bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of health education including motivational psychology elements for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee- a prospective randomized comparison of two strategies
Authors: Biebl Johanna Theresia , Kraft Eduard , Rykala Marzena , Kramer Sybille , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Huber Stephan , Lorenz Andreas
Published: April 2022

Background: Patient education is key in the management of chronic musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee. Comparatively few studies provide information on the content of educational programs and their specific impact on patient-related parameters such as self-efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two single-session educational trainings containing different motivational psychology elements. Methods: Two different types of educational training conveying the same information were designed as a one-time intervention. Training A was designed according to the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Training B included motivational elements based on positive images. Patients with OA of the hip or knee were randomly assigned to participate in either Training A or Training B. The patients completed questionnaires at baseline, directly after the training and 16 weeks after the training. The main evaluated parameters were disease-specific knowledge, assessed by two different questionnaires, pain-related self-efficacy and OA symptoms (WOMAC score).Results: Fifty-two patients participated. Of these, 27 were assigned to group A and 25 to group B. Disease-specific knowledge improved significantly in both groups immediately after the training and at 16 weeks follow-up. Self-efficacy was initially enhanced in both groups after the trainings but a significant improvement at 16 weeks follow-up was only found for group A. The increase in self-efficacy scores after 16 weeks was significantly higher in group A than in group B. There was a trend towards improved WOMAC scores after 16 weeks for group A but not for group B. Conclusion: The results indicate that disease-specific knowledge of OA patients can be enhanced by one-time educational trainings including motivational psychology elements. A HAPA-based training could possibly also lead to lasting improvements regarding patients’ self-efficacy and OA-related symptoms. Thus HAPA-based educational programs seem to be a promising, feasible tool to improve OA patients’ self-care. Trial registration: The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021827).
Preferred communication with adolescent and young adult patients receiving bad news about cancer
Authors: Yoshida Saran , Shimizu Ken , Matsui Motohiro , Fujimori Maiko , Uchitomi Yosuke , Horibe Keizo
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Several studies have investigated good communication practices with adult patients receiving bad news about cancer. However, communication preferences differ between adult and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. These preferences have not been determined for AYA patients. The primary endpoint of this study was to describe the communication preferred by AYA patients with cancer.Methods: The study cohort consisted of 15 patients who received a cancer diagnosis at the age of 15–29 years. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was performed to analyze the data.Results: For the preferred communication of AYA patients, 80 attributes were extracted in the following five domains: 1) “Supportive setting,” 2) “Method of disclosure of bad news,” 3) “Information given,” 4) “Emotional support,” and 5) “Support for the patient’s decision-making.” Although more than half of the attributes extracted were identical to the preferred communication of adult patients, some attributes specific to AYA patients were identified that physicians should consider. Preferences specific to AYA patients included mentioning generation-specific social factors, not showing excessive empathy, and communicating in a manner considering their age and cognitive development that supports their decision-making.Conclusion: Although physicians should be mindful of the specific preferences of AYA patients, the basic attitude and communication preferences are similar to those of patients of other generations.
Seated Lumbar extensor strength in adults: a study of repeatability and reliability
Authors: Alshammari Abdullah , Algarni Nizar , Marwan Yousef , Algarni Nabil , Weber Michael , Ouellet Jean , Fortin Maryse , Jarzem Peter
Published: April 2022

Background: In this study, we examined the use of a static dynamometer chair to measure lumbar spine extensors strength in a sample of 79 healthy adults.Methods: In this study we examined 79 healthy subjects (33 males and 46 females), 25-63 years of age. Subjects were placed in a seated position on the novel chair, secured tightly with a lap belt. In each session, the subjects were asked to extend their back against the force transducer at maximum capacity, maintaining the extension for 5 seconds. The maximal force delivered over that period was recorded. Subjects had a practice trial followed by 3 forceful extensions with pausing intervals of 30 seconds. The average force of all 3 trials were recorded. A follow up session was carried out within 14 days later.Results: Initial session was 69.474 LBS (67.047 and 71.901). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for single measure was 0.853 (0.765 and 0.908 with 95% CI) and for average measures, 0.921(0.867 to 0.952 with CI 95%).Follow up session mean noted was 71.661 LBS (71.615 and 71.706). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for single measure was 0.798 (is 0.683 and 0.874 with 95% CI) and for average measures, 0.888 (0.812 and 0.933 with CI 95%).Relationship (average measure) between initial session and follow up session set of measurements (r=0.80; p<0.001; R2=0.62).Conclusion:The use of the static dynamometer chair is reliable. It is a non-invasive, cost-effective test that facilitates the assessment of lumbar spine extensors strength in adult patients.
FATWA DSN MUI DAN PERKEMBANGAN PRODUK PERBANKAN SYARIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Hardi Eja Armaz
Published: April 2022

Aktikel ini mencoba untuk melihat posisi fatwa DSN-MUI terhadap perkembangan produk dan jasa bank syariah sebagai instrument syariah compliance. Hingga tahun 2017 fatwa terkait produk dan jasa pada lembaga keuangan syariah telah diterbitkan sebanyak 116 fatwa. Produk dan jasa yang dimanfaatkan oleh bank syariah secara umum dapat dibagi menjadi pola yaitu perhimpunan, pembiayaan dan produk jasa. Fatwa terbanyak dikeluarkan oleh DSN-MUI pada tahun 2000 dan 2002 yang merupakan respon cepat MUI untuk memberikan acuan instrument kepatuhan syariah. Kepatuhan syariah tersebut dituangkan dalam UU No. 10 Tahun 1998 perubahan UU No. 07 Tahun 1992 disebutkan bahwa bank syariah harus menggunakan prinsip-prinsip syariah. Kemudian diksi fatwa dijelaskan dan dicantumkan pada UU No. 21 Tahun 2008. Dilain pihak produk dan jasa yang dikeluarkan oleh bank syariah saat ini telah terakomodir dengan fatwa-fatwa yang dikeluarkan oleh DSN-MUI. Dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kepustakaan, artikel ini menyimpulkan bahwa posisi fatwa belum memiliki peran yang signifikaan terhadap perkembangan produk dan jasa bank syariah. Hal ini dikarenakan bahwa fatwa berperan hanya sebagai komplementer bagi produk dan jasa bank syariah. disamping itu dikarenakan fatwa merupakan tuntutan Undang-Undang bagi sektor perbankan syariah dalam konteks kepatuhan syariah (syariah compliance). Selanjutnya fatwa juga diterbitkan setelah produk dan jasa sudah terbit bukan dengan mekanisme pembahasan terlebih dahulu.
Estimation of Item Parameter Indices of NECO Mathematics Multiple Choice Test Items Among Nigerian Students
Authors: Kasali Jimoh , Adeyemi Adediwura Alaba
Published: April 2022

The study estimated the difficulty, discrimination, and vulnerability to guessing 2016 National Examination Council (NECO) Mathematics multiple-choice test items. The study employed an ex-post facto design with 276,338 samples. The research instruments used for the study were Optical Marks Record Sheets for the NECO June/July 2016 Mathematics objectives items. The responses of the testees were scored dichotomously. Data collected were calibrated using four parameters logistic model. The results showed that most items in the 2016 NECO Mathematics test were good as their difficulty parameters were within (-2 to 2). For those items, difficulty parameter estimates are considered good. Also, the results indicated that only 21.7% of 2016 NECO Mathematics test items had a very good discriminating power, and the majority of the items had poor discrimination power. The result implies that most of the items were not effective in discriminating between examinees with the required ability and those that lack the required ability. Finally, the result revealed that the 2016 NECO test items were not vulnerable to guessing (i.e., 86.7% of items were good in terms of guessing). The study concluded that the 2016 NECO Mathematics test items were good for difficulty and guessing parameter indices.
Studi Kasus Pembelajaran Tematik Integratif Berbasis Gender di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Authors: Chaerunnisa Luq Yana
Published: April 2022

Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan pembelajaran tematik integratif berbasis gender di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Semarang. Instrumen penelitian ini menggunakan wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik datanya menggunakan model Miles and Huberman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru mengintegrasikan pendidikan berbasis gender melalui pilihan tema yang tepat dan refleksi terhadap peran dan tanggungjawab laki-laki dan perempuan dalam kehidupan keluarga dan lingkungan sekitarnya.  Selain itu, Sekolah juga telah mengkampanyekan slogan berbasis gender dan menyedediakan sarana dan prasarana yang ramah gender, seperti penyediaan kamar mandi untuk laki-laki dan perempuan. Namun demikian, belum ada kebijakan dan kurikulum yang diberikan oleh sekolah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman gender kepada guru. Hasil penelitian memberikan saran untuk memperluas sosialisasi standar dan nilai-nilai sekolah ramah gender serta implikasinya dalam pembelajaran tematik integratif yang dilaksanakan oleh pendidik dan stakeholders lainnya.In English: This article aims to determine the implementation of gender-based integrative thematic learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Semarang. The research instrument uses interviews and documentation. The data technique uses the Miles and Huberman model. The results show that teachers integrate gender-based education through choosing the right theme and reflecting on the roles and responsibilities of men and women in family life and the surrounding environment. In addition, the school has campaigned for a gender-based slogan and provided gender-friendly facilities and infrastructure, such as the provision of bathrooms for boys and girls. However, there are no policies and curricula provided by schools to improve gender understanding for teachers. The study results suggest expanding the socialization of gender-friendly school standards and values and their implications in integrative thematic learning by educators and other stakeholders.
Working Situation And Research Willingness: A Case Of Primary School Teachers In The Southeast Of China
Authors: Gan Huo-Hua
Published: April 2022

Based on the pursuit of research-oriented teachers, this study temped to understand whether school teachers have the time, willingness, and demands to conduct research while teaching. A qualitative survey was conducted among primary school mathematics teachers in southern Fujian province, the Southeast of China, through Questionnaires Star, and 102 texts were obtained. The survey found that primary school mathematics teachers' average daily work time in the sample was about 10 hours. The work contents were cumbersome and diverse, including rigid and semi-rigid tasks, and a social control mode of short-term responsibility with limited personal autonomy was found. The lesson preparation adopted the modification and imitation mode, and the classroom teaching conducted preset adjustment orientation. The research awareness and innovation ability of lesson preparation and teaching were insufficient, but the overall willingness to do research was very high. Teaching-based empirical research was their favorite, aiming at improving personal, professional rank, and student achievement. The reasons for not wanting to do research were mainly busy work, lack of theoretical literacy, and expecting mentors to lead or team up with famous teachers. As such, some recommendations were put forward.
Kegiatan Pengembangan Usaha Terhadap Usaha Es Noni di Desa Cijedil
Authors:   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Prakasa Halim Andrika , Gunawan Fransisca ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Adirga Giandre ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Tania Larisa Gracia ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Christella Jessy ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Immanuel Matthew ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Reza Rizky Muhamad ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339, Gunawan Sandy ,   School of Business and Economics Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1, Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Kabupaten Tangerang, Banten 15339
Published: April 2022

Es Noni is a home-based ice cream business that is still being classified as a small business as it needs a better development process to increase its sales. Therefore, Es Noni has several problems formulated from this case that needs to be solved. First, the production quantity of the ice cream was limited due to the absence of, no suitable freezer to store all of the production demand. Next, there was only one place to sell the ice cream continuously and they didn’t have a large, compatible cooling box that has enough space to store all of the sellable ice creams. Whereas the last problem is Es Noni never records its sales on a daily basis and their way of distributing the revenue is still incorrect. With all of the problems that Es Noni had, the author wanted to help in solving these problems. The author purchased most of the required equipment to increase the amount of production and sales. Moreover, the author discovered other sales methods to expand the ice cream’s market, alongside giving them the knowledge on how to write an accounting report correctly regarding their cash flow and product inventory to minimize the occurrence of adverse errors.
IMPLEMENTASI PENCEGAHAN PENYAKIT MELALUI PENYULUHAN KESEHATAN DI DUSUN SAPAN UNTUK MENURUNKAN ANGKA KESAKITAN (MORBIDITAS)
Authors:   Rekam Medik & Informasi Kesehatan, Politeknik Piksi Ganesha Bandung, Setiatin Sali , Trimasuti Wahyu ,   Komputerisasi Akuntansi,Politeknik Piksi Ganesha Bandung, Christinawati Santy ,   Rekam Medik & Informasi Kesehatan,Politeknik Piksi Ganesha Bandung
Published: April 2022

This community service program aims to reports the result of community service concerning the implementation of diseases prevention through health educationin Sapan to decrease morbidity.The method usage for the research is a quantitative method with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques usage through observation, interviews, counseling and literature review related to the subject matter.The problem that were found from the research are : 1) The high rates of morbidity in Sapan Desa Sumbersari Kecamatan Ciparay Kabupaten Bandung, 2) The Lack of public knowledge about PHBS and public awareness will throw garbage in its place, 3) The unavailability of trash cans around the road.The suggestion given were: 1) The community needs to know and be aware of infectious and non-infectious disease and the application of PHBS, 2) Puskesmas needs to improve socialization and health education for the community, 3) The local goverment provides a trash cans on the roadside and garbage banks in each hamlet.
Characterization of Secondary Structure and Thermal Stability by
Biophysical Methods of the D-alanyl,D-alanine Ligase B Protein from
Escherichia coli
Authors: Júnior José Renato Pattaro , Caruso Ícaro Putinhon , de Sá Jéssica Maróstica , Mezalira Taniara Suelen , de Souza Lima Diego , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Roper David , Fernandez Maria Aparecida , Vicente  Seixas Flavio Augusto
Published: April 2022

Background:

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a key structural component of the bacterial cell wall and interruption of its biosynthesis is a validated target for antimicrobials. Of the enzymes involved in PG biosynthesis, D-alanyl,D-alanine ligase B (DdlB), is responsible for the condensation of two alanines, forming D-Ala-D-Ala, which is required for subsequent extracellular transpeptidase crosslinking of the mature peptidoglycan polymer.

Objectives:

We aimed the biophysical characterization of recombinant Escherichia coli DdlB (EcDdlB), regarding parameters of melting temperature (Tm), calorimetry and van’t Hoff enthalpy changes of denaturation ( and ), as well as characterization of elements of secondary structure at three different pHs.

Methods:

DdlB was overexpressed in E. coli BL21 and purified by affinity chromatography. Thermal stability and structural characteristics of the purified enzyme were analyzed by circular dichroism (CD), differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results:

The stability of EcDdlB increased with proximity to its pI of 5.0, reaching the maximum at pH 5.4 with Tm and of 52.68 ºC and 484 kJ.mol-1, respectively. Deconvolutions of the CD spectra at 20 ºC showed a majority percentage of α-helix at pH 5.4 and 9.4, whereas for pH 7.4, an equal contribution of β-structures and α-helices was calculated. Thermal denaturation process of EcDdlB proved to be irreversible with an increase in β-structures that can contribute to the formation of protein aggregates.

Conclutions:

Such results will be useful for energy minimization of structural models aimed at virtual screening simulations, providing useful information in the search for drugs that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis.
Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Erythropoietin
on Cancer-Related Anemia in Mice Model
Authors: Farjadfar Akbar , Estiri Mohammad , Estiri Bahareh , Fallah Asghar , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Sedaqati Amir , Abdollahi Abbas , Rabienia Mahsa , Mortazavidehkordi Nahid
Published: April 2022

Background:

Cancer-related anemia (CRA) negatively influences cancer patients’ survival,
disease progression, treatment efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). Current treatments such as iron
therapy, red cell transfusion, and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) may cause severe adverse
effects. Therefore, the development of long-lasting and curative therapies is urgently required.

Objective:

In this study, a cell and gene therapy strategy was developed for in-vivo delivery of EPO
cDNA by way of genetic engineering of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs)
to produce and secrete human EPO protein for extended periods after transplantation into the mice
model of CRA.

Methods:

To evaluate CRA’s treatment in cancer-free and cancerous conditions, first, a recombinant
breast cancer cell line 4T1 which expressed herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK)
by a lentiviral vector encoding HSV1-TK was developed and injected into mice. After three weeks, all
mice developed metastatic breast cancer associated with acute anemia. Then, ganciclovir (GCV) was
administered for ten days in half of the mice to clear cancer cells. Meanwhile, another lentiviral vector
encoding EPO to transduce hWJMSCs was developed. Following implantation of rhWJMSCs-EPO in
the second group of mice, peripheral blood samples were collected once a week for ten weeks from
both groups.

Results:

Analysis of peripheral blood samples showed that plasma EPO, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit
(Hct) concentrations significantly increased and remained at therapeutic for >10 weeks in both
treatment groups.

Conclusions:

Data indicated that rhWJMSCs-EPO increased the circulating level of EPO, Hb, and Hct
in both mouse subject groups and improved the anemia of cancer in both cancer-free and cancerous
mice.
A Hypoxia-Regulated Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Specific Gene Therapy
Vector Reduces Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model
Authors: Yuan Yun , Kong Wen , Liu Xiao-Mei , Shi Guo-Hua
Published: April 2022

Background:

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) is characterized by the presence
of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Although there are some clinical drugs targeting vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibiting CNV, two major side effects limit their application,
including the excessive activity of anti-VEGF and frequent intraocular injections. To explore better
treatment strategies, researchers developed a hypoxic modulator retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-
specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing endostatin to inhibit CNV. However, the
mechanism of endostatin is complex. Instead, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) can inhibit
VEGF-induced angiogenesis through two simple and clear mechanisms, giving rise to sequestration of
VEGF and forming an inactive heterodimer with the membrane-spanning isoforms of the VEGF receptor
Flt-1 and kinase insert domain-containing receptor.

Objective:

In this study, we chose sFlt-1 as a safer substitute to treat wAMD by inhibiting VEGFinduced
angiogenesis.

Methods:

The AAV2/8-Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-1 vector was delivered by intravitreal injection to the
eyes of mice. AAV2/8-Y733F vector is a mutant of the AAV2/8 vector, and the REG-RPE promoter is
a hypoxia-regulated RPE-specific promoter. Two animal models were used to evaluate the function of
the vector.

Results:

In the cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia model, the results demonstrated that the AAV2/8-
Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-1 vector induced the expression of the sFlt-1 gene in RPE cells through hypoxia.
In the laser-induced CNV model, the results demonstrated that the AAV2/8-Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-
1 vector reduced laser-induced CNV.

Conclusions:

Hypoxia regulated, RPE-specific AAV vector-mediated sFlt-1 gene is a hypoxiaregulated
antiangiogenic vector for wAMD.
An Overview of Tetramethylpyrazine (Ligustrazine) and its Derivatives as Potent Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Agents
Authors: Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Yogesh Ruchika
Published: April 2022

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), or ligustrazine, is an alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb Ligusticum wallichii. It is known for its broad-spectrum medicinal properties against several diseases, and various studies have shown that it can modulate diverse biological targets and signaling pathways to produce neuroprotective effects, especially against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This has attracted significant research attention evaluating TMP as a potent multitarget anti-AD agent. This review compiles the results of studies assessing the neuroprotective mechanisms exerted by TMP as well as its derivatives prepared using a multi-target-directed ligand strategy to explore its multitarget modulating properties. The present review also highlights the work done on the design, synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of some potent TMP derivatives that have shown promising anti-AD activities. These derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to develop anti-AD molecules with enhanced biological and pharmacokinetic activities compared to TMP. This review article paves the way for the exploration and development of TMP and TMP derivatives as an effective treatment for AD.
Piperazine-based Semicarbazone Derivatives as Potent Urease Inhibitors:
Design, Synthesis, and Bioactivity Screening
Authors: Moghadam Ebrahim Saeedian , Al-Sadi Abdullah Mohammed , Talebi Meysam , Amanlou Massoud , Shongwe Musa , Amini Mohsen , Abdel-Jalil Raid
Published: April 2022

Background:

An enzyme called urease assists highly pathogenic bacteria in colonizing and
maintaining themselves. Accordingly, inhibiting urease enzymes has been shown to be a promising strategy
for preventing ureolytic bacterial infections.

Objective:

This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the bioactivity of a series of semicarbazone derivatives.

Methods:

A series of piperazine-based semicarbazone derivatives 5a-o were synthesized and isolated, and
their structures were elucidated by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques besides MS and
elemental analysis. The urease inhibition activity of these compounds was evaluated using the standard
urease enzyme inhibition kit. An MTT assay was performed on two different cell lines (NIH-3T3 and
MCF-7) to investigate the cytotoxicity profile.

Results:

All semicarbazone 5a-o exhibited higher urease inhibition activity (3.95–6.62 μM) than the reference
standards thiourea and hydroxyurea (IC50: 22 and 100 μM, respectively). Derivatives 5m and 5o
exhibited the best activity with the IC50 values of 3.95 and 4.05 μM, respectively. Investigating the cytotoxicity
profile of the target compound showed that all compounds 5a-o have IC50 values higher than 50
μM for both tested cell lines.

Conclusion:

The results showed that semicarbazone derivatives could be highly effective as urease inhibitors.
Dry Deposition above Smooth Surfaces - A Numerical Investigation for the
Concentration Boundary Layer
Authors: Hussein Tareq , Bakri Zaid , Jaghbeir Omar Al
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Dry deposition velocity towards a surface is commonly investigated by
modelling. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the nature of the concentration
boundary layer (CBL).

Methods:

We aimed at acquiring an in-depth description of the particle concentration profile
within the CBL by investigating the layer height and the concentration profile. The particle concentration,
as a solution to the particle flux equation, is obtained and modeled numerically by
performing the left Riemann sum using MATLAB software. The friction velocity !∗ and the
particle diameter !! are the major parameters taken into consideration when characterizing the
concentration boundary layer above a surface. The particle concentration profile depends on the
friction velocity; the concentration gradient starts from zero at the surface and reaches its maximum
in the middle of the layer and then reaches zero again at the top of the boundary layer.

Results:

The concentration profile is slightly altered with a sudden increase in the concentration
gradient at the surface when considering large particles or when the friction velocity has extreme
values.

Conclusion:

The boundary layer height (y+
cbl) varied with the particle diameter, and a proper
value is 100 to ensure accurate calculations for the dry deposition velocity (diameter 0.01 – 100
μm) above a smooth surface. From a numerical point of view, the numerical setup of the calculation
required y+ divisions to be more than 1000 for all particle diameters included in the investigation.
In addition, y+
max = 104 is important for ultrafine particles (diameter smaller than 0.1
μm). Nevertheless, y+
max does not need to be investigated beyond 100 when the friction velocity
is below 10 cm/s.
Antidiabetic Properties of Nymphaea Species (Water Lilies): A Review
Authors: Prodhan A. H. M. Safayet Ullah , Mridu Farzana Sharmin
Published: April 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent metabolic disease specified by increased blood glucose and impaired insulin function. Various antidiabetic drugs are currently being used, but plant sources of antidiabetic agents are of recent scientific interest as they possess multitarget effects and the most negligible side effects. Nymphaea species (water lilies) have long been traditionally taken as food and antidiabetic agents. Growing research evidence suggests that different Nymphaea species exhibit antidiabetic activity. Therefore, we took an endeavor to summarize the available scientific literature on the antidiabetic activity of the genus Nymphaea. We extensively searched in three search engines and selected 27 in vivo, 9 in vitro, and 4 in silico studies regarding antidiabetic properties of 7 Nymphaea species named Nymphaea stellata, Nymphaea pubescens, Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea alba, Nymphaea nouchali, Nymphaea rubra, and Nymphaea odorata. All these studies coincided with the conclusion that the Nymphaea species have effective antidiabetic properties and safety. Therefore, Nymphaea species are potential candidates for evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine and integrative medicine. The species have been found to show antidiabetic properties by antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, pancreatic β-cell-regenerating, insulin secretion and sensitivity promoting, glucose uptake and metabolizing protein-expressing, intestinal glucose metabolizing enzyme inhibiting, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. A variety of antidiabetic compounds have been identified in the 7 Nymphaea species, which can be responsible for the antidiabetic activity exerted by diverse mechanisms. Future studies should be conducted on other Nymphaea species and different plant parts and diabetic parameters to investigate their antidiabetic activity and responsible phytochemical contents.
EECH/CF: An Energy-efficient Cluster Head Election and Cluster
Formation Algorithms for WSNs
Authors: Hayouni Haythem
Published: April 2022

Background and Objective:

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) consist of sensor nodes with
a limited battery life and limited communication distance. The minimal energy expended by the sensor
nodes and network can be achieved either by reducing the number of communications or by controlling
the topology. Thus, energy consumption can be optimized by employing several techniques,
such as clustering. Clustering allows the network to be divided into a set of clusters, each of which is
managed by a cluster head. In a hierarchical cluster-based WSN, the cluster head receives the data
from its sensor members, aggregates it and sends the result to the base station, which leads to an extra
overload. So, the selection of appropriate cluster head plays a very important role in conserving the
energy of the sensor nodes and extend the lifetime of the network. This paper introduces an energyefficient
cluster head election and cluster formation algorithm for WSNs, called EECH/CF. To select
cluster heads, our proposal election algorithm uses the initial and residual energy level of the sensor
nodes, and efficiently creates the different clusters using an appropriate mechanism. Performance
evaluation has shown a significant improvement in energy conservation and the network lifetime for
EECH/CF in comparison to some existing clustering algorithms.

Methods:

Our proposal election algorithm uses the initial and residual energy level of the sensor
nodes, and efficiently creates the different clusters using an appropriate mechanism.

Results and Discussion:

Performance evaluation has shown a significant improvement in energy conservation
and the network lifetime for EECH/CF in comparison to some existing clustering algorithms.

Conclusion:

Results show that our clustering algorithms improve the lifetime of the network as we
expected. Indeed, the delay before the death of the first node can be up to seven times longer with
EECH/CF.
Recent Advances in Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Nanotechnology
in Wastewater Treatment- A Review
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Chauhan Pratima
Published: April 2022

Water issues, including inaccessibility of a high percentage of freshwater, water pollution,
water scarcity for drinking, etc., are major global concerns. Our research work aims to clean wastewater
and treat it safely by applying nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has a broad range of applications. With
the help of metal-based nanoparticles, advanced techniques can be developed for treating wastewater.
Water purification generally employs methods that involve adsorption, breaking down waste and harmful
materials, and nanoscale filtration techniques. This research review mainly discusses the synthesis of
nanoparticles and the application of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment.
Online Searching as a Practice for Evidence-Based Medicine in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Muhamad Nor Asiah , Selvarajah Vinesha , Dharmaratne Anuja , Inthiran Anushia , Mohd Dali Nor Soleha , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Lai Nai Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

The use of the internet for research is essential in the practice of evidence-based medicine. The online search habits of medical practitioners in clinical settings, particularly from direct observation, have received little attention.

Objective

The goal of the research is to explore online searching for information as an evidence-based practice among medical practitioners.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the clinical teams’ use of evidence-based practice when making clinical decisions for their patients' care. Data were collected through online searches from 2015 to 2018. Participants were medical practitioners and medical students in a Malaysian public teaching hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit who performed online searches to find answers to clinical questions that arose during ward rounds.

Results

In search sessions conducted by the participants, 311 queries were observed from 2015 to 2018. Most participants (34/47, 72%) were house officers and medical students. Most of the searches were conducted by house officers (51/99, 52%) and medical students (32/99, 32%). Most searches (70/99, 71%) were directed rather than self-initiated, and 90% (89/99) were completed individually rather than collaboratively. Participants entered an average of 4 terms in each query; three-quarters of the queries yielded relevant evidence, with two-thirds yielding more than one relevant source of evidence.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that junior doctors and medical students need more training in evidence-based medicine skills such as clinical question formulation and online search techniques for performing independent online searches effectively. However, because the findings were based on intermittent opportunistic observations in a specific clinical setting, they may not be generalizable.
Bridging Connectivity Issues in Digital Access and Literacy: Reflections on Empowering Vulnerable Older Adults in Singapore
Authors: Lim Haikel A , Lee Joanne Sze Win , Lim Meng Han , Teo Lynn Pei Zhen , Sin Natalene Siew Wen , Lim Rou Wei , Chua Si Min , Yeo Jia Qi , Ngiam Nerice Heng Wen , Tey Angeline Jie-Yin , Tham Celine Yi Xin , Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Low Lian Leng , Tang Kai Wen Aaron
Published: April 2022

This article describes a ground-up initiative for a volunteer-run digital literacy program in Singapore targeting vulnerable older adults, focusing on the barriers faced in running this program and training these beneficiaries. It further offers possible solutions to overcome these hurdles, providing insight for individuals or organizations seeking to start similar ground-up initiatives.
Online Searching as a Practice for Evidence-Based Medicine in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Malaya Medical Center, Malaysia: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Muhamad Nor Asiah , Selvarajah Vinesha , Dharmaratne Anuja , Inthiran Anushia , Mohd Dali Nor Soleha , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Lai Nai Ming
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The use of the internet for research is essential in the practice of evidence-based medicine. The online search habits of medical practitioners in clinical settings, particularly from direct observation, have received little attention.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research is to explore online searching for information as an evidence-based practice among medical practitioners.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the clinical teams’ use of evidence-based practice when making clinical decisions for their patients' care. Data were collected through online searches from 2015 to 2018. Participants were medical practitioners and medical students in a Malaysian public teaching hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit who performed online searches to find answers to clinical questions that arose during ward rounds.

RESULTS

In search sessions conducted by the participants, 311 queries were observed from 2015 to 2018. Most participants (34/47, 72%) were house officers and medical students. Most of the searches were conducted by house officers (51/99, 52%) and medical students (32/99, 32%). Most searches (70/99, 71%) were directed rather than self-initiated, and 90% (89/99) were completed individually rather than collaboratively. Participants entered an average of 4 terms in each query; three-quarters of the queries yielded relevant evidence, with two-thirds yielding more than one relevant source of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that junior doctors and medical students need more training in evidence-based medicine skills such as clinical question formulation and online search techniques for performing independent online searches effectively. However, because the findings were based on intermittent opportunistic observations in a specific clinical setting, they may not be generalizable.
The Association of Shared Care Networks With 30-Day Heart Failure Excessive Hospital Readmissions: Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pinheiro Diego , Hartman Ryan , Mai Jing , Romero Erick , Soroya Mohammad , Bastos-Filho Carmelo , de Carvalho Lima Ricardo , Gibson Michael , Ebong Imo , Bidwell Julie , Nuno Miriam , Cadeiras Martin
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Higher-than-expected heart failure (HF) readmissions affect half of US hospitals every year. The Hospital Reduction Readmission Program has reduced risk-adjusted readmissions, but it has also produced unintended consequences. Shared care models have been advocated for HF care, but the association of shared care networks with HF readmissions has never been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the association of shared care networks with 30-day HF excessive readmission rates using a longitudinal observational study.

METHODS

We curated publicly available data on hospital discharges and HF excessive readmission ratios from hospitals in California between 2012 and 2017. Shared care areas were delineated as data-driven units of care coordination emerging from discharge networks. The localization index, the proportion of patients who reside in the same shared care area in which they are admitted, was calculated by year. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between the localization index and the excessive readmission ratio of hospitals controlling for race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors.

RESULTS

A total of 300 hospitals in California in a 6-year period were included. The HF excessive readmission ratio was negatively associated with the adjusted localization index (β=–.0474, 95% CI –0.082 to –0.013). The percentage of Black residents within the shared care areas was the only statistically significant covariate (β=.4128, 95% CI 0.302 to 0.524).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher-than-expected HF readmissions were associated with shared care networks. Control mechanisms such as the Hospital Reduction Readmission Program may need to characterize and reward shared care to guide hospitals toward a more organized HF care system.
Social Media Platforms Listening Study on Antibiotic Resistance: Quantitative and Qualitative Findings (Preprint)
Authors: Arquembourg Jocelyne , Glaser Philippe , Roblot France , Metzler Isabelle , Gallant-Dewavrin Mélanie , Mebarki Adel , Voillot Paméla , Schück Stéphane , Lalaude Olivier
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

With the increasing popularity of Web 2.0 applications, social media has made it possible for individuals to post messages on antibiotic ineffectiveness. In such online conversations, patients discuss their quality of life. Social media have become key tools for finding and disseminating medical information.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the main themes of discussion, the difficulties encountered by patients with respect to antibiotic ineffectiveness and the impact on their quality of life (physical, psychological, social, or financial).

METHODS

A noninterventional retrospective study was carried out by collecting social media posts in French language written by internet users mentioning their experience with antibiotics, and the impact of their ineffectiveness on their quality of life. Messages posted between January 2014 and July 2020 were extracted from French-speaking publicly available online forums.

RESULTS

A total of 3 773 messages were included in the analysis corpus after extraction and filtering. These messages were posted by 2 335 separate web users, most of them being women of about 35 years. Inefficacy of treatment options and the lack of information regarding the use of antibiotics were among the most discussed topics. Quality of life was discussed in 63% of the 3 773 messages posted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings could guide us to generate a more comprehensive and structured resource based on patients’ information needs.
Working Paper PUEAA No. 4. Tama New Town Revitalization Policy and its Major Projects
Authors:   Meisei University, Nishiura Sadatsugu
Published: April 2022

In the period after the Second World War, the phenomenon of migration from rural to urban areas increased dramatically, this posed a new series of challenges for cities that saw their infrastructure and their space taken to the limit. But now the new Japanese urban developments seek to reverse this by making cities more friendly places for both the individual and the environment. Taking into consideration both socioeconomic and environmental factors, these new projects seek to create coexistence and co-development that improves the quality of life in cities from their very design, as a way to help combat social inequalities, but also to help the cities’ sustainability.
Working paper PUEAA No. 13. Contesting Space in Postwar Tokyo's Sanya Day Labor District
Authors:   Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Omino Akira
Published: April 2022

This article examines a series of day laborer riots that occurred between 1959 and 1962 in Tokyo's largest day laborer district, Sanya. In doing so, it attempts to understand how local social changes were related to the riots. This paper argues that these riots represent a radical reaction on the part of Sanya's day laborers to the complex macroeconomic changes accompanying the era of high-speed growth. These changes, intimately related to the domestic construction industry, transformed Sanya into a profitable urban space in which capital could be invested and value generated.
Working paper PUEAA No. 15. Teaching Spanish to Japanese students: The students’ profile, their needs and their learning style
Authors:   Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros, UNAM, Escobar Hernández José Carlos
Published: April 2022

This paper focuses on the Japanese students’ learning process when they study Spanish as a second language. First, it mentions some students’ profile characteristic and their interests in learning a new language. Second, it describes the learning language system in Japan, the students’ behavior in the language classes, and which activities they prefer to do in class. In addition, it describes different kinds of learning methods that could be applied depending on the students’ interests and cultural differences. Finally, the author considers that teaching Spanish to Japanese students raises several issues that have to be attended in order to achieve success. Since learning a language implies hard work and effort, teachers must try different methods and approaches relying upon scientific evidence based on one fundamental assumption: people learn by doing things themselves.
Human Motion Imitation using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Shinde Sandesh
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Within a unified framework, we handle human image synthesis, including human motion imitation, appearance transfer, and new view synthesis. It indicates that after the model has been trained, it can do all of these jobs. To estimate the human body structure, existing task-specific techniques mostly employ 2D key-points (position). However, they can only represent location data and have no ability to define the person's unique shape or simulate limb rotations. To untangle the position and form, we suggest using a 3D body mesh recovery module in this study. It may define the customized body form as well as model joint placement and rotation. We present a Liquid Warping GAN technique that propagates source information in both image and feature spaces to the synthesized reference in order to retain source information such as texture, style, colour, and face identity. A denoising convolutional auto-encoder extracts the source characteristics in order to accurately characterize the source identity. In addition, our approach allows for more flexible warping from many sources. A one/few-shot adversarial learning is used to increase the generalization capacity of the unseen source pictures. In particular, it begins by putting a model through a rigorous training process. The model is then fine-tuned in a self-supervised manner by using one/few unseen images to create high-resolution (512x512 and 1024x1024) outputs. In addition, we created the imitation dataset to assess human motion imitation and unique view synthesis. Extensive testing has shown that our approaches work better in retaining facial identification, form consistency, and outfit details. Keywords: Human Image Synthesis, Motion Imitation, Novel View Synthesis, Generative Adversarial Network
Real-Time Passenger Safety System Using Facial Emotion Recognition
Authors: Srivastava Anuraj , Kukreja Anusha , Khichi Satya Bhanu
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In this paper, a “REAL-TIME PASSENGER SAFETY SYSTEM USING FACIAL EMOTION RECOGNITION” is presented using the help of Neural Network Models. Our facial expressions keep on changing, and we have the intelligence of understanding the meaning of several of them. Broadly, we can classify the facial expression as - Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared, Surprised, Disgusted and Neutral. So, the major aim in this project is to show the mood of the person in front of the camera. And this requires that we provide our computer with the intelligence required to do so like our brains. Our brains have neural networks which are responsible for all kinds of thinking (decision-making, understanding) that we do, and we try to develop these neuron capabilities artificially called artificial neural network. Moreover, we will be using the concept of these neural networks to build the application which can recognize and inform about the expression on the face of the passenger. I will also work on adding a feature which notifies close contacts, in case of negative emotions like fear, sad etc. Keywords: Emotion Recognition, Facial Expression, CNN, Deep Learning, Computer Vision