bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working with short-term goal-directed reablement with older adults: Strengthened by a collaborative approach
Authors: Gustafsson L-K , Anbäcken E-M , Elfström ML , Zander V , Östlund G
Published: May 2019

The increased number of older adults who experience longevity requires increased investment in healthcare services. Short-term goal-directed reablement is expected to strengthen the functional capacity and quality of life of older adults, while homecare hours, and thus municipal expenditures, decrease. Facilitation of successful interprofessional collaboration includes not only enhancing coordination structurally, but also establishing a commitment regarding culture that overcomes professionally differentiated attitudes. Nurses have an obvious role in these multi-professional teams and the study explores some aspects' of working in this type of collaboration. The aim was to illuminate the meaning of working with short-term goal-directed reablement of older adults as experienced by an interprofessional team. Data were collected after an intervention with goal-directed time-limited reablement of older people. Written narratives from an interprofessional team were analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. Findings identified four major thematic structures that characterized the meaning: 1) Reliable relationship; including the aspects ‘Confidence between the older adult and staff’, ‘A sense of security’ and ‘Continuity’, 2) Empowered participation, including the following aspects: ‘Listen to the older adult’s desires’ and ‘Put the person in control’, 3) Team with a negotiated approach, including the aspects: ‘Closeness’, ‘Same direction and overarching goal’, ‘Learning from interprofessional dialogue’, 4) Time for growth with the aspects ‘Creating harmony’ and ‘Building the older adult’s self-confidence’. The process of reablement seemed strengthened by the collaborative approach of different professions and their combined efforts. The present study argues that teamwork gives confidence both in terms of general knowledge of reablement but also specific confidence in one’s profession.
Globalization and Working Environment Nexus: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Ul-Haq Jabbar , Visas Hubert , Cheema Ahmed Raza
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the impact of globalization (defined as phasing-out of the multifiber arrangements [MFA]/agreement on textile and clothing [ATC]) on working conditions of textile and apparel workers in general and female workers in particular in Pakistan. We found that the impact of the elimination of the MFA/ATC on workers of the textile and apparel sector is negative and statistically insignificant. The working conditions of workers in the textile and apparel sector are not different relative to other sectors. The working conditions of females deteriorated as a result of the phasing out of the MFA/ATC in relation to the male working environment and compared with other industries. Our findings are robust in the sense that the direction of the impact remains the same and statistically significant even after performing sensitivity analysis. We also controlled for provincial heterogeneity, and the results showed minor correction in magnitude but remain negative and statistically significant. We also addressed treatment selection bias by performing propensity score analysis and found similar results.
Quality of acute stroke care in Korea (2008–2014): Retrospective analysis of the nationwide and nonselective data for quality of acute stroke care
Authors: Park Hong-Kyun , Kim Seong-Eun , Cho Yong-Jin , Kim Jun Yup , Oh Hyunji , Kim Beom Joon , Kang Jihoon , Lee Keon-Joo , Jang Min Uk , Park Jong-Moo , Park Kwang-Yeol , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Soo Joo , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Yang Ki Hwa , Choi Ah Rum , Kang Mi Yeon , Smith Eric E , Gorelick Philip B , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: May 2019

Background

There is limited information about non-selective and contemporary data on quality of stroke care and its variation among hospitals at a national level.

Patients and methods

We analysed data of the patients admitted to 258 acute stroke care hospitals covering the entire country from the Acute Stroke Quality Assessment Program, which was performed by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service from 2008 to 2014 in South Korea. The primary outcome measure was defect-free stroke care (all-or-none), based on six get with the guidelines-stroke performance measures (except venous thromboembolism prophylaxis).

Results

Among 43,793 acute stroke patients (mean age, 67 ± 14 years; male, 55%), 31,915 (72.9%) were hospitalised due to ischaemic stroke. At a patient level, defect-free stroke care steadily increased throughout the study period (2008, 80.2% vs. 2014, 92.1%), but there were large disparities among hospitals (mean = 50.7%, SD = 21.7%). Defect-free stroke care was given more frequently in patients being treated in hospitals with 25 or more stroke cases per month (odds ratio [OR] 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69–4.72), delivery of intravenous thrombolysis one or more times per month (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.44–3.92), or provision of stroke unit care (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.22–2.52).

Discussion

This study shows that the quality of stroke care in Korea is improving over time and is higher in centres with a larger volume of stroke or intravenous thrombolysis cases and providing stroke unit care but hospital disparities exist.

Conclusion

Reducing large differences in defect-free stroke care among acute stroke care hospitals should be continuously pursued.
Selection of sustainable technologies for reducing emission of volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases
Authors: Shareefdeen Zarook
Published: May 2019

Selection of sustainable and environmental friendly technologies is very important in meeting strict environmental regulations on industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases. Many of the industrial volatile organic compounds are toxic and carcinogenic, and they are regulated under Clean Air Act for hazardous air pollutants. Similarly, global environmental agreements such as European Union’s 2015 Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol restrict carbon emission, which is responsible for global warming, sea-level rise, flooding, and ecological imbalance. It is essential that industries choose suitable technologies that reduce not only toxic volatile organic compounds in the air but also greenhouse gas emissions. In this communication, biotechnological methods are discussed and compared with conventional processes, which are used for control of volatile organic compounds. The readers may find this article useful in the selection of an appropriate technology for their application while minimizing the greenhouse gas emissions.
In vitro evaluation of factor IX as novel treatment for factor XI deficiency
Authors: Bakhtiari Kamran , Meijers Joost C. M.
Published: May 2019

There is a Blood Commentary on this article in this issue.
On the Adaptive Quadrature of Fermi-Dirac Functions and their Derivatives
Authors: Anandaram Mandyam N
Published: May 2019

In this paper, using the Python SciPy module “quad”, a fast auto-adaptive quadrature solver based on the pre-compiled QUADPACK Fortran package, computational research is undertaken to accurately integrate the generalised Fermi-Dirac function and all its partial derivatives up to the third order. The numerical results obtained with quad method when combined with optimised break points achieve an excellent accuracy comparable to that obtained by other publications using fixed-order quadratures.
Role of Four Gravitational Constants in Nuclear Structure
Authors: Seshavatharam U V S , Lakshminarayana S
Published: May 2019

This paper attempts to understand the role of the four gravitational constants in the nuclear structure whichhelps in understanding the nuclear elementary charge, the strong coupling constant, nuclear charge radii,nucleon magnetic moments, nuclear stability, nuclear binding energy and Neutron life time. The three assumed atomic gravitational constants help in understanding neutron-proton stability. Electromagnetic and nuclear gravitational constants play a role in understanding proton-electron mass ratio, Bohr radius and characteristic atomic radius. With reference to the weak gravitational constant, it is possible to predict the existence of a weakly interacting fermion of rest energy 585 GeV, called Higg’s fermion. Cosmological ‘dark matter’ research and observations can be carried out in this direction also.
Proton Induced X-ray Emission Studies Using Folded tandem Ion Accelerator (FOTIA) at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, Mumbai, India
Authors: Joseph Daisy
Published: May 2019

The Folded Tandem Ion Accelerator (FOTIA) at Van De Graaff was used to study PIXE (Particle-induced X-ray Emission) using protons of energy 3-5 MeV. It has been used for a variety of applications from studying intensity ratios, biological samples (blood), rare earth, materials (gold standards), geological samples (gemstones) pottery samples and forensic samples (ink). This article attempts to elucidate the preparation methods of the samples, the detectors used, the analysis and the findings therein for different applications.
On Self-Gravitating Polytropic Cylinders and Slabs
Authors: Anandaram Mandyam N
Published: May 2019

In this review paper the 2-D Lane-Emden equation (LEEq) model of a self-gravitating gas distribution in the form of an infinitely long cylinder shaped polytrope of finite radius is obtained and its basic radial properties are outlined. Similarly reviewed is the derivation of the 1-D LEEq model of an infinitely wide planar polytrope of finite thickness and its basic properties across thickness are discussed. These two polytropes are solved numerically along with the 3-D models for comparison using the 2 nd order Euler-Richardson method (ERM) and their index based parameters are determined. The Python script used in these computations has been shown to be not only fast but is capable of matching fourth order performance. However, these models are found to have finite radii for all polytropic indices unlike the restricted spherical analogs and have astrophysical applications. Distortion due to rotation in polytropic rings has also been computed using ERM.
Editorial
Authors: Tadiparthi Krishnaji
Published: May 2019

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Mixotrophic Growth of Chlorella Sp. Using Glycerol for the Production of Biodiesel: A Review
Authors: Bansal Sakshi
Published: May 2019

Microalgae have great potential for the production of lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. Glycerol is generated as a by-product of the transesterification reaction of the lipid produced by the algae into biodiesel. The process of converting this crude glycerol into the pharmaceutical grade is expensive. Also, glycerol formation from biodiesel production creates surplus glycerol reserves. In this review, the use of crude glycerol as a carbon source for the mixotrophic growth of Chlorella Sp. is discussed. Addition of other nutritional sources like nitrogen and phosphorus was also systematically studied and the relationship between the concentration of these nutrients and the growth pattern of the algae was analyzed which is presented in the article as well.

 

, , Crude Glycerol, Nitrogen Sources, Phosphorus Addition
Synthesis and Characterization of Chalcones and Pyrazolines derived from Substituted Aryl ether
Authors: - Shashiprabha , Holla B Shivarama , P Vishwanatha , P Nefisath
Published: May 2019

Few novel chalcones were synthesised by treating 4-fluoro-3-phenoxy benzaldehyde with different substituted ketones and characterised using 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The chalcones synthesised were further treated with hydrazine hydrate to get corresponding pyrazolines. The newly synthesised pyrazolines were characterised by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry.
Biodiversity Consequences of Biofuel Production
Authors: Sreevani P
Published: May 2019

The biodiversity impact of biofuels will depend on the biofuel crop and the previous land use. Biofuels can be beneficial to biodiversity when appropriate crops are grown in suitable areas. Conversion of protected areas is usually explicitly prohibited by sustainability standards, but many of these areas of high biodiversity importance fall outside of the protected area network. The paper examines research that investigates the impact on biodiversity; specifically, how the impact is measured as being dependent on the biofuel feedstocks, previous land use and agricultural practices employed and well-managed plantations. However, the paper also provides insights on the evidence that reveals that the cultivation of many of the biofuel feedstocks has a negative impact on biodiversity as a result of habitat conversion and the ‘off-farm’ impacts of pollution and soil erosion.
Synthesis of Silver Nano-Particles from Natural Products and its Applications
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Thomas Sherin , Mathew Agnes Mary , Agarwal Anil Kumar
Published: May 2019

Infections, that are resistant to the various antibiotics, have increased and become a major concern in the field of drug discovery. This has initiated the need to improve the quality of the existing drugs or find an innovative set of strategies to overcome this issue. In the hope of treating multiple-drug resistant infections, the concept of using natural products to form nanoparticles that could resolve the problem has been introduced. This review talks about the myriad ways of synthesis of silver nanoparticles from natural products which helps in the treatment of multiple diseases.
Mind the gaps: Universal Credit and self-employment in the United Kingdom
Authors: Caraher Kevin , Reuter Enrico
Published: May 2019

Self-employment in the United Kingdom rose steadily until 2017, as part of wider changes in labour markets towards more flexible and potentially more vulnerable forms of employment. At the same time, welfare reform has continued under the current and previous governments, with a further expansion of conditionality with respect to benefit recipients. The incremental introduction of Universal Credit is likely to intensify the subjection of vulnerable categories of the self-employed to welfare conditionalities and to thus accentuate the ambivalent nature of self-employment. This article analyses the impact of Universal Credit on the self-employed by first discussing elements of precarity faced by the self-employed, and, second, by exploring the consequences of the roll-out of Universal Credit for those self-employed people who are reliant on the social protection system.
Arts-driven sustainability and sustainably driven arts
Authors: Garrett Ian
Published: May 2019

With the founding of the National Endowment for the Arts, Lyndon Johnson stated that ‘[...] we reveal to ourselves and to others the inner vision which guides us as a nation. And where there is no vision, the people perish’. Today, we are facing the largest existential threat to human civilization as a result of human-made climate change. Research into the three dimensions of sustainable development articulated by the UN’s Brundtland Commission reveals that the arts have positive impacts in each area. The arts are drivers of social cohesion, and build our individual and shared identities. The arts contribute to the economy significantly above the rates of public and private funding allocated to them, especially at a local level. And, by congregating people together and sharing ideas have real and significant potential positive environmental impacts. These impacts offer evidence that society can become more sustainable with arts at the centre.
The epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and its history in Iraq
Authors: Al-Salihi Karima Akool
Published: May 2019

Background and Aims: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is reported in Iraq since 1937 and occurs as a devastating seasonal epidemic. This study intended to explore the epidemiology of FMD in Iraq during 2011-2016, through assessment of outbreak reports among cow, buffalo, and small ruminants (sheep and goat) in 15 Iraqi governorates except for Kurdistan region.

Materials and Methods: The reported data regarding FMD cases were collected from veterinary hospitals in 15 Iraqi governorates and were analyzed.

Results: The results revealed annual FMD outbreaks in cow, buffalo, and small ruminants in Iraqi governorates with variability in the numbers of the infected and dead animals. The total number of infected animals increased in 2016 compared to 2015 due to the illegal importation of FMD-infected cows at the end of 2015. The prevalence rates of FMD were 68.7%, 46.6%, and 30.3% in cattle, buffalo, and small ruminants, respectively, in 2016, while this was 18.4%, 19.9%, and 17.3%, respectively, in 2015.

Conclusion: This study approved the reemergence and endemic nature of FMD in Iraqi livestock. Prompt procedures and a new future strategy need to be implemented to control the increasing incidences of FMD in Iraq.
Pancreatic Steatosis: An Emerging Clinical Entity
Authors: Ramkissoon Resham , Gardner Timothy B.
Published: May 2019

Pancreatic steatosis is an emerging clinical entity whose pathophysiology, natural history, and long-term complications are poorly characterized in the current literature. Epidemiological and prospective studies have described prevalence rates between 16% and 35%. Although the natural history is not well known, there are strong associations with obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Ectopic fat accumulation of the pancreas can cause chronic, low-grade inflammation from adipocytokine imbalances that involve beta cells and acinar cells. This mechanism can lead to pancreatic endocrine and exocrine dysfunction and initiate carcinogenesis. Although it is associated with morbid conditions, pancreatic steatosis may be amendable to treatment with a healthy diet, less meat consumption, exercise, and smoking cessation. Pancreatic steatosis should factor into clinical decision-making and prognostication of patients with pancreatic and systemic disease. This review seeks to describe the pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis, and complications of this emerging clinically relevant entity.
Is Transient Elastography Needed for Noninvasive Assessment of High-Risk Varices? The REAL Experience
Authors: Calvaruso Vincenza , Cacciola Irene , Licata Anna , Madonia Salvatore , Benigno Rosa , Petta Salvatore , Bronte Fabrizio , Conte Elisabetta , Malizia Giuseppe , Bertino Gaetano , Distefano Marco , Montineri Arturo , Digiacomo Antonio , Alaimo Giuseppe , Cacopardo Bruno , Davì Antonio , Guarneri Luigi , Scalisi Ignazio , Colletti Pietro , Cartabellotta Fabio , Portelli Vincenzo , Prestileo Tullio , Averna Alfonso , Iacobello Carmelo , Mondello Lorenzo , Scifo Gaetano , Russello Maurizio , Squadrito Giovanni , Raimondo Giovanni , Cammà Calogero , Craxì Antonio , Di Marco Vito ,   on behalf of RESIST-HCV (Rete Sicilia Selezione Terapia–HCV)
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION:

The Baveno VI consensus guidelines and an expanded algorithm suggest that transient elastography (TE) and platelet (PLT) count can be used to identify patients with cirrhosis who can avoid esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The primary aims of this study were to assess the ability of a simple algorithm, which uses only laboratory parameters, to predict medium/large esophageal varices (EV) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and cirrhosis from the Rete Sicilia Selezione Terapia–HCV (RESIST-HCV) cohort and to compare the performance of the algorithm with Baveno VI and Expanded Baveno VI criteria. The secondary aim was to assess the role of TE in ruling out large EV.

METHODS:

In total, 1,381 patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis who had EGD and TE within 1 year of starting treatment with direct-acting antivirals were evaluated. Using multivariate logistic analysis, laboratory variables were selected to determine which were independently associated with medium/large EV to create the RESIST-HCV criteria. These criteria were tested in a training cohort with patients from a single center (Palermo) and validated with patients from the 21 other centers of the RESIST-HCV program (validation cohort).

RESULTS:

In the entire cohort, medium/large EV were identified in 5 of 216 patients (2.3%) using the Baveno VI criteria and 13 of 497 patients (2.6%) using the Expanded Baveno VI criteria. PLT count and albumin level were independently associated with medium/large EV. The best cut-off values were a PLT count greater than 120 × 109 cells/μL and serum albumin level greater than 3.6 g/dL; negative predictive values (NPVs) were 97.2% and 94.7%, respectively. In the training cohort of 326 patients, 119 (36.5%) met the RESIST-HCV criteria and the NPV was 99.2%. Among 1,055 patients in the validation cohort, 315 (30%) met the RESIST-HCV criteria and the NPV was 98.1%. Adding TE to the RESIST-HCV criteria reduced the avoided EGDs for approximately 25% of patients and the NPV was 98.2%.

DISCUSSION:

The “easy-to-use” RESIST-HCV algorithm avoids EGD for high-risk EV screening for more than 30% of patients and has the same performance criteria as TE. Using these criteria simplifies the diagnosis of portal hypertension.
Home Biofeedback for the Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation: Does It Improve Quality of Life and Is It Cost-Effective?
Authors: Rao Satish S.C. , Go Jorge T. , Valestin Jessica , Schneider John
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Biofeedback therapy, whether administered at home or in office settings, is effective for dyssynergic defecation (DD). Whether home biofeedback improves quality of life (QOL) and is cost-effective when compared with office biofeedback is unknown.

METHODS:

QOL was assessed in 8 domains (SF-36) at baseline and after treatment (3 months), alongside economic evaluation during a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing home and office biofeedback in patients with DD (Rome III). Costs related to both biofeedback programs were estimated from the hospital financial records, study questionnaires, and electronic medical records. A conversion algorithm (Brazier) was used to calculate the patient's quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from SF-36 responses. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as incremental costs per QALY between the treatment arms.

RESULTS:

One hundred patients (96 female patients, 50 in each treatment arm) with DD participated. Six of the 8 QOL domains improved (P < 0.05) in office biofeedback, whereas 4 of the 8 domains improved (P < 0.05) in home biofeedback; home biofeedback was noninferior to office biofeedback. The median cost per patient was significantly lower (P < 0.01) for home biofeedback ($1,112.39; interquartile range (IQR), $826–$1,430) than for office biofeedback ($1,943; IQR, $1,622–$2,369), resulting in a cost difference of $830.11 The median QALY gained during the trial was 0.03 for office biofeedback and 0.07 for home biofeedback (P = NS). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $20,752.75 in favor of home biofeedback.

Discussion:

Biofeedback therapy significantly improves QOL in patients with DD regardless of home or office setting. Home biofeedback is a cost-effective treatment option for DD compared with office biofeedback, and it offers the potential of treating many more patients in the community.
CNN-Based Dense Image Matching for Aerial Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Ji Shunping , Liu Jin , Lu Meng
Published: May 2019

Dense stereo matching plays a key role in 3D reconstruction. The capability of using deep learning in the stereo matching of remote sensing data is currently uncertain. This article investigated the application of deep learning–based stereo methods in aerial image series and proposed
a deep learning–based multi-view dense matching framework. First, we applied three typical convolutional neural network models, MC-CNN, GC-Net, and DispNet, to aerial stereo pairs and compared the results with those of the SGM and a commercial software, SURE. Second, on different data
sets, the generalization ability of each network is evaluated by using direct transfer learning with models pretrained on other data sets and by fine-tuning with a small number of target training data. Third, we present a deep learning–based multi-view dense matching framework where
the multi-view geometry is introduced to further refine matching results. Three sets of aerial images as the main data sets and two open-source sets of street images as auxiliary data sets are used for testing. Experiments show that, first, the performance of deep learning–based stereo
methods is slightly better than traditional methods. Second, both the GC-Net and the MC-CNN have demonstrated good generalization ability and can obtain satisfactory results on aerial images using a pretrained model on several available stereo benchmarks. Third, multi-view geometry constraints
can further improve the performance of deep learning–based methods, which is better than that of the multi-view–based SGM and SURE.
Semantic Façade Segmentation from Airborne Oblique Images
Authors: Lin Yaping , Nex Francesco , Yang Michael Ying
Published: May 2019

In this paper, oblique airborne images with very high resolution are used to address the problem from aerial views in urban areas. Traditional classification method (i.e., random forests) is compared with state-of-the-art fully convolutional networks (FCNs). Random forests use hand-craft
image features including red, green, blue (RGB), scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), and Texton, and point cloud features consisting of normal vector and planarity extracted from different scales. In contrast, the inputs of FCNs are the RGB bands and the third components of normal vectors.
In both cases, three-dimensional (3D) features are projected back into the image space to support the facade interpretation. Fully connected conditional random field (CRF) is finally taken as a post-processing of the FCN to refine the segmentation results. Several tests have been performed
and the achieved results show that the models embedding the 3D component outperform the solution using only images. FCNs significantly outperformed random forests, especially for the balcony delineation.
Object-Based Point Cloud Analysis for Landslide and Erosion Monitoring
Authors: Mayr Andreas , Rutzinger Martin , Geitner Clemens
Published: May 2019

Today point clouds from close-range sensing are used for operational erosion and landslide monitoring. Distances between points from multi-temporal acquisitions can indicate surface deformation, while a designation of the underlying geomorphological processes is often handicapped by
complex terrain structures and vegetation. We present an approach to landslide monitoring that integrates semantic information and three-dimensional deformation detection automatically. Surface changes are assigned to (i) semantic object classes (landslide scarp, eroded area, deposit) and
(ii) to spatially contiguous, individual objects (like parts of the landslide scarp and moving clods of turf and soil). We demonstrate this object-based approach with a time series of 13 topographic Light Detection and Ranging point clouds, covering a site affected by shallow landsliding.
The results of this case study illustrate how the presented methods translate the unstructured point clouds into information on geomorphological process dynamics to support erosion and landslide assessment.
Morphological Distribution of Galaxies in Some Nearby Clusters
Authors: Rasheed Mariwan A. , Mohammad Khalid K.
Published: May 2019

We study the morphological distribution of galaxies in some nearby clusters, using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey – Data Release 9 (SDSS-DR9). The segregation between early-type galaxies and late-type ones is investigated in g – r / u – g color space, using the color cut u – r = 2.22. The results are compared with those obtained using a color cut that changes with magnitude. They are found to be consistent, particularly for late-type galaxies. The results obtained by the fixed color-cut criterion are also found to be consistent with those obtained by the inverse concentration index parameter, especially for early-type galaxies. Comparable results are obtained for the stacked sample, whose morphologies, given by the fixed color-cut criterion are compared with the visual morphologies provided by the Galaxy Zoo project. A good degree of consistency is seen, which becomes more evident for late-type galaxies.
A high C-reactive protein/procalcitonin ratio predicts Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
Authors: Neeser Olivia L. , Vukajlovic Tanja , Felder Laetitia , Haubitz Sebastian , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Ottiger Cornelia , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp , Fux Christoph A.
Published: May 2019

Background

Discriminating Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) from Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) and viral etiologies of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is challenging but has important implications regarding empiric antibiotic therapy. We investigated patient parameters upon hospital admission to predict MP infection.

Methods

All patients hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2017 for CAP with a confirmed etiology were analyzed using logistic regression analyses and area under the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves (AUC) for associations between demographic, clinical and laboratory features and the causative pathogen.

Results

We analyzed 568 patients with CAP, including 47 (8%) with MP; 152 (27%) with SP and 369 (65%) with influenza or other viruses. Comparing MP and SP by multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age (odds ration [OR] 0.56 per 10 years, 95% CI 0.42–0.73), a lower neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (OR 0.9, 0.82–0.99) and an elevated C-reactive protein/procalcitonin (CRP/PCT) ratio (OR 15.04 [5.23–43.26] for a 400 mg/μg cut-off) independently predicted MP. With a ROC curve AUC of 0.91 (0.80 for the >400 mg/μg cutoff), the CRP/PCT ratio was the strongest predictor of MP vs. SP. The discriminatory value resulted from significantly lower PCT values (p < 0.001) for MP, while CRP was high in both groups (p = 0.057). Comparing MP and viral infections showed similar results with again the CRP/PCT ratio providing the best information (AUC 0.83; OR 5.55 for the >400 mg/μg cutoff, 2.26–13.64).

Conclusions

In patients hospitalized with CAP, a high admission CRP/PCT ratio predicts M. pneumoniae infection and may improve empiric management.
Algorithmic Information Disclosure by Regulators and Competition Authorities
Authors: Di Porto Fabiana , Maggiolino Mariateresa
Published: May 2019

Also in the digital age, markets work properly as long as consumers are well informed. What is peculiar of the digital age is that consumers have become very fragile, also because firms can extensively manipulate the information that they produce and distribute to markets. Antitrust authorities may find their way to prosecute business manipulative conduct, as some rulings suggest. However, the enforcement of antitrust law is subject to precise circumstances and requires cumbersome proceedings, especially when dominant firms are involved. Therefore, a simpler and more widespread intervention is needed. Although over the years traditional disclosure regulation has showed its limits, today algorithmic analysis gives room to more effective forms of disclosure regulation. Therefore, the paper maintains that both regulators and antitrust authorities can use these new forms of disclosure regulation to perform better their functions. Thanks to algorithmic analysis, (a) regulators can provide consumers with targeted co-regulated disclosures; (b) while competition authorities, using their advocacy powers, can provide trustworthy rankings and reviews about firms’ ability to comply with antitrust and consumer protection laws.
Use of deep eutectic solvents as catalyst: A mini-review
Authors: Ünlü Ayşe Ezgi , Arıkaya Azime , Takaç Serpil
Published: May 2019

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) exhibit numerous advantages over conventional ones used in several chemical and biochemical processes. Besides addressing most of the principles of green chemistry, DESs can also act as catalyst depending on their nature. The use of DESs as acid catalyst has several advantages such as utilization at stoichiometric amount, non-toxicity, possibility of the recovery, similar or higher catalytic effect than the acid itself alone, the recyclability and reusability without a significant loss of activity. In this mini-review, the state- of-the-art in the use of DESs as catalyst is presented. The DESs, which show Lewis type acidity, Brønsted type acidity and other types of catalytic influence in various types of reactions including esterification, organic synthesis, glycolysis and depolymerisation are presented and their roles in the reactions are discussed.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of pyrrolidinone derivatives using 1,1’-butylenebis(3-sulfo-3H-imidazol-1-ium) chloride in ethylene glycol
Authors: Khaligh Nader Ghaffari , Mihankhah Taraneh , Johan Mohd Rafie , Titinchi Salam J.J.
Published: May 2019

The energy efficiency of the microwave-assisted synthesis of pyrrolidinones was demonstrated using catalytic loading of 1,1’-butylene-bis(3-sulfo-3H-imidazol-1-ium) chloride as a sulfonic acid functionalized ionic liquid in ethylene glycol as green solvent. The effect of electron donating and electron withdrawing groups on aniline derivatives was studied under conventional heating and microwave irradiation. Furthermore, the cation effect of ionic liquids containing sulfonic groups on the catalytic efficiency for the synthesis of ethyl-1-phenyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyr-role-3-carboxylate was investigated under conventional heat. The experimental results exhibited that there is a relationship between catalytic efficiency and the number of sulfonic groups and imidazolium moieties linked by carbon spacer.
Green and eco-friendly synthesis of Co3O4 and Ag-Co3O4: Characterization and photo-catalytic activity
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Akram Nadia , Atta-ul-Haq  , Naqvi Syed Ali Raza , Usman Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad Amir , Adeel Muhammad , Nisar Asif
Published: May 2019

In this study, Co3O4and Ag-Co3O4were synthesized by a novel and green method using leaves extract ofHelianthus annuusfrom cobalt nitrate and silver nitrate. The synthesized particles were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermal gravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy, particle size analyses and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photo catalytic activities of synthesized Co3O4and Ag-Co3O4were appraised by degrading methyl orange dye and after 120 minutes of reaction a degradation of 53 and 87% was achieved using 100 mg/L (50 mL) solution of methyl orange and 0.1 g Co3O4and Ag-Co3O4as catalyst respectively. This green synthesis of Ag-Co3O4proves to be an eco-benign, environmental benign, simple and effective approach for degradation of dyes in aqueous medium.
Adsorption optimized of the coal-based material and application for cyanide wastewater treatment
Authors: Su Ting , Song Yonghui , Lan Xinzhe , Gao Wenwen
Published: May 2019

Custom design of JMP software was used to optimize the iodine number of coal-based electrode materials. Taking the additive ratio (A), heating rate (B) and final pyrolysis temperature (C) into account and the significance sequence was C>B>A. Set the additive ratio as 0.2, the heating rate as 5°C/min and the final temperature as 900°C, the iodine number was improved to 403.14 mg·g-1, and the compressive strength was 2.01 MPa. Surface morphology of the coal-based electrode materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The functional group species were explored by Fourier infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). Then applied the voltage of 4 V, coal-based adsorption materials were set as cathodes and anodes in a 3-dimensional electrode system with the commercial activated carbon as a particle electrode. After 5 h treatment for cyanide wastewater, the removal rate of most ions was achieved to 72% or more. It was the collaborative effect in the combined action of electro-adsorption and electrodeposition.
Aloe vera leaf extract mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and assessment of their In vitro antimicrobial activity against spoilage fungi and pathogenic bacteria strains
Authors: Fardsadegh Borna , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda
Published: May 2019

Selenium as an essential trace element for the health of the humans was used to hydrothermally synthesis of selenium nanoparticle (Se NPs) usingAloe veraleaf extract (ALE). Effects of synthesis parameters namely; amount of ALE (1–5 ml) and amount of Na2SeO3solution (10–30 ml), on the particle size and colour intensity of the solution containing Se NPs were studied using response surface methodology. FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS analyzer and TEM were used to determine the specifications of the ALE and synthesized Se NPs. Obtained results indicated that the ALE contained several bioactive compounds, which they had hydroxyl and amide І groups in their structures and these two functional groups had key roles in the reduction of the selenium ions to form Se NPs and stabilizing of them. Furthermore, spherical fabricated Se NPs using obtained optimum synthesis parameters, 4.92 mL of ALE and 13.03 mL of Na2SeO3solution, had colour intensity, mean particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index values of 3.0% a.u., 50 nm, -18 mV and 0.344, respectively according to the DLS analysis. The synthesized Se NPs had also high antibacterial and antifungal activities against 4 selected pathogenic bacteria and spoilage fungi strains.
Waste phenolic resin derived activated carbon by microwave-assisted KOH activation and application to dye wastewater treatment
Authors: Hu Wenhai , Cheng Song , Xia Hongying , Zhang Libo , Jiang Xin , Zhang Qi , Chen Quan
Published: May 2019

The waste phenolic resin was utilized as the raw material to prepare activated carbon (AC) used KOH as the activating agent via microwave heating. The phenolic resin was carbonized at 500°C and then performed with a KOH/Char ratio of 4 and microwave power of 700 W for a duration of 15 min. The physic-chemical characteristics of the AC were characterized by N2 adsorption instrument, FTIR, SEM and TEM. The BET surface area and pore volume of AC were found to be 4269 m2/g and 2.396 ml/g, respectively. The activation process to generate such a phenomenally high surface area of the AC has little reported in open literatures and could pave way for preparation adsorbents that are far superior to the currently marketed adsorbents. The methylene blue (MB) was used as the model to assess its suitability to dye wastewater treatment. Towards this, the MB adsorption isotherms were conducted at three different temperatures and tested with different adsorption isotherm models. The adsorption isotherms could be modeled using Langmuir isotherm. While the kinetics could be used the pseudo-second order kinetics to describe. Thermodynamic results demonstrated that the adsorption process was a spontaneous, as well as an endothermic.
Direct ethanol production from cellulose by consortium of Trichoderma reesei and Candida molischiana
Authors: Bu Yingjie , Alkotaini Bassam , Salunke Bipinchandra K. , Deshmukh Aarti R. , Saha Pathikrit , Kim Beom Soo
Published: May 2019

Industrial cellulosic ethanol production is a challenge due to the high cost of cellulases for hydrolysis when lignocellulosic materials are used as feedstock. In this study, direct ethanol production from cellulose was performed by consortium of Trichoderma reesei and Candida molischiana. Cellulose was hydrolyzed by a fully enzymatic saccharification process using Trichoderma reesei cellulases. The produced reducing sugar was further utilized by Candida molischiana for ethanol production. Because the optimal temperature for the cellulase system is approximately 50°C, the effect of temperature rise from 30°C to 50°C on cellulose hydrolysis was investigated. The results showed that the temperature rise from 30°C to 50°C after 36 h of cultivation was the best for reducing sugar and glucose production. Under these conditions, the maximum concentrations of reducing sugar and glucose produced by T. reesei were 8.0 g/L and 4.6 g/L at 60 h, respectively. The maximum production of ethanol by C. molischiana was 3.0 g/L after 120 h.
Agricultural waste biomass-assisted nanostructures: Synthesis and application
Authors: Zamani Asghar , Marjani Ahmad Poursattar , Mousavi Zahra
Published: May 2019

Metal oxide nanoporous materials and nanoparticles have main potential uses in several different fields such as nanoelectronics, biomedical science, renewable solar energy, drug-gene delivery, thermal insulation, and so on. On the other hand, it is vital for scientists to understand that agricultural waste biomass-assisted synthesis is less costly, environmentally friendly and renewable strategy, and therefore, agricultural wastes are ideal renewable resources for production of nanostructures as a substitute for toxic chemicals. This present review includes significant recent improvements concerning the synthesis of agricultural waste biomass-assisted metal oxide nanostructures and their application. The goal is to provide a vision for the use of non-extracted agricultural waste, especially lignocellulosic biomass an inexpensive, green, differentiated resource and policy for the synthesis of valuable nanoporous materials and nanoparticles.
Biodiesel production from rubber seed oil using calcium oxide derived from eggshell as catalyst – optimization and modeling studies
Authors: Bharadwaj A.V.S.L. Sai , Singh Madhu , Niju S. , Begum K.M. Meera Sheriffa , Anantharaman N.
Published: May 2019

In the present study, Calcium oxide (CaO) obtained from eggshells has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from highly viscous non-edible rubber seed oil (RSO). Characterization of synthesized catalyst was done with the help of scanning electron microscope equipped with Energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize the process parameters and1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy analysis was performed to find the conversion of RSO to biodiesel. A conversion of 99.7% of RSO to biodiesel was obtained at 12:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 4 (wt%) of catalyst, and 3 hour reaction time with a quadratic regression model of R2of value 0.9566 was obtained. The composition of prepared biodiesel is estimated with the help of Gas Chromatogram-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was also trained to predict biodiesel conversion and the value of R2obtained was 0.9976. It was observed that predicted conversion values from ANN were better when compared to prediction using RSM.
Assessment of aqueous extract of Gypsophila aretioides for inhibitory effects on calcium carbonate formation
Authors: Hajizadeh Azam , Lotfabad Tayebe Bagheri , Bahmaei Manochehr
Published: May 2019

The aqueous extract ofGypsophila aretioidesroots as a “green” or eco-friendly inhibitor of carbonate calcium formation was investigated. The presence of chelating factors such as polyphenol compounds and foaming agents in the plant extract was assessed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) demonstrated the ability ofG. aretioidesextract for dissolution of the carbonate calcium precipitates. Moreover, conductivity measurements revealed that theG. aretioidesextract could efficiently retard sedimentation of carbonate calcium from a brine solution of calcium ions exposed to carbonate ions by adding Na2CO3to the system solution. In addition, chronoamperometry was performed for a period of 3 h by polarizing the steel electrode to -0.9 V (vs. SCE) at 40°C. The presence ofG. aretioidesextract at a concentration of 10% (w/v) in chronoamperometry prevented the precipitation of CaCO3on the steel electrode surface. This was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses which showed an absence of precipitates and lack of calcium ions on the steel electrode after 3 h chronoamperometry, respectively. However, further studies are required in order to amend the characteristics ofG. aretioidesextract to render it more applicable as an eco-friendly, cost-effective, anti-scale agent for a wide range of industrial applications.
Aegle marmelos phytochemical stabilized synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles and their role against agriculture and food pathogen
Authors: Fowsiya J. , Asharani I.V. , Mohapatra Simron , Eshapula Akhila , Mohi Pragya , Thakar Nishant , Monad Supriyo , Madhumitha G.
Published: May 2019

Nature and nanotechnology have not yet achieved a lucid correlation in the field of science but together they have exhibited immense potential towards the advancement and modification in future science and technology. Due to the unique properties of nanomaterials like nanoparticles gained considerable importance. Among all the nanoparticles, zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) are greatly utilized in sensors, catalysis, bioscience, etc. Antimicrobial activity by ZnO NPs had more attention by the implementation of nanotechnology for the preparation of ZnO NPs. At present, antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs using Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos) leaves extract was done. The ZnO NPs subjected to UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TEM analysis. The presence of phenolic group in extract has the capacity to form ZnO NPs and act as stabilizing agent. Every 5 min interval ZnO NPs was formed which recorded by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The SEM analysis displayed a fine spherical ZnO NPs and EDAX report showed that the existence of zinc and oxygen in the ratio of 30.51% and 69.49%. The antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs has high percentage inhibition against A. niger at 1000 ppm. Till now, no research carryout on A. marmelos mediated ZnO NPs and applications towards antimicrobial activity.
Organic carbonates synthesis improved by pervaporation for CO2 utilisation
Authors: Décultot Marie , Ledoux Alain , Fournier-Salaün Marie-Christine , Estel Lionel
Published: May 2019

This work is focused on the synthesis of organic carbonates from CO2 and ethanol. A parametric study of the synthesis of diethyl carbonate from ethanol is performed in a 100 mL batch reactor. The influence of pressure and temperature is studied and we prove that the presence of water strongly decreases the yield in diethyl carbonate as an equilibrium is quickly reached. One method to improve this yield is to remove water from the reaction mixture to shift the equilibrium toward the formation of carbonates. The chemical methods give good results but separation and regeneration associated steps are prohibitive. For these reasons, a physical technique like pervaporation is chosen to remove water. The study of a pervaporation cell with membrane PERVAP 4100 gives good results for the dehydration of ethanol alone even at low concentrations of water from 0.33 %wt to 0.15 %wt. Twelve experiments on the dehydration of a mixture of ethanol, diethyl carbonate and water are performed. The calculated separation factors show a very good selectivity for water. That means that even in the presence of diethyl carbonate, the membrane has still a selective water permeability.