bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board Networks and Corporate Innovation
Authors: Chang Ching-Hung , Wu Qingqing
Published: August 2020

This paper studies whether board connectedness affects corporate innovation. We find that well-connected boards have a positive effect on innovation activities and quality. The effect is stronger when firms have higher demand for advising or face more severe agency problems. Firms with greater needs for external finance benefit more from board connections with bankers. We show that the positive relation is causal and robust based on a battery of empirical tests including exogenous variation in board connectedness resulting from death and retirement of directors and from a regulatory shock under new exchange listing rules. Evidence indicates that types and relatedness of connections as well as director characteristics contribute to cross-sectional heterogeneity of the positive effect.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Quality of family planning services delivered at health posts and associated factors
Authors: Tamiru Andualem , Kebede Alemi , Dagne Tesfaye , Berhanu Mulugeta , Getachew Muluneh , Tafese Fikru , Kebede Ayantu , Etea Hailu Merga , Amdissa Demuma , Tamiru Dessalegn
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess factors associated with quality of family planning services in the Jimma zone, Ethiopia, 2018.

Method

Cross-sectional study was conducted at health posts in the Jimma zone from 13 March to 13 April 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify client satisfaction on family planning services and qualitative data were presented by triangulating with quantitative findings.

Conclusion

Less than 50% of clients were satisfied with family planning services which significantly associated with availability of family planning methods and attending family planning education. Therefore, family planning education and availing different family planning methods is important to improve family planning services at the Jimma zone health posts.
Subsequent childbirth after previous traumatic birth experience: women's choices and evaluations
Authors: Holopainen Annaleena , Stramrood Claire , van Pampus Mariëlle G , Hollander Martine , Schuengel Carlo
Published: August 2020

Background

After a traumatic childbirth experience, women are often afraid of future pregnancies, and may be at risk for also experiencing their subsequent childbirth as traumatic.

Aims

Two questions were investigated regarding women's experience of their subsequent childbirth after a previous traumatic birth: (1) which factors in the previous traumatic birth are associated with the subsequent childbirth experience, and (2) fear of childbirth and coping behaviour during the subsequent pregnancy associated with the subsequent birth experience.

Methods

A total 474 Dutch women (mean age during traumatic childbirth=28.9 years; SD=3.9) answered an online survey about their previous traumatic and subsequent birth experience.

Findings

Making a birth plan, choosing a home birth in a high-risk pregnancy, and having a planned caesarean section emerged as statistically significant correlates of positive subsequent birth experience.

Conclusion

Experiencing control over the subsequent birth might underlie practices associated with more positive subsequent childbirth experience among women with a traumatic childbirth history.
Motivational Strategies in the English Classroom: The Case of Arab Learners in Israel
Authors: Keblawi Faris
Published: August 2020

Decline in students’ motivation to learn languages remains a vexing issue for teachers and educators. Among a myriad of factors that affect student motivation, teachers’ practices appear to play a very dominant role. This has been reflected in the rising number of studies that examine teachers’ motivational strategies. This study aims to determine the specific teacher strategies which are most likely to positively affect the motivation of Arab learners of English from the perspective of learners. Some 400 teenage learners of English responded to an open-ended question in which they were asked to freely describe the strategies their teachers used that motivated them to learn. The results of the study suggest that the majority of students prefer strategies that promote communicative uses of the language to ones that focus on grammar or emphasize learning through texts. Many students also reported that they had more interest in studying English when their teachers integrated technology. It is therefore recommended that teachers give more weight to these motivating strategies by incorporating more communicative use of English and more technology into their lessons.
Optical proxy for the abundance of red Noctiluca scintillans from bioluminescence flash kinetics in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea
Authors: Xue Cheng , Chen Shuguo , Zhang Tinglu
Published: August 2020

RedNoctiluca scintillans(RNS) red tides frequently occur in coastal waters in China, leading to great ecological and economic losses. The prewarning of red tides via the monitoring of RNS abundance in the field is of great importance. Bioluminescence sensors are convenient to deploy on multiple underwater platforms, and bioluminescence is related to the abundance and species of dinoflagellates. As an optical proxy, the maximum bioluminescence potential (MBP) could respond in a timely manner to changes in RNS abundance and be utilized to estimate it. A novel method with high correlation (R2=0.82) is proposed to estimate the RNS abundance from the MBP in this study. The maximum RNS abundance range of the method is 380 cell L−1. Furthermore, the bioluminescence flash kinetics of dinoflagellate individuals are analyzed to demonstrate the applicability of the method in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea.
Exploring new chaotic synchronization properties in the master-slave configuration based on three laterally coupled semiconductor lasers with self-feedback
Authors: Zhong Dongzhou , Yang Hua , Xi Jiangtao , Zeng Neng , Xu Zhe
Published: August 2020

We have developed a theory model for a three-element laser array where three lasers are laterally coupled using the coupled mode theory and Maxwell equations. New chaotic synchronization properties have been observed systematically in the master-slave configuration, consisting of the driving three-element laser array with self-feedback and the response three-element laser array subjected to the parallel injection or cross injection. Under the parallel injection, the dynamic evolutions of high-quality complete chaotic synchronization between laser elements in different parameter spaces seriously depend on the self-feedback mode of the driving laser elements, such as one, two and all of them with self-feedback. It is found that when only the driving middle one or all of the driving laser elements are subject to self-feedback, high-quality complete chaotic synchronization of all laser elements can be achieved in the same large region of the most of the parameter spaces. In addition, we report here for the first time (to our knowledge) the interestingly symmetrical properties of leader/ laggard chaotic synchronization in the configuration under the cross-injection. Namely, the leader/ laggard chaotic synchronization with high quality between laser elements periodically varies with the delay differences, under the key parameters limited to a certain range. The varying traces of these synchronizations are like sine wave. The mirror symmetry between the laggard chaotic synchronization with in-phase (anti-phase) and the leader one with in-phase (anti-phase) can be achieved by the optimization of the structural parameters of laser waveguides. With the optimization of the related operating parameters, for one of the side-lasers, its leader/ laggard chaotic synchronization can be achieved the anti-symmetry between in-phase and anti-phase. On the other hand, for two symmetrical side-lasers, their leader/ laggard chaotic synchronization with in-phase and anti-phase can reach the anti-symmetry.
Henry Adams in Tahiti
Authors: Ahrens Prue
Published: August 2020

While touring Tahiti in 1891, the American historian Henry Adams compiled an album of large-scale photographic prints that he purchased from commercial studios in Papeete. Souvenir album making was a popular pursuit amongst nineteenth-century Euro-American travellers who used the opportunity to project, validate and narrate desired travel experiences. Unlike others, Adams’s album is seemingly random and banal and lacks any clear narrative. This article attempts to make sense of Adams’s album. It asks to what extent the photographs performed their common function and validated Adams’s experience and expectations of Tahiti. It questions what the album reflects of Adams’s background, tastes and position in the islands as an elite traveller. It considers what was available for Adams to purchase from Papeete’s commercial studios, businesses that traded at a key moment in Tahiti’s complex colonial history. This article suggests that the album is a site where Adams’s desires and despair in colonial Tahiti overlap and contradict. Ultimately, it is a sign of his disappointment in photography as a medium incapable of capturing his island experiences.
Dead Letters: Censorship and Subversion in New Zealand 1914–1920, Jared Davidson (2019)
Authors: Headley James
Published: August 2020

Review of: Dead Letters: Censorship and Subversion in New Zealand 1914–1920, Jared Davidson (2019)

Dunedin: Otago University Press, 296 pp.,

ISBN 978 1 98853 152 6 (pbk), NZ$35
Phoney Wars: New Zealand Society in the Second World War, Stevan Eldred-Grigg and Hugh Eldred-Grigg (2017)
Authors: Bracefield Hilary
Published: August 2020

Review of: Phoney Wars: New Zealand Society in the Second World War, Stevan Eldred-Grigg and Hugh Eldred-Grigg (2017)

Dunedin: Otago University Press, 427 pp.,

ISBN 978 0 94752 223 0 (pbk), NZ$49.95
La autonomía como indicador del desarrollo de la personalidad: los aportes de P. Ya. Galperin
Authors: León Gloria Fariñas
Published: August 2020

La autonomía es uno de los indicadores centrales en el desarrollo de la personalidad (emergente del desarrollo potencial). Indicador psicológico cuyo estudio en el enfoque histórico culturalista asume características particulares pues se estudia en la dinámica de las mediaciones internas de los diferentes procesos mentales (interfuncionalidad), no de manera aislada o asociativa como en otros enfoques psicológicos. La estructura y dinámica de los cambios operados de manera dialéctica y compleja en el desarrollo, le otorgan un significado diferente porque obedecen a determinadas leyes que expresan las interrelacioes dinámicas entre las condiciones externas e internas de ese desarrollo. El presente capítulo pretende analizar las diferentes mediaciones entre los procesos (y sus indicadores fundamentales), que dan origen a la autonomía, partiendo de los aportes de la teoría de Galperin relativos a la formación de las acciones mentales; asimismo, se abordan especialmente las posibles aplicaciones con miras al diseño de la enseñanza.
Os princípios da psicologia soviética e os problemas do psicodiagnóstico da atividade cognitiva
Authors: Talízina Nina Fiódorovna , Barros Sandra Cristina Bezerra de , Ramalho Betânia Leite
Published: August 2020

A abordagem para o diagnóstico da atividade cognitiva é decisivamente determinada pela teoria psicológica subjacente a ela. O estudo clássico dos testes baseia-se nas seguintes premissas: 1) as capacidades do homem são genéticas e, por isso, são, de fato, invariáveis; 2) encontramos, com pouca frequência, um alto nível de desenvolvimento das capacidades. Em geral, considerando o nível de desenvolvimento das capacidades, as pessoas têm uma distribuição normal 3) o produto final das capacidades variáveis está sujeito a controle, mas, para solucionar tarefas de diagnóstico, não serão analisados o conteúdo dessas capacidades nem as particularidades de sua utilização.
O Sistema Galperin-Talízina na Didática Desenvolvimental: Elementos iniciais de uma contextualização
Authors: Núñez Isauro Beltrán , León Gloria Fariñas , Ramalho Betânia Leite
Published: August 2020

A Obutchénie, Revista de Didática e Psicologia Pedagógica, apresenta neste número um conjunto de textos dedicados ao Sistema Galperin-Talizina com o intuito de contribuir com as discussões que se desenvolvem no Brasil sobre a Didática Desenvolvimental, um dos focos das preocupações da revista. Uma apresentação desses autores, como representantes da Escola Soviética da Psicologia, exige um compromisso científico e profissional, embora breve, e uma análise histórica e lógica de como se configura o pensamento desses teóricos num dado sistema didático com um potencial significativo e atual para as práticas pedagógicas na escola do século XXI.
Computer-aided music education and musical creativity
Authors: Maba Adem
Published: August 2020

It has become an absolute necessity to integrate informatics into educational activities as it is in all areas of life by using innovative teaching methods in the globalized world. As in other fields, developing the knowledge and experience of students by using information technologies in music education should be one of the principles of today's education system. Utilizing computer technologies and software applications especially in the areas of music perception in order to promote the creativity and knowledge contributes to an increase in students' positive attitude towards the course by enriching the context of the course. If a complex and difficult topic, such as composing music, which is one of the upper dimensions of creativity, is supported by the computer technologies and software applications, it will obviously help students to understand the process that is very demanding and create a product. In addition, many subjects that are difficult and abstract for everyone to conceive can be made easier by means of the computer technologies and software. When the educational programs developed in recent years are examined, it can be seen that informatics is included in many learning outcomes and activities aiming to improve musical creativity. In this study, detailed information about the effect of computer-aided education on the development of musical creativity is given. Suggestions for future studies are also presented.
A Comprehensive, Flexible Collection of SARS-CoV-2 Coding Regions
Authors: Kim Dae-Kyum , Knapp Jennifer J , Kuang Da , Chawla Aditya , Cassonnet Patricia , Lee Hunsang , Sheykhkarimli Dayag , Samavarchi-Tehrani Payman , Abdouni Hala , Rayhan Ashyad , Li Roujia , Pogoutse Oxana , Coyaud Étienne , van der Werf Sylvie , Demeret Caroline , Gingras Anne-Claude , Taipale Mikko , Raught Brian , Jacob Yves , Roth Frederick P
Published: August 2020

The world is facing a global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Here we describe a collection of codon-optimized coding sequences for SARS-CoV-2 cloned into Gateway-compatible entry vectors, which enable rapid transfer into a variety of expression and tagging vectors. The collection is freely available. We hope that widespread availability of this SARS-CoV-2 resource will enable many subsequent molecular studies to better understand the viral life cycle and how to block it.
Role of Intravascular Ultrasound in Guiding Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Quintana Brandon , Ibrahim Akram
Published: August 2020

Complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) are increasing in frequency due to the rapid advances in interventional cardiology. This has had a favorable impact on patients with extensive coronary artery disease and multiple comorbidities with regard to symptomatic relief and mortality. With this increase, cardiologists must develop a standardized way to approach complex PCI in an era in which angiographic guidance alone yields suboptimal results. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been shown to improve outcomes with better preprocedural planning, improved stent placement, and larger stent diameters. Considering the supportive data, the use of IVUS is crucial in all cases of complex PCI.
Neurophysiological signals for estimation of the result of latissimus dorsii muscle transfer to biceps brachii in patients with arthrogryposis
Authors: Agranovich Olga E. , Savina Margarita V. , Ivanov Dmitry A. , Boyko Alexey E. , Blagoveshchenskiy Yevgeny D.
Published: August 2020

Background. One of the leading causes of restriction in daily-living activities in patients with arthrogryposis is severe hypoplasia (or aplasia) of the biceps brachii. Latissimus dorsii muscle transfer to the biceps brachii is one of the most used methods for the reconstruction of active elbow flexion in patients with arthrogryposis.

Aim. The aim of the study is to identify neurophysiological correlates for evaluating the result of the transposition of the latissimus dorsii muscle to the biceps in patients with multiple congenital arthrogryposis.

Materials and methods. From 2011 to 2018, we performed monopolar latissimus dorsii muscle transfer to the biceps for the restoration of active elbow flexion in 30 patients with arthrogryposis (44 upper extremities). The follow-up results were studied in 14 cases. For this purpose, we used clinical examination, surface electromyography (sEMG), and statistical analysis. The patients were examined before and from 1 month to 96 months (7 months; 224.5 months) after the surgery. The age of patients was from 1 to 10 years at the time of surgery (4.89 2.42 years).

Results. Our study showed that the age of the child at the time of surgery does not significantly change the index of activation of the latissimus dorsii muscle. A decrease of coactivation of the latissimus dorsii muscle in the long term after surgery correlates with an increase in the strength of the displaced latissimus dorsii muscle, and an improvement in active flexion in the elbow. If the value of the index of coactivation of the latissimus dorsii muscle is less 42%, the muscle strength after surgery reaches 4 points. It was found that the index of coactivation of the latissimus dorsii muscle does not depend on the level of segmental damage to the spinal cord. However, the strength of the muscle depends on the level of spinal cord damage.

Conclusion. The determination of the index coactivation of the latissimus dorsii muscle after surgery can be used to evaluate the results of the latissimus dorsii muscle transfer to the biceps in patients with arthrogryposis. The index of activation of the latissimus dorsii muscle must be less than 42% for effective elbow active flexion.
Simultaneous Determination of Docetaxel and Celecoxib in Porous Microparticles and Rat Plasma by Liquid-Liquid Extraction and HPLC with UV Detection: in vitro and in vivo Validation and Application
Authors: Ziaei Elham , Emami Jaber , Kazemi Moloud , Rezazadeh Mahboubeh
Published: August 2020

Purpose: A simple, rapid, sensitive, and reliable HPLC method with UV detection was developed and validated for simultaneous quantitation of docetaxel and celecoxib and paclitaxel for dissolution characterization and pharmacokinetic studies. Methods: The HPLC assay was performed isocratically on a reversed-phase C18 μ-Bondapack column using a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water (45:55, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, and the analytes were detected at 230 nm. Paclitaxel was used as an internal standard for analysis of plasma samples following simple liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane:isoamyl alcohol (97:3). The method was validated for specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and in vitro-in vivo application. Results: The retention times for docetaxel, paclitaxel, and celecoxib were 10.94, 12.4, and 16.81 min, respectively. The standard curves covering 0.1-1 μg/mL and 0.05-4 μg/mL were linear using dissolution medium and rat plasma, respectively. The limit of quantitation of the method was 50 ng/mL using 100 μL of rat plasma sample and injection of 50 μL of the residue. Within- and between-day precision and accuracy did not exceed 16.86% and 12.10%, respectively. This validated method was successfully used to quantify docetaxel and celecoxib simultaneously in the release study of docetaxel-celecoxib -loaded porous microparticles and pharmacokinetics studies. The methods were found to be simple, specific, precise, accurate, and reproducible. In this study, paclitaxel was used as the internal standard while dexamethasone, flutamide, and budesonide proved suitable alternative as an internal standard. Conclusion: Since docetaxel and celecoxib could be co-administered for the treatment of a wide range of cancers such as non-small cell lung carcinoma, the developed method is particularly advantageous for routine therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies of these drugs.
Impressões de viagem: olhares sobre a gestão escolar em três instituições de ensino portuguesas
Authors: Mandelert Diana , Lino Lucília Augusta , Mocarzel Marcelo
Published: August 2020

A viagem educacional feita à Portugal, no mês de setembro de 2018, para conhecer sete instituições escolares portuguesas consideradas inovadoras resultou no presente ensaio de inspiração etnográfica, no qual abordamos três delas. Foram analisados seus projetos diferenciados, a fim de contribuir para o debate sobre escolas de prestígio e o papel da gestão na produção dos elevados padrões de qualidade do ensino e do desempenho dos alunos ostentados por essas instituições. É apresentada uma breve contextualização da educação lusitana para que sejam compreendidas as possibilidades que as escolas oferecem. A primeira escola fica em Lisboa, é privada, com uma pedagogia que congrega a formação humana-religiosa à autonomia dos estudantes, além da coesão de valores institucionais, omnipresente desde a estrutura física até ao currículo do “mar”. A segunda, situada em Coimbra, apresenta um conjunto de características bastante original:  é experimental, católica, bilíngue (português e inglês), com uma gestão compartilhada pelos professores que são proprietários da instituição. A terceira é uma escola técnica pública no Porto, com gestão composta pela parceria público-privada, tendo como maior destaque a gestão de recursos efetuada pelo diretor e a adesão à inovação tecnológica. Como resultados, identificamos que as instituições têm em comum o favorecimento da autonomia dos estudantes, o que torna as aprendizagens mais eficazes.
β-D-Glukan, Lektin, Linoleik Asit ve β-Karoten Bileşiklerinin Karbonik Anhidraz Enzimleri Üzerindeki Etkilerinin Araştırılması
Authors: Akkaş Rabia , Tunca Ekrem , Bülbül Metin
Published: August 2020

β-D-glukan, lektin, linoleik asit ve β-karoten; hayvansal, bitkisel ve bakteriyel kaynaklarda bulunan, biyolojik olarak aktif bileşiklerdir. Glokom, dünya genelinde körlüğe neden olma bakımından katarakttan sonra ikinci sırada gelen bir hastalıktır. Karbonik anhidraz (CA) inhibitörleri uzun yıllardır glokom tedavisinde kullanılmaktadır. Ancak, inhibitör ajanların yan etkileri azımsanmayacak derecede çoktur. Yeni CA inhibitörlerinin geliştirilmesi üzerine çeşitli araştırma grupları çalışmalar yapmaktadırlar. Doğal kaynaklı bileşiklerin CA inhibitörü olarak kullanımının araştırılması da son yıllarda popülerlik kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, β-D-glukan, lektin, linoleik asit ve β-karoten bileşiklerinin, insan eritrosit CA izoenzimleri olan hCA I ve hCA II üzerine etkileri in vitro koşullarda araştırılmıştır. Bileşiklerin Ki değerleri hCA I için 0.45±0.09 µM − 37.02±17.85 µM aralığında, hCA II için 3.12±1.38 µM − 61.23±25.46 µM aralığındadır.
Advérbios em –mente modificando adjetivos em português brasileiro
Authors: Souza Luisandro Mendes de , Foltran Maria José
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise de advérbios em –mente na posição de modificação adjetival. Nosso recorte se restringe a duas classes: modificadores de graus – advérbios do tipo extremamente – e modificadores não-restritivos – advérbios do tipo indiscutivelmente. Buscamos justificar a existência dessas duas classes pelo comportamento sintático e semântico de seus membros.  Os integrantes da primeira modificam adjetivos graduais, apresentam um esvaziamento semântico do adjetivo base e só aparecem em posição contígua aos adjetivos. Os integrantes da segunda não atuam sobre grau, mantêm o significado do adjetivo base e, quando destacáveis do adjetivo, apresentam significado similar, que inclui a atitude do falante.
Environmental Characteristics of Modern Systems of Domestic Use of Fuel. Part 1
Authors: Soroka B. S. , Horupa V. V.
Published: August 2020

The analysis of the environmental component of the processes of natural gas burning in atmospheric burners of domestic gas stoves has been carried out. The computational and experimental studies of the harmful substances formation by combustion of natural gas have been performed. The chemical equilibrium of the NO–O2–NO2 system was considered. The thermodynamic analysis of transformation of the system during a process of natural gas (methane-air mixture) combustion has been tested. Despite an essential (sometimes – by the order(s)) difference between the thermodynamically equilibrium concentration of the nitrogen oxides [NOx]eq and the local, actually measured values [NOx] = [NO] + [NO2], the [NO]eq values could be served as the qualitative indicators of actual values of [NOx] concentrations. In the combustion processes natural gas and other fuels combustion at high temperatures [NO] >> [NO2] for both equilibrium and measured concentrations. By moderate and low local temperatures up to 600 K the equilibrium concentration [NO2]eq → [NO]eq in order of magnitude. Under some compositions of burning mixture the correlation could be set as [NO2] >> [NO], resulting in great danger for the human health. With regard to the formation of particularly toxic NO2 effluents observed in some cases, an influence of the reaction temperature and the composition of the combustible mixture on the possibility of nitrogen dioxide formation in the combustion products have been analyzed. A methodology for the experimental study of the harmful emissions formation has been proposed while the computerized firing rig has been developed for studying the combustion of hydrocarbon gases in burners of household stoves. An influence of the coefficient of primary air excess on the СО, NO, NO2 formation has been revealed and the possibility of appearance the emissions of a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide has been demonstrated.
The role of knowledge, risk perceptions and cues to action among Iranian women concerning cervical cancer and screening: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Asl Rahim Taghizadeh , Osch Liesbeth Van , De Vries Nanne , Zendehdel Kazem , Shams Mohsen , Zarei Fatemeh , De Vries Hein
Published: August 2020

Background Iran has a low incidence of, but a higher rate of death from, cervical cancer (CC). The country is in the process of implementing an organized screening program including HPV testing and cytology. Studies show high drop-out in continued testing among eligible women. This qualitative study aimed to explore women’s awareness regarding CC and CC testing, and the role of knowledge, perceived risk, and cues to action in this process.Methods In a qualitative study based on the Framework Method we recruited 81 women aged between 25-65 years, who participated in 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) and two in-depth interviews in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Interviewees were selected purposefully from households in different socioeconomic classes until data saturation, during January to May 2015. Data were acquired through 11 open-ended questions and 32 related probe questions. All interviews were transcribed and independently analyzed by two researchers (Kappa and agreement testing respectively: 0.77, 97.11%).Results Coded texts were categorized under three themes and 13 subthemes. The three thematic areas referred to knowledge, cues to action and perceived risks regarding cervical cancer and screening. Results showed that women had limited and unspecified knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, compounded by misconceptions regarding infection and cancer prevention measures. Social and cultural barriers hindered proper communication between health system/providers and clients, and within communities on subjects related to cervical cancer and screening. Perceived risk of getting CC was low because of overestimating the role of hereditary factors for CC, difficulty in differentiating between cancer and sexually transmitted infections, and the absence of visible symptoms.Conclusions The results indicate a strong need to invest more efforts to improve health education and communication in the current national health program to promote awareness of the need to screen for CC, through, for example, establishing correct knowledge and risk perceptions among women. In addition, this intervention should address women’s social environment in order to prevent misconceptions being communicated to women.
Smoking and Incidence of Insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Nan , Wang Chunyi , Liao Yan , Dai Qichen , Cao Shiyi
Published: August 2020

Background: Both smoking and insomnia are worldwide problems and this study aims to investigate the impact of smoking on the incidence of insomnia. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and OVID were searched through March, 2020. Cohort studies reporting the effect of smoking on the incidence of insomnia were included. We quantitatively analyzed the basic framework and study characteristics, and then pooled estimate effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of outcomes of each included studies using fixed-effects meta-analyses. Results: This systematic review included six cohort studies involving 12445 participants. Quantitatively summarized results suggested smoking could significantly increase the incidence of insomnia (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02,1.13). Regular smoking was significantly associated with incidence of insomnia (OR=1.07, 95% CI:1.01,1.13). As for occasional smokers and ex-smokers, the pooled analysis didn’t indicate a significant association (occasional smoker: OR=2.09, 95% CI:0.44,9.95; ex-smoker; OR=1.02, 95% CI:0.67,1.54). Subgroup analysis by age, gender ratio and region showed statistically significant relationship between smoking and incidence of insomnia in specific groups. Conclusions: Integrated longitudinal observational evidence identified smoking as a significant risk factor of insomnia. Considering the limited amount of available studies, more high-quality and prospective cohort studies of large sample sizes are needed to explore details of this association.
Time Spent Abroad Predicts Late Presentation for HIV among HIV-positive Tajikistani Migrants to the Russian Federation
Authors: Bromberg Daniel J , Tate Mary M , Alaei Kamiar , Karimov Saifuddin , Saidi Dilshod , Alaei Arash
Published: August 2020

Background Between 700 thousand and 1.2 million citizens of Tajikistan currently live in the Russian Federation, one of the only countries where the HIV epidemic continues to worsen. Given the previously reported barriers to healthcare access for migrants to the Russian Federation, and the rapidly expanding HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this present study set out to determine whether these barriers impact late presentation with HIV among Tajik migrants upon their return to Tajikistan. Method This study uses data from the Tajikistan Ministry of Health surveillance system (2006 – 2019). At time of diagnosis, patients are interviewed by staff of AIDS centers, and doctors complete routine intake forms and complete medical exam. Descriptive characteristics of HIV-positive migrant who had lived in the Russian Federation (n=503) were calculated and compared with those of HIV-positive non-migrants (n=9519). Missing data were imputed using a multiple imputation (predictive means matching, logistic regression imputation, and polytomous regression imputation). Two logistic models were created to model the probability of late presentation for HIV. The first model shows unadjusted associations between predictor variables and late presentation for HIV. The second model is shows multivariable associations between significant study variables identified in the univariate model, and late presentation. Results Compared to non-migrants, HIV-positive migrants are more likely to be from Gorno-Badakhshan region, are less likely to use illicit drugs, and are more likely to have purchased the services of sex workers.. The unadjusted logistic model found that for every year spent in the Russian Federation, the risk of late presentation for an HIV-positive Tajikistani migrant increases by 4.0% (95% CI: 0.3-7.7). The multivariate model showed that when age, sex, and region of origin are held constant, the risk of late presentation for an HIV-positive Tajikistani migrant increases by 4.0% (95% CI: 0.1-7.8) for each year spent in the Russian Federation. Conclusion The results of this paper suggest that if the Russian Federation were to loosen its restrictions of HIV care for foreign nationals, it might improve the treatment outcomes of migrant laborers. As this analysis is only correlational in nature, further research is needed to explicate the causal pathways of the associations found in the present analysis.
Comparison of symptomatic spondylolysis in young soccer and baseball players
Authors: Yokoe Takuji , Tajima Takuya , Sugimura Hiroshi , Kubo Shinichirou , Nozaki Shotarou , Yamaguchi Nami , Morita Yudai , Chosa Etsuo
Published: August 2020

Background: Spondylolysis is a main cause of low back pain (LBP) in young athletes. There are few studies analyzing the difference of spondylolysis among young athletes with different sports activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical factors and distribution of the lesions of spondylolysis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in young soccer and baseball players with symptomatic spondylolysis.Methods: The medical records of 267 young athletes aged 7 to 18 years old who underwent MRI to evaluate the cause of LBP between 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with spondylolysis. Of the young athletes with symptomatic spondylolysis, clinical factors and MRI findings in soccer and baseball players were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical factors were age, sex, interval from onset of LBP to MRI, and side of the dominant leg in the sports field. MRI findings included number, lumbar level, and side of the lesions. Results: A total of 33 soccer players (mean age, 15.4 ± 1.4 years) and 49 baseball players (mean age, 15.4 ± 1.6 years) with symptomatic spondylolysis were enrolled. All patients were male. No significant differences were noted in age and the interval from onset of LBP to MRI between the groups. Soccer players had greater numbers of multiple (p < 0.001) and bilateral (p < 0.001) lesions than baseball players. The dominant side of the hand for pitching or batting was correlated with the contralateral-side lesions in baseball players (p = 0.001).Conclusions: The distribution of the lesions of spondylolysis differed in young soccer and baseball players. Pitching or batting with the dominant-side hand would be associated with contralateral-side lesions in baseball players. Sports-specific movements and the side of the dominant leg should be considered when treating young athletes with symptomatic spondylolysis.
Feasibility of remote digital monitoring using wireless Bluetooth monitors, the Smart AngelTM app and an original web platform for patients following outpatient surgery: A prospective observational pilot study.
Authors: Chevallier Thierry , Buzancais Gautier , Occean Bob-valery , Rataboul Pierre , Boisson Christophe , Simon Natacha , Lannelongue Ariane , Chaniaud Noemie , Gricourt Yann , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Cuvillon Philippe
Published: August 2020

BackgroundRemote monitoring of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) or oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) remains a challenge in outpatient surgery. This study evaluates a new digital technology (Smart Angel TM ) for remotely monitoring hemodynamic data in real time: data transmitted from the patient's home-base to a central server, using a dedicated web-based software package.MethodsAdults scheduled for elective outpatient surgery were prospectively enrolled. In the first 5 postoperative days, patients completed a self-report questionnaire (pain, comfort, nausea, vomiting) and recorded SpO 2 , HR and MAP via two wireless Bluetooth monitors connected to a 4G tablet to transmit the data to a website, in real time, using Smart Angel TM software. Before transmission to the website, these data were also self-reported by the patient on a paper form. The primary outcome was the proportion of variables (self-monitored physiological data + questionnaire scores) correctly transmitted to the hospital via the system compared with the paper version. On Day 5, a system usability scale survey (SUS score 1-100) was also attributed.ResultsFrom May 2018 to September 2018, data were available for 29 out of 30 patients enrolled (1 patient was not discharged from hospital after surgery). The remote monitoring technology recorded 2038 data items (62%) compared with 2656 (82%) items recorded on the paper form (p=0.001). The most common errors with the remote technology were software malfunctioning when starting the MAP monitor and malfunctioning between the tablet and the Bluetooth monitor. No serious adverse events were noted. The SUS score for the system was 85 (68-93) for 26 patients.ConclusionThis work evaluates the ability of a pilot system for monitoring remote physiological data using digital technology after ambulatory surgery and highlights the digital limitations of this technology. Technological improvements are required to reduce malfunctioning (4G access, transmission between apps).Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03464721) (March 8, 2018)
Study on the Enlargement Index of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Capsulorhexis in 2–6-Year-Old Patients With Congenital Cataract
Authors: Liao Menglian , Guo Da , Liao Shan , Zhang Wenwen , Lin Ding , Tang Qiongyan
Published: August 2020

Background: To identify the capsule enlargement index after femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulorhexis in 2–6-year-old children who underwent congenital cataract surgery. Methods: In this prospective case series study, femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulorhexis was performed in patients with congenital cataract, aged 2–6 years. The actual achieved capsulorhexis diameters were measured with Digimizer version 4.2.6. Correlation coefficient (r) and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the variables that could potentially influence anterior capsulorhexis enlargement index (E). Results: This prospective study enrolled 28 eyes of 22 patients with congenital cataract. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 4.67 years ± 1.54 (standard deviation [SD]). “E” of the 28 cases was 1.211±0.039 (SD). Correlation analysis showed that “E” correlated significantly with the anterior chamber depth (ACD) (r=−0.469, p=0.021) and axial length (AL) (r=0.452, p=0.027). The following formula was developed by using multivariable linear regression analysis: Predicted E=1.177−0.052×ACD +0.009×AL, R2=0.346 (F=4.396, p=0.046).Conclusions: The anterior capsulorhexis enlargement index and its calculation formula could help to set up an accurate programmed capsulorhexis diameter for femtosecond laser-assisted congenital cataract surgery in children aged 2–6 years. Thus, an appropriate actual capsulorhexis diameter could be achieved
Weights of Evidence Modeling for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping of Kabi-Gebro Locality, Gundomeskel area, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Nega , Meten Matebie
Published: August 2020

Kabi-Gebro area is located within the Abay Basin at Dera District of North Shewa Zone near Gundomeskel town in the Central highland of Ethiopia and it is about 320 Km from Addis Ababa. This is characterized by undulating topography, intense rainfall, active erosion and highly cultivated area. Geologically characterized by weathered sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Currently, landslides are creating serious challenges in road construction, farming practices and affecting people in this area. Active landslides in this area damaged the gravel road, houses and agricultural land. The main objective of this research is to prepare the landslide susceptibility map. To overcome the landslide problem in this area, landslide susceptibility map was prepared using GIS- based Weights of Evidence model. Based on detailed field assessment and Google Earth image interpretation, 514 landslide locations were identified and classified randomly as training landslide (80%) and validation landslide (20%). The training landslide data set include nine landslide causative factors such as lithology, slope angle, aspect, curvature, land use/land cover, distance to stream, distance to lineament, distance to spring and rainfall inorder to prepare landslide susceptibility map in this study. The landslide susceptibility maps were prepared by adding the weights of contrast values of the nine causative factors using rater calculator in the spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS. The final landslide susceptibility map was reclassified as very low, low, moderate, high and very high landslide susceptiblity classes. This susceptibility map was validated using landslide density index and Area Under the Curve (AUC). The result from this validation showed a success rate and avalidaton rate accuracies of 82.4% and 83.4% respectively for this model. Finally, this study recommends application of appropriate mitigation or corrective measures in order to lessen the impact of landslide in the area.
Transcriptome-IPMS analysis reveals a tissue-dependent miR156/SPL13 regulatory mechanism in alfalfa drought tolerance
Authors: Feyissa Biruk A , Renaud Justin , Nasrollahi Vida , Kohalmi Susanne , Hannoufa Abdelali
Published: August 2020

Background
We previously reported on the interplay between miR156/SPL13 and WD40-1/DFR to improve response to drought stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Here we aimed to investigate whether the role of miR156/SPL13 module in drought response is tissue-specific, and to identify SPL13-interacting proteins. We analyzed the global transcript profiles of leaf, stem, and root tissues of one-month old RNAi-silenced SPL13 (SPL13RNAi) alfalfa plants exposed to drought stress and conducted protein-protein interaction analysis to identify SPL13 interacting partners .
Result
Transcript analysis combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed tissue and genotype-specific gene expression patterns. Moreover, pathway analysis of stem-derived differentially expressed genes (DEG) revealed upregulation of genes associated with stress mitigating primary and specialized metabolites, whereas genes associated with photosynthesis light reactions were silenced in SPL13RNAi plants. Leaf-derived DEG were attributed to enhanced light reactions, largely photosystem I, II, and electron transport chains, while roots of SPL13RNAi plants upregulated transcripts associated with metal ion transport, carbohydrate, and primary metabolism. Using immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IPMS) we showed that SPL13 interacts with proteins involved in photosynthesis, specialized metabolite biosynthesis, and stress tolerance.
Conclusions
We conclude that the miR156/SPL13 module mitigates drought stress in alfalfa by regulating molecular and physiological processes in a tissue-dependent manner.
Effectiveness of An Integrated Multidisciplinary Geriatric Rehabilitation Programme for Older Persons with Stroke: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Vluggen Tom , Haastregt Jolanda van , Tan Frans , Verbunt Jeanine , Heugten Caroline van , Schols Jos
Published: August 2020

Background: Almost half of the stroke patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation has persisting problems after discharge. Currently, there is no evidence based geriatric rehabilitation programme available for older stroke patients, combining inpatient rehabilitation with adequate ambulatory aftercare in the community. Therefore, we developed an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme that includes aftercare for older persons with stroke. We evaluated the effectiveness of this newly developed rehabilitation programme in comparison to usual care. Methods: A multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted in eight geriatric rehabilitation stroke units and their collaborating partners in primary care. The study population involved stroke patients and their informal caregivers who were aged 65 or over, living in the community before admission to geriatric rehabilitation, and expected to be able to return home after discharge. The programme consisted of three modules: inpatient neurorehabilitation, home-based self-management training, and stroke education. For patients, daily activity (FAI) was assessed as primary outcome and functional dependence (Katz-15), perceived quality of life (SSQoL) and social participation (IPA) as secondary outcomes. Additionally, among informal caregivers perceived care burden (self-rated burden VAS), objective care burden (Erasmus iBMG), and quality of life (CarerQol), were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: In total 189 patients and 170 informal caregivers were included. Mean age of the patients in the intervention group was 78.8 years (SD= 6.3) and in the usual care group 78.8 years (SD=7.0). Significant favourable effects for the programme were observed for the subscale autonomy outdoors of the IPA (-2.15, P=.047, and for the informal caregivers perceived care burden (1.23, P=.048. For the primary outcome daily activity and the other secondary outcomes, no significant effects were observed.Conclusion: The integrated multidisciplinary programme had no effect on daily activity of older stroke patients. However, patients participating in the programme had a higher level of perceived autonomy of outdoor activities and their informal caregivers perceived a lower care burden. The programme might be promising in providing adequate (after)care, although adaptation of the programme is recommended to increase its feasibility and improve its effects.
Adjunctive air-polishing with erythritol in nonsurgical periodontal therapy – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jentsch Holger F.R. , Flechsig Christian , Kette Benjamin , Eick Sigrun
Published: August 2020

Background: This study was aimed to investigate if the adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during subgingival instrumentation (SI) has an effect on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. Methods: Fourty-two individuals with periodontitis receiving nonsurgical periodontal therapy by SI without (controls, n=21) and with adjunctive air-polishing using nozzle + erythritol powder (test, n=21) were analyzed for clinical variables, four selected microorganisms and two biomarkers at baseline, before SI as well as three and six months after SI. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests for intra- and intergroup comparisons. Results: In both groups, the clinical variables probing depth (PD), attachment level and BOP significantly improved three and six months after SI. The number of sites with PD ≥ 5 mm was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group after six months. At six months vs. baseline, there were significant reductions of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola counts as well as lower levels of MMP-8 in the test group but not in the controls. There was no further significant difference of any clinical and non-clinical variable between both groups at three and six months after SI. Conclusions: Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive erythritol air-polishing powder may add beneficial effects like reducing the probing depth measured as number of residual periodontal pocket with PD ≥ 5 mm when compared with subgingival instrumentation only. Clinical relevanceThe adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during SI may improve the clinical outcome of SI. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered in the German register of clinical trials, DRKS00015239 on 6th August 2018, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId =trial.HTML&TRIAL