bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solanum elaeagnifolium and S. rostratum as potential hosts of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus
Authors: Matzrafi Maor , Abu-Nassar Jackline , Klap Chen , Shtarkman Meital , Smith Elisheva , Dombrovsky Aviv
Published: March 2023

Invasive weeds cause significant crop yield and economic losses in agriculture. The highest indirect impact may be attributed to the role of invasive weeds as virus reservoirs within commercial growing areas. The new tobamovirus tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), first identified in the Middle East, overcame the Tm-22 resistance allele of cultivated tomato varieties and caused severe damage to crops. In this study, we determined the role of invasive weed species as potential hosts of ToBRFV and a mild strain of pepino mosaic virus (PepMV-IL). Of newly tested weed species, only the invasive species Solanum elaeagnifolium and S. rostratum, sap inoculated with ToBRFV, were susceptible to ToBRFV infection. S. rostratum was also susceptible to PepMV-IL infection. No phenotype was observed on ToBRFV-infected S. elaeagnifolium grown in the wild or following ToBRFV sap inoculation. S. rostratum plants inoculated with ToBRFV contained a high ToBRFV titer compared to ToBRFV-infected S. elaeagnifolium plants. Mixed infection with ToBRFV and PepMV-IL of S. rostratum plants, as well as S. nigrum plants (a known host of ToBRFV and PepMV), displayed synergism between the two viruses, manifested by increasing PepMV-IL levels. Additionally, when inoculated with either ToBRFV or PepMV-IL, disease symptoms were apparent in S. rostratum plants and the symptoms were exacerbated upon mixed infections with both viruses. In a bioassay, ToBRFV-inoculated S. elaeagnifolium, S. rostratum and S. nigrum plants infected tomato plants harboring the Tm-22 resistant allele with ToBRFV. The distribution and abundance of these Solanaceae species increase the risks of virus transmission between species.
Does Tobler’s first law of geography apply to internet attention? A case study of the Asian elephant northern migration event
Authors: Zheng Boming , Lin Xijie , Yin Duo , Qi Xinhua
Published: March 2023

One of the basic assumptions of spatial theory is formulated in Waldo Tobler’s first law of geography: "everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things." However, as internet space is a complex virtual space independent of the real world, whether this law is applicable to things in the internet space remains to be explored in depth. Therefore, this study takes the event of Asian elephant northern migration as an example, attempts to investigate the issue of the applicability of Tobler’s first law of geography to internet attention by integrating geographic methods such as spatial visualization, spatial correlation analysis, and Geo-detector. The results show that Tobler’s first law of geography does not fully apply to internet attention, which does not decay with increasing distance. Geographical distance, within certain boundaries, is influenced by "identity" and "relevance", and still plays a large role in internet attention. However, once the boundaries are exceeded, the impact of geographic distance on internet attention is weakened by the intervention of influencing factors such as the degree of information technology, population, and the strength of news media publicity. Overall, the strength of news media publicity has the greatest impact on internet attention. And when it interacts with geographic proximity, it has the most significant effect on internet attention.
Prevalence of co-morbidity and history of recent infection in patients with neuromuscular disease: A cross-sectional analysis of United Kingdom primary care data
Authors: Carey Iain M. , Nirmalananthan Niranjanan , Harris Tess , DeWilde Stephen , Chaudhry Umar A. R. , Limb Elizabeth , Cook Derek G.
Published: March 2023

Background

People with neuromuscular disease (NMD) experience a broader range of chronic diseases and health symptoms compared to the general population. However, no comprehensive analysis has directly quantified this to our knowledge.

Methods

We used a large UK primary care database (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) to compare the prevalence of chronic diseases and other health conditions, including recent infections between 23,876 patients with NMD ever recorded by 2019 compared to 95,295 age-sex-practice matched patients without NMD. Modified Poisson regression estimated Prevalence Ratios (PR) to summarise the presence of the disease/condition ever (or for infections in 2018) in NMD patients versus non-NMD patients.

Results

Patients with NMD had significantly higher rates for 16 of the 18 conditions routinely recorded in the primary care Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). Approximately 1-in-10 adults with NMD had ≥4 conditions recorded (PR = 1.39, 95%CI 1.33–1.45). Disparities were more pronounced at younger ages (18–49). For other (non-QOF) health conditions, significantly higher recorded levels were observed for rarer events (pulmonary embolism PR = 1.96 95%CI 1.76–2.18, hip fractures PR = 1.65 95%CI 1.47–1.85) as well as for more common primary care conditions (constipation PR = 1.52 95%CI 1.46–1.57, incontinence PR = 1.52 95%CI 1.44–1.60). The greatest co-morbidity burden was in patients with a myotonic disorder. Approximately 1-in-6 (17.1%) NMD patients had an infection recorded in the preceding year, with the risk of being hospitalised with an infection nearly double (PR = 1.92, 95%CI 1.79–2.07) compared to non-NMD patients.

Conclusion

The burden of chronic co-morbidity among patients with NMD is extremely high compared to the general population, and they are also more likely to present in primary and secondary care for acute events such as infections.
Cultural populism in the Uuno Turhapuro films of the 1990s
Authors: Kallioniemi Noora
Published: March 2023

This article examines the cultural meanings given to the comedy character Uuno Turhapuro, in particular during the early 1990s. Focusing on two films, Uuno Turhapuro herra Helsingin herra (‘Uuno Turhapuro, Mr Bigwig of Helsinki’) (1991) and Uuno Turhapuro Suomen tasavallan herra presidentti (‘Uuno Turhapuro, Mr President of the Republic of Finland’) (1992), I discuss the way this unemployed, idle but resourceful character belongs to the tradition of Finnish audio-visual popular culture and analyse the cultural populism related to the authorship of Pertti ‘Spede’ Pasanen. The figure of Uuno is also a presidential parody that reflects the changing attitude in Finland towards those in power after the long administration of President Urho Kekkonen. As a historian, I have endeavoured to illustrate the ways comedy relates to the time period in which it was made.
Estudos Coreológicos (2016-2020): Contextos da Dança e da Música Antigas
Authors: Silva Catarina Costa e
Published: March 2023

A presente publicação - fruto da vertente investigativa da Portingaloise – Associação Cultural e Artística em parceria com a Kale Companhia de Dança e sob a chancela do Centro de Estudos Clássicos e Humanísticos da Universidade de Coimbra - pretende contribuir para a expansão da produção científica na área da coreologia em Portugal. Acompanhando o crescente desenvolvimento de estudos académicos na área da dança, da performance ou das artes cénicas, os estudos em coreologia histórica informam sobre a prática da dança em contextos específicos, privilegiando o contacto com fontes de época e observando a sua relação com as demais artes, assim como com o contexto filosófico, social e político em que se insere. Este volume, integrado na série  Mundos e Fundos, assim como no projeto homónimo de investigação, pretende acompanhar o empenho da Universidade de Coimbra na promoção da investigação na área das artes performativas, numa lógica simultaneamente especializada e interdisciplinar, que seguramente constituirá um importante contributo para o encontro de produção académica e artística no país.
Addressing Online Violence Against Women and Girls in the Commonwealth Pacific Region: The Role of Bystanders
Authors: Secretariat Commonwealth
Published: March 2023

This report focuses on the role of online bystanders in reducing online violence against women and girls (VAWG), including consideration of any related policies or laws. Given the relatively recent emergence of bystanders as potential facilitators and exacerbators of online crime, policy responses have tended to focus on the virtual versions of existing physical crimes, such as ‘cyber’ bullying and ‘cyber’ stalking, and/or the dissemination of intimate images online (when previously they might have been posted on a physical bulletin board). Moreover, these policy responses have tended to focus on capturing perpetrators, but not bystanders, within a legislative framework.
Efektivitas Prototipe Gim Berbasis Komputer Indonesia terhadap Peningkatan Fungsi Eksekutif Anak Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Tambun Jubilate Edward Iruanto , Kurniasanti Kristiana Siste , Ginting Tribowo Tuahta , Wiguna Tjhin
Published: March 2023

Latar belakang. Fungsi eksekutif adalah kemampuan kognitif untuk melakukan tugas-tugas eksekutif kompleks dalam mencapai tujuan. Gangguan fungsi eksekutif anak sekolah dasar (SD) dapat menyebabkan masalah serius seperti hambatan dalam perilaku sehari-hari, penurunan performa akademik, dan kesulitan mengenali tanda-tanda sosial. Intervensi terhadap fungsi eksekutif merupakan hal yang penting dan belakangan banyak dilakukan melalui gim berbasis komputer.Tujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai efektivitas intervensi prototipe gim berbasis komputer Indonesia terhadap peningkatan fungsi eksekutif anak SD.Metode. Dilakukan penelitian kuasi-eksperimental desain time series. Subjek dinilai dengan BRIEF-BI format guru, 4 kali terbagi atas pre-, post-5 sesi, post-10 sesi, dan 1 bulan pascaintervensi. Dilakukan analisis statistik: uji non-parametrik Friedman dilanjutkan post hoc-Bonferroni. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 14 orang anak SD berusia 11-12 tahun.Hasil. Ditemukan peningkatan di seluruh fungsi eksekutif. Skor GEC berubah bermakna setelah intervensi (p<0,001); Skala: inhibisi (p<0,001), adaptasi (p<0,001), kontrol emosional (p=0,003), inisiasi (p<0,001), memori kerja (p<0,001), perencanaan (p<0,001), pengorganisasian material (p<0,001), dan monitor (p<0,001). Peningkatan terjadi setelah 10 sesi intervensi dan bertahan hingga satu bulan pascaintervensi.Kesimpulan. Pelatihan dengan intervensi Prototipe Gim Berbasis Komputer Indonesia meningkatkan fungsi eksekutif anak SD pada seluruh ranah fungsi eksekutif yang dinilai dengan BRIEF-BI format guru dan masih bertahan hingga satu bulan pascapelatihan.
Penggunaan Indeks Respiratory-Oxygnation dalam Menentukan Keberhasilan Terapi Oksigen High Flow Nasal Cannula pada Anak Sakit Kritis dengan Distres Napas
Authors: Saputra Indra , Handayani Desti , Kaffah Silmi
Published: March 2023

Indeks ROX merupakan rasio saturasi oksigen terhadap fraksi oksigen pada tiap laju pernapasan per menit. Beberapa studi melaporkan indeks ROX bermanfaat sebagai prediktor keberhasilan terapi HFNC pada pasien dewasa. Indeks ROX membantu memprediksi kebutuhan ventilasi mekanik invasif, sehingga menurunkan angka mortalitas dan morbiditas yang terkait dengan penggunaan ventilasi mekanik. Namun literatur mengenai penggunaan indeks ROX pada populasi anak sangat terbatas. Padahal penggunaan HFNC pada pasien anak mengalami peningkatan pesat dan sampai saat ini belum ada indikator keberhasilan HFNC yang bersifat objektif dan baku untuk pasien anak. Tinjauan pustaka ini akan membahas indikasi pemberian HFNC, mekanisme kerja, dan penggunaan indeks ROX pada pasien anak sakit kritis dengan distres napas.
ÁREAS DE CONEXÃO VERDE E CONEXÃO FUNDO DE VALE: PROPOSIÇÃO PARA REDUÇÃO DOS IMPACTOS DE ENCHENTES EM BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Silva Ana Carolina , Raposo Cristina de Souza Domingues , Meireles Eduardo
Published: March 2023

O saneamento básico é um conjunto de serviços públicos essenciais à saúde humana e à qualidade de vida nas cidades: limpeza urbana, destinação de resíduos sólidos e drenagem de águas pluviais. Este artigo trata do saneamento pluvial de Belo Horizonte, onde todos os anos ocorrem enchentes, gerando perdas sociais e econômicas. Com foco na solução desse problema foi realizada análise de geoprocessamento multicritério, com o objetivo de apresentar um mapa de áreas prioritárias para implementação das áreas de Conexão Verde e da Conexão Fundo de Vale - estratégias do novo Plano Diretor da cidade em busca de minimizar a ocorrências das flash floods e seus impactos negativos em Belo Horizonte.
Inégalités sociales de mortalité au-delà de 65 ans. Le cas de la Belgique
Authors: Eggerickx Thierry , Sanderson Jean-Paul , Vandeschrick Christophe , Donadille Cécile
Published: March 2023

RésuméLes inégalités sociales de mortalité au-delà de 65 ans sont une problématique importante dans le contexte actuel de vieillissement de la population, d’augmentation de l’espérance de vie et de politiques visant à augmenter l’âge légal de départ à la retraite. Cet article pose trois questions : les inégalités sociales face à la mort, très présentes aux âges actifs, se maintiennent-elles durant la vieillesse ? Comment ont-elles évolué au cours de ces dernières décennies ? Quel est le rôle de l’état de santé sur le différentiel social de mortalité aux âges élevés ? Nous utiliserons une base de données appariant les informations du Registre national (1991-2016) avec celles des recensements de la population de 1991, 2001 et 2011. Des tables de mortalité par groupe social et état de santé subjectif ont été calculées et nous aurons aussi recours à des modèles de régression logistique. Les résultats montrent qu’au-delà de 65 ans, les inégalités sociales face à la mort sont importantes et ont même augmenté aux cours des 25 dernières années. En contrôlant l’état de santé, des différences de mortalité subsistent entre les groupes sociaux mais varient en importance en fonction du gradient social. Les plus âgés doivent donc faire l’objet d’une attention particulière, non seulement parce qu’il s’agit d’une population intrinsèquement plus fragile mais aussi parce que leurs effectifs croissent. Il s’agit là d’un défi actuel et futur majeur de santé publique.AbstractSocial inequalities in mortality beyond the age of 65 are an important issue in the current context of population ageing, increased life expectancy and policies aimed at extending the legal retirement age. This article asks three questions: do social inequalities in the face of death, which are very present at working ages, continue in old age? How have they evolved over the last few decades? What is the role of health status on the social differential in mortality at advanced ages? We will use a database matching information from the National Register (1991-2016) with information from the 1991, 2001 and 2011 population censuses. Mortality tables by social group and subjective health status have been calculated. We also use logistic regression models. The results show that social inequalities in the face of death beyond the age of 65 are significant and have even increased over the last 25 years. Controlling for health status, mortality differences remain between social groups but vary in magnitude along the social gradient. The elderly therefore need specialattention, not only because they are an inherently more fragile population, but also because their numbers are increasing. This is a major current and future public health challenge.
Treibhausgas-Emissionen durch Ernährung im urbanen Kontext
Authors: Ahlers David , Marscheider Nils
Published: March 2023

Obwohl das Ernährungssystem wesentlich zum Klimawandel beiträgt, wird Ernährung im kommunalen Klimaschutz bisher kaum berücksichtigt. Es fehlen Daten, auf deren Grundlage politische Entscheidungen getroffen werden. Ein konsumbasierter Ansatz lieferte nun am Beispiel der Stadt Oldenburg erste Zahlen zu ernährungsbedingten Treibhausgas-Emissionen.
Leitbilder und Initiativen zur Förderung von urbaner Resilienz
Authors: Eckert Karl , Schubert Susanne
Published: March 2023

In einer Zeit der Multi-Krisen muss die Stadtentwicklung sich laufend neuen Herausforderungen stellen. Wie wirken sich aktuelle Krisen auf die Stadtentwicklung aus, was hat das mit urbaner Resilienz zu tun und welche Handlungsansätze stehen im Raum, um auf die Herausforderungen zu antworten?
Metabolic syndrome – cardiac structure and functional analysis by echocardiography; a cross sectional comparative study
Authors: Sakthivadivel Varatharajan , Chinnathambi Chennappan , Selvaraju Divya , Gaur Archana , Bakthavatchalam Ramya , Srivijayan Appandraj , Sundaramurthy Raja , Tadi Lakshmi Jyothi , John Nitin Ashok
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a collection of metabolic disorders including hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia. The outcome of metabolic syndrome depends on structural changes in heart like increased left atrial size or increased left ventricular mass. This study was done to determine the echocardiography abnormalities in metabolic syndrome.

Methods

After obtaining informed consent, 75 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 75 controls were included in the study. 2D echo/M mode examination was performed for all. Aortic root, left atrial size, left atrial volume, septal wall thickness during systole (SWs) and diastole (SWd), posterior wall thickness during systole (PWs) and diastole (PWd), left ventricle dimension during systole (LVDs) and diastole (LVDd), and ejection fraction were measured. The values were compared between the groups.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol and BMI; left ventricular diameter in systole and diastole was significantly more than controls (p<0.001); HR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.13–1.46), 1.29 (95% CI 1.15–1.45) respectively. Left ventricular mass and left atrial volume were increased significantly in subjects with metabolic syndrome (p<0.001); HR were 1.06 (95% CI 1.03–1.08), 1.13 (95% CI 1.06–1.19) respectively. Ejection fraction was low normal in subjects with metabolic syndrome compared to controls (p<0.05); HR 0.90 (95% CI 0.83–0.98).

Conclusions

Cardiac abnormalities were common in subjects with metabolic syndrome, predominantly affecting the left ventricular mass, diameter and left atrial volume. Early life style modifications are essential to prevent these complications.
circ_0014736 induces GPR4 to regulate the biological behaviors of human placental trophoblast cells through miR-942-5p in preeclampsia
Authors: Ren Jinlian , Cai Jing
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have indicated that the development of preeclampsia (PE) involves the regulation of circular RNA (circRNA). However, the role of hsa_circ_0014736 (circ_0014736) in PE remains unknown. Thus, the study proposes to reveal the function of circ_0014736 in the pathogenesis of PE and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that circ_0014736 and GPR4 expression were significantly upregulated, while miR-942-5p expression was downregulated in PE placenta tissues when compared with normal placenta tissues. circ_0014736 knockdown promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of placenta trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo) and inhibited apoptosis; however, circ_0014736 overexpression had the opposite effects. circ_0014736 functioned as a sponge for miR-942-5p and regulated HTR-8/SVneo cell processes by interacting with miR-942-5p. Additionally, GPR4, a target gene of miR-942-5p, was involved in miR-942-5p-mediated actions in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, circ_0014736 stimulated GPR4 production through miR-942-5p. Collectively, circ_0014736 inhibited HTR-8/SVneo cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis through the miR-942-5p/GPR4 axis, providing a possible target for the treatment of PE.
Predicting the Magnitude of Microsphere Parameters Obtained from Microscopical Examination of Hardened Concrete
Authors: Attiogbe Emmanuel K.
Published: March 2023

Geometric probability concepts are used to establish a quantitative basis for predicting the magnitude of microscopically determined parameters of polymeric microsphere systems in hardened concretes relative to the actual magnitude of the parameters. Both a hypothetical discrete size distribution and a representative continuous size distribution of the microspheres are considered in the analysis. It is predicted that for a random section through the concrete, the magnitudes of the measured microsphere volume fraction and specific surface relative to the respective actual values would depend on the proportion of the total number of microspheres counted on the section. The lower the proportion of microspheres counted, the lower the ratios of measured-to-actual volume fraction and measured-to-actual specific surface would be. For the test data presented, the proportion of microspheres counted was calculated to have an average value of 0.75. Ratios of predicted-to-actual volume fraction and predicted-to-actual specific surface are compared with the respective measured ratios and found to be quite accurate. When there is a significant spread in the microsphere size distribution and relatively few microspheres are missed during a microscopical examination of a single section of concrete, the measured volume fraction would be higher and the measured specific surface would be lower, relative to the respective actual values. This is because a random section through the concrete has a greater chance of intersecting large microspheres than small ones, with large microspheres having a relatively higher contribution to volume and a relatively lower contribution to specific surface than small microspheres. These findings are relevant for air-entrained concrete as well when measurements obtained by microscopical examination of hardened concrete are compared with air content measured by the pressure method or with air content and specific surface measured by an air void analyzer.
Investigation of the Abnormally Large Grains of a Super304H Heat-Resistant Steel Tube over Long-Term, High-Temperature Service
Authors: Zhan Xianqiang , Wu Yue , Liu Run , Liu Junjian , Wang Wanli , Wang Yan , Tang Wenming
Published: March 2023

Abnormally large grains (ALGs) were detected in the outer walls of Super304H superheater steel tubes of an ultra-supercritical unit in long-term service. In this study, the microstructure and mechanical properties of steel tube samples were investigated to reveal the formation mechanism of the ALGs. The results showed that the room-temperature and high-temperature strength and plasticity of the coarse-grain zone were much lower than those of the fine-grain zone. Inhomogeneous residual strain distribution in the outer wall led to high distortion energy differences in the as-supplied steel tube. The low-distortion austenite grains annex the neighboring high-distortion grains via the strain-induced grain boundary migration mechanism. Moreover, the two-dimensional step mechanism of the faceted grain boundaries also causes the ALGs to form.
GELENEKSEL YOLLARLA ÜRETİLMİŞ TURŞU ÖRNEKLERİNDEN LAKTİK ASİT BAKTERİLERİNİN İZOLASYONU, MOLEKÜLER YÖNTEMLER KULLANILARAK TANIMLANMASI VE BAZI FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ
Authors: İSPİRLİ Hümeyra , DERTLİ Enes
Published: March 2023

Bu çalışmada ülkemizin farklı illerinden toplanmış 17 adet geleneksel turşu örneğinden Laktik Asit Bakterileri (LAB) izole edilip tanımlanmış ve izolatların fonksiyonel nitelikleri karakterize edilmiştir. Genotipik ayrıştırma sonucunda 9 farklı türe ait 21 suş tespit edilmiştir. Takiben bu 21 suşun potansiyel probiyotik değerlendirmeleri safra tuzlarına direnç ve düşük pH’da gelişim açısından test edilmiş ve Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ve Levilactobacillus brevis suşlarının yüksek canlılık gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. İzolatlarının antibiyotik dirençlerinin ise oldukça düşük seviyede olduğu gözlenmiştir. Önemli olarak antifungal aktivite açısından suş spesifik etki gözlenirken, antibakteriyel aktivite noktasında oldukça güçlü aktivite sergilemişlerdir. Son olarak turşu izolatlarının GABA üretim potansiyelleri açığa çıkarılmış ve Levilactobacillus brevis VB13 suşunun 0.628±0.11 mg/mL GABA üretebildiği gösterilmiştir. Elde ettiğimiz sonuçlar turşuda bulunan LAB çeşitliliğini ve bu suşların fonksiyonel etki potansiyelini göstermesi bakımından önem arz etmektedir.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND FIRM PERFORMANCE WITHIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY DURING THE NEW NORMAL ERA
Authors: Muftiasa Afdol , Wibowo Lili Adi , Hurriyati Ratih , Rahayu Agus
Published: March 2023

In the post COVID-2019 era, companies are making a variety of changes to boost their performance. Companies need to understand that rivalry is for physical and intangible assets, such as intellectual capital, when they want to thrive and succeed in the market. Research on the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance has become a study that has received wide attention from researchers from various disciplines. The purpose of this research was to analyze how intellectual capital, comprising human, structural and relational capital, affected firm performance in the telecommunications sector during post COVID-2019 era. Quantitative research using a questionnaire survey was used in this study. A valid research instrument was utilized to survey 115 employees from all telecommunications companies in Indonesia listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2019–2021. Human, structural, and relational capital were hypothesized to have a positive effect on company performance, and their relationship was investigated. Intellectual capital was found to have a statistically significant and positively impacting relationship with firm performance. Recommendations are then made for researchers and practitioners. This research has implications for practitioners. Practitioners can concentrate efforts on the three main components of intellectual capital management. Furthermore, managers in companies, especially telecommunications companies, understand how intellectual resources evolve following current developments and will ultimately positively impact performance. This is one of the very few studies examining the relationship between intellectual capital and firm performance in the Indonesian telecommunications industry and the first to investigate this relationship with perceptual measures in Indonesia.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE ANALYSIS – THEORIES AND DETERMINANTS VALIDATION BASED ON EVIDENCE FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Heckenbergerová Jana , Honková Irena
Published: March 2023

The optimal capital structure is a key precondition for business, even though the task of defining the optimal capital structure can be difficult. Previous studies present many different and mutually contradictory factors that should be considered with respect to managerial strategic financial decisions. The first part of the presented contribution summarises the effects of the most frequent capital structure determinants and reviews the world’s most important theories about the behaviour of enterprises when deciding on capital structure. The aim of our contribution is the analysis of capital structure behaviour in the Czech environment. Fundamental capital structure theory is revealed by statistical hypotheses testing. Moreover, we are mainly targeting significant determinants of capital structure. The results help us to create general recommendations for the financial management of Czech companies. In the scope of our study, there are approximately a thousand national financial statements of Czech companies from the most important sectors of economic activity for the period 2016–2019. The correlation analysis with partial correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis was utilised to determine the effects and significance of the individual determinants. Data show that Czech companies do not prefer debt financing recommended by some capital structure theories. Their financial management behaviour corresponds to pecking order theory with insufficient utilisation of tax shield. Sectorwise analyses prove only one exception; motor vehicles wholesale, retail trade, repair and maintenance sector generally prefers financing by debt. Based on the literature review, we selected six significant determinants of capital structure: size, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), tangibility, asset growth and duration. Advanced statistical analyses show the power and influence of each determinant on capital structure and their mutual relations. Autocorrelations can negatively affect the results of regression analyses. We can conclude that the capital structure of Czech companies is mainly influenced by tangibility and ROA.
Interview: Michael Mann and Helmut K. Anheier
Authors: Mann Michael , Anheier Helmut K.
Published: March 2023

In this interview, Helmut K. Anheier and Michael Mann first discuss Mann’s work on the sociology of power, especially the types and sources of power. They then focus on the rise and fall of empires and his analysis of wars, as well as current international tensions, especially US-China relations and a revisionist Russia. Throughout, they focus on longer-term economic and sociopolitical developments that may affect the future of the liberal order.
Open Source Urbanism – Adapting Principles and Criteria of Open Source Software To Urbanism
Authors: Berisha Rrona , Juvančič Matevž
Published: March 2023

The idea of open source, stemming from software development is being applied in various fields, including urbanism, as the concept of Open Source Urbanism (OSU). This approach promotes a transparent process, where the methodology used and developed and the final outcomes are open for others to use, modify, adjust and even profit from while also sharing their process and results openly. In this paper, the principles and criteria of open source software are adopted for-, adjusted to and observed in the field of urban design and planning. The goal was to extract the criteria for determining the levels of urban projects being based on the principles of open source urbanism. Furthermore, the newly established criteria of OSU were applied and tested on three case studies of projects related urban spaces. The results show that the principles and criteria of open source software can be successfully used in urban design and planning. OSU principles can be applied on a wide range of projects and crossing different scales, from planting a tree to large-scale masterplan design.
Compression of the Pulmonary Artery and Coronary Artery Caused by Pulmonary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Haihong , Luo Qin , Xie Nan , Zou Liqun
Published: March 2023

A 63-year-old woman with a five-month history of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) presented to the emergency department, due to worsening dyspnea and chest pain. The electrocardiography showed a pattern of ST-segment elevation in leads I, AVL, and poor R-wave progression consistent with anterolateral ischemia. Emergent coronary angiography revealed severe stenosis of the left main coronary artery. Then, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan indicated the right pulmonary artery and left main coronary artery narrowing by compression of metastasized PEH. Finally, the patient died of deteriorated multi-organ failure.
Caracterización de trabajos de investigación de la maestría “Calidad y Gestión Integral” años 2015 a 2020.
Authors: Poveda Saavedra Dayana Merley , Rodriguez Rojas Yuber Liliana
Published: March 2023

Este artículo presenta la caracterización de trabajos de investigación de la maestría “Calidad y Gestión Integral” de la Universidad Santo Tomás en convenio con el Instituto Colombiano de Normas Técnicas y Certificación ICONTEC de 2015 a 2020, cuyo propósito es reconocer la investigación formativa del programa, los resultados y orientación de la investigación a través de análisis estadísticos descriptivos; busca establecerse como fuente de consulta para docentes y estudiantes en el desarrollo de escenarios de investigación futuros. Se centró en analizar cada trabajo de investigación bajo diferentes aspectos y categorías aplicadas a las investigaciones o sus productos, dentro de los cuales se destacan ejes temáticos abordados, tipo de productos, tipo de validación de productos y descripción del impacto alcanzado, que implicó el análisis – relación del contenido de productos, con los impactos descritos y los percibidos como reales en cada investigación.
La caracterización proporciona información sobre rasgos distintivos del escenario investigativo del programa, develando que la tendencia en investigación se concentra principalmente en la gestión integrada y la integración de sistemas de gestión a través del desarrollo de instrumentos, diagnósticos y metodologías, entre otros, que aportan al desarrollo y evolución de la gestión en los ámbitos público y privado en Colombia.
Competitividad en tiempos de pandemia en empresas de flor de corte tipo exportación: caso colombiano
Authors: Alzate Ibáñez Angélica María , López Niño Desiderio , Ramírez Ríos John Fredy
Published: March 2023

Colombia se posiciona como el segundo exportador de flores a nivel mundial, las flores se constituyen en uno de los principales productos agrícolas tipo exportación de la economía nacional. Este trabajo presenta el estudio exploratorio de los determinantes de competitividad en empresas productoras de flor de corte de exportación en tiempos de pandemia por coronavirus, una crisis que ha generado un impacto en los mercados de todo el mundo, especialmente en las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas de los países emergentes.  El estudio se aborda desde un enfoque cualitativo, mediante el uso de entrevistas como instrumento de recolección de datos para el análisis de las diferentes variables que influyeron en el posicionamiento de las empresas del sector floricultor en los mercados internacionales durante la crisis pandémica. Desde un enfoque sistémico y holístico, los resultados facilitan la comprensión de los determinantes de la competitividad de las empresas floricultoras, se concluye que la integración de las estrategias organizacionales, los recursos y las capacidades internas, y las políticas gubernamentales dieron lugar a la permanencia de las empresas objeto de estudio en el mercado de exportación, y sobrevivir a los efectos de la crisis
Caracterización estratégica de la cadena de abastecimiento de la industria turística en Boyacá (Colombia)
Authors: Ríos-Parra Angie Liseth , Pinto-Pinto Dayana Lisseth , García-Cáceres Rafael Guillermo
Published: March 2023

El presente artículo caracteriza estratégicamente la Cadena de Suministro del sector turístico. Para ello, analiza el contexto socio-económico mundial y doméstico, identifica las tipologías del turismo, los agentes centrales que lo conforman, su funcionamiento y las sinergias con otros sectores económicos. Con el objetivo de identificar las relaciones existentes entre los eslabones involucrados y documentar el inventario turístico de Boyacá es sus distintas tipologías para finalmente, identificar oportunidades, limitantes, amenazas y fortalezas del sector, para sustentar el proceso de planeación y de toma de decisiones de los agentes y stakeholders de la cadena de abastecimiento. El artículo utiliza la última versión de la metodología propuesta por García-Cáceres y colegas que ha sido usada para caracterizar algunas de las cadenas de abastecimiento más importantes de Colombia. Se identifica oportunidades de mejorar en la etapa de producción y distribución, que incluyen el desarrollo tecnológico de plataformas que faciliten la visibilidad de los atractivos turísticos y el acceso al turista. Se plantean estrategias que incluyen la capacitación a los diferentes eslabones, incentivos y acompañamiento para la elaboración y desarrollo de proyectos correspondientes a este sector.
La fruta de la pasión. El maracuyá: del Meta para Colombia y el mundo
Authors: González Castillo Natalia Sofía
Published: March 2023

El artículo presenta una reflexión alrededor de la potencialidad del maracuyá como un producto con potencial para ser cultivado en el departamento del Meta. De este modo, se señalan las condiciones climáticas, la calidad de los suelos, sus posibles áreas de distribución y los beneficios económicos que traería para la región.
Conocimiento, información e industria 4.0, inteligencia competitiva de la nació
Authors: Quiñonez Soler Genny Juliet
Published: March 2023

El presente artículo presenta un panorama de la educación en todos sus niveles, preescolar, básica, media y superior para considerar estrategias para mejorar la productividad, innovación y competitividad del país frente a las tendencias y demandas del mercado laboral de cara a la cuarta revolución industrial.
Marketing sensorial: estrategia moderna en la cadena de valor para un despertar llanero
Authors: Vargas Rojas Angelica Maria
Published: March 2023

El texto a continuación busca invitar al lector a la articulación de estrategias propias del mercadeo moderno dentro de sus dinámicas de ventas, lo anterior en función de contemplar el marketing sensorial como rama significativa dentro de los procesos de venta, creación de marca y posicionamiento en el mercado nacional con el sello llanero.
El desarrollo sostenible: una ayuda para obtener un buen medio ambiente en Colombia
Authors: Pachón Donado Paula Alejandra
Published: March 2023

El territorio colombiano posee gran variedad de recursos naturales debido a su diversidad topográfica, los cuales se están viendo afectados por el hombre y el mal uso que les dan. Por esta razón, la legislación colombiana se ha preocupado por este efecto sobre el medio ambiente, por lo que se analizan documentos que tienen relación con las normas, leyes e instrumentos relacionados con el medio ambiente, con el fin de hacer cumplir la normatividad y lograr la administración adecuada de estos recursos.
Implementación del sistema de gestión integrada de calidad, ambiente y SST (Colombia) en la empresa Oleocoa S.A.
Authors: Diaz Atara Johan Camilo , Varela Ángel Paola Andrea
Published: March 2023

El proceso de consultoría de la empresa Oleocoa S.A. inició con la elaboración de un diagnóstico sobre la situación de la organización respecto al cumplimiento de los requisitos de las normas NTC-ISO 9001:2008, NTC-ISO 14001:2015, el Decreto 1072 de 2015 y la Resolución 312 de 2019. Una vez obtenidos los resultados del diagnóstico, se determinó el plan de intervención (implementación). Seguidamente se procedió a establecer, documentar e implementar el sistema de gestión integrado, ajustado a las necesidades propias de la empresa frente a los requisitos de calidad, ambiente y seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Finalmente se procedió a la evaluación del Sistema Integrado de Gestión y al cierre del proceso de consultoría, con la participación de la alta gerencia, los trabajadores y las partes interesadas. Como resultado de este trabajo de consultoría se aporta a la empresa un sistema integrado de gestión de la calidad, ambiente y Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, con un nivel de madurez del 98 %, el cual proporciona un aumento en el nivel de confiabilidad de los procesos y productos ofrecidos por Oleocoa S.A., basados en la mejora continua, lo cual permitirá la permanencia y el crecimiento de la organización.
Caracterización de lesiones podales en vacas lecheras en predios del eje cafetero y norte del Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Gómez Parra Fernando , Jaramillo Jaramillo Alejandro , Romero Marlyn H.
Published: March 2023

El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar las lesiones podales en vacas lecheras en predios del eje cafetero y el norte del Valle del Cauca. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional basado en los registros de evaluación podológica de bovinos. Se analizaron los registros de 8671 bovinos tipo leche de trópico alto y bajo (n=8548 hembras, n=123 reproductores) localizados en 28 municipios del eje cafetero y Norte del Valle (n=93 predios). Un médico veterinario entrenado y experto en podología realizó la evaluación de todas las lesiones entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. El 26.07% de los bovinos presentó algún grado de lesión podal y de estos, 41.45% exhibió alteraciones en la locomoción. Las prevalencias de lesiones infecciosas y no infecciosas fueron 7.88% y 92.12%, respectivamente. La hemorragia solar fue la patología más frecuente (41.4%), seguida de abscesos en la suela (13.8%) y doble suela (11.35%). Hubo diferencias significativas en la prevalencia de las lesiones podales de acuerdo con el mes (X2=196.08, p<0.001) y departamento (X2=13.8, p<0.003). Se concluye que las lesiones podales y cojeras presentaron una prevalencia alta, lo que sugiere instaurar la evaluación podológica como una práctica rutinaria, para disminuir las pérdidas económicas a los productores y garantizar el bienestar de los animales.
Evaluación in vitro de la actividad antihelmíntica de extractos metanólicos de Guazuma ulmifolia frente a nematodos Cyathostominae
Authors: Castro Martinez Paula Andrea , León González Jorge Alexander , Sanjuanelo Corredor Danny Wilson
Published: March 2023

El estudio evaluó el efecto anti-eclosión de extractos metanólicos de corteza y hoja de Guazuma ulmifolia mediante la prueba in vitro de Inhibición de la Eclosión de huevos de nematodos. Se evaluaron las concentraciones de 1000, 500 y 250 µg/ml de cada extracto, un control negativo (Dimetil sulfóxido) y dos controles positivos (Fenbendazol y Lugol) contra nematodos de la subfamilia Cyathostominae como modelo biológico. Las tres concentraciones de los dos extractos, así como los dos controles positivos presentaron resultados estadísticamente similares, pero diferentes frente al control negativo. La inhibición media de la eclosión de huevos usando corteza y hoja fue de 49.73 y 45.22%, respectivamente, en la concentración de 1000 µg/ml, de 61.93 y 59.20% en la concentración de 500 µg/ml y de 75.60 y 75.82% en la concentración de 250 µg/ml. Los extractos metanólicos de corteza y hoja de Guazuma ulmifolia mostraron un efecto anti-eclosión contra nematodos Cyathostominae en las concentraciones evaluadas.
Aplicación del protocolo de auditoría Welfare Quality® en bovinos Holstein para engorda bajo condiciones desérticas
Authors: Pérez-Linares Cristina , Sosa-López Alma Delia , Torres-Cardona María Guadalupe , Figueroa-Saavedra Fernando , Barreras-Serrano Alberto , Sánchez-López Eduardo , García-Vega Luis Antonio
Published: March 2023

Con el objetivo de evaluar la aplicación del protocolo europeo Welfare Quality® en machos Holstein en finalización, se realizó un estudio en una empresa productora de ganado de engorda ubicada en el valle de Mexicali, Baja California, México. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 12 corrales con 75 machos por corral, además de evaluaciones individuales a 38 animales por corral. Se aplicaron formatos considerando los cuatro principios: alimentación, alojamiento, salud y comportamiento, correspondientes a 9 criterios y evaluando 20 mediciones, para obtener una calificación global. La calificación para los principios “buena salud” obtuvo 92 puntos, el de “buen alojamiento” 88 puntos, el de “buena salud” 52 puntos y el de “comportamiento adecuado” 68 puntos. La calificación global fue de “buen bienestar animal”. Se concluye que el protocolo europeo WQ® es factible de ser aplicable en los corrales de engorda en finalización; sin embargo, se sugieren modificaciones y adecuaciones de algunas mediciones acordes con las condiciones climáticas de la zona y el temperamento del ganado Holstein.
Calidad de leche cruda de pequeños productores de los cantones Cayambe y Pedro Moncayo, Ecuador, mediante análisis fisicoquímicos y ensayos cualitativos
Authors: Salguero Armando , De la Torre David , Puga-Torres Byron
Published: March 2023

La zona norte de Pichincha-Ecuador es la segunda región lechera más importante de la provincia después del cantón Mejía, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar con base a la Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana INEN 9, la calidad de la leche cruda comercializada por pequeños y medianos productores de los cantones Cayambe y Pedro Moncayo. Se recolectaron muestras de 22 puntos de centros de acopio y haciendas ganaderas, con intervalos de 15 días entre colectas (total: 132 muestras). Las muestras fueron colectadas de los tanques fríos de almacenamiento entre febrero y abril de 2019 (época lluviosa). Los ensayos cualitativos y análisis fisicoquímicos se hicieron en el Laboratorio de Calidad de Leche del Centro Experimental Uyumbicho de la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Los resultados demostraron que solamente 6.82% de las muestras (9/132) incumplen en uno o varios parámetros. Todas las muestras estuvieron dentro de las normas para densidad, grasa, sólidos totales, concentración de cloruros, ausencia de almidones, peróxido de hidrógeno, colorantes y antibióticos. El 98.5% (130/132), 99.2% (131/132), 95.5% (126/132) y 99.2% (131/132) cumplieron con la estabilidad proteica, neutralizantes, acidez titulable y pH, respectivamente. En conclusión, la mayor parte de muestras de leche analizadas cumplen con la legislación ecuatoriana, mostrando que aún existen procedimientos de aseguramiento de calidad que deben ser mejorados por productores y centros de acopio.
Small and Mighty: Micronutrients at the Intersection of Neonatal Immunity and Infection
Authors: Sherlock Laura G. , Krebs Nancy F.
Published: March 2023

Micronutrients are essential dietary components that regulate many biologic functions, including the immune response, and are required in small amounts (typically milligrams or less) in humans. Examples of micronutrients known to affect immune function include several trace minerals (such as zinc and selenium) as well as vitamins (including vitamins A and D). Deficiencies of specific micronutrients are associated with an increased risk of infection in infants in the NICU. Identifying micronutrient supplementation strategies during this period may result in low-cost interventions to reduce the burden of neonatal infectious disease. Many replacement trials thus far demonstrate conflicting results about whether micronutrient supplementation decreases the incidence or severity of sepsis in the neonatal period. The baseline incidence of micronutrient deficiency is important to consider but is often unknown as clinical assessment of micronutrient status occurs infrequently. Future research is needed to clarify the clinical scenarios in which optimizing micronutrient status in term and preterm infants may prevent infection or improve outcomes in those patients who become infected.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: 1993–2018
Authors: Thorp Lauren , Fullerton Lynne , Whitesell Amy , Dehority Walter
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

From 1993 to 2018, hantavirus infections were reported in 39 states, with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) as the most common and fatal manifestation. To identify differences in the presentation of HPS between children and adults, we hypothesized that children with HPS would be diagnosed later in their illness course given the nonspecific clinical features of HPS.

METHODS

This was an evaluation of the clinical and demographic characteristics of national HPS cases from 1993 to 2018. Data were from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database and 1 state department of health, comprising 97% of US cases. We compared children (0 to 12 years), adolescents (13 to 18 years), and adults using nonparametric and parametric analyses, with additional exploratory analyses to identify clinical variables associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Among 719 HPS patients, 22 (3.0%) were aged ≤12 years, 47 (6.5%) were 13 to 18 years old, and the remaining 650 (90.4%) were adults. Overall mortality was 35.4% and did not differ between age groups (P = .8). The time between symptom onset and death differed by age group, with children living a median of 2 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2 to 3), adolescents 4 days (IQR 3 to 5), and adults 5 days (IQR 4 to 8; P = .001). The mean highest hematocrit and median highest creatinine level were significantly associated with mortality in those 0 to 18 years old but not adults.

CONCLUSIONS

In our dataset representing the largest study of HPS in the United States, we found that children with HPS died more quickly than adults and that highest hematocrit and creatinine levels were associated with death only among those <19 years old.