bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fidelity Evaluation of the Compared Procedures for Conducting the PREDIAPS Implementation Strategy to Optimize Diabetes Prevention in Primary Care
Authors: Sanchez Alvaro , Rogers Heather Lynn , Pablo Susana , García Esther , Rodríguez Inmaculada , Flores Mª Antonia , Galarza Olga , Gaztañaga Ana B. , Martínez Pedro A. , Alberdi Eider , Resines Elena , Llarena Ana I. , Grandes Gonzalo , Group PREDIAPS
Published: June 2020

Background:Assessing the fidelity of an implementation strategy is important to understand why and how the strategy influences the uptake of evidence-based interventions. The present study aims to assess the fidelity of the two procedures for engaging primary care (PC) professionals and for the deployment of an implementation strategy for optimizing type 2 diabetes prevention in routine PC within the PREDIAPS randomized cluster implementation trial. Method:We conducted an observational descriptive fidelity evaluation study of the PREDIAPS implementation strategy. Nine PC centers from the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza) were allocated to two different procedures to engage physicians and nurses and deploy a implementation strategy to model and adapt the clinical intervention and its implementation to their specific contexts: a Global procedure, promoting the cooperation of all healthcare professionals from the beginning; or a Sequential procedure, centered first on nurses who then pursued the pragmatic cooperation of physicians. Process indicators of the delivery and receipt of implementation strategy actions among centers and groups compared and the comparison of documented modifications to the planned implementation strategy were used to assess the following components of fidelity: adherence, dose, quality of delivery, professionals’ responsiveness and program differentiation. Results:Generally, the procedures compared for professionals engagement and deployment of the implementation strategy were carried out with the planned differentiation. Nonetheless, some unexpected between-group differences were observed,the initial rate of collaboration of nurses being higher in the Sequential (93%) than in the Global (67%) groups. Exposure rate to the programed implementation actions (% of hours received out of those delivered) were similar in both groups by professional category, with nurses (86%) having a higher rate of exposure than physicians (75%). Professionals identified half of the planned discrete strategies and their rating of strategies’perceived usefulness was overwhelmingly positive, with few differences between Sequential and Global centers. DiscussionThe PREDIAPS implementation strategy has been implemented with high fidelity and minor unplanned reactive modifications. Professionals’ exposure to the implementation strategy was high in both groups. The centers’ organizational context (i.e., work overload) led to small mismatches between groups in participation and exposure of professionals to implementation actions.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03254979. Registered 16 August 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03254979
Fabrication of Polylactic Acid/Paclitaxel Nano Fibers by Electrospinning for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Yu C. H. , Chan Vincent , Li Chuan , Hsieh J. H. , Lin P. H. , Tsai Ya-Hui , Chen Yun
Published: June 2020

Background: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic and biodegradable polyester, largely derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, cassava starch and sugarcane. However, PLA is only soluble in a narrow range of solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, chlorinated solvents and heated benzene. The limited choices of solvent for PLA dissolution have imposed singificant challenges in the development of specifically engineered PLA nanofibers with electrospinning techniques.Methods: Generally, the electrospun polymeric materials have been rendered with unique properties such as high porosity and complex geometry while maintaining its biodegradability and biocompatibility for emerging biomedical applications. In this study, a new drug delivery system composed of PLA nanofibers with encapsulated paclitaxel was developed by the electrospinning of the respective nanofibers on top of a spin-coated thin film with the same chemical compositions. Our unique approach is meant for promoting strong bonding between PLA-based nanofibers and their respective films in order to improve the prolonged release properties and composite film stability within a fluctuative phyiochemical environment during cell culture.Results: PLA/paclitaxel nanofiber supported on respective polymeric films were probed by scanning electronic microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and water contact measurement for determining their surface morphologies, fibers’ diameters, molecular vibrational modes, and wettability, respectively. Moreover, PLA/paclitaxel nanofibers supported on respective spin-coated films at different loadings of paclitaxel were evaluated for their abilities in killing human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116). More importantly, MTT assays showed that regardless of the concentrations of paclitaxel, the growth of HCT-116 was effectively inhibited by the prolonged release of paclitaxel from PLA/paclitaxel nanofibers.Conclusions: An effective prolonged delivery system based on PLA nanofiber has demonstrated exciting potentials for emerging applications in cancer therapeutics.
Effectiveness of Securing Central Venous Catheters with Topical Tissue Adhesive in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Prachanpanich Naruemol , Morakul Sunthiti , Kiatmongkolkul Napanont
Published: June 2020

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) play an important role during cardiac surgery. Topical tissue adhesives form a thin film of coating that becomes bound to the keratin in the epidermis. The advantage of this “super glue” lies in its antimicrobacterial activity. This study aimed to evaluate fixation of CVCs with topical tissue adhesive in patients (prone to bleed) undergoing cardiac surgery, regarding its ability to reduce the incidence of pericatheter leakage.Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 150 patients >15 years of age who were (1) scheduled to undergo elective cardiac surgery, (2) required CVC insertion at the internal jugular vein, and (3) were scheduled for transfer postoperatively to the cardiac intensive care unit. We randomly assigned patients to a topical tissue adhesive group (TA) or a standard control group (SC). The primary outcome was a change of dressing immediately postoperatively due to pericatheter blood oozing. Secondary outcomes were the number of dressings, total dressings per catheter-day, and composite outcome of catheter failure within 3 days. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. Seven patients violated the protocol (three TA patients, and four SC patients).Results: Regarding the primary outcome, the SC group had a significantly higher incidence of dressing change immediately postoperatively due to pericatheter leakage than the TA group in both the intention-to-treat analysis (5.33% vs 18.67%, RR 0.25 [95%CI 0.08 to 0.79], P = 0.012) and the per-protocol analysis (5.56% vs 16.90%, RR 0.289 [95%CI 0.09 to 0.95], P = 0.031). There were no significant differences between the two groups for the number of dressings, total dressings per catheter-day, or composite outcome of catheter failure within 3 days. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust baseline characteristics which were different in the per-protocol analysis. The result showed that the risk ratios of immediate postoperative dressing change in TA patients were 0.25 compared to the SC group ([95%CI 0.07 to 0.87], P = 0.029) in the per-protocol analysis.Conclusion: Use of a topical tissue adhesive can reduce the incidence of immediate postoperative pericatheter blood oozing.Trial registration: TCTR20180608004, retrospectively registered on June 06, 2018. http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=3610
A Multi-Method Exploratory Study of Health Professional Students’ Experiences with Compliance Behaviours
Authors: Violato Efrem , King Sharla , Bulut Okan
Published: June 2020

Research in healthcare, including with students, has begun to document experiences with negative compliance, specifically conformity and obedience. There is a growing body of experimental work however, the majority of literature on negative compliance is anecdotal and theoretical. Currently lacking is a direct measure of the frequency at which health professional students have negative experiences with conformity and obedience integrated with psychological factors, the outcomes of negative compliance, and students’ perceptions. To develop empirical knowledge about the frequency of negative compliance and student perceptions during health professional education a multi-methods survey approach was used. The survey was administered to health professional students across ten disciplines at four institutions. The results indicated students regularly experience obedience and conformity and are influenced by impression management and displacement of responsibility. Moral distress was identified as a consistent negative outcome. Student self-reported experiences aligned with the empirical findings. The findings of the present study demonstrate the pervasiveness of experiences with negative compliance during health professional’s education. The findings have educational and practical implications, as well as pointing to the need for further integration of social and cognitive psychology in explaining compliance in healthcare. The results are likely generalizable to a population level however replication is encouraged to better understand the true frequency of negative compliance at a population level.
The Relationship between Learner Engagement and Teaching Effectiveness: A Novel Assessment of Engagement in Continuing Medical Education
Authors: Stephenson Christopher R. , Bonnes Sara L. , Sawatsky Adam P. , Richards Lukas W. , Schleck Cathy D. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Beckman Thomas J , Wittich Christopher M.
Published: June 2020

Background
Continuing medical education (CME) often uses passive educational models including lectures. However, numerous studies have questioned the effectiveness of these less engaging educational strategies. Studies outside of CME suggest that engaged learning is associated with improved educational outcomes. However, measuring participants’ engagement can be challenging. We developed and determined the validity evidence for a novel instrument to assess learner engagement in CME.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional validation study at a large, didactic-style CME conference. Content validity evidence was established through review of literature and previously published engagement scales and conceptual frameworks on engagement, along with an iterative process involving experts in the field, to develop an eight-item Learner Engagement Instrument (LEI). Response process validity was established by vetting LEI items on item clarity and perceived meaning prior to implementation, as well as using a well-developed online platform with clear instructions. All item responses were double-coded for statistical analysis, using a dedicated survey research center. Internal structure validity evidence was based on factor analysis and calculating internal consistency reliability. Relations to other variables validity evidence was determined by examining associations between LEI and previously validated CME Teaching Effectiveness (CMETE) instrument scores. Following each presentation, all participants were invited to complete the LEI and the CMETE.
Results
A total of 2486 LEI and CMETE surveys were submitted during the 5-day course. Correlations between the LEI and the CMETE overall scores were strong (r = 0.80). Internal consistency reliability for the LEI was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). To support validity to internal structure, a factor analysis was performed and revealed a two dimensional instrument consisting of internal and external engagement domains. The internal consistency reliabilities were 0.96 for the internal engagement domain and 0.95 for the external engagement domain.
Conclusion
Engagement, as measured by the LEI, is strongly related to teaching effectiveness. The LEI is supported by robust validity evidence including content, response process, internal structure, and relations to other variables. Given the relationship between learner engagement and teaching effectiveness, identifying more engaging and interactive methods for teaching in CME is recommended.
Key Technology of Computer Network Vulnerability Assessment Based on Neural Network
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang
Published: June 2020

With the wide application of computer network, network security has attracted more and more attention. The main reason why all kinds of attacks on the network can pose a great threat to the network security is the vulnerability of the computer network system itself. Introducing neural network technology into computer network vulnerability assessment can give full play to the advantages of neural network in network vulnerability assessment. The purpose of this article is by organizing feature map neural network and the combination of multilayer feedforward neural network, the training samples using SOM neural network clustering, the result of clustering are added to the original training samples and set a certain weight, based on the weighted iterative update ceaselessly, in order to improve the convergence speed of BP neural network. On the BP neural network algorithm for LM algorithm was improved, the large matrix inversion in the LM algorithm using the parallel algorithm method is improved for solving system of linear equations, and use of computer network vulnerability assessment as the computer simulation and analysis on the actual example, design a set of computer network vulnerability assessment scheme, finally the vulnerability is lower than 0.75, which is beneficial to research on related theory and application to provide the reference and help.
Reproductive tract microbiota of women in childbearing age shifts upon type of gynecological infections and phase in physiological cycle
Authors: Gao Yan , Liu Hongyan , Cheng Lijuan , Xia Qing , Xie Xiuzhen , Wang Hui , Shang Heying , Liu Yurong , Diao Yutao
Published: June 2020

Background: The association of the normal physiological cycle to the structural pattern of microbiota in reproductive tract of women at reproductive age has not been extensively explored. This study was undertaken to determine whether the vaginal microbes of women at childbearing age is different among groups defined by urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle, respectively.Results: This was a multiple case-control study of women at childbearing age who were assigned to case or control groups according to their states of urogenital tract infections. The participants were also grouped by childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Samples of vaginal swabs were collected and stored at -70℃ until assayed. The V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were amplified using PCR and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We tested the hypothesis of whether the relative abundance of microbial species in vaginal microbiota was different between women with different urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle. We showed that the vaginal microbial richness(Alpha diversity measured by PD_whole tree) was decreased in normal women(without reproductive tract infections) than in those with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and decreased in pregnant women than in other groups of non-pregnancy. Similarly, women from groups of normal and in pregnancy had lower beta diversity on measure of unweighted_unifrac distance in comparison to those of uninfected and non-pregnant. The top 10 genus relative abundance, especially that Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus with the relative abundance of 71.55% among all samples, did not differ significantly between groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle analyzed by ANOVA and nonparametric kruskal_wallis.Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus helveticus have the most abundance, totally account for 97.92% relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus. It is proposed that a higher L.helveticus/L.iners ratio is more likely to present in normal women than in the infected and in pregnant than in non-pregnant, although this comparison lacks statistical significance.Conclusions: The relative abundance of dominant bacterial taxa in vaginal microbial communities of women at childbearing age, characterized with 16S rRNA gene sequence and QIIME based analysis, were not different among groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Women from groups of in pregnancy and without reproductive tract infections had lower alpha and beta diversity. The compositional ratio of the main lactobacillus species may shift depending on the normal physiological cycle and reproductive tract infections.
Microglial Deletion and Inhibition Alleviate Behavior of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Mice
Authors: Li Shuoshuo , Liao Yajin , Dong Yuan , Li Xiaoheng , Li Jun , Cheng Yong , Cheng Jinbo , Yuan Zengqiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Alteration of immune status in the central nervous system (CNS) has been implicated in the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, the nature of overall changes in brain immunocyte landscape in PTSD condition remains unclear. Methods: We constructed a mouse PTSD model by electric foot-shocks followed by contextual reminders and verified the PTSD-related symptoms by behavior test (including contextual freezing test, open filed test and elevated plus maze test). We examined the immunocyte panorama in the brains of the naïve or PTSD mice by using single cell mass cytometry. Microglia number and morphological changes in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala were analyzed by histopathological methods. The gene expression changes of those microglia were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Genetic/pharmacological depletion of microglia or minocycline treatment before foot-shock exposure were performed to study the role of microglia in the PTSD development and progress. Results: We found microglia are the major brain immune cells respond to PTSD. The number of microglia and ratio of microglia to immunocytes was significantly increased on the fifth day of foot-shock exposure. Furthermore, morphological analysis and gene expression profiling revealed temporal patterns of microglial activation in the hippocampus of PTSD brains. Importantly, we found that genetic/pharmacological depletion of microglia or minocycline treatment before foot-shock exposure alleviated PTSD-associated anxiety and contextual fear. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a critical role for microglial activation in PTSD development and a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of PTSD in the form of microglial inhibition.
Evaluation of the District Health Information System 2 Supported Malaria Reporting System in Solomon Islands
Authors: Wangdi Kinley , Sarma Haribondu , Leaburi John , McBryde Emma , Clements Archie CA
Published: June 2020

BackgroundDistrict Health Information Systems 2 (DHIS2) is used for supporting health information management in 67 countries, including Solomon Islands. However, there have been few published evaluations of the performance of DHIS2-enhanced disease reporting systems, in particular for managing infectious diseases such as malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate DHIS2 supported malaria reporting in Solomon Islands and to develop recommendations for improving the system.MethodsThe evaluation was conducted in three administrative areas of Solomon Islands: Honoria City Council, and Malaita and Gundacanal Provinces. Records of nine malaria indicators from 1st January to 31st December 2016 were extracted from the DHIS2 database. The indicators permitted assessment in four core areas: availability, completeness, timeliness and reliability. To obtain more detailed information on performance of the malaria case reporting system, focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with health centre nurses, whilst in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with stakeholder representatives from government (province and national) staff and WHO officials who were users of DHIS2. ResultsData were extracted from nine health centres in Honoria City Council and 64 health centres in Malaita Province. Overall, completeness of all nine indicators was 28.2% and 5.1% of health centres submitted reports on time. The most reliable indicator in DHIS2 was ‘clinical malaria’ (i.e. numbers of clinically diagnosed malaria cases) with 62.4% reliability. Challenges to completeness were a lack of supervision, limited feedback, high workload, and a lack of training and refresher courses. Health centres located in geographically remote areas, a lack of regular transport, high workload and too many variables in the reporting forms led to delays in timely reporting. Reliability of reports was impacted by a lack of technical professionals such as statisticians and unavailability of tally sheets and reporting forms. ConclusionThe availability, completeness, timeliness and reliability of nine malaria indicators collected in DHIS2 were variable within the study area, but generally low. Continued onsite support, supervision, feedback and additional enhancements such as electronic reporting will be required to further improve the malaria reporting system.
Prevalence and Risk factors of Hypoglycaemia in Neonates at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Fantahun Bereket Yismaw , Nurussen Ikram
Published: June 2020

Background

Hypoglycaemia is a common metabolic abnormality seen in neonates that can cause preventable death. Its overall incidence has been estimated to be 1 to 5 per 1,000 live births, with higher incidence in at-risk populations. There is limited data regarding its prevalence and risk factors in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of neonatal hypoglycaemia in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methodology

A cross sectional study was conducted from June 17 to August 3, 2018 at SPHMMC, NICU. Neonates whose age was less than 48hrs and admitted to NICU were enrolled. Sociodemographic, maternal and neonatal factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Blood glucose was measured using glucometer with a test strip. Random blood glucose level < 47mg/dl was taken as a cut-off point to define hypoglycaemia. The data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results

Neonatal hypoglycaemia was detected in 25% (49/196) of the neonates. Birth weight, duration of labor, maternal age, time of feeding initiation, hypothermia and respiratory distress syndrome were associated with hypoglycaemia. From these factors, maternal age, birth weight and hypothermia were found to be independent predictors of the outcome.

Conclusion

Hypoglycaemia was prevalent in neonates admitted to the NICU of SPHMMC and was associated with low birth weight and hypothermia. These findings calls for early detection of hypoglycaemia, prevention of hypothermia and early initiation of feeding to prevent neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Immune Landscape of Periodontitis Unveils Alterations of Infiltrating Immunocytes and Molecular Networks-Aggregating into an Interactive Web-Tool for Periodontitis Related Immune Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqi , Wang Qingxuan , Yan Xinyu , Shan Yue , Xing Lu , Li Minqi , Long Hu , Lai Wenli
Published: June 2020

Background: Immunity and immunocyte reaction play an essential role in periodontitis progress and we aim to investigate the underlying regulatory network of periodontitis immune alterations. Methods: CIBERSORT was used to estimated immunocyte fractions in different clinical status. Logistic regression was used to assess the immunocyte weight to periodontitis. Immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified by the NMF algorithm. GSEA and GSVA were conducted to analyze pathway activity. Immunocytes related gene modules were identified by WGCNA. Results: Altered immunocytes in healthy-vs-periodontitis, aggressive-vs-chronic, male-vs-female and age were identified. Contributing for periodontitis of immunocytes was calculated and their correlation was also done. Two distinct immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified and one is characterized by B cell reaction and the other is IL-6 cytokine reactions. 463 statistically significant correlations between 22 immunocytes and pathways were revealed. Immunocytes and clinical phenotypes matched their gene modules, and their functions were annotated. Last, an easy-to-use and user-friendly interactive web-tool were developed for periodontitis related immune analysis and visualization (http://118.24.100.193:3838/tool-PIA/).Conclusions: This study systematically investigated periodontitis immune atlas and glimpse the underlying mechanism of periodontitis from gene-pathway-immunocyte networks, which can not only inspire researchers but also help them in periodontitis related immune researches.
Triple-knockout, synuclein-free mice display compromised lipid pattern
Authors: Guschina Irina , Ninkina Natalia , Roman Andrei Y. , Pokrovskiy Mikhail V. , Buchman Vladimir L.
Published: June 2020

Background: Recent studies have implicated synucleins in several reactions during the biosynthesis of lipids and fatty acids in addition to their recognised role in membrane lipid binding and synaptic functions. All members of the synuclein family interact robustly with lipid membranes, and appear to be important for the physiological functions of proteins while influencing the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein. Methods: The following tissues were used for lipid and fatty acid analysis: plasma, liver and two brain areas (cortex and midbrain). Lipid classes were separated using thin-layer chromatography. Fatty acids were analysed using gas chromatography. Results: We describe the importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and palmitic acid in liver and plasma, reduced triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in liver and circulated plasma non-esterified fatty acids in synuclein free mice. In midbrain, observed changes in the relative concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cerebrosides (CER) were counterbalanced. In midbrain, we recorded a notable reduction in ethanolamine plasmalogens in synuclein free mice and consider this an important finding considering the abnormal ether lipid metabolism usually associated with neurological disorders.Conclusions: In summary, our data demonstrate that synuclein deficiency can result in alterations of PUFA synthesis, storage lipid accumulation in liver, and reduction of plasmalogens and CER, those polar lipids which are principal compounds of lipid rafts in many tissues. An ablation of all three synuclein family members resulted in more pronounced lipid modifications then previously showed by us γ-synuclein deficiency. Possible mechanisms by which synuclein deficiency may govern the reported modifications of lipid metabolism in TKO mice are proposed and discussed.
Prevalence and Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Pediatric Household Contacts of Iranian Tuberculosis Cases
Authors: Ghanaie Roxana , Karimi Abdollah , Azimi Leila , James Seddon , Nasehi Mahshid , Mishkar Abolfazl Panahi , Sheikhi Mahnaz , Fallah Fatemeh , Tabatabaei Sedigheh Rafiei , Hoseini‐Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan
Published: June 2020

Background: Although the World Health Organization has recommended the diagnosis and prophylactic treatment of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in child household contacts of tuberculosis (TB) cases, the national programs in high-burden TB regions rarely implement adequate screening of this high-risk group, mainly because of resource limitations. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI among pediatric household contacts of TB cases in two high-burden provinces in Iran.Methods: We conducted a cohort study in children who had been in household contact with a TB index. All subjects were assessed for active disease through evaluation of symptoms and if active disease was suspected were investigated by chest radiograph and bacilli detection in sputum or nasogastric lavage. For LTBI diagnosis, tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) were performed at the time of the index TB case diagnosis, as well as, 3, 12, and 18 months, if the first results were negative. In addition, interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) concentrations were measured in QFT-Plus supernatants for all participants. Results: A total of 230 children were enrolled, who had contact with an index TB case. Three contacts were diagnosed with active TB. According to the TST/QFT-Plus results, 104 (45.2%) children were identified with LTBI during our study.Conclusion: This study alarmingly illustrates a high prevalence of LTBI among Iranian children exposed to TB cases. We, therefore, emphasize that the children living in close contact with an infectious TB case should be screened effectively and receive prophylactic therapy.
Impact of Daily Versus Weekly Service of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Hospital Antimicrobial Consumption: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cona Andrea , Gazzola Lidia , Viganò Ottavia , Bini Teresa , Marchetti Giulia Carla , Monforte Antonella d'Arminio
Published: June 2020

Background: To verify whether daily service of Infectious Diseases consultation (ID-cons) is more effective than weekly service in reducing antibiotic (ABT) consumption without worsening of clinical outcomes. Methods: Two-years observational analysis of all the ID-cons provided in a hospital in Milan. ID-cons resulted in: start-of-ABT; no-ABT; confirmation; modification-of-ABT. We evaluated the impact of weekly (09/2016-09/2017) versus daily (10/2017-10/2018) service of ID-cons on: time-from-admission-to-first-ID-cons, type of ABT-intervention and number-of-ID-cons per 100patientdays(pd). Primary outcomes: (i) reduction of overall hospital ABT consumption and (ii) reduction of ABT consumption by department and by ABT classes expressed as defined-daily-dose (DDD)/100pd (by wilcoxon test for paired data). Secondary outcome: no significant increment of overall and sepsis-related in-hospital mortality (as death/patient’s admissions) from 2017 to 2018.Results: Overall 2552 ID-cons in 1111 patients were performed (18.6% weekly vs 81.4% daily). No differences in patient’s characteristics were observed. In daily-service, compared to weekly, patients were seen by the ID-consultant earlier (time-from-admission-to-ID-cons: 6 days (IQR 2-13) vs 10 days (IQR 6-19), p<0.0001) and ABT was more often started by the ID-consultant (Start-of-ABT: 11.6% vs 8%, p=0.02). After switch to daily service, the number-of-ID-cons increased from 0.4/100pd to 1.5/100pd(p=0.01), with the greatest increase in the emergency department (1.5/100pd vs 6.7/100pd, p<0.0001). Total ABT consumption decreased from 62.1 to 59.3 DDD/100 pd, p=0.02. As for the number-of-cons, the consumption of ABT decreased mainly in the emergency area. According to ABT classes, glycopeptides’ consumption has been reduced from 3.1 to 2.1 DDD/100pd (p=0.02) while carbapenem use decreased from 3.7 to 3.1 DDD/100pd (p=0.07). No changes in overall-mortality (5.2% vs 5.2%) and sepsis-related mortality (19.3% vs 20.9%; p=0.7) were observed among the two time-period.Conclusions: Daily-ID-cons resulted in a more comprehensive take charge of the infected patient by the ID-consultant especially in the emergency area where we also observed the highest rate of reduction of ABT-usage. No change in mortality was observed.
Research on the influence of the normal vibration on the friction-induced vibration of the water-lubricated stern bearing
Authors: Jin Yong , Deng Tianyang , Liu Zhenglin , Zhou Jianhui
Published: June 2020

During the slow voyage of ships, the friction-induced vibration noise often occurs in the contact region of the water-lubricated stern bearing and the tail shaft. The lateral vibration can impact the normal motion of the contact surface, then change the dynamic friction force, finally affect the behaviour of the friction-induced vibration. By adding the movement of the stern shaft journal into the normal load description of the dynamic friction, the equation of friction-induced vibration considering the effect of normal vibration was established. Then the effect law of normal vibration on friction-induced vibration was discussed by numerical simulation and test. The results show that the normal vibration would make the friction-induced vibration appear quasi-periodic, chaotic trend, and narrow the speed range in which the noise of friction-induced vibration appears.
Effect of public awareness, behaviours and treatment on infection-age-structured of mathematical model for HIV/AIDS dynamics
Authors: Lasisi Nurudeen Oluwasola
Published: June 2020

Since the discovering of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, more people have been infected with the HIV/AIDS infection and several individuals have died of HIV/AIDS virus. In this research work, an infection-age-structured mathematical model for HIV/AIDS transmission dynamics is developed and investigated, taking into consideration the public awareness, Treatment and Sex behaviours. It is assumed that the infectious population is structured according to time and age of infection. We established the criteria for the existence and uniqueness of solution. An explicit formula for the effective reproduction number RE of the model is obtained. We showed that the disease-free-equilibrium (DFE) state is stable if RE<1. Constructing a Lyaponov function, the global stability of the DFE state of the system is obtained for RE<1. Endemic Equilibrium (EE) state was analyzed locally and globally with the method of linear and nonlinear Lyapunov function; it was found that EE is locally asymptotically stable if RE>1 and globally stable if RE>1 for X1<X2.
Design of irrigation canals with minimum overall cost using particle swarm optimization – case study: El-Sheikh Gaber canal, north Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Authors: El-Ghandour Hamdy A. , Elbeltagi Emad , Gabr Mohamed E.
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, the scarcity of freshwater sources, climate change and the deterioration of freshwater quality have a great impact on the lives of human beings. As such, improving the design of irrigation canals will reduce water losses through evaporation and seepage. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to determine the optimum design of irrigation canals' cross-sections with the objective to minimize the overall costs. The overall costs include the costs of earthwork, lining, and water loss by both seepage and evaporation. The velocity constraints for sedimentation and erosion have been taken into consideration in the proposed design method. The proposed PSO is compared with both the Probabilistic Global Search Lausanne (PGSL) and classical optimization methods to verify its usefulness in optimal design of canals' cross-sections. The proposed PSO is then used to design El-Sheikh Gaber canal, north Sinai Peninsula, Egypt and the obtained dimensions are compared with the existing canal dimensions. To facilitate the use of the developed model, optimal design graphs are presented. The results show that the reduction of overall cost ranged from 28 to 41% and consequently, the proposed PSO algorithm can be reliably used for the design of irrigation open canals without going through the conventional and cumbersome trial and error methods.
Distribution of fluoride in groundwater around Chagan Lake and its risk assessment under the influence of human activities
Authors: Xu Peng , Bian Jianmin , Wu Juanjuan , Li Yihan , Ding Fei
Published: June 2020

Chagan Lake is located in the area of Western Jilin for which waterways have high fluorine content. Because of the construction of water conservancy projects and agricultural irrigation areas, the groundwater replenishment and drainage conditions there have changed. Groundwater test data were used to analyze the status of groundwater fluoride with this changing hydrodynamic gradient. The paper established a health risk assessment model based on triangular fuzzy number. The results show that the samples of phreatic water and confined water with excessive fluoride content accounted for 68.74% and 29.4%, respectively. Samples that exceeded standards of fluoride content were mainly distributed in the northwest and southwest. The chemistry of phreatic water is more complicated than that of confined water. The water quality categories are mainly poor and very poor. The formation of major anions and cations was mainly controlled by evaporation and rock weathering. It was also found that non-carcinogenic risks of fluoride in phreatic water are greater than those in confined water. The risk indices for children and adults were [1.1, 1.6] and [0.6, 0.9], respectively (α = 0.8). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment model based on triangular fuzzy numbers has a higher reference value than that of traditional models.
Leakage estimation in water networks based on the BABE and MNF analyses: a case study in Gavankola village, Iran
Authors: Negharchi Saeid Mohammadzade , Shafaghat Rouzbeh
Published: June 2020

Calculating the water loss and leakage in the water distribution networks (WDNs) is performed for various reasons such as monitoring and optimizing, active control, estimating economical damage, and predicting the demand in the network development plans. In this research, two leakage calculation methods including Background and Bursts Estimates (BABE) and minimum night flow (MNF) have been evaluated for a rural network in the north of Iran with a high non-revenue water (NRW) percentage of 47%. Initially, the data related to the inlet flow rate of the network and the average pressure at zone was measured using ultrasonic flow meters and pressure transmitter, respectively. Then, remote data loggers collected these data. With the water loss analyses based on the BABE method (annually) and based on the MNF technique (every 10 minutes), the average leak was found to be 1.45 and 1.105 Lit/s, respectively. Also, according to hydraulic and consumption conditions, the highest frequency of MNF occurrence was observed at 00:00 and 05:00. Moreover, the effects of legitimate night-time consumption (LNC) and leakage exponent (N) were evaluated. The results indicate that determining the LNC, especially in the networks in which the domestic customers use private tanks, is significantly important.
Critical conditions of struvite growth and recovery using MgO in pilot scale crystallization plant
Authors: Park Nari , Chang Hyangyoun , Jang Yeoju , Lim Hyunman , Jung Jinhong , Kim Weonjae
Published: June 2020

The struvite crystallization process can recover struvite crystals as a valuable slow-release fertilizer from the side stream of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the crystal growth characteristics and determine the appropriate recovery criteria for a struvite crystallization pilot plant. A pilot plant (8.6 m3/d) was designed with a feeding system of MgO (magnesium oxide), a pH controller, and a hydrocyclone for recovering struvite; the plant was operated for 42 hours at a pH range of 8.25–8.5. The removal efficiencies for PO4-P and NH4-N were 82.5–90.7% and 13.4–22.9%, respectively. The struvite recovered from the hydrocyclone was sifted using standard sieves and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The dry weight fraction of the precipitate in the 300–600 μm range increased gradually from 7% to 74% in 18 hours. The XRD analysis revealed that the crystalline structure of the precipitate in the 150–600 μm range indicates struvite without any peaks of MgO, Mg(OH)2, and MgCO3. This indicates that the critical conditions for recovering struvite from the side-stream of WWTPs are an operation period of 18 hours and a crystal size greater than 300 μm.
On Procedural Guidelines on the Procedure of Choosing the Organizational and Technical Measures for Personal Data Protection in Their Processing in Personal Data Information Systems
Authors: Bisiukov Viktor Mikhailovich
Published: June 2020

The urgency of the issue treated in this paper is determined by the fact that the federal law requires personal data operators to guarantee the safety of processed personal data by developing security systems based on a number of organizational and technical security measures, as well as their evaluation. When choosing the organisational and technical security measures, the problem of having to consider a large number of normative and procedural documents which regulate this process arises. The aim of this study is to develop the procedural guidelines for choosing and assessing the effectiveness of suggested organizational and technical security measures for data protection in personal data information systems.
The Meaning of Making Discoveries in Russia
Authors: Velgas Lev Borisovich , Iavolinskaia Liya Lvovna
Published: June 2020

The article presents some thoughts on making discoveries in present-day Russia. The paper demonstrates how difficult it is for a new and sensible view on the nature of certain matters to reach its audience. In Russia, one must exert oneself to make an impact. The authors argue that a large number of competent ideas and evidence are ignored by the public.
Fermat`s Last Theorem Proof on Six Faces of a Wooden Cube
Authors: Avdyev Marat Aleksandrovich
Published: June 2020

Fermat's Last Theorem has been proved on the basis of school Physics, Mathematics, analytical Geometry. The main conceptions of the proof one can write on a math toy in the form of a wooden cube for children. Six faces of the cube are enough to deliver the main ideas of proof.
Medicinal Uses of Honey
Authors: Sarkisova Mariia Nikolaevna , Biriukova Natalia Viktorovna
Published: June 2020

This article describes ways of using various types of honey in the history of medicine as well as its current stage of development. The authors consider the main components of different types of honey and the national standards of naturally sourced honey. An analysis of research papers on medical uses of honey has been performed, as well as a comparative analysis of recent honey-based medicines available in the pharmaceutical market. On the basis of collected data, some possible prospects for further use of honey in medicine have been outlined.
Efficient Design of the Sewing Machine's Shuttle Thread Tension Regulator
Authors: Shukhratzoda Ganjina
Published: June 2020

The paper presents the tension regulator of the Shuttle thread of the sewing machine, which consists of an arc-shaped plate spring, has two holes, the first for fixing the screw to the side surface of the bobbin cap and the second for the adjusting screw. In this case, the width of the plate spring along the entire length is the same. A disadvantage of the known design of the Shuttle thread tension regulator is that it is not possible to provide thread tension due to changes in the pressure force of the plate spring along its length in the areas of contact with the thread passing between the plate and the side surface.
Choice of the Optimal Solution for Introducing vIMS Technology in the Infrastructure of the Telecommunication Network
Authors: Alekseenko Andrey Andreevich , Belov Yuri Nikolaevich
Published: June 2020

The article focuses on the main driving forces that force telecom operators to introduce the latest achievements of scientific and technological progress into their networks and provide subscribers with new opportunities and advantages. One of the latest advances in the world of telecommunications is the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Based on literary sources, a review of the IMS concept is carried out, the main ideas embodied by it are highlighted. The paper provides a solution for the implementation of virtual IMS technology in the telecommunications network infrastructure, defines the main network equipment on which the functional components of the vIMS network are implemented.
Obesity and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Care and Clinical Practice
Authors: Poblete José Andrés , Olmos Pablo
Published: June 2020

Obesity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are the most frequent pathologies affecting
mothers and offspring during pregnancy. Both conditions have shown a sustained increase in their
prevalence in recent years, and they worsen the outcome of pregnancy and the long-term health of
mothers. Obesity increases the risk of GDM and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and elevates the risk
of developing metabolic syndrome in later life. Offspring of obese mothers have an increased risk of
obstetric morbidity and mortality and, consistent with the developmental origins of health and disease, a
long term risk of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction. On the other hand, GDM also increases
the risk of pre-eclampsia, caesarean section, and up to 50% of women will develop type 2 diabetes later
in life. From a fetal point of view, it increases the risk of macrosomia, large-for-gestational-age fetuses,
shoulder dystocia and birth trauma. The insulin resistance and inflammatory mediators released by a
hypoxic trophoblast are mainly responsible for the poor pregnancy outcome in obese or GDM patients.
The adequate management of both pathologies includes modifications in the diet and physical activity.
Drug therapy should be considered when medical nutrition therapy and moderate physical activity fail to
achieve treatment goals. The antenatal prediction of macrosomia is a challenge for physicians. The timing
and the route of delivery should consider adequate metabolic control, gestational age, and optimal
conditions for a vaginal birth. The best management of these pathologies includes pre-conception planning
to reduce the risks during pregnancy and improve the quality of life of these patients.
An Efficient Cancer Classification Model for CT/MRI/PET Fused Images
Authors: Srimathi S. , Yamuna G. , Nanmaran R.
Published: June 2020

Objective:

The aim was to study image fusion-based cancer classification models used
to diagnose cancer and assess medical problems in earlier stages that help doctors or health care
professionals to make the treatment plan accordingly.

Methods :

In this work, a novel image fusion method based on Curvelet transform is developed. CT
and PET scan images of benign type tumors were fused together using the proposed fusion algorithm
and the same way, MRI and PET scan images of malignant type tumors were fused together
to achieve the combined benefits of individual imaging techniques. Then, the marker-controlled watershed
algorithm was applied on fused images to segment cancer affected area. The various color
features, shape features and texture-based features were extracted from the segmented image. Following
this, a data set was formed with various features, given as input to different classifiers namely
neural network classifier, Random forest classifier, and K-NN classifier to determine the nature
of cancer. The results of the classifier showed normal, benign or malignant category of cancer.

Results:

The performance of the proposed fusion algorithm was compared with the existing fusion
techniques based on the parameters PSNR, SSIM, Entropy, Mean and Standard Deviation.
Curvelet transform based fusion method performs better than already existing methods in terms of
five parameters. The performances of the classifiers were evaluated using three parameters: accuracy,
sensitivity, and specificity. The K-NN Classifier performed better compared to the other two
classifiers and it provided an overall accuracy of 94%, sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 84%.

Conclusion:

The proposed Curvelet transform based image fusion method combined with the KNN
classifier provides better results compared to other two classifiers when two input images were
used individually.