bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Availability and Implementation of Guidelines in European Child Primary Health Care: How Can We Improve?
Authors: Kocken Paul , Kesteren Nicole Van , Zoonen Renate Van , Reijneveld Sijmen
Published: June 2021

Clinical guidelines are important for providing high-quality child primary health care. We aimed to assess the availability, use and achieved delivery of guidelines and the European Union (EU). We used a case study design to ascertain expert views on the guideline availability and implementation in six countries representing the EU. The experts completed an online questionnaire (response 49%) on guidelines regarding three topics that represent prevention, physical and mental health care, i.e. vaccination, asthma care and assessment of mental health of children. All countries had guidelines available for asthma care. For vaccination and mental health assessment respondents less agreed that guidelines were available. Implementation of guidelines for vaccination was mostly as intended, but implementation of the guidelines for asthma care and mental health assessment was limited. Notable barriers were complexity of performance, lack of training of professionals or financial resources. Important facilitators for guideline implementation were the fit with routine practice, knowledge and skills of professionals and policy support. We found no clear relationship of guideline availability and implementation with the country’s type of child primary health care system, though strong governance and sufficient financial resources seemed important for guideline availability.Conclusion: Availability and implementation of clinical guidelines in child primary health care vary between EU countries. Implementation conditions can be strongly improved by adequate training of professionals, stronger governance and sufficient financial resources as facilitating factors. This can yield major gains in child health across Europe.
Regional Frequency Analysis of Drought Severity and Duration in Karkheh River Basin - Iran Using Univariate L-Moments Method
Authors: Parvizi Saeideh , Eslamian Saeid , Gheysari Mahdi , Gohari Alireza , Kopai Saeid Soltani
Published: June 2021

Drought is one of the natural disasters that causes a great damage to the human life and natural ecosystems. The main differences are in the gradual effect of drought over a relatively long period; impossibility of accurately determining time of the beginning and end of drought; and geographical extent of the associated effects. On the other hand, lack of a universally accepted definition of drought has added to the complexity of this phenomenon. In the last decade, due to increasing frequency of drought in Iran and reduction of water resources, its consequences have become apparent and have caused problems for planners and managers. Therefore, in this study, to investigate severity and duration of meteorological, hydrological and agricultural drought in Karkheh River basin, regional frequency analysis of standardized precipitation index ( SPI ), standardized evapotranspiration index ( SEI ), standardized runoff index ( SRI ) and standardized soil moisture index ( SSI ) was performed using L-moments. Then, using Hosking and Wallis heterogeneity test, basin was divided into four homogeneous areas. After that, based on the Z statistic of goodness-of-fit test for each distribution, the best regional distribution function for each homogeneous region was selected. The results showed that hydrological drought occurs with a very short time delay in Karkheh River Basin after the meteorological drought and two indicators show meteorological and hydrological drought conditions well. Agricultural drought occurs after meteorological and hydrological drought, respectively, and its severity and duration are less than the other indicators. Meteorological, hydrological and agricultural droughts do not occur at the same time in all of the years and in general, the SPI drought Index shows the most severe droughts compared with the other three indices.
Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes at 1 Year After Injury Between Limb Salvage and Amputation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kurozumi Taketo , Inui Takahiro , Nakayama Yuhei , Honda Akifumi , Matsui Kentaro , Ishii Keisuke , Suzuki Takashi , Watanabe Yoshinobu
Published: June 2021

Background: Owing to advances in knowledge and technology, salvaging the limbs of patients with severe trauma and injuries is possible. However, severe limb injuries occasionally necessitate amputation because it allows patients to regain their social lives earlier than limb salvaging. Moreover, previous related investigations are retrospective cohort studies or meta-analyses of retrospective studies, and prospective cohort studies of patient-reported outcomes are extremely rare. This single-center, prospective cohort study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes at 1 year after injury between limb salvage and amputation and to elucidate whether amputation contributes to early recovery of functionality and quality of life.Methods: We included 47 limbs of 45 patients with severe open fractures of the lower limb and categorized them into limb salvage and amputation groups. They were registered in the Database of Orthopedic Trauma by the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair at our center; data on patient-reported outcomes at 1 year after injury were obtained from this database. The mean patient age was 49.6 years. Patients’ limbs were evaluated using the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and Short-Form 8 (SF-8). Early recovery was evaluated using functionality and quality-of-life questionnaires. Nonparametric statistical analyses were conducted.Results: Of the 47 limbs, 34 limbs of 34 patients were salvaged and 13 limbs of 11 patients were amputated. Significant differences were noted between the limb salvage and amputation groups in terms of the LEFS scores (mean: 49.5 vs 33.1, P=0.025) and scores for the mental health component (mean: 48.7 vs 38.7, P=0.003), role–physical component (mean: 42.2 vs 33.3, P=0.026), and mental component summary (mean: 48.2 vs 41.3, P=0.042) of the SF-8. The limb salvage group had better scores than the amputation group. Conclusions: In this study, limb salvage results in better functional and mental health outcomes at 1 year after severe lower limb injury than after amputation. As reconstruction technology has advanced and limb salvaging has become possible, the focus of studies should now be based on the perspective of “how the patient feels”; hence, we believe that the results of this study, which is based on patient-reported outcomes, are meaningful.
Dysregulated Arginine Metabolism in Young Patients With Chronic Persistent Asthma and in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wu Haoyu , Li Jianzhou , Liu Junhui , Liu Hui , She Jianqing
Published: June 2021

Background: Recent metabolomics studies have found circulatory metabolism alterations in patients with asthma, indicating that altered metabolites played a significant role in asthma. However, the regulatory mechanisms in asthma, especially in young chronic persistent asthma remain underexplored.Methods: In this study, a prospective cohort of 162 patients diagnosed of asthma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to December 2019 was used to perform a nested case-control study. Among them, we included 30 patients with chronic persistent asthma between 20 to 35 years old; 30 health control with evenly distributed age and sex were then selected. Nontargeted metabolomics was applied to identify serum metabolic profiles and altered metabolic pathways. Results: In vitro, human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) line BEAS-2B with the addition of L-citrulline and/or asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) model was utilized and the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites were tested to evaluated the therapeutic potential of L-citrulline. The young patients with chronic persistent asthma displayed dysregulated serum metabolic profiles, especially enriched in arginine metabolism. The ratio of L-citrulline to ornithine is associated with blood eosinophil count. In vitro, adding L-citrulline could reverse ADMA-mediated reduction of NOx at lower L-arginine concentration (25 μM), but was ineffective in the higher L-arginine concentration (100 μM) media. Conclusions: The arginine metabolism balance is of vital importance during the pathogenesis and progression of chronic asthma. L-citrulline could be a powerful approach to restore airway NO production, potentially exhibiting therapeutic benefits among young patients with chronic asthma.
Antibiotics as a Feed Additive Promote Growth of Chickens by Modulating the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Li Xiangkai , Wu Ying , Peng Liang , Han Rong , Feng pengya , Khan Aman , Liu Pu
Published: June 2021

Background: Antibiotics widely used as growth promoters in the agricultural industry, but their mechanisms have not been fully explored. Antibiotics has a connection effect on the gut microbiome which plays a vital role in host metabolism and immune response. Here, we investigated the association of antibiotic and gut microbiome in broiler chicken.Methods: Polymyxin (PMX) and amoxicillin (AMX) were selected as feed additives in broiler chicken, and gut bacterial composition assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA. Metabolome and lipidomic of feces and serum samples were analyzed using liquid chromatograpy-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We further assessed changes in the microbiota and metabolism which underwent antibiotics treatment.Results: The administration of antibiotic increasing, the average weight of chickens by up to 4.9% and altered number and structure of the intestinal microflora compared to the un-treated group. The bacterial component of gut microbiota in antibiotic groups was showed a lower prevalence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and higher prevalence of a high diversity (Proteobacteria). In metabolome of feces and serum, amino acid such as phenylalanine, valine, methionine and aspartic acid, and lipid metabolic (Lysolecithin, Oxalosuccinic acid and phosphatidylcholine) were all higher among obese chicks in antibiotics groups. Serum IgG (18.2%–32.7%) and intestinal secretory IgA (27.5%–28.6%) were decreased compared with control group, and immune associated metabolome in serum lipidomic were also fluctuated with the concentration of AMX and PMX. Conclusions: The data suggested that the structure and quantity of intestinal flora has to affect amino acid and lipid metabolic homeostasis, and immune response, which can serve as a target in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.
Spatial-temporal analysis of head injuries at the northwest of Iran 2014–2018
Authors: Soleimani Mohsen , Jalilvand Ahmad , Bagheri Nasser , Soleimani Roghayeh
Published: June 2021

Background: head injuries (HI) are considered as a major public health concern across the world. This study aims to explore the incidence rate and spatial distribution of HI incidence at rural district levels in Zanjan province, Iran from 2014-2018.Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional and geospatial analysis of head injury incidence pattern in rural areas at Zanjan province, Iran. Data were collected from nine hospital information system databases. Age-adjusted incidence rate and three different spatial analysis methods (Spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and Anselin Local Moran's I) were used to detect the potential high-risk areas of HI incidence in the study area.Results: 4562 patients were registered at Zanjan hospitals due to HI from 2014-2018. The age-adjusted incidence rate of HI was 429 cases (95% CI, 418,443) per 100,000 person which increased from 74 cases in 2014 to 86 cases in 2018, (an 18% increase, P<0001). The highest incidence rate observed among men (80%, P<0001) and at the age group of 15-29 (44.4%, P<0001). Qarabolagh region had the highest incidence rate and five hotspot, seven coldspot, two high-high cluster and seven low-low cluster of HI incidence were detected using spatial analysis.Conclusion: This study provided an overview about the incidence rate and spatial pattern of HI incidence at finer geographical level at the northwest of Iran. This study detected high-risk areas and also showed a significant relationship between HI, geographical areas and genders, which can provide useful information for local health authorities to apply prevention programs for reducing the burden of HI in the society.
Influence of Bio-Inspired Ag doped MoO3 Nanoparticles in the Seedling Growth and Inhibitory Action Against Microbial Organisms
Authors: Raj A. Nirmal Paul , Bennie R. Biju , Xavier G. Alex Immanuel , Joel C , Chelliah D. Abiya , Kengaram S. Hari
Published: June 2021

Herein we report the hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and biological applications of h-MoO3 and silver doped MoO3 nanoparticles (NPs). The phase formation of the synthesized NPs was identified using X-ray diffraction studies and vibrational spectral studies. The average crystallite size of the NPs tends to decrease as the dopant concentration increases. The surface morphology and the elemental composition of the nanoparticles were observed from SEM and EDAX analysis. The crystallite nature was obtained from HRTEM images. The band gap energies obtained from UV-DRS spectra for h-MoO3 (3.26 eV) were starting to decrease as the concentration of the dopant Ag increases (3.22-2.76eV). The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoparticles was tested against some gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains viz., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Citrobacter koseri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. Also their seed germination properties were studied on foxtail and finger millet seeds for a period of seven days.
Development and Validation of the Reproductive Health Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese Unmarried Youth
Authors: Ma Xuemei , Yang Yufan , Wei Qian , Jiang Hong , Shi Hui-jing
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop and validate the reproductive health literacy questionnaire for Chinese unmarried youth aged 15-24. MethodsWe conducted a validity and reliability study of the questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey and test-retest analysis in 4 districts in Shanghai between April and June 2017. A total of 1587 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire anonymously on-site and the trained investigators conducted quality check afterwards. Sixty participants among them completed the test-retest assessment with 2 weeks interval. The reliability was determined by internal consistency, spilt-half reliability and test-retest reliability. The construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. ResultsThe 58-question reproductive health literacy questionnaire for Chinese unmarried youth was demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.919), spilt-half reliability (Guttman splitting coefficient = 0.846) and test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient = 0.720). The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the construct of the questionnaire fitted well with the hypothetical model. The reproductive health literacy scores in unmarried girls aged 15-24 were higher than boys (P<0.05) and college students who lived in rural areas when they were middle and high school got lower score than those living in cities and suburbs (P<0.01). ConclusionThe reproductive health literacy questionnaire for Chinese unmarried youth demonstrated good reliability and validity, which could potentially be used as an effective evaluation instrument to assess reproductive health literacy among Chinese young people.
Is Outdoor-Resting Behaviour in Malaria Vectors Consistent? Short Report From Northern Ghana.
Authors: Hamid-Adiamoh Majidah , Nwakanma Davis , Sr Isaac , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Afrane Yaw A
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRecent reports of a change in the resting behaviour of malaria vectors, from predominantly indoor resting to outdoor resting following blood feeding, have been attributed to selection pressure from use of vector control tools such as indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. Recent studies have observed vectors resting predominantly outdoors in settings where anti-vector tools are extensively deployed. This present study examined if the outdoor resting behaviour in the vector population, is random or indicative of a consistent preference of one resting site over the other. MethodsMark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments were conducted with outdoor-resting Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus mosquitoes collected from pit shelters, animal houses and granaries in two villages in Northern Ghana. Mosquitoes were marked with fluorescent dyes and released indoors. The experiments were controlled with indoor-resting mosquitoes, which were marked and released outdoors. Species of all recaptured mosquitoes were identified and assessed for consistency in their resting behaviour. ResultsA total of 4,460 outdoor-resting mosquitoes comprising An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (59%) and An. funestus complex (41%) were marked and released. Overall, 31 (0.7%) mosquitoes (25 An. gambiae s.l. and 6 An. funestus complex) were recaptured mostly from outdoor location. Only 3 of the recaptured mosquitoes were found resting indoors where they were released. The majority of the outdoor-recaptured mosquitoes were An. arabiensis (11, 39%), followed by An. coluzzii (7, 25%); whereas the indoor-recaptured mosquitoes were mainly (3) An. coluzzii. For the control experiment, 324 indoor-resting mosquitoes constituting 313 An. gambiae s.l. and 11 An. funestus complex were marked and released. However, none of these was recaptured neither indoors nor outdoors.ConclusionsThe mosquitoes demonstrated the tendency to retain their outdoor-resting behaviour. Further investigations are required to ascertain if emerging preference for outdoor resting behaviour in malaria vector populations is consistent or a random occurrence.
Recognition of Value: A Critical Step in the Value Creation Process
Authors: Boisjoly Russell
Published: June 2021

This paper has demonstrated that the intentional Value Creation process presented by Lepak, Taylor & Smith (2007) can be enhanced by adding connections between the Value Creation Process of Lepak, Taylor & Smith (2007) and the Creativity Process of Amabile et al (1996) within a corporation, and that those two internal processes also have a relationship with the external entrepreneurial processes modeled by Krueger-Brazeal (1994) and Bhave (1994). Furthermore, all of these constructs can be related to the massive amount of dormant technology available in corporations, R&D labs, government research centers, universities, and foundations/nonprofit research centers. The relationship between each model assist in capturing the essence of Shane and Venkataraman (2000) whose article laid out a design for Entrepreneurship as a unique field of research. When the aforementioned models are included in one holistic model, the internal and external entrepreneurial processes are shown to have the same or nearly identical features.
Exoproduction and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Thermophilic Serine Protease From Ornithinibacillus Caprae L9T With Hide-dehairing Activity
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Zhang Qian , Gan Longzhan , Jiang Guangyang , Tian Yongqiang , Shi Bi
Published: June 2021

BLAST, basic local alignment search tool; BBD, Box-Behnken design; BSA, bovine serum albumin; CGMCC, China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center; DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide; DTT, dithiothreitol; EDTA, ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid; EGTA, ethylene glycol-bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid; GBDP, genome blast distance phylogeny; HE, hematoxylin and eosin; KCTC, Korean Collection for Type Cultures; LC-MS/MS, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; LB, Luria-Bertani; β-ME, β-mercaptoethanol; NR, non-redundant protein database; PMSF, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride; RSM, response surface methodology; SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; SD, standard deviation; TCA, trichloroacetic acid; TSB, tryptic soytone broth; TYGS, type strain genome server; UV-Vis, ultraviolet-visible.
Factors Affecting Aggression on Female Middle School-Aged Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Heizomi Haleh , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Kouzekanani Kamiar , Matlabi Hossein , Bayrami Mansour , Allahverdipour Hamid
Published: June 2021

Background: In all cultures and countries, adolescents exhibit behavioral problems. Aggression among adolescents may be a public health concern and is defined as a behavioral and emotional response which distressed others. The purpose of this study was to understand the individual and environmental factors associated with aggression among female teens.Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran. The sample consisted of 707 female middle school-aged students. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory of human development. The variables of interest were aggression, general health status, happiness, social acceptance, and feeling of loneliness. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data.Results: A link between aggression and poor psychological well-being among the participating female adolescents was identified. Specifically, factors influencing aggression were low parental support, low satisfaction with body image, high sense of loneliness, and lower perceived social acceptance. Conclusion: The present study, driven by the ecological model of human development, contributes to individuals’ understanding of aggression among female adolescents, focusing on the school environment, family environment, and cognitive factors. Aggression among young girls is unhealthy and adversely affects psychological well-being. The contributing factors must be taken into consideration in designing and implementing effective interventions. The contributing factors must be taken into consideration in designing and implementing effective interventions.
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Undergraduate Students in the Middle East: a Cross-sectional Survey in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Marzouqi Amina M Al , Otim Michael Ekubu , Alblooshi Ahmed , Marzooqi Suad Al , Talal Marah , Wassim Farah
Published: June 2021

Background: Mental health disorders comprise a significant burden to the health of the residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence of mental health disorders throughout the Middle East in general. The prevalence of mental health problems among students and the associated impact on UAE society requires more exploration. Building an understanding of these factors is essential to inform the development of interventions in the UAE context. The study aimed to establish the prevalence of three main mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress disorders) among undergraduate students in the UAE. Methods: This study used a descriptive, cross-sectional mixed methods design. Data were collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: The results were reported using descriptive statistics. This study received ethical approval. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Sharjah, UAE were 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.04–2.33), 55% (95% CI: 2.52–2.87), and 29% (95% CI: 1.76–2.02), respectively.Conclusion: Anxiety disorders are the dominant mental health problem among UAE students. There is a need for increased research in this area and on mental health problems in general in the UAE.
Evaluation of Deep Geothermal Exploration Drillings in the Crystalline Basement of the Fennoscandian Shield Border Zone in South Sweden.
Authors: Rosberg Jan-Erik , Erlström Mikael
Published: June 2021

The 3.1 and 3.7 km deep FFC-1 and DGE-1 geothermal explorations wells drilled into the Precambrian crystalline basement on the southern margin of the Fennoscandian Shield are evaluated regarding experiences from drilling, geological conditions, and thermal properties. Both wells penetrate an approximately two-kilometre-thick succession of sedimentary strata before entering the crystalline basement, of granitoid gneiss, metabasite and amphibolite of the (1.1–0.9 Ga) Eastern Interior Sveconorwegian Province. The upper c. 400 m of the basement is in FFC-1 severely fractured and water-bearing which disqualified the use of percussion air drilling and conventional rotary drilling was therefore performed for the rest of the borehole. The evaluation of the rotary drillings in FFC-1 and DGE-1 gave that the average bit life was very similar, 62 m respectively 68 m as well as an average ROP between 2 and 4 m/h without any preferences regarding bit-type (PDC or TCI) or geology. A bottomhole temperature of 84.1 °C in FFC-1 borehole with gradients varying between 17.4 °C/km and 23.5 °C/km for the main part of the borehole. The calculated heat flow varies between 51 and 66 mW/m2 and the average heat production is 3.0 µW/m3. The basement is in FFC-1 overall depleted of uranium and thorium in comparison to DGE-1 where the heat productivity is overall higher with an average of 5.8 µW/m3. The spatial distribution of fractures was successfully mapped using borehole imaging logs in FFC-1 and shows a dominance of N–S oriented open fractures, a fracture frequency varying between 0.85 and 2.49 frac/m and a fracture volumetric density between 1.68 and 3.39 m2/m3. The evaluation of the two boreholes provides insight and new empirical data on the thermal properties and fracturing of the concealed crystalline basement in the Fennoscandian Shield Border Zone that previously only been assessed by assumptions and modelling. The outcome of the drilling operation has also provided insight regarding the drilling performance of the basement and statistical data on various drill bits used. Properties and experiences which are all important in feasibility studies of deep geothermal project in the crystalline basement in south Sweden.
Autism and Chronic Ill Health: An Observational Study of Symptoms and Diagnoses of Central Sensitivity Syndromes in Autistic Adults
Authors: Grant Sarah Louise , Norton Sam , Weiland Ricarda F. , Scheeren Anke M. , Begeer Sander , Hoekstra Rosa A
Published: June 2021

Background Autistic adults, particularly women, are more likely to experience chronic ill health than the general population. Central sensitivity syndromes (CSS) are a group of related conditions that are thought to include an underlying sensitisation of the central nervous system; heightened sensory sensitivity is a common feature. Anecdotal evidence suggests autistic adults may be more prone to developing a CSS. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of CSS diagnoses and symptoms in autistic adults, and to explore whether CSS symptoms were related to autistic traits, mental health, sensory sensitivity, or sex. MethodsParticipants included 982 autistic adults (male = 409, female = 563, other = 9, mean age = 44.5) registered at the Netherlands Autism Register, who completed questionnaires assessing autistic traits, sensory sensitivity, CSS, physical and mental health symptoms. The reliability and validity of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in an autistic sample was established using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Chi2 analyses, independent t-tests, ANOVA, hierarchical regression analysis and path analysis were used to analyse relationships between CSS symptoms, autistic traits, measures of mental health and wellbeing, sensory sensitivity, age and assigned sex. Results21% of participants reported one or more CSS diagnoses, and 60% scored at or above the clinical cut-off for a CSS. Nonbinary and female autistics were more likely to report a CSS diagnosis and experienced more CSS symptoms than males. Sensory sensitivity, anxiety, age and sex were significant predictors of CSS symptoms, with sensory sensitivity and anxiety fully mediating the relationship between autistic traits and CSS symptoms. Limitations Although this study included a large sample of autistic adults, we did not have a control group or a CSS only group. ConclusionsCSS diagnoses and symptoms appear to be very common in the autistic population. Increased awareness of an association between autism and CSS should inform clinicians and guide diagnostic practice, particularly for females where CSS is common and autism under recognised.
[[EQUATION]]-optimal Designs for Hierarchical Linear Models: an Equivalence Theorem and a Nature-inspired Meta-heuristic Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xin , Yue RongXian , Zhang Zizhao , Wong Weng Kee
Published: June 2021

Hierarchical linear models are widely used in many research disciplines and estimation issues for such models are generally well addressed. Design issues are relatively much less discussed for hierarchical linear models but there is an increasing interest as these models grow in popularity. This paper discusses [[EQUATION]] -optimality for predicting individual parameters in such models and establishes an equivalence theorem for confirming the [[EQUATION]] -optimality of an approximate design. Because the criterion is non-differentiable and requires solving multiple nested optimization problems, it is much harder to find and study [[EQUATION]] -optimal designs analytically. We propose a nature-inspired meta-heuristic algorithm called competitive swarm optimizer (CSO) to generate [[EQUATION]] -optimal designs for linear mixed models with different means and covariance structures. We further demonstrate that CSO is flexible and generally effective for finding the widely used locally [[EQUATION]] -optimal designs for nonlinear models with multiple interacting factors and some of the random effects are correlated. Our numerical results for a few examples suggest that [[EQUATION]] and [[EQUATION]] -optimal designs may be equivalent and we establish that [[EQUATION]] and [[EQUATION]] -optimal designs for hierarchical linear models are equivalent when the models have only a random intercept only. The challenging mathematical question whether their equivalence applies more generally to other hierarchical models remains elusive.
Occupational Therapy in the Process of Recovering from Severe Mental Disorder
Authors: Valverde-Bolivar Efrén , Simonelli-Muñoz Agustín Javier , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Gallego-Gómez Juana Inés , González-Moro María Teresa Rodríguez , García-Arenas José J.
Published: June 2021

Background Severe mental disorder (SMD) produces a significant functional limitation that affects the performance of daily activities. This limitation is where the occupational therapist intervenes by seeking greater autonomy of these patients through specific activities. This study aims to identify the main limitations of people with SMD and see whether an occupational intervention has any effect in helping to overcome or ameliorate these limitations.Method An experimental study consisting of 103 subjects was carried out, where an evaluation was given before and after the intervention. The tool used is called the WHODAS questionnaire included in the DSM 5.Results Within the programming of activities, those with a higher attendance rating during cognitive stimulation, cooking workshop, therapeutic walks, relaxation, and creative activities were mainly men. The results showed that both patients and professionals indicated that Understanding and Communicating, Participation in Society, and Activities of Daily Living were the main perceived limitations. Upon discharge, both patients and professionals saw positive outcomes. Conclusion The intervention programs carried out by Occupational Therapy, along with the other aspects of the treatment that the patients with SMI have received, have played a part in improving the performance and occupational interests of the patients.
Online teaching and learning during COVID era: Medical students’ feedback and their perspectives
Authors: Bhandari Bharti , Chopra Deepti , Mavai Manisha , Verma Ranjana , Gupta Rakesh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The Nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 has prompted medical faculty all across Indian sub-continent to start online classes, with no prior sensitization and experience. This study was planned to assess the perceptions of medical students on online teaching.
Methods

The data was collected from medical students across India, through an anonymous online survey. Their feedback and perceptions regarding online teaching were recorded and analyzed.
Results

Of the 1256 complete responses received, > 60% of the students reported online lectures to be less interesting, less interactive and less engaging.They disagreed that online learning gives stronger sense of community among students and are capable of replacing the traditional didactic lecture format but were of the opinion that online learning encourages medical students to exert greater control over their learning by allowing flexibility over content and pace.The majority of students felt online teaching is a better opportunity for introvert students to express themselves through chat messages and it requires more self-direction and discipline.
Conclusion

The results showed that students were not much satisfied with online teaching. The possible reason could be lack of awareness of faculty about the available online teaching-learning strategies. To make online teaching more interesting and interactive, medical educators should more often engage in E-learning in an effort to come up with innovative approaches to train medical students.Teachers must undergo faculty development training to learn the use of technology in teaching. Students should also be sensitized on the various online tools available for learning and assessment.
Effect of Aftershock Characteristics on the Fragility Curve of Post-Mainshock RC Frames
Authors: Massumi Ali , Sadeghi Kabir , Ghojoghi Omid
Published: June 2021

Buildings constructed in seismic zones are not only damaged by mainshocks but may also be damaged by the impact of aftershocks and cause them to collapse. Therefore, studying the behavior of the damaged structures due to the mainshock and aftershock helps in post-mainshock decision making and also in the selection of suitable aftershock records for seismic assessing of the structure under earthquake sequences. This paper presents the effects of aftershock ground motion on the collapse capacity of post-mainshock buildings. The mean period (Tm), predominant velocity period (Tg), frequency bandwidth (Ω), the 5%-95% significant duration (Ds) and seismic records of different sites were selected to evaluate the effect of its characteristics on the collapse capacity of buildings. The intensity of the ground motions was determined by the first-mode spectral acceleration with 5% damping. Collapse capacities of two non-ductile reinforced concrete (RC) frames with 3 and 6 stories were evaluated using a set of 62 aftershock records with a wide range of characteristics. Box plot collapse diagrams and fragility curves have been developed by applying the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). The results show that in the frequency content with a longer period, the probability of its collapse is higher. In addition, the high significant duration of aftershocks increases the collapse probability of structures. Also, the evaluation of the site characteristics shows differences in collapse capacities of the same frames in varying sites. Therefore, the effect of aftershock characteristics on the capacity of the structures is significant and it is necessary to carefully determine the seismic sequences’ recordings for the evaluation of the seismic behavior of the structures.
A Randomized Non-Inferiority Study of Low-dose and Standard-dose Ticagrelor After Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome : Study Protocol for the TIGER STUDY
Authors: Pang Yanan , Ma Minglu , Wang Dong , Wu Hongyi , Hu Wei , Wang Zhibing , Chen Yan , Wu Sicheng , Ge Junbo , Hou Lei
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend that patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have successfully undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should continue to use dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 12 months. The long-term use of standard-dose dual antiplatelet therapy will increase the risk of bleeding. An optimized antiplatelet strategy that can prevent ischemic events and reduce the risk of bleeding remains to be explored.MethodsThe study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study involving 2120 patients from six clinical centers in China. Through the Interactive Web Response System (IWRS), ACS patients undergoing successful PCI will be randomly divided into the low-dose ticagrelor group or the normal-dose ticagrelor group, after taking 100 mg aspirin and 90 mg ticagrelor bid for 1 week. The primary endpoint is a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, repeat revascularization, stroke, and bleeding events of grade 2 or higher according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] criteria at one year. The secondary endpoints are bleeding events of grade 2 or higher according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium [BARC] criteria at one year.DiscussionRecent studies have confirmed that 90 mg ticagrelor alone can safely and effectively reduce bleeding without increasing ischemic events of patients with ACS after PCI. Compared with standard-dose DAPT, whether low-dose ticagrelor combined with aspirin can ensure the anti-ischemic effect while reducing the bleeding risk remains unclear in Chinese patients.The Tiger study will be the first large-scale, multicenter study to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose and standard-dose ticagrelor combined with aspirin in ACS patients one week after successful PCI.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT04255602. Registered on 5 February 2020.
Dynamics of initial spacing on the diameter of hybrid Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla in a systematic design
Authors: Lima Mirella Basileu de Oliveira , Nappo Mauro Eloi , Soares Kálita Luis , Castro Renato Vinícius Oliveira , Miguel Eder Pereira , Soares Thelma Shirlen , Gaspar Ricardo de Oliveira , Aquino Priscila Sales Rodrigues , Matias Renan Augusto Miranda
Published: June 2021

We evaluated the effect of initial spacing on the distribution of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla tree diameters in a Nelder wheel design. The study area was in west-central Brazil. A Nelder wheel design with three repetitions was used. This design provides 432 planting spots per plot/repetition. Planting density varied from 0.50 m² to 41.25 m². The diameter at breast height was measured for all plants every four months until 36 months of age, totaling eight measurements. The description of the diameter distribution was developed by fitting probability density functions for each spacing and age. The quality of fit was evaluated using the root mean square error percentage, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (α < 0.05). The spacings up to 1.17 m² must be harvested in less than two years, since it is noted that in the third year the increment in diameter is static and the mortality rate increases. The spacing highly affects the diameter structure of the population, impelling the forester to consider different uses for the wood. For wood requiring larger diameters, spacing above 8.69 m² per tree is recommended
Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Gynura procumbens in response to shade levels and rates of nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Ahmed Omar Ali , Yusoff Martini Mohammad , Misran Azizah , Wahab Puteri Edaroyati Megat , Zentou Hamid
Published: June 2021

Gynura procumbens is one of the most common medicinal plants with extensive pharmacological properties. Light intensity and nitrogenous fertilisers are two main limiting factors in primary and secondary metabolism in plants. Information on the effects of shade levels and nitrogenous fertiliser rates on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of G. procumbens is much scarce. This justifies an in-depth study to determine the effects of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted with four levels of shade (0, 30, 50, and 70%) and four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg N ha-1). Data measurements were performed on protein content, C:N ratio, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) and flavonoid acids. The results showed that decreases in total phenol, flavonoid contents, C:N ratio and antioxidant activity were recorded with increasing shade levels and nitrogen rates. Protein content was increased with increases in shade levels and nitrogen fertilizer supplement. The highest flavonoid acids contents were observed from higher light intensity (no shade) and no nitrogen application. Enhancement in production of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity were associated with high C:N ratio and low protein contents. The study demonstrated that high light intensity (0% shade) with a low N fertilizer rate (0 kg N ha−1) was suitable for both phenolic compounds and antioxidants activity. The present study suggested that G. procumbens can achieve higher production of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity under low nitrogen availability and open field conditions
Growth and production of conilon coffee under fertilization of nitrogen and molybdenum (Mo)
Authors: Rosado Thiago Lopes , Freitas Marta Simone Mendonça , Carvalho Almy Junior Cordeiro de , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Vieira Gustavo Haddad Souza , Scopel Kariny Nieiro , Rosado Matheus Margon Lopes
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen is the most applied nutrient in Coffea canephora crops, due to the high requirement of the crop and low availability in most soils. The efficiency of nitrogen fertilization can be maximized by applying molybdenum, due to the role of molybdenum in the nitrate’s metabolism. This study was conducted during two coffee production cycles under field conditions. It aimed to evaluate the effects of applying molybdenum on the growth and production of conilon coffee, subjected to different amounts of nitrogen. The experiment was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, the first factor being the absence and presence of molybdenum fertilization (4 kg ha-1 year-1) and the second factor, nitrogen doses (300, 500, 700, 900 and 1,100 kg ha-1 year-1) applied in five plots, during fruit development. We evaluated the conilon growth variables in each agricultural year, in addition to the yield of processed coffee and grain yield. The length of plagiotropic branches, number of nodes per side branch, number of rosettes and fruits per productive branch were closely related to the coffee yield and were influenced by the nitrogen fertilization. Increasing doses of nitrogen promoted quadratic increases in coffee yield, with addition of 35.3% and 88.9% for the 2019 and 2020 harvests, respectively, indicating that maximum coffee productivity is genetically defined and affected by environment conditions and management. For the harvest 2020, the application of molybdenum resulted in an increase in the length of the orthotropic stem and plagiotropic branches, in addition to providing increase of 3.7% in the yield of C. canephora. This suggested that there was a reduction in micronutrient availability in the soil, throughout the experimental period, limiting the growth and production of coffee in the second year
ALTERNATIVES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LEVULINIC ACID OBTAINED FROM BIOMASS
Authors: Santos Lucas , Fraga Gabrielle , Pontes Danilo , Campos Leila , Pontes Luiz , Teixeira Leonardo
Published: June 2021

Levulinic acid is a reactive polar organic compound deemed as a building block for several products with relevant applications, replacing traditional substances in the petrochemical industry. Considered a platform molecule, levulinic acid is industrially produced from the acid hydrolysis of biomass – mainly plant-based – using hydrochloric or sulfuric acid in homogenous catalysis. However, considering the World Market for levulinic acid is expected to reach US$ 71.9 million in 2027, growing annually at 14.1%, and its applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, plasticizers, cosmetics, and food additives, the development of alternative production processes is sought. Hence, a survey was performed on publications considering the alternatives for biomass-based levulinic acid production processes: I) alternative homogenous catalysts to avoid using noble materials in the reactor; II) heterogeneous catalysis to facilitate and reduce the catalyst’s separation and recovery costs; III) ionic liquids, exploiting their high solvency, stability, and catalytic capacity. Additionally, biomass alternatives for obtaining levulinic acid are presented, showing that other agricultural residues and animal biomass options are being considered, targeting process flexibilization while reducing costs and producing derivatives at more competitive prices. Thus, it can be stated that levulinic acid is an important platform molecule for biorefineries’ economics, replacing fossil fuels with renewable raw materials.
Yūsuf Al-Qarḍāwī's Istinbāṭ Method and Its Implementation in the Moderation of Islamic Law
Authors: Yaqin Ainol
Published: June 2021

This paper described the formulation of Yūsuf al-Qarḍāwī's isntinbāṭ method towards moderate fiqh. The choice of this theme was based on the existence of two demeanours in religion, between permissive and inclusive. Two main questions in this research were, first, how did Yūsuf al-Qarḍāwī formulate the istinbāṭ method for moderate fiqh? Second, how is the implementation of this method in formulating Islamic law? This paper concluded two things through a literature study with the descriptive-analytic method. First, there were six formulations of the istinbāṭ method for the moderation of Islamic law. a. Examining the maqāṣid contained in the text before determining Islamic law, b. Linking texts and Islamic law with texts and other Islamic laws. c. Understanding texts in the frame of asbāb (al-nuzūl or al-wurūd), both micro and macro. d. Distinguishing between constant maqāṣids and changing instruments. e. Adjusting between al-thawābit and al-mutaghayyirāt. f. Observing the difference between worship and mu’āmalah in terms of wisdom, ‘illah and maqāṣid. Second, this method of istinbāṭ could produce fiqh with a flexible, elastic, dynamic, adaptive, and easy-to-practice.
Fiqh Mu’āmalah Content in Friday Sermon: Dialectics of the Mosque as a Ritual Space and the Market as Economic Space
Authors: Musahadi Musahadi
Published: June 2021

This paper describes fiqh mu’āmalah content in Friday sermons at the Great Mosque of Kauman Semarang to understand the dialectics between the mosque as a ritual space and the market as an economic space. This paper's data are in the form of 51 sermons delivered in 2015 from January 1 to December 31, 2015, and interviews with the foundation, ta’mīr, and the preachers. This paper shows that Friday sermons' characteristics at the mosque are reflected in their preachers' diversity, both in terms of educational background, scientific fields, organizational affiliations, and professions. This paper finds that fiqh mu’āmalah's content has not become the point of attention of the preachers. This finding is proven by the absence of a sermon theme on fiqh mu’āmalah (mu’āmalah madiyah). The topic that appeared in Friday's sermon was related to Islamic economics's ethical principles and business-related to mu’āmalah adabiyah. The minimal content of fiqh mu’āmalah or economic fiqh in the Friday sermon of the mosque reflects the low intensity of the mosque's dialectics as a ritual space with the market as an economic space. The Friday sermon at this mosque still does not pay more attention to the jamā’ah of Johar market seller as the essential segment.