bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Endemic Medicinal Plants into the Global Value Chains: The Ecological Degradation Challenges and  Opportunities
Authors: Tom Volenzo , Odiyo John , Kimambo Offoro
Published: November 2018

Though innovations for sustainable management of natural resources have emerged over time, the rising demand for nature based health solutions and integration of endemic flora into global value chains could have adverse impacts on ecosystems. The ecological risks in the exploitation of wild medicinal plant resources are exacerbated by a myriad of agrotechnological risks and challenges that highly constrain their domestication. Successful exploitation and commercialization of medicinal plants thus require a clear understanding of their demand and production systems or value chain analysis. Accordingly there is need for innovative approaches towards their integration into global value chains. Since quality and safety, traceability, certification, as well as, consumer tastes and preferences are critical drivers in purchasing decisions by global consumers, they are inadvertently exploited to weaken Indigenous knowledge (IK), undermine common property rights and entrench value chains that favour a few elite buyers. This tend to create pervasive incentives for overexploitation of medicinal plant resources and environmental degradation. Potential solution lies in the recognition of drivers of vulnerability to environmental degradation and the innovative use of policy bricolage, feedback loops and interactions between knowledge, power and agency on one hand, and collective action and property rights institutions on the other hand. We conceptualise a framework that can mediate a transformational agenda and enhance systematic understanding of sustainability lenses in endemic medicinal plant resources value chains. This could in turn strengthen IK, enhance collective action  and promote participation of local actors with positive impact on the utilisation and integration of endemic medicinal plant resources into global value chains.
Two-Photon Vibrational Transitions in O2+ as Probes of Variation of the Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio
Authors: Carollo Ryan , Frenett Alexander , Hanneke David
Published: November 2018

Vibrational overtones in deeply bound molecules are sensitive probes for variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ. In nonpolar molecules, these overtones may be driven as two-photon transitions. Here, we present procedures for experiments with O2+, including state-preparation through photoionization, a two-photon probe, and detection. We calculate transition dipole moments between all X2Пg vibrational levels and those of the A2Пu excited electronic state. Using these dipole moments, we calculate two-photon transition rates and AC-Stark-shift systematics for the overtones. We estimate other systematic effects and statistical precision. Two-photon vibrational transitions in O2+ provide multiple routes to improved searches for μ variation.
Versatility of Reverse Micelles: From Biomimetic Model to Nano(Bio)Sensors Design
Authors: Arsene Melania-Liliana , Gurban Ana-Maria , Jecu Maria-Luiza , Doni Mihaela
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an overview of the principal structural and dynamics characteristics of reverse micelles (RMs) in order to highlight their structural flexibility and versatility, along with the possibility to modulate their parameters in a controlled-manner. The multifunctionality in a large range of different scientific fields is exemplified in two distinct directions: a theoretical model for mimicry of biological microenvironment and practical application in the field of nanotechnology and nano-based sensors. RMs represents a convenient experimental approach that limits the drawbacks of the conventionally biological studies in vitro, while the particular structure confers them the status of simplified mimics of cells by reproducing a complex supramolecular organization in an artificial system. The biological relevance of RMs is discussed in some particular cases referring to the confinement and crowding environment, molecular dynamics of water and cell membrane structure. The use of RMs in different range of applications seems to be more promising due to their structural and compositional flexibility, a high efficiency and selectivity being achieved. The advance in nanotechnology is based on developing new methods of nanomaterials synthesis and deposition. This review highlighting the advantages of using RMs in synthesis of nanoparticles with specific properties and in nano (bio)sensors design.
TEG Design for Waste Heat Recovery at an Aviation Jet Engine Nozzle
Authors: Ziolkowski Pawel , Zabrocki Knud , Müller Eckhard
Published: November 2018

The application of thermoelectric generators (TEG) on the nozzle of an aviation jet engine was studied by finite element TEG-simulations. Against the background of system-level requirements of the reference aircraft this work reports the resulting requirements on the TEG design with respect to applied thermoelectric (TE) element lengths and fill factors (F) within the TE modules in order to maintain a positive effect on the specific fuel consumption. Assuming a virtual optimized TE material and varying the convective heat transfer coefficients at the nozzle surfaces this work reports the achievable power output. System-level requirement on the gravimetric power density (> 100 Wkg-1) can only be met for F ≤ 21%. Extrapolating TEG coverage to the full nozzle surface, the power output reaches 1.65 kW per engine. Assessment of further potential is demonstrated by a parametric study on the fill factor, convective heat transfer coefficients, and materials performance. This study confirms a feasible design range for TEG installation on the aircraft nozzle with a positive impact on the fuel consumption. This application translates into a reduction of operational costs, allowing for an economically efficient installation of TEG in consideration of the cost-specific power output of modern thermoelectric materials.
Finite Difference Algorithm on Non-uniform Meshes for Modeling 2D Magnetotelluric Responses
Authors: Tong Xiaozhong , Guo Yujun , Xie Wei
Published: November 2018

A finite-difference approach with non-uniform meshes was presented for simulating magnetotelluric responses in 2D structures. We presented the formulation of this scheme and gave some sights into its successful implementation, and compared finite-difference solution with known numerical results and simple analytical solutions. First, a homogeneous half-space model was tested and the finite-difference approach can provide very good accuracy for 2D magnetotelluric modeling. Then we compared to the analytical solutions for the two-layered model, the relative errors of the apparent resistivity and the impedance phase were both increased when the frequency was increased. In the end, we compare our finite-difference simulation results with COMMEMI 2D-0 model with the finite-element solutions. Both results are in close agreement to each other. These comparisons confirm the validity and reliability of our finite-difference algorithm.
HENNOVATION: Learnings from Promoting Practice-Led Multi-Actor Innovation Networks to Address Complex Animal Welfare Challenges within the Laying Hen Industry
Authors: van Dijk L. , Buller H.J. , Blokhuis H.J. , van Niekerk T. , Voslarova E. , Manteca X. , Weeks C.A. , Main D.C.J.
Published: November 2018

The Hennovation project, an EU H2020 funded thematic network, aimed to explore the potential value of practice-led multi-actor innovation networks within the laying hen industry. The project proposed that husbandry solutions can be practice-led and effectively supported to achieve durable gains in sustainability and animal welfare. It encouraged a move away from the traditional model of science providing solutions for practice, towards a collaborative approach where expertise from science and practice were equally valued. During the 32-month project, the team facilitated 19 multi-actor networks in 5 countries through 6 critical steps in the innovation process: problem identification, generation of ideas, planning, small scale trials, implementation and sharing with others. The networks included farmers, processors, veterinarians, technical advisors, market representatives and scientists. The interaction between the farmers and the other network actors, including scientists, was essential for farmer innovation. New relationships emerged between the scientists and farmers, based on experimental learning and the co-production of knowledge for improving laying hen welfare. The project demonstrated that a practice-led approach can be a major stimulus for innovation with several networks generating novel ideas and testing them in their commercial context. The Hennovation innovation networks not only contributed to bridging the science-practice gap by application of existing scientific solutions in practice but more so by jointly finding new solutions. Successful multi-actor, practice-led innovation networks appeared to depend upon the following key factors: active participation from relevant actors, professional facilitation, moderate resource support and access to relevant expertise. Farmers and processors involved in the project were often very enthusiastic about the approach, committing significant time to the network’s activities. It is suggested that the agricultural research community and funding agencies should place greater value on practice-led multi-actor innovation networks alongside technology and advisor focused initiatives to improve animal welfare and embed best practices.
Genome Based Meta-QTL Analysis of Grain Weight in Tetraploid Wheat Identifies Rare Alleles of GRF4 Associated with Larger Grains
Authors: Avni Raz , Oren Leah , Shabtai Gai , Assili Siwar , Pozniak Curtis , Hale Iago , Ben-David Roi , Peleg Zvi , Distelfeld Assaf
Published: November 2018

The domestication and subsequent genetic improvement of wheat led to the development of large-seeded cultivated wheat species relative to their smaller-seeded wild progenitors. While increased grain weight (GW) continues to be an important goal of many wheat breeding programs, few genes underlying this trait have been identified despite an abundance of studies reporting quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GW. Here we perform a QTL analysis for GW using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross between wild emmer wheat accession ‘Zavitan’ and durum wheat variety ‘Svevo’. Identified QTLs in this population were anchored to the recent Zavitan reference genome, along with previously published QTLs for GW in tetraploid wheat. This genome-based, meta-QTL analysis enabled the identification of a locus on chromosome 6A whose introgression from wild wheat positively affects GW. The locus was validated using an introgression line carrying the 6A GW QTL region from Zavitan in a Svevo background, resulting in >8% increase in GW compared to Svevo. Using the reference sequence for the 6A QTL region, we identified a wheat ortholog to OsGRF4, a rice gene previously associated with GW. The coding sequence of this gene (TtGRF4-A) contains four SNPs between Zavitan and Svevo, one of which reveals the Zavitan allele to be rare in a core collection of wild emmer and completely absent from the domesticated emmer genepool. Similarly, another wild emmer accession (G18-16) was found to carry a rare allele of TtGRF4-A that also positively affects GW and is characterized by a unique SNP absent from the entire core collection. These results exemplify the rich genetic diversity of wild wheat, posit TtGRF4-A as a candidate gene underlying the 6A GW QTL, and suggest that the natural Zavitan and G18-16 alleles of TtGRF4-A have potential to increase wheat yields in breeding programs.
On the Translation of Plant Images in Li Sao (离骚)
Authors: Tian Chuanmao
Published: November 2018

Li Sao is the most important part of Chu Ci or The Songs of the South which occupies an important place in Chinese literature. There are many cultural images in Chu Ci, especially Li Sao, and plant images constitute the main body of the cultural images in the classic. They convey both literal and implicit meanings. In other words, poet Qu Yuan uses them to symbolize good or bad things in the source text. The implied meaning of the plant images can only be grasped by putting them into the specific context. The translations in this study use various translating methods such as interpretation and annotation to represent the symbolic meanings of the plant images, but sometimes it is seen that the translators fail to convey the original meaning correctly. It is assumed that only by achieving optimal relevance can target readers understand the original images easily.
Compliance: instrumento de controle nas licitações públicas
Authors: Machado Antonio Rodrigo , Cavichioli Carmona Paulo Afonso
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a utilização do sistema de compliance como instrumento de controle de probidade nas licitações e contratos com a Administração pública, sob o prisma de uma visão moderna acerca do desenvolvimento nacional sustentável. Na primeira parte do artigo, fica a exposição de todo o nosso complexo sistema de normas que protegem o erário, apresentando proposta de composição de um novo Sistema Legal de Defesa da Sociedade. Num segundo momento, busca-se a importância de aprimoramento das contratações públicas como ferramenta para o cumprimento das leis que tratam do combate à corrupção e respeito à transparência. Na terceira parte, resta demonstrada a total compatibilidade da exigência de programas de compliance nos editais de licitação como corolário de implementação dos princípios constitucionais e legais das licitações públicas no Brasil, a exemplo do que foi feito na nova Lei das Estatais aprovada em 2016. Finalmente, é proposta a utilização de exigência, sob o comando da Constituição Federal e Lei Geral de Licitações e Contratos, nos editais de licitações públicas de programas de compliance pelas empresas interessadas em contratar com o Estado, independentemente de lei específica autorizando tal medida.
Clinical Outcomes and Complications Following Surgical Management of Traumatic Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocations
Authors: Kendal Joseph K. , Thomas Katie , Lo Ian K.Y. , Bois Aaron J.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Traumatic posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations are rare orthopaedic emergencies. Treatment typically consists of closed reduction, with surgical management reserved for unstable cases. Because of the low prevalence of this condition, limited clinical evidence exists for a superior surgical stabilization technique.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. A descriptive and critical analysis of the results was performed.

Results:

Forty relevant studies (108 cases) were identified. Favorable subjective and objective outcomes were reported for all 5 categories of stabilization described. The overall complication rate was 16%, including 4 cases of recurrent instability. Ligament reconstruction using tendon graft had the lowest recurrent instability and complication rates, and open reduction and internal fixation techniques required a second operation for implant removal in 80% of cases.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive review of the surgical management of traumatic posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocations is presented. Results suggest favorable outcomes for all of the methods of stabilization, with a modest complication rate. The trends observed have helped to guide the development of clinical care recommendations that aid in treatment decision-making for these injuries.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Wearable Biomonitoring Platform for the Assessment of Stress and its Impact on Cognitive Performance of Firefighters: An Experimental Study
Authors: Rodrigues Susana , Paiva Joana S. , Dias Duarte , Pimentel Gonçalo , Kaiseler Mariana , Cunha João Paulo S.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Stress is a complex process with an impact on health and performance. The use of wearable sensor-based monitoring systems offers interesting opportunities for advanced health care solutions for stress analysis. Considering the stressful nature of firefighting and its importance for the community’s safety, this study was conducted for firefighters.

Objectives:

A biomonitoring platform was designed, integrating different biomedical systems to enable the acquisition of real time Electrocardiogram (ECG), computation of linear Heart Rate Variability (HRV) features and collection of perceived stress levels. This platform was tested using an experimental protocol, designed to understand the effect of stress on firefighter’s cognitive performance, and whether this effect is related to the autonomic response to stress.

Method:

The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) was used as a testing platform along with a 2-Choice Reaction Time Task. Linear HRV features from the participants were acquired using an wearable ECG. Self-reports were used to assess perceived stress levels.

Results:

The TSST produced significant changes in some HRV parameters (AVNN, SDNN and LF/HF) and subjective measures of stress, which recovered after the stress task. Although these short-term changes in HRV showed a tendency to normalize, an impairment on cognitive performance was found after performing the stress event.

Conclusion:

Current findings suggested that stress compromised cognitive performance and caused a measurable change in autonomic balance. Our wearable biomonitoring platform proved to be a useful tool for stress assessment and quantification. Future studies will implement this biomonitoring platform for the analysis of stress in ecological settings.
Tinnitus: The Sound of Stress?
Authors: Ciminelli Patricia , Machado Sergio , Palmeira Manoela , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Beirith Sarah Cristina , Nigri Michelle Levitan , Mezzasalma Marco André , Nardi Antonio Egidio
Published: November 2018

Background:

Emotional stress is frequently associated with otologic symptoms as tinnitus and dizziness. Stress can contribute to the beginning or worsening of tinnitus.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the presence of stress symptoms in patients with chronic, subjective tinnitus, and correlate its presence to annoyance associated with tinnitus.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study. One hundred and eighty patients with chronic, subjective tinnitus were included. Patients answered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) to evaluate the impact of tinnitus in the quality of life and answered the Lipp's inventory symptoms of stress for adults (ISSL). The data obtained was organized using Excel® 2010, mean values, linear regression and p-value were calculated.

Results:

Of the 180 patients included in the study, 117 (65%) had stress symptoms, 52 of the 117 (44%) were in the resistance phase and 23 of the 117 (20%) in the exhaustion phase, the remaining was in the alert phase. There was a clear progressive increase in stress as THI raised, with more impact of tinnitus in quality of life.

Conclusion:

The presence of stress symptoms, measured by ISSL was observed in most of our patients with chronic subjective tinnitus, specially in the resistance and exhaustion phases and it is directly associated with tinnitus annoyance.
An Econometric Analysis of Food Security and Agricultural Credit Facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Osabohien Romanus , Afolabi Adesola , Godwin Abigail
Published: November 2018

Background:

It is a known fact that the efficiency of credit facility positively contributes to production base of a sector, especially the Nigerian agricultural sector which is recognised as the heartbeat of the economy by employing over 70% of the country’s labour force; this forms the motivation for this study.

Objective:

This study examined the potential of agricultural credit facilities in terms of commercial bank credit to agriculture and agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund (ACGSF) and their corresponding interest rates to farmers towards increasing agricultural production as the pathway to food security in Nigeria.

Method:

The study employed the Autoregressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) econometric approach on the time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Development Indicators (WDI) for the period 1990-2016.

Result:

The result from ARDL showed that commercial banks credits and ACGSF increased food security by 8.12% and 0.002% respectively, while population reduces food security by 0.001%.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that population should be controlled through family planning and adequate financing of the ACFSF by the government and monitor commercial banks leading interest rates on credit facilities.
The Influence of CFRP Orientation Angle on the Shear Strength of RC Beams
Authors: Murad Yasmin
Published: November 2018

Background:

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets are widely used for strengthening and repairing reinforced concrete structures. Previous experimental studies have shown that strengthening Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams with CFRP sheet can be greatly influenced by the configuration, orientation and properties of the CFRP sheets.

Objective:

The behaviour of RC beams, strengthened with 60° and 45° inclined CFRP sheets, has not clearly explained.

Method:

Thus, an experimental program, proposed in this paper, investigates the shear behaviour of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets under different orientation angles including 0˚, 45˚, 60˚ and 90˚.

Result:

The study shows that strengthening RC beams with CFRP is highly influenced by the orientation angle of the sheets. The influence of CFRP sheets is remarkable on increasing the ultimate deflection, ductility and shear strength of RC beams.

Conclusion:

It is beneficial to strengthen RC beams, which are weak in shear, obliquely using 45˚ or 60˚ inclined CFRP sheets.
A Survey of Faculty Development in U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools: Types of Activities and Institutional Entity with Responsibility
Authors: McAndrew Maureen , Horvath Zsuzsa , Atiyeh Lindsey E.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the status of faculty development in North American dental schools in 2016. This research project was designed to update and expand upon a 2001 study that reported the first comprehensive results on similar topics and to compare the 2001 and 2016 results. In this study, survey responses were received from 57 of 75 U.S. and Canadian dental schools for an overall response rate of 76%. The results showed a sizeable expansion of faculty development efforts across schools. Twenty‐three schools (40%) reported the existence of an Office of Faculty Affairs and/or Professional/Faculty Development with 12 offices established within the past five years, a sixfold increase. Other entities that demonstrated increased participation in dental faculty development were Offices of Academic Affairs, Department Chairs, and Offices of the Dean. Activities with the highest increases in involvement over the past 15 years were faculty development planning, assisting with educational research, assessment of teaching, conflict resolution, team‐building, and leadership training. The mean number of full‐time equivalents devoted to faculty or professional development in these dental schools was 2.67.
Assessing the Professional Identity of Dental School Faculty: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pape Gary , Dong Fanglong , Horvath Zsuzsa
Published: November 2018

Experts have argued that dental education needs to shift from a teacher‐centered paradigm to a learner‐centered paradigm. Assisting faculty members to self‐identify as educators may be a key to reaching that goal. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess how dental faculty members described their professional identity (educator or clinician) and the effect of their self‐defined identity on their motivation to pursue professional development as educators. A 14‐question anonymous survey was distributed electronically to all 536 part‐time and full‐time dental faculty members at two U.S. dental schools; 114 responses were recorded for a 21.5% response rate. Just over half of the survey respondents (53.5%, n=61) self‐identified as educators, and the other 46.5% (n=53) self‐identified as clinicians. A lower percentage of the self‐identified clinicians were full‐time employees (37.3%, n=25) than the self‐identified educators (60.7%, n=42); the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0143). Among respondents who self‐identified as educators, 53.2% (n=25) had taken four or more courses on teaching vs. 24.2% (n=8) of those who self‐identified as clinicians (p=0.0321). Also, 50% (n=30) of the self‐identified educators prioritized future teaching courses as their continuing education plan vs. 20.8% (n=11) of the self‐identified clinicians (p=0.0013), and 49.2% (n=30) of the self‐identified educators had attended at least one ADEA Annual Session vs. 15.4% (n=8) of the self‐identified clinicians (p=0.0011); both of those differences were statistically significant. This study found that only about half of the respondents from two dental schools self‐identified as educators, but nearly all viewed learning about teaching concepts and techniques as very or somewhat important. Administrators can use these findings to promote their faculty training initiatives and find ways to encourage and support educator identification.
Effects of a Research Requirement for Dental Students: A Retrospective Analysis of Students’ Perspectives Across Ten Years
Authors: Van der Groen Troy A. , Olsen Bjorn R. , Park Sang E.
Published: November 2018

For many years, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) has had a research requirement for predoctoral students, but a recent curriculum assessment prompted a re‐examination of that requirement and how it is implemented. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the students’ perspectives on research in a predoctoral dental program in which a research experience was mandatory for graduation. Data that had been collected in graduating student surveys from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed to gauge students’ perceptions of the research program in the previous curriculum (New Pathways) and to seek insights to improve the next generation of this requirement in the Pathways curriculum. In the results, 74% of the students reported their research experience had a positive impact on their dental education. Half of the students (49%) indicated they would have pursued research even if it had not been a graduation requirement, while 37% were uncertain. A large majority (82%) said they would remain involved in research during their dental career. The majority of these HSDM students had contributed to scholarship with presentations and published results, planning of projects, or preparation of manuscripts. These results show that the research requirement has had a positive effect on students’ perspectives on research as a part of their careers.
Self‐Paced Versus Instructor‐Paced Preclinical Training in Operative Dentistry: A Case Study
Authors: Hildebrandt Gary H. , Belmont Michael A.
Published: November 2018

Preclinical operative dentistry courses have traditionally involved a lockstep series of live lectures and laboratory exercises. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an experimental self‐paced operative dentistry course on students’ perceptions and performance and to compare performance outcomes for this class with the classes two years prior and two years after, which were instructed with the traditional curriculum. In 2013, all lectures in one of three operative dentistry courses at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry were placed online as narrated slide sequences. For the study, conducted in 2017, students’ performance in the course in all five years was assessed, based on exams taken after the laboratory and lecture segments of the course and the practical exam. The experimental class was also invited to complete an end‐of‐course survey on perceptions of the learning experience. The number of students in classes using the traditional format (in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015) ranged from 103 to 108. In the experimental year (2013), 106 students were in the class; course assessments were done for all 106, and 104 responded to the survey (response rate 98%). The results showed no significant differences in assessments between the experimental class and the traditional classes. However, bench instructors reported feeling students in the experimental class were not as well prepared in laboratory sessions as were the traditionally trained students. On the survey, only 22% of students in the experimental class said they always viewed assigned material before the lab periods, with 78% viewing it often, sometimes, seldom, or never. In this class, 48% preferred the online lectures, 37% preferred live lectures, and 16% had no preference. These mixed results suggest caution when developing self‐paced courses.
Conceptual Framework Explaining “Preparedness for Practice” of Dental Graduates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mohan Malu , Ravindran T.K. Sundari
Published: November 2018

The lack of a comprehensive conceptual framework explaining the construct of “preparedness for dental practice” necessitates an in‐depth exploration and synthesis of the literature. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to develop a conceptual framework explaining the construct of “preparedness for practice” among dental graduates and to identify the factors influencing the construct through a synthesis of the literature. Articles identified for the review were selected from the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host. They were analyzed using the framework method of qualitative content analysis to understand the underlying conceptualization of preparedness. Thematic analysis using a grounded theory approach was performed to understand the pathways through which various factors influence preparedness. A conceptual framework explaining preparedness constituted by six domains emerged: academic and technical competence, communication and interpersonal skills, protective mechanisms and adaptive skills, professional attitude and ethical judgment, clinical entrepreneurship and financial solvency skills, and social and community orientation. The factors influencing preparedness were identified under the three themes of training‐related factors, gender and experience of graduates, and opportunity of internship along with the nature of post‐training work experience. The synthesis provides a conceptual framework explaining preparedness for dental practice and draws attention to the need for further research to understand the construct. The factors influencing preparedness suggest that dental training needs to be reflective of actual workplaces and situations that graduates will encounter as independent practitioners.
Is There an Association Between Comprehensive Basic Science Examination Score and Acceptance into an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program?
Authors: Momin Mohmedvasim , Hawkins Alexandria , Moles Loren , Markiewicz Michael R. , Miloro Michael
Published: November 2018

Sparse data exist regarding the association between applicants’ Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) scores and acceptance into an oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residency program. The aims of this study were to assess the association between applicants’ CBSE scores and acceptance into one OMFS residency program; to determine the association between other applicant‐related variables and acceptance into the program; and to identify the mean CBSE score of accepted applicants by their dental schools’ American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) district. For this retrospective data analysis conducted in 2017, the study sample consisted of applicants to the University of Illinois at Chicago OMFS residency program for the application cycles of 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2015–16. The primary predictor variable was CBSE score. The primary outcome variable was acceptance to the program. A total of 477 applicants were in the sample. In the multivariate analysis, CBSE score was found to be significantly associated with an increased chance of acceptance into the program (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.15; p<0.001). Other variables associated with acceptance, though to a non‐significant degree, were age (p=0.01), dental school grade point average (GPA) (p=0.01), and number of externships completed prior to application (p=0.02). These findings may be useful for both applicants and program directors.
Identifying and Understanding Communities Using Twitter to Connect About Depression: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: DeJohn Amber D , Schulz Emily English , Pearson Amber L , Lachmar E Megan , Wittenborn Andrea K
Published: November 2018

Background

Depression is the leading cause of diseases globally and is often characterized by a lack of social connection. With the rise of social media, it is seen that Twitter users are seeking Web-based connections for depression.

Objective

This study aimed to identify communities where Twitter users tweeted using the hashtag #MyDepressionLooksLike to connect about depression. Once identified, we wanted to understand which community characteristics correlated to Twitter users turning to a Web-based community to connect about depression.

Methods

Tweets were collected using NCapture software from May 25 to June 1, 2016 during the Mental Health Month (n=104) in the northeastern United States and Washington DC. After mapping tweets, we used a Poisson multilevel regression model to predict tweets per community (county) offset by the population and adjusted for percent female, percent population aged 15-44 years, percent white, percent below poverty, and percent single-person households. We then compared predicted versus observed counts and calculated tweeting index values (TIVs) to represent undertweeting and overtweeting. Last, we examined trends in community characteristics by TIV using Pearson correlation.

Results

We found significant associations between tweet counts and area-level proportions of females, single-person households, and population aged 15-44 years. TIVs were lower than expected (TIV 1) in eastern, seaboard areas of the study region. There were communities tweeting as expected in the western, inland areas (TIV 2). Counties tweeting more than expected were generally scattered throughout the study region with a small cluster at the base of Maine. When examining community characteristics and overtweeting and undertweeting by county, we observed a clear upward gradient in several types of nonprofits and TIV values. However, we also observed U-shaped relationships for many community factors, suggesting that the same characteristics were correlated with both overtweeting and undertweeting.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that Web-based communities, rather than replacing physical connection, may complement or serve as proxies for offline social communities, as seen through the consistent correlations between higher levels of tweeting and abundant nonprofits. Future research could expand the spatiotemporal scope to confirm these findings.
A Comparison of Physical Activity Mobile Apps With and Without Existing Web-Based Social Networking Platforms: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Petersen Jasmine Maria , Prichard Ivanka , Kemps Eva
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Physical activity mobile apps present a unique medium to disseminate scalable interventions to increase levels of physical activity. However, the effectiveness of mobile apps has previously been limited by low levels of engagement. Existing Web-based social networking platforms (eg, Facebook and Twitter) afford high levels of popularity, reach, and sustain engagement and, thus, may present an innovative strategy to enhance the engagement, and ultimately the effectiveness of mobile apps.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comparatively examine the effectiveness of, and engagement with, interventions that incorporate physical activity mobile apps in conjunction with and without existing Web-based social networking platforms (eg, Facebook and Twitter).

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines. A systematic search of the following databases was conducted: Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, and Cochrane. According to the comparative objective of this review, 2 independent literature searches were conducted. The first incorporated terms related to apps and physical activity; the second also incorporated terms related to Web-based social networking. The results of the two searches were synthesized and compared narratively.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies were identified, 10 incorporated a physical activity app alone and 5 incorporated an app in conjunction with an existing Web-based social networking platform. Overall, 10 of the 15 interventions were effective in improving one or more physical activity behaviors. Specifically, improvements in physical activity behaviors were reported in 7 of the 10 interventions incorporating physical activity apps alone and in 3 of the 5 interventions incorporating physical activity apps in conjunction with existing Web-based social networking platforms. Interventions incorporating physical activity apps alone demonstrated a decline in app engagement. In contrast, the physical activity apps in conjunction with existing Web-based social networking platforms showed increased and sustained intervention engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

The interventions incorporating physical activity apps in conjunction with and without existing Web-based social networking platforms demonstrated effectiveness in improving physical activity behaviors. Notably, however, the interventions that incorporated existing Web-based social networking platforms achieved higher levels of engagement than those that did not. This review provides preliminary evidence that existing Web-based social networking platforms may be fundamental to increase engagement with physical activity interventions.
Development of Comprehensive Personal Health Records Integrating Patient-Generated Health Data Directly From Samsung S-Health and Apple Health Apps: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jung Se Young , Kim Jeong-Whun , Hwang Hee , Lee Keehyuck , Baek Rong-Min , Lee Ho-Young , Yoo Sooyoung , Song Wongeun , Han Jong Soo
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Patient-generated health data (PGHD), especially lifelog data, are important for managing chronic diseases. Additionally, personal health records (PHRs) have been considered an effective tool to engage patients more actively in the management of their chronic diseases. However, no PHRs currently integrate PGHD directly from Samsung S-Health and Apple Health apps.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were (1) to demonstrate the development of an electronic medical record (EMR)–tethered PHR system (Health4U) that integrates lifelog data from Samsung S-Health and Apple Health apps and (2) to explore the factors associated with the use rate of the functions.

METHODS

To upgrade conventional EMR-tethered PHRs, a task-force team (TFT) defined the functions necessary for users. After implementing a new system, we enrolled adults aged 19 years and older with prior experience of accessing Health4U in the 7-month period after November 2017, when the service was upgraded.

RESULTS

Of the 17,624 users, 215 (1.22%) integrated daily steps data, 175 (0.99%) integrated weight data, 51 (0.29%) integrated blood sugar data, and 90 (0.51%) integrated blood pressure data. Overall, 61.95% (10,919/17,624) had one or more chronic diseases. For integration of daily steps data, 48.3% (104/215) of patients used the Apple Health app, 43.3% (93/215) used the S-Health app, and 8.4% (18/215) entered data manually. To retrieve medical documentation, 324 (1.84%) users downloaded PDF files and 31 (0.18%) users integrated their medical records into the Samsung S-Health app via the Consolidated-Clinical Document Architecture download function. We found a consistent increase in the odds ratios for PDF downloads among patients with a higher number of chronic diseases. The age groups of ≥60 years and ≥80 years tended to use the download function less frequently than the others.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to examine the factors related to integration of lifelog data from Samsung S-Health and Apple Health apps into EMR-tethered PHRs and factors related to the retrieval of medical documents from PHRs. Our findings on the lifelog data integration can be used to design PHRs as a platform to integrate lifelog data in the future.
Bank Excess Liquidity and Economic Growth in Waemu Countries: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Seraphin PRAO Yao
Published: November 2018

This paper provides an empirical assessment of the relationship between banking, liquidity, investment, terms of trade, bank solvency ratio, financial development and economic growth in the WAEMU zone. The analysis focuses on 7 countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and covers the period 1994-2015. Using the panel data approach, we show that economic growth is positively related with banking on liquidity. In addition, the results highlight the impact of bank liquidity on economic growth but mitigate when it is associated with the investment.
Medición de la gestión del conocimiento en la Universidad Pública de la Ciudad de México / Measurement of knowledge management at the public university at Mexico city
Authors: Guzmán Rodríguez Belem Areli , Jiménez García Martha , Hernández Horta Ingrid Anai
Published: November 2018

Esta investigación se realizó con el objetivo de crear un modelo ecléctico basado en la gestión del conocimiento no solo para identificar las actividades relacionadas con el capital humano, capital intelectual, capital relacional y uso de las TIC, sino también para ayudar a incrementar el rendimiento académico de estudiantes universitarios. La metodología utilizada fue mixta, y se aplicó un cuestionario validado con un total de 997 estudiantes. Los resultados conseguidos con este instrumento fueron capturados y analizados para elaborar un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con el método de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios. Los resultados indican que las TIC es la variable que tiene mayor impacto positivo en el rendimiento de los estudiantes, mientras que las actividades de congresos, los contenidos multimedia y la participación en clubes de estudio tienen un impacto negativo. Por tanto, se concluye que la integración de las TIC en la gestión del conocimiento es importante para generar motivación y creatividad en los futuros profesionistas, aunque esto debe ser planeado cautelosamente para evitar un impacto negativo.
A Contemporary Strategy for the Surgical Treatment of Destructive Forms of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Medvedev A. P. , Babokin V. E. , Sobolev Yu. A. , Pichugin V. V. , Chiginev V. A. , Zemskova E. N. , Trofimov N. A. , Blagodatkina N. L.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Despite recent achievements in medicine, many issues in the diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) remain outstanding. This is mainly due both to an increase in the incidence and changes in the clinical picture of this nosology. An important factor here is the continuing presence of existing principles governing the approach to the surgical treatment of infective endocarditis, including prosthetic endocarditis.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated approach to the treatment of infective endocarditis in patients with valvular heart disease on the basis of 37 years of experience.

Materials and methods. An analysis of the surgical treatment of 1097 patients with infectious lesions of the valvular heart apparatus was carried out. The mean age of the sample was 35.1 ± 9.7 years (from 4 months to 68 years); 67.2 % were men, while women made up 32.8 %. Additionally, 122 patients had infectious lesions affecting 2 or more valves. In 109 cases, valvular prosthetic endocarditis was diagnosed; in 37 patients, IE was detected against the background of congenital heart defects. 99 patients had perianular abscesses. Of all surgical interventions carried out, 18 were repeated, including those with non-valvular congenital heart defects.

Results and discussion. Overall hospital mortality was 4.3 % (47 patients). In patients with IE complicated by a congenital heart defect (CHD), mortality was 14.7 %; with endocarditis of mechanical heart valves — 13.2 %; in drug-dependent patients — 4.5 %; with infectious destruction of native heart valves — 2.8 %; in patients with a background of electrodeinduced endocarditis, no deaths during hospitalisation were observed.

Conclusions. The effectiveness of surgical intervention of infective endocarditis can reach 85.4 %. When supplemented with pathogenetic and etiotropic therapy, surgical correction of affected heart structures contributes to the rapid and reliable sanitation of all infection foci, as well as to a reduction in multiple organ failure. Timely surgery significantly reduces the degree of heart failure and improves the NYHA functional class. In the long term, reconstructive interventions contribute to a better heart recovery than prosthetic operations. It should be noted that the proposed treatment approach for this group of patients creates conditions for adequate labour and social rehabilitation in a distant postoperative period.
Peculiarities of Extra-Organic Variant Anatomy of the Celiac Trunk and Hepatic Artery in Patients with Liver Cancer
Authors: Besedin B. V. , Gantsev K. Sh. , Arybzhanov D. T. , Kaskabayev A. U.
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Knowledge of the different variants of the structure of the celiac trunk and the hepatic artery is of great importance in the planning, treatment and choice of approaches for transcatheter vascular interventions.

Objective: to study features of variant hematopoietic anatomy from direct and multispiral computed tomography angiography (MSCTA) data in order to determine its significance in routine clinical practice.

Materials and methods. We analysed the most common variants of branching of the celiac trunk and anatomy of the hepatic artery according to direct angiography and MSCTA data in 112 patients with primary liver cancer. The sample comprised 71 men (63.3 %) and 41 women (36.7 %).

Results and discussion. It was found that the most frequent aberration was the passage of the replacement right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery — type 3 according to N. Michels. The second aberration in terms of frequency was Michels type 2. We describe two unusual celiac trunk and hepatic anatomy variants: the first of these comprising a celiac trunk 22 cm long extending from the superior mesenteric artery; the second consisting in a complete absence of the celiac trunk, with all its elements (left gastric artery, common hepatic artery and splenic artery) departing independently from the abdominal aorta.

Conclusions. A typical anatomy of the celiac trunk and hepatic artery was found in 60 % of cases, the most frequent aberration being the Michels type 3, noted in 14.2 % of patients, and type 2 noted in 9.8 % of patients. Knowledge of individual blood supply features largely determines the procedure for conducting operations, permitting purposeful intraoperative revision and the selection of the optimal vascular reconstruction variant, and avoiding damage to aberrant arteries.