bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by Olanedine solution—A diagnostic patch‐testing method involving dried filter paper
Authors: Iijima Shigeruko , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: May 2020

Background

Olanedine solution is a new antiseptic, and several cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by the agent were reported in 2018; however, these cases were diagnosed based on positive results in 2‐day closed patch testing of Olanedine solution “as is.”

Objectives

To present another case of Olanedine‐induced allergic contact dermatitis and to analyze the optimal patch‐testing method for this condition.

Methods

A 34‐year‐old Japanese female patient and 25 healthy control subjects were patch tested using wet filter paper, which had been treated with 15 μL Olanedine solution, and dried filter paper, which had been treated with 15 μL Olanedine solution and then dried.

Results

The patient and all of the control subjects exhibited false‐positive reactions due to irritation in the 2‐day closed patch tests with wet filter paper containing Olanedine solution “as is.” The tests with dried filter paper produced a positive reaction on day 7 in the patient, and negative reactions in all control subjects.

Conclusions

It is preferable to perform 2‐day closed patch tests using filter paper with the test solution “as is,” which had been dried before application in order to correctly diagnose antiseptic‐induced allergic contact dermatitis.
Deep brain stimulation for dystonia: beyond motor improvement
Authors: Frizon Leonardo A , Francisco Alexandre N
Published: May 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Perides et al. on pages 917–925 of this issue.
Critical subaortic stenosis due to fibromuscular ridge in a 66‐year‐old woman: 2D‐3D echocardiography findings
Authors: Pergolini Amedeo , Pingitore Annachiara , Zampi Giordano , Pontillo Daniele , Menafra Giovanni , Musumeci Francesco
Published: May 2020

Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) can be either a fixed stenosis resulting from subaortic anatomical obstacle or a dynamic stenosis because of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Here, we report a patient with a rare subaortic circumferential fibromuscular tunnel who became unusually symptomatic in her sixth decade of life. Transthoracic and mostly transesophageal echocardiography with 3D application is the preferred diagnostic modality. Indications for surgery include symptoms and LVOT gradient of 50 mm Hg. Our purpose is an image focus on this infrequent case.
Should forage evaluation indices include a feeding value trait?
Authors: Griffiths Wendy M. , Roach Chris G. , Chapman David F.
Published: May 2020

Forage evaluation indices are available to assist farmer decision‐making on the most appropriate ryegrass cultivars to grow. However, these indices currently take no account of any feeding value trait that reflects the interaction between the animal and the structural and morphological characteristics of the pasture. Information on the feeding value of ryegrass cultivars can be confounded by nutritive value, arising from the relationship between nutritive value and heading date. The objective of this study was to determine the milk production response of dairy cows grazing four perennial ryegrass diploid cultivars: two morphologies within two different heading dates and on three occasions during lactation across two years: late spring, summer and autumn. No consistent phenotypic effect occurred on milk production across the two years. Milk production responses were more closely aligned to energy intake. The sward structure changed physiologically from year 1 to year 2, with a reduction in the ratio of leaf to stem and subsequent increase in stem mass in year 2. Despite this, the relative difference in leaf to stem between mid‐season and late‐season heading dates remained consistent between years and had no effect on milk production. In one year, the apparent dry‐matter intake was higher but it was not possible to determine which sward structure traits or group of traits contributed to this response. We conclude that, at this time, the evidence is insufficient to support inclusion of a phenotypic trait as represented by “feeding value” in forage evaluation indices.
Irritable bowel syndrome frequency and related factors in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Özkul Durmuş , Güney İbrahim , Saçkan Fatih , Coşkun Yavuz Yasemin , Selcuk Nedim Yilmaz , Tonbul Halil Z.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disease that is common in society, does not threaten life, impairs quality of life, and causes serious economic losses. Gastrointestinal system complaints and especially IBS are common in patients with chronic kidney disease. It has also been shown that psychiatric diseases are more common in patients with IBS. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of IBS in hemodialysis patients and to investigate the factors associated with IBS.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the questionnaire prepared to evaluate depression, anxiety, and abdominal pain was administered face‐to‐face to 686 patients by the same researcher in seven dialysis centers; 404 patients without exclusion criteria were included in the study. The diagnosis of IBS was made according to Rome IV criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors that are significantly related to IBS.

Findings

In 69 (17.1%) of the patients included in the study, symptoms were consistent with IBS. Binominal logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of age, dialysis duration, diabetes, proton pump inhibitor, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, calcium acetate use, Hamilton depression and anxiety scores associated with IBS in the presence of IBS of the participants. The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2 (3) = 69.748, P < 0.001. Independent risk factors for IBS in hemodialysis patients were determined as anxiety, long‐term dialysis treatment, and using calcium acetate as a phosphorus binder.

Discussion

In hemodialysis patients, IBS occurs approximately twice as often as in a healthy population. Independent risk factors for IBS in hemodialysis patients are anxiety, long‐term dialysis treatment, and using calcium acetate as a phosphorus binder.
Dermoscopy comparative approach for early diagnosis in familial melanoma: influence of MC1R genotype
Authors: Longo C. , Barquet V. , Hernandez E. , Marghoob A.A. , Potrony M. , Carrera C. , Aguilera P. , Badenas C. , Malvehy J. , Puig S.
Published: May 2020

Background

MC1R polymorphisms interact with CDKN2A mutations modulating melanoma risk and contribute to a less suspicious clinical and dermoscopic appearance of melanomas. Different strategies, including dermoscopic comparative approach and digital monitoring, are used for the melanoma diagnosis in this context.

Objective

To analyse the diagnostic accuracy of the morphologic approach and comparative approach in dermoscopy, and to detect melanoma in familial melanoma (FamMM) patients according to different genetic backgrounds.

Methods

Two independent readers evaluated 415 lesions belonging to 25 FamMM: 26 melanomas (62% in situ, 36% early invasive) and 389 naevi, blinded for dermoscopic and histopathologic diagnosis, following two different steps. First step‐Randomized: all lesions were randomly located in one single folder. Second step‐Comparative approach: the lesions were clustered by patient. Sensitivity, specificity and number needed to excise (NNE) for melanoma diagnosis were calculated for both diagnostic strategies. Sensitivity and specificity were also assessed regarding the genetic background.

Results

The comparative approach showed lower sensitivity compared to the morphologic approach (69.2 and 73.1 vs. 76.9 both readers) but better specificity (95.9 and 95.1 vs. 84.3 and 90.2, respectively). NNE was better in the comparative approach. The readers had more difficulties diagnosing lesions from CDKN2A mutation carriers with red hair colour (RHC) MC1R variants.

Conclusion

The comparative approach can be useful in high‐risk patients to decrease the NNE. Early melanomas in CDKN2A carriers with RHC polymorphisms are more difficult to diagnose even with the comparative approach and benefit from the detection of changes during digital dermoscopy monitoring for early diagnosis.
Effects of positive–negative antismoking messages to quit smoking among male college students: A randomized field study
Authors: Lee Shinae , Park Hyojung
Published: May 2020

Aim

Based on the main concept of reasoned action theory, this study aimed to examine which of the attitude and subjective norms affect the intention of smoking cessation by using four types of antismoking messages: (1) positively and( 2) negatively stimulating one's attitude toward smoking cessation; and (3) positively and (4) negatively reflected subjective norms for second‐hand smoking.

Methods

We conducted a randomized field study in smoking areas in universities located in D city of South Korea. Two hundred and eighty‐seven male students who smoke daily were recruited in the field and randomly divided into four experimental groups and one control group. The participants in each experimental group were asked to read attitude/positive, attitude/negative, norm/positive, and norm/negative message. The data of attitude, subjective norm, and intention to stop smoking were collected.

Results

There were significant differences in the intention to quit smoking in attitude/negative messages (F = 4.311, p = .015) and norm/positive messages (F = 4.353, p = .014). The effects of subjective norm were greater than those of attitude (p < .001).

Conclusion

Emphasizing the positive subjective norm for smoking cessation among young smokers might be effective in persuading them to quit smoking.
Temporal variations in the linkages between plants and flower visitors and the pollination success of Primula modesta along the snowmelt gradient
Authors: Moriwaki Hiroki , Takyu Masaaki , Kameyama Yoshiaki
Published: May 2020

Although pollination networks between plants and flower visitors are diverse and flexible, seed production of many plant species is restricted by pollen limitation. Obligate outcrossers often suffer from low pollinator activity or severe interspecific competition for pollinator acquisition among co‐flowering species. This study focused on seasonal changes in plant–flower visitor linkages in an alpine ecosystem and examined whether and how this seasonality affected the seed‐set of Primula modesta, a self‐incompatible distylous herb having long‐tubed flowers. First, we recorded the linkages between plants and flower visitors along the snowmelt gradient. Then, pollination experiment was conducted to estimate the degree of pollen limitation over the course of flowering season of P. modesta. Flower visitors were classified by their tongue length based on the morphological matching with P. modesta flowers. As the season progressed, plant–visitor linkages became more diverse and generalized, and the visitation frequency to P. modesta flowers increased. In the later part of the season, however, the seed set of P. modesta was significantly reduced due to severe pollen limitation, presumably because of increased competition for long‐tongued pollinators among co‐flowering species. The present study revealed that pollinator availability for specialist species may be restricted even when plant–visitor linkages are diverse and generalized as a whole. In the case of P. modesta, morphological matching and competition for pollinators might be the main factors explaining this discrepancy.
Interatrial conduction time from electrograms of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with left ventricular sensing
Authors: Marinaccio Leonardo , Giacopelli Daniele , Resta Margherita , Fabbian Clelia , Romanato Giuseppe , Borgato Martina , Vetta Francesco , Marchese Domenico
Published: May 2020

Background

The interatrial conduction time (IACT) is relevant for atrioventricular delay optimization in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. However, this information cannot be easily used as it requires invasive measurements. We tested whether electrical activation of left atrium (LA) could be detected in CRT devices with left ventricular (LV) sensing and used to estimate IACT.

Methods

The presence of LA activation on LV channel was evaluated in consecutive patients implanted with CRT and quadripolar LV leads whose sensing was temporarily set in the most proximal polarity (Ring LV4‐housing). Estimates of IACT during sinus rhythm and atrial pacing were measured and compared with the values obtained with invasive catheterization of coronary sinus.

Results

Among six patients (50% female; mean age 73.3 ± 4.9 years) included in the analysis, four (66%) had a visible LA signal on the LV channel. The mean IACT measured with device electrograms was 71 ± 8 ms and 133 ± 15 ms during sinus rhythm and atrial pacing, respectively. These values were equivalent to the measurements obtained during invasive catheterization. Both patients without evidence of LA activation had an LV lead with a short total interelectrodes distance (46 mm) resulting in a significant anatomical distance between Ring LV4 and LA.

Conclusions

In CRT devices with left ventricular sensing, LA signal could be detected and used to estimate IACT especially if long‐spaced electrodes are used.
Buyer Financing in Pull Supply Chains: Zero‐Interest Early Payment or In‐House Factoring?
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Lu Qihui , Cai Gangshu (George)
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the efficacy of zero‐interest early payment financing (alternatively referred to as early payment) and positive‐interest in‐house factoring financing in a pull supply chain with a capital‐constrained manufacturer selling a product through a capital‐abundant retailer. Early payment is the prepayment of a wholesale cost to the manufacturer, whereas in‐house factoring is a loan service provided to the manufacturer by a branch financing firm of the same retailer. We find that the retailer prefers early payment financing to bank financing when the manufacturer’s production cost is low. If the retailer instead offers positive‐interest in‐house factoring financing to the manufacturer, then the financing equilibrium domain enlarges as compared to bank financing. Interestingly, early payment financing can outplay positive‐interest in‐house factoring financing if the production cost is considerably low; otherwise, vice versa. When the production cost is big enough, the retailer will not provide either early payment or in‐house factoring. Furthermore, our main qualitative result sustains with an identical wholesale price across all three financing schemes and the financing equilibrium domain of early payment shrinks as demand variability grows.
Theorizing race in Hawai‘i: Centering place, indigeneity, and settler colonialism
Authors: Darrah‐Okike Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Scholars have argued that the sociology of race in the United States should be theorized within a settler‐colonial framework, while others have advanced a turn toward empire. Theories of settler colonialism are only recently gaining traction within sociology, however, and insights from Indigenous studies remain unfamiliar to many sociologists of race and ethnicity. Contemporary scholarship on Hawai‘i addresses settler colonialism and indigeneity in ways that could inform the sociology of race. The recent scholarship on Hawai‘i reviewed here advances the theorizing of race in three ways. First, it shows the complexity, endurance, and creativity of Indigenous agency, as well as resistance to colonialism. Second, by critically describing settler colonialism, it distinguishes colonial domination from racial domination, while also demonstrating their entanglements. Third, this body of literature examines how racializations are triangulated, organized by selective assimilation, and shaped by contestations over land, places, and resources. By engaging with these three themes, contemporary scholarship on Hawai‘i suggests pathways for future research at the intersection of race, place, indigeneity, and settler colonialism.
rIL‐35 prevents murine transfusion‐related acute lung injury by inhibiting the activation of endothelial cells
Authors: Qiao Jiajia , He Rui , Yin Yonghua , Tian Li , Li Ling , Lian Zhengqiu , Fang Peng , Liu Zhong
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an important cause of death associated with transfusion, and no specific clinical treatments are available. Endothelial cells are believed to play an important role in the development of TRALI. This study investigated whether IL‐35, an endothelial stabilizing cytokine could regulate the severity of antibody‐mediated TRALI in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were cultured in vitro, rIL‐35(2 μg/mL) was added before HMVECs activation, and HMVECs were fully activated by LPS (0.5 μg/mL). Then cells were collected for flow cytometry analysis. We used a previously established “two‐event” mouse model of TRALI with naive and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐injected mice as controls. rIL‐35(100 μg/kg) was injected into the tail vein for 3 consecutive days before the induction of the TRALI model. Samples were collected 2 hours after TRALI induction and tested for lung tissue myeloperoxidase activity, total protein levels, lung tissue histology, endothelial cell activation assay, and cytokine assay.

RESULTS

In vitro culture of HMVECs with rIL‐35 verified that rIL‐35 inhibited endothelial cells. In a mouse model, prophylactic administration of rIL‐35 prevented pulmonary edema, increased lung protein levels, and reduced polymorphonuclear neutrophil accumulation in the lung.

CONCLUSIONS

This work suggests that antibody‐mediated murine TRALI can be prevented by rIL‐35, and that rIL‐35 appears to work by inhibiting the activation of lung endothelial cells.
World Englishes in multilingual Morocco
Authors: Soussi Houssine
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the history, politics and discourses around the situation of English(es) in Morocco. It examines how this global language succeeded to infiltrate into the Moroccan linguistic market with a focus on its various uses in various domains (education, academic research, diplomacy, mass media, tourism and finance). Albeit English(es) is spoken sporadically in the business, science and education sectors, its usage and learning have grown over the last decades with the boom of free English satellite channels and the development of the internet and social media. This language is now considered as the main vehicle for the transfer of technology and as an important tool of appropriating modernity. Indeed, it is gaining prestige among Moroccans and is quickly replacing French as Morocco's second language, both among youths and educators.
Design and Analysis of a Geometrically Nonlinear Dynamic Vibration Absorber
Authors: Godoy Willians R. A. , Trindade Marcelo A.
Published: May 2020

The design and optimization of a nonlinear dynamic vibration absorber based on a snap-through truss geometry is investigated. The effect of absorber's parameters on primary system (PS) vibration amplitude reduction and frequency range of operation is analyzed. Within parametric analyses of the absorber, a methodology was proposed to tune the absorber's stiffness. Results show that the nonlinear vibration absorber may be substantially more effective than its linear counterpart both in terms of vibration amplitude reduction and absorption frequency range. Possible difficulties and/or limitations caused by the nonlinearity induced by the absorber are analyzed and, for the studied case, do not diminish the advantages of the nonlinear absorber (NLAbs). The effect of absorber's damping on the vibration reduction performance was also analyzed indicating that the NLAbs outperforms its linear counterpart even for higher damping levels.
Insights and Experiences in Academic Mentoring and Education
Authors: Diller Kenneth R.
Published: May 2020

It is a great honor to be named the awardee of the 2019 ASME Robert M. Nerem Education and Mentorship Medal. Bob Nerem has been a mentor to me since the beginning of my faculty career and has been a model to me for effectively dealing with the many dimensions of the interpersonal side of an academic career. This brief paper presents a summary of some of my personal insights and practices in this arena as gained during 46 years on the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin.
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Responds to Virus-Infected Cells with a Significant Increase in Type IV Pilus Expression
Authors: Mokrzan Elaine M. , Dairo Kolapo A. , Novotny Laura A. , Bakaletz Lauren O.
Published: May 2020

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHI) is the predominant bacterial causative agent of many chronic and recurrent diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. NTHI-induced chronic rhinosinusitis, otitis media, and exacerbations of cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often develop during or just after an upper respiratory tract viral infection. We have developed a vaccine candidate immunogen for NTHI-induced diseases that targets the majority subunit (PilA) of the type IV twitching pilus (T4P), which NTHI uses to adhere to respiratory tract epithelial cells and that also plays a role in disease. Here, we showed that NTHI cocultured with virus-infected respiratory tract epithelial cells express significantly more of the vaccine-targeted T4P than NTHI that encounters mock-infected (healthy) cells. These results strongly suggest that a vaccine strategy that targets the NTHI T4P will be effective under the most common predisposing condition: when the human host has a respiratory tract virus infection.
Systematic clinical approach for diagnosing upper limb tremor
Authors: Wardt Jaron van de , van der Stouwe A M Madelein , Dirkx Michiel , Elting Jan Willem J , Post Bart , Tijssen Marina AJ , Helmich Rick C
Published: May 2020

Tremor is the most common movement disorder worldwide, but diagnosis is challenging. In 2018, the task force on tremor of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society published a consensus statement that proposes a tremor classification along two independent axes: a clinical tremor syndrome and its underlying aetiology. In line with this statement, we here propose a stepwise diagnostic approach that leads to the correct clinical and aetiological classification of upper limb tremor. We also describe the typical clinical signs of each clinical tremor syndrome. A key feature of our algorithm is the distinction between isolated and combined tremor syndromes, in which tremor is accompanied by bradykinesia, cerebellar signs, dystonia, peripheral neuropathy or brainstem signs. This distinction subsequently informs the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, such as neurophysiology, laboratory testing, structural and dopaminergic imaging and genetic testing. We highlight treatable metabolic causes of tremor, as well as drugs and toxins that can provoke tremor. The stepwise approach facilitates appropriate diagnostic testing and avoids unnecessary investigations. We expect that the approach offered in this article will reduce diagnostic uncertainty and increase the diagnostic yield in patients with tremor.
Analysis of lawsuits related to diagnostic errors from point-of-care ultrasound in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care in the USA
Authors: Reaume Michael , Farishta Mehdi , Costello Joseph A , Gibb Tyler , Melgar Thomas A
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the extent of diagnostic error lawsuits related to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care, of which little is known.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of the Westlaw legal database for indexed state and federal lawsuits involving the diagnostic use of POCUS in internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care. Retrieved cases were reviewed independently by three physicians to identify cases relevant to our study objective. A lawyer secondarily reviewed any cases with discrepancies between the three reviewers.

Results

Our search criteria returned 131 total cases. Ultrasound was mentioned in relation to the lawsuit claim in 70 of the cases returned. In these cases, the majority were formal ultrasounds performed and reviewed by the radiology department, echocardiography studies performed by cardiologists or obstetrical ultrasounds. There were no cases of internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine or critical care physicians being subjected to adverse legal action for their diagnostic use of POCUS.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that concerns regarding the potential for lawsuits related to POCUS in the fields of internal medicine, paediatrics, family medicine and critical care are not substantiated by indexed state and federal filed lawsuits.
Factors associated with interest in bacterial sexually transmitted infection vaccines at two large sexually transmitted infection clinics in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Plotnikoff Kara M , Ogilvie Gina Suzanne , Smith Laurie , Donken Robine , Pedersen Heather Nicole , Samji Hasina , Grennan Troy
Published: May 2020

Objective

To explore sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic client attitudes and preferences towards STI vaccines and STI vaccine programming in an urban clinic setting.

Methods

A 31-item questionnaire was administered during check-in by clinic clerical staff at two STI clinics in Vancouver, Canada. Demographic characteristics and preferences were summarised descriptively. Multivariable logistic regression models to assess factors associated with STI vaccine interest (reported as ORs) were constructed using a priori clinically relevant variables and factors significant at p≤0.05 in bivariate analysis.

Results

293 surveys were included in analysis. 71.3% of respondents identified as male, 80.5% had college level education or higher and 52.9% identified as white/of European descent. The median age was 33. 86.5% of respondents reported they would be interested in receiving an STI vaccine, with a primary motivator to protect oneself. Bivariate analysis indicated several factors associated with vaccine interest, with differences for each infection. After adjusting for other variables, willingness to pay for an STI vaccine (OR=3.83, 95% CI 1.29 to 11.38, p=0.02) remained a significant factor for syphilis vaccine interest and intent to engage in future positive health behaviours remained a significant factor for chlamydia (OR=5.94, 95% CI 1.56 to 22.60, p=0.01) and gonorrhoea (OR=5.13, 95% CI 1.45 to 18.07, p=0.01) vaccine interest.

Conclusion

Respondents expressed a strong willingness to receive STI vaccines. These valuable findings will inform for eventual STI vaccine programme planning and implementation.
The constraint equation of the vertex function of quantum anomaly and Dyson–Schwinger equations in massless QED2 theory
Authors: Yu Yang , Li Jian-Feng
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we calculate the quantum anomaly for the longitudinal and the transverse Ward–Takahashi (WT) identities for vector and axial-vector currents in QED2 theory by means of the point-splitting method. It is found that the longitudinal WT identity for vector current and transverse WT identity for axial-vector current have no anomaly while the longitudinal WT identity for axial-vector current and the transverse WT identity for vector current have anomaly in QED2 theory. Moreover, we study the four WT identities in massless QED2 theory and get the result that the four WT identities together give the constraint equation of the vertex function of quantum anomaly. At last, we discuss the Dyson–Schwinger equations in massless QED2 theory. It is found that the vertex function of the quantum anomaly has corrections for the fermion propagator and Schwinger model.
Delay propagation cellular automata model based on max-plus algebra for robustness evaluations of non-periodic train operation plans
Authors: Li Wen-Jun , Feng Xiao
Published: May 2020

Based on discrete-event dynamic system theory, train operation events in high-speed railway transportation systems are regarded as the basic elements of these dynamic systems. For non-periodic timetable railways in China, based on a max-plus algebra method, a delay propagation cellular automata model is proposed to evaluate the robustness of high-speed train operation plans. The cellular automata evolution rules that can reproduce the delay propagation state of trains mainly consider train safety headway constraints, passenger transfer constraints, and electric multiple unit (EMU) connection constraints. A simulation analysis of actual cases is performed. The simulation results show that the model can be used to evaluate the robustness of the train operation plan. The numerical results show that in the preparation of train operation plans, the proposed model can predict which trains have significant influences on delays in advance and improve the possibility of reducing the occurrence of delays to maintain high-quality service.
Design and Performance Exploration of a Compact Dual-Band Antenna for WBAN-On Body Applications
Authors: Rajawat Asmita , Mohta Mohit , Sharma Aayush , Gupta Sindhu Hak
Published: May 2020

This paper is formulated keeping in view the need of compact antennas for wireless body area network (WBAN). The designed compact dual-band antenna (20[Formula: see text]mm [Formula: see text] 22[Formula: see text]mm [Formula: see text] 3.55[Formula: see text]mm) radiates at two resonant frequencies in the ultra-wideband (UWB) range. Compactness in the designed antenna is attained by using three different layers of copper and the return loss and gain characteristics are improved by incorporating a G-shape defected ground structure (DGS). The proposed antenna is unidirectional and immune to human contact since it is designed in the UWB range (3.1–10.6[Formula: see text]GHz) which makes it highly suitable for WBAN applications as its low radiating power is harmless for human tissues. The substrate used for design is RT/duroid with a relative permittivity of 2.2. The antenna exhibits superior frequency domain characteristics with simulated [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]16.39[Formula: see text]dB for 4.08[Formula: see text]GHz and [Formula: see text]21.87[Formula: see text]dB for 8.18[Formula: see text]GHz and realized gain of 3.69 and 6.02[Formula: see text]dB for 4.08 and 8.18[Formula: see text]GHz, respectively. The measured [Formula: see text] depicts a shift to the lower band for the fabricated antenna with the values of [Formula: see text]15.36[Formula: see text]dB for 3.55[Formula: see text]GHz and [Formula: see text]21.66[Formula: see text]dB for 6.218[Formula: see text]GHz.
Mining High-utility Temporal Patterns on Time Interval–based Data
Authors: Wang Jun-Zhe , Chen Yi-Cheng , Shih Wen-Yueh , Yang Lin , Liu Yu-Shao , Huang Jiun-Long
Published: May 2020

In this article, we propose a novel temporal pattern mining problem, named
high-utility temporal pattern mining
, to fulfill the needs of various applications. Different from classical temporal pattern mining aimed at discovering frequent temporal patterns, high-utility temporal pattern mining is to find each temporal pattern whose utility is greater than or equal to the minimum-utility threshold. To facilitate efficient high-utility temporal pattern mining, several extension and pruning strategies are proposed to reduce the search space. Algorithm HUTPMiner is then proposed to efficiently mine high-utility temporal patterns with the aid of the proposed extension and pruning strategies. Experimental results show that HUTPMiner is able to prune a large number of candidates, thereby achieving high mining efficiency.
Video Object Segmentation and Tracking
Authors: Yao Rui , Lin Guosheng , Xia Shixiong , Zhao Jiaqi , Zhou Yong
Published: May 2020

Object segmentation and object tracking are fundamental research areas in the computer vision community. These two topics are difficult to handle some common challenges, such as occlusion, deformation, motion blur, scale variation, and more. The former contains heterogeneous object, interacting object, edge ambiguity, and shape complexity; the latter suffers from difficulties in handling fast motion, out-of-view, and real-time processing. Combining the two problems of Video Object Segmentation and Tracking (VOST) can overcome their respective difficulties and improve their performance. VOST can be widely applied to many practical applications such as video summarization, high definition video compression, human computer interaction, and autonomous vehicles. This survey aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art VOST methods, classify these methods into different categories, and identify new trends. First, we broadly categorize VOST methods into Video Object Segmentation (VOS) and Segmentation-based Object Tracking (SOT). Each category is further classified into various types based on the segmentation and tracking mechanism. Moreover, we present some representative VOS and SOT methods of each time node. Second, we provide a detailed discussion and overview of the technical characteristics of the different methods. Third, we summarize the characteristics of the related video dataset and provide a variety of evaluation metrics. Finally, we point out a set of interesting future works and draw our own conclusions.
Solving First-Order Differential Equations of Z-Numbers’ Initial Value Using Radial Basic Function
Authors: Qalehe Leila , Afshar Kermani Mozhdeh , Allahviranloo Tofigh
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a method was proposed based on RBF for numerical solution of first-order differential equations with initial values that are valued by Z-numbers. The proposed method consists of two parts. The first part has stated the amount of limitation of the fragmentation solution, while the second part has described the assurance of the first part. The limitation section also has two parts. The first part has included the initial condition of the problem, while the second part has included the RBF network. The confidence interval was also considered as a function based on the probability function, which has calculated the confidence level of the first part (limitation). The RBF network or the radial-base grid network has three distinct layers: the input layer that is the set of elementary nodes (sensory units); the second layer is the hidden layers with high dimensions, in which the output layer that has responded to the network response and the activation patterns used in the input layer. The advantage of using RBF is that the use of this technique does not require sufficient information. It only relies on the domain and the boundary. In an example, we have showed that our proposed approach could approximate the problem with acceptable confidence.
Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Impregnated Suture Material with Low and High Platelet Concentration to Improve Colonic Anastomotic Wound Healing in Rats
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Akif , Guler Eray Metin , Demiroz Ahu Senem , Aydin Muhammet Fatih , Saglam Gulcan
Published: May 2020

Objective. This study was designed to investigate the impact of using suture material impregnated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in different platelet concentrations on colonic anastomotic wound healing in rats. Methods. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley female rats were separated into 3 groups (n=8 for each) including the control group (CON; standard vicryl suture repair), the low platelet concentrate PRP group (L-PRP; suture material impregnated with PRP containing average 2.7-fold (range, 2.0 to 3.1) higher amount of platelets vs. control), and the high platelet concentrate PRP group (H-PRP; suture material impregnated with PRP containing average 5.1-fold (range, 4.8 to 5.4) higher amount of platelets vs. control). Rats were sacrificed on the postoperative 7th day for analysis of colonic anastomosis region including macroscopic observation, measurement of anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP), and the hydroxyproline levels and histopathological findings in colon tissue samples. Results. Total injury scores were significantly lower in the L-PRP and H-PRP groups than those in the control group (median (range) 13.00 (7.00) and 11.50 (6.00) vs. 15.50 (4.00), p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). ABP values (180.00 (49.00) vs. 124.00 (62.00) and 121.00 (57.00) mmHg, p<0.001 for each) and tissue hydroxyproline levels (0.56 (0.37) vs. 0.25 (0.17) and 0.39 (0.10) μg/mg tissue, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively) were significantly higher in the L-PRP group as compared with those in the control and H-PRP groups. Conclusion. In conclusion, our findings revealed PRP application to colonic anastomosis sutures to promote the anastomotic healing process. The platelet concentration of PRP seems to have a significant impact on the outcome with superior efficacy of L-PRP over H-PRP in terms of bursting pressures and collagen concentration at the anastomotic site.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anticoagulant Activities of Synthesized NSAID Prodrug Esters
Authors: Abualhasan Murad N. , Al- Masri Motasem Y. , Manasara Rufaida , Yadak Lana , Abu-Hasan Nael S.
Published: May 2020

Paracetamol with ibuprofen or with naproxen are frequently prescribed by doctors in combination. It was found that patients using a combination of NSAID like acetaminophen and ibuprofen experienced less pain. Patients are more compliant if these two drugs are combined in an ester form and given in one dosage form. The esterified prodrugs are hydrolyzed in humans to their active forms. In this study, two esters of paracetamol combined with ibuprofen and naproxen were synthesized as prodrugs. The physiochemical properties of these products were identified. Moreover, the bioactivities of these prodrugs were tested for its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities. The results showed an improved COX inhibition and anticoagulant activity compared with their parent drugs. The synthesized drugs are expected to improve patient’s compliance in terms of administration frequency and will have better pharmacokinetic properties with fewer side effects.
Parathyroid Adenoma as a Rare Cause of Persistent Hypercalcemia in a Female with Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Abdalhadi Ahmed M. , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: May 2020

Polycythemia vera is one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms that is distinguished by the uncontrolled production of blood cells and an increased red cell mass due to acquired JAK2 mutation. It has many complications and it might increase the risk of other tumors. However, it does not cause hypercalcemia and is rarely associated with parathyroid adenoma. Here, we report on a 64-year-old female with polycythemia vera found to have hypercalcemia due to parathyroid adenoma.
Turismo Cultural no Recôncavo Baiano
Authors: Queiroz Lúcia Maria Aquino de , Faria Diomira Maria Cicci Pinto
Published: May 2020

Este artigo objetiva analisar as organizações do turismo cultural da cidade de Cachoeira, localizada no Recôncavo Baiano. Compreendendo a complexidade que envolve o desenvolvimento do turismo e acreditando que os territórios, seus atores sociais e organizações devem ser capazes de conceber e promover formas de turismo que melhor atendam suas necessidades e objetivos de desenvolvimento, busca aprofundar o conhecimento sobre um recurso fundamental ao êxito do turismo cultural em um dado destino: as organizações locais direcionadas à atividade. Em termos metodológicos investiga o perfil, desafios, avaliações e parcerias travadas pelas organizações de Cachoeira, utilizando-se da técnica da “Bola de Neve” (snowball), em que, sucessivamente, um ator indica outro participante. Em seguida, através da Análise de Redes Sociais, realiza mapeamento da dinâmica dessas relações em um determinado período de tempo. Observa, através dos levantamentos realizados, que no Brasil, mesmo em cidades patrimônio nacional, o turismo cultural não é percebido e tratado como prioridade pelos gestores locais e que, de forma geral, as gestões públicas ainda necessitam apoiar mais intensamente esta atividade. Compreende que, através do incremento das ações em parceria, organizações e atores sociais podem se fortalecer e alcançar maior protagonismo nas decisões que permeiam a atividade, sendo este um possível caminho para que o turismo possa expandir-se trazendo uma maior contribuição ao desenvolvimento de espaços urbanos no Brasil.
Análisis Conceptual del Turismo
Authors: Castañeda Esteban Arias
Published: May 2020

Este trabajo de investigación con tintes de ensayo, tiene el objetivo de proponer una visión reflexiva del turismo, a través del análisis de su concepto, de modo que oriente su sentido hacia la interpretación del fenómeno. La metodología empleada para esta investigación es de carácter cualitativo, en el que el método hermenéutico sirvió para estudiar diversos conceptos del turismo y su perspectiva disciplinar, para con ello, comprender su realidad conceptual y presentar una postura ontológica de este movimiento humano. Antes de analizar los conceptos, es preciso diferenciar los dos mundos del turismo: óntico y ontológico, los cuales, por cierto, presentes en la vida misma. El primero de ellos, es el que permite este ejercicio, real, objetivo, hacerlo un objeto de estudio, consciente de sí mismo. En el segundo caso, la parte ontológica del turismo se da sin tener cuenta de la cosa, se trata del instinto viajero y primitivo del ser humano; de su sentido originario, ocioso y errante por naturaleza. Aquí se pregunta por el ser del Turismo. Como conclusión se tiene que, el concepto debería referirse a la posibilidad humana de desplazarse voluntariamente y volver a su origen. Al tratarse de un fenómeno humano, parecería poco relevante el uso de servicios turísticos.
Additional description of the Algae Hydroid Thyroscyphus ramosus (Hydrozoa: Leptothecata: Thyroscyphidae) from Palk Bay, India with insights into its ecology and genetic structure
Authors: G. Arun  , R. Rajaram  , K. Kaleshkumar
Published: May 2020

The Algae hydroid Thyroscyphus ramosus of the Indian subcontinent is the most easily recognizable fleshy colonial hydroid playing a vital role in benthic communities.  Though this fauna is abundant, it has remained unexplored for the past nine decades in India.  This study provides a detailed report of the morphology, ecology and geographical locations of T. ramosus.  Morphological traits such as maximum height, gonophore, and theca twist directions were studied in detail.  The molecular biological data confirms the identity of T. ramosus and its abundance in Palk Bay, India.  Important molecular markers such as 18S, 16S rRNA sequences of T. ramosus were analyzed and compared with similar species in NCBI.  Using 18S sequence data, it is proven that T. ramosus is a distinct and valid species, however, interestingly the 16S rRNA forms clades with other species of the same genera (T. fruticosus and T. bedoti) rather than the same species.  Moreover the mtCOI forms a different clade with other genera. Furthermore, these data may enhance the advancement of identification in non-monophyletic conditions.
Mammalian fauna in an urban influenced zone of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India
Authors: Debata Subrat , Swain Kedar Kumar
Published: May 2020

A camera trapping survey to estimate the species richness and relative abundance of different mammalian fauna and various anthropogenic activities was carried out for four months within an urban influenced zone of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha.  The survey extended over 120 days in January–April 2019 over 10% of the total sanctuary area.  With nine cameras and a total effort of 771 trap days, 2,855 independent photographs including 14 species of wild mammals and birds, human traffic, and movement of stray animals were captured.  Among the mammalian fauna, Golden Jackal was the most photographed species whereas the Asian Elephant, Striped Hyaena, and Common Palm Civet were the least photographed species.  Various anthropogenic activities like intensive movement of departmental vehicles, staff, feral livestock, and stray dogs and cats were also recorded and these activities need to be addressed in management activities for long term conservation of the area and its mammalian fauna.  In order to enhance biological connectivity and improve movement of wildlife between the main part of the Chandaka Sanctuary and its near-detached reserved forests in Jagannathprasad-Bharatpur, the study recommends removal of feral cattle, extensive plantations, and construction of a fly-over for vehicular traffic.
An observation of homosexual fellatio in the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius (Temminck, 1825) (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)
Authors: Sundar K.S. Gopi , Kittur Swati
Published: May 2020

Sexual behaviours and especially homosexual interactions are poorly documented in the Indian Flying fox Pteropus medius (formerly P. giganteus).  Here we describe one observation of homosexual behaviour from Rajasthan, India.
African Identity, Cultural Knowledge and the Imperative of Endogenous Development for Africa
Authors: Olatunji Felix O.
Published: May 2020

The search for knowledge is a fact of any human society in the quest for development, as it is in the nature of human species to do so. This is geared towards humanisation of the society in the attainment of positive social change, which cannot be realised without adequate and informed knowledge from the culture of the people. This form of knowledge is seen from the identity of the people, focusing on the social change of their society. The creation of a national consciousness is a crucial component of the society as it (consciousness) presupposes identity, seen as the heart of any culture that motivates the collective common goal of the people. This paper, using the analytic methodology in the philosophical discipline, therefore argues that the acceptance of cultural knowledge from the platform of its identity in the quest for development in Africa is a conditio sine qua non.
From Paideia to Humanitas: Template for Cultural Development in Africa
Authors: Adesina Kenneth Adewole
Published: May 2020

The movement from Greek paideia to Roman humanitas gives a clue into how the ancients conceived of the goals of the state and the means adopted to prepare citizens for the attainment of such goals. In these two ancient educational practices, evidences of how they conceived of the challenges of their time were found, as the formative ideals proposed to prepare citizens for the challenges and their ambiental peculiarities. The process, understanding and intricacies of this movement cannot but strike the curiosity of the modern African, whose educational ideals were laid on them, but whose practice of education is progressively moving away from them. Hence, the contemporary society needs to learn from the practice of ancient formation, which will create a bridge that happily adopts ancient values that can be of great assistance and serve as a template for authentic cultural development in Africa.
Africa’s Crisis of Social and Political Order and the Significance of Ubuntu Human Values for Peace and Development
Authors: Ujomu Philip Ogochukwu
Published: May 2020

Social life across the African continent is largely threatened by intolerance, injustice, lack of equal opportunity, inequity in resource distribution, lack of compassion, unfair treatment and disrespect for others’ rights, as well as compromising intrusion of ethnicity, corruption, terrorism and religion into affairs of the state. So, Africans largely struggle with the political problem of building and sustaining societies and institutions that can be civil and compliant to the rule of law. There exists an African problem of political justice (obedience to constitutional and procedural law and order) and social justice (fair treatment and equal opportunities). Disorder and parochialism in a sociopolitical system are mainly instigated by inefficiency and over-politicization of major developmental institutions. We recommend some human values of Ubuntu such as mutual respect, cooperation for the common good and the pursuit of reconciliation as pillars for stable and viable political and social order across most parts of Africa.