bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Center-of-Gravity Variation-Driven Spherical UAV System and Its Control Law
Authors: Kim Donghoon , Yang Sungwook
Published: April 2020

Most of the spherical unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) use control surfaces, which are functions of aileron and an elevator, to generate control torque. The work proposes a new conceptual design of an SUAV system controlled through center-of-gravity (CG) variations with its path-tracking control law designed for the system. Compared to the one using control surfaces, the concept suggested is beneficial in the aspect of the expandability of building lighter and smaller SUAVs, especially. A CG variation principle by actuating a pendulum type of a moving part is considered as a methodology for both translational and rotational motion control of an SUAV. Since variations of the moment-of-inertia (MOI) elements which resulted from the motion of the moving part affect the performance of the suggested method, the variations of MOI analysis are performed for all angular ranges of the moving part. As a result, certain angular ranges for the moving part to prevent the degradation of the path-tracking performance by the effect of the MOI changes are found. By considering the findings, numerical studies are performed for hovering, ascent, descent, and horizontal tracking missions. The applicability of the proposed SUAV system and the corresponding controller to achieve the path-tracking missions is demonstrated through the numerical simulation.
Blotch Detection in Archive Films Based on Visual Saliency Map
Authors: Aydin Yildiz , Dizdaroğlu Bekir
Published: April 2020

Degradations frequently occur in archive films that symbolize the historical and cultural heritage of a nation. In this study, the problem of detection blotches commonly encountered in archive films is handled. Here, a block-based blotch detection method is proposed based on a visual saliency map. The visual saliency map reveals prominent areas in an input frame and thus enables more accurate results in the blotch detection. A simple and effective visual saliency map method is taken into consideration in order to reduce computational complexity for the detection phase. After the visual saliency maps of the given frames are obtained, blotch regions are estimated by considered spatiotemporal patches—without the requirement for motion estimation—around the saliency pixels, which are subjected to a prethresholding process. Experimental results show that the proposed block-based blotch detection method provides a significant advantage with reducing false alarm rates over HOG feature (Yous and Serir, 2017), LBP feature (Yous and Serir, 2017), and regions-matching (Yous and Serir, 2016) methods presented in recent years.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: The State of the Art and Open Issues
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Camaro Cyril , Kedhi Elvin , Marcolongo Marco , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Conflicting results have been reported so far in pooled analyses and studies evaluating the optimum duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, randomized clinical trials dedicated to this specific setting of higher thrombotic risk patients have only recently been completed, pointing at the noninferiority of a shorter strategy as compared to the traditional 12-month DAPT, furthermore allowing to reduce the risk of major bleeding complications. Therefore, a reconsideration of current clinical practice and guidelines should be certainly be advocated in light of the most recent updates, especially among ACS patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and modern drug-eluting stents (DES). Our aim was to provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence on the optimal DAPT duration in ACS patients.
Global Existence of Solutions for the Viscoelastic Kirchhoff Equation with Logarithmic Source Terms
Authors: Mezouar Nadia , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Allahem Ali
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a nonlinear viscoelastic Kirchhoff equation in a bounded domain with a time-varying delay term and logarithmic nonlinearity in the weakly nonlinear internal feedback is considered, where the global and local existence of solutions in suitable Sobolev spaces by means of the energy method combined with Faedo-Galerkin procedure is proved with respect to the condition of the weight of the delay term in the feedback and the weight of the term without delay and the speed of delay. Furthermore, a general stability estimate using some properties of convex functions is given. These results extend and improve many results in the literature.
The Emergence of Informative Higher Scales in Complex Networks
Authors: Klein Brennan , Hoel Erik
Published: April 2020

The connectivity of a network contains information about the relationships between nodes, which can denote interactions, associations, or dependencies. We show that this information can be analyzed by measuring the uncertainty (and certainty) contained in paths along nodes and links in a network. Specifically, we derive from first principles a measure known as effective information and describe its behavior in common network models. Networks with higher effective information contain more information in the relationships between nodes. We show how subgraphs of nodes can be grouped into macronodes, reducing the size of a network while increasing its effective information (a phenomenon known as causal emergence). We find that informative higher scales are common in simulated and real networks across biological, social, informational, and technological domains. These results show that the emergence of higher scales in networks can be directly assessed and that these higher scales offer a way to create certainty out of uncertainty.
Targeted Inhibition of the E3 Ligase SCFSkp2/Cks1 Has Antitumor Activity in RB1-Deficient Human and Mouse Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Hongling , Iqbal Niloy J. , Sukrithan Vineeth , Nicholas Cari , Xue Yingjiao , Yu Cindy , Locker Joseph , Zou Juntao , Schwartz Edward L. , Zhu Liang
Published: April 2020

The RB1 tumor suppressor gene is mutated in highly aggressive tumors including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), where its loss, along with TP53, is required and sufficient for tumorigenesis. While RB1-mutant cells fail to arrest at G1–S in response to cell-cycle restriction point signals, this information has not led to effective strategies to treat RB1-deficient tumors, as it is challenging to develop targeted drugs for tumors that are driven by the loss of gene function. Our group previously identified Skp2, a substrate recruiting subunit of the SCF-Skp2 E3 ubiquitin ligase, as an early repression target of pRb whose knockout blocked tumorigenesis in Rb1-deficient prostate and pituitary tumors. Here we used genetic mouse models to demonstrate that deletion of Skp2 completely blocked the formation of SCLC in Rb1/Trp53-knockout mice (RP mice). Skp2 KO caused an increased accumulation of the Skp2-degradation target p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, which was confirmed as the mechanism of protection by using knock-in of a mutant p27 that was unable to bind to Skp2. Building on the observed synthetic lethality between Rb1 and Skp2, we found that small molecules that bind/inhibit Skp2 have in vivo antitumor activity in mouse tumors and human patient-derived xenograft models of SCLC. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, antitumor activity was seen with Skp2 loss or inhibition in established SCLC primary lung tumors, in liver metastases, and in chemotherapy-resistant tumors. Our data highlight a downstream actionable target in RB1-deficient cancers, for which there are currently no targeted therapies available.

Significance:

There are no effective therapies for SCLC. The identification of an actionable target downstream of RB1, inactivated in SCLC and other advanced tumors, could have a broad impact on its treatment.
CD226hiCD8+ T Cells Are a Prerequisite for Anti-TIGIT Immunotherapy
Authors: Jin Hyung-seung , Ko Minkyung , Choi Da-som , Kim June Hyuck , Lee Dong-hee , Kang Seong-Ho , Kim Inki , Lee Hee Jin , Choi Eun Kyung , Kim Kyu-pyo , Yoo Changhoon , Park Yoon
Published: April 2020

Clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of anti-TIGIT for use as single-agent therapy or in combination with programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 blockade. How and whether a TIGIT blockade will synergize with immunotherapies is not clear. Here, we show that CD226loCD8+ T cells accumulate at the tumor site and have an exhausted phenotype with impaired functionality. In contrast, CD226hiCD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells possess greater self-renewal capacity and responsiveness. Anti-TIGIT treatment selectively affects CD226hiCD8+ T cells by promoting CD226 phosphorylation at tyrosine 322. CD226 agonist antibody-mediated activation of CD226 augments the effect of TIGIT blockade on CD8+ T-cell responses. Finally, mFOLFIRINOX treatment, which increases CD226hiCD8+ T cells in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, potentiates the effects of TIGIT or PD-1 blockade. Our results implicate CD226 as a predictive biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and suggest that increasing numbers of CD226hiCD8+ T cells may improve responses to anti-TIGIT therapy.
The Relevance of Ancient Science to the Survival of Secularism
Authors: Carrier Richard
Published: April 2020

To oppose Secularism modern Christians depend on myths about the historical development of civilization. Such as the myth of a Christian America, imagining such things as that the United States Constitution was based on Biblical Christian principles. Parallel to this myth is another about science: that the Scientific Revolution, and therefore modern science, was based on Biblical Christian principles and could not have occurred (and therefore cannot continue) without them. Necessary to this are several false claims, most particularly that ancient pagans never did and never could have made any significant scientific progress, and that Christian theology was essential to doing so. These myths are here dispelled with recourse to a survey of the actual facts of the matter.
“God’s Not My Type”
Authors: Galen Luke W.
Published: April 2020

The recent report by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is intended to “offer a new and complementary lens with which to glean new insights into religion and public life”. The technique of cluster analysis was used on measures of religious and spiritual beliefs, yielding seven groups, two consisting primarily of nonreligious or secular individuals. There are “breadth-versus-depth” tradeoffs involved in this approach. A belief-based typology is an improvement upon a grouping that uses religious denomination, which undercounts secular individuals. But the theoretical implications of this typology for understanding secular individuals necessitate scrutiny, including how the use of meaning in life as a marker of well-being may be misleading in the case of the nonreligious.
Rubus oklejewiczii (Rosaceae), a new bramble species from Central Europe (Poland: Carpathians)

Authors: WOLANIN MATEUSZ M. , MUSIAŁ KRYSTYNA , NOBIS MARCIN
Published: April 2020

A new species from south-eastern Poland, named Rubus oklejewiczii Wolanin & M. Nobis, is here described and illustrated. It is pentaploid deciduous plant, with morphological features most typical to the species representing Rubus ser. Rubus. The species is distributed in the northern foreground of the Polish Carpathians and has been observed mostly in fir-beech forests margins.
Megadiverse Ecuador: a review of Mysmenopsis (Araneae, Mysmenidae) of Ecuador, with the description of twenty-one new kleptoparasitic spider species
Authors: DUPÉRRÉ NADINE , TAPIA ELICIO
Published: April 2020

The spider family Mysmenidae includes two genera in which kleptoparasitic species are known to occur, Isela and Mysmenopsis. Mysmenopsis is the most speciose with 31 species described so far. Herein, we describe twenty-one new species from Ecuador: M. alvaroi n. sp., M. amazonica n. sp., M. angamarca n. sp., M. awa n. sp., M. baerti n. sp., M. bartolozzii n. sp., M. choco n. sp., M. cube n. sp., M. corazon n. sp., M. guanza n. sp., M. guayaca n. sp., M. hunachi n. sp., M. junin n. sp., M. lasrocas n. sp., M. lloa n. sp., M. otokiki n. sp., M. pululahua n. sp., M. salazarae n. sp., M. shushufindi n. sp., M. tepuy n. sp. and M. tungurahua n. sp. We report for the first time the presence of four species of Mysmenopsis in the web of a Lycosidae, namely M. salazarae n. sp., M. shushufindi n. sp., M. bartolozzii n. sp. and M. amazonica n. sp. All new species described here were collected in spider webs either from the family Dipluridae (Linothele) or Lycosidae (Aglaoctenus) and therefore are assumed to be kleptoparasitic. New locality records are presented for M. otonga, M. fernandoi, M. atahualpa and M. penai, the female of M. penai is described for the first time. Maps of all Ecuadorian species are presented, kleptoparasitism, morphological characters and distribution of Mysmenopsis species are discussed.
Size-Dependent Biological Activities of Fluorescent Organosilane-Modified Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Buşilă Mariana , Tăbăcaru Aurel , Muşsat Viorica , Vasile Bogdan Ştefan , Neaşu Ionela Andreea , Pinheiro Teresa , Roma-Rodrigues Catarina , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Matos António P. , Marques Fernanda
Published: April 2020

Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is a strategy to tune their biocompatibility. Herein we report on the synthesis of a series of fluorescent ZnO NPs modified with 2–10% (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to investigate the fluorescence properties
and to explore their applications in microbiology and biomedicine. The obtained ZnO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Size reduction occurred from ca. 13 nm in unmodified
ZnO to 3–4 nm in silane-modified samples and fluorescence spectra showed size-dependent variation of the photoemission bands' intensity. The antibacterial and cytotoxic activities were investigated on Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus)
bacteria, and in ovarian (A2780) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells by tetrazolium/formazan-based methods. The antibacterial effect was higher for E. coli than S. aureus, while the cytotoxic activity was similar for both cancer cells and varied with the particle size. Cell death
by apoptosis, and/or necrosis versus autophagy, were explored by flow cytometry using an Annexin V based-method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The main mechanism of ZnO NPs toxicity may involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of apoptosis or autophagy.
This work revealed the potential utility of GPTMS-modified ZnO NPs in the treatment of bacterial infection and cancer.
Serum Renin Levels in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Yıldız Muhammet , Baki̇ Ahmet , Özer Ömer Faruk
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum renin levels of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Material and Methods:

Twenty-four patients with ISSNHL and 24 asymptomatic healthy volunteers were included in the study. Subjects underwent pure-tone audiometry and serum renin levels were measured.

Results:

There were 14 women (mean age:42.35 ± 9.53) and 10 men (mean age:43.8 ± 6.87) in the patient group. There were 14 women (mean age:42.4 ± 4.7) and 10 men (mean age:41.4 ± 4.59) in the control group. ISSNHL was detected on the right side in 13 patients and on the left side in 11 patients. Serum renin levels of the patients and controls were 788.01 ± 327.8 and 282.37 ± 107.73 pg/mL, respectively. The serum renin levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group ( P ≤ .001). There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss ( r = 0.77; P = .001).

Conclusion:

Serum renin levels of patients with ISSNHL were higher than controls. There was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between serum renin level and the severity of hearing loss.
Development and validity of a resilience at secondary school scale
Authors: Turner Michelle , Bowen Paul , Ryan Jacinta , Hayes Peter
Published: April 2020

Secondary schools are purported to play a signiﬁcant role in the resilience enhancement of adolescents; however, there are no measures of resilience designed specifically for use in secondary schools. To address this shortcoming, a resilience at secondary school (RASS) scale was developed and its psychometric properties explored. Five hundred and sixty-two female secondary school students aged from 12 years to 18 years completed the 20-item RASS, which was adapted from the Resilience at University scale. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed a 19-item, seven-factor structure. Convergent validity of all the subscales was tenable. Internal consistency of two subscales was not ideal, indicative of the need for further research. The RASS scale and subscales represent promising empirical measures of resilience at secondary schools in Australia. With further refinement, the RASS offers educators in secondary schools a practical measure founded on the skills and behaviours considered critical for psychological resilience which can be used to inform resilience-building curriculum activities.
Outcomes of an Integrated STEM High School: Enabling Access and Achievement for All Students
Authors: Johnson Carla C. , Sondergeld Toni A.
Published: April 2020

There has been considerable movement in the United States toward an integrated approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which leverages English/language arts, social studies/history, and the arts as contexts and tools for solving the grand STEM challenges of our society. Selective STEM schools have been demonstrated as having positive student outcomes, but enroll students based upon academic criteria rather than interest and effectively exclude underrepresented groups in STEM. In this study, we examine the impact of an integrated STEM high school on student academic outcomes. Findings indicate students significantly outperformed the 13 comparison schools in district on American College Testing (ACT) and school exams.
The Motion Picture Editors Guild Treatment of the Film Sound Membership: Enforcing Status Quo for Hollywood’s Post-Production Sound Craft
Authors: Andriano-Moore Stephen
Published: April 2020

The Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG) is the labor union representing post-production workers in the Hollywood motion picture industry, including seven sound craft classifications. The sound craft has low status within the hierarchical structure of the Hollywood film industry in comparison to other filmmaking crafts. This article evaluates the workings of the MPEG in concerns with the sound craft and status within the industry through a thirty-plus year review of their professional journal, website, sound practitioner discourse, and other industrial documents. The article argues that the union does not sufficiently protect sound practitioners from employer exploitation, contributes to the alienation of sound practitioners from their work, and constraints the level of and recognition for creative contributions. These actions are seen as perpetuating the low status of sound practitioners and the sound craft, which weakens the power of the union.
Acute mitragynine administration suppresses cortical oscillatory power and systems theta coherence in rats
Authors: Thériault Rachel-Karson , Manduca Joshua D , Blight Colin R , Khokhar Jibran Y , Akhtar Tariq A , Perreault Melissa L
Published: April 2020

Background:

Mitragynine is the major alkaloid of Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) with potential as a therapeutic in pain management and in depression. There has been debate over the potential side effects of the drug including addiction risk and cognitive decline.

Aims:

To evaluate the effects of mitragynine on neurophysiological systems function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), cingulate cortex (Cg), orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens (NAc), hippocampus (HIP), thalamus (THAL), basolateral amygdala (BLA) and ventral tegmental area of rats.

Methods:

Local field potential recordings were taken from animals at baseline and for 45 min following mitragynine administration (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Drug-induced changes in spectral power and coherence between regions at specific frequencies were evaluated. Mitragynine-induced changes in c-fos expression were also analyzed.

Results:

Mitragynine increased delta power and reduced theta power in all three cortical regions that were accompanied by increased c-fos expression. A transient suppression of gamma power in PFC and Cg was also evident. There were no effects of mitragynine on spectral power in any of the other regions. Mitragynine induced a widespread reduction in theta coherence (7–9 Hz) that involved disruptions in cortical and NAc connectivity with the BLA, HIP and THAL.

Conclusions:

These findings show that mitragynine induces frequency-specific changes in cortical neural oscillatory activity that could potentially impact cognitive functioning. However, the absence of drug effects within regions of the mesolimbic pathway may suggest either a lack of addiction potential, or an underlying mechanism of addiction that is distinct from other opioid analgesic agents.
Health-related quality of life among elderly individuals living alone in an urban area of Shaanxi Province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Ning , Andrew Nadine E. , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Yu Xuewen , Li Zhe , Wang Jue , Liang Yu
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sex differences in HRQoL, and factors affecting the HRQoL of elderly people living alone in urban areas of Shaanxi Province, China.

Methods

A cohort was obtained using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We collected cross-sectional data using surveys. HRQoL was measured using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Multivariable multilevel linear regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with mental and physical health component summary scores.

Results

Overall, 442 elderly Chinese individuals who lived alone completed the survey (mean age 73 years, women: 59%). Women were more likely to report better mental health than men. Factors significantly associated with reduced mental health scores were older age, having never been married or being divorced, and having a history of cancer, urinary tract disease, fractures or gastrointestinal disorders. Factors associated with physical health were having never been married or being divorced and having hypertension.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe HRQoL in a representative sample of elderly people living alone in urban areas of Shaanxi, China. Poor physical and mental HRQoL in this elderly Chinese population was mainly associated with chronic diseases and demographic factors.
Trace gas detection based on photoacoustic spectroscopy in 3-D printed gas cell
Authors: Zha Shenlong , Ma Hongliang , Zha Changli , Cai Xueyuan , Li Yuanyuan , Huang Xing , Wen Jun , Zhan Shengbao , Liu Kun
Published: April 2020

A novel photoacoustic spectroscopy gas sensor based on a micro-resonator has been developed. The photoacoustic cell was designed and fabricated using 3-D printing and the photoacoustic cell volume was compressed significantly. This design greatly reduces the time of manufacturing the micro-resonator and the weight was lighter compared to traditional cells. Furthermore, the acoustic pressure distribution in the 3-D printed photoacoustic cell was analyzed by COMSOL Multiphysics software, which indicated that the strongest acoustic pressure occurred in the middle of the resonant cavity. The performance of the sensor was evaluated by detection of CH4 at normal atmospheric pressure used a near infrared distributed feedback laser emitted at 1653 nm. The characteristic of the photoacoustic signal under different pressures was also investigated. An Allan variance shows that the 3-D printed photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor has the detection limit of 1.44 ppmv (3σ) for CH4 detection at about 200 s integration time.
Family Business Growth Around the World
Authors: Miroshnychenko Ivan , De Massis Alfredo , Miller Danny , Barontini Roberto
Published: April 2020

Growth is important for the long-term success of a business. Regrettably, the impact of family influence on firm growth is largely neglected. We examine whether family firms have a higher growth rate than their nonfamily counterparts. Based on a large sample of firms across 43 countries over a 10-year period, we show that family firms on average have higher growth rates than nonfamily firms, and this positive effect is greater for family firms operating in strong national institutional environments which are less corrupt, more democratic, more subject to rule of law, and have effective government policies. We also find that the positive effect of family influence on firm growth varies significantly across different types of family firms and different business cycles. These findings show that family control has an economically significant impact on growth rates and important implications for both family firm theory and practice.
Mapping Big Five Personality Traits Within and Across Domains of Interpersonal Functioning
Authors: Du Tianwei V. , Yardley Alison E. , Thomas Katherine M.
Published: April 2020

The Big Five and the interpersonal circumplex are among the most extensively used structural frameworks in personality research. Of the five factors, extraversion and agreeableness are theorized to carry the most interpersonal context, however, all five factors are likely to have important interpersonal implications. In the present study, we evaluated the associations between domains of interpersonal functioning and the Big Five domains and facets using the bootstrapped structural summary method. Results suggested that all Big Five traits showed prototypical and specific interpersonal profiles, with variability observed across lower order facets and domains of interpersonal functioning. Several Big Five traits and facets not overtly related to interpersonal behavior nonetheless showed specific, prototypical associations to interpersonal profiles. Findings suggest that Big Five traits and facets are saturated with interpersonal content and even personality characteristics that are not explicitly interpersonal may still have specific interpersonal implications.
Why Do Some Countries Prosper More in Tourism than Others? Global Competitiveness of Tourism Development
Authors: Dogru Tarik , Suess Courtney , Sirakaya-Turk Ercan
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the competitiveness of tourism destinations, worldwide, utilizing a regional economic policy tool known as the shift-share analysis. The changes in tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, and per-tourist-dollars of each country are assessed and compared with the overall tourism development across 150 countries in the world using a 17-year period (2000-2017). The findings indicate that Japan, Thailand, and Turkey are the most competitive countries when tourist arrivals are specified, but Turkey drops to the least competitive country when tourism receipts are specified as the base indicator. Thailand and Japan rank among the most competitive destinations based on their tourism receipts. Yet further results show that Luxembourg is the most competitive country, demonstrating the largest growth in per-tourist-dollar. Overall, results imply that the competitiveness of the countries and regions vary based on the aggregated measure of tourism development, suggesting that destinations need to focus on growth mechanisms and capitalize on their tourism potential. Practical implications are discussed.
Generic drugs in the Middle East: A case study in Sulaimani City, Iraq
Authors: Uctu Ramazan
Published: April 2020

In the less developed countries, most people do not have sufficient access to essential medicines. Generic medicines play an important role in increasing access to essential medical products, since they can be 20–90% cheaper than their branded equivalents. Generic medicines are therefore a key element to consider in many countries’ health policies and systems. The increasing global and regional demand for generics, driven by government policies and cost-effective strategies, create a significant opportunity for generic manufacturers around the world. This case study seeks to analyse the use of generic drugs in the Middle East and in so doing also unveil the nature of the generic drugs market in the Middle East, and specifically Iraq.
A new geographical pricing model within the principle of geomarketing-mix
Authors: Baray Jérôme , Pelé Martine
Published: April 2020

This article introduces a new model which aims at spatially optimizing the price of a product or service by considering supply and demand features, including their geographical location. Introducing the concept of a geomarketing-mix, factorial analysis and fuzzy clustering can be employed to automatically detect business and strategic opportunities. The method is applied to the French secondhand car market. By so doing, it is possible, first, to identify geographic areas that are typical of a certain supply and, second, to specify the optimal prices and types of vehicles for sale in these areas in view of a given marketing strategy.
Bashundhara Baby Diaper Marketing Strategies in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Majid Mohammad Abdul , Suhaila Sumaiya , Ahmed Asma
Published: April 2020

The Baby Diaper Industry has had been flourishing in Bangladesh, with over 30 existing brands, substantially contributing toward the betterment of the economy. Among several brands, Bashundhara Baby Diaper (referred as Bashundhara Diaper) is one of the major local brands. It offers good quality diapers within an affordable price range that reach customers through vast distribution networks. The company often markets its diaper brand using emotional appeal through an array of “Above the Line (ATL)” and “Below the Line (BTL)” promotional tools including print media, radio, strategically placed billboards, and both trade and customers’ offerings. This collectively contributes to the attainment of sustainable market growth for Bashundhara Diaper. However, the company often has to face challenges which include high level of existing market competition and frequent criticisms from the customers due to inconsistent quality. In spite of the challenges, Bashundhara Diaper still persists by ensuring consistent service and quality for customers, offering lucrative deals and taking advantage of opportunities as the market for the consumption of baby diapers continue to steadily grow across the country.
Experiences of Older Persons in Seeking Care at a Private Hospital in Urban India
Authors: Ganorkar Sachin , Kabir Zarina Nahar , Rustomfram Nasreen , Thakur Harshad
Published: April 2020

Objective: The study aims to describe the experiences of older persons in seeking health care in a private hospital in urban India. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 older persons admitted in or visiting a private hospital in Hyderabad city in India between the period November 2017 and April 2018. The data were analyzed using Content Analysis. Results: Dimensions related to payment mechanisms, quality of health care staff, and hospital quality were reported to be important for the older persons. Payment mechanisms were related to discounts, insurance support, and reducing out-of-pocket expenditure. Quality of care was related to optimizing hospital operational processes like discharge time, standard of treatment, and trustworthiness of the medical staff. Discussion: Payment mechanism can be made friendly for the older persons. Quality of hospital including its staff can be enhanced by developing geriatric-specific competencies which can help them to understand and treat complex health problems specific for the older population.
Crowding Out of Private Sector in Tanzania: Government Expenditure, Domestic Borrowing, and Lending Rates
Authors: Mwakalila Enock
Published: April 2020

This study empirically analyzes the impact of government expenditure and domestic borrowing on credit to the private sector in Tanzania by increasing lending rates. Quarterly time series data are collected from 2004 to 2018. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model estimation with a bound cointegration test is used to establish the short- and long-run relationships, and the results are subjected to diagnostic tests for robustness. The result shows that government expenditure and domestic borrowing crowd out credit to the private sector by increasing the lending rate in the long run. This calls for the Tanzanian government to reduce some of its deficit spending and domestic borrowing, and instead look for another way to increase the tax revenue using loans from external sources to fund its budget deficit. Also, the study recommends that the government should put more effort on improving private sector development by making the country an easy place to do business, which in turn will increase the tax base through corporate tax and income tax from business employees.
Protecting healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection: practical indications
Authors: Ferioli Martina , Cisternino Cecilia , Leo Valentina , Pisani Lara , Palange Paolo , Nava Stefano
Published: April 2020

The World Health Organization has recently defined the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection a pandemic. The infection, that may cause a potentially very severe respiratory disease, now called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has airborne transmissionviadroplets. The rate of transmission is quite high, higher than common influenza. Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting the infection particularly when applying respiratory devices such as oxygen cannulas or noninvasive ventilation. The aim of this article is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the correct use of “respiratory devices” in the COVID-19 emergency and protect healthcare workers from contracting the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Effects of benzydamine hydrochloride on postoperative sore throat after extubation in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yhim Hyung-Been , Yoon Soo-Hyuk , Jang Young-Eun , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Eun-Hee , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Hee-Soo
Published: April 2020

Background

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common, undesirable result of endotracheal intubation during general anaesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of benzydamine hydrochloride (BH) spray in reducing the incidence of POST in paediatric patients.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, prospective study included 142 children 6–12 years of age, who were randomly assigned to receive either BH spray or control. After induction of anaesthesia, direct laryngoscope was placed and BH spray was applied to the upper trachea and vocal cord in the BH group and intubation was performed using a cuffed tube lubricated with normal saline. Intubation in the control group was performed using a cuffed tube lubricated with normal saline without any intervention. The balloon was inflated to a pressure of 20 cmH2O. Patients were extubated after fully awakened and transferred to the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU), where they were examined for the presence of POST and any adverse events 30 min after arrival to the PACU. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a smartphone application.

Results

Seventy-one patients were allocated to each group. The incidence of POST in the BH group did not differ from that in the control group (control: BH = 35 (49.3%): 42 (59.2%);P = 0.238); postoperative pain was also similar between the groups. Other complications, such as breath holding, secretions, coughing, laryngospasm and desaturation events, did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Application of prophylactic BH spray to the vocal cords and upper trachea was not proven to reduce POST in paediatric patients.

Trial registry

NCT03074968 (ClinicalTrials.gov, Feb 26, 2017).
Effect of corneal cross-linking on endothelial cell density and morphology in the peripheral cornea
Authors: Goukon Hiroyasu , Kamiya Kazutaka , Takahashi Masahide , Shoji Nobuyuki
Published: April 2020

Background

To compare the endothelial cell density and morphology in the peripheral cornea before and aftercorneal cross-linking (CXL).

Methods

This study evaluated thirty-one eyes of 31 patients who were treated with standard CXL for progressive keratoconus. Preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, we compared the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), the coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), and the percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), in the peripheral regions of the cornea, using a non-contact specular microscope (EM-3000, Tomey).

Results

All keratoconic eyes in this series were measurable in the peripheral regions. No significant differences were found in the peripheral ECD preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively at each point (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, superior,p = 0.16, nasal superior,p = 0.12, temporal superior,p = 0.17, inferior,p = 0.37, nasal inferior,p = 0.28, temporal inferior,p = 0.17). The mean percentage of the ECD loss was 1.3, 1.3, 1.0, 1.4, 0.7, and 1.4%, respectively. No significant differences in the peripheral CV or HEX were found preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively at each point.

Conclusions

Standard CXL does not cause significant changes in endothelial cell density, polymegethism, or polymorphism, in the peripheral regions of the cornea. It is suggested that CXL is a minimally invasive surgical approach for progressive keratoconus, even in terms of peripheral endothelial cells.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (000031162).
Natural history of gastroesophageal reflux in infancy: new data from a prospective cohort
Authors: Curien-Chotard Marlène , Jantchou Prévost
Published: April 2020

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as GER leading to troublesome symptoms that affect daily functioning and/or complications. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and progression of GER and GERD in a cohort of healthy term infants from birth to 12 months old.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study including all full-term living neonates born at Besançon Teaching Hospital, France. Parents completed a clinical report form and the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age. GER was defined as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score < 16, and GERD as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score ≥ 16. Regurgitation was based on the answer to the first question of the I-GERQ-R as anything coming out of the mouth daily.

Results

157/347 births were included (83 boys). The prevalence of regurgitation at least once a day was 45.7% overall. In total: 72, 69, 56, 18, and 13% of infants regurgitated at least once a day at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age, respectively. Physiological GER affected 53, 59, 51, 16, and 12% of infants; GERD, 19, 9, 5, 2, and 2%, respectively. Two risk factors were identified: family history of GER and exposure to passive smoking. Treatment included dietary modification (14%) and pharmacotherapy (5%).

Conclusion

Physiological GER peaked at 3 months, GERD at 1 month. Most cases resolved on their own. GER and GERD are very common in the infant’s population and parents should be reassured/educated regarding symptoms, warning signs, and generally favorable prognosis. I-GERQ-R is useful to the clinical screening and follow up for GER and GERD.
First statement on preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in large German Speaking University-based radiation oncology departments
Authors: Combs Stephanie E. , Belka Claus , Niyazi Maximilian , Corradini Stefanie , Pigorsch Steffi , Wilkens Jan , Grosu Anca L. , Guckenberger Matthias , Ganswindt Ute , Bernhardt Denise
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging modern radiation oncology. At University Hospitals, we have a mandate to offer high-end treatments to all cancer patients. However, in times of crisis we must learn to prioritize resources, especially personnel. Compromising oncological outcome will blur all statistics, therefore all measures must be taken with great caution. Communication with our neighboring countries, within societies and between departments can help meet the challenge. Here, we report on our learning system and preparation measures to effectively tackle the COVID-19 challenge in University-Based Radiation Oncology Departments.
Altered microRNA profile during fracture healing in rats with diabetes
Authors: Takahara Shunsuke , Lee Sang Yang , Iwakura Takashi , Oe Keisuke , Fukui Tomoaki , Okumachi Etsuko , Arakura Michio , Sakai Yoshitada , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: April 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. There is increasing evidence that some miRNAs are involved in the pathology of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. We hypothesized that the functions of certain miRNAs and the changes in their patterns of expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of impaired fractures due to DM.

Methods

In this study, 108 male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into DM and control groups. DM rats were created by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin. Closed transverse femoral shaft fractures were created in both groups. On post-fracture days 5, 7, 11, 14, 21, and 28, miRNA was extracted from the newly generated tissue at the fracture site. Microarray analysis was conducted with miRNA samples from each group on post-fracture days 5 and 11. The microarray findings were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis at each time point.

Results

Microarray analysis revealed that, on days 5 and 11, 368 and 207 miRNAs, respectively, were upregulated in the DM group, compared with the control group. The top four miRNAs on day 5 were miR-339-3p, miR451-5p, miR-532-5p, and miR-551b-3p. The top four miRNAs on day 11 were miR-221-3p, miR376a-3p, miR-379-3p, and miR-379-5p. Among these miRNAs, miR-221-3p, miR-339-3p, miR-376a-3p, miR-379-5p, and miR-451-5p were validated by real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, PCR analysis revealed that these five miRNAs were differentially expressed with dynamic expression patterns during fracture healing in the DM group, compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Our findings will aid in understanding the pathology of impaired fracture healing in DM and may support the development of molecular therapies using miRNAs for the treatment of impaired fracture healing in patients with DM.
The effect of acupuncture on tumor growth and gut microbiota in mice inoculated with osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Xu Xiaoru , Feng Xiangru , He Min , Zhang Zepeng , Wang Jiajia , Zhu Haiyu , Li Tie , Wang Fuchun , Sun Mengmeng , Wang Zhihong
Published: April 2020

Background

Cancer is a complex systemic disease. As a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a clinically proven medical treatment for many diseases, and it also has preventative effects as it balances the body, allowing it to self-regulate. For cancer patients, acupuncture is widely used as complementary therapy to boost the immune system and reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, few studies have determined how acupuncture against cancer, especially in regulating the intestinal flora of the tumor-burdened mice.

Methods

We treated osteosarcoma tumor-burdened mice by using needling on different acupoints and acupoints combination, thereafter determined the effects of acupuncture on tumor growth by using imaging technology in vitro. In addition, intestinal bacteria were analyzed for further understanding the holistic and systemic treatment effects of acupuncture in osteosarcoma tumor-burdened mice.

Results

Acupuncture treatment can delay tumor growth and changes of intestinal bacteria in osteosarcoma tumor-burdened mice. In detail, the loss of body weight and the development of tumor volume of mice have been postposed by needling specific acupoints. In addition, acupuncture treatment has delayed the changes of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Candidatus Saccharibacteria at the phylum level. Moreover, the relative abundance of many bacteria (e.g., Catabacter, Acetatifactor and Aestuariispira) has been regulated by using acupuncture treatment, and the trend of structural changes of these bacteria at the genus level has also been postposed compared to that of the tumor-burdened mice model group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that acupuncture may provide a systemic treatment for cancer. Our findings encourage new and extensive research into the effects of acupuncture on changes of the intestinal microbiome associated with the development of cancer.
Sahaj Samadhi Meditation versus a Health Enhancement Program for depression in chronic pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial and implementation evaluation
Authors: Sud Abhimanyu , Nelson Michelle L. A. , Cheng Darren K. , Armas Alana , Foat Kirk , Greiver Michelle , Hosseiny Fardous , Katz Joel , Moineddin Rahim , Mulsant Benoit H. , Newman Ronnie I. , Rivlin Leon , Vasudev Akshya , Upshur Ross
Published: April 2020

Background

Despite the high prevalence of comorbid chronic pain and depression, this comorbidity remains understudied. Meditation has demonstrated efficacy for both chronic pain and depression independently, yet there have been few studies examining its effectiveness when both conditions are present concurrently. Furthermore, while meditation is generally accepted as a safe and effective health intervention, little is known about how to implement meditation programs within or alongside the health care system.

Methods

We will conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness–implementation evaluation. To measure effectiveness, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing Sahaj Samadhi Meditation and the Health Enhancement Program in 160 people living with chronic pain, clinically significant depressive symptoms, and on long-term opioid therapy. Changes in depressive symptoms will be our primary outcome; pain severity, pain-related function, opioid use, and quality of life will be the secondary outcomes. The primary end point will be at 12 weeks with a secondary end point at 24 weeks to measure the sustainability of acute effects. Patients will be recruited from a community-based chronic pain clinic in a large urban center in Mississauga, Canada. The meditation program will be delivered in the clinical environment where patients normally receive their chronic pain care by certified meditation teachers who are not regulated health care providers. We will use a mixed-methods design using the multi-level framework to understand the implementation of this particular co-location model.

Discussion

Results of this hybrid evaluation will add important knowledge about the effectiveness of meditation for managing depressive symptoms in people with chronic pain. The implementation evaluation will inform both effectiveness outcomes and future program development, scalability, and sustainability.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04039568. Registered on 31 July 2019.