bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catheter associated urinary tract infection in an acute care setting of a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Mishra Debadutta , Rao Kodukula Bhaskara
Published: May 2019

Background: Catheter associated UTI is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Hence, authors undertook the present study to know the prevalence of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in medical ICU patients of tertiary care centre and to know the antibiotic resistance pattern of the causative organisms.Methods: A one-year prospective study was carried out from September 2015 to August 2016. Demographic data from the catheterized patients were collected daily and scrutinized for the signs and symptoms as per CDC criteria for confirmation as CAUTI. Relevant antimicrobial resistance data of etiologic agents were also collected to ascertain the prevalent resistance pattern.Results: The overall incidence of CAUTI was 14.69 per 1000 catheterized days in the present study. Out of the 37 diagnosed CAUTI cases, 12 (32.4%) were males and 25 (67.6%) were females with maximum patients being between 40 to 60 years of age. The commonest uropathogens was Escherichia coli (n=26) followed by K. pneumoniae (n=5). Both Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were found to be 100% resistant to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefuroxime. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species were least common etiological culprits and demonstrated complete resistance to all the tested antibiotics.Conclusions: In the present study the prevalence of CAUTI is much higher which needs to be rectified by continuous monitoring and training of the staff in implementation of infection control practices in a proactive manner.
Effect of swallowing therapy to avoid aspiration in patients with post-stroke dysphagia at the stroke unit of Harjono hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Achmad Bayu Fandhi , Arifin Muhammad Zafrullah , Nuraeni Aan
Published: May 2019

Background: Aspiration is common complication of dysphagia stroke due to cranial nerve damage, especially cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X and XII. Existing therapies to prevent aspiration is the compensation strategy therapy and semisolid nutritional therapy, but each of these therapies is still have a weakness, so it needs a new therapeutic method namely swallowing therapy which combine the advantages and reduce the weaknesses of each of the therapy. Aim of the study is to determine the effect of swallowing therapy on aspiration prevention in patients with dysphagia stroke.Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental research involving 16 respondents in the intervention group and 16 respondents in the control group who obtained through consecutive sampling techniques. Data was collected from February-March 2016 at the Stroke Unit RSUD Dr. Harjono Ponorogo through observations using Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) instruments. Data analysis used in this research was wilcoxon test to determine the difference of swallowing therapy effect before and after intervention. Mann-Whitney test was also used to determine the difference of swallowing therapy effect between intervention group and control group after intervention.Results: There was a differences of swallowing therapy effect between pre-test and post-test in the intervention group (p = 0.002). In addition, there was no differences between pre-test and post-test in the control group (p = 0.157).Conclusions: Swallowing therapy have a positive effect against aspiration prevention in patients with dysphagia stroke, so it can be recommended as an acute care intervention in stroke patients at stroke unit.
CT evaluation of anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region and their clinical importance
Authors: Tiwari Tapendra Nath , Kardam Narendra Kumar
Published: May 2019

Background: Paranasal sinuses are air filled spaces present within the skull and facial bones. Paranasal sinuses region anatomy is highly variable. Knowledge of these variations is very important for radiologists as well as endoscopic surgeons for preoperative evaluation to avoid damage to adjacent vital structures. CT is the best modality to delineate the sinus anatomy as well as soft tissue structures. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomical variations of paranasal sinus region and ascertain their clinical importance.Methods: A total of 142 patients, those referred from various outdoor/indoor departments with the symptoms related to nose and paranasal sinuses were included. Detailed history, appropriate clinical examinations, biochemical investigations and X-ray PNS were recorded. Unenhanced CT scan of the PNS was performed for these patients in the axial planes and reformatted coronal planes. Observation was made and analysed using descriptive tools and scientific methods.Results: Deviated nasal septum was the most common variation followed by middle concha bullosa, Paradoxical middle turbinate, curved uncinate process, overpneumatized ethmoidal bulla, superior concha bullosa, prominent Agger Nasi cells, haller cells, onodi cells, maxillary sinus septae and pneumatization of uncinate process. Incidence of anatomical variation was 75% among the patients showing PNS mucosal changes while it was 94% among patients showing no mucosal changes. Chi square statics revealed that presence of anatomical variation does not mean a predisposition to mucosal changes.Conclusions: The presence of anatomical variants does not indicate predisposition to sinus pathology but may predispose to increased risk of intraoperative complications. It is important to pay close attention to anatomical variations in the preoperative evaluation to avoid possible complications.
Serum levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase in type 2 diabetic patients with enteropathy
Authors: Ray Debkumar , Ray Mrinal Kanti
Published: May 2019

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients frequently have various distressing gastrointestinal signs and symptoms and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) may be linked to it. Even after extensive search, there was dearth of literature related to IAP levels in serum of diabetic enteropathy subjects. So, using a case-control design, levels of IAP in the serum of T2DM subjects were determined.Methods: Serum IAP was measured by ELISA in 73 type 2 diabetic patients with enteropathy (group 1) and 71 type 2 diabetic patients without enteropathy (group 2). Statistical analysis of the data was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 16) and inferences were drawn.Results: Serum IAP was highly significantly reduced in group 1 (3.9 U/L) compared to group 2 (4.2 U/L).Conclusions: Enteropathy in T2DM may be related to reduction in IAP levels in serum. Estimation of serum IAP may be considered in type 2 diabetic patients with enteropathy, for the elaboration of treatment strategy and monitoring.
Scrub typhus: a hospital-based study in the northern districts of West Bengal, India
Authors: Mallick Sanjay Kumar , Hazra Santanu , Nandi Tanmoy , Sarkar Arunabha
Published: May 2019

Background: Scrub typhus caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a mite-borne zoonotic acute febrile illness. Geographically, it is confined to the Asia-Pacific region and important re-emerging infection in India. Clinical diagnosis of scrub typhus from other acute febrile illness is very difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and the relative absence of eschar in the Indian population. Case fatality rate varies from 30-70% depending on the clinical suspicion, delay in diagnosis and treatment. Antibody-based serological tests are the mainstay of diagnosis. IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against O. tsutsugamushi is helpful for the diagnosis of scrub typhus within the first week of illness.Methods: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of the disease in Northern districts of West Bengal, India using IgM ELISA.Results: Out of 577 serum samples tested 10.05% were positive for IgM antibodies. Majority of cases were below 40 years of age with higher prevalence in female patients. The disease showed a seasonal trend with a peak during the monsoon and later months. The case fatality rate among ELISA positive cases was 32.76%.Conclusions: Significant seropositivity against scrub typhus among cases of acute febrile illness with relatively higher mortality indicates that scrub typhus should be included in the differential diagnosis and confirmed by IgM ELISA.
Rare mimicker of transient ischaemic attacks: the syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal luid lymphocytosis
Authors: Hazeena Philo , Vanukuri Naga Karthik , V. Shankar
Published: May 2019

The syndrome of transient headache and neurologic deficits associated with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is a benign and self limiting disorder characterized by 1 or more episodes of severe headache and transient neurologic deficits with lymphocytic pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid. We report a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with four episodes of headache followed by hemi paresis and hemisensory loss in a week the patient was completely asymptomatic in between each episode of headache with neurological deficits. Persistent serial imaging to visualize the brain were normal with evidence of cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis, which lead to the diagnosis of HaNDL. We need to advocate a high degree of suspicion for HaNDL in the background of strong clinical history and findings, when imaging is normal.
STANDARD CONSTITUTIONAL CATALOG OF PRINCIPLES OF JUDICIAL AUTHORITY IN THE CIS COUNTRIES
Authors: P. Treskov Aleksej , V. Aristov Evgeniy , E. Novikova Alevtina , A. Solovyev Andrey , D. Khlebnikov Aleksandr
Published: May 2019

Purpose of Study: The present paper presents the results of a comparative legal analysis of constitutions of the CIS-member states in order to identify a standard catalog of judicial power principles in them, considering their interpretation as a set of fundamental principles determining the institutional and procedural aspects of judicial power. There is a lack of unity in the institutional and procedural aspects of the considered fundamental ideas together with a unified approach to the formation of a principles catalog for the judiciary in the focus group of constitutions.

Methodology: The present study was based on a rational approach to the disclosure of legal phenomena and processes, using general (system, logical, analysis and synthesis) scientific and private scientific methods. Among the latter are the formal legal, linguistic legal, comparative legal, collectively used to identify the judiciary principles.

Results: The identified standard list of constitutional principles of the judiciary in the CIS countries is presented. It includes the justice administration only by the court, organization legality and judiciary activities, prohibition of creation of emergency courts, independence, interaction, inadmissibility of interference with judiciary implementation, openness, competitiveness and equality of the parties, the state language of legal proceedings, cooperation and unity of procedure, court decisions, and state funding of courts

Implications/Applications: The comparative legal analysis, with a unified approach to the formation of the list of principles of the judiciary in the focus group of Constitutions, the lack of unity in institutional and procedural aspects of the fundamental ideas can be still stated. We believe that this discrepancy mediates the integration of the considered principles in the judiciary’s framework.
20th Anniversary of the Bologna Declaration: From overview of processes to ongoing activities and experiences
Authors: Donà dalle Rose Luigi F. , Serbati Anna
Published: May 2019

The present Issue comes to the light in May 2019, exactly twenty years after the signing of the Bologna Declaration on May 19th, 1999. For this important event, the Editorial Team of TJHE planned to edit an Anniversary Issue. Meanwhile, the Tuning Academy has also published an impressive book “REFORM! TUNING the Modernisation Process of Higher Education in Europe”, by Robert Wagenaar, Director of the University of Groningen branch of the International Tuning Academy and cofounder of Tuning. Those interested in knowing more about the last three decades of HE policies in Europe will find real pleasure in reading those pages. In such a context, the present Issue relies on two invited papers, plus some ordinarily submitted manuscripts, which witness a grass-root situation, rich in critical awareness and creativeness.Published online: 29 May 2019
Hybrid solutions for didactics in higher education: An interdisciplinary workshop of ‘Visual Storytelling’ to develop documentation competences
Authors: De Rossi Marina , Restiglian Emilia
Published: May 2019

The article reports on the results of a Design-Based Research path realized through a workshop about the “Visual Storytelling” (VS). The workshop aimed to develop teacher’s professional competences about digital narrative documentation to be certified through the Open Badge system. The interdisciplinary design was developed according to the ICT-TPACK framework between the two courses “Methodologies, Didactics and Technologies for Teaching” and “Educational Research” in the Master’s degree in Primary Teaching. 32 students were involved to deal with the documentation of some real educational experiences observed at school. They were asked to fill a semi-structured questionnaire at the end of the workshop. Other data came from a rubric used to evaluate VS products from three different points of views (students’ self-assessment; university teachers; school teachers). The workshop stimulated the students to use technologies creatively, critically and reflectively to develop an authentic task realizing a VS product. According to the students’ opinion, the workshop also facilitated collaborative processes as well as skills of self-assessment and the personalization of learning.Received: 08 October 2018Accepted: 20 March 2019Published online: 29 May 2019
An exploration of the ‘African (Union Commission’s) perspective’ of quality and quality assurance in higher education: Latent voices in the African Quality Rating Mechanism (AQRM)
Authors: Nabaho Lazarus , Turyasingura Wilberforce
Published: May 2019

Quality assurance of African higher education is at the top of the region’s development agenda. Prompted by the imperative to enhance the quality of higher education, the Africa Union Commission is implementing the African Quality Rating Mechanism (AQRM). The AQRM is a continental tool that affords higher education institutions an opportunity to conduct self-assessment and compare their performance against similar institutions based on a set of common criteria. The mechanism is envisaged to engender institutional cultures of quality and enhance the quality of African higher education. However, a dearth of knowledge exists about the latent notions of quality in higher education that the AQRM aims to assure and the implicit institutional-level quality assurance practices in the AQRM. Therefore, this interpretivist article, based on a review of the AQRM survey questionnaire, answered the following research question: What notions of quality in higher education and the institutional-level quality assurance practices are inherent in the quality standards of the AQRM survey questionnaire? The findings revealed that quality as fitness for purpose and exceptional are the notions of quality in higher education in the AQRM. Nevertheless, fitness for purpose is the dominant notion of quality and this symbolises an imperative to re-direct higher education to serve social and economic ends. Distinguished (excellent) teacher awards, applied research excellence awards, staff professional development, tracer studies, external examination, and the involvement of key external stakeholders in programme development are the latent institutional-level quality assurance practices in the AQRM. These quality assurance practices are in sync with the notions of quality and aim at bridging the gap between the academy and the labour market. Methodologically, the AQRM survey questionnaire is devoid of benchmarks to inform the rating, and quality assurance practices such as student evaluation of teaching, peer observation of teaching and moderation of examination items are unnoticeable in the survey questionnaire.Received: 28 December 2018Accepted: 19 April 2019Published online: 29 May 2019
THE PHENOMENON OF NEUROPLASTICITY IN THE MECHANISMS OF REFLEXOTHERAPY
Authors: Karimova G. M. , Mindubaeva L. G. , Abashev A. R. , Bilalova A. Sh. , Zinnatullina A. A.
Published: May 2019

Reflexotherapy (acupuncture) is one of the most important and valuable part of mankind’s heritage. Reflexotherapy has a long history and was formed as a practical healing method. Reflexotherapy methods include: acupuncture (Chen); Chiu-method (cauterization or warming of acupuncture points by means of wormwood or coal cigars); multi-needle stimuli by a special hammer; vacuum effect on acupuncture points; acupressure; tsubo-therapy; and hirudotherapy. Modern modifications of reflexotherapy are applied: electroacupuncture, electropuncture, laser reflexotherapy, craniopuncture, magnetopuncture, cryotherapy, color and light therapy, and others. There are many theories about the mechanism of action of this method. The focus of the Kazan school is on the role of sensory interaction at different levels of the nervous system in the implementation of the relexotherapy effects. The reflex mechanism for the development of therapeutic effect is considered in this connection as part of a universal method of information processing — sensorimotor interaction. The therapeutic effects of reflexotherapy are realized through the formation of a local and background sensory flow, and their interaction at different levels of the nervous system. Afferent flow is processed at the peripheral, spinal-segmental, stem, subcortical levels, as well as at the level of the cortex. The realization of the positive effects of reflexotherapy occurs, including due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, which is implemented at the peripheral and central levels. Reflexotherapy methods can activate the phenomenon of brain neuroplasticity, leading to structural and functional changes that require further research in this direction.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM LIPIDS IN PATIENTS WITH DECOMPENSATED TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS DEPENDING ON THE DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS SEVERITY
Authors: Mukha N. V. , Govorin A. V. , Perevalova E. B. , Zajtsev D. N.
Published: May 2019

Summary. In diabetic ketoacidosis, significant metabolic disorders develop in all organs and tissues, including the myocardium. The main energy substrate in the myocardium are fatty acids.

The objective was to study the fractional composition of serum lipids in patients with T1DM, complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis, depending on the severity ketoacidosis.

Materials and methods. Determination of fatty acid spectrum of serum lipids was carried out in the following groups of patients: 68 patients with compensated type 1 diabetes mellitus (group 1), 54 patients with type 1 diabetes complicated by mild ketoacidosis (group 2); and 42 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by moderate and severe ketoacidosis (3 group). Extraction of lipids from serum was performed according to the method developed by J. Folh et al. (1957), after which methylation of fatty acids was carried out according to the method proposed by K.M. Sinyak et al., with subsequent analysis using the Crystal-2000M gas chromatograph (Russia).

Results. All patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared with a group of healthy individuals showed an increase in the total content of saturated fatty acids, a decrease in the total concentration of unsaturated fatty acids, as well as an increasing in the ratio of saturated / unsaturated fatty acids. At the same time, a significant difference between the studied groups was revealed. The most pronounced changes were found in the group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by moderate to severe ketoacidosis.

Conclusions. These changes develop as part of a general systemic metabolic disorder in a given cohort of patients.
Realization of Maxwell’s Hypothesis: A Heat-Electric Conversion in Contradiction to the Kelvin Statement
Authors: Fu Xinyong , Fu Zitao
Published: May 2019

In a vacuum tube, two identical and parallel Ag-O-Cs surfaces, A and B, with a work function of 0.8eV, ceaselessly emit thermal electrons at room temperature. The thermal electrons are controlled by a static uniform magnetic field (a magnetic demon), and the number of electrons migrate from A to B exceeds the one from B to A, (or vice versa). The net migration from A to B quickly results in a charge distribution: A charged positively and B negatively. A potential difference between A and B emerges, and the tube outputs ceaselessly an electric current and a power to a resistance (a load) and cools itself slightly. The ambient air is a single heat reservoir in the experiment, and all the heat extracted by the tube from the air is converted into electric energy without producing other effect. We believe the experiment is in contradiction to the Kelvin statement of the second law.
Revisiting Prostate Cancer in India: A Genomic View
Authors: Perera Prameesha , Gupta Ayam , Shukla Nidhi , Nehra Mamta , Sharma Mukesh , Mishra Sneha , Chauhan Vikram Singh , Vijay Maneesh Kumar , Jatawa Suresh Kumar , Tiwari Archana , Medicherla Krishna Mohan , Mathur Praveen , Sharma Devendra , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: May 2019

In the recent past, there has been a rise in Prostate Cancer (PCa) in Asia, particularly India.  Although systematic reviews on PCa have dealt on the genetics, genomics and the environmental influence in causal of PCa, no predictive analytics in comparing the PCa from Caucasian, American to Asian population was attempted. In this review article, we have attempted to elaborate this aspect of PCa and deliberated on challenges related to next generation sequencing methods of PCa’s manifestation when compared to the west.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Wood Chip Extract Species (Oak, Acacia and Cherry) on Color Properties and Anthocyanin Content by the Use of Model Wine Solutions
Authors: Jordão António M. , Lozano Virginia , González-SanJosé María L.
Published: May 2019

There is a restricted knowledge about the potential impact of the use of different wood species on color and anthocyanin changes during the red wine aging process. This lack of knowledge is even greater when no oak wood species are used. Thus, the aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the impact of wood chip extracts from oak, acacia and cherry species on the chromatic characteristics and anthocyanins changes by the use of model wine solutions. In this context, several methodologies were used to quantified, color and anthocyanins changes during the aging time studied. The results indicated that the contact between wood chip extracts and grape skin isolated anthocyanin extracts induced a decrease of color intensity, particularly red color, and also the anthocyanin content in the different experimental model wine solutions studied. All chromatic modifications are potentially detected by human eyes because ΔE values were much higher than 3 CIELab units. These tendencies seems to be independent of the wood species used, but more pronounced for higher contact time between wood chip extracts and anthocyanins. The obtained results may contribute to a better understanding of the chromatic changes of red wines when aged in contact with different wood chips species.
Comparing f-OFDM and OFDM Performance for MIMO Systems Considering a 5G Scenario
Authors: Pereira de Figueiredo Felipe Augusto , Aniceto Nathália F. T. , Seki Jorge , Moerman Ingrid , Fraidenraich Gustavo
Published: May 2019

The advances mobile communications has seen in recent years has rendered the radio spectrum a limited and, hence, an expensive resource. Therefore, technologies that support unlicensed access to spectrum are needed. Therefore, the adoption of novel modulation schemes becomes of utmost importance to obtain better spectral-localization and reduce the OOBE (\textit{Out of Band Emission}) inherent to OFDM (\textit{Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing}) and, consequently, mitigating the interference between secondary (\textit{unlicensed}) and primary users. In this scenario, we assess the gain in the bit error probability using f-OFDM (\textit{filtered-OFDM}) in MIMO systems, both used in the 5G RANGE project.
Using Saildrones to Validate Satellite-Derived Sea Surface Salinity and Sea Surface Temperature along the California/Baja Coast
Authors: Vazquez-Cuervo Jorge , Gomez-Valdes Jose , Bouali Marouan , Miranda Luis , Van der Stocken Tom , Tang Wenquing , Gentemann Chelle
Published: May 2019

Traditional ways of validating satellite-derived sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) products, using comparisons with buoy measurements, do not allow for evaluating the impact of mesoscale to submesoscale variability. Here we present the validation of remotely-sensed SST and SSS data against the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) – Saildrone – measurements from the Spring 2018 Baja deployment. More specifically, biases and root mean square differences (RMSD) were calculated between USV-derived SST and SSS values, and six satellite-derived SST (MUR, OSTIA, CMC, K10, REMSS, and DMI) and three SSS (JPLSMAP, RSS40, RSS70) products. Biases between the USV SST and OSTIA/CMC/DMI were approximately zero while MUR showed a bias of 0.2C. OSTIA showed the smallest RMSD of 0.36C while DMI had the largest RMSD of 0.5C. An RMSD of 0.4C between Saildrone SST and the satellite-derived products could be explained by the daily variability in USV SST which currently cannot be resolved by remote sensing measurements. For SSS, values from the JPLSMAP product showed saltier biases of 0.2 PSU, while RSS40 and RSS70 showed fresh biases of 0.3 PSU. An RMSD of 0.4 PSU could not be explained solely by the daily variability of the USV-derived SSS. Coherences were significant at the longer wavelengths, with a local maximum at 100 km that is most likely associated with the mesoscale turbulence in the California Current System.
Use of a Novel Enhanced DNA Vaccine Vector for Preclinical Virus Vaccine Investigation
Authors: Chapman Rosamund , Rybicki Edward
Published: May 2019

DNA vaccines are stable, safe, cost effective to produce and relatively quick and easy to manufacture. However, to date DNA vaccines have shown relatively poor immunogenicity in humans despite promising preclinical results. Consequently, a number of different approaches have been investigated to improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. These include the use of improved delivery methods, adjuvants, stronger promoters and enhancer elements to increase antigen expression, and codon optimization of the gene of interest. This review describes the creation and use of a DNA vaccine vector containing a porcine circovirus (PCV-1) enhancer element that significantly increases recombinant antigen expression and immunogenicity and allows for dose sparing. A 172bp region containing the PCV-1 capsid protein promoter (Pcap) and a smaller element (PC; 70 bp) within this were found to be equally effective. DNA vaccines containing the Pcap region expressing various HIV-1 antigens were found to be highly immunogenic in mice, rabbits and macaques, at 4 to 10-fold lower doses than normally used and to be highly effective in heterologous prime-boost regimens. By lowering the amount of DNA used for immunization, safety concerns over injecting large amounts of DNA into humans can be overcome.
On the Tuning Parameter Selection in Model Selection and Model Averaging: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Xiao Hui , Sun Yiguo
Published: May 2019

Model selection and model averaging have been the popular approaches in handling modelling uncertainties. Fan and Li(2006) laid out a uniﬁed frame work for variable selection via penalized likelihood. The tuning parameter selection is vital in the optimization problem for the penalized estimators in achieving consistent selection and optimal estimation. Since the OLSpost-LASSO estimator by Belloni and Chernozhukov (2013), few studies have focused on the ﬁnite sample performances of the class of OLS post-penalty estimators with the tuning parameter choice determined by diﬀerent tuning parameter selection approaches. We aim to supplement the existing model selection literature by studying such a class of OLS post-selection estimators.

Inspired by the Shrinkage Averaging Estimator (SAE) by Schomaker(2012) and the Mallows Model Averaging (MMA) criterion by Hansen (2007), we further propose a Shrinkage Mallows Model Averaging (SMMA) estimator for averaging high dimensional sparse models. Based on the Monte Carlo design by Wang et al. (2009) which features an expanding sparse parameter space as the sample size increases, our Monte Carlo design further considers the eﬀect of the eﬀective sample size and the degree of model sparsity on the ﬁnite sample performances of model selection and model averaging estimators. From our data examples, we ﬁnd that the OLS post-SCAD(BIC) estimator in ﬁnite sample outperforms most of the current penalized least squares estimators as long as the number of parameters does not exceed the sample size. In addition, the SMMA performs better given sparser models. This supports the use of the SMMA estimator when averaging high dimensional sparse models.
On the Role of Electric Vehicles towards Low-Carbon Energy Systems: Italy and Germany in Comparison
Authors: Bellocchi Sara , Klöckner Kai , Manno Michele , Noussan Michel , Vellini Michela
Published: May 2019

Electric vehicles, being able to reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions and shift the economy away from oil products, can play a major role in the transition towards low-carbon energy systems. However, the related increase in electricity demand inevitably affects the strategic planning of the overall energy system as well as the definition of the optimal power generation mix. With this respect, the impact of electric vehicles may vary significantly depending on the composition of both total primary energy supply and electricity generation. In this study, Italy and Germany are compared to highlight how a similarity in their renewable shares not necessarily leads to a CO2 emissions reduction. Different energy scenarios are simulated with the help of EnergyPLAN software assuming a progressive increase in renewable energy sources capacity and electric vehicles penetration. Results show that, for the German case, the additional electricity required leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions only if renewable capacity increases significantly, whereas the Italian energy system benefits from transport electrification even at low renewable capacity. Smart charging strategies are also found to foster renewable integration; however, power curtailments are still significant at high renewable capacity in the absence of large-scale energy storage systems.
Glomerular Collagen Deposition and Lipocalin-2 Expression Are Early Signs of Renal Injury in Prediabetic Obese Rats
Authors: Bukosza Eva Nora , Kaucsár Tamás , Godó Mária , Lajtár Enikő , Tod Pál , Koncsos Gábor , Varga Viktor Zoltán , Baranyai Tamás , Nguyen Minh Tu , Schachner Helga , Sőti Csaba , Ferdinandy Péter , Giricz Zoltán , Szénási Gábor , Hamar Peter
Published: May 2019

Rats fed a high-fat diet with a single streptozotocin (STZ) injection developed obesity, prediabetes, cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Here we aimed to explore the renal consequences of prediabetes in the same groups of rats. Male Long-Evans rats were fed normal chow (CON; n = 9) or high-fat diet containing 40% lard and were administered STZ at 20 mg/kg (i.p.) at week four (prediabetic rats, PRED, n = 9). At week 21 cardiac functions were examined (Koncsos et al., 2016) and blood and urine samples were taken. Kidney samples were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry and for analysis of gene expression. High-fat diet and streptozotocin increased body weight gain and visceral adiposity, and plasma leptin, elevated fasting blood glucose levels, impaired glucose and insulin tolerance, despite hyperleptinemia, plasma C-reactive protein concentration decreased in PRED rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated collagen IV protein expression in the glomeruli, and Lcn2 mRNA expression increased, while Il-1β mRNA expression decreased in both the renal cortex and medulla in PRED vs. CON rats. Kidney histology, urinary protein excretion, plasma creatinine, glomerular Feret diameter, desmin protein expression and cortical and medullary mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Nrf2, PPARγ were similar in CON and PRED rats. Reduced AMPKα phosphorylation of the autophagy regulator Akt was the first sign of liver damage, while serum lipid and liver enzyme levels were similar. In conclusion, glomerular collagen deposition and increased lipocalin-2 expression were the early signs of kidney injury, while most biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis were negative in the kidneys of obese, prediabetic rats with mild heart and liver injury.
Secondary Flow Effects on Deposition of Cohesive Sediment in a Meandering Reach of Yangtze River
Authors: Qin Cuicui , Shao Xuejun , Xiao Yi
Published: May 2019

A conventional 2D numerical model is improved by incorporating three submodels to consider different effects of secondary flow and a module for cohesive sediment transport. The model is applied to a meandering reach of Yangtze River to investigate secondary flow effects on cohesive sediment deposition, and a preferable submodel is selected based on the flow simulation results. Sediment simulation results indicate that the improved model predictions are in better agreement with the measurements in planar distribution of deposition as the increased sediment deposits caused by secondary current on the convex bank have been well predicted. Secondary flow effects on predicted amount of deposition become more obvious during the period when the sediment load is low and velocity redistribution induced by the bed topography is evident. Such effects vary with the settling velocity and critical shear stress for deposition of cohesive sediment. The bed topography effects can be reflected by the secondary flow submodels.
An Indoor Positioning Approach Based on Fusion of Cameras and Infrared Sensors
Authors: Martín-Gorostiza Ernesto , García-Garrido Miguel Ángel , Pizarro Daniel , Salido Monzú David , Torres Patricia
Published: May 2019

A method for infrared and cameras sensor fusion, applied to indoor positioning in intelligent spaces, is proposed in this work. The fused position is obtained with a maximum likelihood estimator from infrared and camera independent observations. Specific models are proposed for variance propagation from infrared and camera observations (phase shifts and image respectively) to their respective position estimates and to the final fused estimation. Model simulations are compared with real measurements in a setup designed to validate the system. The difference between theoretical prediction and real measurements is between 0.4 cm (fusion) and 2.5 cm (camera), within a 95% confidence margin. The positioning precision is in the cm level (sub-cm level can be achieved at most tested positions) in a 4x3 m locating cell with 5 infrared detectors on the ceiling and one single camera, at distances from target up to 5 m and 7 m respectively. Due to the low cost system design and the results observed, the system is expected to be feasible and scalable to large real spaces.
BANKALARDA YÖNETİM KURULU YAPISI İLE RİSK ALMA EĞİLİMİ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN EKONOMETRİK ANALİZİ
Authors: Topaloğlu Emre Esat , Ege İlhan
Published: May 2019

Çalışmada, Türkiye bankacılık sektöründe faaliyet
gösteren ve pay senetleri Borsa İstanbul’da işlem gören bankaların yönetim
kurulu yapılarının risk alma eğilimlerine olan etkisini ortaya çıkarmak
amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla çalışmada, 2007-2014 döneminde Borsa İstanbul’da işlem
gören 16 bankanın verileri, panel veri analiz yöntemi kullanılarak
incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, yönetim kurulu yapısı yönetim kurulu tecrübesi,
yabancı üye sayısı, yönetim kurulu üye sayısı, bağımsız üye sayısı, kadın üye
sayısı, sektör tecrübesi, işletme veya iktisat eğitimi almış üye sayısı,
lisansüstü eğitime sahip üye sayısı ve komite sayısı ile temsil edilirken, risk
alma eğilimi ise z-skor ile temsil edilmiştir. Analiz sonucunda, bağımsız üye
sayısı ile risk alma eğilimi arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ve pozitif
yönlü ilişki belirlenmiştir. Z-skor değerinin artmasının risk alma eğilimini
düşürdüğü dikkate alındığında, bağımsız üye sayısının artmasının bankalarda
risk alma eğilimini düşürdüğü sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
SAĞLIK HARCAMALARI, SAĞLIK ÇIKTILARI VE EKONOMİK BÜYÜME İLİŞKİSİ: TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: SEVER Erşan , İĞDELİ Arif
Published: May 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı 1980-2017 döneminde Türkiye’de kamu ve özel sektör
harcamaları ile sağlık sektörü çıktıları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesidir.
Bu çalışmada sağlık sektörü çıktılarını temsilen bebek ölüm hızı ve ortalama
yaşam beklentisi serileri kullanılmıştır. Johansen eşbütünleşme ve vektör hata
düzeltme teknikleri ile yapılan analizin bulgularına göre kişisel gelir, kamu
sağlık harcamaları ve özel sağlık harcamalarındaki artışlar ortalama yaşam
beklentisini pozitif yönde etkilemektedir. Bunun yanında kişisel gelir ve kamu
kesimi sağlık harcamalarındaki artışlar bebek ölüm hızını düşürmektedir. Ayrıca
bebek ölüm hızı ve ortalama yaşam beklentisinin kişi başına düşen geliri
açıklayıcı yönünün daha yüksek düzeyde bulunması, sağlık harcamalarının kişi
başına düşen gelir seviyesine dolaylı yoldan etkisinin daha belirgin olduğuna
işaret etmektedir
How old are (Pet) Dog Breeds?
Authors: Jung Christoph , Pörtl Daniela
Published: May 2019

Dogs are our Pets. Everybody knows dog breeds. A dog is often understood only as a specimen of a breed or a mongrel of several breeds. Some scholars argue, that dog breeds would be created as an artificial product starting 150 years ago in the Victorian era. The original dog would be an uniform dog type called “village dog”, hanging around human settlements while scavenging human waste and faeces. Astonishingly we only find very little research on evolution and history of dog breeds and dog breeding. In our article we will search for evidence. We found many records in history, archaeology and genetics pointing out that dog breeds have a long history likely starting in prehistoric times or at least in antiquity. Dog breeds shape no static monuments over thousands of years. We should understand dog breeds as steadily evolving populations in changing ecologies - like each species. Dogs’ ecological niches were made primarily by human. We are able to identify and clearly differ dogs in breeds, each breed fitting to its special niches. We are using dogs’ different traits since thousands of years. Dogs always had and have their jobs as hunting-, herding-, sledding-partners or as pets. Thus, dogs have been shaped to fit optimally to each job. Eventually, they evolved with their changing jobs in continually evolving human societies. Breeds have not been simply invented. Breeds did not derive artificially during some decades in the Victorian era. Victorian dog breeding culture only switched the focus from the behaviour to the appearance and that mainly with regard to fashion dogs. Even standardized modern purebred dogs on the official shows are continuously changing their traits and appearance following human fashions. Dog breeds may be understood as a reflection of human culture. Understanding the history of dog breeds is helpful for a better understanding of our dogs, the human-dog bonding and ourselves.
Improving recruitment to a study of telehealth management for COPD: a cluster randomised controlled study-within-a-trial (SWAT) of a multimedia information resource
Authors: Jolly Kate , Sidhu Manbinder , Madurasinghe Vichithranie , Bower Peter
Published: May 2019

Background Good quality information is critical for valid informed consent to trials, but current paper-based consent procedures are potentially unwieldy and can be difficult to comprehend, which may deter people from participating. Multimedia resources may be able to provide more accessible and user-friendly information. We aimed to test whether offering access to a multimedia information resource alongside standard, printed patient information impacted on recruitment rates, by conducting a pragmatic ‘study within a trial’ (SWAT) embedding a trial of a multimedia resource within an existing trial. Methods The PSM COPD study involved people with mild symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recruited from primary care being randomised to a nurse-delivered telephone health coaching intervention, or usual primary care. For the SWAT of recruitment procedures, practices recruiting participants were cluster randomised to use either the standard printed patient information materials or standard printed patient information materials with access to a multimedia information resource. The multimedia resource was developed by PPI contributors and researchers, and included study-specific information (e.g. study purpose, risks), and generic information about trials (e.g. confidentiality, randomisation). We developed a list of components and used animations as well as video clips of patients discussing their experiences of participation, matched to these components. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants randomised. Results 9.6% of those receiving standard printed patient information materials and access to the multimedia information resource were recruited, compared to 10.8% in those receiving standard printed materials alone (OR = 0.844, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.22). We also found no effects on the proportion of people response to the invitation (odds ratio1.02 95% CI 0.79 to 1.33) or retention in the trial at 6 and 12 months after randomization (odds ratios 0.84, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.22 and 0.80, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.18 respectively.) Conclusions The study suggests no benefits of access to a multimedia information resource alongside patient information materials on recruitment. This may reflect the limited engagement of patients with the multimedia resource. Further uses of multimedia resources will need to explore how content can be explicitly matched to user needs and preferences and methods to encourage engagement to see if effects can be enhanced. More SWATs of multimedia into ongoing trials will provide a more precise estimate of effect, and explore further how effects vary by trial context and recruitment process, intervention, and patient population. Trial Registration: Current controlled trials ISRCTN 06710391 (21/11/2013) SWAT registration SWAT 23: Systematic Techniques for Assisting Recruitment to Trials (MRC START) (11/01/2012).
Impact of PReOperative Midazolam on OuTcome of Elderly patients (I-PROMOTE): study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kowark Ana , Rossaint Rolf , Keszei András P. , Bischoff Petra , Czaplik Michael , Drexler Berthold , Kienbaum Peter , Kretzschmar Moritz , Pühringer Friedrich , Saller Thomas , Schneider Gerhard , Soehle Martin , Coburn Mark , group I-PROMOTE study
Published: May 2019

Introduction
Premedication with benzodiazepines in surgical patients became questionable regarding risk-benefit ratio and lack of evidence. Though, preoperative benzodiazepines might alleviate preoperative anxiety, a higher risk for adverse events is described, particularly for elderly patients (≥65 years). Several German hospitals already withhold benzodiazepine premedication from elderly patients, though evidence is lacking.
The patient-centred outcome global postoperative patient satisfaction is recognized as a substantial quality indicator of the anaesthesia care incorporated by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Therefore, we aim to assess, whether the postoperative patient satisfaction after premedication with placebo compared to the preoperative administration of 3.75 mg midazolam in elderly patients differs.
Methods
This study is a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, two-arm parallel, interventional trial, conducted in 9 German hospitals. In total 614 patients (≥65-80 years of age) undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia will be randomised to receive either 3.75 mg midazolam or placebo.
The primary outcome (global patient satisfaction) will be assessed with the validated EVAN-G questionnaire on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes will be assessed until the first postoperative day and 30 days after surgery, respectively. They comprise among others: functional and cognitive recovery, postoperative delirium, health-related quality of life assessment, and mortality or new-onset of serious cardiac or pulmonary complications, acute stroke, or acute kidney injury.
Analysis will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary outcome will be analysed with the use of mixed linear model including treatment effect and study centre as factors and random effects for blocks. Exploratory adjusted and subgroup analyses of the primary and secondary outcomes with regard to gender effects, frailty, pre-operative anxiety level, patient demographics and surgery experience will be performed in addition.
Discussion
This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first study analyzing patient satisfaction after premedication with midazolam in elderly patients. In conclusion, this study will provide high quality data for decision-making process regarding premedication in the elderly surgical patients.
Assessment of Antiretroviral therapy Initiation among pregnant Women under Option B+ Approach; Viral Load and CD4 Count Outcomes in selected Hospitals of West Zone Oromia, Ethiopia: Quantitative Prospective Cohort Study Design
Authors: Demissie Dereje Bayissa , Bulto Gizachew Abdissa , Mekuria Wagi Tosisa , Dufera Fikru Negassa
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective for elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, reducing infant mortality and ensuring maternal virologic suppression. While pregnant women require lifelong ART immediately they test HIV positive (“test and treat”) under Option B+ programs, eMTCT programs face challenges and information on the relationship between the time to ART initiation following HIV testing and treatment outcomes is limited in Ethiopia
Methods: A quantitative prospective cohort design was employed to conduct the study. Five randomly selected Hospitals providing Option B+ services with routine viral load assessment by Oromia regional Laboratory (ORL) from January 2016 to January 2017 was randomly selected. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine factors affecting the time to ART initiation following an HIV test and logistic regression used to determine the correlation between time and treatment outcomes.
Results: The study results produced and evidence of a mean VL (copies/ml) of 197.27 copies/ml.
Respondents that were on ART for a shorter period ≤37 months had the least proportion of women 31% were suppressed with VL<1000 copies/ml compared to those on ART for >38 months (58.7%) were suppressed. The median (IQR) CD4 count change or difference among women that had initial and last CD4 was 581 cells/μl and mean of current CD4 count 629.17ceels/ml3 and more than 85.3% had increase CD4 count. Therefore, in this study identified that factors associated with viral load response were poor /fair adherence missing doses in the past month, missing appointments, baseline CD4 and maternal months on ART were statistically significant among HIV positive pregnant women that initiated lifelong ART on option B+ in Ethiopia.
Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that HIV positive pregnant women Study results indicate that majority of the respondents 89.7% were suppressed of which 80.3% were undetectable (VL= 0 copies /ml3 and 85.3% had increased CD4 count and 10.3% were not suppressed (VL >1000 copies/ml). Therefore, strategies aimed at improving adherence among women on option B+ are to ensure that these women achieve adequate immunological outcomes.
Keywords: ART Initiation Pregnant Women Option B +, Viral Load, CD4 Count