bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the motivation of health workers: a reflection on the methodological issues and lessons learnt
Authors: Maini Rishma , Lohmann Julia , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Borghi Josephine 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: In this article, we reflect on our experiences in developing and validating an instrument to measure health worker motivation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, we recount what actually happened and identify what could have been improved upon at the design, sampling, data collection and analysis stages. Results: Key issues manifesting at the analytical and interpretative stage largely related to shortcomings in the preparatory phase, due to lack of time and resources as well as psychometric and motivation-related expertise at the outset. The main lessons learnt were that the design stage is critical as it lays the foundations for meaningful data collection and analysis. Any shortcomings at this stage inevitably reveal themselves at the analysis stage, both in technical terms as well as in regards to the interpretation of results. It is therefore worth investing time and resources when developing a motivation instrument, particularly within a sound and culturally appropriate conceptualisation of motivation. We hope by openly sharing our experience with other public health researchers working in this area that they will be more aware of some of the common pitfalls to avoid thus helping them to improve future practice.
Molecular insights on differential responses of antioxidant and pathogenesis-related genes in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum (L.)
Authors: Biswas Koushik , Kumar Roshan , Tarafdar Avijit , Gupta Vipin , Singhvi Nirjara , Ghosh Parthadeb , Sharma Mamta , Pabbi Sunil , Shukla Pratyoosh 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a major dietary protein source to a large vegetarian population in the world. However, Fusarium wilt (FW) caused by Fusarium udum Butler (FU) is one of the challenging factors to pigeonpea production. FW resistance in pigeonpea is restricted to specific agro-climatic zones. Therefore, exploring a superior pigeonpea genotype from landraces or local cultivars cultivated in various rural regions and validating its resistance response at biological and molecular level could be an alternative to crop improvement program. The present study was carried out to identify superior genotypes of pigeonpea through selection of innate resistance to FW using different biological and molecular approaches.Result: Five distinct genotypes of pigeonpea along with well-known one resistant (ICP2894) and susceptible (ICP2376) control were selected on the basis of percentage of FW disease incidence from three different states of India after an extensive survey work. Among them, Richa had shown very less FW incidence (10.0%) under genotype evaluation study and was further selected for experimental validation at molecular level for its innate resistance to FW. Molecular characterization and expression profiling of biotic stress responsive genes representing antioxidant enzymes (APX and SOD) and Pathogenesis related proteins (CHS and β-1,3-glucanase)families were carried out. Under FU challenged conditions in Richa, expression patterns of both AO genes found to be similar, while expression of both PR genes was gradually increased with inoculation time. Putative 3D protein structure of CHS and SOD were generated. Molecular docking with fungal effect or protein cellobio-hydrolase-c (CBH-c) also revealed that their role in blocking the hydrolytic activity of CBH-c during pathogen invasion. Conclusion: The obtained results of expression study and in-silico analysis showed that the higher level of induction of PR and AO genes and strong interaction of their putative proteins with fungal CBH-cprotein established their antifungal activity conferring early plant defense responses to restrict the pathogen growth in resistant genotype Richa. Our study displaying a strong and combinatorial approach involving biological assay, molecular experiment and in-silico analysis to identify a superior genotype of pigeonpea resistant to FW across a major biogeographic region.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Identification of Urinary Antimicrobial Peptides in Dairy Cows
Authors: Sharma Ambika , Nigam Rajesh , Kumar Ashish , Singh Simmi 
Published: October 2019

Background::
Urine is considered one of the biological fluids in which antimicrobial
peptides are secreted or expressed. Cow urine has not been investigated for the presence of these
peptides using MALDI-TOF-MS.

Objective::
The aim of this study is to isolate, identify and assess the antimicrobial activity of
urinary antimicrobial peptides from healthy normal cycling cows.

Method::
We analyzed the urine sample using diafiltration, ion exchange chromatography, Reverse
Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), acid urea polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) coupled with identification through Peptide Mass Fingerprinting
(PMF) by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-
MS). The in vitro antimicrobial effects of purified fractions were assessed using Radial
Diffusion Assay (RDA) and microtitre broth dilution assay against Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria.

Results: :
Proteins corresponding to the peaks were identified using SWISSPROT protein database.
This study revealed constitutive expression of β-Defensin-1 (DEFB1), β-Defensin-4A (DFB4A),
Neutrophil Defensin-1 (DEF1), Neutrophil Defensin-3 (DEF3) in cow urine. The identified
peptides are cationic antimicrobial peptides of the defensin family. The purified fractions exhibited
antimicrobial effects in radial diffusion assay and MIC values in the range of 2.93-29.3 &*#181;M/L.

Conclusion::
This study concludes that cow urine, previously unexplored with regard to
antimicrobial peptides, would be a promising source of highly potent AMPs and an effective
alternative to the resistant antibiotics.
Exploration of Medicinal Plants as Sources of Novel Anticandidal Drugs
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Khan Feroz , Saikia Dharmendra 
Published: October 2019

Background: :Human infections associated with skin and mucosal surfaces, mainly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. During the last decade, there have been an increasing numbers of cases of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, coupled with an increase in the number of incidences of drug resistance and toxicity to anti fungal agents. Hence, there is a dire need for safe, potent and affordable new antifungal drugs for the efficient management of candidal infections with minimum or no side effects.Introduction: :Candidiasis represents a critical problem to human health and a serious concern worldwide. Due to the development of drug resistance, there is a need for new antifungal agents. Therefore, we reviewed the different medicinal plants as sources of novel anticandidal drugs.Methods: :The comprehensive and detailed literature on medicinal plants was carried out using different databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct and all the relevant information from the articles were analyzed and included.Result: :Relevant Publications up to the end of November 2018, reporting anticandidal activity of medicinal plants has been included in the present review. In the present study, we have reviewed in the light of SAR and mechanisms of action of those plants whose extracts or phytomolecules are active against candida strains.Conclusion::This article reviewed natural anticandidal drugs of plant origin and also summarized the potent antifungal bioactivity against fungal strains. Besides, mechanism of action of these potent active plant molecules was also explored for a comparative study. We concluded that the studied active plant molecules exhibit potential antifungal activity against resistant fungal strains.
Impact of Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Therapy on the Lipid Profile of Chinese HIV/AIDS Treatment-Naïve Patients in Beijing: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dai Lili , Liu An , Zhang Hongwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Su Bin , Shao Ying , Li Jianwei , Ye Jiangzhu , Scott Sarah Robbins , Mahajan Supriya D. , Schwartz Stanley A , Yu Hongwei , Sun Lijun 
Published: October 2019

Background:Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with lipid abnormalities that contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although disorders of lipid metabolism associated with ART have been described before in developed countries, data on lipid profile disorders associated with ART use in China are limited. This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid profile among patients with HIV/AIDS who initiated lopinavir/ritonavir LPV/r or efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral treatment regimens, which continue to be widely used China and other developing countries.Methods:This is a retrospective, matched case-control study of HIV-positive patients initiating either LPV/r or EFV regimens at the Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University between July 2012 and January 2017. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the differences in total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], and highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] at baseline and up to 24-months after ART initiation between the two treatment arms.Results:Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, CD4 cell count, viral load, and serum lipids, which were comparable between the two groups. The LPV/r-based regimen group had increased TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C after 24-months of treatment. In the EFV-regimen group, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C were increased compared to baseline, while the TC/HDL-C ratio decreased, and TG did not change significantly. After 24-months of treatment, the percentage of patients with dyslipidemia in the LPV/r group was much higher than in the EFV group (84.0% vs. 52.6%, P<0.001), and 17(10%) patients on LPV/r-based regimens had severe dyslipidemia. Patients on LPV/r-based regimens were at increased odds of hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio [OR]=1.709, P=0.038), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=4.315, P<0.001), and high TC/HDL-C ratio (OR=1.951, P=0.003). However, no significant difference was found in HDL-C (OR=1.246, P=0.186) or LDL-C (OR=1.253, P=0.410) between the treatment groups.Conclusion:Both LPV/r or EFV treatment regimens impacted patients’ lipid profiles. Compared to EFV-based regimens, patients on LPV/r-based regimens had increased odds of dyslipidemia, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or high TC/HDL-C ratio; however, there was no obvious effect on LDL-C, which is more relevant to the development of the cardiovascular disease.
Gingerol Derivatives as 14α-demethylase Inhibitors: Design and Development of Natural, Safe Antifungals for Immune-compromised Patients
Authors: Sharma Sweta , Yadav Arpita 
Published: October 2019

Background: :Currently, clinically used drugs for internal fungal infections have severe side effects. Patients suffering from severe fungal infections and those at a constant risk of developing such infections require long-term administration of safe antifungals.Objective: :This work deals with the design and development of safe, non-toxic antifungals derived from natural compounds for immune-compromised patients, such as HIV patients, who are at a constant risk of developing internal fungal infections.Methods: :Molecular modeling, docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed on the main constituents of ginger and their derivatives to study their capability to inhibit 14α- demethylase enzyme.Results: :Ergosterol is the key component of the fungal cell membrane for its integrity and rigidity, synthesized from lanosterol catalyzed by 14α-demethylase enzyme. In our studies, it is determined that 6-gingerol, 6-paradol, 6-shogaol and their imidazole and triazole derivatives can inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol thus weakening the fungal cell membranes. The triazole derivative of 6-gingerol forms enhanced binding interactions with the active site residues of 14α-demethylase, carries an affinity for catalytically required cofactor heme and forms a stable complex with time without the probability of premature expulsion. Thus, this compound inhibits the formation of ergosterol leading to weakened fungal cell membranes and eventually death of fungal cells.Conclusion: :The triazole derivative of 6-gingerol is recommended as a lead compound for the development of non-toxic antifungals.
Structure-based Discovery of Narirutin as a Shikimate kinase Inhibitor with Anti-tubercular Potency
Authors: Sahu Pramod Kumar , Mohapatra Pranab Kishor , Rajani Dhanji Popatbhai , Raval Mukesh Kumar 
Published: October 2019

Background:Shikimate pathway is essential for tubercular bacillus but it is absent in mammals. Therefore, Shikimate kinase and other enzymes in the pathway are potential targets for the development of novel anti-tuberculosis drugs.Objective:In the present study, Shikimate kinase is selected as the target for in silico screening of phytochemicals with an aim to discover a novel herbal drug against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).Methods:A structure-based drug discovery approach is undertaken for the execution of the objective. Virtual screening of phytochemical database NPACT against the target, Shikimate kinase (PDB ID 3BAF), is carried out followed by toxicity and drug-likeness filtration. Finally, a lead, narirutin was selected for in vitro anti-tubercular study.Results:Narirutin, present in citrus fruits, emerges as the lead. It is considered to be non-toxic with predicted high LD50 value, 12000 mg/kg body weight. The phytochemical is tested for its antitubercular activity in vitro. It has MIC99 62.5 μg/mL against the MtbH37Rv strain.Conclusions:This is the first-ever report to show anti-tuberculosis potency of narirutin.
Uzmanların Pısa ve Tımms Sınavlarının Eğitim Politika ve Programlarına Etkisine İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: Gürlen Eda , Demirkaya Abdul Samet , Doğan Nuri 
Published: October 2019

Araştırmanın amacı uzmanların PISA ve TIMMS
sınavlarına, bu sınavların eğitim politikalarına ve öğretim programlarına
etkisine ilişkin görüşlerini belirlemektir. Araştırma kapsamında PISA ve TIMMS
sınavlarının içeriğine, sorularına, çeviri ve uygulama süreçlerine; ülkelerin
sınavlardaki başarı durumları; sınav sonuçlarının eğitim sistemleri üzerinde
baskı oluşturma durumları ve eğitim politika ve öğretim programlarını etkileme
durumlarına ilişkin akademisyen ve uzmanların görüşleri alınmıştır. Ayrıca katılımcılardan
sonuçlar doğrultusunda alınması gereken önlemlere ilişkin öneriler sunmaları istenmiştir.
Araştırmanın çalışma grubu PISA ve TIMMS sınavları üzerine araştırmaları olan
beş akademisyen ile sınavların uygulama süreçlerinde görev alan beş uzman olmak
üzere, toplam 10 kişiden oluşmaktadır. Araştırma verileri, araştırmacılar
tarafından geliştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile elde edilmiştir.
Görüşme formuyla elde edilen veriler içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırma
sonucunda, akademisyen ve uzmanların sınavların içerik ve kapsamının öğretim
programlarına uygun olduğu, sonuçların eğitim sistemlerine ışık tuttuğu fakat
eğitim sistemlerinin başarı durumunu yargılamak için tek başına yeterli
olmadığı ve sonuçların Türk eğitim sistemi üzerinde olumlu yönde bir baskı
oluşturmadığı konusunda büyük oranda fikir birliğinde oldukları belirlenmiştir.
Sınavların çeviri ve adaptasyon süreçlerine, sonuçlardan faydalanma, sınav
sonuçları ile eğitim politikaları arasında ilişki kurma ve sınav sonuçlarının
gelecek eğitim politikalarını etkileme durumuna ilişkin görüş ayrılıkları
olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Anahtar Sözcükler: PISA,
TIMMS, eğitim politikaları, öğretim programı
Origen y distribución de arcillas utilizadas en la fabricación de búcaros: bucarofagia en la Edad Moderna
Authors: Rodríguez María del Pilar García , Álvarez García Beatriz 
Published: October 2019

Este artículo tiene como objetivo general estudiar el origen y la distribución de las arcillas utilizadas para fabricar los búcaros que las damas españolas de la Edad Moderna comían, después de haber bebido sus olorosas aguas. Esta costumbre, llamada “bucarofagia”, estaba muy extendida entre la alta sociedad de la época, aunque su origen se remonta al siglo IX. Citada por numerosos autores de la Edad de Oro, está representada en el cuadro Las Meninas de Velázquez. Los tres yacimientos más importantes de los que se extraía la arcilla para fabricar esta cerámica se sitúan en Estremoz (Portugal), Salvatierra de los Barros (Badajoz) y Tonalá (México). En este trabajo se comparan los tres yacimientos y las características de sus arcillas. Estas arcillas están formadas por montmorillonita, con presencia de ilita, caolinita y minerales de hierro; en menor proporción aparecen cloritas, feldespatos y cuarzo. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de los materiales originales que han formado estos yacimientos, caracterizados porque las arcillas provienen de la alteración de minerales muy ricos en hierro, preferentemente pizarras y esquistos. Se analizan sus semejanzas y diferencias con el fin de establecer la posible relación entre la composición mineralógica de las arcillas y su utilización en la fabricación de búcaros.
Tax and Nontax Incentives in Income Shifting: Evidence from Shadow Insurers
Authors: Hepfer Bradford F. , Wilde Jaron H. , Wilson Ryan J. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
Using the shadow insurance setting, we study the interplay between tax and nontax incentives in income shifting. Shadow insurance involves intercompany transactions designed to help firms meet regulatory capital requirements. However, prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), foreign-owned life insurance firms could save taxes by using shadow insurance to shift U.S. profits to tax havens. Consistent with expectations, we find that while nontax incentives appear to be the dominant factor behind firms' use of shadow insurance, tax considerations also played a role for certain firms. We also find that shadow insurance is associated with lower liquid asset holdings and increased credit risk. Overall, our results suggest that taxes were an important incentive for foreign-owned life insurance firms to use shadow insurance pre-TCJA. Moreover, in this setting, nontax considerations appeared to have motivated U.S.-owned firms' use of tax havens.
Auditing Cloud-Based Blockchain Accounting Systems
Authors: Appelbaum Deniz , Nehmer Robert A. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
In this research, we often refer to Nakamoto's (2008) seminal paper, “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” to consider his proposed abstracted characteristics and how auditors could look at companies' transactions interfacing to a private/semi-private blockchain with Nakamoto's general characteristics and address the related audit domain for such transactions. We then take these design requirements for auditors and, using design science research (DSR), we consider the transaction processing and contracting contexts that match those requirements in permissioned blockchains.The blockchains discussed in this paper would typically be business-to-business or business-to-consumer, private or semi-private, and residing in either a private, semi-private, or public cloud. Those blockchains will each have their own design and operational procedures, including validation procedures (the miners). We consider the audit issues of data reliability, data security, and transaction transparency in accounting transactions that lend themselves to a permissioned blockchain as well as other contextual issues.
Oxidatively Damaged DNA/RNA and 8-Isoprostane Levels Are Associated With the Development of Type 2 Diabetes at Older Age: Results From a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Schöttker Ben , Xuan Yang , Gào Xīn , Anusruti Ankita , Brenner Hermann 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress is believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, but the few cohort studies that have assessed the association of oxidative stress biomarkers with type 2 diabetes incidence were small and reported inconclusive results.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We examined the associations of urinary oxidized guanine/guanosine (OxGua) levels (a biomarker of DNA/RNA oxidation) and urinary 8-isoprostane levels (a biomarker of lipid peroxidation) with type 2 diabetes incidence in 7,828 individuals initially without diabetes from a population-based German cohort study with 14 years of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CIs) per 1 SD were obtained using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

RESULTS
In the total population, weak but statistically significant associations with type 2 diabetes incidence were observed for OxGua levels (HR [95% CI] per 1 SD 1.05 [1.01; 1.09]) and 8-isoprostane levels (1.04 [1.00; 1.09]). Stratified analyses showed that associations of both biomarkers with type 2 diabetes incidence were absent in the youngest age-group (50–59 years) and strongest in the oldest age-group (65–75 years) of the cohort, with HR of OxGua levels 1.14 (1.05; 1.23) per 1 SD and of 8-isoprostane levels 1.22 (1.02; 1.45) per 1 SD.

CONCLUSIONS
These results from a large cohort study support suggestions that an imbalanced redox system contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes but suggest that this association becomes clinically apparent at older ages only, possibly as a result of reduced cellular repair capacity.
La rehabilitación de la persona después de Wittgenstein y Apel, en Anscombe y Llano. ¿A través de Aristóteles o de nuevo Frege?
Authors: Ortiz de Landázuri Carlos 
Published: October 2019

Anscombe y Llano pretendieron definir el constitutivo formal de la persona a partir de las propuestas de Wittgenstein o de éste conjuntamente con Apel. Sin embargo para ello primero tuvieron que evitar las paradojas que se originaron entonces, ya sea recuperando la noción de sujeto intérprete del correspondiente silogismo práctico aristotélico, ya sea revisando el uso que Wittgenstein y Apel habían hecho de sus respectivas teorías fregeanas del significado. En cualquier caso Anscombe definiría a la persona como un “signo interprete” intencional de ella misma, mientras que Llano añadiría que se trata específicamente de un “signo formal” de naturaleza intencional.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Numerical Solution of Abel′s Integral Equations using Hermite Wavelet
Authors: Mundewadi R. A. , S Kumbinarasaiah 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A numerical method is developed for solving the Abel′s integral equations is presented. The method is based upon Hermite wavelet approximations. Hermite wavelet method is then utilized to reduce the Abel′s integral equations into the solution of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity, efficiency and applicability of the proposed technique. Algorithm provides high accuracy and compared with other existing methods.