based on the interview result with teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers still use conventional methods in paper tests (paper). Therefore, an assessment instrument is needed that makes it more accessible for teachers to assess students during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the development of technology in education, the researcher develops instruments using Kahoot on the theme 6-subtheme 1 about temperature and heat for the fifth grade of elementary school. This development research aims to produce products in the form of instrument, suitability, and practicality of assessment instrument using Kahoot on theme 6-subtheme 1 about temperature and heat for the fifth grade of elementary school, to know assessment instrument using Kahoot and practicality. This was development research (R&D) with a 4D model consisting of the Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. The developed assessment instrument was tested to 6 students for the limited test and 13 students for the comprehensive test in the fifth grade of SD N Long. Techniques of collecting data were interviews, student response questionnaires, and documentation. While the data research instruments used were material expert validation sheets, media expert validation sheets, expert validation sheets, practitioners, and student response questionnaires. The results are in an assessment instrument using Kahoot on theme 6-subtheme 1 about temperature and heat. The validation results on aspects of presentation, feasibility, language, application and graphics get an average of 3.52 with a percentage of 84.12%, including the appropriate category. Student responses to the assessment using Kahoot in the limited trial get a proportion of 73.3% with practical criteria, and in the broad trial, it gets 85.6% with efficient criteria. Therefore, the assessment instrument using Kahoot on theme 6-subtheme one about temperature and is feasible and practical to use in assessments in elementary schools.
Prevalencia de síndrome de burnout en los estudiantes de la Carrera de Enfermería de la Universidad Central del Ecuador
Authors:   Ministerio de Salud Pública, Carvajal Andrade Luzmila De Jesús , Logacho Villacís Belén del Rocío ,   Ministerio de Salud Pública, Rojas Jaramillo Ramiro Rogelio ,   Universidad Central del Ecuador
Published: September 2021

This research has been conducted in order to determine the Prevalence of the burnout syndrome among students from third to eighth semester who are attending the Nursing School. It was a prevalence study; the data were collected using the survey’s technique, in a questionnaire divided in five sections applied to 172 students. The information analysis was calculated using the Mean method and the Standard Deviation for the Academic burnout, while for the Labor burnout it was utilized the punctuation of: high, medium and low scales. The outcome results showed that the prevalence of the burnout Syndrome in both academic and labor was low. The 2.3 % of students had the Academic burnout, (Confidence interval: 95%, lower limit: 0.44% and upper limit: 4.21%) with a probability of 3.52%, on the other hand the Labor burnout was of 4% among students in the shifting internship, with a probability of 1.22%. Key words: Syndrome burnout, Stress, nursing.
Deserción y retención: retos en la educación superior
Authors:   Universidad Tecnológica Indoamerica, Núñez Naranjo Aracelly Fernanda
Published: September 2021

This work reflects on the desertion of university students, an evident problem in all universities in the world, since it is associated with a series of variables that influence the university student's decision. From a socioformative perspective in which the improvement of the quality of life in harmony with the environment and the context intervenes, the objective is to reduce dropout through the progressive reduction of the rates of academic lag, increasing the graduation rates and terminal efficiency in based on better didactic strategies and tutoring processes that allow entering and contributing to the knowledge society. Compares the different definitions around dropout and socioformation and establishes a new conception of permanence or retention within the framework of the knowledge society and determine actions to improve these rates, since the students come from different contexts by both the factors that drive dropouts may be associated with unequal knowledge, academic formal skills, little interest in training projects, problems in the academic trajectory, psychological and personal problems and financial concerns. To reduce dropout rates and academic lag and increase permanence from socioformation, it is necessary to implement socio-educational strategies that address accompaniment, follow-up, guidance and tutoring processes. Keywords: university dropout, permanence, retention, degree.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF ELLAGIC ACID AND BERBERINE IN POLYHERBAL FORMULATION BY RP-HPLC
Authors: More Pratiksha , Jadhav Aruna P. ,   Department of Quality Assurance, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Pharmacy, Sector-8, C.B.D. Belapur, Navi Mumbai - 400 614, Maharashtra, India
Published: September 2021

An easy, selective, rapid, specific and low cost reverse phase HPLC technique has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of ellagic acid and berberine from a polyherbal formulation. The method was carried out on a Hemochrom Intsil [C18 (250 X 4.6 mm, 5 µ)] column with the mobile phase consisting of methanol: 0.1 % orthophosphoric acid (80:20V/V) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Detection was carried out at 234 nm. The retention times of ellagic acid and berberine were 4.00 and 2.97 min, respectively. The regression analysis data indicated a good linear relationship for the calibration plots for ellagic acid and berberine in the range of 2-8 µg/mL and 20-80 µg/mL and the regression coefficient was 0.997 and 0.9966, respectively. The accuracy and reliability of the developed method were established by means of comparing numerous validation parameters like linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, specificity, the limit of quantification and limit of detection, in keeping with the ICH guidelines. The proposed method can be used for the estimation of these markers in other polyherbal formulations.
Knowledge on Breast Cancer among College Students
Authors:   Professor, GSRM College of Nursing, Lucknow, M Suresh , Yadav Anchal ,   Bsc Nursing Intern, GSRM College of Nursing, Lucknow
Published: September 2021

Background: Globally, breast cancer is one of the most common cancer among females of age group 15-40 years. India is also one of the leading countries of breast cancer. It is found that incidence rate of breast cancer is higher in less developing countries in comparison to development country. In 2018, worldwide, nearly 2 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed. Early diagnosis of breast cancer can increase the chance of early case detection and favourable outcomes, resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life of women and is therefore important public health strategy at all settings [2]. Several studies suggests that even though the incidence and mortality of breast cancer have been on the increase, the knowledge and awareness regarding the breast cancer is low among college students. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness among college students about breast cancers in Lucknow Materials & Methods: Descriptive research design was selected for this study. Target population includes the female students studying in the selected colleges of Lucknow. 87 female students were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling techniques. Data was gathered using a self-administered semi structured questionnaire. Results: Overall results of this study show that, 34 (39.08%) female students had adequate knowledge, 49 (56.32%) female students had moderately inadequate knowledge, and 04 (4.59%) female students had inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed that knowledge of breast cancer among female college students was inadequate.
Research on dynamic characteristics test of wooden floor structure for gymnasium
Authors:   College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Zhou Yuhao , Huang Yujie ,   College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Sayed Usama ,   Joint International Research Laboratory for Bio‑composite Building Materials and Structures, Nanjing Forestry University, Wang Zheng ,   College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University
Published: September 2021

In order to better evaluate the structural performance of the wooden floor used in the gymnasium and realize the structural optimization design, this research considered two gymnasium’s floors in Nanjing as the research object and used the transient excitation method to test the natural frequency and damping ratio parameters of the three types of floor structures. The results showed that three kinds of floor structures all meet the requirements of building comfort; under the premise that the types and specifications of the constituent materials were the same, the order of the damping ratios of the three kinds of floor structures from large to small was: the fixed floor structure with double-layer load distribution strip, the suspended floor structure with single-layer load distribution strip, and the suspended floor structure with double-layer load distribution strip; compared with the fixed floor structure, the suspended floor structure had low damping ratio characteristics, the energy dissipation was slow during structural vibration, which means its impact absorption rate was small, and its impact buffering ability was good. The integral structure had good resilience performance; compared with the floor structure using single-layer load distribution strip. The floor structure using a double-layer load distribution strip had a low damping ratio characteristic. The absorption rate of the structure was small and the resilience performance was good. The research conclusion had certain engineering application value.
The costs and cost accounting model (simplified) in State Forests National Forest Holding
Authors: SADOWSKA BEATA
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The article aims to: (1) revise the costs and cost accounting model in State Forests National Forest Holding (PGL LP), (2) investigate the possibility of applying resource-process consumption accounting in the activities of the State Forests. Methodology/research approach: A critical analysis of the literature, desk research, analysis of phenomena, synthesis of results, and a case study. Results: A systematic, traditional cost accounting model is used at State Forests, which is mainly used for reporting purposes. It is possible to use the resource-process model of cost accounting from the perspective of its usefulness in disclosing information about the im-plementation of social and environmental goals in the activities of State Forests. Research limitations/implications: The proposed cost accounting model was constructed with State Forests in mind as a specific unit operating in the field of social responsibility. Originality/value: The article proposes solutions for modeling an accounting system, including resource-process cost accounting.
Effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the regulatory factors involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue
Authors: Yang Huan , Ma Chi , Zi Yang , Zhang Min , Liu Yingchun , Wu Kaifeng , Gao Feng
Published: September 2021

Objective: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the expressions of genes involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue (BAT).Methods: Eighteen ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ metabolisable energy [ME]/kg body weight [BW]0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6), and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6). The fetuses were removed at day 140 of pregnancy. All data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance procedure.Results: The perirenal fat weight (p = 0.0077) and perirenal fat growth rate (p = 0.0074) were reduced in RG2 compared to CG. In fetal perirenal BAT, the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (p = 0.0001) was lower in RG1 and RG2 compared with CG and UCP1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0265) was decreased in RG2. The protein level of myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) was also decreased in RG2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, mRNA expressions of CyclinA (p = 0.0109), CyclinB (p = 0.0019), CyclinD (p = 0.0015), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (p = 0.0001), E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) (p = 0.0323), E2F4 (p = 0.0101), and E2F5 (p = 0.0018) were lower in RG1 and RG2. There were decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p = 0.0043) and mRNA expression of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) (p = 0.0307) in RG2 and decreased PPARγ mRNA expression (p = 0.0008) and C/EBPα protein expression (p = 0.0015) in both RG2 and RG1. Furthermore, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) (p = 0.0083) and BMP7 (p = 0.0330) decreased in RG2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) reduced in RG2 and RG1.Conclusion: Our observations support that repression of regulatory factors promoting differentiation and development results in the inhibition of BAT maturation in fetal perirenal fat during late pregnancy with maternal undernutrition.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Diagnosis and Surveillance
Authors: Kale Aditya
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma arises commonly on the background of liver cirrhosis. Patients presenting with clinical symptoms have advanced stage and often are unsuitable for curative therapies. Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is commonly performed by multiphase computed tomography (CT) and / or magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI). Contrast enhanced ultrasound and MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents are better in characterizing small lesions. Tumor markers play an adjunct role in diagnosis. For HCC in cirrhotic liver biopsy is seldom required and diagnosis is based on typical imaging features of non-rim arterial phase hyperenhancement and washout on delayed phase and pseudocapsule appearance. This is due to differential blood supply of liver parenchyma, regenerative nodules and tumor. Biopsy is only required in noncirrhotic liver, vascular liver diseases, atypical imaging features. Surveillance programs involving high risk groups can help in early detection of lesions which are amenable for curative therapies. Biannual ultrasound with or without alfa fetoprotein are commonly used surveillance tests. Multidisciplinary teams provide platform for care coordination, reassessments of clinical course, and fine changes in treatment plans required for management of this complex group of patients.
A Review on the Design Rule for the Friction Stir Welding using Bobbin Tool for Aluminum
Authors: Kang Sanghoon , Cha Jonghwan , Kang Minjung
Published: September 2021

Friction stir welding using a bobbin tool (BT-FSW) is a kind of friction stir welding (C-FSW) process in which a lower shoulder is added to the general friction stir welding tool. It is known as the useful method to reduce the Z-axis load required during the tool insertion and traveling for FSW. In addition, it can eliminate the backing plate, and actively respond to part deformation. For this reason, research on the application of BT-FSW is expanding from low melting temperature materials such as aluminum and magnesium to high melting temperature materials. However, no relevant studies on BT-FSW can be found in Korea. This study aimed to present tool design guidelines specifically for BT-FSW. Summarized information on variables to be considered when designing the BT-FSW tool has been described, such as pin and shoulder diameter, shoulder gap, pin and shoulder feature. The design of the tool is a significant step in set-up the BT-FSW process, and should be considered according to the material characteristics (viscosity, plasticity…) and thickness. The pin diameter that is similar to the thickness of material, and the shoulder diameter that is 2 to 3 times wider than the pin diameter were recommended. The shoulder gap, the distance between the upper and lower shoulder, is generally machined to match the material's thickness or fabricated to be shallower than. Since the pin shape directly affects the vertical and horizontal direction movement into the stir zone, the pins with 3 to 4 flat faces or threaded are more practical than the cylindrical pin shape.
Investigation of Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Bacillus cereus Isolated from Soil
Authors: Fazeli-Nasab Bahman , Shahraki-Mojahed Laleh , Hassanzadeh Mohammad Amir , Bidarnamani Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Background: Because many plant extracts have a significant inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms, so we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts on Bacillus cereus isolated from soil. Methods: The chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), hyacinth (Hypericum perforatum L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), yew (Taxus baccata), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plants were collected and identified in the botanical laboratory of the University of Zabol. To prepare the ethanolic extract, 40 g of dried leaves of plants were used in 400 cc of ethanol. Different strains of B. cereus used in this study were isolated from soil and identified by biochemical, bacteriological, and growth tests as well as standard tests. Antimicrobial effects were investigated by diffusion method in Müller Hinton agar medium using 6 mm paper discs according to Bauer and Kirby instructions as well as microdilution. Statistix ver10 software was used for statistical calculations. Mean comparisons were performed using the LSD at the 1% level, and Excel was also used to draw the figures. Results: The diameter of the growth inhibition zone of plant extracts against B. cereus at a dilution of 100 ppm was investigated, and it was found that different extracts had different effects on inhibiting the growth of B. cereus (P < 0.01). LSD test showed that thyme (T. vulgaris L.) had the highest (15 mm) effect on growth inhibition of strains 2 and 3 of B. cereus and the lowest (1 mm) effect on growth inhibition of strain 1 of B. cereus. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of thyme (T. vulgaris L.) against B. cereus samples were 3.1 and 6.2 ppm, respectively. Conclusions: Considering the side effects of chemical drugs and antibiotics, as well as the potential effect of medicinal plant extracts, especially T. vulgaris L. on B. cereus, it is recommended that T. vulgaris L. may inhibit the growth of B. cereus.
Role of FDG-PET/CT in Identification of Histological Upgrade of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) in Needle Biopsy
Authors: Jung Na Young , Kang Bong Joo , Kim Sung Hun , Yoo Ie Ryung , Lim Yeon Soo , Yoo Won Jong
Published: September 2021

Background: Accurate preoperative detection of the invasive components of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is essential for an appropriate treatment. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan, which can indicate the metabolic activity and aggressiveness of breast cancer, may be used as one of the predictors of the invasive components of DCIS in needle biopsy. Objectives: To determine whether the FDG-PET/CT findings are associated with the histological upgrade of DCIS in biopsy. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective cohort, we reviewed 165 cases of DCIS in 162 patients, who underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT examinations between April 2008 and September 2015. The clinicopathological characteristics and FDG-PET/CT findings of the patients were compared with respect to cancer invasion. The predictors of DCIS upgrade to invasive cancer were also examined. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of visual and semi-quantitative analyses of FDG-PET/CT in predicting invasion was compared. The semi-quantitative analyses were based on the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), divided by the cutoff point in a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The final pathological findings indicated 119 cases of pure DCIS and 46 cases of DCIS with invasion. The optimal SUVmax threshold was 1.9 in the ROC curve analysis. Young age, high SUVmax, positivity in the visual analysis of FDG-PET/CT, and large pathological tumor size were significantly more frequent in the DCIS + invasion group. The significant predictors of DCIS histological upgrade were age (P = 0.011), SUVmax (P < 0.001), visual analysis of FDG-PET/CT (P = 0.004), and pathological tumor size (P = 0.003) in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, the SUVmax (odds ratio [OR] = 3.31, P = 0.003) and tumor size (OR = 1.20, P = 0.022) were significant when the model included the SUVmax, age, and size (model 1). On the other hand, age (OR = 0.96, P = 0.032), visual analysis (OR = 4.67, P = 0.006), and tumor size (OR = 1.25, P = 0.005) were significant predictors when the model included visual analysis, age, and size (model 2). The sensitivity was significantly higher in the visual analysis, whereas the specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy were significantly higher in the semi-quantitative analysis. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT is a potentially useful imaging tool to predict the upgrade of DCIS to invasive cancer.
Prevalence, Strains, and Drug Susceptibility of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolates from Tuberculous Suspects
Authors: Lei Qian , Wang Hao , Lv Xiaohui , Dang Liyun
Published: September 2021

Background: The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection has been increasing globally. Many cases of NTM infection are misdiagnosed as Mycobacterium tuberculous (MTB) because of similar clinicoradiological features. Objectives: To determine the burden and characteristics of NTM infection, this study was done to evaluate clinical isolates collected from tuberculous (TB) suspects in a population from Northwest China. Methods: From January to December 2020, the clinical samples of 9,142 TB suspects were collected for the PCR-fluorescent probe and mycobacterial culture. The PCR-fluorescent probe-positive nucleic acid samples were further subjected to a DNA microarray for confirmation and species identification. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) was also carried out using the micropore plate method (MicroDSTTM) on isolates from NTM patients. Results: Of 9,412 TB suspects, 85 cases (0.9%) were clinically diagnosed with NTM infection according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. For the laboratory samples, a total of 169 NTM strains, identified by molecular biology methods, were classified into 10 species. The most common species were M. chelonae/ M. abscessus (64/169, 37.7%) and M. intracellulare (40/169, 23.7%). All strains showed the highest resistance to imipenem/cilastatin (85/85, 100%) and the highest susceptibility to linezolid (4/85, 4.7%). In comparison with the rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) group, the slowly growing mycobacteria (SGM) group showed a lower resistance and a shorter hospital inpatient stay (t = 6.66, P < 0.001 and t = 2.40, P = 0.020, respectively). Conclusions: Mycobacterium chelonae/M. abscessus and M. intracellulare were the most frequently detected NTM pathogens in Northwest China. The differences in drug sensitivity and clinical characteristics were giant for different strains. Timely identification and accurate DST play important roles in NTM management.
Application of Polymerase Chain Reaction in Diphtheria Laboratory Examination: A Field Need
Authors: Sunarno Sunarno , Puspandari Nelly , Febriyana Dwi , Febrianti Tati , Saraswati Ratih Dian , Sulistyaningrum Novi , Pracoyo Noer Endah
Published: September 2021

Background: Indonesia is one of the five countries with the highest number of diphtheria cases worldwide. Diphtheria is caused by the toxigenic strains Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. ulcerans, and C. pseudotuberculosis. The diphtheria-causing bacteria can be identified using conventional and molecular methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. We used the PCR assay as additional testing, because in island countries like Indonesia, specimen transport is a serious challenge to maintaining bacterial survival. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the PCR assay as additional testing to identify diphtheria-causing bacteria in the diphtheria laboratory. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 178 pairs of the throat and nasal swabs from diphtheria suspected cases and close contacts were collected from seven provinces in Indonesia in 2016. All samples were directly identified by the conventional method and multiplex PCR assay. Statistical analysis was conducted using the 2 × 2 tables to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both methods, while the χ2 test was used to examine the correlation between specimen examination delay and the differentiation of results. A P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 178 examined samples, eight samples were identified as diphtheria-positive by both the conventional method and PCR assay, while nine samples were only detected by the PCR assay. All diphtheria-causing bacteria found in the positive samples were toxigenic C. diphtheriae. The diphtheria-causing bacteria were found in 27.6% of cases and 6.0% of close contacts using the PCR assay versus 13.8% of cases and 2.7% of close contacts using the conventional method. Statistical analysis showed that the PCR assay is about twice more sensitive than the conventional method. There was a significant correlation between the differentiation of results and > 72 hours’ specimen examination delay with a P-value of 0.04 (< 0.05). Conclusions: The PCR assay is more sensitive than the conventional method to identify diphtheria-causing bacteria and may be applied as additional testing to increase the positivity rate of diphtheria-confirmed cases in Indonesia as an archipelago country where geographical factors and specimen transport are real obstacles.