bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Study on the Efficacy of PAH-targeted Therapy in Patients with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: jieying li , zhang sun , Chen haiming , Guo wenliang , Liu chunli , Hong Cheng
Published: October 2020

Background Using PAH-targeted therapy in severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) is controversial as the pulmonary vasodilation could worsen hypoxemia. Objective To investigate the efficacy of patients with severe PH-CLD to PAH targeted therapy. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with severe PH-CLD in our study. Each patient underwent laboratory indicators and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after the therapy, and survival after therapy were also evaluated. Results After PAH targeted therapy, NT - proBNP significantly decreased (1043.10(236.75-2697.50) pg/ml vs 287.10(21.00-555.90) pg/ml, p=0.035), whereas PaO2 and the oxygenation index in blood gas analysis significantly increased(59.18± 30.12 mmHg vs 74.35(61.63-163.95)mmHg, p=0.010 and 177.21± 84.38 mmHg vs 286.22± 165.13 mmHg, p=0.035, respectively). But the difference at 1-,3- years survival rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (82.82% and 66.26% vs 75.87% and 20.23%, respectively, p=0.094). Multivariate regression analysis identified baseline mean right atrial pressure values and cardiac index as significant predictors of survival of patients with severe PH-CLD. Conclusions PAH targeted therapy may have benefit in patients with severe PH-CLD and didn’t worsen their hypoxemia. Right ventricular function might have an important impact on the survival of patients.
The Protective Effect of Dietary Administration of Puerarin on Canine Osteoarthritis Model With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transected
Authors: Ma Tianwen , Wen Yajing , Song Xiaopeng , Hu Hailong , Li Yue , Zhao Mingchao , Bai Hui , Chen Hong , Gao Li
Published: October 2020

BackgroundLameness caused by osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the main causes of disability in elderly dogs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are important tools in the treatment of canine OA. In recent years, due to the many side effects of NSAIDs, patients cannot tolerate or do not want to take the risk of NSAIDs. People are becoming more and more interested in new treatments for canine OA, and so-called nutritional supplements have emerged. Puerarin has a wide range of pharmacological activities and is often used as a clinical prescription drug and dietary supplement in China. However, the effect of puerarin on canine OA has not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-cartilage degradation effects of puerarin in a canine OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and to detect the serum inflammatory factor interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels and cartilage degradation biomarker C-terminal telopeptides of collagen type II (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS 846) levels in serum and synovial fluid at different periods of puerarin administration. ResultsEight weeks after the administration, the veterinarian performed clinical and imaging evaluations to comprehensively evaluate the protective effect of puerarin on canine OA. Daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg puerarin can significantly inhibit the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum within 8 weeks (P < 0.05), and its anti-inflammatory effect is similar to oral celecoxib (negative control group). Puerarin has a certain protective effect on articular cartilage and can reduce the level of biomarkers CTX-II, COMP and CS 846 in serum and synovial fluid in the early stage of OA (P < 0.05). In addition, the clinical scores and radiographs scores were significantly reduced after 8 weeks of puerarin treatment (P < 0.05). ConclusionsCanine OA cartilage may be mediated through anti-inflammatory, anti-metabolism and anabolic effects, and strongly down-regulate the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and cartilage degradation biomarkers CTX-II, COMP and CS 846 are related, providing a good alternative therapy for OA.
Alternative Splicing Events and Subtype Analysis of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Shen Zhibo , Fan Zhirui , Wang Wenbin , Geng Qishun , Kan Quancheng , Xue Wenhua , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2020

Aim: Alternative splicing (AS) has been widely demonstrated in the occurrence and progression of many cancers. Nevertheless, the involvement of cancer-associated splicing in the development of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is still ambiguous.Method: RNA-Seq data and the corresponding clinical information of the ESCA cohort was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The splicing percentage value was calculated using a Java application called SpliceSeq, and differently expressed AS (DEAS) events and their splicing network were further analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression, and unsupervised cluster analyses were used to assess the association between AS events and clinical characteristics of ESCA patients.Results: A total of 50,342 AS events were identified, of which 3,988 were DEAS events; 46 of these were associated with overall survival (OS) of ESCA patients, and the 5-year OS rate was 0.941. By constructing a network of AS events with survival-related splicing factors and variable-shear events associated with prognosis, the regulatory relationship was further predicted. Four clusters with different survival patterns were revealed using unsupervised cluster analysis.Conclusion: ESCA-associated AS events and splicing networks are of great value in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of AS in ESCA and providing clues for therapeutic goals for further validation.
WITHDRAWN: Green Building Performance Assessment in China Using a Cloud Model
Authors: Li Xiao-Juan , Wang Chen , Bora Shilpi , Samuel Bimenyimana
Published: October 2020

Background. The recent pursuit of energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable development are the demanding aspect in green building construction. Green building concept becomes important in the current building life cycle to mitigate environmental issues. In this way, a strategy for surveying the performance of a green structure is attractive. Consequently, this investigation intends to build up a methodical methodology for distinguishing the elements that decide the effective development and activity of a green structure and makes a technique for assessing green building execution.Methods. To accomplish these objectives, a comprehensive literature review was first conducted, followed by determining the performance of a green building to create a qualitative fuzzy set of performance metrics. A cloud model was used to analyze the factor hierarchy using weighted entropy to quantify the performance of a green building. Ultimately, an inside and out contextual analysis was led to check the exact discoveries.Results. A green building performance index that was created based on expert evaluations and weighted the indexes subjectively and objectively. Likewise, a standard cloud yardstick was also created in the comprehensive cloud. The sustainability of the building was qualified and assessed by comparing cloud images with the standard cloud. It has been analyzed that, the execution measurements and persuasive components make appraisal models for a green building. This investigation can help the development business to distinguish and manage issues that emerge in building green buildings. The coherent framework that the researchers have developed for assessing green buildings provides a solid foundation for further research into sustainability and green building operation. The result indicates that the industry acquires benefit by suggesting effective measures that can be implemented in all stages of green building construction.Conclusion. The analysis results demonstrated that this investigation builds up a novel exhibition appraisal of a green building which makes a target establishment for assessing building execution. Additionally, the findings are helpful for industry specialists to improve green building construction. Besides, the outcomes give significant data to governments and other invested individuals to create target models for green building development programs.
Amplified centrosomes in dendritic cells promote immune cell effector functions
Authors: Weier Ann-Kathrin , Homrich Mirka , Ebbinghaus Stephanie , Hauschild Robert , Quast Thomas , Mass Elvira , Schlitzer Andreas , Kolanus Waldemar , Burgdorf Sven , Kiermaier Eva
Published: October 2020

Centrosomes constitute structural elements organizing the mitotic spindle in animal cells for proper chromosome segregation. Centrosome numbers are tightly controlled and limited to one during interphase and two before a cell enters mitosis. Defects in regulating centrosome numbers lead to the presence of amplified centrosomes, which are a hallmark of malignant cells and sufficient to induce tumorigenesis. By contrast, amplified centrosomes are rarely observed in normal somatic cells and often removed during terminal differentiation. Here, we demonstrate the presence of amplified centrosomes in dendritic cells (DCs) during immune activation. Mature DCs accumulate centrosomes by mitotic defects and show high expression levels of polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2) leading to over-duplication of centrioles. During cell migration, amplified centrosomes tightly cluster and act as functional microtubule-organizing centers, which promote persistent locomotion. Moreover, DCs with amplified centrosomes show enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and optimized T cell responses. Together, these results demonstrate a previously unappreciated role of amplified centrosomes in promoting the ability of leukocytes to enhance immune responses.
The prevention of penetration of unidentified screw of femoral neck fracture during the operation
Authors: Xu Xiaopei , Bai Jingqi , Liu Jinyuan , Wang Xiaohu , Lv Xin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundScrew internal fixation is one of the main surgical procedures for femoral neck fractures. Routine intraoperative fluoroscopy is hard to identify screw penetration, which becomes one of the important factors of postoperative hip pain and postoperative complications.MethodsCollect and analyze the intraoperative and postoperative imaging data of patients with internal fixation. Using geometric methods and analysis of anatomical characteristics, we explored the best imaging angle where the screw penetration was not found in the conventional 2D images of the anterior and lateral view during the operation, so that it can be determined whether there is screw penetration by taking a certain angle during the operation.ResultsThe unrecognized screw penetration rate during the operation was 25%, 5% penetrated from the back of the femoral head, and 20% penetrated the femoral neck part and then entered the head. The unrecognized screw of the femoral head is caused by the intersection of the anterior and lateral projection to form the Steinmetz solid. The study found that the special photographic orientation θ=90°—arctan (M1O′/M2O′). For the screw penetration of the femoral neck, the probability of occurrence in different areas of the femoral neck is 10.5% of the front superior part, 44.2% of the front inferior part, 28.6% of the back superior part, and 16.8% of the back inferior part. The best shooting directions of the front superior,front inferior, back superior, and back inferior through which the detection screw passes are the positive position ,35.8° to the tail side, 70° to the head side, 46.3° to the head side, and 40.5° to the tail side.ConclusionIt is important to avoid unrecognized screw penetration during the operation. In this study, it was concluded that a certain angle was taken during the operation to determine whether there was screw penetration, which significantly reduced the incidence of screw penetration of the femoral head and femoral neck.
A novel indicator of children lipid accumulation product associated with dyslipidemia in Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Wang Bangxuan , Yuan Yongting , Hu Jingyao , Sun Lili , Yao Rongying , Han Hui , Ma Jun , Fu Lianguo
Published: October 2020

Background and aimsThe dyslipidemia contributed to more than half Cardiovascular disease (CVD) which ranked first in all causes of death in the world. Children’s lipid accumulation product (CLAP) is significantly related to cardiac metabolic risk factors in children and adolescents. The present study was to explore a novel indicator of children’s lipid accumulation product (CLAP) associated with dyslipidemia in Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 683 children and adolescents aged 8-15 years were recruited using the stratified cluster sampling method in this cross-sectional study, and were measured their body height, weight, waist circumference (WC), abdominal skinfold thickness (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), dietary behaviors and physical activities. A logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) were used to compare the effects of CLAP for predicting dyslipidemia.ResultsThe prevalence of dyslipidemia was 13.6% (13.9% in boys and 13.2% in girls). The AUC (95%CI) of CLAP for predicting dyslipidemia was 0.76 (0.66-0.84) in girls, was 0.83 (0.76-0.89) in boys, and was higher than those of Sweight, SWC, SAST, SWHtR, and SBMI, respectively. The P85 of CLAP was the optimal value to predict dyslipidemia among girls (OR (95% CI): 10.54(5.09-21.82), AUC (95% CI): 0.72 (0.62-0.81). The P75 of CLAP was the optimal value to predict dyslipidemia among boys (OR (95% CI): 8.74(4.54-16.85), AUC (95% CI): 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.81).ConclusionsThe CLAP was a novel indicator associated with dyslipidemia in Chinese children and adolescents, and performed better than weight, WC, AST, WHtR, and BMI.
Atomic design and fine-tuning of sub-nanometric Pt catalysts to tame hydrogen generation
Authors: Yang Jie , Fu Wenzhao , Chen Chaoqiu , Chen Wenyao , Huang Wugen , Yang Ruoou , Kong Qing-Qiang , Zhang Baiyan , Zhao Jixiao , Chen Cheng-Meng , Luo Jun , Yang Fan , Duan Xuezhi , Jiang Zheng , Qin Yong
Published: October 2020

Rational synthesis of sub-nanocatalysts with controllable electronic and atomic structures remains a challenge to break the limits of traditional catalysts for superior performance. Here we report the atomic-level precise synthesis of Pt/graphene sub-nanocatalysts (from single atom, dimer, and to cluster) by atomic layer deposition, achieved by a novel high temperature pulsed ozone strategy to controllably pre-create abundant in-plane epoxy groups on graphene as anchoring sites. The specific in-plane epoxy structure endows the deposited Pt species with outstanding uniformity, controllability and stability. Their size-depended electronic and geometric effects have been observed for ammonia borane hydrolysis, revealing a volcano-type dependence of intrinsic activity on their sizes. Their active site structures have been identified based on extensive characterizations, dynamic compensation effect, kinetic isotope experiments and density function theory simulation. The Pt dimers show the highest catalytic activity and good durability than Pt single atoms and nanoparticles, ascribed to the unique C-Pt-Pt-O (C5Pt2O, metal-metal bond dimer) active site structure. Our work provides new insights into the precise tailoring and catalytic mechanism in sub-nanometer level.
AKAP95 transports Cx43 into nucleus, regulating G1/S transition of A549 cells.
Authors: Deng Zifeng , Liu Rong , Guo Huiling , Yao Luming , Ruan FengKai , Wang Kai , Qiu Guihua , Luo Zhen , Luo Guangping , Guo DongBei , Yao Youliang , Zhang Yongxing
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Cx43 (connexin 43) has been found to inhibit cell cycle of tumor cells. No nuclear localization sequence of Cx43 was found but the protein has been found in nucleus. The process remains unclear. We are aiming at providing the model that AKAP95 (A-kinase anchoring protein) binds to and transports Cx43 into nucleus of lung cancer cells.Methods: Lung cancer cells were arrested at preliminary stage (P), middle and late stage (M) of G1 phase and restriction point (R). Immunocoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Western blot (WB) were used to analyze expression and binding of AKAP95, Cx43, cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 at different stages of lung cancer cells during G1 phase. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to detect the location of proteins in arrested cells. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) with higher resolution was used to detect binding/aggregating and location of the above four proteins at subcellular level.Results: 1) AKAP95 transports Cx43 into the nucleus through the nuclear pore mainly at R stage. Some AKAP95 and Cx43 form protein aggregates during the process. 2) Cyclin E1 was found to be bind/aggregate with AKAP95-Cx43 complex and involved in the nuclear transport of Cx43 mainly at R stage. 3)Cyclin D1 was found to bind with AKAP95 and Cx43 respectively but not to be involved in their aggregating and nuclear transport of Cx43.Conclusions: 1) AKAP95 and Cx43 bind/aggregate to each other during G1 phase, forming AKAP95-Cx43 complexes/aggregates. After their binding/aggregating, AKAP95 targets nuclear pore and matrix, transporting Cx43 into nucleus. Formed AKAP95-Cx43 complexes/ aggregates do not dissociate in nucleus. The process can be summarized as ‘forming AKAP95-Cx43 complexes/aggregates; transporting Cx43 into nucleus; functioning remaining binding/aggregating’. 2) Cyclin D1 was only found to bind to AKAP95 and Cx43 respectively and function in cytoplasm while cyclin E1 was involved in the binding/aggregation of AKAP95 and Cx43, as well as the nuclear transport of Cx43.
Genetic variability in IGFBP-3 and GH genes and their association with body weight and growth performance at birth, weaning and six-month in sheep 
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , Hammoud Mohammed , Dabour Nasraa , Hafez Elsayed , Sharaby Mahmoud
Published: October 2020

Body weights at birth, weaning and six-month and growth performance in lambs are economic traits that could be strongly used in sheep breeding objectives. Moreover, previous genetic studies recommended strong associations between these economic traits and polymorphisms in several candidate genes in different livestock species. The aim of this investigation was to study the polymorphism in IGFBP-3 and GH genes using DNA sequencing and RFLP, and their association with body weights and growth performance of Rahmani, Barki, Rahmani X Barki cross, Awassi/Awassi X Suffolk cross and Ossimi sheep breeds. Digestion of 654 bp for IGFBP-3/HaeIII yielded only one restriction pattern of 8 fragments in all animal groups revealing the absence of polymorphism also, DNA sequencing confirmed that. While, sequencing analysis of the ampliﬁed fragment of GH gene revealed polymorphism in nucleotide sequencing, and the amino acid sequences for GH gene of Rahmani were different from those of other breeds in 4 amino acids, while, each of Rahmani X Barki cross and Ossimi amino acid sequences were different in 3 amino acids. The genetic differences in GH gene coincided with differences in birth, weaning and six-month weights of the breeds under study. Thus, the current results suggest that body weights and growth performance of tested sheep breeds at different stages of growth are statistically affected by GH gene which could be considered as a candidate gene for growth in breeding programs.
Helicobacter pylori 23S rRNA gene A2142G, A2143G, T2182C, and C2195T mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance detected in Sudanese patients
Authors: Albasha Aalaa Mahgoub , Alnosh Maram M. , Osman Esraa Hassan , Zeinalabdin Duha M , Fadl Amira A M ,   Musa Abdalla Ali3, Altayb Hisham N.
Published: October 2020

Background: Clarithromycin resistant Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains represent a worldwide health problem. These stains are usually carrying mutations within the 23S rRNA gene associated with clarithromycin resistance. This study aimed to detect H. pylori and clarithromycin resistant associated mutations from Sudanese patients with gastritis symptoms.Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-eight gastric biopsies were collected using gastrointestinal endoscopy from patients with gastritis symptoms in different hospitals in Khartoum state. H. pylori was detected by PCR using primers targeting 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA. Then allele-specific PCR and DNA sequencing were used to screen for the presence of A2142G and A2143G point mutations.Results: Out of 288 samples, H. pylori was detected in 97 (33.7%) sample. Allele-specific PCR detected the variant A2142G in 9/97 (9.3%) sample, while A2143G mutation was not found in any sample. The DNA sequencing revealed the presence of mutations associated with clarithromycin-resistance in 48% (12/25) of samples; the A2142G was present in one sample, A2143G in 5 samples, T2182C in 4 samples, and C2195T in 3 samples. There was no association of 23S rRNA gene point mutations with gender, age group and geographical distribution of patients.Conclusion: This study revealed a high frequency (48%) of mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance using DNA sequencing of the 23S rRNA gene's V domain. This information should be taken into consideration before choosing optimal therapy for H. pylori eradication.
Unravelling a PhIL1-glideosome associated complex in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite that is essential for invasion in host erythrocytes
Authors: Saini Ekta , Sheokand Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Vaibhav , Agrawal Prakhar , Kaur Inderjeet , Singh Shailja , Mohmmed Asif , Malhotra Pawan
Published: October 2020

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum possess a unique mechanism of gliding motility guided by glideosome that powers its entry into insect and vertebrate hosts to facilitate its invasion and internalization within the targeted host cell. Photosensitized INA-labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) forms a novel protein complex that is associated with glideosome motor complex in the inner membrane complex of invasive merozoite. To establish the role of PfPhIL1 associated novel complex at asexual blood stages, we characterized three proteins associated with PhIL1: a glideosome associated protein- PfGAPM2, an IMC structural protein- PfALV5 and a previously uncharacterised protein - referred here as PfPhIP (PhIL1 interacting protein). GFP targeting and co-immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed that these proteins are part of a PhIL1 associated novel complex, which co-exists with the glideosomal complex. To know the functional significance of PhIL1 associated complex, transgenic parasites were generated for glmS mediated conditional knock-down of each of the three proteins. Parasites lacking PfPhIP or PfGAPM2 were unable to invade the RBCs. PfPhIP deficient parasites also showed defects in merozoite segmentation. PfPhIP and PfGAPM2 depleted parasites revealed abrogation of reorientation/gliding, although initial attachment with human RBCs was not affected in these knock-down parasites. Together, the data presented here shows that proteins of the PhIL1 associated complex play an important role in orientation of P. falciparum merozoites post initial attachment, which is crucial for formation of tight junction and hence invasion of host erythrocytes.
The Relation Between Trace Element Status (Zinc, Copper, Magnesium) and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Anuk Ali Taner , Polat Naci , Akdas Sevginur , Erol Seyit Ahmet , Tanacan Atakan , Biriken Derya , Keskin Huseyin Levent , Tekin Ozlem Moraloglu , Yazihan Nuray , Sahin Dilek
Published: October 2020

Background: SARS CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus which cause recent pandemia and many deaths. This study aimed to determine zinc, copper and magnesium status on pregnant women with COVID-19.Methods: Totally 200 pregnants were included in the study, 100(34/33/33) were pregnants with COVID-19 infection and 100(33/32/35) were healthy pregnants and each group was divided into trimesters. Blood samples for trace element measurements were obtained from the patients along with the initial laboratory tests for clinical outcomes upon their first admission to hospital.Zinc, copper and magnesium levels were analyzed with atomic absorption spectroscopy.Results: In the first/third trimesters, serum zinc level was lower (p:0,004)/(p:0,02), serum copper level was higher (p:0,006)/(p:0,008), Zn/Cu ratio was decreased (p<0,0001)/(p<0,0001) and serum magnesium level was also higher (p<0,0001)/(p<0,0001) in COVID-19 group compared to control. Pregnants with COVID-19 in their second trimester had lower serum zinc level (p:0,05) and also copper level was decreased (p:0,0003) compared to control. Our correlation results showed that serum zinc and Zn/Cu ratio levels had negative relation with acute phase markers such as IL-6, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, procalcitonin and Creactive Protein. Also, increased serum magnesium level might have role on decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte cell concentrations and there was correlation between serum magnesium and CRP level in the third trimester.Conclusion: This study indicated that trace element status changed in pregnants with COVID-19. With the further studies,it will be clarified that the effects of trace elements on COVID-19 in pregnant and in general population which was shown with this study first time to date.
Undernutrition and Associated Factors Among Lactating Women in Dire Dawa Health Facilities, Ethiopia
Authors: Tariku Zerihun , Tefera Bereket , Samuel Serawit , Derese Tariku , Markos Melese , Dessu Samuel
Published: October 2020

Background: The nutritional status of lactating women is very important since it also affects the health of their children. However, there was limited information on maternal nutrition status in low-income countries like Ethiopia, especially in the study area.Objectives: Determine magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating womenMethods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 lactating women in Dire Dawa town health facilities from February 10/02/2019 – March 30/ 03/2019.Result: Prevalence of undernutrition was 22 %. Women who age 15-25 years were four times more likely undernourished than older [AOR=4.04(CI: (1.74, 9.40)]. Unable to read and write Women were almost five times more likely to be undernourished than formal education [AOR=4.76 CI: (2.31, 9.81)]. Women who have family size >7 were six times more likely to be undernourished than family size < 3 [AOR=5.53 CI :( 1.15, 26.53)]. Women not take additional food during lactating were 4.5 times more likely undernourished than take additional food [AOR=4.56 CI (1.50, 13.9)]. DD score < 5 were four times more likely to be undernourished than (>= 5) DD [AOR= 4 CI: (2.02, 7.90)].Conclusion: Prevalence of undernutrition in the study area was high: Factors associated with underweight were: Age of lactating women, Education status, Family size, Additional food during lactation and DD score. Thus, multi-sectoral collaboration targeted at improving women’s educational status and increasing food during lactation need to be emphasized.
Strategic management controlling system and its importance for SMEs in the EU
Authors: Pavlák Miroslav , Písař Přemysl
Published: October 2020

The current hyper-competitive environment offers many great opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), but on the other hand, this business environment is also hazardous. SMEs are a significant economic power and employer in the European Union. Their competitiveness and long-term stability are a crucial factor for European cohesion and economic growth. The research aim is to design a strategic management controlling system that should be implemented to SMEs and be useful for their long-term future development. The study was conducted in 2017–2020 based on data from 403 SMEs. The PAPI method was used to collect data. The implications between defined variables controlling, ROA, turnover, financial analysis, and strategic management were explained, and the results obtained from an in-depth analysis were indicated. The research was concluded by a model of strategic management controlling system tested by experimental in-practice implementation on SMEs and verified. The model and the research findings are suitable for business practice and should support the long-term stability and development of SMEs. AcknowledgmentThe paper has been prepared within the project “Risk Management in Industry 4.0” (7427/2019/02 IGA VŠFS) using the objective oriented support for specific university research of the University of Finance and Administration.
Emociones y estrategias de afrontamiento cuando los estudiantes universitarios aprueban
Authors: Reyes Pérez Verónica , Muñoz Lopéz Daniela Beatriz , Alcázar-Olán Raúl José
Published: October 2020

Introducción: Cuando los jóvenes ingresan a la universidad, desean alcanzar una serie de objetivos entre los cuales se encuentran: aprobar las asignaturas, obtener buenas calificaciones, graduarse, etc. Al ir cumpliendo cada una de estas metas, experimentan una serie de emociones, por ejemplo: alegría, gozo, satisfacción, felicidad, entre otras. Estas pueden llegar a tener una gran influencia en su desempeño académico, y con ello contribuir a que tengan una trayectoria escolar constante y regular. Así, contrastan con sus compañeros que no logran alcanzar las metas que se propusieron al ingresar a la educación superior, y que experimentan emociones como enojo, vergüenza, aburrimiento y desesperanza. Los objetivos de la investigación fueron comparar y correlacionar las emociones y estrategias de afrontamiento al considerar los diferentes grupos: hombres, mujeres, con reprobación y sin reprobación, cuando aprueban un examen que consideran difícil.Método: Se utilizaron la “Escala de Emociones cuando apruebas” y la “Escala de Estrategias de Afrontamiento cuando repruebas”. Los participantes fueron 1,057 estudiantes universitarios; 49.3 % sin reprobación y 50.7 % con reprobación.Resultados: Las mujeres reportaron intensidad en las emociones positivas, de compromiso, negativas, narcisistas y de relajamiento; en las estrategias de afrontamiento, reportaron medias más altas en las de orgullo y de perfeccionamiento. Por su lado, los hombres predominaron en emociones contradictorias y de recompensa. La correlación más alta en ambos grupos fue entre las emociones de compromiso y las estrategias de afrontamiento de perfeccionamiento, sobre todo en aquellos sin reprobación; otras correlaciones para este grupo fueron entre las estrategias de perfeccionamiento y las emociones positivas y de relajamiento. Para el segundo grupo, se apreciaron correlaciones entre estrategias de perfeccionamiento y emociones narcisistas.Discusión: Presentar un examen que se considera difícil es una situación estresante para los estudiantes universitarios. Cuando reciben las evaluaciones y se enteran de que han aprobado, emociones positivas y de compromiso son las primeras en manifestarse ante el logro alcanzado. Sin embargo, también aparecen emociones negativas como tristeza, indiferencia, conformismo, etc., en contradicción ante un evento que es el resultado de un esfuerzo. Sentir emociones narcisistas como el placer y el orgullo cuando se ha aprobado un examen que se considera difícil pareciera más congruente; aunque es necesario que los estudiantes trasciendan esa etapa, ya que pueden correr el riesgo de cesar el esfuerzo que se ha venido realizado.
Evaluating adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence for biomonitoring in potable water systems
Authors: Rodriguez Angela B. , Duranceau Steven J.
Published: October 2020

The application of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence technology as a rapid microbiological activity monitor within a potable water system has been demonstrated. ATP measurements were taken pre- and post-infrastructure improvements within a watershed and throughout two potable water systems from source to tap. A reduction in ATP, as measured by relative light units, was identified post-infrastructure improvements. Peak ATP values for the watershed were found within the reservoirs. The treated source water remained biologically stable throughout the distribution system, with peaks attributed to nitrification. A mathematical model for predicting microbial ATP using pH, temperature, and alkalinity, was developed for the watershed studied, with an adjusted R2 of 0.84 at a 95% confidence level. Overall, ATP bioluminescence technology was found to be a suitable candidate for rapid microbiological activity testing in drinking water systems; however, technological limitations remain with respect to reproducibility that should be addressed prior to full-scale implementation.
Use of group maturity index to measure growth, performance, and sustainability of community health clubs in urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program in Zimbabwe
Authors: Hirai Mitsuaki , Cole Arnold , Munyaka Moreblessing , Mudhuviwa Steven , Maja Taurai , Cronin Aidan
Published: October 2020

Zimbabwe experienced an unprecedented cholera outbreak in 2008 and 2009. Reduced access to water, sanitation and hygiene, delayed community health education, and limited knowledge on cholera prevention were the major risk factors of this outbreak which were addressed by urban WASH interventions. Health and hygiene promotion through community health clubs (CHCs) is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the risk of cholera. In 2013, UNICEF Zimbabwe launched the Small Towns WASH Program (STWP) and used the CHC approach for hygiene promotion. To monitor the growth, performance, and sustainability of CHCs, STWP employed the Group Maturity Index, which measures the status of CHCs in five domains: objectives, governance, resources, group systems, and impacts. This study described the maturity status of CHCs as measured by GMI as a new monitoring tool and assessed if CHCs’ performances in GMI's output domains are associated with the impact domain. The results suggested that over 75% of CHCs had reached the managed stage or the mature stage by 2018. Three of the GMI's output domains were independently associated with the overall impact domain after controlling for potential confounders. CHCs and club members may experience overall positive impacts by developing their governance, resource, and group system domains.
Bio-adsorbent preparation based on Chinese Radix isatidis residue for Pb(II) removal
Authors: Shi Yu-zhuo , Yin Xiao-chun , Si Guang-hui , Zhang Na-di , Du Mei-xia , Wang Xin-hua
Published: October 2020

A series of bio-adsorbents with potential for Pb(II) removal from wastewater were prepared by treating Radix isatidis residue (RIR) with integrated chemical treatment and fermentation methods. Batch experiments were used to test the adsorption and desorption performance of different bio-adsorbents. The results showed that treated RIRs had significantly enhanced adsorption capacity of 23.5 and 27.6 mg g−1 for Pb(II) within 50 minutes, in contrast to the raw RIR's 12.2 mg g−1. RIR produced by modified chemical/fermentation treatment can remove up to 31.1 mg g−1. After five adsorption/desorption cycles, about 75% of the adsorption capacities were maintained. This study is a novel approach to reusing the enormous quantity of Chinese herbal medicine residues.
Research on high photosynthetic efficient cultivation with drip irrigation under different mulch of maize
Authors: Bai Yu , Gao Jinhua
Published: October 2020

Maize refers to one of the major food crops worldwide. Its yield has a direct effect on global food security. Moreover, cultivated lands in the world have been undergoing serious degradation. In the present study, field experiments were performed in the middle of Jilin, China. A novel maize cultivating method, combining drip irrigation under film mulch cultivation and high photosynthetic efficient cultivation, is presented. NUE, WUE, accumulated temperature, plant growth and yield were determined in high photosynthetic efficient cultivation with drip irrigation under mulch and with there being under the mulch transparent and black film, respectively. As revealed from the results, the high photosynthetic efficient cultivation based on drip irrigation cultivation could increase the yield of rain-fed treatment by 53%; high photosynthetic efficient cultivation with drip irrigation under film mulch cultivation could also improve NUE and WUE compared with conventional drip irrigation under film mulch cultivation; transparent mulch could more significantly raise the soil temperature than black mulching, as well as improving the maize yield. The present study presents a novel planting mode in accordance with reliable theory to sustainably develop maize.
In-silico Molecular Interaction of Short Synthetic Lipopeptide/Importin-alpha and In-vitro Evaluation of Transgene Expression Mediated by Liposome- Based Gene Carrier
Authors: Tarwadi Tarwadi , Jazayeri Jalal A. , Pambudi Sabar , Arbianto Alfan D. , Rachmawati Heni , Kartasasmita Rahmana E. , Asyarie Sukmadjaja
Published: October 2020

Background:

Lipopeptide-based gene carriers have shown low cytotoxicity, are capable
of cell membrane penetration, are easy to manufacture and therefore are great potential candidates
for gene delivery applications.

Objectives:

This study aims to explore a range of short synthetic lipopeptides, (Lau: Lauryl; Pal:
Palmitoyl) consisting of an alkyl chain, one cysteine (C), 1 to 2 histidine (H), and lysine (K) residues
by performing in-silico molecular interaction and in-vitro evaluation.

Methods:

The molecular interactions between the lipopeptides and Importin-α receptor were performed
using AutoDock Vina and Amber14. The lipopeptide/DNA complexes were evaluated in-
-vitro for their interactions, particle size, zeta potential and transgene expression. Transfection efficiency
of the lipopeptides and Pal-CKKHH-derived liposome was carried out based on luciferase
transgene expression.

Results:

The in-silico interaction showed that Lau-CKKH and Pal-CKKHH hypothetically expedited
nuclear uptake. Both lipopeptides had lower binding energy (-6.3 kcal/mol and -6.2 kcal/mol, respectively),
compared to the native ligand, viz, nuclear localization sequence (-5.4 kcal/mol). The
short lipopeptides were able to condense DNA molecules and efficiently form compacted nanoparticles.
Based on the in-vitro evaluation on COS-7, Pal-CKKHH was found to be the best transfection
agent amongst the lipopeptides. Its transfection efficiency (ng Luc/mg total protein) increased up to
~3-fold higher (1163 + 55) as it was formulated with helper lipid DOPE (1:2). The lipopeptide-
based liposome (Pal-CKKHH: DOPE=1:2) also facilitated luciferase transgene expression on
human embryonic kidney cells (293T) and human cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) with transfection
efficiency 1779 +52 and 260 + 22, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study for the first time has shown that the fully synthesized short lipopeptide Pal-
CKKHH is able to interact firmly with the Importin-α. The lipopeptide is able to condense DNA
molecules efficiently, facilitate transgene expression, expedite the nuclear uptake process, and
hence has the characteristics of a potential transfection agent.
PENGARUH EARNING PER SHARE, RETURN ON ASSETS, DAN DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM
Authors: Dika Muhammad Fala , Pasaribu Hiras
Published: October 2020

Abstrak: Pengaruh Earning Per Share, Return On Assets, dan Debt to Equity Ratio Terhadap Harga Saham. Penelitian ini berujuan, untuk mengetahui pengaruh Earning Per Share (EPS), Return On Assets (ROA), dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) dari, ROA terhadap harga saham. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada perusahaan industri makanan dan minuman yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode tahun 2015 – 2018 sebanyak 19 perusahaan. Teknik penarikan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling, dengan kriteria yang ditentukan dalam penelitian ini. Sesuai kriteria penarikan sampel diperoleh sampel jumlah 13 perusahaan Metode analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan variable EPS dan ROA berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham, sedangkan DER tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham. Kata Kunci: EPS, ROA, DER , Harga Saham.
Regionaler Sprachgebrauch in Fachkontexten
Authors: Hoinkes Ulrich
Published: October 2020

Die Arbeit ist ein Beitrag zu der Erforschung gesprochener Sprache in Bezug auf bestimmte Textformen und kommunikative Inhalte unter gleichzeitiger Berücksichtigung ausgewählter
Sprachkontaktsituationen. Es fällt auf, dass die gesprochene Sprache bislang zwar eingehend unter den Gesichtspunkten ihrer formalen Strukturiertheit (Lexikon,
Morphologie, Syn- tax) untersucht worden ist, der Sprachinhalt und die textuelle Gestaltungsebene aber stark vernachlässigt wurden. Insbesondere liegen noch keine
größeren Untersuchungen zu den normativen Bedingungen und der kommunikativen Funktion gesprochener Sprache in enger definierten Bereichen (thematischen Sektoren)
des alltäglichen gesellschaftlichen Lebens vor. Entsprechende sys- tematisch ermittelte Textcorpora stehen ebenfalls nicht zur Verfügung.Im Mittelpunkt des allgemeiner
definierten Untersuchungsinteresses steht die Analyse der Sprachkompetenz in ihrer Bezugnahme auf verschiedene Wis- sensdimensionen und gesellschaftliche Normen.
SCCharts - Language and Interactive Incremental Compilation
Authors: Motika Christian
Published: October 2020

Safety-critical systems are a subclass of reactive systems, a dominating class of computer systems these days.
Such systems control the airbags in our cars, the flaps of an aircraft, nuclear power plants or pace makers. Software for these systems must be reliable.
Hence, a language and tooling is needed that allows to build and maintain reliable software models. Furthermore,
a reliable compiler is required to obtain decent machine-understandable and executable code from highly abstract models.
This thesis presents SCCharts, a Statecharts-based synchronous and visual modeling language for specifying and designing safety-critical systems and
for deriving their implementations. It elaborates on why a control-flow oriented and synchronous language is desirable and how incremental language
features are chosen to flatten learning curve. It presents an interactive incremental model transformation based compilation approach termed SLIC.
It shows how SLIC helps in supporting both, the modeler and the tool smith for building reliable models and maintaining a reliable compiler, respectively.
A SLIC-based compiler for SCCharts including its high-level model transformations is presented. Furthermore, practicality aspects of the KIELER SCCharts
language and tooling implementation complete the considerations to validate the proposed approach.
SAT and CP - Parallelisation and Applications
Authors: Ehlers Thorsten
Published: October 2020

In this thesis, we consider the parallelisation and application of SAT and CP solvers. In the first chapter, we consider SAT, the decision problem of propositional logic.
We discuss details of the implementations of SAT solvers, and show how to improve upon existing sequential solvers. Furthermore, we discuss the parallelisation of these
solvers with a focus on the communication of intermediate results within a parallel solver. The second chapter is concerned with Contraint Programing (CP) with learning.
Contrary to classical Constraint Programming techniques, this incorporates learning mechanisms as they are used in the field of SAT solving. We present results from parallelising
CHUFFED, a learning CP solver. In the final chapter, we discuss Sorting Networks, which are data oblivious sorting algorithms. Their independence of the input data lends them to
parallel implementation. We consider the question how many parallel sorting steps are needed to sort some inputs, and present both lower and upper bounds for several cases.
Mechanisms of Action of a Web-Based Intervention With Health Professional Support to Increase Adherence to Nebulizer Treatments in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Drabble Sarah J , O'Cathain Alicia , Scott Alexander J , Arden Madelynne A , Keating Samuel , Hutchings Marlene , Maguire Chin , Wildman Martin
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Adherence to nebulizer treatments in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) is often low. A new complex intervention to help adults with CF increase their adherence to nebulizer treatments was tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 2 UK CF centers. Patients used a nebulizer with electronic monitoring capabilities that transferred data automatically to a digital platform (CFHealthHub) to monitor adherence over time and to a tailored website to display graphs of adherence data and educational and problem-solving information about adherence. A trained interventionist helped patients identify ways to increase their adherence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the mechanisms of action underpinning the intervention.

METHODS

A qualitative interview study was conducted concurrently with a pilot RCT. In total, 25 semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 interventionists at 2 time points, 14 patients in the intervention arm of the trial, and 5 members of the multidisciplinary teams offering wider care to patients. A framework approach was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

The intervention was informed by a theoretical framework of behavior change. There was evidence of the expected behavior change mechanisms of action. There was also evidence of additional mechanisms of action associated with effective telehealth interventions for self-management support: relationships, visibility, and fit. Patients described how building a relationship with the interventionist through face-to-face visits with someone who cared about them and their progress helped them to consider ways of increasing adherence to medication. Rather than seeing the visibility of adherence data to clinicians as problematic, patients found this motivating, particularly if they received praise about progress made. The intervention was tailored to individuals, but there were challenges in how the intervention fitted into some patients’ busy lives when delivered through a desktop computer.

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanisms of action associated with effective telehealth interventions for self-management operated within this new intervention. The intervention was modified to strengthen mechanisms of action based on these findings, for example, delivery through an app accessed via mobile phones and then tested in an RCT in 19 UK CF centers.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 13076797; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13076797