bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Tolerance towards Minority Groups in an English Lesson Plan: A Proposal for People with Down Syndrome
Authors: Hernández-Guerra Conchi
Published: April 2020

Even though tolerance towards minority groups seems a truism, students at early ages need to be educated on this issue. Minorities include categories such as race, religion, sexuality, cognitive disability, autism, physical impairment, among others. The aim of this paper is to present different English lesson plans prepared by students in which the inclusion of people with Down Syndrome is stated. Broad efforts have been made on an institutional level, but this study presents a more pointed focus. This proposal integrates the topic into the syllabus of an English class because this subject provides an invaluable opportunity to put social matters into practice. To this end, an example of an English lesson plan prepared by future English teachers is offered in which respect, tolerance, and acceptance towards people with Down Syndrome is implemented. Results show that values flow naturally while teaching a subject and that creativity is an asset in this work.
Análisis de riesgos y evaluación de impacto relativa a la protección de datos: su aplicación a las sociedades cooperativas
Authors: Gadea Soler Enrique
Published: April 2020

El RGPD impone a todas las empresas realizar un análisis de riesgo en los tratamientos de datos personales. Si este análisis indica que existe un alto riesgo será obligatorio realizar una EIPD, con el objeto de prever los impactos y riesgos que los mismos pueden suponer en la privacidad de los interesados. De ese modo, y sobre esa base, el RGPD exige que se implanten las medidas de seguridad y control para garantizar los derechos y libertades de las personas. Este trabajo se centra, por una parte, en analizar cuándo una sociedad cooperativa debe realizar una EIPD y, por otra, en estudiar cuales son las fases que debe comprender la realización de una correcta EIPD.Recibido: 25 julio 2019Aceptado: 21 febrero 2020Publicación en línea: 01 abril 2020
Análisis de la política de desarrollo social en el estado de Oaxaca, México 2013-2016. La economía social como propuesta
Authors: Medina Conde Analaura , Flores Ilhuicatzi Uziel
Published: April 2020

El trabajo tiene como objetivo general analizar los resultados de la política de Desarrollo Social en el Estado de Oaxaca, se realiza una revisión de la situación de rezago social y de los programas sociales de 2013 a 2016 de las diferentes instancias, se utilizó el programa estadístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) para el análisis de datos con la medida numérica de los indicadores de desarrollo local, se concluye que el número de cooperativas disminuyó del año 2015 a 2018, que en el año 2015 el Estado pasó al primer lugar nacional en rezago social y en 2016 sólo el 17.5% de la población no es pobre y no es vulnerable, tiene 43,100 personas en extrema pobreza, 380 municipios mantuvieron su nivel, 88 disminuyeron y 98 aumentaron, se presentan los apoyos económicos otorgados a cada región y sus características.Recibido: 14 agosto 2019Aceptado: 24 febrero 2020Publicación en línea: 01 abril 2020
Factores sociales que inciden en la inclusión social de las personas con discapacidad intelectual y múltiple al sector laboral en un municipio del estado de guanajuato
Authors: Almaraz Hernández Marco Alejandro
Published: April 2020

Este trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo detectar los factores sociales que intervienen en la inclusión de las personas con discapacidad al entorno laboral, teniendo como principio la accesibilidad para transitar hacia una sociedad inclusiva en el municipio de Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.
CULTURE SHOCKS FACED BY FORIEGN STUDENTS AT ANTASARI STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY BANJARMASIN
Authors: Kadariyah Nur Laila , Hayati Nur Faizah
Published: April 2020

This research describes the culture shock faced by the foreign students who study at Antasari State Islamic University Banjarmasin. Foreign students who are conscientious in this research are 7 students come from Turkey and one from Thailand. The objectives of this research are: (1) To find out the culture shocks faced by the foreign students in academic aspects; (2) To find culture shocks faced by the foreign students in social aspects. All of the data have analized by descriptive and qualitative research. The results of this research indicated that the foreign students faced culture shock in academic aspects  that consist of (1) In institutional rules: the complicated and long of procedures filling Study Plan Sheet Online, collecting of Study Plan Sheet, registrating of courses (2) The cleanliness of the university environment (3) Lecturers’ Rules which consists of discipline on the schedule the lectures, the use of local language (Banjarese) in the classes wether by lecturers or local students. Then, culture shocks in Social Aspects students faced the behavior and attitude of the local students such as talking and made jokes while lecturing, using handphones while lecturing, spitting anywhere, male and female local students’ interaction, and   the system of local public transportation.
‘Many books on issues of divine service’: Defining
musar
in early modernity
Authors: Koch Patrick Benjamin
Published: April 2020

The article examines R. Shabbetai ben Joseph Meshorer Bass’s (1641–1718) bibliographical project of organizing the genre nowadays known as
sifrut ha-musar
or ‘Jewish ethical literature’. By exploring Bass’s modus operandi, it highlights both the diverse literary expressions conveying the conception of
musar
and the entanglement of the emic and etic frameworks – that is, perspectives ‘from within’ and ‘from without’. Based on an analysis of
Siftei Yeshenim
, it shows how Bass’s notion of
musar
comprises a spiritual-psychological dimension, on the one hand, and a philosophical-moralistic, on the other. Furthermore, it illustrates how Bass’s endeavour was strongly inspired by Christian Hebraism and non-Jewish librarianship, and that he was explicitly positive about non-Jewish bodies of knowledge – including them in his work and recommending them for study.
Identification of associated fungi of diseases in Cereus jamacaru and Cereus hildmannianus
Authors: Dos Santos Siqueira-Gomes Rommel , Aires-Souza José Thiago , Ginane-Barreto Gabriel , Cordeiro do-Nascimento Luciana
Published: April 2020

Aunque los cactus están bien adaptados a los climas semiáridos brasileños, corren el riesgo de verse afectados por importantes problemas fitosanitarios, causando graves daños a su desarrollo. Por lo tanto, el diagnóstico correcto del agente etiológico es el paso más importante para apoyar la recomendación de estrategias de control eficientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar agentes etiológicos causantes de enfermedades en cladodios de mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru) y mandacaru sin espinas (C. hildmannianus). Los cladodios se recolectaron de plantas infectadas en condiciones de campo en la comunidad de Sítio Paraíso, en el municipio de Prata, Estado de Paraíba, Brasil, y se enviaron para su análisis en el Laboratorio de Fitopatología/CCA/UFPB. Las estructuras fúngicas se observaron bajo el microscopio óptico, a partir de estructuras vegetativas y reproductivas de los hongos cultivados en medio PDA (papa-dextrosa-agar) a 25 ±2 ºC y bajo 12 h de fotoperíodo de luz. Los géneros que se observaron fueron: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp. y Scytalidium lignicola. Los hongos Colletotrichum sp. y S. lignicola se consideran los primeros informes en cladodios de Cereus jacamaru y C. hildemannianus en el Estado de Paraíba, Brasil.
Bullying and Delinquency: The Impact of Anger and Frustration
Authors: Lee Charern , Patchin Justin W. , Hinduja Sameer , Dischinger Alexandra
Published: April 2020

Few studies have explored whether individuals who are bullied at school or online are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Even less is known about whether negative emotions (i.e., anger or frustration)—as a result of being victimized—mediate the relationships between being bullied or cyberbullied and delinquency (as predicted by Agnew's general strain theory). The current study uses data from a national sample of 2,670 middle and high school students in the United States. Results indicate that youth who were bullied or cyberbullied, and who experience negative emotions as a result, are more likely to engage in delinquency. Negative emotions did not mediate the relationship between bullying and delinquency; however, they did partly mediate the relationship between cyberbullying and delinquency. The findings indicate that being bullied matters more in explaining delinquent behavior than the negative emotions that may result. Implications for research and policy are discussed in light of these findings.
Presentación = Foreword
Authors: Sauca José María
Published: April 2020

-.-
Diversity and Inclusion Practices in Nonprofit Associations: A Resource-Dependent and Institutional Analysis
Authors: Mason Dyana P.
Published: April 2020

Since the early 1990s, diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts have received increasing attention among management scholars. Although the benefits and challenges of implementing D&I practices are now well established, few studies have explored the extent to which nonprofit associations, in particular, engage in D&I efforts. As such, we have no knowledge of the role that associations play in assisting with the diffusion of these practices throughout their respective professional fields or trades. Therefore, using a national survey of over 150 executives of nonprofit associations, this study explores the institutional and resource-based challenges associations face when seeking to implement D&I practices, both within their organizations and throughout their professional fields and trades. While the findings from this study suggest that nonprofit associations only engage in D&I practices to a modest degree, there is also evidence of institutional entrepreneurship. Implications of these findings for research on D&I practices in nonprofit associations as well as for association practitioners seeking to improve their D&I programming are provided.
Social Enterprises’ Social Orientation: The Impact on the Organizational Commitment of Employees
Authors: Choi Donwe , Lee Keon-Hyung , Hur Hyungjo
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the relationship between social enterprises’ social orientation and the organizational commitment of their employees. The study also examines differences in organizational commitment between Millennial social enterprise employees and social enterprise employees of earlier generations. The findings from the study indicate that a social enterprise’s pursuit of social purpose, shared decision- making, and social performance are all positively associated with the organizational commitment of its employees. Additionally, the findings suggest that, in general, Millennials have a lower level of organizational commitment to their social enterprise employer than do earlier generations. Indeed, the organizational commitment of Millennials, we find, is primarily (and significantly) influenced only by shared decision-making. These findings contribute to the literature on social enterprise as well as to the literature on organizational commitment by providing insight into unseen aspects of social enterprise management from the perspective of employees. From a practical standpoint, these findings provide social entrepreneurs and managers of social enterprises with practical guidance on how to improve their employees’ organizational commitment.
Impact of Use of Gastric-Acid Suppressants and Oral Anticancer Agents on Survival Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Indini Alice , Petrelli Fausto , Tomasello Gianluca , Rijavec Erika , Facciorusso Antonio , Grossi Francesco , Ghidini Michele
Published: April 2020

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of gastric acid suppressant use on outcomes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and oral chemotherapy. We identified all researches evaluating the effect of GAS use on patients receiving oral chemotherapy or TKIs for solid tumors. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated with fixed-effects or random-effects model. The study population included n=16 retrospective studies and 372,418 patients. Series concerned gastrointestinal tract tumors (n=5 studies), renal cell carcinomas (RCC, n=3 studies), non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC, n=5 studies), and soft tissue sarcomas or mixed histologies solid tumors in n=3 studies. The pooled HRs for OS and PFS were 1.31 (95% CI: 1.20–1.43; P<01) and 1.3 (95%CI 1.07-1.57; P<0.01) for GAS and no GAS users, respectively. Only studies of EGFR mutated NSCLC patients receiving TKIs and those with colorectal cancer receiving oral chemotherapy showed a significant correlation between GAS and poor survival. Our study supports the evidence of a possible negative impact of concomitant GAS therapy on survival outcomes of patients receiving oral anti-cancer drugs.
Rapid Prototyping of Reusable 3D-Printed N95 Equivalent Respirators at the George Washington University
Authors: Provenzano Destie , Rao Yuan James , Mitic Konstantin , Obaid Sofian N. , Pierce Dominique , Huckenpahler James , Berger Jeffrey , Goyal Sharad , Loew Murray H.
Published: April 2020

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused an acute reduction in world supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to increased demand. To combat the impending shortage of equipment including N95 masks, the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) developed a 3D printed reusable N95 comparable respirator that can be used with multiple filtration units. We evaluated several candidate prototype respirator models, 3D printer filaments, and filtration units detailed here. Our most recent working model was based on a respirator found on an open source maker website and was developed with PLA (printer filament), a removable cap, a removable filtration unit consisting of two layers of MERV 16 sandwiched between MERV 13, and removable elastic bands to secure the mask. Our candidate mask passed our own suction test protocol to evaluate leakage and passed a qualitative Bitrix N95 fit test at employee health at GWUH. Further efforts are directed at improving the current model for seal against face, comfort, and sizing. The 3D model is available upon request and in the supplement of this paper. We welcome collaboration with other institutions and suggest other facilities consider mask fit for their own population when exploring this concept.
Lie Group Cohomology and (Multi)Symplectic Integrators : New Geometric Tools for Lie Group Machine Learning based on Souriau Geometric Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Barbaresco Frédéric , Gay-Balmaz François
Published: April 2020

In this paper we describe and exploit a geometric framework for Gibbs probability densities and the associated concepts in statistical mechanics, which unifies several earlier works on the subject, including Souriau's symplectic model of statistical mechanics, its polysymplectic extension, Koszul model, and approaches developed in quantum information geometry. We emphasize the role of equivariance with respect to Lie group actions and the role of several concepts from geometric mechanics, such as momentum maps, Casimir functions, coadjoint orbits, and Lie-Poisson brackets with cocycles, as unifying structures appearing in various applications of this framework to information geometry and machine learning. For instance, we discuss the expression of the Fisher metric in presence of equivariance and we exploit the property of the entropy of the Souriau model as a Casimir function to apply a geometric model for energy preserving entropy production. We illustrate this framework with several examples including multivariate Gaussian probability densities, and the Bogoliubov-Kubo-Mori metric as a quantum version of the Fisher metric for quantum information on coadjoint orbits. We exploit this geometric setting and Lie group equivariance to present symplectic and multisymplectic variational Lie group integration schemes for some of the equations associated to Souriau symplectic and polysymplectic models, such as the Lie-Poisson equation with cocycle.
Bacterial Foraging Algorithm for Optimal Joint-Force Searching Strategy of Multi – SAR Vessels at Sea
Authors: Pham Ngoc Ha , Nguyen Minh Duc
Published: April 2020

Enhancing the effectiveness of search and rescue operation at sea is always a duty of utmost importance of the coastal states. The search area for distressed objects can be determined by using Monte Carlo simulation, combined with the Median-Filter. Once the search area has been identified, the success of search and rescue operations depends on the sweeping ability of search and rescue vessel at the probability area of the distress object with the minimum time. This is the important element to the success of the search and rescue operation as it minimizes the risk and cost for Search and rescue team. In this article, the authors study and propose the use of Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA) to calculate the optimal search and co-ordination route for many search and rescue vessels in Vietnam sea. The simulation results show that it is quite consistent with reality and BFOA can be effectively applied to determine a quick search.
FAULT TREE ANALYSIS DAN AUDIT AKURASI PADA PENERAPAN SISTEM MANAJEMEN KESELAMATAN KERJA KONSTRUKSI TERINTEGRASI Studi Kasus: Proyek Pembangunan Gedung Pelayanan (Fisik) RSUD Tidar Kota Magelang, Kontraktor B1
Authors: Purbiantoro Alvian , Bhaskara Adwitya
Published: April 2020

Building a construction project is an activity which contains many dangerous elements.  It causes the construction industries have bad record in the terms of occupational safety.  Therefore, occupational safety is an aspect that must be improved any time because it is a very complex problem which covers issues in the terms of humanity, legal aspect, accountability and the image of the organization itself.  This study aims to (1) Determine the accuracy level of the Occupational Safety Management System Application in the Service Building (physical) Construction Project in Tidar Regional Hospital (RSUD) Magelang, (2) Identify and analyze the potential risks of work accident by using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method and planning mitigation to reduce the scope of construction in progress. This study is a quantitative analysis where the research is conducted by collecting the primary data through interview and observation, meanwhile the secondary data is in the form of data from the project itself. FTA is used to investigate the potential of workplace accidents by analyzing the direct causes to the basic causes of the accident itself.  The results of the study show that (1) The accuracy level of the application of Occupational Safety Management System which has been applied has an assessment rate of 97.29% and it is included in the level of satisfactory assessment.  (2)  The results of the analysis using FTA obtained several incidents that potentially can cause workplace accidents, incidents such as the workers who do not wear personal protective equipment, workers who act carelessly, and the lack of work experience are the frequent cases in the basic FTA incidents.
Study Pengaruh Kecepatan Pengadukan pada Proses Stir Casting terhadap Sifat Fisik dan Mekanik AMC Berpenguat Pasir Silica yang Dilakukan Proses Electroless Coating
Authors: Triyono Teguh , Latief Al Yusron Abdul , Surojo Eko
Published: April 2020

Penggunaan material dengan bahan komposit mulai banyak dikembangkan dalam industri manufaktur. Bahan komposit memiliki banyak keunggulan, diantaranya lebih ringan, kekuatan lebih tinggi, tahan korosi dan biaya perakitan yang lebih murah. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kecepatan pengadukan pada proses stirr casting terhadap sifat fisik dan mekanik pada komposit matriks aluminium (AMC) berpenguat pasir silica yang di-electroless coating. Proses stirr casting dilakukan dengan variasi kecepatan pengadukan 300, 400, 500 rpm selama 5 menit pada temperatur semi solid. Fraksi volume pasir silika  yang digunakan sebanyak 9% serta penambahan Mg dengan fraksi volume 2,5%. Temperatur penuangan 725ºC dan bahan matrik yang digunakan adalah remelting piston bekas . Pengujian impak charpy menggunakan standar ASTM E-23 dan kekuatan tarik menggunakan standar ASTM E-8. Meningkatnya variasi kecepatan pengadukan dan pengaruh perlakuan pasir silica yang di electrolis coating akan meningkatkan kekuatan impak dan kekuatan tarik . Rata rata nilai impak dan kekuatan tarik paling tinggi didapat pada spesimen dengan kecepatan pengadukan 500 rpm dengan temperatur tuang 725ºC (117,88 N/mm² dan 0,56 J/mm²). Pengujian struktur mikro menunjukan bahwa kecepatan pengadukan mempengaruhi penyebaran partikel penguat.
PEMANFAATAN AMPAS KEDELAI PADA PEMBUATAN BROWNIES “GLUTEN FREE” UBI JALAR UNGU DAN UJI KELAYAKANNYA
Authors: Mustafa Arnida , Elliyana Ela
Published: April 2020

Soybean pulp is a byproduct of tofu processing and soy milk. The nutrients contained in soybean dregs are still significantly high, especially protein and fiber. So far, processing of soybean pulp into food is still limited. Tuber has many benefits for the body, and has a high nutritional content and can be used as a food substitution. One of the tubers that can be processed as a substitute is purple sweet potato. The natural fiber of oligosaccharides or anti-nutrition substances stored in purple sweet potatoes is a valuable commodity for processed food products, such as brownies. This study aims to determine the quality, physicochemical and organoleptic properties produced by brownies. The study was organised using a completely randomized design (CRD) with a comparison treatment of soybean pulp paste and purple sweet potato paste including (1) 60%, 50%, 40% and (2) 40%, 50%, 60%. Each treatment was repeated three times. The study was conducted at the Pangkep State Agricultural Polytechnic Biochemistry Laboratory (PPNP) of South Sulawesi. The results of the study obtained the best quality of brownies on physicochemical properties in treatment D (A3B3), by the concentration of 40% soybean paste paste and 60% purple sweet potato paste for water content (25.76%), ash (1.01%), fat (14.56%), carbohydrate (43.32%), and protein (18.95%). The best growth power test for the physical quality of brownies is in treatment D (A3B3) with a concentration of 40% soybean pulp paste treatment and 60% purple sweet potato paste (6.4 cm). The best panelist's level of preference test was in treatment D (A3B3) with a concentration of 40% soybean paste paste treatment and purple sweet potato paste 60% for color (4.28%), aroma (3.95%), flavor (4.47% ) and texture (4.42%).
ANALISA SIFAT FISIK DAN KANDUNGAN NUTRISI TEPUNG TALAS (Colocasia esculenta L.) PADA SUHU PENGERINGAN YANG BERBEDA
Authors: Hawa La Choviya , Wigati Laras Putri , Indriani Dina Wahyu
Published: April 2020

Taro flour is one of dried products of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.). The characteristics of taro flour that low water content has an important role in determining the storage time. The presence of water in materials is influenced by internal factors of material, processing, moisture of storage and packaging materials. The water level reduction technique commonly used is by drying process, one of them is by using a tray dryer machine. The aim of the study was to analyze the physical properties, and nutritional content of taro flour produced from drying taro chips using a tray dryer machine at a drying temperature of 50°C, 60°C and 70°C with drying times 5, 6, and 7 hours. The physical parameters observed were water content, density and color, the nutritional parameters observed were protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates and crude fiber. The results of study showed that the water content ranged from 6.14 - 8.34%, density ranged from 0.45 - 0.57 kg/m3 and the lightness parameter values ranged from 69.9 - 72.0, with redness values between 12.2 - 12.8 and yellowness values between 11.5 - 13.1. The highest values of protein, fat and carbohydrate were 8.34%, 0.38% and 86.94%. The highest ash and crude fiber values were 3.84% and 2.99%.
PENINGKATAN DAYA SAING KEDELAI LOKAL TERHADAP KEDELAI IMPOR SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU TEMPE MELALUI PEMETAAN FISIKO-KIMIA
Authors: Yudiono Kukuk
Published: April 2020

The main problem encountered in the production of tempeh was its raw material, namely soybeans dominated by soybean supplied from other countries, mainly dominated by imported products from the United States. The majority of tempeh craftsmen's perception is that imported soybeans are superior to local soybeans. This is of course unfortunate because it will further aggravate the competitiveness of local soybeans. This research was conducted to explore the advantages of local soybeans, especially from the physico-chemical aspects of imported soybeans. The research objective was to map the physico-chemical properties of local and imported soybeans as raw material for tempeh. One factor trial design was used, with soybean varieties (4 local and 1 imported) as a factor. Variables observed included: antioxidant, bulk density, swelling power, plant quality, seed size, WAI, WSI, protein, yield, and density. The results obtained: 1) antioxidant : Devon 1 imported soybeans, 2) bulk density: fourth of local soybeans = imported soybeans, 3) swelling power : Argomulyo = imported soybeans, 4) quality of  cooking: fourth of  local soybeans imported soybeans, 5) seed size : Grobogan and Argomulyo imports, 6) WAI:  Argomulyo and Demas imported soybeans, 7) WSI: Devon = imported soybeans, 8) protein: Grobogan and Detam imported soybeans, 9) density:  Bromo imported soybeans, 10) extraction value: Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, and Grobogan imported soybeans.
A Study on the Accuracy of Prediction in Recommendation System Based on Similarity Measures
Authors: Et al. AL-Bakri
Published: April 2020

Recommender Systems are tools to understand the huge amount of data available in the internet world. Collaborative filtering (CF) is one of the most knowledge discovery methods used positively in recommendation system. Memory collaborative filtering emphasizes on using facts about present users to predict new things for the target user. Similarity measures are the core operations in collaborative filtering and the prediction accuracy is mostly dependent on similarity calculations. In this study, a combination of weighted parameters and traditional similarity measures are conducted to calculate relationship among users over Movie Lens data set rating matrix. The advantages and disadvantages of each measure are spotted. From the study, a new measure is proposed from the combination of measures to cope with the global meaning of data set ratings. After conducting the experimental results, it is shown that the proposed measure achieves major objectives that maximize the accuracy Predictions.
The risks of ubiquinone and b-carotene deficiency and metabolic disorders in patients with oral cancer
Authors: Chan Man-Yee , Lee Bor-Jen , Chang Po-Sheng , Hsiao Han-Yu , Hsu Li-Ping , Chang Chia-Hua , Lin Ping-Ting
Published: April 2020

Background:Cancer development is mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation, which may correlate with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant vitamins status and metabolic parameters in patients with oral cancer according to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages.Methods:A total of 194 patients with oral cancer were enrolled in this study. The patients were stratified for four groups according to cancer stages and that the statistics are comparisons across these groups. The levels of antioxidant vitamins (ubiquinone, b-carotene, vitamin A and E), metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes activity, and inflammatory markers were measured.Results:More than half of the subjects had high blood pressure, central obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia regardless of TNM stage. With regard to antioxidant vitamins status, 46% and 94% of patients had β-carotene and ubiquinone deficiency, respectively. Patients in T3 and T4 stages had significantly lower antioxidant enzyme (catalase,p= 0.03) activity and higher inflammatory markers levels (high sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6,p< 0.01) than patients in the other stages. In addition, the level of b-carotene was negatively associated with waist circumference, and ubiquinone was positively associated with the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p< 0.05). Higher b-carotene and ubiquinone levels were negatively associated with hypertriglyceridemia and the risk of metabolic syndrome (p< 0.05).Conclusions:Ahigh proportion of patients with oral cancer had ubiquinone or b-carotene deficiency and metabolic disorders. The level of ubiquinone or b-carotene was negatively associated with the risk of central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome. Since patients with oral cancer suffer from high oxidative stress and inflammation (particularly in the T3 and T4 stages), supplementation with antioxidant vitamins such as ubiquinone or b-carotene could be preferentially applied.
Continuing Medical Education among resident physicians in Abha , Saudi Arabia : Current Practice and Existing Gaps
Authors: Alsaleem Safar , Almoalwi Najwa , Siddiqui. Aesha Farheen , New Mohammed A Alsaleem , New Awad S Alsamghan , New Ahmed A Mahfouz
Published: April 2020

Background: Continuing Medical Education (CME) is concerned with the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of the health care and exhausts the physicians’ working life-span. Although international research is extensive, only a dearth of studies exists in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. This study aims to explore CME practices of resident physicians in Abha City and the existing gaps. Method : A cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive study conducted on residents training in various health-care facilities in Abha city. Results: Participants in the study were (n=300) doctors, of whom (n = 239, 79.7%) reported attending lectures and seminars for their CME needs followed by (n = 119, 39.7%) who attended case presentations. Electronic CMEs were used by a minority of (n = 24, 8%), and only (n = 82, 27.3%) attended journal clubs. Being busy was the main barrier against self-reading as per (n = 212, 70.7%) of participants, and by (n = 155, 51.7%) against lectures and seminars, and by (n = 124, 41.3%) against courses attendance. There was no significant association between gender, nationality, or training level and satisfaction with CME activities (p = 0.982, p = 0.924, and p = 0.5400 respectively). Satisfaction with CME activities varied considerably across specialties (p = 0.039), psychiatry trainees were far less satisfied than their restorative dentistry counterparts (p = 0.0046), as well as for General Surgery trainees (P = 0.0230), Ophthalmology trainees (p = 0.0301), pediatrics trainees (p = 0.0214), and Preventive Medicine trainees (p = 0.0283). Conclusion: The participant physicians favoured contact CME activities but not non-contact CME activities. In consistence with global research findings, being busy was the main barrier against CME goals attainment. Participants affirmed that CME activities improved their clinical practice, clinical skills and academic skills. Promotion of online learning in Saudi Arabia. Support of residents with protected time for their CME activities. Encouragement of trainees in specialties of psychiatry, general surgery, paediatrics, ophthalmology and preventive medicine to further advice about their preference in terms of CME forms to help boost their engagement.
Analysis of the Present Situation of the Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students and Exploration of the Scientific Research Training Mode
Authors: Pan Yan , Liu Lei , Chang Bao-chao , Chen Zheng , Chen Wei-dong , Yang Hui-juan , Mei Zhi-jie
Published: April 2020

Background To investigate the problems and countermeasures faced by five-year clinical medical students in an entrepreneurship training programme for medical students from different perspectives to promote medical teaching reforms.Methods A total of 600 five-year clinical medicine majors (grades 16-18) of Bengbu Medical College (including those who did and did not participate in large-scale innovative projects) were studied by means of network questionnaires and interviews. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the results. Results Students generally hope to improve the teaching quality and teaching mode of scientific research; they have strong interest in scientific research and hope to conduct scientific research training in their spare time without affecting their studies. Moreover, students hope to improve the incentive policy for innovation and to optimize the funding for scientific research and the policy of laboratory opening. Conclusions Clinical medical students in our hospital attach great importance to the cultivation of scientific research ability, understand the problems faced by medical undergraduates in the process of innovative projects, and provide specific quantitative data for the reform of medical education modes to cultivate the innovative ability of medical students.
Early rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon tenorraphy: ultrasonography and elastosonography difference with immobilization in cast: an observational study.
Authors: Mosconi Mario , Jannelli Eugenio , Castelli Alberto , Calderoni Enrico Ferranti , Zanovello Jessica , Ghiara Matteo , Perelli Simone , Benazzo Francesco
Published: April 2020

Background The incidence of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture increased, but there is no gold standard treatment. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and functional results of standard and fast rehabilitation program (immobilization and no weight bearing for 4 weeks vs early joint mobility and weight bearing). Methods 33 patients underwent to open achilles tenorraphy between January and July 2018 using Krackow suture.15 patients were enrolled and underwent fast rehabilitation program. A control group of 18 patients underwent surgery and standard protocol. The degree of sural triceps hypotrophy compared with the controlateral leg (calf circumference 4 cm below the anterior tibial tuberosity and the tibial length), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score [8], the Victorian Institute of Sports Assesement - Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) [9] and The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) [10] were recorded at 12 months follow up. Ultrasonography and elastosonography were used to calculate different parameters both on the operated tendon and on the contralateral. Discussion Using ultrasonography, the only significant difference was recorded in the distal depth in both groups. We detected an increase of all measures in both groups comparing surgical side to the contralateral one. Using the elastosonography, the stiffness on healthy side was increased at the proximal and medial third in standard group, even if the distal third was major in fast group. On the operated side, stiffness was more on the proximal third in fast group (not statistically significant). There was an increase of tendon size on the surgical side compared to the “basal” one using US. The only statistically significant result was at distal third, and it could be due to the fact that giving an accelerated mobilization stimulates more collagen deposition, which could be a protective factor. Furthermore, at distal third of tendon we observed a greater reduction of stiffness in the fast group compared of the standard one. The results of the post-operative assessment scales are overlapping in the two groups. Clinical and functional evidence suggest that fast rehabilitation after AT surgical repair may be a first choice of treat, especially in young and active patients, because of minor local complications and higher level of satisfaction.
Biologging is suspect to cause corneal opacity in two populations of wild living Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita)
Authors: Fritz Johannes , Eberhard Barbara , Esterer Corinna , Gönner Bernhard , Trobe Daniela , Unsöld Markus , Völkl Bernhard , Wehner Helena , Scope Alexandra
Published: April 2020

Background In this paper, we present evidence that biologging is strongly correlated with eye irritation, suggesting a causal relationship with obvious impairing effects for the affected individuals. A migratory population of Northern Bald Ibises ( Geronticus eremita ) is reintroduced in Europe, in the course of a LIFE+ project (LIFE Northern Bald Ibis). Since 2014, all individuals are equipped with GPS-devices. Remote monitoring of the whole population allows the implementation of focussed measures against major mortality causes. Initially all birds carried battery-powered devices, fixed on the lower back of the birds. Since 2016, an increasing amount of birds were equipped with solar-powered devices, fixed on the upper back, as this is the more sun-exposed position. In 2016, we observed for the first time an opacity in the cornea of one eye (unilateral corneal opacity; UCO). From 2016 to 2018, a total of 25 birds were affected by UCO, with varying intensity up to blindness. However, only birds carrying a device on the upper back were affected (2017 up to 70% of this group). In contrasts, none of the birds which carried devices on the lower back ever showed UCO symptoms. This unexpected relationship between tagging and UCO was discovered in 2017. Since then, we started countermeasures by removing the device or repositioning it on the lower back. Results Northern Bald Ibises roost with their head on the back, one eye closely placed to the device. Thus, we conclude that the most parsimonious explanation for the symptomatology is either a repetitive slight temperature rise in the corneal tissue due to electromagnetic radiation by the GSM module of the device or a repetitive slight mechanical irritation of the corneal surface. Concrete evidence is missing so far. On our advice, UCO was also found in Northern Bald Ibises of a Spanish reintroduction project, in a completely consistent context. Conclusion Our results indicate that further research in the fast-growing field of biologging is urgently needed. The findings question the positioning of devices on the upper back in birds roosting with the head on the back.
Age estimation by pulp/tooth area ratio in upper canines: Cameriere’s method assessed in a Polish population sample using digital panoramic radiography
Authors: Namięta Natalie , Różyło-Kalinowska Ingrid , Kalinowski Paweł , Piskórz Magdalena
Published: April 2020

Background: Various methods are available to assess the age of a child. However, it is much more difficult to evaluate the age of an adult just on the basis of orthopantomographs (OPGs). Cameriere’s method based on measurement of pulp/tooth ratio is one of few methods that allows to determine the age of any human being. The aim of this study is to estimate the validation of this method in a Polish population.Materials: OPGs taken in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland were retrospectively selected for the study. The selection criteria involved a good quality OPG with a free from any pathology upper right canine. The sample included 521 individuals (271 females and 250 males) aged from 18 to 70 years. After tracing and estimating the pulp/tooth area ratio (AR) a dental age was calculated. Afterwards, it has been compared with the chronological age of each patient. Regression models were developed for prediction of the chronological age. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica for Windows software (StatSoft).Results: The regression formula for the total group was as follows: age = 91.746 – 481.6 AR. The dental age calculated using these formulations highly correlated with the chronological age. Pearson’s correlation coefficient equalled - 0.844 for the whole group, r = - 0.873 in females and r = -0.815 in males. All correlations were statistically significant (p=0.00).Conclusions: Cameriere’s method can be used in evaluating the dental age in the adult Polish population.
Patterns of 'Analytical Irreproducibility' in Multimodal Diseases
Authors: Basson Abigail R , Cominelli Fabio , Rodriguez-Palacios Alexander
Published: April 2020

Background: Multimodal diseases are those in which affected individuals can be divided into subtypes (or ‘data modes’); for instance, ‘mild’ vs. ‘severe’, based on (unknown) modifiers of disease severity exemplified in the majority of microbiome-mediated human diseases. Studies have shown that despite the inclusion of a large number of subjects, the causal role of the microbiome in human diseases remains uncertain. The role of the microbiome in multimodal diseases has been studied in animals; however, findings are often deemed irreproducible, or unreasonably biased, with pathogenic roles in 95% of reports. As a solution to repeatability, investigators have been recently recommended to seek funds to increase the number of human-microbiome donors (N) to increase the reproducibility of animal studies. Herein, we outline the constraints of such recommendation. Results: Using published (observed) mean±SD microbiome data from human gut microbiota (hGM)-associated rodent studies, we illustrate through a series of simulations, that increasing N will not uniformly/universally enable the identification of consistent statistical differences (patterns of analytical irreproducibility), due to random sampling from a population with ample variability in disease and the presence of ‘disease data subtypes’ (or modes). To visualize data distribution, we used kernel-density-violin plots (rarely used in rodent studies; 0%, 0/38, 95%CI=6.9e-18,9.1) as a method to identify ‘disease data subtypes’. We also found that hGM preclinical rodent studies do not use cluster statistics when needed (97.4%, 37/38, 95%CI=86.5,99.5), and that scientists who increased N, concurrently reduced the number of mice/donor ( y =-0.21 x, R 2 =0.24 ; and vice versa), indicating that statistically, scientists replace the disease variance in mice by the variance of human disease in their studies. Conclusion: Instead of assuming that increasing N will solve reproducibility and identify clinically-predictive findings on causality in preclinical microbiome studies, we propose the visualization of data distribution using kernel-density’-violin plots to identify ‘disease data subtypes’ to self-correct, guide and promote the personalized investigation of disease subtype mechanisms.
Covariation of the gut microbiome with diet in Aves
Authors: Xiao Kangpeng , Fan Yutan , Zhang Zhipeng , Shen Xuejuan , Li Xiaobing , Liang Xianghui , Bi Ran , Wu Yajiang , Zhai Junqiong , Dai Junwei , Irwin David M. , Chen Wu , Shen Yongyi
Published: April 2020

Background:Research over the past few decades has revealed a vital role for the gut microbiome in the health of various animals including birds. Multiple factors can influence the gut microbiome. Opportunistic feeding and multiple other environment factors can influence the results, and bias the conclusions, when wild animals are used to study the influence of phylogeny and diet on their gut microbiomes. Therefore, to study this question in this study, we collected fecal samples from 43 species of Aves at one time to avoid influences such as geography, weather, and season. Results:Approaches based on both 16S rRNA gene sequencing (135 samples) and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing (17 samples) were used. Our data show that diets containing native starch will increase the abundance of Lactobacillus in gut microbiome, while those containing plant-derived fiber will mainly enrich the levels of Clostridium. Greater numbers of Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria are detected in carnivorous birds, while in birds fed a commercial corn-soybean basal diet, a stronger inner-connected microbial community containing Clostridia and Bacteroidia was enriched. Furthermore, a microbial functional analysis based on the metagenomic sequences showed that the function of microbes was adapted to different food types to achieve the most beneficial state for the hosts. Conclusions:The covariation of diet and gut microbiome identified in our study demonstrates modulation of the gut microbiome by dietary diversity and expands our knowledge of diet-microbiome-host interactions in birds.
Ergosterol and polyphenols: Potential biochemical indicators of silage safety
Authors: Alba-Mejía Jhonny Edison , Dohnal Vlastimil , Klíma Miroslav , Středa Tomáš , Domínguez-Rodríguez Gloria , Skládanka Jiří
Published: April 2020

Background: Silage, one of the most important feed sources for cattle, is vulnerable to contamination by spoilage moulds and mycotoxin production because ensilage forage crops are excellent substrates for fungal growth. Whereas there are many factors involved in mycotoxins contamination such as biological factors, harvesting, storage, and processing conditions, the climate is the most important factor. Silage additives can improve the safety of silage and inhibit moulds and other detrimental silage microorganisms; however, their efficacy varies with the type and level of toxigenic fungi contamination. Several studies provided evidence showing that the presence of various mycotoxins was correlated with the presence of ergosterol in cereals and feedstuffs. Therefore, ergosterol ( ERG ) has been suggested as a potential indicator of fungal contamination with polyphenols concentration analysis allowing accurate prediction on silage safety. The main goal of this study was to use the ERG and polyphenols content as potential biochemical indicators to predict the silage safety in ensiled grasses. The study was carried out using ten orchardgrass varieties (untreated and treated with biological and chemical additives). The determination of the samples was performed on high-performance liquid chromatography using UV detection (ERG) and spectrophotometer UV/VIS (polyphenols). Results: Interestingly, in the silage ‘Bepro’ was the unique variety that no presented content of ERG (0.0 mg kg -1 dry matter) in comparison with other varieties in the first cut in 2012. The biological additives reduced the content of ERG in both cuts in 2012 compared with untreated silage. In contrast, the chemical additives in silage grass had a negative effect ( P < 0.05) by increasing the ERG and polyphenols content in comparison with untreated silage. Conclusions: These results of this study provide indisputable evidence that silage contaminated with fungi increase the concentration of polyphenols, which prove a progressive deterioration of silage quality. In consequence, ERG and polyphenols seem to be relevant as a rapid method for screening silage safety.