bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the impact of patient recruitment on offshoring of clinical trials?
Authors: Kermanimojarad Maryam
Published: September 2020

The issue of globalization of research is receiving considerable attention due to the increasing number of offshored R&D activities from the United States, Europe, and Japan. This paper explores this phenomenon and provides a model to analyze the factors that will likely contribute to a global transformation of clinical trials. By identifying the main characteristics of clinical trials, I aim to clarify the main driver of the relocation process of clinical research. I reviewed the relevant published articles to address the research questions. The results of this study challenge the traditional thinking of cost-related factors as the major reason for offshoring cilinical trials and show the importance of the recruitment of human subjects in trials. Consequently, this paper suggests that “recruitment crisis” in home country as the main contribution and a key driver to offshore R&D activities, has been underestimated by previous studies. In particular, this study provides policy-decision makers with a new insight into the development issue surrounding the pharmaceutical industry.
The online attention to orthodontic research: an Altmetric analysis of the orthodontic journals indexed in the journal citation reports from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Garcovich Daniele , Zhou Wu Angel , Sanchez Sucar Ana-Matilde , Adobes Martin Milagros
Published: September 2020

Background

To describe the impact of research, beyond the limits of the academic environment, Altmetric, a new social and traditional media metric was proposed. The aims of this study were to analyze the online activity related to orthodontic research via Altmetric and to assess if a correlation exists among citations, Mendeley reader count, and the AAS (Altmetric Attention Score).

Method

The Dimensions App was searched for articles published in the orthodontic journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) throughout the years 2014 to 2018. The articles with a positive AAS were collected and screened for data related to publication and authorship. The articles with an AAS higher than 5 were screened for research topic and study design. Citation counts were harvested from Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus.

Results

The best performing journals were Progress in Orthodontics and the European Journal of Orthodontics with a mean AAS per published item of 1.455 and 1.351, respectively and the most prevalent sources were Tweets and Facebook mentions. The most prevalent topic was Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) and the study design was systematic reviews. The correlation between the AAS and the citations in both WOS and Scopus was poor (r = 0.1463 and r = 0.1508, p < .05). The correlation between citations count and Mendeley reader (r = 0.6879 and r = 0.697, p < .05) was moderate.

Conclusions

Few journals displayed a high level of web activity. Journals and editors should enhance online dissemination of the scientific outputs. The authors should report the impact of the findings to the general public in a convenient way to facilitate online dissemination but to avoid an opportunistic use of the research outputs. Despite the lack of correlation, a combination of the citation count and the AAS can give a more comprehensive assessment of research impact.
Patient insights on living with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and the limitations of disease activity measurement methods – a qualitative study
Authors: Oldroyd Alexander , Dixon William , Chinoy Hector , Howells Kelly
Published: September 2020

Background

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are chronic autoimmune conditions, typically resulting in proximal muscle weakness and impacting upon quality of life. Accurate measurement of IIM disease activity is imperative for appropriate medical management and carrying out valid clinical trials. The International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group (IMACS) “Disease Activity Core Set Measures” are the current gold-standard of IIM disease activity assessment. Anecdotally, patients with an IIM report that the IMACS Core Set Measures and other available methods do not necessarily capture their perceived disease activity. Investigating the patient experiences of living with an IIM and their views on the accuracy of the IMACS Core Set Measures will provide valuable insights for both clinical and research purposes.

Methods

Eighteen interviews with patients with an IIM were carried out and analysed thematically, using a grounded theory approach. Experiences on living with an IIM and perceptions on the accuracy of disease activity measurement methods were explored.

Results

Interview analysis revealed four themes: 1) fatigue, 2) pain, 3) day-to-day symptom variation, 4) limitations of creatine kinase levels and manual muscle testing.

Conclusions

This study has provided valuable insights into patient experiences of living with an IIM. Aspects of IIM disease activity perceived not to be wholly measured by the IMACS Core Set Measures have also been identified. These findings have implications for future IIM clinical care and research, in particular providing justification for research into pain, fatigue and symptom variation.
Joint inversion of full-waveform ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity data: Part 1
Authors: Domenzain Diego , Bradford John , Mead Jodi
Published: September 2020

We have developed an algorithm for joint inversion of full-waveform ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity (ER) data. The GPR data are sensitive to electrical permittivity through reflectivity and velocity, and electrical conductivity through reflectivity and attenuation. The ER data are directly sensitive to the electrical conductivity. The two types of data are inherently linked through Maxwell’s equations, and we jointly invert them. Our results show that the two types of data work cooperatively to effectively regularize each other while honoring the physics of the geophysical methods. We first compute sensitivity updates separately for the GPR and ER data using the adjoint method, and then we sum these updates to account for both types of sensitivities. The sensitivities are added with the paradigm of letting both data types always contribute to our inversion in proportion to how well their respective objective functions are being resolved in each iteration. Our algorithm makes no assumptions of the subsurface geometry nor the structural similarities between the parameters with the caveat of needing a good initial model. We find that our joint inversion outperforms the GPR and ER separate inversions, and we determine that GPR effectively supports ER in regions of low conductivity, whereas ER supports GPR in regions with strong attenuation.
3D aquifer characterization of the Hermalle-sous-Argenteau test site using crosshole ground-penetrating radar amplitude analysis and full-waveform inversion
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Klotzsche Anja , Hermans Thomas , Nguyen Frédéric , Schmäck Jessica , Haruzi Peleg , Vereecken Harry , van der Kruk Jan
Published: September 2020

To improve the understanding of flow and transport processes in the critical zone, high-resolution and accurate estimation of the small-scale heterogeneity is essential. Preferential flow paths related to high-porosity layers and clay lenses in gravel aquifers greatly affect flow and transport processes in the subsurface, and their high electrical contrast to their surrounding matrix and limited extent can act as low-velocity electromagnetic waveguides. In the past decade, time-domain full-waveform inversion (FWI) of crosshole ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data has shown to provide 2D decimeter-scale resolution images of relative permittivity and electrical conductivity of the subsurface, which can be related to porosity and soil texture. Most studies using crosshole GPR FWI resolved high-porosity zones that were identified by an amplitude analysis approach. But clay lenses or zones with higher electrical conductivity that act as low-velocity waveguides are hard to distinguish in the measured data and amplitude analysis because of the absence of characteristic wave-propagation features. We have investigated a set of nine crosshole GPR data sets from a test site in Hermalle-sous-Argenteau near the Meuse River in Belgium to characterize the aquifer within a decimeter-scale resolution and to improve the understanding of a previously performed heat tracer experiment. Thereby, we extend the amplitude analysis to identify two different types of low-velocity waveguides either caused by an increased porosity or a higher electrical conductivity (and higher porosity). Combining the GPR amplitude analysis for low-velocity waveguide zones with the standard FWI results provided information on waveguide zones, which modified the starting models and further improved the FWI results. Moreover, an updated effective source wavelet is estimated based on the updated permittivity starting models. In comparison with the traditional FWI results, the updated FWI results present smaller gradient of the medium properties and smaller root-mean-squared error values in the final inversion results. The nine crosshole sections are used to generate a 3D image of the aquifer and allowed a detailed analysis of the porosity distribution along the different sections. Consistent structures of the permittivity and electrical conductivity show the robustness of the updated FWI results. The aquifer structures obtained by the FWI results agree with those results of the heat tracer experiment.
Lipid Management in Patients with Endocrine Disorders: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Newman Connie B , Blaha Michael J , Boord Jeffrey B , Cariou Bertrand , Chait Alan , Fein Henry G , Ginsberg Henry N , Goldberg Ira J , Murad M Hassan , Subramanian Savitha , Tannock Lisa R
Published: September 2020

Objective

This guideline will provide the practicing endocrinologist with an approach to the assessment and treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with endocrine diseases, with the objective of preventing cardiovascular (CV) events and triglyceride-induced pancreatitis. The guideline reviews data on dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in patients with endocrine disorders and discusses the evidence for the correction of dyslipidemia by treatment of the endocrine disease. The guideline also addresses whether treatment of the endocrine disease reduces ASCVD risk.

Conclusion

This guideline focuses on lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities associated with endocrine diseases, including diabetes mellitus, and whether treatment of the endocrine disorder improves not only the lipid abnormalities, but also CV outcomes. Based on the available evidence, recommendations are made for the assessment and management of dyslipidemia in patients with endocrine diseases.
X-ray phase contrast simulation for grating-based interferometry using GATE
Authors: Sanctorum Jonathan , De Beenhouwer Jan , Sijbers Jan
Published: September 2020

The overall importance of x-ray phase contrast (XPC) imaging has grown substantially in the last decades, in particular with the recent advent of compact lab-based XPC systems. For optimizing the experimental XPC setup, as well as benchmarking and testing new acquisition and reconstruction techniques, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are a valuable tool. GATE, an open source application layer on top of the Geant4 simulation software, is a versatile MC tool primarily intended for various types of medical imaging simulations. To our knowledge, however, there is no GATE-based academic simulation software available for XPC imaging. In this paper, we extend the GATE framework with new physics-based tools for accurate XPC simulations. Our approach combines Monte Carlo simulations in GATE for modelling the x-ray interactions in the sample with subsequent numerical wave propagation, starting from the GATE output.
Rolling-shutter-effect camera-based visible light communication using RGB channel separation and an artificial neural network
Authors: Hsu Ke-Ling , Chow Chi-Wai , Liu Yang , Wu Yu-Chun , Hong Chong-You , Liao Xin-Lan , Lin Kun-Hsien , Chen Yi-Yuan
Published: September 2020

We propose and demonstrate a light-panel and rolling-shutter-effect (RSE) camera-based visible light communication (VLC) system using Z-score normalization, red/green/blue (RGB) color channel separation, and 1-D artificial neural network (ANN). The proposed scheme can mitigate the high inter-symbol interference (ISI) generated by the RSE pattern due to the low pixel-per-bit and high noise-ratio (NR) of the display contents.
Fatigue reliability analysis of the brake pads considering strength degradation
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jiang Guang-Jun , Wu Dong-Wei , Chen Hong-Xia , Wu Jian-Xin
Published: September 2020

Reliability prediction of the brake pads is indispensable to guarantee their safety. In the
paper, the fatigue reliability of brake pads is analyzed by dynamic stress-strength interference (SSI) model considering strength degradation. Firstly, reliability model of the brake
pads was established based on stress-strength interference model considering the influence
of impact load. Then reliability of the brake pads was predicted under different impact load
frequency and initial strength. Finally, the influence of random degradation strength on reliability was studied by contrast. The analysis results show that random strength degradation,
impact load and initial strength have great influence on reliability prediction for the brake
pads. Therefore, the reliability prediction of the brake pads fatigue strength considering
strength degradation is more in line with the actual situation and the calculation accuracy
is higher.
Control and prediction protocol for bearing failure through spectral power density
Authors: Castilla-Gutiérrez Javier , Fortes Juan , Davila Jose
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to analyse the results of the comparative study of the characteristic frequencies, in terms of Power Spectral Density (PSD), generated by an SKF6322 bearing in a rotational blower. Among all the analysed frequencies, we have focused on the ones generated
by the shaft rotation speed, the one on the blades and the ones of the SKF6322 bearing, such
as the tracks, the cage and the balls. For this study, we followed the ISO 10816 criteria, both
in the sampling part and in the data analysis, using the speed values in terms of PSD, which
improves the results in both high and low frequencies. This study can be used to predict the
performance of bearings and their future failure, determining the most decisive frequency,
the one with the highest incidence and the relative influence of each one on the different
positions and monitoring coordinate axes. This procedure can be applied to improve the predictive maintenance protocol in order to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability
of the equipment with bearings in their systems.
Long term prognostic significance of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk score after revascularization in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Sarda Pawan , Kumar Gaurav , Mathur Rohit , Baroopal Anil , Sanghvi Sanjeev
Published: September 2020

Background: Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients are complex and varied population. Primarily thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score was developed to guide therapy and assess the short term (14 days) prognosis of these patients. However, few studies have evaluated the long term prognostic significance of TIMI risk score after revascularization. This study aims at assessing the long term prognostic significance of TIMI risk score, 36 months after revascularization in NSTE-ACS.Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive NSTE-ACS patients (n=150) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2017 to June 2017 in a tertiary care center. TIMI risk score was calculated for each patient at admission. The primary endpoint was a composite of MACE (death, repeat target-vessel revascularization, and non-fatal recurrent MI) at the end of 36 months of follow up. Clinical secondary endpoints included the individual components of the primary endpoint, death, nonfatal recurrent MI, and repeat target vessel revascularization.Results: Baseline characteristics for 150 participants were as follows, age 56±9.5 years, 78.7% male, 25% diabetics, 82% hypertensives, and 36% had hypercholesterolemia. The event rates of the primary endpoint and its components after 36 months were 26.6%. Event rates increased significantly as the TIMI risk score increased as determined by regression analysis (p=0.004). The relative risk increased by 66% as the TIMI risk score increased from low risk category (TIMI score 0-2) to high risk (TIMI score 5-6).Conclusions: TIMI risk score can be used for long term prognostication of NSTE-ACS patients after revascularization, and thus can be used by clinicians for therapeutic decision making.
Review on Heart Water Disease in Ruminants at Suro District
Authors: Gammada Dr Israel , Jara Dr Wanu
Published: September 2020

Heart water is a tick borne infectious disease of ruminants affecting cattle, sheep, goats and antelope which is caused by the rickettsia organism cowdria ruminatium. The objective of this seminar is to review on heart water disease (cowdrosis) with the successful control of the disease. Heart water occurs only where vector ticks of the genus amblyomma are active and was limited in its occurrence to Africa, Madagascar and three countries in the West Indies. It is one of the main causes of death in imported breeds of cattle, sheep and goats in Africa south of the Sahara desert. A tentative diagnosis of heart water is based on the presence of amblomma vectors, of clinical nervous signs, and of transudates in the pericardium and thorax at postmortem examination, which must then be confirmed by demonstration of the causative organism or its DNA. Methods of control and prevention of cawdriosis is through chemotherapy, vaccination and vector control. Therefore calves of less than 4 weeks and lambs in the first week of life should be immunized.
Peran Pemerintah Desa Dalam Perubahan Pariwisata Osing Di Desa Kemiren Kecamatan Glagah Kabupaten Banyuwangi
Authors: Murdyastuti Anastasia , Mayasiana Nur Aini
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Banyuwangi Regency is actively developing tourism potential, one of which is osing culture because it is unique and exciting as part of osing community life which is very obedient and obedient to cultural values. Still, the osing community is dynamic so that the existence of osing culture which was only as a traditional ceremonial tradition, is now packaged into more interesting material that can be a spectacle that can be sold. The change is inseparable from the role of the village government to invite the public and the private sector to jump into more advanced conditions and even become a leading tourism object in Banyuwangi Regency. The research method used is qualitative, and data collection techniques by observation, documentation, and interviews — analysis of data with interactive models through data collection data presentation data reduction and concluding. The results showed that the role of the government in making changes was quite good as seen from changes in tourist attractions and attractions, amenities and accommodation, accessibility, and tourism image osing already adequate, complete and good condition, because of the similarity in seeing the same future in advancing its village, trusting and making changes with specific actions between the private government and the community, although there are still limited funds and differences in interests, the government provides consistent support and basis so as to demonstrate a mutually supporting synergy.

Keyword: Role, village government, change, and tourism osin
Etika Komunikasi Visual Influencer Pariwisata
Authors: Sukirno Zakaria Lantang
Published: September 2020

In tourism promotion, tourist destination visual attraction becomes a weapon to attract attention for tourism influencers through their social media. But visual ethical problem appears when photograph has been edited or manipulated by them. Thus, “what does visual communication ethic from influencer in tourism promotion like?”. This research based on concepts of utilitarian ethics, visual communication ethics, and tourism visual communication. For its methodology, this research uses positivistic paradigm, descriptive research, and utilitarian ethical evaluation method. Research findings obtained the quantification of harmful consequences and good consequences for tourism influencers photograph manipulation, and two alternative acts for tourism influencers visual communication ethics.
PENGGUNAAN DATA AIS-IRSMS UNTUK PREDIKSI KECELAKAAN MELIBATKAN SEPEDA MOTOR PADA RUAS JALAN DI KOTA SURABAYA
Authors: Arifin Muhammad Zainul , Agustin Imma Widyawati , Sulistyono Sonya
Published: September 2020

Accidents of involving motorcycles in Surabaya tend to increase. Recorded from 2014 to 2016 were reached 721, 929 and 1,325 accidents. This phenomenon is certainly not beneficial for the community and road transport policy makers. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of motorcycle riders and accidents of involving motorcycles. This research further develops estimation of accident prediction involving motorcycle in Surabaya City. Accident data compiled from AIS-IRSMS to know the characteristics of users and accidents using the accidents approach. The research location was conducted in accident prone areas during January 2014 to February 2017 also using AIS-IRSMS. With the Generalized Linear Models (GLMs), the result of estimation of accident estimation involving motorcycle that is McA = 0.00225 Q1.030 e(0.034 S). Accidents of involving motorcycles are heavily influenced by the number of vehicles on the road and the speed of the vehicle.

Kecelakaan melibatkan sepeda motor di Kota Surabaya cenderung mengalami peningkatan. Tercatat tahun 2014 hingga 2016 mencapai 721, 929 dan 1.325 kejadian kecelakaan. Fenomena ini tentunya tidak menguntungkan bagi masyarakat dan pengambil kebijakan terkait transportasi jalan raya. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui karakteristik pengendara sepeda motor terlibat kecelakaan dan kecelakaan melibatkan sepeda motor. Lebih lanjut penelitian ini melakukan pengembangan estimasi prediksi kecelakaan melibatkan sepeda motor di Kota Surabaya. Data kecelakaan dikompulir dari AIS-IRSMS untuk mengetahui karakteristik penguna dan kecelakaan menggunakan pendekatan frekwensi kejadian. Lokasi penelitian dilakukan pada daerah rawan kecelakaan sepanjang Januari 2014 hingga Februari 2017 juga menggunakan bantuan AIS-IRSMS. Menggunakan metode Generalized Linear Models (GLMs), hasil penelitian diperoleh estimasi prediksi kecelakaan melibatkan sepeda motor yaitu McA= 0,00225 Q1,030 e(0,034 S). Kecelakaan melibatkan sepeda motor sangat dipengaruhi oleh banyaknya kendaraan di jalan dan kecepatan kendaraan.
MOTIF PEREMPUAN BERKENDARA SEPEDA MOTOR TANPA HELM: STUDI KASUS DI KOTA SIDOARJO, JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Rifai Irvan , Santoso Fajar
Published: September 2020

This case study is aimed at revealing motives of women riding motor bike without helmet in Sidoarjo, East Java. The data in this study are garnered through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and artefact including online newspapers, whilst thematic analysis is utilised as a primary data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that; first, distance from home to school is a most salient motive of women riding bike without helmet. Second, the absence of policeman on the street is a key factor of not wearing helmet. Third, social identity is another reason for not wearing helmet. Fourth, styles and its influence of feeling discomfort of wearing helmet. Fifth, social rules and its impracticality of not wearing helmet. The findings of this study are expected to have contributions of the ways to educate people about safety riding by involving students, students’ parents, teachers and or stakeholders. This study, however, cannot represent all women perspectives of not wearing helmet when riding motor bike within Indonesia. Further research, therefore, is expected to consider areas and characteristics which might differ from the present study.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap motif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor tanpa helm di daerah Kabupaten Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, dengan menggunakan metode wawancara, Focus Group Discussion, observasi, dan analisis terhadap tulisan-tulisan yang ada di media sosial, seperti koran online. Analisis yang dilakukan menggunakan metode analisis tematik. Dari hasil analisis data diperoleh 5 tema yang menjadi pembahasan pada penelitian ini, yaitu: pertama, Jarak dari rumah ke sekolah menjadi pertimbangan utama responden tidak memakai helm; kedua, Kehadiran aparat kepolisian dan motif tidak memakai helm; ketiga, Identitas sosial sebagai alasan tidak memakai helm; keempat, style dan pengaruh ketidaknyamanan memakai helm; dan ke lima, aturan sosial dan ketidakpraktisan memakai helm. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan kontribusi informasi terhadap upaya mengedukasi masyarakat dalam keselamatan berkendara sepeda motor dengan melibatkan peran serta siswa, orang tua siswa, guru dan pemangku kepentingan. Namun demikian, dikarenakan penelitian ini terbatas pada studi kasus di Kota Sidoarjo, terdapat kemungkinan bahwa hasil yang diperoleh tidak dapat merepresentasikan perspektif perempuan pengendara sepeda motor di kota-kota lain di Indonesia. Untuk itu, penelitian ini diharapkan dapat dilanjutkan untuk kota-kota yang mempunya karakteristik berbeda dengan lokasi penelitian ini.
PENENTUAN SIMPANG BERSINYAL RAWAN KECELAKAAN UNTUK IDENTIFIKASI AWAL TERHADAP POTENSI RED LIGHT RUNNING (RLR) DI BANDA ACEH
Authors: Saleh Sofyan M. , Sugiarto Sugiarto , Handayani Endang
Published: September 2020

Red Light Running (RLR) is the leading cause of traffic accidents at signal intersections in various countries, including Indonesia. The main reason is the existence of conflicts caused by drivers' behavioral factors who are not obedient or understand about signaling operations. RLR is the most dangerous driver's behavior in a signal intersection, where the driver fails to comply with signaling rules at the intersection so that the conflict occurs. To assess the behavior of the RLR, the first step is to identify the signaled intersections that are most prone to accidents. This is needed to eliminate the location of study or handling due to limited time and costs. The methodology used to determine accident-prone locations is based on the Highway Safety Improvement Program in the Highway Safety Manual (HSM, 2010), namely the planning component consisting of data collection and identification of accident-prone areas in signal intersections. Using accident data of 2013-2015, and by combining three methods of analysis such as frequency, accident rate, and equivalent property damage only methods, then three most accident-prone signal intersections are determined and prioritized for in-depth study of RLR behavior analysis.

Red Light Running (RLR) adalah penyebab utama kecelakaan lalu lintas pada simpang bersinyal di berbagai negara termasuk Indonesia. Penyebab utamanya adalah adanya konflik yang diakibatkan oleh faktor perilaku pengemudi yang tidak patuh atau paham tentang pengoperasian persinyalan. RLR merupakan perilaku pengemudi yang paling berbahaya pada simpang bersinyal, dimana pengemudi gagal mematuhi peraturan persinyalan pada simpang sehingga konflik terjadi. Untuk mengkaji perilaku pada RLR perlu dilakukan langkah awal yaitu identifikasi simpang bersinyal yang paling rawan terhadap kecelakaan. Hal ini diperlukan untuk mengeliminasi lokasi kajian atau penanganan akibat keterbatasan waktu dan biaya. Metodologi yang digunakan untuk penentuan lokasi rawan kecelakaan dilakukan mengacu pada Highway Safety Improvement Program di dalam Highway Safety Manual (HSM, 2010), yaitu planning component yang terdiri dari pengumpulan data dan identifikasi daerah rawan kecelakaan pada simpang bersinyal. Menggunakan data kecelakaan tahun 2013-2015 dengan mengombinasikan tiga metode analisis yaitu metode frekuensi, tingkat kecelakaan dan ekuivalensi kerugian harta benda (EPDO) ditentukan tiga simpang bersinyal yang paling rawan kecelakaan dan diprioritaskan untuk dilakukan kajian mendalam terhadap perilaku pelanggaran RLR.
Novel Strategies to Combat CMV-Related Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Vasilieva Elena , Gianella Sara , Freeman Michael L.
Published: September 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous human pathogen that is never cleared from the host, has long been thought to be relatively innocuous in immunocompetent adults, but causes severe complications including blindness, end-organ disease, and death in newborns and in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients and those suffering from AIDS. Yet even in persons with intact immunity, CMV infection is associated with profound stimulation of immune and inflammatory pathways. Carriers of CMV infection also have an elevated risk of developing cardiovascular complications. In this review, we define the proposed mechanisms of how CMV contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD), describe current approaches to target CMV, and discuss how these strategies may or may not alleviate cardiovascular complications in those with CMV infection. In addition, we discuss the special situation of CMV coinfection in people with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy, and describe how these 2 viral infections may interact to potentiate CVD in this especially vulnerable population.
The impact of macroeconomic variables on credit risk: Evidence from Indonesian business sector level data
Authors: Mubin M Khoerul , Sugara Arif
Published: September 2020

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of macroeconomic variables on credit risk in each business sector in Indonesia. Using time-series quarterly data during the period 2011q1-2019q2, this study utilized the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The results of this study explain that macroeconomic variables namely GDP growth in the long run have a significant negative effect on credit risk in 6 sectors and in the short term have a significant negative effect on 6 sectors. Inflation has a significant positive effect in the long run on one sector, namely the provision of accommodation and provision of food and drink, and a significant negative effect on 6 sectors, in the short term inflation has a significant positive effect on 7 sectors and a significant negative effect on one sector, namely education services. The last variable is the long-term loan interest rate which has a positive effect on 7 sectors and in the short term has a significant positive effect on 6 sectors on the high value of credit risk in each business sector in Indonesia. The result indicating that macroeconomic variables have a real impact on credit risk.
Influence of gender stereotypes on the effectiveness of women senior managers in NGOs in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Kalekye Esther , Koome Peter , Gichuhi David
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gender stereotypes on the effectiveness of women senior managers in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Nakuru County, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was used and the target population was the human resource managers and women senior managers in 65 duly registered and active NGOs in Nakuru County. From these organizations, simple random sampling was used to select a human resource manager and a woman senior manager which resulted in 130 respondents. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which had close-ended and open-ended questions while secondary data was collected through the use of document analysis. Quantitative data was sorted, cleaned and analyzed through the SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were analyzed through the use of frequencies and percentages while inferential statistics were analyzed through the use of Pearson Correlation and Pearson Chi-Square tests. The findings of the analysis were presented in form of tables and charts. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed thematically and the results were presented in the form of narratives. The study adhered to and ensured that research ethics were upheld. The study found out that gender stereotypes had a statistically significant negative relationship with the effectiveness of women senior managers (r= -0.342; p<0.05). The Chi-square test results indicated that gender stereotypes had a statistically significant association with the effectiveness of women senior managers. The recommendation made was that a similar study can be conducted to provide both the perspectives of men and women senior managers.
Influence of leadership skills on effectiveness of departmental leadership in Mogotio Sub County hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Kiptingos Saul Kipkoech , Gesimba Paul Omato , Gichuhi David
Published: September 2020

Previous work in Kenyan public hospitals has revealed leadership gaps and poor communication between senior administration and lower cadres as an impediment to achieving better practice. Management training for senior health professionals has been recognized as a priority and is now being provided. The research study explored the influence of leadership skills on effective departmental leadership in Mogotio Sub County. The study used descriptive designs and targeted 32 hospitals consisting of 185 managerial staff in Mogotio Sub County. The stratified random sampling method was used to generate a sample of 126 respondents. Data was collected from this sample using questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the use of SPSS version 24. The correlation analysis determined there is a positive and statistically significant association between leadership skills and effective departmental leadership (r=756, p=.000). This verdict was reinforced by the linear regression results (?=.286, p=.001). The study concludes that leadership skill greatly helps improve effective departmental leadership in the public health sector. The study recommends that hospitals ought to emphasize mentoring leaders in the clinical setup in order to improve the effectiveness of leadership at the departmental level. There is a need to inculcate leadership training into the hospitals’ culture.
Financial and nonfinancial factors affecting future cashflow and their impacts on financial distress
Authors: Safiq Muhamad , Selviana Rinda , Kusumastati Widyahayu Warmmeswara
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to determine financial and non-financial factors influencing future cash flow and their impacts on company's financial distress. This study uses earnings, cash flow from operations, accrual components, working capital (financial), inflation (nonfinancial) as independent variables that are thought to have an effect on future cash flow. In addition, this research also suspects that there is an impact of this influence on company financial distress. The sample used in this study was 30 food and beverage manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2015. Hypothesis testing, in this research, used Structural Equation Model (SEM) method with AMOS 24 statistic. The result showed that earnings, accrual component, and working capital had a significant positive effect on future cash flow. Furthermore, cash flow from operation had significant negative effect on future cash flow, but inflation did not affect company's future cash flow. These results indicate that financial variables have a significant effect, both positive and negative, on the company's future cash flow. Meanwhile, non-financial variables have no significant effect. Other test resulted that future cash flow had a significant negative effect on financial distress. Based on the results of this study, it can be seen that stakeholders, especially investors, really pay attention to the company's financial performance compared to non-finance. This is due to the significant influence of financial variables on the company's future cash flow and it can have an impact on financial distress. Therefore, future research is expected to explore other financial factors that affect the company's future cash flow, for example, the company's financial risk.
A Review on Pharmacological Activities of Lupeol and its Triterpene Derivatives
Authors: Sharma Nitika , Palia Priyankul , Chaudhary Amit , Shalini , , Verma Kritika , Kumar Inder
Published: September 2020

Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid commonly distributed in the plant kingdom and is found in edible fruits and vegetables. It is a naturally occurring triterpene that is used to reduce the inflammatory responses and also have immunomodulating properties. Lupeol and its derivatives have a great potential to act as an anti- inﬂammatory, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, anti-angiogenic, anti-protozoal, and cholesterol-lowering agent. Various studies have shown that anti-inflammatory activity of lupeol through the modulation of p-38 pathways inhibits neuroinflammation in the cerebellum and induces neuroprotection. It has been also found effective on lung cancer (i.e A427 cancer cells and normal MRC-5 cells). Observation of inhibiting the growth of lung cancer cells is checked by MTT assay. Lupeol and its ester lupeol linoleate have been used to reduce the levels of hypercholesterolemia in the rats and decrease the activities of such enzymes namely Na+, K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+. Lupeol also decreases the levels of calcium-oxalate and has cytoprotective action against free-radical-induced damage and also decreases the level of cadmium in the kidney.

Keywords: Lupeol, anti- inﬂammatory, anti-protozoal, triterpenoids
Drug Utilization Study on Oral Contraceptives provided from Social Security, Buenos Aires-Argentina: Risk and cost analysis according to the type of combination used
Authors: Marin Lupe , Blanco Luis , Marin Gina , Agüero Sergio , Pagnotta Mariana , Marin Gustavo H.
Published: September 2020

Oral contraceptive pill is the most prescribed option to avoid birth-rate around the world. It is a combination of estrogens/progestin. Unfortunately, new combinations raise the risk of thrombosis. To determine the prescription profile and the incidence of thrombotic events associated to oral contraceptive use, we developed the present study.    Method: It is a drug utilization study among beneficiaries of Buenos Aires Social Security Organization. Variables studied were age, sex, combination consumed, doses, co-morbidities, thrombotic events.Results: 69,653 women were enrolled in the study. 66,043 of them (94.84%) used new progestogen generation combination (desogestrel, gestodene, drospirenone,) while 3610 (5.18%) used either levonorgestrel or norgestrel as progestin. The number of thrombotic events (either depth vein thrombosis of lower limbs, thromboembolism or arterial thrombosis) was 77 (75 with new progestin and 2 using 1st/2nd generation options). Adjusting these values to 100,000 users; the occurrence of thrombotic events were doubled with new generation progestins when compared to older options. The price of the new generation combinations were 10.2 times more expensive that the safer ones. Conclusion: Among the beneficiaries of Buenos Aires State Social Security, the users of oral contraceptives with new generation progestin denote a greater risk of thrombotic events when compared with users of levonorgestrel or norgestrel. Public reproductive health policies that provide contraceptives to the population are crucial in guaranteeing rights such as avoiding unwanted pregnancies and reproductive planning. However, the combinations provided should not expose population to additional and unnecessary risks.

Keywords: oral contraceptives, thrombosis, progestin, risk, public health
The therapeutic effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil against hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead and manganese in developing Wistar rats
Authors: Adli Djallal Eddine Houari , Brahmi Mostapha , Kahloula Khaled , Arabi Wafaa , Bouzouira Bakhta , Talatizi Mustapha , Slimani Miloud
Published: September 2020

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (CCEO) on hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure to lead acetate (Pb) (2.84mg/ml) and manganese chloride (Mn) (4.79mg/ml) in developing Wistar rats. After weaning, rats exposed to Pb-Mn received injections of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (0.1 ml/kg) for 21 days. Extraction by hydrodistillation yielded 1.10% of OECC and the characterization of this oil by GC-MS indicates that the major components of this oil are: E-cinnamaldehyde (85.77%), linalool (3.70%), Z-cinnamaldehyde (3.22%) and B-phellandréne (1.19%). The concentration of lead and manganese in hepatocyte tissues was significantly increased compared to control rats. However, levels of hepatic markers such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased in blood in Pb-Mn poisoned rats. Pb-Mn-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue was indicated by decreased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase respectively. Histologically, the liver showed several tissue alterations such as hepatocyte necrosis and the presence of steatosis foci. Administration of OECC considerably attenuated previous biochemical alterations as well as histological and cellular changes in liver tissue. In this study, we can conclude that the Cinnamomum cassia essential oil showed a hepatoprotective effect.

Keywords: Essential oil, Cinnamomum cassia, CG/MS, Hepatotoxicity, Lead acetate, Manganese chloride.
Screening of Aerial Parts of Kigelia Pinnata for its Antioxidant, Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Shrivastava Vishal , Mehata Parul , Rai Janki Prasad
Published: September 2020

The antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH Scavenging activity method and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity method. Ascorbic acid was taken as standard in both methods. DPPH and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity methods of 100µg/ml extracts shows better % inhibition as compared to control and 50 µg/ml extracts. In DPPH Scavenging activity % inhibition of 100µg/ml methanolic extracts was 60.72% and in Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity it was found to be 26%. Wound healing activity was performed by Incision wound model and Excision wound model. In incision wound healing model, the tensile strength of the 4% test group and the Neosporin ointment treated group were comparable to each other. Tensile strength of 2% extract ointment showed lesser 3.38 gm/mm2 but significant increase in tensile strength compared to the control group 2.91 gm/mm2. The tensile strength of 4% test group was found to be 3.44 gm/mm2. Thus both concentrations of the extract as well as the standard drug showed a significant increase in tensile strength on the 9th day. In excision models the animals treated with the 4% w/w KPME ointment were shown to healed completely as compared to 2%w/w which was also at the complete healing stage as compared to control treated and the standard drug (Neosporin) treated group. The epithelization period of standard group and treated group was less in comparison with that of simple ointment base treated groups. The percentage of wound contraction was much more with the 4% w/w extract was similar to that of Neosporin treated group. 2%w/w treated group of animals showed significant wound contraction. In antimicrobial activity, both antibacterial and antifungal potentiality was evaluated. In mic of antibacterial methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnta inhibit strains of E.coli and strain of Shigella boyelii, Salmonella aureus and Baccilus subtitis were found to be completely resistant. In mic of antifugal activity, all the fungal strain were inhibited by methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata. These findings may provide a lead for further investigation of the overall pharmacological aciotns of Kigelia pinnata methanolic extract in more appropriate model.

Keywords: Kigelia pinnata, DPPH, Anti-oxidant, DMSO, ANOVA
A Review on Hair Growth Regulator
Authors: Bharti Manu , Shrivastav Alankar , Abid M. , Khan Najam Ali
Published: September 2020

This review presents an overview on plants identified to possess hair growth activity in various ethno-botanical studies and surveys of tradition medicinal plants. There are various causes for hair loss and the phenomenon is still not fully understood. The treatments offered include both natural or synthetic products to treat the condition of hair loss (alopecia), nonetheless natural products are continuously gaining popularity mainly due to their fewer side effects and better formulation strategies for natural product extracts. Plants have been widely used for hair growth promotion since ancient times as reported in Ayurveda, Chinese and Unani systems of medicine. This review covers information about different herbs and herbal formulation that are believed to be able to reduce the rate of hair loss and at the same time stimulate new hair growth. A focus is placed on their mechanism of action and the review also covers various isolated phytoconstituents possessing hair growth promoting effect.

Keywords: Alopecia, ayurveda, hair, herbal formulation.
Effectiveness of Unani regimen in management of over active bladder: An open labelled, single arm clinical study
Authors: Urooj Shaista , Shah Arjumand , Huma , , Shah Kauncer , Ara Nighat , Goswami Anirban , Sultana Salma , Rej Anirban , Jahangir Umar
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To study the efficacy of Unani pharmacopoeial formulations viz Jawarish Zarooni, Majoon Kundur and Arq e Badiyaan as a treatment regimen in patients of overactive bladder and evaluate its effect on their quality of life.

Materials and Method: This open labeled, single arm clinical study was conducted at Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Srinagar. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after signing the informed consent form. Jawarish Zarooni and Arq e Badiyaan were prescribed orally in the dosage of 7g and 30 ml respectively twice a day along with 7g single oral dose of Majoon Kundur. The duration of treatment was for 82 days. The patients were followed up on first, fourth, eighth and twelfth week. The results were expressed as Mean ± SEM. Symptomatic relief was assessed as percentage change in terms of presence of any symptom at baseline and at 82nd day.

Results: Of the 36 patients enrolled 31 patients completed the study. The study demonstrated highly significant results (p<0.001) for nocturia and QOL as measured by patients perception of bladder control (PPBC), urinary incontinence and daytime micturation whereas very significant results were observed (p<0.01) for urgency.

Conclusions: The Unani regimen was highly effective in managing the symptoms of OAB as the regimen has an array of phyto-constituents which demonstrated muscuranic antagonism, Ca2+ channel blocking, K channel opening, neuro-protection, neuro-toning and anxiety relieving properties. About 50% of the ingredients of the regimen were Ca2+ blockers. The synergism of these phyto-constituents probably made Ca2+ blockers effective in OAB.

Keywords: Over Active Bladder, Ca2+ blocker, antimuscuranics