bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Platform for the Discovery of Materials
Authors: Belle Carl , Aksakalli Vural , Russo Salvy
Published: December 2020

For photovoltaic materials, properties such as band gap E g are critical indicators of the material's suitability to perform a desired function. Calculating E g is often performed using Density Function Theory ( DFT ) methods, although more accurate calculation are performed using methods such as the GW approximation. DFT software often used to compute electronic properties includes applications such as VASP , CRYSTAL, CASTEP or Quantum Expresso . Depending on the unit cell size and symmetry of the material, these calculations can be computationally expensive. In this study, we present a new machine learning platform for the accurate prediction of properties such as E g of a wide range of materials.
Oral Status of Elderly Patients In Long Stay Centers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roca Juan Antonio Ruiz , Fuentes Dora Martín , Beneyto Yolanda Martínez , Sanchez Ricardo E. Oñate
Published: December 2020

Background

Elderly patients who spend long periods hospitalized or those who are in a situation of institutionalization represent a risk group in this regard, as many of them suffer a degree of dependence and need help to perform the basic tasks of personal care. It is therefore important to learn more of the oral health status of this group of patients in order to make a proper assessment of the situation and to develop protocols for its management. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review to ascertain the oral health status of elderly patients admitted to institutions or hospitalized for a long period of time.
Methods

a systematic review of the literature published in two different databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) was carried out, with 12 different combinations of keywords based on the following selection criteria: studies published in the last 5 years, in English and/or Spanish and/or Portuguese, with samples of ≥ 30 patients, performed in patients older than 65 years, admitted to any type of institution and/or hospital center for at least 7 days and in which the state of hard and/or soft tissues of the oral cavity were evaluated in some way. The selected articles were subjected to a thorough analysis.
Results

The search strategy covered 1,014 articles: 689 from Pubmed and 325 from Cochrane Library. After applying the eligibility criteria, five articles were selected for our review. The level of evidence of the articles was3, a sample of 773 patients most of them were women with an average age older than 70 years old.
Conclusions

the oral health of patients aged more than 65 is worse than that of the rest population. Long hospital stays or being institutionalized in a residence makes this group susceptible to a worsening of their oral health status. It is necessary to develop protocols for the oral health care of these patients, accompanied by training programs for the personnel responsible.
Antimicrobial resistance profile and multidrug resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from patients suspected of pneumococcal infections in Ethiopia
Authors: SHAREW BEKELE , Moges Feleke , Yismaw Gizachew , Abebe Wondiwossen , Fentaw Surafal , Vestrheim Didrik , Tessema Belay
Published: December 2020

Background
Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis and pneumonia in elderly people and children. Antimicrobial-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been detected in all parts of the world and have become one of the greatest challenges to global public health today. The aim of this study is, therefore, to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles and multidrug resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae isolates from patients suspected of pneumococcal infections in Ethiopia.
Methods
A hospital-based prospective study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 at Addis Ababa and Amhara region referral hospitals. Antimicrobial resistance tests were performed on 57 isolates of S. pneumoniae that were collected from pediatric and adult patients. Samples (cerebrospinal fluid, blood, sputum, eye discharge, ear discharge, and pleural and peritoneal fluids) from all collection sites were initially cultured on 5% sheep blood agar plates and incubated overnight at 370C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. S. pneumoniae was identified and confirmed by typical colony morphology, alpha-hemolysis, Gram staining, optochin susceptibility, and bile solubility test. Drug resistance testing was performed using the E-test method according to recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
Results
Of the 57 isolates, 17.5% were fully resistant to penicillin. The corresponding value for both cefotaxime and ceftriaxone was 1.8%. Resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 59.6%, 17.5%, 38.6%, 17.5% and 24.6%, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was seen in 33.3% isolates. The most common pattern was co-resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline.
Conclusions
Most bacterial isolates were susceptible to Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime. Penicillin has been used as a drug of choice for treating S. pneumoniae infection. However, antimicrobial resistance including multidrug resistance was observed to several commonly used antibiotics including penicillin. Hence, it is important to periodically monitor the antibiotic resistance patterns to choose empirical treatments for better management of pneumococcal infection.
Prednis-OH NO! – A Case of Anaphylaxis Induced by Prednisone
Authors: Chapman Nicholas , Caddell Taylor , Geringer Rage , Hicks Greg
Published: December 2020

Background:

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the sudden release of inflammatory mediators into the systemic circulation. Among this condition’s etiologies, corticosteroid-induced anaphylaxis, despite being uncommon, should receive due consideration given the frequency of steroid use in various settings. Any patient that presents with shortness of breath, wheezing, hypotension, urticaria, or other characteristic signs of anaphylaxis following the administration of steroids should be promptly evaluated. Because of the potentially fatal nature of anaphylaxis, clinicians must be familiar with the presentation, diagnosis, and management of the reaction.
Case Report:

The primary objective of this case report is to discuss an example of such a reaction in a 21-year-old female with a past medical history of anxiety, depression, and alcoholism who presented with anaphylaxis following prednisone use, as well as the proposed pathophysiology and management thereafter. She was managed with intravenous epinephrine and diphenhydramine with complete resolution of her symptoms. She was subsequently discharged with an EpiPen, cetirizine, and advised to establish care with an allergist for follow up and additional allergy testing. To complete this case report, we performed a review of current primary literature on the subject.
Conclusions:

Though uncertain, many potential mechanisms of sensitization to corticosteroids were identified, including haptenization, preservatives, excipients, and conjugated esters. Various means exist to aid in diagnosis, such as skin testing, immunoCAP assays, lymphocyte transformation tests, basophil activation tests, and graded drug challenges, though these tests are associated with a high false negative rate. Accurate identification of the causative agent is crucial in facilitating avoidance or rapid desensitization prior to future corticosteroid use.
Association between genetic variants in metabolic syndrome-related genes and risk of obstructive sleep apnea among a Chinese population
Authors: Cao Yuanyuan , Li Nanfang , Zhu Qing , Wu Ting , Cai Xintian , Aierken Xiayire , Ahmat Ayguzal , Liu Shasha
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite the strong epidemiological association between Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the causal mechanism between the two remains not fully elucidated. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the genetic association of twelve metabolic syndrome-related genes with OSA in Chinese subjects.
Methods

Targeted capture sequencing for twelve metabolic syndrome-related genes (EDN1, APOE, LEP, LEPR, IRS1, UCP1, ADIPOQ, PEMT, PPARG, SLC2A4, FABP2 and ADRA2A) were performed in 100 subjects including 50 patients with severe OSA and 50 non-OSA individuals. Possible associations between genetic variants and the risk of OSA were determined by logistic regression analyses.
Results

From the multiple genes studied, only the rs12486170 variant in PPARG gene was associated with OSA risk after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The PPARG rs12486170 AG/GG genotype was found to decrease the risk for OSA [dominant model: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.211, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.055-0.800, P = 0.022] compared with AA genotype. Moreover, subjects with the rs12486170 AG/GG genotype had a significantly lower apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (median: 2.50 vs. 50.90 events/h, P = 0.019) and higher lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2) (median: 87% vs. 75%, P = 0.040) compared with those with the AA genotype.
Conclusions

We identified a novel variant of PPARG in subjects with OSA, and specifically found an association between rs12486170 polymorphisms and OSA risk in a Chinese population.
Association between serum lipid profiles and colorectal adenoma in Chinese population
Authors: Liu Boying , Wen Pingwu , Gu Xiaodong , Ruiqiang Weng , Liu Sudong
Published: December 2020

Background

Dyslipidemia may play an important role in the development of colorectal adenomas. This study aims to investigate the serum lipid profiles in patients with colorectal adenomas and determine correlation between dyslipidemia and colorectal adenomas.
Methods

This retrospective case - control study included 2,960 patients with colorectal adenomas, and 1,263 participants with normal colonoscopy results served as controls. The serum levels of lipids were measured and comparison was made between patients and controls. The association between serum lipid levels, as well as other factors and colorectal adenoma was evaluated by multivariate regression logistic analysis.
Results

The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apoliprotein B (ApoB) were significantly elevated in patients with colorectal adenomas compared with controls. The proportions of subjects with high LDL, high TC, high TG or multiple abnormality were significantly larger in adenoma group than the control group. Multivariate analysis suggested that serum levels of TC and TG were in significant associations with risk of both nonadvanced and advanced colorectal adenoma.
Conclusions

Abnormal lipid profiles are associated with the risk of colorectal adenoma. Elevated serum TC and TG were correlated with the occurrence of adenoma, thus may serve as practical markers for classifying risk of colorectal adenoma.
Covid-19 only with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms: case report of a 14-year-old patient 
Authors: Goshayeshi Ladan , Milani Nasrin , Bergquist Robert , Sadrzadeh Sayyed Majid , Rajabzadeh Farnood , Hoseini Benyamin
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is expanding worldwide. Although it seems to be a purely respiratory disease, occasional reports of lesions in other organs have been published. We report here an asymptomatic child Covid-19 patient with the main symptom of abdominal pain distension and without any respiratory symptoms. A 14-year-old male patient with main complaints of fever, malaise, anorexia, and severe abdominal pain was admitted to a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Laparotomy revealed distension of the small intestine and an adhesive ileo-caecal band that had produced ileum herniation without free fluid in the abdomen. Chest X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs showed bilateral, diffuse, peripheral dense areas of ground-glass appearance. A nasopharyngeal swab for Covid-19 diagnosis, ordered due to lymphopenia together with these diffuse lung infiltrations, showed a positive result. This led to drug treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, ribavirin/oseltamivir and meropenem. The patient was febrile and developed tachycardia on the third day accompanied with a respiratory rate of 44/min. At this point, tracheal intubation was done but the patient died after 3 hours due to cardiac arrest. The case report brings forth the hypothesis that the gastrointestinal manifestation may be untypical symptoms of Covid-19 infection, and highlights the importance for the diagnosis to be based on combined laboratory-based data and scanning imagery.
Polytobacco product use among current cigarette smokers in Hong Kong, China: results from population surveys (2015-17)
Authors: Chau Siu Long , Wang Man Ping , Wu Yongda , Cheung Yee Tak , Kwong Cho-shing , Lai Vienna , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin
Published: December 2020

Background Poly-tobacco product use is increasingly popular, but little is known about the prevalence, trend, and risk factors of such use particularly in non-western countries.Method A representative sample of 1139 current cigarette smokers aged 15+ (84.1% male) were telephone interviewed in Tobacco Control Policy-related Surveys in 2015-2017. Information collected included poly-tobacco use (PTU), smoking and socio-demographic characteristics. Associations of current PTU with related risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression with adjustment for confounders. Prevalence was weighted by age and sex of current cigarette users in the general population.Results 84.1% (95% CI 81.4-86.6%) were exclusive cigarette smokers. 15.9% (13.4-18.6%) were current poly-users, 12.3% (10.2-14.8%) used one tobacco product and 2.52% (1.59-3.97%) used two tobacco products in addition to cigarette. Cigarette use with cigar was more common (6.28%, 4.75-8.27%), and the least used product with cigarette was e-cigarette (1.05%, 0.44-2.50%). The changes in overall prevalence of PTU by number of products use varied in three years. Current PTU was associated with being male (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.12-3.61), younger age (AORs range from 1.34-4.65, P for trend < .001) and less ready to quit (2.08, 1.09-3.97). Conclusions Prevalence of PTU increased slowly by year, one tobacco product use with cigarette was more common. The most used tobacco product with cigarette was cigar. Being male, younger and less ready to quit were associated with current PTU.
Structure and trends of international sport nutrition research between 2000-2018: bibliometric mapping of sport nutrition science
Authors: Kiss Anna , Temesi Ágoston , Tompa Orsolya , Lakner Zoltán , Soós Sándor
Published: December 2020

Background: The tool kits of bibliometrics and science mapping provide a standard methodology to map the knowledge base of specific fields of science. The aim of the present research is the analysis of the recent international trends of sport nutrition science, as well as the primary identification of the research topics and results of sport nutrition science via enhanced bibliometric methods for the 2000-2018 time period. Methods: Altogether, 3889 publications were included in this study. We identified the most relevant sport nutrition topics by running a community detection algorithm on the proximity network constructed via network text analysis. The key issues and key concepts of sport nutrition topics as well as their relations were evaluated via network analysis. We also carried a chronological analysis of topics out, and a scientometric evaluative analysis was also created. Results: We identified the four main basic groups from which the 18 most characteristics topics were analyzed. The 18 topics are the following: ‘soccer and physiology’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘fluid balance and hydration’, ‘dietary intake and nutrition knowledge’, ‘determination of energy need of athletes’, ‘bone health and female athlete triad’, ‘hydration strategy’, ‘body weight management’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’, ‘dietary supplement use and doping’, ‘oxidative stress and inflammation and dietary antioxidants’, ‘exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’, ‘gut microbiota’, ‘celiac disease’. Regarding the size of the topic, researches on sport nutrition science have put the focus on the following three groups: ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’. The greatest scientific impact can be ascribed to the following topics: ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘body weight management’, and ‘gut microbiota’. Conclusions: Scientific output on sport nutrition has continuously been rising between 2000-2018. The ratio of topics related to sport nutrition but first of all connected to basic research has decreased significantly within all publications. The results of this study confirm the role of science mapping in the identification of specific research topics and primary research directions in the field of sport nutrition science.
Media representations of COVID-19 public health policies: assessing the portrayal of essential health services in Canadian print media
Authors: Ogbogu Ubaka , Hardcastle Lorian
Published: December 2020

Aims: The study assessed how the Canadian print media represented essential healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the controversial decision to include liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists.Methods: Content analysis of sixty-seven articles published in major Canadian English language newspapers between March 23 and April 1, 2020. Articles were analyzed and coded by two raters. Ratings were analyzed in SPSS.Results and Discussion: Few articles in the sample discussed essential healthcare services and the inclusion of liquor and cannabis stores in essential services lists. Majority of the articles that discussed both topics framed the discussion positively and consistently with current knowledge and evidence.Conclusion: Canadian print media representations of essential healthcare services and associated public debate are largely descriptive and, therefore, fail to engage critically with or advance public understanding of an important health policy issue.
Prevalence of Depression among HIV-Positive Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in O.R. Tambo, Eastern Cape, South Africa: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Zimasa Dlulane Yola , Teke Apalata , Abaver Dominic Targema
Published: December 2020

Background Living with HIV/AIDS is associated with negative emotional and bodily symptoms; however, there is paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors depression among this population. This study investigate the prevalence and factors contributing to depression among HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in O.R. Tambo Eastern Cape, South Africa. Method This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 334 adults receiving ART in the two Community Health Centers in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used to collect data, in addition to a semi-structured questionnaire on coping mechanism and challenges in seeking help with depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess the factors associated with depression among the HIV-positive adults. Results The prevalence of depression among the HIV-positive adults receiving ART was 44%, and the majority of the patient’s depression fall within the borderline and moderate threshold. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher among females (71.0%; p < 0.0003) and unemployed (73.0%; p < 0.0014) HIV-positive adults. Participants not benefiting from any form of social grant exhibited higher prevalence of depression (79%). Race (p=0.590), age (p=0.338) and married participants (p=0.511) show no statistical significant association between HIV-positive adults accessing ART and depression. Unadjusted logistic regression model show being female (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.23-3.23; p < 0.003) and unemployed (OR =1.73, 95% CI: 1.08-2.77; p < 0.014) were significantly associated with a likelihood of depression. Majority of the participants who could express their feelings of HIV disease and challenges in accessing ART felt more depressed (85%) compared to those who could not express their feelings.Conclusion The rate of depression among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART is high. Early detection of depression and the challenges associated with accessing treatment and treating would help in improving the compliance to treatment as well as quality of life.
Changes in Healthcare Spending Attributable to Obesity: Payer- and Service-Specific Estimates
Authors: Broek-Altenburg Eline van den , Atherly Adam , Holladay Evon
Published: December 2020

Background: National efforts to control US healthcare spending are potentially undermined by changes in patient characteristics, and in particular increases in rates of obesity. The objective of this study was to provide current estimates of the effect of obesity on healthcare spending overall, by service line and by payer using the NIH classifications for BMI. Methods: We used a quasi-experimental design and analyzed the data using generalized linear models and two-part models to estimate obesity-attributable spending. Data was drawn from the 2006 and 2016 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey. We identified individuals in the different BMI classes based on self-reported height and weight. Results: Total medical costs attributable to obesity rose to $126 billion per year by 2016, although the marginal cost of obesity declined for all obesity classes. The overall spending increase was due to an increase in obesity prevalence and a population shift to higher obesity classes. Obesity related spending between 2006 and 2016 was relatively constant due to decreases in inpatient spending, which were only partially offset by increases in outpatient spending. Conclusions: Obesity related spending between 2006 and 2016 was relatively constant due to decreases in inpatient spending, which were only partially offset by increases in outpatient spending. Obesity class 2 and 3 were the main factor driving spending increases, suggesting that persons over BMI of 35 should be the focus for controlling spending.
Quality of life of patients living with psoriasis: a qualitative study
Authors: Meneguin silmara , Godoy Natalia , Pollo Camila Fernandes , Miot Helio Amante , Oliveira Cesar
Published: December 2020

Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease prevalent in dermatology. We aimed to understand the perceptions of patients living with psoriasis in relation to their quality of life and to identify aspects to improve it. Methods: This is qualitative research carried out in a dermatology outpatient clinic of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, Botucatu, Brazil, with 81 psoriasis patients. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject method (DCS). Results: Quality of life was linked to well-being, happiness, leisure, good food and financial stability. However, disease symptoms, social and clothing restrictions, impairment of professional activities and the absence of a cure, negatively influenced their perceptions. Suggestions for improvements included an increase of public awareness, stress reduction, disease acceptance and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion: The meanings of quality of life revealed by the participants are subjective, multidimensional, linked to moments experienced by them and to the health-disease process. Public health policies promoting reduction in social stigma and stress as well as multidisciplinary approaches towards care can contribute to improvements of QoL in psoriasis.
Clinical validation of kinematic assessments of post-stroke upper limb movements with a multi-joint arm exoskeleton
Authors: Grimm Florian , Kraugmann Jelena , Naros Georgios , Gharabaghi Alireza
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: The clinical evaluation of the upper limb of severely impaired stroke patient is challenging. Sensor-based assessments may allow for an objective evaluation of this patient population. This study investigated the validity of a device-assisted approach in comparison to the clinical outcome that it is supposed to reflect. METHODS: In nineteen severely impaired chronic stroke patients, we applied a gravity-compensating, multi-joint arm exoskeleton (Armeo Spring) and compared this sensor-based assessment with the clinical outcome measure Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) scale. Specifically, we assessed separately and subsequently the range of motion in joint space for four single joints (i.e., angles of wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder movement), and the closing and opening of the hand with a pressure sensor placed in the handle. The same position (neutral zero) with a distance of 90 degrees between forearm and upper arm was taken as the starting position for all assessments. RESULTS: Within the kinematic parameters, a strong correlation was observed between wrist and elbow movements (r > 0.7, p<0.003; Bonferroni corrected). The UE-FMA was significantly predicted by a multiple regression model (F (5, 13) = 12.22, p < 0.0005, adj. R2 = 0.83). Both shoulder rotation and grip pressure added significantly (p < 0.05) to the prediction with the standardized coefficients β of 0.55 and 0.38, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By applying an exoskeleton-based self-contained evaluation of single-joint movements, a clinically valid assessment of the upper limb range of motion in severely impaired stroke patients is feasible. Shoulder rotation contributed most relevantly to the prediction of the clinical status. These findings need to be confirmed in a large, independent patient cohort.
The use of 3D printing pelvis and hip in a complex THA: clinical experience and reports of literature
Authors: Huang Chenyu , Yao Qingqiang , Liu Wei , Xu Yan , Tang Cheng , Wei Bo , Li Jiayi , Wang Liming
Published: December 2020

Background: Total hip arthroplasty(THA) is a good solution of developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH). However, patients diagnosed with Crowe type IV are difficult to deal with. With traditional operation skills, the operation time is quite long and the patients will lose a lot of blood.Case presentation: We present the case of a 58-year-old male patient who underwent left THA due to Crowe type IV DDH with the help of 3D printing models. Before the operation, we put the CT image into a computer software named mimics. After getting the stl. document, we use 3D printer to print the models out. By using the models, we planned the operation in advance. And after sterilizing the models, we put them in the operation area, which saves a lot of operation time and reduces much blood loss by giving surgeons a better anatomy view. Conclusion: THA with the help of 3D printing pelvis and femur can result in a relatively short recovery time and provide good clinical efficacy of type IV DDH patients.
Genetic diversity analysis of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys based on mitochondrial COI and COII haplotypes
Authors: Yan Juncong , Pal Chandan , Anderson Diane , Vétek Gábor , Farkas Péter , Burne Allan , Fan Qing-Hai , Zhang Jinping , Gunawardana Disna N. , Balan Rebijith Kayattukandy , George Sherly , Li Dongmei
Published: December 2020

Background: In the past decade, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has caused extensive damage to global agriculture. As a high-risk pest for many countries, including New Zealand, it is important to explore its genetic diversity to enhance our knowledge on and devise management strategies for BMSB populations. In this study, two mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and Cytochrome c oxidase II (COII) were used to explore the genetic diversity among 463 BMSB individuals collected from 12 countries. Result: In total, 51 COI and 29 COII haplotypes of BMSB were found, which formed 59 combined haplotypes (5 reported and 54 novel). Of these, H1h1 was the predominant haplotype. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were high while the neutrality (Fu's Fs) values were negative for the BMSB populations in the native countries, China, and Japan. For the BMSB populations from the invaded countries, the Fu's Fs values were negative for populations from Chile, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Turkey, and USA, indicating that those populations are under demographic expansion. In comparison, the Fu's Fs values were positive for the populations from Austria, Serbia, and Slovenia, revealing a potential population bottleneck. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) suggested that significant genetic difference exist between groups of populations: China, Japan, and the invasive populations. Conclusion: This study revealed that the haplotype diversity of the BMSB populations was high in those two studied countries where BMSB is native to (China and Japan) but low in those countries which have been invaded by the species. The analysis indicated that multiple invasions of BMSB occurred and a new stable genetic cluster has established in Europe and the USA. The study also revealed that three ancestral lines and most of the novel haplotypes were evolved from them. Moreover, we observed two genetic clusters in the invasive populations that are formed during different invasion events. Our study provided a comprehensive overview on the global haplotypes distribution thus expanding the existing knowledge on BMSB genetic diversity that potentially could play an important role in formulating feasible pest management strategies, especially biocontrol.
Severe Vision Impairment and Blindness in Hospitalized Patients: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Harris Che , Wright Scott M
Published: December 2020

Background: Outcomes among hospitalized patients with severe vision impairment or blindness have not been extensively explored. This study sought to determine clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with severe vision impairment/blindness (SVI/B). Because the obesity epidemic is also on the rise and underrecognized in hospital settings, we also sought to understand its impact among patients with SVI/B.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample for the year 2017; hospitalized adults with and without SVI/B were compared. In addition, for all patients with SVI/B, we compared those with and without obesity. Multiple logistic regression and linear analysis were used to evaluate mortality, disposition, length of stay, and hospital charges. We adjusted for age, sex, race, comorbidities, insurance, and income.Results: 30,420,907 adults were hospitalized, of whom 37,200 had SVI/B. Patients with SVI/B were older (mean age ± SEM: 66.4±0.24 vs. 57.9±0.09 years, p <0.01), less likely to be female (50% vs 57.7%, p <0.01), more frequently insured by Medicare (75.7% vs 49.2%, p <0.01), and had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 3: 53.2% vs 27.8%, p <0.01). Patients with SVI/B had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (3.9% vs 2.2%; p<0.01), and they were less likely discharged home (adjusted Odds Ratio {aOR} =0.54, [Confidence Interval (CI) 0.51-0.58]; p <0.01) compared to those without visual impairment. Hospital charges were not significantly different (adjusted Mean Difference {aMD} = $247 CI [-$2,474-2,929]; p=0.85) but length of stay was longer (aMD= 0.5 days CI [0.3-0.7]; p<0.01) for those with SVI/B. Visually impaired patients who were also obese had higher total hospital charges compared to those without obesity (mean difference: $9,821 [CI $1,375-$18,268]; p =0.02).Conclusion: Patients admitted to American hospitals in 2017 who had severe vision impairment or blindness had worse clinical outcomes and greater resources utilization. Hospital-based healthcare professionals should recognize that because those with visual impairment are at risk for worse outcomes, extra attention to detail may be warranted to minimize the propagation of such disparity.
Electric modulation of conduction in MAPbBr3 single crystals
Authors: Ke Shanming , Luo Shangyu , Gong Jinhui , Qiu Liwen , Liang Renhong , Zhou Yangbo , Luo Bingcheng , Cheng Baochang , Wang Li , shu longlong
Published: December 2020

The resistive switching (RS) mechanism of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites is an open question until now. Here, a switchable diode-like RS behavior in MAPbBr3 single crystals using Au (or Pt) symmetric electrodes is reported. Both the high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) are electrode-area dependent and light responsive. We propose an electric-field-driven inner p-n junction accompanied by a trap-controlled SCLC conduction mechanism to explain this switchable diode-like RS behavior in MAPbBr3 single crystals.
Efficacy of two-week quadruple bismuth treatment versus levofloxacin concomitant Helicobacter Pylori infection regimen as empirical first-line therapy Syrian patients. A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Alhalabi Marouf Muhammad , Alassi Mohammed Waleed , Eddin Kamal Alaa , Cheha Khaled
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Antibiotic-resistant reduces the efficacy of conventional triple therapy for Helicobacter Pylori infections worldwide, lead to varying treatment protocols according to locations.Aim: Primary outcome was eradication rates of bismuth quadruple (BQ) and levofloxacin concomitant (LC) as empirical first-line treatment by intention to treat (ITT) in a referral hospital in Syria.Design: an open‑label parallel blind randomized controlled trial.Materials and Methods: We randomly assigned seventy-eight naïve who tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori gastric infection, with a 1:1 ratio to receive either BQ (bismuth subsalicylate 524 mg four times daily, doxycycline 100 mg, tinidazole 500 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg, each twice daily for two weeks), or LC (levofloxacin 500 mg daily, tinidazole 500 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and esomeprazole 20 mg each twice daily for two weeks). We confirmed Helicobacter Pylori eradication by stool antigen test by eight weeks.Results: Thirty-nine patients were allocated in each group. In the BQ group, thirty-eight patients completed the follow-up, thirty patients were cured. While in the LC group, thirty-nine completed the follow-up, thirty-two patients were cured. The ITT eradication rates of the BQ and LC groups were 76.92%, and 82.05%, respectively. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval according to ITT was 1.371 [0.454-4.146]. We didn’t report serious adverse effects.Conclusions:Both therapy regimens had acceptable rates of eradication. we suggest using both regimens as empirical first-line therapy in the treatment of Helicobacter Pylori infection in the Syrian population.Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT04348786
Measurement of Neutrino's Magnetic Monopole Charge, Aether, Dark Energy and Cause of Quantum Mechanical Uncertainty
Authors: Jeong Eue Jin , Edmondson Dennis
Published: December 2020

Charge conservation in the theory of elementary particle physics is one of the best-established principles in physics. As such, if there are magnetic monopoles in the universe, the magnetic charge will most likely be a conserved quantity like electric charges. If neutrinos are magnetic monopoles, as physicists have speculated the possibility, then neutrons must also have a magnetic monopole charge, and the Earth should show signs of having a magnetic monopole charge on a macroscopic scale. To test this hypothesis, experiments were performed to detect the magnetic monopole's effect near the equator by measuring the Earth's radial magnetic force using two balanced high strength neodymium rods magnets that successfully identified the magnetic monopole charge. From this observation, we conclude that at least the electron neutrino which is a byproduct of weak decay of the neutron must be magnetic monopole. We present mathematical expressions for the vacuum electric field based on the findings and discuss various physical consequences related to the symmetry in Maxwell's equations, the origin of quantum mechanical uncertainty, the medium for electromagnetic wave propagation in space, and the logistic distribution of the massive number of magnetic monopoles in the universe. We elaborate on how these seemingly unrelated mysteries in physics are intimately intertwined together around magnetic monopoles.
Development of Teachers' Empowerment Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: ÖZKAN HIDIROĞLU Yeliz , TANRIÖĞEN Abdurrahman
Published: December 2020

In this research, it is aimed to develop a measurement tool to determine teachers' perceptions about empowerment in a valid and reliable way. The research data were collected from two different teacher groups of 700 people (405 + 295 teachers) who worked in the fall semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. For the content and appearance validity of the scale, seven experts were consulted in the study. Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory (CFA) factor analyzes were performed for the construct validity of the scale. As a result of the EFA, a structure with 37 items and 4 factors explaining 69.53% of the total variance was revealed. These factors have been named as “trust”, “status”, “professional development” and “cooperation”. Findings from CFA showed that the 37-item and four-factor structure related to teacher empowerment scale had adequate fit indices. The reliability of the measurements obtained from the teacher empowerment scale and dimensions were examined by Cronbach alpha and omega reliability method and it was determined that the calculated reliability coefficients were within the acceptable limits. Item-total correlations were examined to determine item discrimination. Findings from the item analysis showed that all of the items in the scale are distinctive. Based on these findings, it can be said that the Teacher Empowerment Scale is a measurement tool that produces valid and reliable measurements and can be used to determine teachers' perceptions about empowerment.
Comparison of Classification Performances of Mathematics Achievement at PISA 2012 with the Artificial Neural Network, Decision Trees and Discriminant Analysis
Authors: TOPRAK Emre , GELBAL Selahattin
Published: December 2020

This study aims to compare the performances of the artificial neural network, decision trees and discriminant analysis methods to classify student achievement. The study uses multilayer perceptron model to form the artificial neural network model, chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithm to apply the decision trees method and linear discriminant analysis. The performance of each method has been investigated in different sample sizes when classifying into different numbered subgroups. The study has revealed that the artificial neural network has the best performance in large, medium and small sample sizes when classifying into six, three and two subgroups. In the very small sample size, which has homogeneous variance-covariance matrices, the discriminant analysis performs the best, while in the very small sample size, which does not have homogeneous variance-covariance matrices, it is the discriminant analysis which performs the best when classifying into six subgroups and the artificial neural network performs the best when classifying into two and three subgroups. Considering the performances of the methods with respect to sample size, it can be concluded that as the sample size gets smaller, the performance of the decision trees method gets worse, whereas the performance of the discriminant analysis method improves. No correlation of this kind has been found with regard to the artificial network method.
Corpus-Based Analysis of the Most Frequent Adjective on Covid-19
Authors: Astia Idda , Yunianti Sofi
Published: December 2020

This study aims to investigate the type of adjectives in the most frequent adjectives and also the use of the adjective functions on academic writing about COVID-19. This study was conducted by using a corpus tool named sketchengine. The method of this study was a mixed-method by combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The source of the data was corpus about COVID-19 academic writing due to the fact that COVID-19 has been the trending topic around the globe and also became an international concern. There were several data collection steps; those were first, knowing the most frequent adjective in the COVID-19 corpus by choosing a wordlist. Second, the data were taken 20 the most frequent adjectives used in COVID-19 corpus because 20 data have already represented the most frequent adjectives. Third, it chose the concordance to comprehend the function of the adjective in the COVID-19 corpus. Fourth, 20 the most frequent adjectives were inputted one at a time on concordance. Fifth, the data were analyzed based on the related theory. Finally, it is inferred that the adjective type on the most frequent adjective is a describing adjective, which has the function to frame the condition, situation and characteristic of the noun on the COVID-19 cases.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Its Association with Serum Nesfatin- 1
Authors: AYYILDIZ Talat , DOLAR Enver , ORAL Barbaros , ARIKAN Şener , BALABAN Saduman
Published: December 2020

Aim: Nesfatin -1 is a novel peptide which is defined as satiety peptide with an anorexigenic action. Studies have shown its association with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. With this study, we sought to establish the association between clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with biopsy-diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Nesfatin-1.

Materials and Methods: Serum Nesfatin-1 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 59 patients with histologically diagnosed NAFLD and a control group comprising 32 healthy subjects.
Results: Serum Nesfatin-1 level did not significantly differ between patients with NAFLD and control group (p<0.170). Simple correlation analysis showed that nesfatin-1 levels decreased as body mass index increased (p=0.043) and nesfatin-1 values increased in proportion to elevations in AST (p=0.05). A multiple regression model constructed for assessment showed that while portal inflammation (B=10.767, p=0.007), body mass index score (B=-0.510, p<0.001) and HDL cholesterol (B=-0.208, p<0.001) had a negative association with nesfatin-1, age (B=0.120, p=0.031), sex (lower levels among males versus females) (B=-40.897, p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (B=0.063, P=0.050) and AST (B=0.033, p=0.019) had a positive and linear significant association with nesfatin-1.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings point out that serum nesfatin-1 level may be an independent predictor of portal inflammation in NAFLD.
The Concept of Finance Control in Universities
Authors: Anokhova E. V.
Published: December 2020

The article investigates issues connected with the necessity to conduct internal finance control of university functioning. The author tried to show the procedure of finance control in the system of higher education in Russia and ground its need both on the state (municipal) and on the inner -institutional level. The article describes the procedure of university finance control as a tool of raising the e fficiency in using resources. Theoretical base of the article is made by academic works dealing with the theory and methodology of finance control in the Russian Federation, as well as materials of research organizations, high education institutions, perio dicals. As a methodological foundation of the research the author used such methods as grouping, analysis, classification and synthesis. A conceptual approach to conducting internal finance control in university was advanced, which implies control by shaping business-processes with a possibility of graphic presentation of finance control cards in different notations. Finding of the research are useful both for university top management and for certain categories of university managerial workers, who deal with decision-making concerning strategy of university development with due regard to possible risks within the frames of limited finance resources.
University as a Champion of Sustainable Development: Objectives, Approaches and Practice
Authors: Loktionova E. A. , Khlebovich D. I.
Published: December 2020

The article reviews the objectives connected with present day university functioning within the frames of the UN global agenda, i.e. to ensure sustainable development. The academic community is interested mainly in finding the answer to the question about new approaches to conducting education, research and administrative functions of the university. University is considered as an influential institution, which promotes innovation and train future specialists to make responsible decisions. Values and goals of sustainable development affect universities, thus the aim of the article is to show in what way university can pursue ideology of system changes through realization of its education mission. The UN initiative ‘Responsible Managerial Education’ (RME) is seen as an approach to promoting sustainable development in universities and to designing new education programs. It is pointed out that by realizing principles of responsible managerial education in master course universities can develop practices contributing to goal attainment in the field of sustainable development. As a driver for RME realization the Englishlanguage master course program ‘Sustainable Management' was advanced, which relies on orientation to goals of sustainable development and principles of responsible managerial education. The authors put forward a concept of the program for Russian universities that includes methodological approaches to its construction, rough curriculum and expected outcomes. It is shown that system efforts aimed at attaining goals of sustainable management through responsible managerial education shall be continued by using the proposed solutions and searching for new ones. The authors identify spheres of university functioning that require serious reforms. Conclusions are drawn about new discourses in the field higher education connected with comprehending the involvement of universities in initiatives of sustainable development.
Price Strategies of Exporters in Conditions of Crisis Caused by Pandemia
Authors: Dolgova M. V.
Published: December 2020

Price is the most important tool of company behavior on market, whose changes are caught immediately by customers, competitors and state structures. Adequate pricing can bring profit to the company and raise its competitiveness and stability on market. Unfortunately, rather often price decisions of home exporters working on non-raw material markets are only a response to competitors’ steps and they aim at reaching tactical, momentary but not strategic goals. Companies usually try to use the same price strategies on foreign markets as they use on national market. In conditions of the global crisis, uneven introduction of isolation regime and border closing by countries, breaking supply chains, bankruptcy or closure of national companies Russian exporters face the loss of distribution channels developed earlier. On the other hand, in these conditions they get an opportunity not only to settle on developed markets nut to penetrate new overseas markets in such segments, where the work of local companies was cut or shut down. In any case home exporters should think over their price strategy on foreign market and research changes in customer preferences, in their perception of company product value. The author gives recommendations aimed at improving exporters’ pricing in conditions of 2020 crisis on the basis of analyzing customers in view of their contribution to the company profit.