bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Self-Management Support Needs for Pregnant Women With Opioid Misuse in Online Health Communities: Mixed Methods Analysis of Web Posts
Authors: Liang Ou Stella , Chen Yunan , Bennett David S , Yang Christopher C
Published: December 2020

Background

The current opioid crisis in the United States impacts broad population groups, including pregnant women. Opioid use during pregnancy can affect the health and wellness of both mothers and their infants. Understanding women’s efforts to self-manage opioid use or misuse in pregnancy is needed to identify intervention points for improving maternal outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to identify the characteristics of women in an online health community (OHC) with opioid use or misuse during pregnancy and the self-management support needs of these mothers.

Methods

A total of 200 web posts by pregnant women with opioid use participating in an OHC were double coded. Concepts and their thematic connections were identified through an inductive process until theoretical saturation was reached. Statistical tests were performed to identify patterns.

Results

The majority of pregnant women (150/200, 75.0%) in the OHC exhibited signs of misuse, and 62.5% (125/200) of the participants were either contemplating or pursuing dosage reduction. Self-managed withdrawal was more common (P<.001) than professional treatment among the population. A total of 5 themes of self-management support needs were identified as women sought information about the potential adverse effects of gestational opioid use, protocols for self-managed withdrawal, pain management safety during pregnancy, hospital policies and legal procedures related to child protection, and strategies for navigating offline support systems. In addition, 58.5% (117/200) of the pregnant women expressed negative emotions, of whom only 10.2% (12/117) sought to address their emotional needs with the help of the OHC.

Conclusions

OHCs provide vital self-management support for pregnant women with opioid use or misuse. Women pursuing self-managed dosage reduction are prone to misinformation and repeated relapses, which can result in extreme measures to avoid testing positive for drug use at labor. The study findings provide evidence for public policy considerations, including universal screening of substance use for pregnant women, emphasis on treatment rather than legal punishment, and further expansion of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act waiver training program. The improvement of web-based platforms that can organize geo-relevant information, dispense clinically validated withdrawal schedules, and offer structured peer support is envisioned for harm reduction among pregnant women who opt for self-management of opioid misuse.
Effects of the Active Choices Program on Self-Managed Physical Activity and Social Connectedness in Australian Defence Force Veterans: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Gilson Nicholas D , Papinczak Zoe E , Mielke Gregore Iven , Haslam Catherine , Fooken Jonas , McKenna Jim , Brown Wendy J
Published: December 2020

Background

A stepped-down program is one in which clients transition from the care of a health professional to self-managed care. Very little is known about the effectiveness of stepped-down physical activity (PA) programs for military service veterans.

Objective

This study will test Active Choices, a stepped-down behavioral support program designed to help Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents who are clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, transition from treatment by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to self-managed PA.

Methods

The study is a parallel-group, randomized trial, with city-based exercise physiology or physiotherapy practices that recruit eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients assigned to Active Choices or a comparison program. The study aims to recruit 52 participants (26 in each group). The Active Choices program will consist of 2 face-to-face (Weeks 1, 12) and 2 telephone (Weeks 4 and 8) consultations. During these sessions, the participant and Active Choices consultant will utilize an evidence-based resource booklet to review the key benefits of an active lifestyle, build an action plan for PA preferences, set and review goals, self-monitor progress relative to set goals, and discuss strategies to overcome PA barriers. Linking participants to local PA communities to overcome social isolation will be a program priority. The comparison program will consist of 2 consultations (Weeks 1 and 12) and use fewer behavioral support strategies (education, self-monitoring, and action planning only) than Active Choices. Outcome measures will be administered at baseline, end-intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (24 weeks) to assess changes in moderate intensity self-managed PA, psychological well-being, and social connectedness. We will also measure health service utilization and costs as well as PA choices across the intervention period. End-intervention interviews will capture participant experiences.

Results

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on human research activities in Australia, participant recruitment will commence when it is safe and feasible to do so.

Conclusions

Findings will provide valuable pilot data to support up-scaling of the program and larger effectiveness trials with regional and rural as well as city-based Australian Defence Force veterans and their dependents.

Trial Registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620000559910; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000559910.aspx

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/21911
Remote Measurement in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Qualitative Analysis of Patient Perspectives
Authors: White Katie M , Ivan Alina , Williams Ruth , Galloway James B , Norton Sam , Matcham Faith
Published: December 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by recurrent fluctuations in symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Remote measurement technologies (RMTs) offer the opportunity to track symptoms continuously and in real time; therefore, they may provide a more accurate picture of RA disease activity as a complement to prescheduled general practitioner appointments. Previous research has shown patient interest in remote symptom tracking in RA and has provided evidence for its clinical validity. However, there is a lack of co-design in the current development of systems, and the features of RMTs that best promote optimal engagement remain unclear.

Objective

This study represents the first in a series of work that aims to develop a multiparametric RMT system for symptom tracking in RA. The objective of this study is to determine the important outcomes for disease management in patients with RA and how these can be best captured via remote measurement.

Methods

A total of 9 patients (aged 23-77 years; mean 55.78, SD 17.54) with RA were recruited from King’s College Hospital to participate in two semistructured focus groups. Both focus group discussions were conducted by a facilitator and a lived-experience researcher. The sessions were recorded, transcribed, independently coded, and analyzed for themes.

Results

Thematic analysis identified a total of four overarching themes: important symptoms and outcomes in RA, management of RA symptoms, views on the current health care system, and views on the use of RMTs in RA. Mobility and pain were key symptoms to consider for symptom tracking as well as symptom triggers. There is a general consensus that the ability to track fluctuations and transmit such data to clinicians would aid in individual symptom management and the effectiveness of clinical care. Suggestions for visually capturing symptom fluctuations in an app were proposed.

Conclusions

The findings support previous work on the acceptability of RMT with RA disease management and address key outcomes for integration into a remote monitoring system for RA self-management and clinical care. Clear recommendations for RMT design are proposed. Future work will aim to take these recommendations into a user testing phase.
The relationship of the immature platelet fraction with the diagnosis and severity of acute bronchiolitis in children.
Authors: DOĞAN MURAT , KOSE MEHMET , ÖZTÜRK Mehmet , hangul melih , ASLANER HÜMEYRA
Published: December 2020

Objective: Acute bronchiolitis is one of the most common causes of
hospitalization for children younger than 1 year. Although the prognosis
for these children is generally good, the condition involves a risk of
mortality. Here, we evaluate the immature platelet fraction (IPF) as a
biomarker for the severity of acute bronchiolitis. Material and Methods:
In total, 179 children who had been diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis
were classified into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe
bronchiolitis, and 80 healthy children were included as a control group.
The diagnostic capacity of the IPF, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet
distribution width (PDW), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelet
count (PLT) values to predict bronchiolitis was evaluated using receiver
operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their respective areas under
the curves (AUCs) calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Results:
Patients with acute bronchiolitis had a larger IPF than their healthy
counterparts (p < 0.001). Additionally, a positive correlation
was observed between the clinical severity of the disease and the IPF.
The ROC curve analysis indicated that the IPF cut-off point for
predicting acute bronchiolitis was >3.2%, with a
sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 97%. Our results clearly
demonstrate that the AUCs for IPF, MPV, PDW, WBC, and PLT were
statistically significant for the bronchiolitis versus the control
group. The AUC was greatest for the IPF. Conclusion: The IPF is a new
marker for diagnosing and evaluating the clinical severity of acute
bronchiolitis.
ABCA 3 mutation associated childhood Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD) presenting as Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema in siblings.
Authors: Tendolkar Manjit , Tyagi Rahul , Handa Ajay
Published: December 2020

Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) are a rare presentation. We
report case of siblings diagnosed with combined pulmonary fibrosis and
emphysema (CPFE) attributable to ABCA 3 mutation. It highlights the
progressive nature of the disease as it unfolds itself in both the
siblings at around the same age. This is the second case of chILD with
CPFE reported in literature and the first evidence of its occurrence in
siblings adds to the novelty.
Successful Ablation of Roof Dependent Left Atrial Tachycardia Using Cryoballoon After Pulmonary Vein Isolation.
Authors: Aytemir Kudret , Sezenoz Burak , Canpolat Ugur , Yorgun Hikmet
Published: December 2020

Cryoballoon technology is a well-established method to provide pulmonary
vein isolation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Additional
lesions such as roof line, posterior wall isolation or left atrial
appendage isolation also possible with the same technique. We report a
case with roof dependent atrial tachycardia successully terminated by
using cryoballoon following pulmonary vein isolation.
Mapping and ablation of non-pulmonary vein drivers of persistent atrial fibrillation: Has a STAR been born?
Authors: Montgomery Jay
Published: December 2020

While pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone for
invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), patients with persistent
AF still have a high rate of recurrence with this method. Stochastic
Trajectory Analysis of Ranked signals (STAR) mapping uses data from
multiple individual wavefronts during ongoing AF to identify local
drivers of persistent AF. In this non-randomized study, STAR mapping and
ablation showed significantly lower recurrence of atrial arrhythmias
compared to a consecutive PVI-only cohort and a propensity-matched
‘conventional ablation’ cohort (consisting of PVI plus complex
fractionated atrial electrogram ablation or linear ablation). This
benefit was driven by a much lower rate of AF recurrence in the STAR
(6.2%) cohort vs PVI-only (44%) or ‘conventional’ (40%) with no
significant difference in atrial tachycardia recurrence. Additionally,
AF termination rates during ablation were approximately three times
higher in the STAR cohort. While the analysis is retrospective and not
randomized, the STAR cohort was also the only cohort with complete
cessation of anti-arrhythmic drugs at three months and Holter monitoring
at 6 and 12 months post-ablation per protocol. While STAR mapping
appears to be a very promising new tool for treating persistent AF,
history predicts at least some regression to the mean when future
randomized comparisons are made. The authors have planned a multicenter
randomized trial of PVI plus STAR mapping vs PVI-only for persistent AF.
The global community of electrophysiologists and patients with AF
eagerly awaits the results.
Plant low-K responses are partly due to Ca and the low-K biomarker putrescine does not protect from Ca side effects but acts as a metabolic regulator
Authors: Cui Jing , Davanture Marlene , Lamade Emmanuelle , Zivy Michel , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Effects of K deficiency have been investigated for several decades and
recently, progress has been made in identifying metabolomics signatures
thereby offering potential to monitor the K status of crops in the
field. However, effects of low K conditions could also be due to the
antagonism with other nutrients like calcium (Ca) and the well-known
biomarker of K deficiency, putrescine, could be a response to Ca/K
imbalance rather than K deficiency. We carried out experiments in
sunflower grown at either low or high K, at high or low Ca, with or
without putrescine added to the nutrient solution. Using metabolomics
and proteomics analysis, we show that a significant part of the low-K
response such as lower photosynthesis and N assimilation, is due to
calcium and can be suppressed by low Ca conditions. Putrescine addition
tends to restore photosynthesis and N assimilation but but aggravates
the impact of low-K conditions on catabolism. We conclude that (i)
effects of K deficiency can be partly alleviated by the use of low Ca
and not only by K fertilization, and (ii) in addition to its role as a
metabolite, putrescine participates in the regulation of the content in
enzymes involved in carbon primary metabolism.
Dynamic visceral ischaemia in type A dissection
Authors: Torella Francesco , Othman Ahmed , Kuduvalli Manoj
Published: December 2020

We describe a case of dynamic obstruction of the mesenteric arteries
caused by aortic dissection. The flow pattern demonstrates a periodic
flow variation, during which peak systolic velocity varied fourfold.
Açılı Konumlandırılmış İki Bina Arasındaki Açının Hız ve Basınç Dağılımı Üzerine Etkisinin Sayısal İncelenmesi
Authors: CÜREBAL Tekmile , ÖZMEN Yücel
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada, açılı konumlandırılmış iki bina modeli etrafındaki akış alanlarının üç boyutlu sayısal çözümü gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çözümlerde Standard k-ɛ, RNG k-ɛ, Realizable k-ɛ ve Standard k-ω türbülans modelleri karşılaştırmalı olarak kullanılmış ve açılı konumlandırılmış bina modelleri etrafındaki akış için türbülans modellerinin duyarlılıkları araştırılmıştır. Türbülans modellerinin deneysel veriler karşısındaki duyarlılıkları incelendiğinde, Standard k-ε türbülans modelinin kullanılmasıyla elde dilen sonuçların, deneysel verilerle daha uyumlu olduğu görülmüştür. Farklı bina açıları için gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmada, akış alanının tamamına ait hız ve basınç dağılımları Reynolds sayısının 7,7x105 değeri için ayrıntılı olarak incelenmiştir. Genişleyen geçitlerde, binalar arasındaki geçidin merkezi çizgisi boyunca elde edilen K değerleri, daralan geçitlerdeki K değerlerinden çok daha büyük olarak elde edilmiştir. Binalar arasındaki açının 0°-180° arasında değiştiği 8 farklı bina konfigürasyonu için, açısal değişimin bina modelleri yüzeyindeki basınç katsayısı dağılımlarına etkisi incelendiğinde, daralan ve genişleyen bina konfigürasyonlarında, en kritik negatif basınç katsayısı değerlerinin binalar arasındaki açının değişiminden etkilendiği görülmüştür.
Security Implications of Underlying Network Technologies on Industrial Internet of Things
Authors: BÜTÜN İsmail
Published: December 2020

Application of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) network is expanding in accordance with the proliferation of Industry 4.0. As in any kind of network, security should be one of the main concerns apart from the safety of the individuals or the equipment. Yet any weaknesses in the security measures can directly affect the safety of the network components and also operators around them. Therefore, in this article security implications of IIoT are discussed, especially those related to the underlying network technologies; such as BACnet, LoRa, Modbus, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, WirelessHART, etc. Furthermore, the security implications of fog computing - IIoT integration are also evaluated and presented. Finally, future directions are provided for the researchers in the field.
Morphology, Prevalence and Pathogenicity of Fungi Associated with Diseased Betel Vine (Piper betle L.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Masud Md. Zakaria , Islam Md. Rafiqul , All Imtiaz Abdullah , Labiba Tahsin , Raihan Md. Raziur Rahman , Eaty Most. Nurjahan Khatun , Shahriar Saleh Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Three different fungal diseases were found prevalent namely leaf spot, leaf rot, and foot and root rot of betel vine at five different upazillas of five districts in Bangladesh. Phytophthora parasitica causing leaf rot, Colletotrichum piperis causing leaf spot, and Sclerotium rolfsii causing foot and root rot have been found. The highest incidence (41.60 per cent) and severity (21.86 per cent) of leaf rot disease were recorded at Mohanpur upazilla during the period of August. Minimum incidence (4.24 per cent) of leaf rot was recorded at Kaligong upazilla while minimum severity (2.83 per cent) was recorded at Gouronadi upazilla. The highest incidence of disease (57.44 per cent) and severity of disease (28.32 per cent) of betel vine leaf spot were recorded at same locations and same period of time as per leaf rot disease. Minimum incidence (8.32 per cent) and severity (2.72 per cent) of disease were recorded at Sitakundo upazilla during the period of May. In August at Gouranadi upazilla, highest incidence of disease (27.80 per cent) was filed in case of betel vine foot and root rot while the lowest incidence (6.00 per cent) of disease was reported at Sitakundo upazilla. Lesion sizes were varied in ranging 1.4-2.3 cm in diameter while isolates collected from Mohanpur showed highest pathogenicity caused by Phytophthora parasitica produced lesion 2.3 cm and lowest pathogenicity was recorded by Sclerotium rolfsii produced lesion 1.4 cm isolates collected from Mirpur and Mohanpur. In respects of locations and survey period, it was revealed that betel vine leaf rot and leaf spot were prevalent in Mohanpur upazilla during the month of August under Rajshahi district, and betel vine foot and root rot in Gouronadi upazilla under Barisal district.
GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Some Wild-Edible Mushrooms from Calabar, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Oni Juliet O. , Akomaye Ferdinand A. , Markson Aniedi-Abasi A. , Egwu Augustine C.
Published: December 2020

Studies to exploit wild mushrooms as a source of biologically active compounds are gaining importance in the recent years. In that view, the present study was carried out to evaluate the bioactive compounds of six wild edible mushrooms: Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., Auricularia auricular-judae (Bull.) Wettst., Mycetinis copelandii (Desjardin) A.W. Wilson & Desjardin, Baeospora myosura (Fr.) Singer, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex. fr) Kummer and Volvariella volvacea (Bull. ex. Fr.) Singer. The specimen was subjected to phytochemical screening using gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GCMS) with the view to identify the important volatile constituents. The dried sporocarp was subjected to methanol extraction using a Soxhlet extractor and rotatory evaporator. This led to the identification of 14, 26, 33, 5, 49 and 32 different compounds in L. squarrosulus, A. auricular-judae, M. copelandii, B. myosura, P. ostreatus and V. volvacea respectively. n-Hexadecanoic acid; 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- and 2(3H)-Furanone where the most frequently occurring compounds across the studied mushrooms. The identified compound reportedly shows diverse bioactive activities, including antiviral, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anaphylactic, narcotic, neurostimulant, emollient, expectorant, laxative, pesticidal, insecticidal and insectifugal activities. This data may provide baseline information about the bioactive constituents of these species from Nigeria, in providing valuable compounds of substantial medicinal and agricultural importance.
Utility Of 6-Azauracils In Synthesis of New Poly Heterocyclic Nitrogen Systems Bearing 1,2,4-Triazine Moiety as Antioxidant Probes.
Authors: Sayed Hafsa , Bakhotma Dina
Published: December 2020

Synthesis of new poly heterocyclic nitrogen systems containing 1,2,4-triazine moiety such as pyrazolines, pyrazolones, phthalazinone and 1,2,4-triazinone (9-17) have been deduced from hydrazinolysis of 3,5-dichloro-6,1-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine (2) which produced from the interaction between 6-azauracil (1) with POCl3/PCl5. Heterocyclization of 3,5-dihydrazino-1,2,4-triazine (7) by reaction nitrogen / oxygen / halogen bifunctional reagents in different mediums and conditions yielded the targets 9-17 respectively. Former structure of the products has been established from their elemental analysis and spectral data (UV, IR, 1H/13C NMR and Mass). All the new targets obtained evaluated as antioxidant probes in compare with ascorbic acid in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a standard, were the compounds 11>10>8>12>13 are more active probes.
Repertoire Selection Processes of Basic School Marching Band Instructors in Ghana
Authors: Dordzro John Doe
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate into the repertoire selection practices of Basic school marching band instructors in Ghana. Questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide designed for the collection of data obtained demographic information and identified the criteria and procedures used by basic school band directors in selecting repertoire for their bands. An instrumental case study design allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of band instructors’ perspectives. Data were solicited from 26 school band directors selected using snowball sampling method. Of the 26 directors invited to participate, all agreed to do so and actually responded to all questions. Results revealed that the three most frequently reported sources of repertoire selection were other band experiences, recommendations from colleagues, and school ensemble participation. The three factors most frequently reported as affecting repertoire selection decisions were the appeal of the music to self, appeal of the music to colleagues, the audience appeal to the music, and students’ appeal to music. Recommendations drawn from the research findings included the following: repertoire for school band methods and wind literature classes needs to be more adequately addressed, and school band instructors in Ghana should focus more on ‘quality’ and consider the human subjective elements as alternatives.
Asymptomatic Bacteuria among Healthy Cohort Using Dipstick Urinalysis from a Tertiary Health Care Facility in South East Nigeria
Authors: Ekwebene Onyeka Chukwudalu , Yanmeer Simeone Tyotswam
Published: December 2020

Dipstick urinalysis is a simple and cost effective method for screening of urinary abnormalities, thus enabling early detection and prompt management of renal pathologies. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of urinalysis profile among apparently healthy cohorts using medical doctors of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. One hundred (100) medical doctors aged 20 to 50 years were selected through convenience sampling in a descriptive cross sectional study from August 20, 2020 to September 10, 2020. Ninety-One (91%) had their urine tested with dipstick test strips by Wellkang Ltd. Abnormal urinary findings occurred in 48 (52.8%) of the subjects which were blood 5 (5.50%), glucose 8 (8.80%), protein 15 (16.50%), nitrite 10 (11.00%), leucocyte 6 (6.60%) and Ascorbic acid 4 (4.40%). The prevalence of urine abnormality was higher in the 25-30year age group (48.4%), though not statistically significant (P>0.05). No significant association existed between pH and urine abnormality (p=0.5). No significant association existed between specific gravity and urine abnormality (p=0.5). It was concluded that the prevalence of urine abnormalities was significantly high (52.8%) with proteinuria and (11.0%) nitrites being the commonest abnormalities. Routine dipstick urinalysis is a cheap and simple method for early identification of urine abnormalities in apparently healthy cohorts using medical doctors and a positive dipstick test for proteinuria should prompt further evaluation for the presence of kidney disease. It is recommended that Urinalysis should be instituted as a routine test for medical doctors in hospitals because of its importance in disease surveillance.
X-linked Retinoschisis Discovered after Congenital Cataract Surgery
Authors: Redouan Ayoub , Essemlali Ismail , El Maaloum Loubna , Allali Bouchra , El Kettani Asmae
Published: December 2020

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a rare, hereditary, and bilateral vitreoretinal degeneration, associating maculopathy and vitreoretinopathy. We report the case of X-linked retinoschisis diagnosed after congenital cataract surgery in a child.
Questionnaire Survey Focused on the Quality of the Working Environment of Industrial Plants: Case Study
Authors: Piňosová Miriama
Published: December 2020

There are different views on questionnaire surveys among researchers. Some experts question their use in the scientific field because of great subjectivity. However, using the current scientific methods of creating questionnaires, respondent’s selection, surveying itself and, in particular, evaluating, we can achieve interesting results that can then be verified by other, more suitable methods. The basic idea behind creating a questionnaire was to find out in what working conditions the respondents work and what desired or undesired impacts they are exposed to during their work. We have processed this questionnaire so that it is suitable for all types of operations and for all types of workplace factors. When designing the individual questions of the questionnaire, we tried not to deviate from the relation between the questions and the studied issue. We tried to formulate the questions in a clear way so that they would not be interpreted as obscure or ambiguous. The questions were not suggestive, and rather served as guidelines without suggesting any specific answers. We also tried to ask questions that would not require certain knowledge or information that respondents did not have.
Analytical Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation with Class of Yukawa Potential for a Quarkonium System Via Series Expansion Method
Authors: Inyang E. P. , Inyang E. P. , Akpan I. O. , Ntibi J. E. , William E. S.
Published: December 2020

A class of Yukawa potential is adopted as the quark-antiquark interaction potential for studying the mass spectra of heavy mesons. The potential was made to be temperature-dependent by replacing the screening parameter with Debye mass. We solved the radial Schrödinger equation analytically using the series expansion method and obtained the energy eigenvalues. The present results are applied for calculating the mass spectra of heavy mesons such as charmonium and bottomonium . Two special cases were considered when some of the potential parameters were set to zero, resulting into Hellmann potential, and Coulomb potential, respectively. The present potential provides satisfying results in comparison with experimental data and the work of other researchers.
Cross-border cooperation at the external border of the European Union in the context of political, economic and social conditions: the case of the Polish-Russian neighbourhood
Authors: Batyk Iwona M. , Rzeczkowski Daniel
Published: December 2020

Research background: Integration and globalization processes encourage activities for the development of border regions. For the north-eastern regions of Poland and the Kaliningrad region, cross-border neighbourhood enables regions to cooperate and provides an opportunity for economic and social recovery.
Purpose of the article: The present article aims to analyse areas of cross-border activity taking place on the Polish-Russian borderland, based on the opinions of the inhabitants of the Kaliningrad region. Taking into account the rapidly changing political and economic conditions, as well as social relations, the following areas of Polish-Russian cross-border cooperation have been examined: economic activity, tourism, social activity, scientific cooperation, neighbourly relations.
Methods: The study presents the results of the author?s own research carried out using standardized interviews with 1,022 inhabitants of the Kaliningrad region. As the research instrument, a self-designed interview questionnaire. The adopted time frame encompassed four stages of the functioning of Polish-Russian cross-border cooperation, each of them different due to political, eco-nomic and social conditions. The sample was selected using the quota method. The correspondence analysis was used for statistical tools.
Findings & Value added: The suspension of local border traffic has significantly limited the development of cross-border cooperation. The Polish-Russian relations, encumbered with high risk and uncertainty, have led to a considerable decrease in cooperation between border areas. The level of risk results not only from mutual relations between Poland and Russia, but is also a consequence of political and economic relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation. In the long term perspective, local border traffic may be open and similar conditions for the functioning of cross-border cooperation may occur. Therefore, knowledge about the activity of cross-border residents of Polish-Russian border regions will be useful in counteracting the undesirable effects that may occur.
Application of Deep Learning Algorithm to Build an Automated Cloud Segmentation Model Based on Open Data Cube Framework
Authors: Dong Pham Vu , Thanh Bui Quang , Huy Nguyen Quoc , Anh Vo Hong , Manh Pham Van
Published: December 2020

Cloud detection is a significant task in optical remote sensing to reconstruct the contaminated cloud area from multi-temporal satellite images. Besides, the rapid development of machine learning techniques, especially deep learning algorithms, can detect clouds over a large area in optical remote sensing data. In this study, the method based on the proposed deep-learning method called ODC-Cloud, which was built on convolutional blocks and integrating with the Open Data Cube (ODC) platform. The results showed that our proposed model achieved an overall 90% accuracy in detecting cloud in Landsat 8 OLI imagery and successfully integrated with the ODC to perform multi-scale and multi-temporal analysis. This is a pioneer study in techniques of storing and analyzing big optical remote sensing data.
On the Influence of the Soil and Groundwater to the Subsidence of Houses in Van Quan, Hanoi
Authors: Vinh Dinh Xuan
Published: December 2020

The area of Van Quan, Hanoi before 2004 was the rice field. Nearby, Ha Dinh water plant has  well-drilled underground water for residential activities. Van Quan's new urban area after being formed has detected many subsidences. The objective of this study is to assess the main causes of the subsidence of the houses, based on groundwater and soil. This paper applied the regression method to study the effect of soil and groundwater on the residential constructions in Van Quan urban area, Hanoi. Subsidence monitoring was carried out for 4 consecutive years, from 2005 to 2009, including over 500 subsidence monitoring points with high-precision Ni007 and INVAR gauges. A groundwater observation well is 30 meters deep at the site of the settlement. The results show a small effect of groundwater on subsidence. The characteristics of the young sediment area and the soil consolidation process are the main causes leading to serious subsidence in residential constructions in Van Quan urban area. This paper provides a different perspective on the impact of groundwater on the subsidence of residential structures within approximately 100 ha.
Seismic Refraction Exploration for Groundwater Potential Evaluations: A Case Study of Vientiane Province, Laos
Authors: Xayavong Viengthong , Minh Vu Duc , Duong Nguyen Anh , Tuan Vu Minh
Published: December 2020

Recently, there hh vertical depth. This velocity in can delineate groundw
Determination of Shoreline Changes along Upstream of Se San River, Kontum Province based Multi-temporal Remote Sensing Data Analysis
Authors: Thu Thuy Pham , Hoa Pham Viet , Tich Vu Van , Tam Pham Minh
Published: December 2020

Se San river upstream includes Poko tributary (on the right bank) and Dak Bla tributary (on the left bank), mostly located in Kon Tum province. The process of river sediment decline has dramatic shoreline changes in this area, which becomes a driving-force to modify the current socio-economic development as well as the impact on territorial planning in the future. This study aims to analyze the shoreline changes by extracting multi-temporal satellite imagery of Landsat in the period of 1990-2013 and identify its change effects on land-use. The results show that the strongest erosion rate was -2.96 m/year in Dak Bla tributary (in Kon Tum town). And in the Poko tributary, the average value of erosion rate is -1.31 m/year and the average accretion rate is 1.17 m/year. In the context of dramatic land-use change, this approach allows to support for territorial management and illustrates the accretion-erosion relationship in river basin evolution.
Biological and Ecological Characteristics of the Ladybird Beetle (Lemnia biplagiata Swartz, 1808) (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera)
Authors: Minh Hong Bui , Chien Tran Dinh
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the ladybird beetle in the laboratory at two average temperature levels:  22.2 ± 0.02 and 30.7 ± 0.03oC with average humidities of 69.5 ± 0.05 and 86.8 ± 0.06%, respectively, using Rhopalosiphum maidis as prey to observe its biological characteristics. The study results show that the ladybird beetle completes its life cycle in a time range from 19.75 ± 5.75 days at 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8 ± 0,06% RH to 25.75 ± 6.50 days at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH. The survival rate of ladybird larvae and the percentage of larvae aged 4 into pupae at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH were higher than those at 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8±0.06% RH by 32.4% and 8.24%, respectively. Using Rhopalosiphum maidis as food, the ladybird beetle larvae’s food consumption increases from age 1 to age 4 and the adults consume more food than the fourth-stage larvae by 11.60 R.maidis/day at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH. At 30.7 ± 0.03oC and 86.8 ± 0.06% RH, the ladybird beetle larvae’s R. maidis food consumption at all phases was about 2.5 times higher than at 22.2 ± 0.02˚C and 69.5 ± 0.05% RH.
Antifungal activity of Terminalia chebula fruit extracts
Authors: Venkatachalam P. , Chittibabu C.V.
Published: December 2020

The present study was aimed to investigate the anticandidal and antifungal potential of dried fruit extracts of Terminalia chebula against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. fumigatus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, Microsporum gypseum. Phytochemical analysis of methanol extracts of T. chebula dried fruits showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and steroids. Among the tested four extracts, the methanol extracts of T. chebula dried fruits exhibited the highest antifungal activity and their inhibition zone was ranged between 7.5 to 19.5mm. MIC and MFC values were between 62.5-250μg/ml and 250-500μg/ml respectively. Zone of inhibition (19.5 mm), MIC (62.5µg/ml) and MFC (125µg/ml) values observed in methanolic extracts of T. chebula dried fruits against A. fumigates and T. mentagrophytes. Our findings proved that methanolic extracts of T. chebula dried fruits were possessed substantial anticandidal and antifungal properties.
Percepción y realidad de la criminalidad en el Tolima durante la República Liberal
Authors: Parada Garcia Gilberto Enrique
Published: December 2020

Este artículo examina algunos delitos violentos ocurridos en el departamento colombiano del Tolima entre 1930 y 1946 para replantear  la percepción que la dirigencia social tolimense tenía de la criminalidad. Se afirma que algunos delitos que han sido asociados a la violencia política en el Tolima después de 1946 se registraron también durante la República Liberal. A partir del análisis de estadísticas y causas criminales, se reconfigura la idea de la criminalidad y se esbozan las principales características del sistema judicial y de la cultura jurídica de los gobiernos liberales, los cuales implementaron nuevas técnicas para contener una presunta escalada delictiva.
Ultrasonido pulmonar en el manejo del paciente crítico. Conceptos básicos y aplicación clínica
Authors: Acosta Cecilia M. , Acosta Andrés I. , Tusman Gerardo
Published: December 2020

El ultrasonido pulmonar ha tenido un gran desarrollo en el abordaje del paciente crítico en las últimas décadas. Constituye una herramienta segura, no invasiva y libre de radiación, que permite examinar al paciente sin necesidad de traslado. Esta última característica es particularmente beneficiosa en pacientes hipóxicos, inestables hemodinámicamente o con alto riesgo de contaminación nosocomial, como ocurre actualmente con la pandemia ocasionada por el brote de la enfermedad del nuevo coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). El ultrasonido pulmonar puede ser usado, además, para evaluar y monitorizar la aireación pulmonar en el paciente en ventilación mecánica, personalizando maniobras de reclutamiento, testeando la respuesta a diferentes estrategias ventilatorias y monitorizando el proceso de weaning. Esta revisión describe los principios básicos del ultrasonido pulmonar para la obtención de imágenes y su interpretación. Proporcionando a médicos anestesiólogos, intensivistas y kinesiólogos respiratorios una herramienta segura y confiable para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las principales patologías pulmonares en el paciente crítico.
La pandemia COVID-19 en África: relato de médicos anestesiólogos africanos
Authors: Baele PL. , Ahounou E. , Binam F. , Daddy H. , Donamou J. , Gathuya ZN. , Ki BK. , Nahimana D , Onajin-Obembe BO. , Vilasco B , Zoumenou E.
Published: December 2020

Se presenta la experiencia médica recopilada principalmente de países del África Sud-Saharina en relación a la pandemia del COVID-19, donde la mayoría de los contenidos descritos provienen de publicaciones científicas aparecidas durante el transcurso de la epidemia (algunos antes de la revisión por pares), incluyendo artículos de medios de comunicación independientes, junto a frecuentes intercambios de información entre los autores, así como, testimonios personales que ellos mismos han recibido. No se hará referencia a las consecuencias socio-económicas posibles de esta crisis, aunque se podrá suponer que estas serán importantes, aunque diferentes a aquellas consecuencias que afectarán a los países técnicamente avanzados. Las conclusiones expuestas pertenecen exclusivamente a los autores y no comprometen, de ninguna forma, a las instituciones en las cuales ellos forman parte.
El lado oculto de la hipoxemia
Authors: Fajardo Aurio , Medina Alberto , Modesto Vicent , Gordo-Vidal Federico
Published: December 2020

Un síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) se caracteriza por un incremento del intrapulmonar (medido por el cociente PaO2/FiO2) causado por una afectación alveolo-intersticial bilateral no explicada por sobrecarga hídrica. Sin embargo, hay casos de SDRA que presentan una marcada hipoxemia sin claros infiltrados pulmonares. Un ejemplo de este caso, que ha generado gran controversia, es la infección por SARS-CoV-2. El entendimiento de la fisiopato- logía de la hipoxemia es absolutamente clave para establecer la estrategia terapéutica más adecuada en cada paciente. Ante una hipoxemia grave (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 que representa un superior al 30%) y con una radiografía de tórax (o con TAC) sin claros y extensos infiltrados bilaterales, el podría deberse a una afectación vascular. Esto podría explicarse por dos causas: un aumento de las resistencias vasculares pulmonares (RVP), que genera un derecha- izquierda a través del foramen oval permeable (FOP) o una alteración del reflejo de vasoconstricción pulmonar hipóxico (VPH). El reflejo de VPH se activa en un intento por redistribuir el flujo vascular hacia las zonas mejor ventiladas. Sin embargo, existen situaciones (como infecciones víricas) que pueden alterar dicho reflejo y agravar la hipoxemia. Se ha propuesto el uso concomitante de fármacos vasoactivos (como el óxido nítrico inhalado) y vasopresores (como do- pamina o noradrenalina) con el objetivo de disminuir las RVP y el flujo a través del FOP; o para redistribuir el flujo a zonas mejor ventiladas si se sospecha una alteración del RVP.
Catéter de drenaje de líquido cefalorraquídeo: usos, técnica y complicaciones para el anestesiólogo
Authors: Arrate V. Antonia , Ramírez L. Gabriel , Jiménez E Claudia , Contreras G Felipe , González L Mauricio , Maldonado Felipe
Published: December 2020

La instalación de un catéter de drenaje espinal es un procedimiento indicado principalmente en la reparación de aneurismas aórticos y en el escenario de neurocirugía. No siempre es un procedimiento fácil de realizar donde surgen dudas sobre indicación, técnica y eventuales complicaciones. En el siguiente artículo revisamos cada uno de estos temas.
Diez años de incidentes críticos pediátricos declarados en el Sistema Español de Notificación en Seguridad en Anestesia y Reanimación
Authors: Romera Andrea , Garrido Alejandro
Published: December 2020

Objetivos: Realizar un análisis retrospectivo de todos los incidentes críticos pediátricos (ICP) declarados en el Sistema Español de Notificación en Seguridad en Anestesia y Reanimación en sus primeros diez años. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de los incidentes críticos (IC) declarados entre el 1 de enero de 2009 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018. Se seleccionaron los IC acontecidos en pacientes de 0 a 16 años de edad. Resultados: De los 9.480 IC declarados en ese período, 474 fueron ICP. El 36% ocurrió en lactantes menores de dos años, de los que el 44% fueron menores de un año. La mayoría (66%) ocurrieron en pacientes sanos y tuvieron lugar en quirófano (49%), durante procedimientos de cirugía general pediátrica (19%), de otorrinolaringología (15%), de traumatología (13%) y de radiología (5%). El tipo de IC más declarado fueron los errores de medicación (24%), seguidos de los incidentes clínicos (18%) y de los errores de equipamiento (14%). El factor humano estuvo implicado en el 42% de los IC, tanto en su faceta del individuo (25%) como en las relaciones en equipo (15%). El 30% de los pacientes sufrieron daño. Se registraron dos fallecimientos derivados del incidente, ambos relacionados con la vía aérea. Se implementaron medidas de mejora en un 93% de los casos. Conclusiones: Es necesario profundizar en las causas de la ineficiencia relativa de los Sistemas de Declaración de IC y en las que condicionan una menor tasa de comunicación de IC en el ámbito pediátrico respecto al adulto.
Acute renal failure in COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Gallego Zarzosa Sergio , Higuera Lucas Juan , Beatriz Llorente Beatriz , Trascasa María , Molina Rocío , Serrano Clara , Leonor Ruíz Ángela , Nevado Emilio
Published: December 2020

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad COVID-19 es una causa reciente y frecuente de ingreso en las unidades de cuidados intensivos europeos. Actualmente, hay muchas preguntas abiertas con respecto al manejo y los factores pronósticos de estos pacientes. Entre ellos, su asociación con insuficiencia renal aguda en pacientes en ventilación mecánica. Análisis de insuficiencia renal aguda en pacientes con COVID-19 en ventilación mecánica. Pronóstico y factores relacionados con su desarrollo. Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un Hospital Universitario durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Analizamos los pacientes ingresados en UCI con el diagnóstico de insuficiencia respiratoria por neumonía COVID-19 entre el 3/6/2020 y el 21/4/2020. Se analizaron datos demográficos (edad, sexo), APACHE II, comorbilidades, datos analíticos (ferritina, bilirrubina total), tiempo de estancia, tratamientos administrados (ventilación mecánica, relajante muscular, fármacos vasoactivos, prono) y su asociación con insuficiencia renal aguda. 67 pacientes recibieron tratamiento completo en nuestro hospital. Duración de la estancia (días) 14,1 ± 10, edad media 60 años, APACHE II 14,3 ± 5,2, 67,2% varones. Valor medio máximo de creatinina (mg/dl) 1,48 ± 1,26, valor medio máximo de ferritina (ng/ml) 2.310 ± 3.322, valor medio máximo de bilirrubina total (mg/dl) 2 ± 2,2. El 100% de los pacientes requirió ventilación mecánica. El 65,7% en decúbito prono, el 74,6% bloqueantes neuromusculares y el 98,5% requirieron fármacos vasoactivos. Estableciendo la insuficiencia renal como valores de creatinina superiores a 1,2 mg/dl, los pacientes con creatinina máxima superior a 1,2 mg/dl presentaron valores medios de bilirrubina y ferritina superiores a aquellos con valores menores a 1,2 mg/dl, de forma estadísticamente significativa. La presencia de fallo renal, también se asoció de forma estadísticamente significativa al sexo hombre, la presencia de dislipidemia como antecedente personal de interés y a la mortalidad. En nuestra muestra hemos asociado la insuficiencia renal aguda con valores más elevados de ferritina. Asimismo, hemos observado mayores valores de creatinina en el grupo de no supervivientes, los que presentan dislipidemia y los hombres, con significación estadística.