bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocomposite mesoporous silica-alginate hydrogels for extended delivery of antibiotics
Authors: Michael  , Caroline S , Lady J , Prasetyanto E A
Published: July 2020

Bacterial infection is one of major health problems in Indonesia. Improper use of antibiotics can further trigger antibiotics resistant bacteria which then worsen the situation. One of key challenges to avoid problem is to provide antibiotics delivery system that can release antibiotics in certain time window. In this work, we develop drug delivery system with tuneable release rate of antibiotics. The system will consist of porous silica nanoparticles of size of about 150 to 200 nm, that will be encapsulated in large micrometres size gel particles to allow the protection of the drug and avoid its early release. To understand the release behaviour, the system is tested under simulated gastric fluid.
Development of Hybrid Gelatine/Alginate/PVA Hydrogels for Extended Delivery of Antibiotics
Authors: Mujono A. , Evelyn J. , Prasetyanto E.A.
Published: July 2020

Low compliance during consumption of antibiotics will result higher risk to antibiotic resistance. By modifying the release rate of the antibiotic, the patient will be able to consume antibiotics in less frequency while maintaining a stable drug concentration in the plasma, thus lowering the risk of antibiotic resistance. In this work, we report the use of hybrid hydrogels based on the Gelatine/Alginate/PVA as drug release controller of Cefixime, one of the most used antibiotics in Indonesia. The presence of Gelatine, PVA and Cefixime in the hydrogel system was analysed by FTIR spectroscopy. The release of Cefixime from the system is monitored under simulated gastric fluid. The results show that the release rate of the cefixime can be controlled by varying formulation of the hydrogels system. The presence of PVA in the formulation increase the release rate of the Cefixime.
Cathafiline from Cassytha filiformis and BR-Xanthone A from Garcinia mangostana as potential bone morphogenetic protein receptor type I (BMPR-I) inhibitor for iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia in silico
Authors: Suselo Y H , Alhaqq A , Indarto D
Published: July 2020

Oral iron supplementation has become a standard therapy for anemia around the world but some anemic patients are not responsive to it, as well known as Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia (IRIDA). One of the causes of IRIDA is BMPR-I activation. LDN-193189 is a synthetic small molecule that is developed for inhibition of BMPR-I. In the human liver, this receptor consists of 4 isoforms of Activin Like Kinase (ALK) 1, 2, 3, and 6. However, the synthetic molecule is not specifically bind to BMPR-I. This study aimed to identify Indonesian phytochemicals that can inhibit BMPR-I as IRIDA therapy with molecular docking approach. This bioinformatics study used 517 phytochemicals, which were registered in HerbalDB, had molecular structure and met the criteria for Lipinski’s rule of five. Three dimensional structure of LDN-193189 as a standard compound was found in complex with BMPR-I subtype ALK2 and obtained from Protein Data Bank (ID: 3Q4U). The AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. software was used to perform molecular docking between LDN-193189-ALK2 and phytochemicals-ALK-2. Binding complexes of ALK2 and LDN-193189/phytochemicals were visualized using PyMol 1.3 and Chimera 1.12 programs. The potential candidate of BMPR-I inhibitor was analysed based on docking score, binding site and conformation of phytochemicals toward ALK2. It revealed that BR-Xanthone A had lower docking score than LDN-193189 (-11.40 kcal/mol vs 11.30 kcal/mol). Phytochemicals which have hydrogen bonds to ATP binding site of ALK2 and similar conformation with LDN-193189 were Cathafiline and BR-Xanthone A. Both of those phytochemicals met the criteria of Lipinski’s rule of five. Cathafiline and BR-Xanthone A were potential as inhibitor BMPR-I for treatment of IRIDA.
Effect of TiO2Addition on Optical Properties of TeO2-ZnO-PbO Glasses
Authors: Marzuki Ahmad , Fausta Devara Ega
Published: July 2020

Glasses with composition (in mol%): 60TeO2-(30-x)ZnO-10PbO-xTiO2(TZPb:Ti) (where x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) have been fabricated and characterised in order to study their physical and optical properties. Density and refractive index of glasses were measured at room temperature by applying Archimedes’s principle and Brewster’s angle method, respectively. Absorption spectra within range of UV-VIS-NIR were measured at room temperature using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer while those at IR range using FTIR. We have shown that density decreases with the increase of TiO2while refractive index and optical energy band gap behave conversely.
Temperature-dependent photoluminescence of H2TPP and ZnTPP thin films on Si substrates
Authors: Nurhayati  , Suendo V , Nugroho A A , Alni A
Published: July 2020

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) properties of tetraphenyl porphyrin (H2TPP) and Zinc-tetraphenyl porphyrin (ZnTPP) thin films on the silicon substrates has been investigated. The photoluminescence (PL) properties are observed within the temperature range of 163–543 °K. The 405 nm diode laser beam is used to excite the molecule during the photoluminescence measurement. The integrated PL intensity exhibits abnormal behaviour, the intensity decreases with temperature in the temperature range of 163-273 °K, and then followed by the increase in the further temperature range of 273-543 °K. This anomaly reflects the competition between the radiative recombination process and the non-radiative recombination processes, i.e. carrier capture, thermalization, and carrier relaxation processes. The peak energy of 0-0 and 0-1 transitions show a red-shift with temperature, while their full width at half maximum increases.
Starch-based biofoams reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose from banana stem: Hydrophobicity and Biodegradability
Authors: Fatrozi S , Purwanti L , Sari S K , Ariesta M N , Kusumaningsih T , Marliyana S D
Published: July 2020

Microcrystalline cellulose was isolated from the banana stem, an abundant but underutilized bioresource, by using three main steps, specifically bleaching, alkaline treatment and acid hydrolysis. The isolated MC was used to reinforce starch-based biofoams with different loadings of 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. The result of contact angle measurement using the LB-ADSA method achieved remarkable increases of contact angle value as the MC loading increased from 0% to 6%. In addition, compared to starch-based biofoams, starch/MC composite biofoams showed improved biodegradability. The starch/MC composite biofoams displayed good hydrophobicity properties that can potentially represent a sustainable and green alternative for packaging and insulation materials.
The analytical and numerical solutions of two dimensional heat transfer equation in a multilayered composite cylinder
Authors: Alaa S , Irwansyah  , Kurniawidi D W , Rahayu S
Published: July 2020

Heat transfer is one of the most observed phenomena in the fields of aerospace, industry, nuclear, power generation, automotive, etc. Currently, materials for heat transfer are made of composites of various types so that they have different properties from their constituent materials. To understand the phenomenon of heat transfer in order to save costs and risks that can arise, it can be done by simulation. In this paper, we describe analytical and numerical solutions for two dimensional (2D) heat transfer equation in a multilayered composite cylinder. In particular, we use eigen function method to find the analytical solution and finite difference method to generate the numerical solution. The simulation of heat transfer for different time frame carried out using Python 3.7 with Numpy library.
Test The Effectiveness and Characterization of Quartz Sand/Coconut Shell Charcoal Composite as Adsorbent of Manganese Heavy Metal
Authors: Pranoto  , Martini Tri , Astuti Fitri , Maharditya Winda
Published: July 2020

The research on the effectiveness and characterization of quartz sand/coconut shell charcoal composite as adsorbent of Manganese (Mn) heavy metal has carried out. Quartz sand was previously activated by using Na2CO3 while the coconut shell charcoal was activated by using HCl 4 M. The adsorbent characterization was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared Analyzer (FTIR), X-RayDiffraction(XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy-mapping Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX), and Surface Area Analyzer (SAA). The adsorption experiment of the Mn metal was carried out by varying the composition of quartz sand/coconut shell charcoal. The variations were in the number of 100:0, 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 (b/b) at the degree of pH 1-6 and contact time 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 minutes by using batch method. The measurement of final concentration at the equilibrium phase was carried out by using AAS. The optimum adsorption condition of the Mn metal occurred in the comparison of quartz sand/coconut shell charcoal 50:50 (b/b), the best condition at the degree of pH 5, contact time during 30 minutes with adsorption capacity of 0.56 mg/gram. The type of adsorption isotherm of composite quartz sand/coconut shell charcoal adsorbent towards the metal of Mn followed the Freundlich isotherm theory.
Time and Amplitude Effect on Nano Magnesium Oxide Synthesis from Bittern using Sonochemical Process
Authors: Yunita F E , Natasha N C , Sulistiyono E , Rhamdani A R , Hadinata A , Yustanti E
Published: July 2020

Magnesium in nature can be found in the form of minerals and seawater. Bittern is a sea-salt industry by-product that contains magnesium and potassium salts. Usually, bittern is discharged back to the sea, even though bittern can be further processed to obtain magnesium contained in it. Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles can be used in a variety of applications because of their good surface recreation properties. In this study, precipitation of Mg2 + ions from bitterns was carried out using sodium hydroxide to produce magnesium hydroxide. Then, it was calcined and went through sonochemical process to produce nano magnesium oxide. Sonication time and amplitude were used as variables. Sample with sonication time of 16 minutes and amplitude of 30% has the smallest particles with an average diameter of 195.7 nanometers.
Identification of Quartz Sand From the Hills of Gunung Walat at Sukabumi Regency for Raw Materials of Nano Silica Precipitate
Authors: Sulistiyono E , Handayani M , Prasetyo A B , Irawan Y , Febriana E , Sembiring S N , Yustanti E
Published: July 2020

Gunung Walat Hills Formation, Sukabumi Regency is an area that has abundant natural quartz sand resource potential. Quartz sand from the Gunung Walat hills is partly in the form of Quartz Wacke which is composed of monochrystaline and polychristaline quartz minerals associated with clay minerals so it has high Al2O3 and Fe2O3 impurities. Until now the use of quartz sand from the hills of Gunung walat has only been used as building material so that it has a low sale value. In this paper, we will examine the potential of quartz sand from Gunung walat hills for the raw material of nano silica precipitates so that it can increase the added value of natural resources of quartz sand. In this paper the results of identification are described by taking samples from unprocessed quartz sand, the results of washing by mining companies and dissolving with sulfuric acid. From the results of the X-Ray Fluorescent analysis it is seen that quartz sand from mining has a silica composition of 85.869% wt, water leaching results by the mining company 93.702% and sulfuric acid leaching results obtained levels of 95.672% wt. The results of SEM-EDX analysis show that impurities Al2O3 and Fe2O3 are in the mineral sludge, not in one complex compound bond on the same grain so it is relatively easier to separate. From the identification results it can be seen that quartz sand from the Gunung Walat hills can be used as a raw material for making nano silica precipitates.
Modal Characterization of Planar Waveguide Formed by Ag+/Na+ Ion Exchange in Soda Lime Glass
Authors: Marzuki Ahmad , Gregorius Seran Daton
Published: July 2020

Modal characterization carried out reported in this paper was aimed determining the refractive index and thickness profile of Ag+/Na+ Ion Exchanged planar waveguides formed in Soda Lime Glass. Modal characterization was carried out using prism coupling technique and applied to all waveguides fabricated at temperature of 240 °C, 260 °C and 280 °C and processed for different duration. It was shown that the number of modes tends to increase with the increase of both temperature and duration of ion exchange process.
Decision Support System for Detection of Skin Diseases in Smart Health development planning
Authors: Hartatik  , Aziz Abdul , Hartono Rudi , Abdilah Rizal
Published: July 2020

Skin disease is a disease that is quite dangerous and is often found in tropical countries like Indonesia. Lack of knowledge about the types of skin diseases and do not know how to prevent them can cause a person suffering from acute skin disease. Detection of skin diseases is usually done by a dermatologist but actually the detection of skin diseases can be done alone or with the help of others by observing the diagnoses that arise. The expert system is a solution for using computers to help in the early detection of possible skin diseases. Dipen-ku is a expert system which designed to detect naive skin diseases with Bayes. System output is a type of skin disease which is a diagnosis of this type of disease. This expert system is a new innovation in innovation in drug materials that combines treatment technology and bigdata technology to support the design of smart city development.
Chemistry of Natural Dyes of Batik Crafts Colouring Process
Authors: Wahyuningsih S , Rahmawati  , Handayani S R , Setyaningsih  , Ponimah
Published: July 2020

By Fixation technique, we found the increasing stability of natural color. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of dyes anthocyanin, mangiferin, curcuma longa, Indigi fera and tannin (tingi) in batik dyeing. The medium was optimized by conditioning of natural dyes from amount quantity of extracted dyes in several condition: acid condition, base condition and also complexation during fixation process usually done in Batik dyeing. It was concluded that the color values were found to be influenced by the addition of namely mordants as complexation agent, consequently different fashion hues were obtained from the same dye extract using different mordants. The chemistry aspect such as an absorption in UV Visible region of each dyes and Infra Red absorption have been studied, and also a typical of fixation model should be noticed as a chemistry of dyes.
Effect of DVB on Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Coply(Eugenol-Strearyl acrylate-DVB)
Authors: Handayani D S , Masykur A , Nareswari N
Published: July 2020

This research aims to study the effect of divinylbenzene (DVB) on copoly(Eugenol-Stearyl Acrylate-Dvinylbenzene)/Copoly (Eg-SA-DVB) on the adsorption of methylene blue dyes. Variations of DVB ware added as much as 2%, 4% and 6% to the weight of eugenol. Adsorption was carried out by batch method in variations of acidity (pH), contact time and initial concentration of methylene blue. The results showed that the optimum pH of methylene blue dye adsorption ware pH 5.0 for copoly(Eg-DVB-SA) 2% and 6%; while for 4% was pH 3. The optimum adsorption contact time was 60 minutes for copoly(Eg-DVB-SA) 2% and 6%, while for 4% at 50 minutes. Study of adsorption kinetic presented the adsorption of methelene blue dyes using 2%, 4% and 6% copoly (Eg-DVB-SA) adsorbents followed the Largregen kinetic model, pseudo-first order. Study of isotherm revealed the adsorption of methylene blue dyes tends to follow the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum capacity of methylene dyes adsorption using copoly(Eg-DVB-SA) 2%, 4% and 6% were 31,2; 36,2 and 14,7 mg/g, with the adsorption energy 31.1; 33.6 and 31.3 KJ/mol respectively.
Power efficiency analysis in various types of coil design
Authors: Sari N , Khoiro M , Rohedi AY , Yudoyono G , Pramono YH
Published: July 2020

The efficiency of power produced by magnetic flux in the coil has been analysed using various forms of coil section. Magnetic flux was produced by magnets which were moved radially with a certain rotational speed. Meanwhile, a coil placed close to the magnets will produce an electromotive force (emf) according to Faraday’s law. Besides affecting the magnitude of emf, the shape of coils also affected the power loss due to partial of magnetic field radially dispersed or didn’t go through a coil cross-section. It caused only a portion of the magnetic field would be converted. Therefore, this study aims to reduce the power loss by various type of coil design i.e. round-shaped coil, square-shaped coil, and cone-shaped coil. The coil was formed by the same wire with a length of 60 m to produce the same resistance. The results showed that at a speed of 1100 rpm, the voltage which obtained using round-shaped coil, square-shaped coil, and cone-shaped coil respectively of 1.26 V and 1.01 V and 1.5 V and 1.88 V.
Application To Measuring Food Business Opportunities For The Development Of Smart Cities
Authors: Hartatik  , Putri Ayu W
Published: July 2020

In the development of technology, more people are using products from technology development to facilitate their daily activities especially in food industry. However, to measuring and determine opportunities when opening a food business covering food material and type of culinary. People usually choose what food ingredients are of public interest and estimates materials and cost to determine a business opportunity. In this situation a Decision Support System (DSS) can be developed, namely apus-kul is a decision makers by using certain data and models to solve some unstructured problems using Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) algorithm. This system is expected to be a means to assist the community when making decisions to choose materials and food businesses for the development of smart city governance systems.
Novel mobile application for direct communication between pharmacists and patients treated with oral antineoplastic agents
Authors: Collado-Borrell Roberto , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Ribed Almudena , Jiménez Rosa Romero , Peinado Irene Iglesias , Herranz-Alonso Ana , Sanjurjo-Sáez María
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Initial experience with use of a smartphone application to enhance communication with and home monitoring of hematology/oncology patients under treatment with oral antineoplastic agents (OAAs) is described.

Broad use of OAAs is changing the landscape of hematology/oncology patient care, with this form of therapy giving patients greater autonomy but also raising concerns about correct OAA administration and management of adverse effects (AEs) or interactions. Information and communication technologies, specifically mobile health technologies, are ideal tools in this new environment. A multidisciplinary team at a large hospital in Spain developed a smartphone application for patients receiving OAA therapy that consists of 5 modules or functionalities: (1) a treatment agenda, or electronic journal of patient activity, including medication use; (2) a treatment record; (3) continuous recording of vital signs (blood pressure and temperature), health-related quality of life, and AEs, with management of AEs based on an algorithm that displays different recommendations according to AE severity; (4) 2-way messaging capability; and (5) information and links to websites of interest. From June through November 2017, 37 patients downloaded and used the application. About two-thirds (68%) of the patients sent a total of 182 messages to the pharmacist on duty; 58% of the patients registered at least 1 AE. The mean time of registration of the first AE after initiation of OAA therapy was 8 days. As a result of patient use of the application, 2 emergency room visits were avoided and 3 patients were referred to a general practitioner.

Conclusion

The application has allowed real-time monitoring of patients treated with OAAs. This new patient-pharmacist communication channel has facilitated the early detection of AEs, contributing to the safety of treatment and patient satisfaction with healthcare.
Assessment of impact of daily huddles and visual displays on medication delivery timeliness in a large academic medical center
Authors: Smith Andrew J F , Ahern Sean P , Shermock Kenneth M , Feller Tara T , Hill John D
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of pharmacy team huddles and near real-time performance dashboards on the punctuality of medication delivery departures from the adult inpatient pharmacy of a multihospital medical center.

Methods

Baseline delivery punctuality was established during a 2-week unannounced preintervention period, followed by the implementation of daily huddles focused on delivery timeliness along with visual displays of delivery performance metrics. The 5- to 15-minute huddles included pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and managers. Printed visual displays that tracked hour-by-hour timeliness over the prior 24 hours were prominently displayed in the pharmacy. The primary outcome was the overall change in the percentage of punctual medication delivery departures (ie, deliveries leaving the pharmacy at the scheduled time) during the 2 weeks after implementation of huddles and visual displays (the postintervention period). Punctuality was assessed at both the day and shift levels using generalized estimating equations in a piecewise regression model. A multivariable model was constructed using a forward stepwise selection process to assess the potential impacts of workload drivers and staffing levels on medication delivery punctuality.

Results

During the pre- and postintervention periods, the punctuality of a total of 1,032 deliveries was recorded. Punctuality of deliveries across all shifts increased by 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-56% [P < 0.001]), from 50% to 87%, immediately following implementation of the huddle intervention. When punctuality was assessed by individual shift, we observed statistically significant increases for the day (35% [95% CI, 13%-57%], P = 0.002), evening (34% [95% CI, 12%-56%], P = 0.003) and night (57% [95% CI, 35%-79%], P < 0.001) shifts. During the forward stepwise multivariable model-building process, order volume, message volume, and technician staffing levels were not significantly correlated with delivery punctuality at the day or shift level.

Conclusion

Daily huddles with visual displays were successful in improving the punctuality of medication delivery departures from the pharmacy, independent of workload drivers and staffing levels.
Surrogate-guided sampling designs for classification of rare outcomes from electronic medical records data
Authors: Tan W Katherine , Heagerty Patrick J
Published: July 2020

Scalable and accurate identification of specific clinical outcomes has been enabled by machine-learning applied to electronic medical record systems. The development of classification models requires the collection of a complete labeled data set, where true clinical outcomes are obtained by human expert manual review. For example, the development of natural language processing algorithms requires the abstraction of clinical text data to obtain outcome information necessary for training models. However, if the outcome is rare then simple random sampling results in very few cases and insufficient information to develop accurate classifiers. Since large scale detailed abstraction is often expensive, time-consuming, and not feasible, more efficient strategies are needed. Under such resource constrained settings, we propose a class of enrichment sampling designs, where selection for abstraction is stratified by auxiliary variables related to the true outcome of interest. Stratified sampling on highly specific variables results in targeted samples that are more enriched with cases, which we show translates to increased model discrimination and better statistical learning performance. We provide mathematical details and simulation evidence that links sampling designs to their resulting prediction model performance. We discuss the impact of our proposed sampling on both model training and validation. Finally, we illustrate the proposed designs for outcome label collection and subsequent machine-learning, using radiology report text data from the Lumbar Imaging with Reporting of Epidemiology study.
Thermal Image-Based Object Classification for Guiding the Visually Impaired
Authors: Nancy V , Balakrishnan G
Published: July 2020

Thermal sensors are now being an emerging technology in image processing applications such as face recognition, fault detection, object detection and classification, navigation, etc. Owing to its versatility, it has been an influential concern for many researchers recently. Thermal sensors have proficiency of sensing the object heedless of the lighting conditions. Due to this added leverage of thermal sensors, we propose a novel scheme for spotting the object, which is targeted by a specific thermal camera. The accomplishment of this task paves the opportunity for guiding the visually impaired (VI) people within the indoor environment adequately. Augmenting the obstacles in the user’s path is requisite for the VI people’s navigation. The image of the object is captured using the thermal camera and pre-processed for enhancing the quality of that image by suppressing the background, tuning the colour channels, etc. Noise in the thermal image is eradicated to a certain extent using Gaussian smoothing process followed by Markov random field for constructing the Gaussian mixture model. Further, the pattern is deduced and classified based on the least-squares support-vector machine. The experiment is tested for disparate timing and distance, and the optimum solution is obtained. To enact the accurate outcome with short estimation period in affordable size and cost is the main added logic behind this fused concept.
ELF-aware pre-service teacher education: practices and perspectives
Authors: Biricik Deniz Esma , Kemaloglu-Er Elif , Ozkan Yonca
Published: July 2020

English as a lingua franca (ELF) is a recent paradigm in ELT which acknowledges non-native varieties in their own right and NNSs as having their own unique characteristics rather than assessing them against an NS benchmark. Despite the changing needs of today’s English language learners, there is little research on how to integrate ELF into pre-service teacher education programmes and English language teaching practice since there is a theory–practice gap due to lack of clear pedagogical descriptions and concrete classroom-driven data. This study presents an intensive educational model for pre-service teachers aiming to raise their awareness of the pedagogy of ELF, synthesizing theory with practice. It investigates how prospective teachers exposed to the ELF-aware teacher education model integrated ELF into their teaching and their viewpoints about the process. The entire process has been reported to contribute significantly to the participants’ professional development as well as presenting several challenges.
Stability of risk attitude, agricultural policies and production shocks: evidence from Italy
Authors: Bozzola Martina , Finger Robert
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the stability of farmers’ risk attitude over time. To this end, we estimate responses to changes in agricultural policies and production shocks. We use a unique panel data of over 36,000 Italian farms specialised in cereals, during the period 1989–2009. We find evidence of risk preference changes over time in response to changes in the European Union Common Agricultural Policy and possibly after a drought-induced production shock.
The 17th Symposium on Systems Analysis in Forest Resources: An Introduction and Synthesis
Authors: Tóth Sándor F
Published: July 2020

The 17th Symposium on Systems Analysis in Forest Resources was held in Suquamish, Washington, United States on August 27–30, 2017. The goal of this international meeting was to bring together operations researchers, remote sensing scientists, and the government to facilitate the exchange and implementation of systems science in forestry and conservation. The essay that follows is a summary of the outcome of the Symposium, as well as an introduction to the eight research articles that were selected for publication in this Special Issue. Each of the papers was presented at the Symposium and has undergone rigorous peer review. The papers represent a broad disciplinary scope within system analysis ranging from forest economics and management science to remote sensing. The problems addressed within these disciplines also vary, from wildfire mitigation, supply-chain optimization, bioenergy logistics, and participatory forest planning to fuel assessment. The technical tools the authors applied to these problems are equally diverse: game theory, dynamic programming, stochastic optimization, multiobjective decision theory, structure-from-motion, and airborne laser scanning.
Effect of Holding Objects on the Occurrence of Head Impact in Falls by Older Adults: Evidence From Real-Life Falls in Long-Term Care
Authors: Komisar Vicki , Shishov Nataliya , Yang Yijian , Robinovitch Stephen N
Published: July 2020

Background

Falls cause approximately 80% of traumatic brain injuries in older adults, and nearly one third of falls by residents in long-term care (LTC) result in head impact. Holding objects during falls, such as mobility aids, may affect the ability of LTC residents to avoid head impact by arresting the fall with their upper limbs. We examined the prevalence of holding objects and their effect on risk for head impact during real-life falls in older adults living in LTC.

Methods

We analyzed videos of 1105 real-life falls from standing height by 425 LTC residents, using a validated questionnaire to characterize the occurrence of head impact and whether the resident held objects during descent and impact. We classified objects as either “weight-bearing” (via contact to the fixed environment, eg, chairs and walkers) or “non-weight-bearing” (eg, cups) and tested their effect on odds for head impact with generalized estimating equations.

Results

Residents held objects in more than 60% of falls. The odds for head impact were reduced for falls where weight-bearing objects were held or grasped during descent (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval = 0.39–0.70) or maintained throughout the fall (odds ratio = 0.34; 95% confidence interval = 0.23–0.49). The most commonly held objects were chairs/wheelchairs (23% of cases), tables/counters (10% of cases), and walkers/rollators (22% of cases); all reduced the odds of head impact when held during descent. Holding non-weight-bearing objects did not affect the odds of head impact (odds ratio = 1.00; 95% confidence interval = 0.64–1.55).

Conclusion

Our results show that older adults in LTC use held, weight-bearing objects to reduce their risk for head impact during falls.
3-D scattering of elastic waves by small-scale heterogeneities in the Earth’s mantle
Authors: Leng K , Korenaga J , Nissen-Meyer T
Published: July 2020

Small-scale heterogeneities in the Earth’s mantle, the origin of which is likely compositional anomalies, can provide critical clues on the evolution of mantle convection. Seismological investigation of such small-scale heterogeneities can be facilitated by forward modelling of elastic wave scattering at high frequencies, but doing so with conventional 3-D numerical methods has been computationally prohibitive. We develop an efficient approach for computing high-frequency synthetic wavefields originating from small-scale mantle heterogeneities. Our approach delivers the exact elastodynamic wavefield and does not restrict the geometry or physical properties of the local heterogeneity and the background medium. It combines the technique of wavefield injection and a numerical method called AxiSEM3D. Wavefield injection can decompose the total wavefield into an incident and a scattered part. Both these two parts naturally have low azimuthal complexity and can thus be solved efficiently using AxiSEM3D under two different coordinate systems. With modern high-performance computing (on an order of magnitude of 105 CPU-hr), we have achieved a 1 Hz dominant frequency for global-scale problems with strong deep Earth scattering. Compared with previous global injection approaches, ours allows for a 3-D background medium and yields the exact solution without ignoring any higher-order scattering by the background medium. Technically, we develop a traction-free scheme for realizing wavefield injection in a spectral element method, which brings in several flexibilities and simplifies the implementation by avoiding stress or traction computation on the injection boundary. For a spherical heterogeneity in the mid-lower mantle, we compare the 3-D full-wave solution with two approximate ones obtained, respectively, by the perturbation theory and in-plane (axisymmetric) modelling. As a comprehensive application, we study S-wave scattering by a 3-D ultra-low velocity zone, incorporating 3-D crustal structures on the receiver side as part of the background model.
Diet of snow crab in the Barents Sea and macrozoobenthic communities in its area of distribution
Authors: Zakharov Denis V , Manushin Igor E , Nosova Tatiana B , Strelkova Natalya A , Pavlov Valery A
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the diet of the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and its feeding intensity in the Barents Sea. Data show that snow crab has a diverse diet that includes almost all types of benthic invertebrates living in the Barents Sea. There are differences between the diets of females and males and of juveniles and adults. Juveniles and females typically occupy shallow areas with communities of bivalve molluscs, while males typically live deeper on slopes and depressions where polychaetes and crustaceans are the most abundant groups. Stomach contents were analysed to determine the species composition and frequency of occurrence of various benthic taxa. Consumption of food was estimated and compared with data from the Russian seas of the Pacific region. The total annual consumption of macrozoobenthos by snow crab was calculated in accordance with its current distribution in the Barents Sea. Snow crab consumes at least 30 000 tonnes of benthos annually, which amounts to 0.1–0.2% of the total macrozoobenthic biomass in the investigated area. The population of snow crab causes the largest impact on the benthic communities in the northeastern part of the Barents Sea and near the south side of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
Non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for lung cancer: an exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Prisciandaro Elena , Bertolaccini Luca , Sedda Giulia , Spaggiari Lorenzo
Published: July 2020

Our goal was to assess the safety, feasibility and oncological outcomes of non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A comprehensive search was performed in EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane CENTRAL from January 2004 to March 2020. Studies comparing non-intubated anaesthesia with intubated anaesthesia for thoracoscopic lobectomy for NSCLC were included. An exploratory systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed by combining the reported outcomes of the individual studies using a random effects model. For dichotomous outcomes, risk ratios were calculated and for continuous outcomes, the mean difference was used. Three retrospective cohort studies were included, with a total of 204 patients. The comparison between non-intubated and intubated patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy showed no statistically significant differences in postoperative complication rates [risk ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–1.16; P = 0.30; I2 = 17%], operating times (mean difference −12.40, 95% CI −28.57 to 3.77; P = 0.15; I2 = 48%), length of hospital stay (mean difference −1.13, 95% CI −2.32 to 0.05; P = 0.90; I2 = 0%) and number of dissected lymph nodes (risk ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.78–1.25; P = 0.46; I2 = 0%). Despite the limitation of only 3 papers included, awake and intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for resectable NSCLC seem to have comparable perioperative and postoperative outcomes. Nevertheless, the oncological implications of the non-intubated approach should be considered. The long-term benefits for patients with lung cancer need to be carefully assessed.
Bubbling Phenomenon for Hermitian Yang–Mills Connections
Authors: Li Yang
Published: July 2020

We construct local examples of singular Hermitian Yang–Mills connections over $B_1\subset \mathbb{C}^3$ with uniformly bounded $L^2$-energy, but the number of essential singular points can be arbitrarily large.
Development of a Copper-Based Metal Organic Electrode for Nitrite Sensing
Authors: Liu Hong-Ying , Wen Jia-Jun , Xu Han-Xiao , Qiu Yu-Bin , Yin Zheng-Zhi , Li Li-Hua , Gu Chun-Chuan
Published: July 2020

Background

Nitrite is naturally present in vegetables and added to processed meats to enhance their color and prolong their shelf life. It is of concern because it reacts to form nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer.

Objective

To develop a quick, reliable, and inexpensive method for quantifying nitrite in foods.

Method

A copper-based metal organic framework (Cu-MOF)/gold-platinum alloy nanoparticle(Au@Pt)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed via a simple wet chemical synthesis followed by electrochemical deposition of gold-platinum alloy nanoparticles onto the surface of a GCE. Morphological characterization and component analysis of the prepared nanomaterials were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the electrochemical behavior of the fabricated electrodes.

Results

The quantitative and specific detection of nitrite was obtained by the amperometric i–t method. At a pH of 7, temperature of 25°C, and ionic strength of 0.4 M, the electrode exhibited a linear range of 0.001–12.2 mM nitrite with a low detection limit of 72 nM (S/N = 3).

Conclusions

The Cu-MOF/Au@Pt/GCE exhibited good repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity to provide a capable analysis method for food samples.

Highlights

A Cu-MOF with a large surface area and high porosity was developed to provide an electrode with many active sites. The Au@Pt alloy nanoparticle improved the electrocatalytic activity toward nitrite. The synergistic action between the Cu-MOF and Au@Pt alloy nanoparticle enhanced the electrochemical performance of the sensor.
Textural Characteristics of Biopsy-proven Metastatic Axillary Nodes on Preoperative Breast MRI in Breast Cancer Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Wahab Rifat A , Lewis Kyle , Vijapura Charmi , Zhang Bin , Lee Su-Ju , Brown Ann , Mahoney Mary C
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of MRI textural analysis (TA) to differentiate malignant from benign axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

This was an institutional review board–approved retrospective study of axillary lymph nodes in women with breast cancer that underwent ultrasound-guided biopsy and contrast-enhanced (CE) breast MRI from January 2015 to December 2018. TA of axillary lymph nodes was performed on 3D dynamic CE T1-weighted fat-suppressed, 3D delayed CE T1-weighted fat-suppressed, and T2-weighted fat-suppressed MRI sequences. Quantitative parameters used to measure TA were compared with pathologic diagnoses. Areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to distinguish between malignant and benign lymph nodes.

Results

Twenty-three biopsy-proven malignant lymph nodes and 24 benign lymph nodes were analyzed. The delayed CE T1-weighted fat-suppressed sequence had the greatest ability to differentiate malignant from benign outcome at all spatial scaling factors, with the highest AUC (0.84–0.93), sensitivity (0.78 [18/23] to 0.87 [20/23]), and specificity (0.76 [18/24] to 0.88 [21/24]). Kurtosis on the 3D delayed CE T1-weighted fat-suppressed sequence was the most prominent TA parameter differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that MRI TA could be helpful in distinguishing malignant from benign axillary lymph nodes. Kurtosis has the greatest potential on 3D delayed CE T1-weighted fat-suppressed sequences to distinguish malignant and benign lymph nodes.
Regulatory flexibility for COVID-19 research
Authors: Fernandez Lynch Holly , Dickert Neal W , Zettler Patricia J , Joffe Steven , Largent Emily A
Published: July 2020

Clinical research is critical to combatting COVID-19, but regulatory requirements for human subjects protection may sometimes pose a challenge in pandemic circumstances. Although regulators have offered some helpful guidance for research during the pandemic, we identify further compliance challenges regarding institutional review board (IRB) review and approval, informed consent, emergency research, and research involving incarcerated people. Our proposals for regulatory flexibility in these areas seek to satisfy the goals of protecting participants and promoting the development of high-quality evidence to improve patient care. These recommendations may have relevance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance the efficiency of research oversight and participant protection more broadly.
Concentric mastopexy for pubertal gynaecomastia in an African child
Authors: Michael Afieharo I , Olawoye Olayinka A , Oluwatosin Odunayo M
Published: July 2020

Gynaecomastia refers to the enlargement of the male breast. It can be psychologically disturbing for children and adolescents as well as adults. While in children watchful waiting is advised as the gynaecomastia could resolve, surgical intervention becomes necessary where there is significant psychosocial disturbance. We present a case of an African child whose quality of life improved after correcting the gynaecomastia. We highlight the concentric mastopexy method in the surgical management of gynaecomastia.
Differences in body composition between urban and rural Mallards, Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Jarman Tyler E , Gartrell Brett D , Battley Phil F
Published: July 2020

Anthropogenic feeding of wildlife provides a valuable opportunity for people to engage with animals, but such feeding has the potential to be detrimental to the species involved. Ducks are frequently fed at urban ponds globally, yet the health impacts of an urban lifestyle for birds are poorly documented. We studied urban and rural Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the Manawatū-Whanganui region (New Zealand). Mallards are opportunistic omnivores that have a phenotypically flexible gastrointestinal system. As urban Mallards consume considerable amounts of low-fibre, high carbohydrate foods via anthropogenic feeding, we predicted that urban Mallards would have smaller gastrointestinal tract organs and higher fat levels than rural ducks. We compared gross body composition of Mallards in a modified environment with high levels of feeding by humans and in rural habitats. We also evaluated other health-associated aspects including fat deposit size, liver fat content and haemosiderin (liver iron deposit) levels. Contrary to predictions, urban birds had larger gizzards and caeca and were no fatter than rural birds; rural birds additionally had larger pectoralis major muscles. These differences are probably associated with broader ecological and behavioural factors than with the provision of anthropogenic food per se [in particular the presence of hard foods (acorns and nuts) for urban birds, and higher flight activity of rural birds]. Longer caeca in urban birds could, however, relate to immunity rather than microbial fermentation of cellulose. Overall, while the nature of the local environment does affect Mallard physiology, no detrimental effects of urban living were evident in this study.
The Best Interests of the Child Principle in Residence Disputes after Parental Divorce in China
Authors: Xia Jianghao
Published: July 2020

This article analyses how the best interests of the child principle have been implemented in residence disputes following a parental divorce in China. In doing so, it will analyse the Chinese Marriage Law 2001 and the Specific Opinions on Child-upbringing Issues after Parental Divorce, drawing on an empirical study conducted by the author involving 300 litigated cases over residence disputes in courts. This study shows that the continuity of circumstances and the abilities of each of the parents are used as the primary and secondary criteria for residence judgments, respectively. And it appears that Chinese judges prefer certain easily ascertainable factors, eg parents’ financial ability and the continuity of circumstances, to other internally emotional factors, eg children’s emotional needs and attachments. In addition, a considerable number (69 per cent) of the judges tend to simplify the decision-making process by only considering a single factor alone, or even no specific factor. In view of this, several legislative proposals for the statutory provision of residence disputes in the forthcoming Chinese Civil Code are put forward.
HFQPOs and discoseismic mode excitation in eccentric, relativistic discs. I. Hydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Dewberry Janosz W , Latter Henrik N , Ogilvie Gordon I , Fromang Sebastien
Published: July 2020

High-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) observed in the emission of black hole X-ray binary systems promise insight into strongly curved spacetime. ‘Discoseismic’ oscillations with frequencies set by the intrinsic properties of the central black hole, in particular ‘trapped inertial waves’ (r modes), offer an attractive explanation for HFQPOs. To produce an observable signature, however, such oscillations must be excited to sufficiently large amplitudes. Turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability fails to provide the necessary amplification, but r modes may still be excited via interaction with accretion disc warps or eccentricities. We present 3D global hydrodynamic simulations of relativistic accretion discs, which demonstrate for the first time the excitation of trapped inertial waves by an imposed eccentricity in the flow. While the r modes’ saturated state depends on the vertical boundary conditions used in our unstratified, cylindrical framework, their excitation is unambiguous in all runs with eccentricity ≳ 0.005 near the innermost stable circular orbit. These simulations provide a proof of concept, demonstrating the robustness of trapped inertial wave excitation in a non-magnetized context. In a companion paper, we explore the competition between this excitation, and damping by magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.
HFQPOs and discoseismic mode excitation in eccentric, relativistic discs. II. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Dewberry Janosz W , Latter Henrik N , Ogilvie Gordon I , Fromang Sebastien
Published: July 2020

Trapped inertial oscillations (r modes) provide a promising explanation for high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HFQPOs) observed in the emission from black hole X-ray binary systems. An eccentricity (or warp) can excite r modes to large amplitudes, but concurrently, the oscillations are likely damped by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence driven by the magnetorotational instability (MRI). We force eccentricity in global, unstratified, zero-net-flux MHD simulations of relativistic accretion discs and find that a sufficiently strong disc distortion generates trapped inertial waves despite this damping. In our simulations, eccentricities above ∼0.03 in the inner disc excite trapped waves. In addition to the competition between r-mode damping and driving, we observe that larger amplitude eccentric structures modify and in some cases suppress MRI turbulence. Given the variety of distortions (warps as well as eccentricities) capable of amplifying r modes, the robustness of trapped inertial wave excitation in the face of MRI turbulence in our simulations provides support for a discoseismic explanation for HFQPOs.