bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Brain Cortical Activation in Passive Movement During Wrist Task Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Authors: Jalalvandi Maziar , Sharini Hamid , Naderi Yousof , RiahiAlam Nader
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Nowadays, the number of people diagnosed with movement disorders is increasing. Therefore, the evaluation of brain activity during motor task performance has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a useful method that measures hemodynamic changes in the brain cortex based on optical principles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the brain’s cortical activation in passive movement of the wrist. Materials and Methods: In current study, the activation of the brain's motor cortex during passive movement of the right wrist was investigated. To perform this study, ten healthy young right-handed volunteers were chosen. The required data were collected using a commercial 48-channel continuous wave fNIRS machine, using two different wavelengths of 765 and 855 nm at 10 Hz sampling rate. Results: Analysis of collected data showed that the brain's motor cortex during passive motion was significantly activated (p≤0.05) compared to rest. Motor cortex activation patterns depending on passive movement direction were separated. In different directions of wrist movement, the maximum activation was recorded at the primary motor cortex (M1). Conclusion: The present study has investigated the ability of fNIRS to evaluate cortical activation during passive movement of the wrist. Analysis of recording signals showed that different directions of movement have specific activation patterns in the motor cortex.
ASPECTOS AGROECOLÓGICOS NA PERSPECTIVA PARA A CRIAÇÃO DE UMA RESERVA DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL NA LOCALIDADE DE AREAIS DA RIBANCEIRA EM IMBITUBA, SANTA CATARINA, BRASIL
Authors: Rossato Angela Erna , Borghezan Juliana Medeiros , Guadagnin Mário Ricardo , Menezes Carlyle Torres Bezerra de , Citadini-Zanette Vanilde
Published: October 2019

Os Areais da Ribanceira possuem características específicas que vêm sendo alvo de conflitos, devido ao aumento da pressão antrópica na área, influenciado pela especulação imobiliária e o etnocídio, afetando o território. Tal fato evidencia a importância de sua conservação e luta dos moradores e agricultores pelo direito à permanência e usufruto da terra, em detrimento dos interesses privados de grandes empresas nacionais. O estudo aborda aspectos agroecológicos como contribuição na criação de Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (RDS) na localidade dos Areais da Ribanceira de Imbituba, SC. Foi realizada uma visita à comunidade local, por meio da disciplina de Etnobiologia do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense. Constataram-se informações práticas de utilização de recursos naturais com características de aspectos agroecológicos, culturais e sociais e relatos das etnovariedades pertencentes à biodiversidade local. A diversidade de espécies encontradas sofre ameaça devido à degradação antrópica. Os Areais da Ribanceira merecem atenção das instituições públicas e privadas, além de ONGS para auxiliar na conservação ambiental e etnocultural. Os moradores precisam empoderamento da importância desse patrimônio sociocultural e dar continuidade às atividades de subsistência, utilizando recursos naturais locais de forma sustentável, garantindo que esse conhecimento seja repassado para as futuras gerações.Palavras-chave: Conservação ambiental. Agroecologia. Sustentabilidade. Desenvolvimento.
Çocuklarda akut periodontal hastalıkların teşhis ve tedavisi
Authors: DAL Aycan , DÖNERTAŞ Şafak Necati
Published: October 2019

Periodontal hastalıklar ve diş çürükleri oral kavitede karşılaştığımız iki ana hastalıktır. Bu hastalıklar her yaştan bireylerde görülebildiği gibi diş kayıplarının da temel iki nedeni olarak kabul edilir. Pedodonti kliniğine dişetleri ile ilgili akut şikayetlerle gelen pek çok hastayla karşılaşılmaktadır. Karşılaşılan bu akut problemlerle ilgili bilgi sahibi olmak, klinik durumu tanımlayabilmek ve hastaya doğru medikal veya cerrahi tedaviyi uygulamak büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu makale çocuk ve genç hastalarda sıklıkla karşılaşılan akut periodontal hastalıkların teşhis ve tedavilerini içeren klinik yaklaşımlara dikkat çekmektedir.
Kajian Dampak Ekonomi Hutan Desa Terhadap Pendapatan Petani Kampung Merabu (Kabupaten Berau, Provinsi Kalimantan Timur)
Authors: Roy Juliansyah , Kuncoro Mudrajad , Darma Dio Caisar
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to answer the prior problems of analyzing the extent to which the effect of the duration of the decision letter is accepted, the size of the land, the number of labor, the transportation costs, the input costs, the partnership pattern, the knowledge of the status of the village forest, the participation of planning and implementation participation, and the participation of monev on farmer income in Merabu. The research method used in this research is explorative and analytical descriptive. In general, there is an increase in production, income and employment. Regression analysis proves that the length of the decision letter is accepted and the amount of labour has a positive effect on income significantly. Meanwhile, labour is a dominant variable affecting the income of Merabu. Since the status of village forests is published in 2014, farmers are beginning to transform to manage and utilize forest land. The number of workers had increased quite drastically from before and after the village forest decree received.
Caring to Nurses in a Hospital Setting: Meanings Unveiled by Photography
Authors: Monteiro Estela Maria Leite Meirelles , Brandão Neto Waldemar , Ribeiro Denize Ferreira , Feitosa Lucas dos Santos , de Aquino Jael Maria , Guedes Tatiane Gomes
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Care represents a human need and as a fundamental component of the social practice of nursing it should be reified in interpersonal relationships and in patients' biopsychosociocultural needs, thus requiring thinking on a regular basis. This study aims to analyze the senses and meanings of the caring process experienced by nurses in a hospital setting.

Methods

Qualitative research oriented by Symbolic Interactionism as the theoretical framework. The data were collected through photography and by semi-structured interviews with 16 nurses from a University Hospital of Northeastern Brazil. After a narrative analysis, four representative themes were perceived.

Results

The nurses' perception of caring was related to building relationships based upon complicity, solidarity, care, love, and technico-scientific competence but also upon the work overload and working conditions and difficulty to deal with human emotions and feelings of suffering, which are exposed and perceived in the social interacting process.

Implications for practice

The senses and meanings of caring converge into a rupture of the nurses' regular and crystallized actions. That assumes a critical and reflexive review of ways of interacting with the patient, family, and environment. It is necessary that nurses choose communicative strategies, such as photography, that can unfold feelings and emotions which are essential requirements in the process and in the evaluation of care in a hospitalization setting.
Functional Mastery in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Donnelley Maria
Published: October 2019

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable autoimmune disease causing overwhelming physical distress and psychological adaptation.

Purpose

To explore the associations between foundational influences and personal characteristics predictors to the achievement of mastery of health in patients with IBD.

Theory

Orem's Theory of Self-Care, Resnick's Theory of Self-Efficacy, and Pearlin and Schooler's study of the structure of coping guided this study. The conceptual framework used was the Functional Mastery of Health Ownership (FMHO) model.

Methods

A predictive correlational study design using self-administered questionnaires was used. A convenience sample of 151 adults with a diagnosis of IBD for at least 1 year was recruited from the patient population of a gastroenterology medical practice.

Results

Data were analyzed using multiple regression with standard entry factor loading. Portions of the model were found to be significant and account for 44% of the variance (p < .001; R2 = .44, Adjusted R2 = .41). Significant relationships were found among mastery and IBD self-efficacy, perception of mastery, and current health status. Females had higher mastery scores than males.

Significance

These findings support the use of a modified FMHO model to predict needs that enable individualized stewardship of health for patients with IBD.
New Graduate Nurse Transition Into the Intensive Care Unit: Qualitative Insights From a Longitudinal Study—Part 1
Authors: Vanderspank-Wright Brandi , Lalonde Michelle , Smith Cheryl Anne , Wong Sandra , Bentz Jamie Anne
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose

Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) are critically ill and suffer from life-threatening sickness of injury. To work in ICU, registered nurses require additional knowledge and skills. While practices regarding the hire of new graduate nurses (NGNs) into settings such as the ICU vary, it is common that NGNs are being hired. However, NGNs in general, are at a higher risk for turnover within the profession as compared to their more experienced colleagues. NGNs in ICU settings may be at higher risk of turnover due to the complexity of the care context. It is of particular importance that the experiences of NGNs in ICU be explored with the intent of identifying what these nurses experience but also to consider how they can be best supported during a period of transition. This manuscript reports the findings from a mixed design study that sought to understand the transition of a cohort of NGNs over a period of 2 years.

Methods

This study used both a purposive and convenience sample of NGNs. The qualitative component incorporated Thorne's (2016) interpretive description. Face-to-faceinterviews were completed.

Results

Five themes were identified: an emotional transition, a social transition, a transitioning mindset, transitioning through firsts, and transitioning with confidence. Within each theme, there is a distinct difference and elements of transition were evident. Findings demonstrate that the NGNs appeared to be more confident in their skills and in their nursing practice over time. Findings from this study provide important insight into the experiences of NGNs in ICUs.
NECATİ BEY DİVANI’NDA BÜLBÜLE DAİR TESPİTLER
Authors: KUFACI Osman
Published: October 2019

Bülbül kelimesinin aslı Farsça olup sonradan
Arapçaya da geçmiştir. Divan şiirinde bülbül kavramını karşılayan birçok kelime
yer alır. Bülbül, Doğu edebiyatlarında önemli bir yere sahip olduğu gibi dünya
edebiyatlarında da kendine yer bulmuştur. Güllerin açtığı bahar aylarında daha
kuvvetli öttüğü için bülbül ile gül arasında hayali bir aşk ilişkisinin olduğu
kabul edilmiştir. Bu hâliyle bülbülün âşık, gülün de maşuk olduğu hayal edilir
ve ikisi arasındaki bu ilişki mecazi aşk olarak görülür. Gül ile bülbül
arasındaki ilişki, edebiyatımızda Fars edebiyatının etkisiyle XIII. yüzyıldan
itibaren bağımsız bir şekilde ele alınmaya başlanmıştır.

Tabiatla iç içe toplumların edebiyatlarında doğaya ait tasvirlerin
genişliğinden söz edilebilir. Divan şiiri de tabiattan olabildiğince
yararlanmış, doğaya ait hususları şiire konu etmiş, imgeler yapmıştır. Şairler
kendi soyut duygularını ifade etmek için doğadaki somut nesnelere yönelir. Bu
bağlamda “bülbül” divan şairi için vazgeçilmez bir imgelem/çağrışım alanı
oluşturmuştur. Nitekim sadece Doğu’da değil, Batı edebiyatında da bülbül ile
ilgili metaforların kullanıldığı görülür. Bu bakımdan, Divan şiirinin tesisinde
önemli bir rol oynayan Necati Bey Divanı’ndaki bülbül ile alakalı
şiirler incelendi. Edebiyatımızın önemli kavramlardan biri olan bülbülün bir
divanda etraflıca ele alınması, divan şiirinde yerini tespit konusunda yapılacak
çalışma/çalışmalara malzeme sağlayacak, şairlerimizin bülbüle bakışını gözler
önüne serecektir.
New Spectrophotometric Method for the Assessment of Catalase Enzyme Activity in Biological Tissues
Authors: Hamza Thulfeqar A. , Hadwan Mahmoud Hussein
Published: October 2019

Background: Catalase is a vital antioxidant enzyme that dismutates H2O2 into water and molecular oxygen. Many protocols have been developed to measure catalase enzyme activity. Spectrophotometric methods are the most common assays that used to assess catalase enzyme activity. Methods: Because the rate-limiting step during catalase enzyme activity depends upon the dissociation of hydrogen peroxide, the developed assay measures the reaction between a hydroquinone/anilinium sulfate/ammonium molybdate reagent and Unreacted Hydrogen Peroxide, which results in the production of a purple, disubstituted quinone compound with a maximum absorbance value at 550 nm. Results: To clarify the precision of the developed method, the coefficients of variation were determined to be 2.6% and 4.7% for within run measurements and between run measurements, respectively. This method returned results that correlated well (r = 0.9982) with the results returned using the peroxovanadate method to assess catalase enzyme activity. Additionally, we examined the use of the newly developed hydroquinone assay to measure catalase enzyme activity in liver and bacterial homogenate samples. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that this assay can be used for scientific research and routine health applications because it is inexpensive, simple, accurate, and rapid. This method is suitable for use in clinical pathology laboratories because it is simple and produces precise and reproducible results.
Estimation of Serum Chemerin, Visfatin Levels and Their Ratio as A Possible Diagnostic Parameters of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mohammed Ali Dunia M. , Al-Fadhel Suhaer Zeki , Al-Ghuraibawi Nibras H. Abdulsada , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem
Published: October 2019

Objective: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovium and articular cartilage that initiates joint damage. RA associates with a change in many inflammatory biomarkers. The present study aims to measure the levels of inflammatory adipocytokines (chemerin and visfatin) and their ratio in addition to some related biomarkers in RA patients group in comparison to healthy control group and find out their efficacy in diagnosis of RA.Methods: The study included 60 RA patients and 30 healthy control group. Serum visfatin and chemerin were measured by using ELISA technique, while other biomarkers were determined spectrophotometrically. Multivariate general linear model analysis and Receiver operating curve was used to study the opportunity of using chemerin and visfatin as diagnostic tools for RA.Results: The results indicated that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in all lipid profile components, except HDLc that decreased, in RA patients in comparison with healthy control group; while significant decrease (p<0.001) in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol of RA patients in comparison with control group. Serum chemerin, visfatin, C-reactive protein, and uric acid levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in RA patients than those of control group. The results showed a relatively good sensitivity and specificity of chemerin (sensitivity=88.1, specificity=75.9) at a concentration=187.88ng in diagnosis of RA.Conclusions: chemerin is able to diagnose RA efficiently but this diagnoses, due to relatively small specificity, may interfere with other inflammatory disorders. However, with adjuvant with other diagnostic parameters, chemerin may represent a useful addition in diagnosis of RA.
Prospects for hermetic sealing of scaled-up photoelectrochemical hydrogen generators for reliable and risk free operation
Authors: Calnan Sonya , Aschbrenner Stefan , Bao Fuxi , Kemppainen Erno , Dorbandt Iris , Schaltmann Rutger
Published: October 2019

Photoelectrochemical systems have the potential to contribute to de-carbonation of the energy system because solar energy can be directly converted to hydrogen which can be burnt without the release of greenhouse gases. However, meaningful deployment of photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology in the global energy system, even when highly efficient scaled up devices become available, shall only be a reality when their safe and reliable operation can be guaranteed over serveral years of service life. The first part of the review discusses the importance of hermetic sealing of up scaled PEC device provided by the casing and sealing joints from a reliability and risk perspective. The second part of the review presents a survey of fully functional devices and early demonstrators and uses this to establish the extent to which the state of the art in PEC device design address the issue of hermetic sealing. The survey revealed that current material choices and sealing techniques are still unsuitable for scale –up and commercialization. Accordingly, we examined possible synergies with related photovoltaic and electrochemical devices that have been commericalised and derived therefrom, recommendations for future research routes that could accelerate the development of hermetic sealings of PEC devices.
Establishment and Characterization of a Murine Mucosal Mast Cell Culture Model
Authors: Kakinoki Aya , Kameo Tsuyoshi , Yamashita Shoko , Furuta Kazuyuki , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: October 2019

Accumulating evidence suggests that mast cells should play critical roles in disruption and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, although it remains unknown how they affect local microenvironment. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) was found to play critical roles in intestinal mast cell accumulation induced in various pathological conditions, such as parasite infection and oral allergen-induced anaphylaxis. Newly recruited intestinal mast cells trigger inflammatory responses and damage epithelial integrity through release of a wide variety of mediators including mast cell proteases. We established a novel culture model (mucosal mast cell-like cultured mast cells, MMC-like MCs), in which murine IL-3-dependent bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMMCs) were further cultured in the presence of stem cell factor and IL-9. In MMC-like MCs, drastic up-regulation of Mcpt1 and Mcpt2 was found. Although histamine storage and tryptase activity were significantly downregulated in the presence of SCF and IL-9, it was entirely reversed when mast cells were co-cultured with a murine fibroblastic cell line, Swiss 3T3. MMC-like MCs underwent degranulation upon IgE-mediated antigen stimulation, which was found to less sensitive to lower concentrations of IgE in comparison with BMMCs. This model might be useful for investigation of the spatiotemporal changes of newly recruited intestinal mast cells.
Effect Long-Term Exposure to Different Doses of Lipopolysaccharides on the Intestinal Mucosal Immune Barrier
Authors: Li Chao , Zhao Baoyu , Wu Chenchen
Published: October 2019

The small intestinal villus is covered with a thick layer of mucus that is secreted by goblet cells and functions primarily to first barrier from damage by toxic substance. Recent studies showed that goblet cells and mucins involved in complex immune function. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is widespread in the housing of livestock, which can induce bacterial infection symptoms and immunological stress within a short of time. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of long-term exposure to different doses of LPS on intestinal mucus layer and immune barrier. The result showed that mucus layer thickness and goblet cell functions were significantly increased after low doses of LPS. The intestinal mucosal barrier can block the bacteria of the lumen, but LPS can penetrate this barrier into the blood, putting the body in a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and reducing the body’s immune function. However, after long-term exposure to high doses of LPS, a large number of lysosomes in goblet cells caused loss of function, and mucus layer thickness was significantly decreased. A large amount of LPS stuck to the mucus, leading to normal LPS and inflammatory cytokines level of plasma. The intestinal tissue morphology was damaged, and a number of immune cells were necrosis in the intestine. Collectively, long-term exposure to low doses of LPS lead to chronic low-grade inflammation in the body. Long-term exposure to high doses of LPS can be directly linked to the severity of the immunosuppression in the body.
A Fractional-Order Predator-Prey Model with Ratio-Dependent Functional Response and Linear Harvesting
Authors: Suryanto Agus , Darti Isnani , Panigoro Hasan S. , Kilicman Adem
Published: October 2019

We consider a model of predator-prey interaction at fractional-order where the predation obeys the ratio-dependent functional response and the prey is linearly harvested. For the proposed model, we show the existence, uniqueness, non-negativity as well as the boundedness of the solutions. Conditions for the existence of all possible equilibrium points and their stability criteria, both locally and globally, are also investigated. The local stability conditions are derived using the Magtinon's theorem, while the global stability is proven by formulating an appropriate Lyapunov function. The occurance of Hopf bifurcation around the interior point is also shown analytically. At the end, we implement the Predictor-Corrector scheme to perform some numerical simulations.
Factors That Enhanced Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Nasarawa State of Nigeria Using Logistic, Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Models
Authors: Adenomon Monday Osagie , Usman David
Published: October 2019

In Sub-Saharan African Countries such as Nigeria with high prevalence rate, Child HIV/AIDs acquired through Mother-to-Child transmission (MTCT) can be largely prevented by using a well-established prevention programme and scheme. This study examined factors that can enhanced Prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission (PMTCT) in Nasarawa State. To achieve this, structured questionnaire were used to collect data from one hundred and sixteen (116) women attending two (2) primary facilities and two (2) secondary facilities in the State. This study utilized methods of Poisson Regression, Negative Binomial Regression and Logistic Regression Analyses. Results revealed that women with at least a secondary school education, women with husband in military and women with perceived confidentiality of their HIV status significantly enhanced PMTCT of HIV in Nasarawa State while significant proportion of the women attest to the fact that drugs are available in the facilities (p-value=0.0000<0.05) . Other factors include mother income level, willingness to continue with PMTCT programme and women in support group can also enhanced PMTCT though they are not significant. This study recommends that the factors identified should be explored by NGOs, Ministry of Health and, Support groups and other relevant agencies since they have the capacity to enhanced PMTCT of HIV in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Stability and Periodic Nature of a System of Difference Equations
Authors: Taşdemir Erkan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the equilibrium points of following a system of difference equations xn+1 = xn 2yn−1, y n+1 = yn 2xn−1. We also study the asymptotic stability of related system of difference equations. Further we examine the periodic solutions of related system with period two. Additionally, we find out the invariant interval and periodic cycles of related system of difference equations.
Activity and Stability of Urease Enzyme Immobilized on Amberlite Resin
Authors: Al-Shams Jawad Kadhim Jawad , Hussein Mustafa Abdulkadhim , Al-Hakeim Hussein
Published: October 2019

Immobilization of enzymes is a good field of study to expand the life of enzyme in and lowering the cost of the chemical processes such as separation processes. Urease is an important enzyme with medical and industrial applications. The aim of the present study is to prepare an immobilized urease on a strong cation exchange resin (Amberlite IR120 -Na) and study of its activity and stability. We monitored the liberation of Na ions in the collected fractions and searching for protein in the fractions as an indicators of immobilization by ion exchange phenomenon. Sodium is measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy techniques, while protein tested by Bradford’s method. Immobilized urease activity was evaluated by salicylate-hypochlorite method. The results indicated a complete immobilization of urease enzyme on the resin surface with reserving 92% of the activity of free enzyme. The immobilized urease enzyme on resin showed good stability and it has a 62% of its activity after 154 days of storage at room temperature. It is concluded that a new immobilized urease enzyme system is prepared with good enzyme activity and stability.
Hybrid Machine Learning Model of Extreme Learning Machine Radial Basis Function for Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis: A Multilayer Fuzzy Expert System
Authors: Mojrian Sanaz , Pinter Gergo , Hassannataj Joloudari Javad , Felde Imre , Nabipour Narjes , Nadai Laszlo , Mosavi Amir
Published: October 2019

Mammography is often used as the most common laboratory method for the detection of breast cancer, yet associated with the high cost and many side effects. Machine learning prediction as an alternative method has shown promising results. This paper presents a method based on a multilayer fuzzy expert system for the detection of breast cancer using an extreme learning machine (ELM) classification model integrated with radial basis function (RBF) kernel called ELM-RBF, considering the Wisconsin dataset. The performance of the proposed model is further compared with a linear-SVM model. The proposed model outperforms the linear-SVM model with RMSE, R2, MAPE equal to 0.1719, 0.9374 and 0.0539, respectively. Furthermore, both models are studied in terms of criteria of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, validation, true positive rate (TPR), and false-negative rate (FNR). The ELM-RBF model for these criteria presents better performance compared to the SVM model.
El uso del lenguaje inclusivo en la docencia del Derecho Administrativo
Authors: Acosta Penco María Teresa , Izquierdo Carrasco Manuel , Magaldi Mendaña Nuria , Bueno Armijo Antonio
Published: October 2019

El presente artículo expone el desarrollo y los principales resultados de un proyecto de innovación docente sobre el uso de lenguaje jurídico inclusivo en el ámbito del Derecho Administrativo. Los estudiantes matriculados en una asignatura de Derecho Administrativo fueron invitados a participar voluntariamente en el proyecto. Aquellos que aceptaron recibieron formación específica sobre cómo reconocer y corregir el sexismo lingüístico en textos legales. Posteriormente, se les pidió que revisaran el manual recomendado de la asignatura y que señalaran los casos de lenguaje no inclusivo que pudieran encontrar. Sus informes finales incluyeron propuestas de modificaciones que fueron transmitidos a los autores y autoras del libro de texto.
La maqueta como herramienta de aprendizaje para desarrollo de maquinaria agrícola
Authors: Sola Guirado Rafael R. , Gil Ribes Jesús A. , Agüera Vega Juan , Castro García Sergio , González Sánchez Emilio , Blanco Roldán Gregorio L.
Published: October 2019

Se propone la introducción de un ejercicio basado en proyectos en la asignatura de “Diseño de maquinaria agraria. Automática agraria”. Para resolver el problema los alumnos han de pasar por todas las fases de las metodologías de desarrollo de productos: búsqueda de información, planificación del trabajo, diseño, cálculo, fabricación, etc. Al final, los alumnos deberán obtener una maqueta que modele el trabajo de una máquina agrícola con funciones cargadora o manipuladora. Los alumnos eligieron una metodología de trabajo en grupo por ingeniería secuencial, en lugar de la aconsejada por ingeniería concurrente, dado que requiere menor interacción entre ellos, pero al final del ejercicio expusieron los problemas encontrados habiendo aprendido de los pros y contras de ambas. Los indicadores finales de la práctica muestran la mejora de la calidad docente con mayor participación del alumnado y con mejores resultados académicos. Sin embargo, se requiere del profesorado una dedicación y tiempo extra en la asignatura, así como mayores recursos, por lo que en el futuro se debería intentar la coordinación de la práctica con otras materias similares o con cursos de formación permanente.
Fomento del trabajo autónomo en las prácticas de laboratorio de alumnos del grado de química: caso de estudio
Authors: López Bascón María Asunción , Jurado Campos Natividad , Romera García Encarnación , Priego Capote Feliciano , Arce Lourdes
Published: October 2019

En este estudio se ha perseguido incrementar la participación de los alumnos en las prácticas de laboratorio. El motivo principal ha sido evitar que el alumno memorice los conceptos teóricos sin ser capaz de aplicarlos a la resolución de problemas reales, y así adquiera compentencias útiles para cuando se introduzca en el mundo laboral. La nueva metodología se desarrolló en una asignatura optativa del Grado de Química. Para abordar la nueva metodología propuesta en este proyecto, los alumnos elaboraron los protocolos de tres prácticas, sobre tres temas propuestos por el profesorado. Una vez supervisados dichos protocolos por el profesorado, los alumnos las realizaron de forma autónoma en el laboratorio. La evaluación de los alumnos se realizó mediante: elaboración de los protocolos de prácticas, realización de las prácticas de laboratorio (mediante rúbrica) y cuestionario sobre conceptos teóricos (mediante la herramienta Kahoot). Finalmente, se evaluó el grado de aceptación de la nueva metodología docente por parte del alumnado, para detectar aspectos a mejorar para el próximo año académico. Esta metodología ha permitido una mayor implicación del alumnado en las sesiones de laboratorio, ya que pudieron aplicar los conceptos teóricos adquiridos sobre Química Analítica y adquirir competencias, tales como capacidad de aprendizaje autónomo.
Study of Oil/Water Flow and Emulsion Formation in Electrical Submersible Pumps
Authors: Croce Daniel , Pereyra Eduardo
Published: October 2019

Oil/water dispersions from two oils of different viscosities (16 and 220 cp), equal surface tensions (27 mN/m), and similar densities (810 and 873 kg/m3) were circulated in a viscous loop using an electrical submersible pump (ESP). The viscosity of the formed dispersions was measured at the discharge of the pump using an in-line pipe viscometer. The objective was to evaluate the impact of the effective viscosity of the emulsions on the head and flow rate delivered by the ESP.
Husband’s Willingness-to-Pay for HIV and Syphilis Screening at Antenatal Care Clinic under the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme
Authors: Anunsittichai Orawan , Pongpirul Krit , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Roowicha Koranit , Kaewprasert Jirarat , Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Chaithongwongwattana Surasith
Published: October 2019

Background Screening for sexually transmitted infection (STI) especially HIV as early detection and treatment have been financially supported under the Thai Universal Coverage (UC) scheme since 2009 (THB140 for HIV). However, the implementation has not been evidence-based, strategic risk-based, nor economically evaluated whereas husbands who accompanied the pregnant women are likely to have a lower risk than those who did not come along. This study is aimed to explore the husband’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) for his HIV and syphilis screenings at the antenatal care (ANC) clinic of a tertiary hospital in Thailand.
Methods A survey of 200 randomly selected husbands of pregnant women was conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from April to June 2018. A pilot study using an open-ended question was conducted to estimate the WTP for HIV and syphilis screening tests. Then, two contingent valuation methods (bidding and payment scale) were performed for the final WTP assessments, using the mean WTP identified from the pilot study as a starting WTP with 1⁄4 SD step-up/down.
Results During the study period, 597 pregnant women received their first ANC. Of 368 accompanying husbands, 200 were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 31 (IQR 27-36) years old and 67% had a first child. Eighty-eight percent of the participants were willing to test for the STIs. Based on the bidding method, WTP for HIV and syphilis screening tests were US$14.5 (IQR 12.4-14.5) and US$9.7 (IQR 10-12), respectively. The payment scale method suggested approximately three-quarters of the price.
Conclusions The husbands who accompanied their pregnant wives to the ANC clinic showed positive behaviors according to the propitious selection theory. They tend to cooperate well with STI testing and are willing to pay at least two times the price of the STI screening tests. The financial support to promote STI screenings should be reconsidered to cover other groups with higher sexual behavior risks and less WTP.
Morphological changes of the anterior alveolar bone due to retraction of anterior teeth: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun Qiannan , Chen Si , Lu Wenhsuan , Zhang Yunfan , Peng Liying , Han Bing
Published: October 2019

Background: The morphology of the anterior alveolar bone may change after the retraction of incisors in premolar extraction cases in orthodontics.
Methods: Pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1) lateral cephalograms of 477 subjects in the maxilla and 226 subjects in the mandible who underwent the orthodontic treatment with extraction of 2 premolars in upper or lower arches were included. Alveolar bone width and height in both the maxillary and mandible incisor area were measured at T0 and T1 respectively. By superimposing the T0 and T1 cephalometric tracings, changes of points A and B, and the movement of the incisors were also measured.
Results: The alveolar bone width (ABW) showed a significant decrease in both maxilla and mandible (P<0.001) except the labial side of the mandible, which exhibited slight increase, though statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The alveolar bone height (ABH) showed a significant increase in the labial side of maxilla and a significant decrease in the lingual side of maxilla and mandible. A strong positive correlation was observed between incisor movement and position changes of points A and B both in the horizontal and vertical direction.
Conclusions: Anterior alveolar bone width and height generally decreased after orthodontic treatment. Incisor retraction led to a significant position changes of points A and B.
Homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance (ELD) in four tissues of natural allotetraploid Brassica napus
Authors: Li Mengdi , Wang Ruihua , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Jianbo
Published: October 2019

Background:Allopolyploids are widespread in angiosperms, and they can coordinate two or more different genomes through genetic and epigenetic modifications to exhibit stronger growth vigor and adaptability. To explore the changes in homologous gene expression patterns in the natural allotetraploidBrassica napus(AnAnCnCn) relative to its two diploid progenitors, B. rapa(ArAr) and B. oleracea(CoCo), after approximately7,500 years of domestication, the global gene pair expression patterns in four major tissues (stems, leaves, flowers and siliques) of these three species were analyzed using an RNA sequencing approach.
Results:The results showed that the ‘transcriptomic shock’ phenomenon was alleviated in natural B. napusafter approximately7,500 years of natural domestication, andmost differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in B. napuswere downregulated relative to those in its two diploid progenitors. The KEGG analysis indicated that three pathways related to photosynthesis were enriched in both comparison groups (AnAnCnCnvs ArArand AnAnCnCnvs CoCo), and these pathways were all downregulated in four tissues of B. napus. In addition, the homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance (ELD) inB. napuswere thoroughly studied through analysis of the expression levels of 27609 B. rapa-B. oleraceaorthologous gene pairs. The overwhelming majority of gene pairs (an average of 86.7%) in B. napusmaintained their expression pattern in two diploid progenitors, and approximately 78.1% of the gene pairs showed expression bias with a preference toward the A subgenome. Overall, an average of 48%, 29.7% and 22.3% homologous gene pairs exhibited additivity expression, ELD and transgressive expression in B. napus, respectively. The ELD bias varies from tissue to tissue; specifically, more gene pairs in stems and siliques showed ELD-A, whereas the opposite was observed in leaves and flowers. More transgressive upregulationexpression, rather than downregulationexpression,was observedin gene pairs of B. napus.
Conclusions:In general, these results may provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes in homologous gene expression patterns in natural B. napusafter approximately 7,500 years of evolution and domestication and mayenhance our understanding of allopolyploids.
Patients’ Satisfaction with Clinical Laboratory Services in Public Hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Hiwot Amare , Lule Adinew Desale , Yalew Anteneh , Alaba Habtamu Asrat , Kebede Sisay , Dejene Daniel , Gebremicheal Hiwot Abebe , Gashu Andargachew , Yenealem Dereje , Ejigu Birhan Moges , Woldeamanuele Nebiyou Yemanebrhane , Desalegn Daniel Melese , Gurmessa Ashebir , Mohammed Awad , Getu Zekaryas , Ayana Gonfa , Anbessa Adisu Kebede , Abate Ebba
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background: Knowing customers’ level of satisfaction is relevant to improve and provide quality health care services. In the clinical laboratory, monitoring customers’ satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality management system and required by international laboratory standards. However, in Ethiopia, there has not been baseline data about the satisfaction level of patients’ with laboratory services at the national level. The aim of this national level survey was to assess patients’ satisfaction level with laboratory services at public hospitals in Ethiopia.
Methods: A national survey was conducted using an institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed from 01 to 30 November 2017. A total of 2,399 patients were selected randomly from 60 public hospitals. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, entered in Epi Info and analyzed with SPSS software. Multiple logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of patients’ satisfaction with laboratory services. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Result: Overall, 78.6% of the patients were satisfied with the clinical laboratory services. Patients were dissatisfied with cleanness of latrine (47%), long waiting time (30%), clear and understandable advisory service during specimen collection (26%), adequacy of waiting area (25%), easy accessibility of laboratory (19%) and latrine location (20%), availability of requested service (18%), unfair payment of service (17%) and missing of result (12%). The educational status (P = 0.032), and distance (P = 0.000) were significantly associated with client overall satisfaction level.
Conclusion: Most laboratory patients’ were satisfied with the service provided by public hospital laboratories in public hospitals in Ethiopia. However, patients’ were dissatisfied with the accessibility of sites, adequacy of waiting area, cleanness of latrine, long TAT, communication, missing of results, availability of requested service and cost of service. Therefore, responsible bodies in each level should act on the identified gaps and improve the need of patients in each hospital laboratory. In addition, all hospital laboratories should conduct a satisfaction survey and meet the needs of laboratory patients.
Keywords: patient satisfaction, hospital, laboratory service, national survey, Ethiopia.
Trauma to Transformation: The Lived Experience of Bereaved Parents of Children with Chronic Life-Threatening Illnesses in Singapore
Authors: Dutta Oindrila , Tan-Ho Geraldine , Choo Ping Ying , Low Casuarine Xinyi , Chong Poh Heng , Ng Carolyn , Ganapathy Sashikumar , Ho Andy Hau Yan
Published: October 2019

Background: In 2016, over 6.6 million children died globally, and 245 children died in Singapore. Chronic illnesses are prevalent causes of child mortality around the world. Despite growing research that examines the lived experience of parents bereaved by their child’s chronic life-threatening illness, there is no such study within the Asian context.

Methods: To bridge this knowledge gap, meaning-oriented, strength-focused interviews were conducted with 25 parental units (i.e. 6 couples, 13 lone mothers, 4 lone fathers, and 2 primary parental figures) who lost their child to chronic life-threatening illness in Singapore (N=31), including those of Chinese (n=17), Malay (n=10) and Indian ethnicities (n=4), between August 2017 and April 2018.

Results: Data analysis adhering to the grounded theory approach revealed 7 themes and 25 sub-themes that were organized into a Trauma-to-Transformation Model of Parental Bereavement. This model shows the major milestones in participants’ lived experience of their child’s chronic life-threatening illness and death, starting from the diagnosis of their child’s chronic life-threatening illness and the subsequent emotional turmoil (Theme 1), the mourning of their child’s death and the losses which accompanied the death (Theme 3) and participants’ experience of posttraumatic growth through reflection of their journey of caregiving and child loss (Theme 5). The model further describes the deliberate behaviors or ‘rituals’ that aided participants to regain power over their lives (Theme 2), helped them to sustain an intimate bond with their child beyond death (Theme 4), and aided participants’ transcendence of their loss by deriving positive outcomes from their experience (Theme 6). Finally, the model denotes that the lived experiences and well-being of participants were embedded within the health-and-social-care ecosystem, and in turn impacted by it (Theme 7).

Conclusion: These themes and their corresponding sub-themes are discussed, with recommendations for enhancing culturally-sensitive support services for grieving Asian parents around the globe.
Knowledge and attitude towards pain relief in labor among final year midwifery students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Endalew Nigussie Simeneh , Tawye Hailu Yimer , Denu Zewuditu Abdissa
Published: October 2019

Background: Poor attitudes and lack of knowledge about labour pain has long been demonstrated to burden the health professionals, as well as the women. In developing countries, labour analgesia practice is not well established and undermined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore final year midwifery students’ knowledge and attitudes towards pain relief during labour, at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among final year undergraduate midwifery students using structured, and self-administered questionnaire(n=130). Descriptive statistics were performed. Results were presented using narrations, means and standard deviations, percentage, figure and tables. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association between demographic variables with poor knowledge and attitudes. P-value below 0.05 level of significance was used to identify the statistical significance of factors for knowledge and attitude about pain relief during labour.Results: Of 130 students participated, the majority, 88% of respondents understood that women can feel moderate to severe pain during labour. However, only less than half of the participants had knowledge of labour pain should be relieved. The majority, 70% of students did not have awareness about the methods of labour analgesia.Conclusion: Although the majority of final year midwifery students were agreed with women can feel moderate to severe labour pain, almost more than half of the students were not aware of the painless labour in hospital. Most of the students believed that pharmacologic methods of labour analgesia will affect the labour, baby, and mother. Therefore, considerable attention in preservice teaching and training about labour pain and analgesia for midwifery students is recommended.
Does sunlight drive seasonality of TB in Vietnam? A retrospective environmental ecological study of Tuberculosis seasonality in Vietnam from 2010-2015
Authors: Bonell Ana , Contamin Lucie , Thai Pham Quang , Thuy Hoang Thi Thanh , Doorn Rogier H van , White Richard , Nadjm Behzad , Choisy Marc
Published: October 2019

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health burden, with an estimated quarter of the world’s population being infected. The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “End TB Strategy” in 2014 emphasising knowing the epidemic. WHO ranks Vietnam 12 th in the world of high burden countries.
TB spatial and temporal patterns have been observed globally with evidence of Vitamin D playing a role in seasonality. We explored the presence of temporal and spatial clustering of TB in Vietnam and their determinants to aid public health measures.
Methods:
Data were collected by the National TB program of Vietnam from 2010-2015 and linked to the following datasets: socio-demographic characteristics; climatic variables; influenza-like-illness (ILI) incidence; geospatial data. The TB dataset was aggregated by province and quarter. Descriptive time series analyses using LOESS regression were completed per province to determine seasonality and trend. Harmonic regression was used to determine the amplitude of seasonality by province.
A mixed-effect linear model was used with province and year as random effects and all other variables as fixed effects.
Results:
There were 610,676 cases of TB notified between 2010-2015 in Vietnam. Heat maps of TB incidence per quarter per province showed substantial temporal and geospatial variation. Time series analysis demonstrated seasonality throughout the country, with peaks in spring/summer and troughs in autumn/winter. Incidence was consistently higher in the south, the three provinces with the highest incidence per 100,000 population were Tay Ninh, An Giang and Ho Chi Minh City. However, relative seasonal amplitude was more pronounced in the north.
Mixed-effect linear model confirmed that TB incidence was associated with time and latitude. Of the demographic, socio-economic and health related variables, population density, percentage of those under 15 years of age, and HIV infection prevalence per province were associated with TB incidence. Of the climate variables, absolute humidity, average temperature and sunlight were associated with TB incidence.
Conclusion :
Preventative public health measures should be focused in the south of Viet Nam where incidence is highest. Vitamin D is unlikely to be a strong driver of seasonality but supplementation may play a role in a package of interventions.