bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL MEDIA AND PURCHASE INTENTION: FINDINGS FOR FUTURE EMPIRICAL DIRECTIONS
Authors: Galdeano Dulcenombre Madrid , Fati Meryem , Ogalo Habil Slade , Abro Zahida
Published: September 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this current paper is to underline the importance of social media prospects on enhancing purchase intentions, particularly in the automobile industry. The paper caters to highlighting how social media advertising, brand imaging and brand equity developed through social media can enhance purchase intentions.

Design/Methodology/Approach:  The paper caters to critical appraisal of literature available on the topics and the predictor and outcome variables studied in this regard. Automobile business is very lucrative and it has been noticed that such practices make a major impact in boosting buying intentions of customers.

Findings:  The finding of the paper is a development of a conceptual framework highlighting the potential of brand image, social media advertising and brand equity towards boosting purchase intentions. The paper has concluded with a framework for future scholars to energize on the concept of social media prospects for the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

Originality/Value: The current study is based mainly on critical review of the prominent literature and offer detailed understanding on the undertaken variables.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN CHILDREN WHO PREFER RISKY PLAY: A STUDY BASED ON REPUBLIC OF KOREAN CHILDREN
Authors: Rhim Yongtaek , Kim Deokjin
Published: September 2019

Purpose: This study was to investigate the difference in leadership skill depending on the preference of risky play in Korean children.

Methodology: In order to archive that purpose, we have collected data from 381(215 male and 166 female) Korean elementary school students, upon distributing papers of questionnaire which is composed of Preference to Playing Forms Scale for Children and Scale to Research and Evaluate Youth Leadership Life Skills Development and performed statistical analysis using SPSS.

Main Findings: The children who prefer risky play more showed significantly higher scores in all sub-factors of leadership skill such as communication, decision making, human relationship, solving problem, positive belief and consideration than the children who prefer risky play less.

Implications: This can mean that the leadership skill of the children who prefer risky play more is superior to that of the children who prefer it less. Therefore it can be suggested that children’s participating in well-controlled risky play be an effective method to develop their leadership skill.
Constituciones, apertura y Derecho comparado
Authors: Martinico Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

La apertura y la resistencia son palabras clave esenciales para comprender la esencia del llamado constitucionalismo post-totalitario. De hecho, según Carrozza, hay tres puntos críticos que marcaron la evolución del constitucionalismo occidental. Primero, la distinción entre poder constituyente y poder constituido; segundo, la noción de la constitución como «ley superior», que abre la posibilidad de una revisión judicial de la legislación; tercero, la tensión entre las aspiraciones universales y las identidades nacionales / territoriales. Este artículo tratará sobre la apertura constitucional entendida como uno de los pilares del constitucionalismo post-totalitario.Recibido: 11 mayo 2019Aceptado: 21 junio 2019Publicación en línea: 31 julio 2019
Introducción al Simposio especial «Explorando territorios entre-sistemas: una aplicación de las enseñanzas de Carrozza a nuevos temas»
Authors: Fontanelli Filippo , Martinico Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

El pensamiento del profesor Carrozza es denso y abarca aspectos de Derecho constitucional comparado, Derecho internacional público y Derecho de la Unión Europea. Esta variedad es una confirmación de la extraordinaria curiosidad, inteligencia, liderazgo y naturaleza ecléctica de Carrozza.Recibido: 30 mayo 2019Aceptado: 21 junio 2019Publicación en línea: 31 julio 2019
El ensamblaje del arbitraje en la Constitución: lagunas después de 40 años
Authors: Carazo-Liébana María José
Published: September 2019

La ausencia de una referencia explícita al arbitraje en el texto constitucional no es óbice para su reconocimiento, hoy plenamente pacífico con apoyo de una jurisprudencia constitucional muy reiterada en este aspecto. No obstante lo anterior, hay aspectos del arbitraje que exigen un análisis desde la perspectiva de las garantías procesales-constitucionales. En este artículo se plantean cuestiones de importante alcance, tales como si operan o no las garantías del art. 24 de la Constitución en el arbitraje.Recibido: 8 enero 2019Aceptado: 21 junio 2019Publicación en línea: 31 julio 2019
Octavio Salazar Benítez. La gestación para otros: Una reflexión jurídico-constitucional sobre el conflicto entre deseos y derechos, Editorial Dykinson, Madrid, 2018, 288 pp., ISBN: 9788491489269
Authors: Cárdenas Cordón Alicia
Published: September 2019

El deseo de formar o ampliar una familia empuja, cada vez a más personas, a celebrar contratos cuyo objeto es un recién nacido. Existen agencias especializadas que actúan como intermediadoras entre los padres y las madres intencionales y las mujeres gestantes, y se organizan ferias y foros donde se asesora sobre las mejores opciones para cada familia: hay países donde el contrato tiene un carácter altruista, otros que permiten los contratos con parejas homosexuales, la elección del sexo del bebé, etc. Publicación en línea: 31 julio 2019
Química analítica básica
Authors: Andrade João Carlos de
Published: September 2019

A maioria dos estudantes de Química sempre foi induzida a pensar e a trabalhar os equilíbrios iônicos em solução aquosa usando o tratamento algébrico tradicional, como nos exemplos mostrados recentemente para equilíbrios ácido-base [1-3]. Entretanto, a solução algébrica exata deste tipo de  problema frequentemente requer a resolução de polinômios de mais altos graus. Por exemplo, o cálculo exato do pH de uma simples solução aquosa de um ácido monoprótico fraco requer a solução de uma  equação cúbica e no caso de um ácido triprótico (ex.: ácido fosfórico), a solução de um polinômio de quinto grau [1,2]. Isto induz o uso de aproximações para simplificar o trabalho, o que sempre leva a resultados aproximados. Um outro procedimento proposto por Birk [4], que emprega uma formulação matricial baseada na extensão de reação, também pode ser utilizada para este propósito, mas é  um método que exige conhecimentos mais aprofundados de química e de álgebra linear, razão pela qual não é apresentado em livros textos e também não será discutido neste trabalho. Uma abordagem alternativa, mais fácil, é a utilização de cálculos numéricos e a apresentação gráfica dos resultados, procedimento bastante facilitado pelo uso de planilhas eletrônicas. Isto permite uma visão geral do sistema ácido-base, reforça princípios importantes e permite o tratamento de uma ampla gama de sistemas químicos.
Química analítica básica
Authors: Andrade João Carlos de
Published: September 2019

O ácido acético e a solução aquosa de amônia (também chamada erroneamente de hidróxido de amônio) são os exemplos mais comuns mencionados em classe quando se apresentam aos alunos os conceitos e cálculos envolvendo equilíbrios ácidos-bases em solução aquosa. Isto ocorre porque suas constantes de equilíbrio permitem aproximações que simplificam os cálculos, sem se incorrer em erros grosseiros. Mas estes exemplos são particularidades e não devem ser generalizados. Ainda mais! Como tratar os casos dos ácidos e bases polifuncionais (“polipróticos”)? O que acontece com a diluição da amostra? As respostas a estas e outras perguntas serão apresentadas neste artigo com o equacionamento matemático dos sistemas químicos, baseado nos trabalhos alguns autores que se dedicam a equacionar estes problemas de forma didática [1-7]. Mais especificamente, pretende-se destacar e detalhar os textos apresentado Butler [1] em seu excelente livro “Ionic Equilibrium: a mathematical approach”, usado como principal foco neste artigo.
Special Issue on the Latest Machine Tool Technologies and Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Nakao Yohichi , Yoshioka Hayato
Published: September 2019

With the 2011 launch of Industrie 4.0, a German project aiming to promote the computerization of manufacturing, the integration of physical or actual manufacturing systems with cyber-physical systems (CPS) using various technologies, such as the Internet of things (IoT), industrial Internet of things (IIOT), and artificial intelligence, is considered to be more important than ever before. One of the goals of the Industrie 4.0 is to realize smart factories or smart manufacturing using advanced digital technologies. However, the core component in the manufacturing systems is still machine tools.

This special issue, composed of eleven excellent research papers, focuses on the latest research advances in machine tools and manufacturing processes. It covers various topics, including machine tool control, tool path generation for multi-axis machining, and machine tool components. Furthermore, this special issue includes innovative machining technologies, including not only cutting and grinding processes but also the EDM process and burnishing process connected effectively with force control techniques. All the research contributions were presented at IMEC2018, a joint event with JIMTOF2018, held in Tokyo, Japan in 2018.

The editors would like to sincerely thank the authors for their dedication and for their well written and illustrated manuscripts. We are also profoundly grateful for the efforts of all the reviewers who ensured their quality. Finally, we sincerely hope that studies on machine tools and related manufacturing technologies will further contribute to the development of our global society.
Generation of a High-Precision Digital Elevation Model for Fields in Mountain Regions Using RTK-GPS
Authors: Yang Liangliang , Guo Hao , Yang Shuming , Hoshino Yohei , Suzuki Soichiro , Gao Dehua , Cao Ying ,   Kitami Institute of Technology  165 Koen-cho, Kitami-shi, Hokkaido 090-8507, Japan,   Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
Published: September 2019

In modern agriculture, many advanced automated devices are used on farms. To improve the working efficiency of agricultural vehicles, fields are expected to be pre-leveled, because the vehicles work more effectively on a flat field. Leveling a field requires the current field elevation map. Some farmers in Japan have begun to use high-precision real-time kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS)-based self-steering tractors in the fields. This study uses the RTK-GPS information from a self-steering tractor system to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) especially in mountain regions where the fields are not flat. In addition, all of the information is from the self-steering system with the result that farmers can use the method of this study without additional instruments. However, the GPS receiver sometimes cannot obtain high-quality signals from satellites in mountain regions. Therefore, this study focuses on how to create a high-precision DEM even when a GPS signal is unavailable. It proposes a dynamic interpolation method for generating a DEM. In addition, a test was conducted in a field in a mountain region. The test results show that the dynamic interpolation method can provide an accuracy of less than 0.03 m in the test field for creating a DEM.
Optimasi Hasil Akuisisi Wajah Dengan Variasi Proyeksi Menggunakan Kedekatan Pola Jarak Pixel
Authors: Putra Arief Bramanto Wicaksono , Aribah Yusi
Published: September 2019

Akuisisi merupakan proses awal untuk mendapatkan citra digital. Pada penelitian ini menerapkan akuisisi dengan jenis-jenis proyeksi sudut yang bertujuan untuk menganalisis perbandingan hasil akuisisi yang data sudutnya bervariasi dari sebuah obyek wajah. Ekstraksi ciri dilakukan untuk memperoleh nilai spesifik dari akuisisi wajah, obyek penelitian berupa wajah memiliki 9 sampel dengan identitas sudut 0o, +15o, +45o, +75o, +90o, -15o, -45o, -75o, dan -90o. Pada proses ekstraksi ciri menggunakan Correlation Coefficient semua hasil akuisisi obyek wajah telah melalui tahapan pre-processing. Pengujian performansi dari variasi proyeksi tersebut menggunakan metode Euclidean Distance sebagai pengukur jarak kedekatan antar variasi sudut, dimana selisih antar jarak yang diperoleh akan menjadi nilai dari performansi yang diinginkan. Hasil performansi akuisisi terbaik dari obyek A adalah sudut 0o terhadap +15o dan -15o, obyek B sudut 0o terhadap +15o dan -15o, dan obyek C sudut 0o terhadap +90o dan -90o.
Editorial
Authors: Mann Tony
Published: September 2019

Editorial for MSOR Connections issue 17-3.
Mathematics support centres from a sociocultural point of view
Authors: Pfeiffer Kirsten
Published: September 2019

Mathematics support centres provide opportunities for students to work in groups or explore mathematics with some guidance, which is often difficult to achieve in large lectures or tutorials. In this article I discuss the role of mathematics support centres from a socio-cultural point of view. In this view learning takes place as participation in a community of practice. Providing access to such a community is seen as crucial for the transition from school to university, however it is particularly challenging to provide authentic opportunities for mathematical practice in a university environment. I argue that mathematics support centres have potential to provide such opportunities for students and are therefore significant for the progress of newcomers in the practice.
Developing a math e-learning question specification for sharing questions between different systems
Authors: Kawazoe Mitsuru , Yoshitomi Kentaro , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Fukui Tetsuo , Shirai Shizuka , Nakahara Takahiro , Kato Katsuya , Taniguchi Tetsuya
Published: September 2019

In recent years, e-assessment has become increasingly popular in mathematics education. However, there are several different systems, and hence, the contents need to be developed independently in each system. Sharing contents between different systems is important for the diffusion of math e-learning/assessment systems. This study focuses on sharing computational questions, which are the main contents in most systems. The structure of such questions seems essentially compatible between many systems. Based on this observation, a specification, namely mathematics e-learning question specification (MeLQS) is proposed and described as a common base for developing contents in computer-algebra-system-based mathematics e-learning/assessment systems. Furthermore, the development of authoring tools for MeLQS is reported.
Using virtual and physical learning spaces to develop a successful mathematical learning community, both for on-site and distance provision
Authors: Huntley Belinda , Middleton Andrew , Waldock Jeff
Published: September 2019

This paper considers learning space and its relationship to student belonging and becoming. Student engagement, satisfaction and academic success are outcomes of a supportive learning community which can flourish in a culture of expectation and behaviour created by providing suitable support structures and by considering the effective use of physical and virtual learning spaces. We describe our innovative use of discipline-specific virtual and physical spaces to develop successful mathematical learning communities, in both a UK university where activities are principally face-to-face, and at a South African university where they are mainly virtual. By comparing our practices and spaces, we explore the ‘equivalence of place’ and the roles of academic staff in fostering the development of professional learner identities through each context. Based on evidence from our respective practices, we make recommendations for designing new learning spaces and for making effective use of existing learning spaces. Although this study focuses on mathematics, many of these suggestions can benefit all disciplines.
Colombia’s New Ambitions Include Caribbean and Shale Development, But Are They Achievable?
Authors: Zborowski Matt
Published: September 2019

At some point during the first half of this year, Colombia replaced politically and economically crippled Venezuela as Latin America’s third-largest oil-producing country.

That put Colombia behind only Brazil and Mexico in the hydrocarbons-rich region, two nations on divergent paths in terms of oil flow. Since Brazil ended state-owned Petrobras’ monopoly and opened up its industry to international companies in the late 1990s, the country’s oil output has almost tripled as it found and tapped into its giant offshore presalt fields. Output from Mexico’s state-owned Pemex, meanwhile, has fallen to its lowest level since at least 1990, and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is working to stymie energy reforms implemented in 2013 to rejuvenate industry in the country.

With the lessons of its resource-rich neighbors in mind, Colombia finds itself in a similar position where it must carefully choose a path forward for its industry or risk squandering great potential, or worse, losing what took years to build. The Andean country in the early 2000s overhauled its regulatory framework, reduced government take, and held licensing rounds with the intent of attracting foreign investment. Oil production subsequently rose to more than 1 million B/D before dropping amid the global industry downturn. Output in May averaged just short of 900,000 B/D.

The Colombian government is trying to build on the foundation established by those reforms by implementing a novel permanent, continuously open bidding process and exploring unconventional development. The aim is to replenish depleted oil and gas reserves and increase production. Based on its 2018 output, the country’s crude reserves are good for just 6.2 years, while its natural gas reserves would last 9.8 years, falling below the 10-year mark for the first time in decades, according to statistics from Colombia’s National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).

But Colombia has long been seen by the global industry as a petroleum province with upside that surpasses just incremental reserves and production gains. All of its liquids and nearly all of its gas production is extracted conventionally onshore, meaning its offshore and unconventional sectors are nascent. Colombia, which shares a more than 2000-km border with Venezuela, has proven petroleum systems that have produced oil and gas for a century, and the application of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing offers huge promise.•

Maria Fernanda SuÁrez, Colombia’s minister of mines and energy, has said that unconventional development could triple the country’s oil and gas reserves. Standing in the way, however, has been public resistance to hydraulic fracturing, and pilot projects that would demonstrate its benefits are yet to get environmental approval. There is “game-changing potential—if the industry can get going with development,” said Ruaraidh Montgomery, research director at oil and gas research firm•Welligence Energy Analytics.
Evaluation of a Riser After 10 Years of GOM Service Life
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2019

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 28908, “Ten Years in the Water: Observation and Detailed Evaluation of a Riser After Extensive Service Life,” by Mike Tricarico, Vallourec; Chris O’Neil, Anadarko; and Thomas Peter, Vallourec, prepared for the 2018 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 30 April–3 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2018 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

As part of an effort to evaluate existing riser systems, an operator launched an inspection and testing program to investigate risers retrieved following well abandonment after a service life of nearly 10 years in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). This represented a rare opportunity to evaluate the state of the threaded and coupled risers after such a long service life and assess the remaining longevity of the riser system. Specifically, it was a chance to observe and measure the effects of actual service life as opposed to calculated service conditions on the pipe and connections. The findings provided valuable insights into the future viability of similar riser systems.

Introduction

The Constitution truss spar was first placed in service in 2005. The spar featured six dry tree production risers with two subsea tiebacks. It operates in the Green Canyon region of the GOM in almost 5,000 ft of water. The production risers were run in 2006. In 2015, the decision was made to abandon several of the production dry tree wells. There was a high degree of interest in investigating the risers to assess remaining life. Special attention was paid to evidence of corrosion, cracking, or wear on the outer diameter (OD) or inner diameter (ID) of the pipe, along with water ingress into the connection causing any corrosion from seawater on the bare metal of the•connection. The complete paper includes a detailed discussion of the original design, testing, and first running; this synopsis will concentrate on post-service testing and assessment.

Riser Pulling, Evaluation, and Testing

Pulling and Review. In late 2015, on the basis of internal evaluation, the operator pulled several of the production risers. In order to validate the remaining life of the risers and to help in-form future decisions on the longevity of threaded and coupled risers, the operator then initiated a detailed review of the risers. The stress joints, tension joints, and first connectors after those joints were kept, along with several of the risers from the middle of the string. During the pulling operations, little evaluation of the state of the risers was possible; however, photographs of several of the connections were taken as they were pulled. Most notable was the lack of corrosion on the connection.
First insight into the genotype and molecular epidemiology of MDR-TB isolates from Chongqing Municipality of China using 24-loci MIRU-VNTR technique
Authors: Xu Lei , Hu Yan , Li Tongxin , Yang Chun , He Yonglin , Liu Jie , Feng Xin , Zhu Damian , Shen Jing , Lu Lan , Wang Yuwei , Hu Daiyu
Published: September 2019

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a great threat to TB control around the world. In 2017, there were 889,000 new tuberculosis cases in China, and 31.1% were MDR/RR-TB (TB resistant to rifampicin). This study aims to explore the the molecular characteristics and factors associated with infection among different genotype MDR strains in Chongqing, China.

Methods: All the 230 MDR-TB isolates were genotyped using 24-loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unite variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) method and multiplex real-time PCR melting curve assay of Rv2952 gene and mutT2 gene. Polymorphism and clustering analysis of each locus was carried out by BioNumerics Version 5.0.

Results: By genotyping, 83.0% (191/230) of the MDR-TB isolates were Beijing strains, among which 41.9% from the ancient Beijing genotype and 58.1% from the modern Beijing genotype. Based on 24-loci, the 230 MDR isolates were classified into 208 genotypes, among which 38 isolates belonged to 16 clusters. The clustering rate was 16.5%. The percentages of SM-resistant and EMB-resistant in Beijing genotype were significantly higher than those in non-Beijing genotype (P < 0.01). The Beijing genotype had a significantly high risk to be clustered than non-Beijing genotype (p < 0.01). The percentages of SM-resistant isolates in clustered group were significantly higher than non-clustered group (P < 0.01). According to 24-loci, the HGDI was 0.9988, and five loci (Qub11b, Qub26, Mtub21, MIRU26, Mtub04) have high discriminatory power (HGDI > 0.6), while 7 loci (MIRU4, MIRU23, Mtub34, MIRU20, Mtub29, MIRU2, MIRU24) showed negligible diversity (HGDI < 0.1). The percentage of clustered rate showed no difference between 24-loci and 15-loci (p = 0.19).

Conclusion: Among MDR isolates in Chongqing China, Beijing genotype is more likely to be drug resistant and clustered, and SM-resistant isolates are more likely to be clustered that may related to the MDR epidemic. Although 24-loci had a high resolution of genotype, some new loci should be found to replace the poor diversity loci in 24-loci and additional analysis of specific sublineage of Beijing genotype is needed in order to better understand the relations between the molecular characteristics of strains and MDR-TB epidemic.
High index of suspicion for Brucellosis in a highly cosmopolitan city of southern China
Authors: Ye Hai-Yan , Xing Fan-Fan , Yang Jin , Lo Simon K.F , Lau Ricky W.T. , Chen Jonathan H.K , Chiu Kelvin H.Y , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: September 2019

Background:Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonosis worldwide, it is caused by Gram-negative coccobacilli, Brucella spp. In China, 90% of brucellosis occurred in six northern agricultural provinces. However, there is an increasing trend of human brucellosis in southern provinces but only limited cases were reported. Our study aims to describe the clinical features and epidemiology of brucellosis in a tertiary hospital of southern china. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in the past 4 years. Clinical details of brucellosis including occupation, suspected transmission route and complications were retrieved. Serum for tube agglutination test to check Brucella antibody. Blood and aspirate were collected for culture, Vitek 2 and MALDL-TOF MS were used for identification.Results:Thirteen cases of laboratory confirmed brucellosis were encountered in a highly cosmopolitan city Shenzhen of South China between January 2014 and October 2018. Seven of the thirteen patients were male, with age ranging from 29 to 73 years old. Five patients (38.5%) came from Guangdong province, and eight patients (61.5%) came from other provinces. The commonest route of transmission was handling and consumption of infected placenta from goats. Common presenting symptoms include fever, osteoarticular pain and urinary symptoms. Common physical signs were fever, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. The commonest complication was spondylodiscitis/ peripheral joint arthritis (n=4), while exotic complications including abdominal aortitis with pseudoaneurysm, hepatic and spleen abscess, soft tissue abscess, and epididymo-orchitis were also observed in 4 other patients. The most life-threating but rare complication of abdominal aortitis in the elderly could be easily missed due to the nonspecific presenting symptom. Conclusions:In summary, brucellosis is increasingly seen in highly cosmopolitan part of southern China. In addition to tuberculosis, typhoid fever and typhus, brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin in this locality. Presence of extensive atherosclerosis in elderly patient may predispose them to endovascular infection by Brucella species.
Thymidine kinase 1 in serum for prognosis, an investigation on routine individual adapted treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Authors: Li Zhongcheng , Zhang Guoqing , Li Jin , Ma Hongbo , Wang Zhenxin , Jiao Shunchang , Hu Yi , Sun Shengjie , Wu Liangliang , Zhou Ji , He Ellen , Skog Sven
Published: September 2019

Background: Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is a key enzyme involved in DNA synthesis. The aim is to assess the prognostic significance of serum TK1 protein concentration (STK1p) and its role in monitoring of individual customized therapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients in routine clinical setting.
Methods: A prospective study of 129 NSCLC patients was confirmed by imager, /pathology and treated by radical resection (RR) combined with individual-chemotherapy or individual-chemotherapy alone, in 2010 to 2017. The STK1p was measured using an ECL dot blot assay in sera of patients.
Results: Comparisons between 2-cycle-post-individual-chemotherapy and pre-individual-chemotherapy showed that STK1p was significantly associated with treatment effect (p<0.001), and the STK1p low-group correlated significantly to the early/middle clinical stage, as well as the treatment with RR+ individual-chemotherapy (p < 0.05). A significantly poor overall survival (OS) was found in elevated-risk STK1p vs. low-risk STK1p values (p=0.016), in advantage clinical stage vs. early/middle clinical stage (p=0.004), in SCC patients compare vs. AC patients (p=0.003) and in chemotherapy alone vs. RR combined with individual-chemotherapy (p=0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that STK1p (hazard risk=2.295, p=0.010), and RR combined with individual-chemotherapy (hazard risk=3.04, p=0.0001), were independently survival factors.
Conclusions: STK1p correlates significantly to survival and is an independent multivariate prognostic factor in NSCLC patients. STK1p as a low-cost assay, is a useful tool to combine with imager for a rational approach to increase the efficacy in early detection of tumor in lung cancer screening and assessment of individual adjusted therapy in NSCLC patients.
Urinary extracellular vesicle analysis and detection of low abundance immunoglobulin oligomers in samples isolated from patients with significant urine proteinuria
Authors: Cooper Shawna A. , Dick Christopher , Misra Pinaki , Leung Nelson , Schinstock Carrie , Ramirez-Alvarado Marina
Published: September 2019

Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) have been used as a biomarker tool for detection of low abundance immunoglobulin-based targets in uEVs with heterogeneous high protein mixtures. This protocol outlines a pre-incubation method to minimize non-specific secondary antibody binding. Additionally, we include our approach for standardization of uEV amounts used for sample comparison. We propose that these and knowledge of the detection limit for target proteins are strategies applicable to other laboratories working with complex heterogeneous samples.
Labor pain control and associated factors among women who gave birth at Leku primary hospital, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Siyoum Melese , Mekonnen Shewangizaw
Published: September 2019

Objective: To assess Labor pain control and associated factors among women who give birth at Leku primary Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2018/19. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 404 mothers who gave birth at Leku Hospital during the data collection period. Data were collected by two first degree midwives immediately after delivery using Labor Agentry Scale (LAS). Results: In this study, 404 mothers were participated making the response rate of 100%. Among the participants, 104 (25.7%) of mothers reported Mild control of labor pain. Maternal age of 19 to 24year AOR=5.85(95%CI 2.14, 15.98), being farmer AOR=2.5(1.14, 5.57), primi-para AOR=0.13(0.06, 0.3), good family support AOR=2.8(1.49, 5.3), short duration of labor (<12hrs) AOR=3.2(1.65, 6.23) and history of pregnancy loss AOR=0.06(0.03, 0.14) were significantly associated with greater control of labor pain. In general, compared to other studies, the level of labor pain control is good in this study area. Enhancing factors of labor pain control have to be strengthened to increase greater control of labor pain. Qualitative research is highly recommended to identify cultural factors related to labor pain control and management. Keywords: labor analgesia, labor pain, labor pain control, southern Ethiopia, Leku
A Probabilistic Approach for Economic Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety Interventions: A Case Study of Silica Exposure Reduction Interventions in the Construction Sector
Authors: Mofidi Amirabbas , Tompa Emile , Mortazavi SeyedBagher , Esfahanipour Akbar , Demers Paul A.
Published: September 2019

Background: Construction workers are at a high risk of exposure to various types of hazardous substances such as crystalline silica. Though multiple studies indicate the evidence regarding the effectiveness of different silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector, the decisions for selecting a specific silica exposure reduction intervention are best informed by an economic evaluation. Economic evaluation of interventions is subjected to uncertainties in practice, mostly due to the lack of precise data on important variables. In this study, we aim to identify the most cost-beneficial silica exposure reduction intervention for the construction sector under uncertain situation.
Methods: We apply a probabilistic modeling approach that covers a large number of variables relevant to the cost of lung cancer, as well as the costs of silica exposure reduction interventions. To estimate the societal lifetime cost of lung cancer, we use an incidence cost approach. To estimate the net benefit of each intervention, we compare the expected cost of lung cancer cases averted, with expected cost of implementation of the intervention in one calendar year. Sensitivity analysis is used to quantify how different variables effects interventions net benefit.
Results: A positive net benefit is expected for all considered interventions. The highest number of lung cancer cases are averted by combined use of wet method, local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment, about 107 cases, with expected net benefit of $45.9 million. Results also suggest that the level of exposure is an important determinant for the selection of the most cost-beneficial intervention.
Conclusions: This study provides important insights for decision makers about silica exposure reduction interventions in the construction sector. It also provides an overview of the potential advantages of using probabilistic modeling approach to undertake economic evaluations, particularly when researchers are confronted with a large number of uncertain variables.
Who were the tuberculosis patients who died precociously due to the disease in Southern Brazil? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Santos Danielle Talita dos , Alves Luana Seles , Crispim Juliane Almeida , Alves Josilene Dália , Ramos Denisse Andrea Cartagena , Alonso Jonas Bodini , Assis Ivaneliza Simionato de , Ramos Antonio Vieira , Dessunti Elma Mathias , Pinto Ione Carvalho , Palha Pedro Fredemir , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Nunes Carla
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

A diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is no sign that the disease will be treated successfully, as death still occurs among those who are diagnosed by health services. The study aimed to identify the TB patients who died precociously due to the disease and associated factors in Southern Brazil.METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study, where all deaths from TB were gathered, including cases of TB/HIV joint infection (ICD A15.0–A15.9 and ICD B20.0), which occurred between 2008 and 2015 in Southern Brazil. Techniques for survival analysis were applied, including the Kaplan-Meier test and Cox’s regression, from which the mean, median and IC 95 of survival (in days) were estimated; the hazard ratio (HR) obtained and the associated causative factors identified.RESULTS

A total of 205 were found: 131 of these resulted from TB alone, while 74 had origins in joint infection of TB/HIV and only 179 deaths were included in the survival analysis. The first group had a median survival of 19 days, and the second group had a median survival of 28 days; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The median survival for the whole sample was 22 days, with 59.1% of these individuals dying within 30 days and 72.5% passing away within 60 days after diagnosis (minimum = 1, maximum = 349, SD = 68.8 and mean = 50 days). The use of alcohol (HR 1.9, IC 95 1.2–3.1) was associated with precocious death in the studied patients.CONCLUSION

Most of the deaths occurred prematurely (within 2 months), which evidenced that the diagnoses have been made too late, when the disease was already in its advanced stages. The use of alcohol was associated with the precocious deaths. Although the diagnostic and treatment are free in Brazil and the patients have gotten the diagnosis, they died. Early, sensitive diagnosis, with social support and a comprehensive care might reduce the early mortality among with patients with addiction problems.
Time to improve the communication of evidence-based medicine to pregnant women: a review of an exemplary framework related to the prevention of gestational diabetes
Authors: Arabin Birgit , Behnam Susann , Ellermann Christin , Jenny Mirjam A
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND
Medical specialists are frequently challenged to understand and explain the best evidence even when study results are contradictive. During pregnancy, communication of evidence should motivate women to realize life style changes in favor of themselves and their offspring.
MAIN BODY
On the topic of prevention of gestational diabetes alone, we found 17 systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Outcomes, reporting and methodological quality differed according to PRISMA, ROBIS and AMSTAR tools.
CONCLUSIONS
We propose a methodology to select and transform the best evidence into a format illustrating benefits and harms of interventions as fact boxes and icon arrays, which may be applied in other fields of obstetrics.
Comparative analysis of maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies complicated and not complicated with hyperemesis gravidarum necessitating hospitalization
Authors: Günay Taner , Hocaoğlu Meryem , Bör Ergül Demirçivi , Turgut Abdulkadir
Published: September 2019

Background Hyperemesis gravidarum is considered to be one of the most common causes of hospitalization during the first half of pregnancy, and is a potentially life-threatening condition. The purpose of this study to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies complicated and not complicated with hyperemesis gravidarum necessitating hospitalization.Methods A total of 386 women with singleton deliveries between March 2015 and March 2019 were included in this retrospective single-center study. Of 386 women, 186 women who were hospitalized with hyperemesis gravidarum within the first 20 weeks of gestation comprised the hyperemetic pregnancy group, while 200 women without hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy served as a control group. Fisher’s exact test, Pearson Chi-Square test, Fisher Freeman Halton Test (Monte Carlo) and Mann-Whitney U test were used for data analysis.Results No significant difference was noted between the hyperemesis gravidarum and control groups in terms of maternal characteristics, gestational age (median 38.6 and 39.0 weeks, respectively), type of delivery (normal spontaneous delivery in 78.0% and 80.0%, respectively), fetal gender (female: 53.2% and 48.5%, respectively), birthweight (median 3250 g and 3275 g, respectively) and 5-min APGAR scores (≥7 in 97.3% and 97.5%, respectively). Adverse pregnancy outcomes were also similar between groups including preterm birth (8.1% and 11.0%, respectively), SGA (5.9% and 9.5%, respectively), hypertensive disorder (5.4% and 7.5%, respectively), placental abruption (1.1% and 0.5%, respectively), stillbirth (0.0% and 0.5%, respectively) and GDM (3.8% and 2.5%, respectively). Weight loss during pregnancy was evident in 94.0% of women in the hyperemesis gravidarum group, while none of women in the control group had weight loss during pregnancy (p<0.001).Conclusion The findings of this study revealed that pregnancies complicated with hyperemesis gravidarum were not associated with increased risk for adverse fetal and maternal outcomes compared with the healthy control pregnancies.
Client perceived quality of postnatal care following a normal delivery provided by public sector specialized care institutions in Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study
Authors: Wickramasinghe Sashimali , Gunathunga Wasantha , Hemachandra Nilmini
Published: September 2019

Background

Majority of the maternal and neonatal adverse events take place during the postnatal period. Provision of high-quality care during this period can minimize these events. Assessment of mothers’ perceptions of the quality of care received by them provides valuable feedback to improve the care and ultimately outcomes.

Methods

A cross sectional survey was conducted in specialized institutions of Colombo district, Sri Lanka, to assess the maternal perceptions of the quality of regular postnatal care and its correlations, using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the perceptions and multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the significant correlates of positive perceptions.

Results

The median score obtained for the questionnaire was 108, (96-114). The median scores of the technical care and information domain, interpersonal care domain and ward facilities and cleanliness domain were 43 (38-45), 33 (30-35) and 32 (28-35) respectively. Attending teaching/ specialized hospitals (1.6, p<0.001), 20-35 age group (aOR=1.8, p=0.024), and services such as initiation of breast feeding within one hour of delivery (2.1, p=0.009), pain relief during episiotomy suturing (2.2, p<0.001), practicing KMC (1.4, p=0.035), receiving health advices by doctors or midwives (2.1, p<0.001) were significant correlates of positive perceptions.

Conclusions

Majority of mothers had favourable perceptions of the quality of care received by them. However, the ward facilities and environment domain has obtained lower ratings compared to technical and interpersonal care domains. Several services were significantly associated with favourable perceptions. Authorities should consider these findings when attempting to improve care quality. Further, this assessment should be carried out regularly to obtain more current data.
Effectiveness of Alpha-Fetoprotein Variants L2 and L3 as Substitutes of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Screening for Fetal Trisomy 18
Authors: Huang Jianxia , Chen Yiming , Hu Wensheng
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of alpha-fetoprotein variants (AFP-L2, AFP-L3) for fetal screening of Trisomy 18 in place of alpha fetoprotein (AFP).

Methods

A case-control study was conducted. The case group included 39 pregnant women diagnosed by karyotype analysis of amniotic fluid cells as bearing Trisomy 18 fetuses. The control group included 48 pregnant women with clinically normal and healthy fetal development. The serum AFP-L2 and AFP-L3 concentrations were detected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff value, area under the curve (AUC), and assess the screening performance of AFP-L2 and AFP-L3.

Results

The AFP-L2 and AFP-L3 concentrations in pregnant women with Trisomy 18 fetuses were 7.95±3.57 ng/mL , and 2.53±1.80 ng/mL, respectively, which was significantly higher than those of the control group (3.73±1.63 ng/mL [3.26~4.20], t=6.820, P<0.001, and 0.84±0.60 ng/mL [0.66~1.01], t=5. 588, P<0.001, respectively). The AUC for AFP-L2 and AFP-L3 in screened Trisomy 18 fetuses was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.767-0.930, P < 0.001) and 0.806 (95% CI: 0.707-0.905, P < 0.001), respectively. The optimal cutoff values of AFP-L2 and AFP-L3 for Trisomy 18 fetuses were determined to be 6.340 ng/mL and 1.705 ng/mL, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index values were 0.615, 1.000, 0.615; 0.6410, 0.958, and 0.599, respectively. Comparisons across multiple modeling methods showed that the highest AUC of screened Trisomy 18 fetuses (0.992 and 0.986) was yielded by AFP-L2 + AFP-L3 + free β-HCG, and AFP-L2 + free β-HCG, with 1.000 sensitivity indicated in both instances. The sensitivities of the four Trisomy 18 screening combinations were all 1.000. In the control group, false positive rates of 22.92%, 8.33%, 12.50%, and 12.50% were observed. The series test showed that the sensitivities of Trisomy 18 screening was 69.23%, 61.54%, 64.10%, and 43.59%, respectively, while a 3.28% false positive rate was found in the control group AFP + free β-HCG marker combination.

Conclusion
AFP-L2 and AFP-L3 showed high sensitivity and specificity in the screening of fetuses for Trisomy 18. The new indicators did not bring about a significant improvement in screening efficiency but false positive rate was reduced compared to AFP.
Women´s expectations and experiences of labour induction—a questionnaire-based analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Strandberg Moa , Wallström Tove , Wiberg-Itzel Eva
Published: September 2019

Background: Although the induction of labour is a commonly used procedure in obstetrical care, there are limited data on its psycho-emotional effects on the woman. This study analysed the expectations and experiences of women included in a randomised controlled trial comparing different routes of labour induction. The primary aim of this questionnaire-based study was to evaluate women’s general satisfaction with induced labours and identify factors associated with a negative experience. The secondary aim was to compare the orally administrated misoprostol (OMS) to a misoprostol vaginal insert (MVI), while focusing on general maternal satisfaction. Methods Primiparous women (n = 196) with a singleton foetus in cephalic presentation, ≥ 37 weeks of gestation, with a Bishop´s score ≤ 4 planning labour induction were randomly allocated to receive either OMS (Cytotec®) or MVI (Misodel®). Data were collected by validated questionnaires, the Wijma Delivery Expectation/Experience Questionnaire (A+B). The pre-labour part of the questionnaire (W-DEQ version A) was given to participants to complete within one hour before the start of induction, and the post-labour part of the questionnaire (W-DEQ version B) was administered after birth and collected before the women were discharged from hospital. Background characteristics and delivery outcomes were extracted from maternity files and correlated to the results from the questionnaires. Results The mean score of the post-labour questionnaire (W-DEQ B) was 61.2 (22.9) and OMS and MVI generated comparable experiences among the participating women with a W-DEQ B score of 59.4 (21.0) and 62.7 (24.7), respectively (p = 0.48). It was found that 11.8% (17/143) reported a severe fear of childbirth (W-DEQ A score ≥ 85). Women that stated a severe fear before the start of induction had a 3.7 times increased risk of experiencing labour induction negatively (OR 3.7 [95% CI; 1.04–13.41]). Conclusion Severe fear of childbirth was a risk factor for a negative experience of labour induction. OMS compared to MVI generated comparable results among participating women in this randomised controlled trial.