bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family environment and emotional quotient in primary school 3rd grade students
Authors: Kucukkaragoz Hadiye
Published: May 2020

In this research, Emotional Quotient (EQ) levels of 3rd grade primary school students are investigated with respect to a number of psycho-social variables. The EQ level is examined according to the income status of the family, education level and professions of parents and etc. Whether its environment makes a significant difference on eq when these variables are limited is examined. Target population of the study consists of 3rd grade primary school students who are registered to five middle socio-economic status schools in the city center and two townshipsâ€™ schools in the countryside within Izmir city borders in the 2015-2016 academic term. Sample group consists of randomly selected 167 students who are 3rd graders studying in the same classes in mentioned schools. Research is designed in relational screening model. In this research, personal information form and EQ scale for children both developed by researcher are used as data collection tools. For the statistical analysis of the collected data, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney U tests are used. According to the search results, EQ levels of 3rd grade students vary significantly with respect to family income, motherâ€™s and fatherâ€™s profession, motherâ€™s and fatherâ€™s educational level, household size and preschool experience.  There are significant differences according to family income levels, mothers' professions and education levels, fathers' professions and education levels, the number of members of the students' families and whether students continue their pre-school education. The results are discussed on the basis of the literature and suggestions are presented..        

Key words: Emotional intelligence; student; family; primary school; environment;
Development of teacher-parent communication competence scale (TPCCS)
Authors: Ozcinar Zehra
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop teacher-parent communication competence scale in order to measure the communication competences utilized by teachers while communicating with the parents of their students.  In the development phase of the scale, an item pool was generated and draft form was designed which were later subjected to expert opinion for content and face validity. The finalized scale was administered to 196 teachers teaching fourth and fifth grade students, and explanatory factor analysis was performed. As a result of these procedures, 4 factors including 33 items in total were generated in the â€œteacher-parent communication competence scaleâ€. Apart from these, the reliability coefficients (Cronbachâ€™s Î±) of all scales and their sub-dimensions, factor-based differentiation operations, matter-remaining and matter-total correlations were calculated. After all these validity and reliability processes, it was concluded that the scale is valid in determining teacher - parent communication competences.    

 

Keywords: Primary School, Teacher, Parent, Communication Competence, Scale Development
Investigation of game perceptions of elementary school students through the pictures they draw in the context of social powers
Authors: Hicyilmaz Yahya
Published: May 2020

This study aims to investigate the perception of games in students who study in the elementary school period through the pictures they draw in the context of social powers. In this study, the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs, was used. The study group of the research consisted of a total of 1,818 students, who studied in 23 elementary schools in the Marmara, Black Sea, Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia regions. Within this scope, after providing the students with the required materials, the question, â€˜What do you think about when you hear â€œgamesâ€?â€™, was asked and they were asked to draw a picture with the theme, games. The data obtained in this framework were analysed through content analysis. According to the obtained findings, it is suggested that the playgrounds enjoyed by the children should be regulated to develop their social skills.

Keywords: Elementary school, students, childrenâ€™s drawings, social power, game, perception.
Analisis Perbandingan Performansi MIPv6 (Mobile Internet Protocol v6) dan HMIPv6 (Hierarchical Mobile Internet Protocol v6) pada VANET (Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network)
Authors: Kresna Iqsyahiro , Setyoko Yoso Adi , Wijayanto Aditya
Published: May 2020

VANET (Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network) adalah bentuk khusus dari MANET (Mobile Ad-Hoc Network). VANET (Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network) adalah jaringan yang terdiri dari kumpulan node mobile nirkabel yang berkomunikasi satu sama lain tanpa infrastruktur yang tetap. Pergerakan MN (Mobile Node) pada VANET sangat tinggi dan menyebabkan IP Address pada MN sering berubah. Berdasarkan kondisi jaringan yang berubah, koneksi yang terjadi antara MN menjadi terganggu dan terputus selama beberapa detik. Selain itu, menyebabkan delay yang besar dan throughput yang lebih kecil dengan paket loss tinggi jika di suatu daerah jumlah MN meningkat secara signifikan. Dalam simulasi ini diukur kinerja antara jaringan Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) dan Hierarchical Mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6) menggunakan agen transport UDP dengan beberapa ukuran paket data CBR. Berdasarkan parameter utama dalam menentukan kualitas jaringan, akan dibandingkan dan diperoleh nilai dari handover latensi, dengan mengukur packet loss, throughput, dan delay. Berdasarkan hasil studi literatur, dapat disimpulkan bahwa kinerja jaringan HMIPv6 lebih baik daripada MIPv6 karena HMIPv6 memiliki paket loss dan delay yang lebih kecil dan throughput yang lebih besar dibandingkan dengan MIPv6.
Sistem Informasi Islamic Character Building Pada SD IT Fathona
Authors: Santi Rusmala , Jaya Irfan Dwi , Muhammad Heevans Ridhwan
Published: May 2020

Islamic Character Building merupakan salah satu program dari SD IT Fathona yang bertujuan untuk membangun karakter Islami pada siswa. Program tersebut memiliki proses penilaian dengan menggunakan buku mutaba’ah. Penggunaan buku mutaba’ah memiliki beberapa permasalahan seperti sulitnya bekerja sama dengan orang tua murid, murid sering berbohong dalam mengisi buku mutaba’ah, dan seringnya terjadi kehilangan atau kerusakan pada buku mutaba’ah. Dibangunnya sistem informasi Islamic Character Building untuk dapat menghilangkan atau mengurangi permasalahan yang terjadi. Sistem informasi Islamic Character Building dibangun dalam dua platform yaitu android dan web. Sistem informasi Islamic Character Building dibangun dengan pendekatan mobile-D yang menjadikan proses pembangunannya lebih rapi, terstruktur, dan terperinci. Sistem Informasi Islamic Character Building ini dapat membantu kegiatan program Islamic Character Building.
Analisis Pengukuran Kualitas Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Akademik (Studi Kasus Sistem Informasi Akademik STIQ Al-Lathifiyyah Palembang)
Authors: Hafasri Johan , Irfani M. Haviz , Nopriani Fathiyah
Published: May 2020

Teknologi informasi pada era globalisasi ini, telah membawa banyak perubahan yang begitu cepat di berbagai bidang dan pihak. Pemanfaatan teknologi informasi ini memberikan berbagai kemudahan untuk memperoleh informasi dan membantu menyelesaikan. Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Al- Qur’an (STIQ) Al-Lathifiyyah merupakan salah satu perguruan tinggi di Palembang yang telah memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dalam mengelola kegiatan data akademik yang biasa dikenal sebagai Sistem Informasi Akademik (SIAKAD). Diketahui bahwa, pihak STIQ Al-Lathifiyyah khususnya di bagian pengembang sistem sejak berdirinya SIAKAD STIQ Al-Lathifiyyah ini belum pernah ada penelitian tentang analisis dan melakukan pengukuran kualitas penggunaannya. Hal ini tentu saja dapat menimbulkan ketidaktahuan akan kualitas dari SIAKAD yang mereka kelola bagi para penggunanya. Untuk melakukan analisis pengukuran kualitas penggunaan tersebut akan mengacu pada standarisasi ISO/IEC 9126-4 Quality In Use dengan berdasarkan faktor effectiveness, productivity, safety dan satisfaction. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah effectiveness metrics dengan nilai 0,8838 termasuk ke dalam kategori high, productivity metrics dengan nilai 0,8744 termasuk ke dalam kategori high, safety metrics dengan nilai 0,1650 termasuk ke dalam kategori low, dan satisfaction metrics dengan nilai 0,4147 termasuk ke  dalam  kategori  medium. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa SIAKAD STIQ Al-Lathifiyyah Palembang sudah memenuhi standarisasi suatu sistem informasi akademik yang baik berdasarkan model ISO/IEC 9126-4 quality in use metrics.
MUSICALIZAÇÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: UM OLHAR SOBRE A BASE NACIONAL COMUM CURRICULAR
Authors: Costa Mariano Ferreguetti Souza Bruna
Published: May 2020

O artigo discute a Música na Educação Infantil a partir das proposições referenciadas na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (2017). Trata-se de uma análise sobre o estabelecimento da Educação Musical como proposta de motivar essa linguagem expressiva das crianças desde a infância. A metodologia científica utilizada se delineou pela pesquisa bibliográfica. Diante desta investigação, depreende-se que a prática da Educação Musical, disposta no currículo da Educação Infantil, antes deve servir de proposta para a formação musical do professor a fim de contribuir e oportunizar a atividade intencional musical na infância.
MÚSICA NO RIO GRANDE DO SUL: CONHECENDO AS ORIGENS E ALGUNS GÊNEROS MUSICAIS
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Cristina Rolim
Published: May 2020

Este ensaio apresenta um panorama da música no Rio Grande do Sul, optando pela abordagem acerca de alguns gêneros musicais que chegaram ao Brasil e, posteriormente, no estado sulino, incluindo a valsa, polca, xote e rancheira. Após, é apresentado um panorama geral do RS, por meio da apresentação das heranças culturais da música gaúcha e das características dos gêneros musicais do RS. Por fim, são explicitados os gêneros musicais vaneira, o vaneirão, o bugio e a trova, particularmente na trova em Mi Maior de Gavetão, de Martelo e por Milonga, procurando apresentar conclusões na perspectiva na importância do conhecimento sobre a música no RS, suas origens e características.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DA DISPOSIÇÃO NARRATIVA EM UMA PESQUISA (AUTO)BIOGRÁFICA SOBRE O DESPERTAR MUSICAL
Authors: Falcão Neto Fernando Moreira , Albuquerque Luiz Botelho
Published: May 2020

Nesta publicação, compartilha-se o processo de investigação metodológica para o desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa sobre iniciações musicais em Fortaleza. Orientado pelo objetivo de acompanhar o processo do despertar musical de estudantes de escolas públicas, optou-se por desenvolver uma pesquisa (auto)biográfica, na qual estruturou-se um ateliê nomeado Círculo Reflexivo Biográfico (CRB). O dispositivo permite a construção gradual de uma abertura narrativa dos agentes colaboradores da pesquisa. Como resultado inicial, apresenta-se discussão sobre narrativas elaboradas com o uso da linguagem visual.
STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVE OF USING ROLE PLAY TO DEVELOP SPEAKING SKILL
Authors: Mulyana Almira
Published: May 2020

This research was aimed know how was speaking skill was developed through a method based on students’ perspective. This was a qualitative design study by giving a questionnaires , interview, and observation to the English Department students. The data were collected from sixteen students from Faculty of Education majoring English Education at Ibn Khaldun Bogor University. The aims of this research is to find what the students’ perspective of role play method and what the effect that they felt from the method after they learned it. The instrument of this research is questionnaires form made in Google form. The data were analyzed by the researcher and the result of the research showed that more than 80% of Ibn Khaldun Bogor University students majoring English Department agree that Role Play method can be a fun method of learning to develop students' speaking skill. They conclude that role play has many positive impact on their speaking skill such as they felt more confident, their vocabulary increased, pronunciation they became much better.
POTENSI DAN UPAYA PENGEMBANGAN OBYEK WISATA GOA BATU HAPU DI KECAMATAN HATUNGUN KABUPATEN TAPIN KALIMANTAN SELATAN
Authors: Saputra Ade , Arisanty Deasy , Normelani Ellyn
Published: May 2020

Tujuan Penelitian adalah mengetahui potensi internal dan eksternal Goa Batu Hapu sebagai objek wisata alam, serta mengetahui upaya pengembangan objek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu di masa yang akan datang. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif yang dilaksanakan di obyek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu Kecamatan Hatungun Kabupaten Tapin Kalimantan Selatan. Teknik penentuan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah Accidental sampling dengan teknik sampel jenuh, yaitu seluruh jumlah populasi akan dijadikan sampel penelitian. Metode pengambilan data yaitu observasi, angket (kuesioner) dan wawancara. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan analisis SWOT.Kekuatan faktor internal dari obyek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu adalah kelebihan dari daya tarik utama obyek wisata, pemandangan alam, kondisi goa, keunikan goa, dan potensi obyek wisata. Kelemahannya adalah keragaman flora dan fauna, kegiatan wisata, dan kebersihan lingkungan goa. Peluang eksternal adalah perencanaan pengembangan wisata, promosi tujuan wisata, waktu tempuh, prasarana jalan menuju goa, tempat ibadah, lahan parkir, penunjuk arah menuju goa, dan toilet. Tantangannya adalah tujuan paket perjalanan wisata, promosi skala regional, sarana angkutan pengunjung, fasilitas penginapan, fasilitas kuliner, dan cendera mata, fasilitas informasi, denah lokasi, dan penerangan goa. Berdasarkan analisis SWOT, potensi pengembangan objek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu adalah pada kuadran 1, yaitu strategi Growth Oriented Strategy. Upaya pengembangan objek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu adalah peningkatan promosi tentang obyek wisata alam Goa Batu Hapu, faktor aksebilitas menuju obyek wisata, pengelolaan kawasan Goa Batu Hapu, mengedepankan keunggulan dan daya saing, peningkatan sumber daya manusia dalam pengelolaan kawasan wisata, dan kampanye program nasional tentang wisata.
Peran Ekstrakurikuler dalam Penanggulangan Bencana di SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Wedi dan 2 Wedi Kabupaten Klaten
Authors: Puspitasari Windy
Published: May 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan (1) Peranan ekstrakurikuler dalam penanggulangan bencana gempa bumi di SMK Muhammadiyah 1 dan 2 Wedi dan (2) Merancang model dan metode integrasi materi mitigasi bencana ke dalam ekstrakurikuler di SMK Muhammadiyah 1 dan 2 Wedi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, subjek dari penelitian ini adalah siswa SMK Muhammadiyah  1  dan  2  Wedi.  Teknik  pengumpulan  data menggunakan observasi dengan instrumen kuesioner. Responden dalam   penelitian   ini   adalah   339   siswa   yang   diperoleh   dari perhitungan dengan formula slovin dari 105 populasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan (1) Intregasi materi dalam kebencanaan dalam kegiatan ekstrakurikuler dan (2) Peran sekolah dalam pendidikan mitigasi bencana.
Hubungan Motivasi Belajar dengan Hasil Belajar Geografi Siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kurau dan SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur
Authors: Iswayuni Desy , Adyatma Sidharta , Rahman Akhmad Munaya
Published: May 2020

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Hubungan Motivasi Belajar dengan Hasil Belajar Geografi siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kurau dan SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur. Bentuk penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Instrumen yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah angket motivasi belajar intrinsik 20 soal dan motivasi belajar ekstrinsik 13 soal. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa jurusan IPS di SMA Negeri 1 Kurau dan SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur. Motivasi belajar intrinsik dan ekstrinsik siswa di SMA Negeri 1 Kurau tergolong sedang hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa motivasi belajar intrinsik siswa SMA Negeri 1 Kurau adalah sebesar 75% dan motivasi belajar ekstrinsik sebesar 67%. Motivasi belajar intrinsik dan ekstrinsik di SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur juga tergolong sedang dengan nilai persentase motivasi belajar instrinsik 74% dan motivasi belajar ekstrinsik 72%.Hasil perhitungan analisis data di SMA Negeri 1 Kurau menunjukan nilai rhitung> rtabel (0,501>0,1449) dan harga sig. (2-tailed)< nilai probabilitas (0,000>0,05) yang menunjukan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara motivasi belajar siswa dengan hasil belajar siswa di SMA Negeri 1 Kurau. Besarnya pengaruh motivasi belajaar terhadap hasil belajar mata pelajaran Geografi menunjukan angka 28,2% dengan 71,8% nya dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain seperti . Hasil perhitungan analisis data di SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur menunjukan nilai rhitung > rtabel (0,448>0,1181) dan harga sig.(2-tailed)0,05) yang menunjukan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara motivasi belajar siswa dengan hasil belajar siswa di SMA Negeri 1 Bumi Makmur. Besarnya pengaruh motivasi belajaar terhadap hasil belajar mata pelajaran Geografi menunjukan angka 22,8% dengan 55,2% nya dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain.Kata kunci: Motivasi Belajar, Hasil Belajar, dan Geografi.
Adiposité et génétique chez le porc : état des lieux et nouveaux enjeux pour la qualité des produits
Authors: SCHWOB Sandrine , LEBRET Bénédicte , LOUVEAU Isabelle
Published: May 2020

L’adiposité des carcasses des porcs abattus en France s’est réduite en moyenne de 45 % entre 1977 et 2016. La production d’animaux de plus en plus maigres a été initiée dans les années 1950-1960 avec la mise en place des grilles de classement commercial des carcasses et de paiement différencié en fonction de leur teneur en tissus maigres, au détriment des tissus gras. Cette évolution a conduit à une standardisation de la production, entraînant des difficultés pour répondre à la demande qualitative de certains segments de marché. Toutefois, le gras connait actuellement un regain d’intérêt au sein de la filière porcine française. Les tissus gras présentent en effet de nombreux atouts, tant pour l’aptitude à la transformation en produits de charcuterie et salaison que pour les qualités sensorielles et nutritionnelles des produits. Cette synthèse fait le point sur les évolutions de l’amélioration génétique du porc en France en lien avec l’adiposité et la qualité des produits. Après un rappel des caractéristiques des tissus gras et leur intérêt pour les qualités des viandes et produits du porc, les facteurs de variation de l’adiposité et les caractères de quantité de gras pris en compte dans les programmes d’amélioration génétique sont présentés. Un état des lieux de la variabilité génétique de l’adiposité qui demeure au sein des populations porcines françaises (races sélectionnées et races locales) est dressé. Ce bilan permettra de définir les futures stratégies de sélection, afin de mieux répondre aux diverses attentes des industriels et des consommateurs.
Modélisation de l'efficience et de la robustesse chez les ruminants, le point de vue nutritionnel
Authors: SAUVANT Daniel
Published: May 2020

Cette synthèse fait le point sur la modélisation des aspects nutritionnels associés aux questions d'efficience et de robustesse chez les ruminants. Elle se focalise notamment sur la place des systèmes d'unités d'alimentation dans ces débats. Le comportement alimentaire et l'ingestion représentent des premiers critères importants à considérer compte tenu de leurs relations avec les performances des animaux. L'efficience digestive a été mesurée et modélisée depuis longtemps compte tenu qu'il s'agit d'une composante importante et largement contrôlable par l'éleveur de l'efficience alimentaire globale. L'efficience métabolique dépend largement du niveau de performance compte tenu du rôle joué par les besoins d'entretien et non productifs des animaux. En outre elle dépend assez largement du constituent organique élaboré (lipides, protéines et glucides) ainsi que de l'implication des réserves et des fonctions d'excrétion. La robustesse est une propriété émergente de système complexe, elle met en jeu les nombreuses facettes de l'homéostase des êtres vivants et ne peut pas, de ce fait, être facilement évaluée et mesurée. En pratique elle est souvent abordée à travers des challenges nutritionnels de court terme ainsi qu'à travers des lois de réponse aux apports d'aliments et de nutriments. Dans tous les domaines évoqués dans ce texte les variations individuelles restent encore mal connues ainsi que la part génétique de ces variations, ceci incite à y consacrer plus de travaux.
Identification and Mitigation of Friction- and Cutting-Action-Induced Stick/Slip Vibrations with PDC Bits
Authors: Chen Shilin , Wisinger John , Dunbar Brad , Propes Chris
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we provide some new insights into stick/slip vibration in drilling with polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits. Fifty-six field runs under various drilling conditions were collected with the help of on-bit vibration sensors. Stick/slip vibration occurrence during drilling was analyzed. Two types of stick/slip vibrations were identified: cutting-action-induced stick/slip and friction-induced stick/slip. Methods were developed to determine whether a stick/slip occurrence is induced by cutting action or by friction. Statistical analysis found that bit drilling efficiency (DE) is well correlated with the occurrence of cutting-action-induced bit stick/slip vibration. If a PDC bit is designed so that its DE is greater than a critical value, then the cutting-action-induced bit stick/slip vibration is not expected in drilling. Increasing the aggressiveness of the cutting structure of a PDC bit within a limited critical depth of cut is found to be helpful to mitigate bit stick/slip vibration.
Shifting Care from Hospital to Community, A Strategy to Integrate Care in Singapore: Process Evaluation of Implementation Fidelity
Authors: NURJONO MILAWATY , Shrestha Pami , Ang Ian Yi Han , Shiraz Farah , Eh Ke Xin , Toh Sue-Anne Ee Shiow , Vrijhoef Hubertus Johannes Maria
Published: May 2020

Background: Accessibility to efficient and person-centered healthcare delivery drives healthcare transformation in many countries. In Singapore, specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) are commonly congested due to increasing demands for chronic care. To improve this situation, the National University Health System (NUHS) Regional Health System (RHS) started an integrated care initiative, the Right-Site Care (RSC) program in 2014. Through collaborations between SOCs at the National University Hospital and primary and community care (PCC) clinics in the western region of the county, the program was designed to facilitate timely discharge and appropriate transition of patients, who no longer required specialist care, to the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation fidelity of the NUHS RHS RSC program using the modified Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity (CFIF), at three distinct levels; providers, organizational, and system levels to explain outcomes of the program and to inform further development of (similar) programs. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study using the realist evaluation approach was used. Data were collected between 2016-2018 through non-participatory observations, reviews of medical records and program database, together with semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers. Triangulation of data streams was applied guided by the modified CFIF. Results: Our findings showed four out of six program components were implemented with low level of fidelity, and 9,112 suitable patients were referred to the program while 3,032 (33.3%) declined to be enrolled. Moderating factors found to influence fidelity included: (i) complexity of program, (ii) evolving providers’ responsiveness, (iii) facilitation through synergistic partnership, training of PCC providers by specialists and supportive structures: care coordinators, guiding protocols, shared electronic medical record and shared pharmacy, (iv) lack of organization reinforcement, and (v) mismatch between program goals, healthcare financing and providers’ reimbursement. Conclusion: Functional integration alone is insufficient for a successful right-site care program implementation. Improvement in relationships between providers, organizations, and patients are also warranted for further development of the program.
Epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, and risk factors for mortality for pneumococcal disease among hospitalised adults in Singapore: a case-control study
Authors: Chan Tyson , Tay Min Zhi , Kyaw Win Mar , Chow Angela , Ho Hanley J
Published: May 2020

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). This study evaluated factors associated with pneumococcal disease, pneumococcal vaccine effectiveness, and risk factors for all-cause mortality in hospitalised adults with pneumococcal disease in Singapore. Methods: Retrospective case-control study of patients tested for pneumococcal disease with streptococcal urinary antigen testing and at least one sterile site culture, during their admission to a tertiary hospital in Singapore from 2015-2017. Patients were defined as cases of IPD or non-IPD, or as controls, based on laboratory results and clinical diagnoses. Multivariable models were constructed to determine factors associated with IPD/non-IPD, and risk factors for mortality from pneumococcal disease. Vaccine effectiveness against IPD/non-IPD was estimated using a variation of the test-negative design. Results: We identified 496 pneumococcal disease cases, of whom 92 (18.5%) had IPD. The mean age of cases was 69.1±15.4yrs, and 65.5% were male. Compared with controls (N=9,181), IPD patients were younger (mean age 61.5±16.3yrs, vs 72.2±16.1yrs in controls; p<0.001) and with less co-morbidities [median Charlson’s score 1 (IQR 0-4), vs 3 (1-5) in controls; p<0.001]. IPD patients also had the highest proportions with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (20.7%), inpatient mortality (26.1%) and longest median length of stay [9 (IQR 8-17) days]. On multivariable analysis, IPD was negatively associated with prior pneumococcal vaccination (adjusted relative risk ratio=0.20, 95%CI 0.06–0.69; p=0.011). Risk factors for mortality among pneumococcal disease patients were ICU admission, diagnosis of IPD, age ≥85yrs and Charlson’s score >3.Conclusion: Patients with pneumococcal disease (especially IPD) were younger and had less co-morbidities than controls, but had higher risk of severe clinical outcomes and mortality. Pneumococcal vaccination effectivenessagainst IPD was estimated to be about 80%, and should be encouraged among high-risk patients.
How parents cope with the care of a child with epilepsy: Based upon grounded theory
Authors: nematollahi Monirsadat , Rabori Roghayeh Mehdi pour , Keshavarz Fatemeh , bagherian behnaz
Published: May 2020

Background: parents of children with epilepsy face health-related problems of their children. Coping strategies of parents, major caregivers, affect not only their stresses but also the children's quality of life. This study investigated the coping strategies of parents of children with epilepsy at two educational hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Method: twenty parents (15 mothers and 5 fathers), and three nurses were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected using qualitative semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the method suggested by Corbin and Strauss version 2008. The Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: the coping process had five phases: disbelief, patience, change to preserve, acceptance of the current situation, and self- empowerment.In summary, the parents of children with epilepsy had a five-phase coping strategy. The core category was "continued efforts of parents to restore calm."Conclusion: properly assessing the stresses of parents of children with epilepsy and their coping strategies may help medical staff and social workers provide more targeted support and balance the family function.
Longitudinal association between housing accessibility and activities of daily living: the role of self-efficacy and control in people ageing with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gefenaite Giedre , Björk Jonas , Iwarsson Susanne , Slaug Björn , Schmidt Steven M. , Nilsson Maria H
Published: May 2020

BackgroundExternal housing-related control beliefs (HCB) and general self-efficacy (GSE) influence different health outcomes in the general ageing population, but there is no information of their role in people ageing with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to longitudinally assess the role of external HCB and GSE on the association between housing accessibility and activities of daily living (ADL) among people ageing with PD.MethodsBaseline and 3-year follow-up data on 130 community-living participants from the Swedish project ‘Home and Health in People Ageing with PD’ were collected. Assessments addressed housing accessibility, external HCB, GSE, generic ADL and ADL specific to PD. The moderating effects of external HCB and GSE were assessed by including an interaction term in multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThere were statistically significant interactions between housing accessibility and GSE on ADL (p=0.03), and housing accessibility and external HCB on PD specific ADL (p=0.03). After stratifying the analyses by GSE, housing accessibility problems led to more dependence and difficulty in ADL in participants with low GSE (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.28). After stratifying by external HCB, housing accessibility increased dependence and difficulty in PD specific ADL in participants with low external HCB (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.03-1.76).DiscussionThe results suggest that housing accessibility predicts ADL in people with PD with GSE and external HCB playing a moderating role for generic ADL and ADL specific to PD, respectively. Further longitudinal studies should validate these findings and explore their potential application in PD-related care and rehabilitation.
Prdx1 Promotes the Loss of Primary Cilia in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Qiongzhen , Li Jinmeng , Yang Xiaoning , Ma Junfeng , Gong Fanghua , Liu Yu
Published: May 2020

Background: Loss of primary cilia is frequently observed in tumor cells, suggesting that the absence of this organelle may promote tumorigenesis through aberrant signal transduction, the inability to exit the cell cycle, and promotion of tumor cell invasion. Primary cilia loss also occurs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells, but the molecular mechanisms that explain how ESCC cells lose primary cilia remain poorly understood.Methods: Inhibiting the expression of Prdx1 in the ESCC cells to detect the up-regulated genes related to cilium regeneration and down-regulated genes related to cilium disassembly by Gene chip. And, mice and cell experiments were carried to confirm the role of the HEF1-Aurora A-HDAC6 signaling axis in ESCC.Results: In this study, we found that silencing Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) restores primary cilia formation, and over-expressing Prdx1 induces primary cilia loss in ESCC cells. We also showed that the expression of Prdx1 regulates the action of the HEF1-Aurora A-HDAC6 signaling axis to promote the disassembly of primary cilia, and suppression of Prdx1 results in decreased tumor formation and tumor mass volume in vivo.Conclusions: These results suggest that Prdx1 is a novel regulator of primary cilia formation in ESCC cells.
Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance of maltose negative Staphylococcus aureus in South African dairy herds
Authors: Karzis Joanne , Petzer Inge-Marié , Donkin Edward F. , Naidoo Vinny , Etter Eric M. C.
Published: May 2020

Background The discovery of antimicrobials in the 1930s was one of the greatest achievements in medicine. However, bacterial resistance to antimicrobials was already observed in the 1940s and has been reported since then in both human and veterinary medicine, including in dairy cows. Many years of monitoring milk samples in South Africa, has led to the identification of a new strain of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is maltose negative and appears to be an emerging pathogen. In this study the differences in susceptibility to antimicrobials of this strain were evaluated over time, over different seasons, in different provinces, and according to somatic cell count (SCC) categories. Results A data set of 271 maltose negative S. aureus isolates, cultured from milk samples from 117 herds out of the estimated 2000 commercial dairy herds in South Africa between 2010 and 2017, was studied using the disk diffusion method. This analysis was done using the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints in order to compare using both the previous (Intermediate category grouped with Resistant) and current definitions, (Intermediate category grouped with Susceptible). The results of the analysis between the previous and the current definitions differed for tylosin, cefalonium, oxy-tetracycline and cloxacillin. Neither the analysis using the previous nor the current systems showed an effect of province for the maltose negative S. aureus. This was in contrast to the results for maltose positive S. aureus where differences between provinces were shown in a previous study, with the lowest prevalence of resistance shown in KwaZulu-Natal during spring. For the susceptibility testing of 57 maltose negative and 57 maltose positive S. aureus isolates from 38 farms, from KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results for the maltose negative S. aureus isolates confirmed the results of the disk diffusion method. Conclusions The maltose negative strains of S. aureus differed in general, in their antimicrobial resistance patterns over time, in comparison to maltose-positive S. aureus strains. MIC testing also indicated that more multidrug -resistant isolates were seen with the maltose negative S. aureus than in the maltose positive strains.
The Meta-Memory Ratio: A new cohort-independent way to measure cognitive awareness in asymptomatic individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gagliardi Geoffroy Pierre , Houot Marion , Cacciamani Federica , Habert Marie-Odile , Dubois Bruno , Epelbaum Stéphane
Published: May 2020

Background: Lack of Awareness for Cognitive Decline (ACD) has been described at the preclinical and prodromal stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we introduced a meta-memory ratio (MMR), and explored how it is associated with neuroimaging AD biomarkers in asymptomatic individuals at risk for AD.Method: 448 cognitively healthy participants from two cohorts of subjective memory complainers (INSIGHT- PreAD and ADNI) were included. Regression models were used to assess the impact of AD biomarkers on the MMR.Result: In both cohorts, there was a significant quadratic effect of cerebral amyloidosis on the MMR value. In particular, participants had a high ACD up to the amyloid positivity threshold, above which a decrease of ACD was eventually observed as the amyloid load increased. Conclusion: This nonlinear evolution of ACD in very early AD must be taken into account in clinical care and for trial enrollment as well.
Differential responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors of melanoma cell lines BRAF V600E-mutated﻿
Authors: Hashmi Muna Al , Konduru Seetharama S , Silcock Lee , Chouchane Lotfi , Mattei Valentina , James Nicola , Mathew Rebecca , Bedognetti Davide , De Giorgi Valeria , Murtas Daniela , Liu Wei , Chouchane Aouatef , Temanni Ramzi , Seliger Barbara , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco M. , Tomei Sara
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND. Most mutations in melanoma affect one critical amino acid on BRAF gene, resulting in the V600E substitution. Patient management is often based on the use of specific inhibitors targeting this mutation. METHODS. DNA and RNA mutation status were assessed in 15 melanoma cell lines by Sanger sequencing and RNA-seq. We tested the cell lines responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib and PLX4720, BRAF-specific and sorafenib, BRAF non -specific). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. BRAF V600E RNA expression was assessed by qPCR. Expression level of phosphorylated-ERK protein was assessed by Western Blotting as marker of BRAF activation.RESULTS. Three cell lines were discordant in the mutation detection (BRAF V600E at DNA level/Sanger sequencing and BRAF WT on RNA-seq). We initially postulated that those cell lines may express only the WT allele at the RNA level although mutated at the DNA level. A more careful analysis showed that they express low level of BRAF RNA and the expression may be in favor of the WT allele.We tested whether the discordant cell lines responded differently to BRAF-specific inhibitors. Their proliferation rate decreased after treatment with vemurafenib and PLX4720 but was not affected by sorafenib, suggesting a BRAF V600E biological behavior. Yet, responsiveness to the BRAF specific inhibitors was lower as compared to the control. Western Blot analysis revealed a decreased expression of p-ERK protein in the BRAF V600E control cell line and in the discordant cell lines upon treatment with BRAF-specific inhibitors. The discordant cell lines showed a lower responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors when compared to the BRAF V600E control cell line.The results obtained from the inhibition experiment and molecular analyses were also confirmed in three additional commercial cell lines.CONCLUSION. Cell lines carrying V600E mutations at the DNA level may respond differently to BRAF targeted treatment potentially due to a lower V600E RNA expression.
Improving the effectiveness of point of care tests for malaria and anaemia: A qualitative study across three Ghanaian antenatal clinics
Authors: Palmer Tanith , Aiyenigba Abiola O , Bates Imelda , Okyere Doris Dokua , Tagbor Harry , Ampofo Gifty Dufie
Published: May 2020

Background Anaemia and malaria are both major contributors to maternal and child mortality, and morbidity, with some of the worst outcomes occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Point of care tests (POCT), if used appropriately, provide a simple, inexpensive form of diagnostic testing, as a reliable alternative when laboratory tests are not readily available. In such resource limited settings, clinical staff tend to rely on symptom-based diagnosis and presumptive treatment. This study uses qualitative methods to identify the current practice of POCT use for malaria and anaemia, to explore the enablers and barriers to effective implementation of these POCT, and to determine how relationships between each of the stakeholder groups may impact on POCT use. Methods Staff (clinical and laboratory) and patients (pregnant women) at three antenatal care facilities within the Ashanti Region of Ghana participated in interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). An initial coding framework was developed based on the pre-defined objectives of the study. Thematic analysis was used to identify subthemes and categories within each of the key themes. Results At the time data were collected all three facilities used malaria POCT either as an adjunct to microscopy, or as their only form of malaria testing. Although all three facilities were familiar with haemoglobin colour scale (HCS), none of the facilities used them routinely. Clinical staff perceived symptom-based diagnosis was a quick way to diagnosis because access to POCT during consultations was unreliable, but recognized disadvantages associated with symptom-based diagnosis. Perceived advantages of malaria and anaemia POCT were user-friendliness, improved diagnosis and opportunity for patient engagement, as well as lower cost implication for patients. Perceived disadvantages included likelihood of missed diagnosis of mild anaemia, as well as likelihood of human error leading to in accurate diagnosis which could impact on patient trust. Poor communication and lack of trust between staff groups was also identified as a barrier to effective uptake of POCT. Conclusions Consistent supply of POCT as well as staff training and staff and patient engagement, are fundamental to successful uptake of POCT for effective malaria and anaemia management.
A Comparative Assessment of Dry Eye Disease Among Outdoor Street Sweepers and Indoor Office Cleaners
Authors: Echieh Chigozie Ifeoma , Etim Bassey A , Echieh Chidiebere Peter , Ajewole Jeff
Published: May 2020

Background:Occupational predisposition to dry eye disease is known. Simultaneous exposure to multiple factors may pose more risk. Street sweepers are exposed to sunlight in addition to dust which all sweepers are exposed to. This study aims to assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) amongst Street sweepers and Office cleaners in Calabar metropolis.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among street sweepers and office cleaners. A systematic random sampling and multi-stage sampling method was used to select street sweepers (n=115) and office cleaners (n=115) respectively for the study. A pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information after which the respondents had an ophthalmic examination. An assessment of DED was done with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer’s test and tear break up time (TBUT).Results:Majority of respondents were females 215(93.5%) compared to males 15 (6.5%). The overall mean age of respondents was 40.96 ± 9.8 years. The prevalence of DED among Street sweepers was 35.7% compared to 20% among office cleaners using the OSDI questionnaire. The prevalence of DED among street sweepers was 32.2% compared to 30.4% among Office cleaners using the Schirmer’s test. The TBUT reported a prevalence of 38.3% of DED among Street sweepers compared to 32.2% in Office cleaners.Conclusion:This study concluded that street sweepers had higher odds of developing dry eye disease compared to office cleaners. This effect is possibly due to synergy of factors. Studies on dose response are warranted. Strict use of protective gears that protect from multiple risk factors are recommended.
Notch signaling in mouse blastocyst development and hatching
Authors: Batista Mariana , Diniz Patrícia , Torres Ana , Murta Daniel , Lopes-da-Costa Luís , Silva Elisabete
Published: May 2020

Background Mammalian early embryo development requires a well-orchestrated interplay of cell signaling pathways. Notch is a major regulatory pathway involved in cell-fate determination in embryonic and adult scenarios. However, the role of Notch in embryonic pre-implantation development is controversial. In particular, Notch role on blastocyst development and hatching remains elusive, and a complete picture of the transcription and expression patterns of Notch components during this time-period is not available.Results This study provided a comprehensive view on the dynamics of individual embryo gene transcription and protein expression patterns of Notch components (receptors Notch1-4; ligands Dll1 and Dll4, Jagged1-2; and effectors Hes1-2), and their relationship with transcription of gene markers of pluripotency and differentiation (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, Cdx2) during mouse blastocyst development and hatching. Transcription of Notch1-2, Jagged1-2 and Hes1 was highly prevalent and dynamic along stages of development, whereas transcription of Notch3-4, Dll4 and Hes2 had a low prevalence among embryos. Transcription levels of Notch1, Notch2, Jagged2 and Hes1 correlated with each other and with those of pluripotency and differentiation genes. Gene transcription was associated to protein expression, except for Jagged2, where high transcription levels in all embryos were not translated into protein. Presence of Notch signaling activity was confirmed through nuclear NICD and Hes1 detection, and downregulation of Hes1 transcription following canonical signaling blockade with DAPT. In vitro embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 had no effect on embryo developmental kinetics. In contrast, supplementation with Jagged2 abolished Jagged1 transcription, downregulated Cdx2 transcription and inhibited blastocyst hatching. Notch signaling blockade by DAPT downregulated transcription of Sox2, and retarded embryo hatching. Conclusion Transcription of Notch genes showed a dynamic pattern along blastocyst development and hatching. Data confirmed Notch signaling activity, and lead to the suggestion that Notch canonical signaling may be operating through Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1 and Hes1. Embryo culture supplementation with Jagged1 and Jagged2 unveiled a possible regulatory effect between Jagged1, Cdx2 and blastocyst hatching. Overall, results indicate that a deregulation in Notch signaling, either by its over or under-activation, affects blastocyst development and hatching.
Valgus Intertrochanteric Osteotomy for Salvage of Failed Femoral Cervicotrochanteric Fracture Fixation
Authors: Odeh Rabea M , Lu Yu-Der , Wu Cheng-Ta , Sung Pei-Hsun , Lin Yi-Ting , Yip Hon-Kan , Lee Mel S.
Published: May 2020

BackgroundFemoral cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation failure often requires a salvage procedure to preserve the hip. To understand its limitations, this study investigated the use of intertrochanteric osteotomy for this purpose and analyzed causes of failure.MethodsDuring 2001 − 2017, 21 patients (males:females = 12:9; 47 ± 17 years) with failed femur cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation were treated with intertrochanteric osteotomy. All patients were followed-up using functional assessment according to the Harris hip score (HHS) and radiological assessment. The clinical end-point was conversion to hip arthroplasty for any reason or acquiring a symptomatic hip with a HHS < 80.ResultsWith a follow-up duration of 124 ± 63 months, success was achieved in 16 patients, whereas 5 patients developed fixation failure. Early failure was associated with fixation loss in 2 hips with subcapital fractures, while late failure was related to progression of pre-existing osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in 3 hips. Aside from the 2 early failure hips, the osteotomy healed uneventfully in all cases, and the original fracture sites healed within 17.2 ± 6.3 weeks. Of the 5 hips converted to arthroplasty, standard femoral implants were used without the need to re-perform an osteotomy to align the medullary canal. At the final follow-up, significant improvements in limb-length discrepancy (LLD), neck-shaft angle (NSA), and HHS were observed. The valgus osteotomy angle for correction was 21.9° ± 8.4°, and this was maintained at 21.1° ± 10.5° during follow-up.ConclusionsIntertrochanteric osteotomy is a useful operation and can promote fracture-healing in cases of failed cervicotrochanteric fracture fixation. Subcapital fracture with limited bone to enable secure purchase of the fixation device and pre-existing ONFH were associated with high failure rates. In such cases, salvage should not be attempted using this procedure alone, and arthroplasty or other salvage procedures may be necessary.