bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Research Evidence on Children Living With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Africa: a Scoping Review Protocol.
Authors: Laari Luke , Kuupiel Desmond , Boso Christian Makafui
Published: April 2021

Background: Early detection and intervention of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders have shown a great improvement of the child's behaviour, predominantly in language and motor skills development. We are proposing to conduct a systematic scoping review that will map all evidence available on children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Africa.Methods and analysis: This study will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework of scoping reviews. A comprehensive literature search will be done in the following electronic databases. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Science Direct, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, Health Sources, and Google Scholar. Primary studies, published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature such as unpublished studies, studies in press and Theses that address our research question will be included. To reduce research bias two independent reviewers will perform title, abstract, and full article screening in parallel. Data extraction from the selected studies will be conducted by two independent reviewers. NVivo version 12 software will be used to assist with the extraction of relevant answers to the study questions from selected studies using content thematic analysis. The results for this planned study will be presented following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR). Mixed Methods Assessment Tool version 2018 will be used for quality appraisal of included studies.Discussion: We anticipate that the proposed mapped evidence on Children living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Africa will reveal indicators for early detection that would facilitate strategies for intervention. We are also anticipating that this systematic scoping review will reveal gaps that can be addressed to ensure context-sensitive interventions and identify caregiver burdens of children living with Autism. This will contribute to the reduction of a scarcity of literature on children living with Autism in Africa.
Factorial structure and internal consistency of the Russian version of Teachers Creativity Nurturing Behavior Scale (TCNB)
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Sharma Ekta , Mirosnik kiril
Published: April 2021

Creativity is valued as one of the key 21st-century skills. Though the importance of creativity and creativity nurturing is well-accepted yet it remains the unachieved standard for educational systems.Various factors contribute to fostering creative behavior but the role of a teacher is critical and crucial in nurturing the creative potential of the child. Thecurrent study aimsto adapt the Teachers Creativity Nurturing Behavior Scale (TCNB) in Russian and evaluate its psychometric properties. Factorial structure and internal consistency of the Russian TCNB were examined in the sample of 223 school teachers from 86 towns and rural areas of the Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States countries (88.8% females, Mage = 36.91, SDage = 10.57). The teaching experience of participants varied from 1 to 43 years (M = 14.39, SD = 10.58). The factorial structure of the TCNB was assessed by exploratory factor analysis, and the internal consistency was estimated by the omega coefficient. Results showed that the four-factor structure was the most appropriate given the data. The value of internal consistency reliability variedfrom .62 to .83 for different factors, providing evidence of acceptable consistency of the scale. Overall, this study demonstrated preliminary evidence of the psychometrical characteristics of the Russian TCNB. The discrepancies between English and Russian versions of TCNB, limitations of the study, and future research perspectives are discussed.
Impact evaluation of immunisation service integration to nutrition programmes and pediatric outpatient departments of primary health care centers in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan
Authors: IDRIS ISRAEL OLUWASEYIDAYO , Lamidi Serifu Ayobami , Ochagu Victor A , Tapkigen Janet , Obwoya Justin Geno , Abbas Kaja
Published: April 2021

Objective:To evaluate the impact of immunisation service integration to nutrition programmes and under 5-year-old outpatient departments of primary health care centres in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan.Design:A retrospective intervention study was conducted in selected primary health care centers (PHCCs).Setting:The study was conducted in 3 primary healthcare centres in Rumbek East county and 3 primary healthcare centres in Rumbek Centre county in Lakes state of South Sudan.Participant:We extracted the data for the uptake of pentavalent vaccine (1st, 2nd and 3rd dose) given to children between 6 weeks old to 23 months old from immunisation records for January to June 2019 before immunisation service integration and July 2019 to December 2019 after immunisation service integration on the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) website to estimate the immunisation uptake ratio and drop-out rate.Results:The uptake of the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine improved from 61–96% (p < 0.001) after immunisation service integration into the nutrition programmes of the primary health care centers in Rumbek Centre county. The uptake of the second pentavalent dose improved from 37–69% (p = 0.102) and for the third pentavalent dose from 36–62% (p < 0.001), while the drop-out rate reduced from 57–40% (p < 0.001). While in Rumbek East county, the uptake of the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine improved from 55–77% (p < 0.001) after immunisation service integration into the under 5-year-old pediatric outpatient departments. The uptake of the second dose improved from 36–62% (p < 0.001) and for the third dose from 44–63% (p < 0.001), while the drop-out rate reduced from 40–28% (p < 0.001). Children were 23% more likely (RR: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.01–1.50]) to have been immunised with the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine upon immunisation service integration into the nutrition programmes of primary health care centers of Rumbek Centre county in comparison to integration into under 5-year-old outpatient departments of Rumbek East county.Conclusion:Integration of immunisation service delivery to nutrition sites and children’s outpatient departments improved the immunisation coverage and decreased drop-out rate. Stakeholders of the extended programme on immunisation should focus on the sustainability and scale-up of this intervention as it has high potential to improve childhood immunisation coverage and lower the high rates of vaccine preventable deaths among the children in South Sudan.
Determining the Role of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Death of Ten Domestic Pets
Authors: Carpenter Ann , Ghai Ria , Gary Joy , Ritter Jana , Carvallo Francisco , Diel Diego D. , Martins Mathias , Murphy Julia , Schroeder Betsy , Brightbill Kevin , Tewari Deepanker , Boger Lore , Gabel Julie , Cobb Robert , Hennebelle Janemarie , Stanton James B. , McCullough Kathryn , Mosley Yung-Yi C. , Naikare Hemant K. , Radcliff Rachel , Parr Boyd , Balsamo Gary , Robbins Brent , Smith David , Slavinski Sally , Williams Carl , Meckes Doug , Jones Dee , Frazier Tony , Steury Kelley , Rooney Jane , Torchetti Mia , Wendling Natalie , Currie Dustin , Behravesh Casey Barton , Wallace Ryan
Published: April 2021

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from people to companion animals has been reported globally. Between March 2020 and January 2021, the United States reported 94 companion animals with SARS-CoV-2. While most animals with SARS-CoV-2 have mild illness, 10 animals (5 dogs, 5 cats) died around the time of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. In one dog, histopathologic changes suggest SARS-CoV-2 exacerbated a severe chronic respiratory disease and contributed to death. In one cat, SARS-CoV-2 was associated with histopathologic changes suggesting the virus caused clinical signs that resulted in euthanasia. In the remaining eight animals, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an incidental finding (4 dogs, 4 cats). This report provides evidence that in rare circumstances, SARS-CoV-2 can contribute to or cause death in companion animals with underlying conditions.
Biotechnology for the mitigation of plastic waste from the oceans
Authors: Souza Edson Barbosa , Rocha Angela Machado , Silva Marcelo Santana
Published: April 2021

In contemporary times, the term “plastic” represents a family of polymers that are synthetically developed and have the property of being deformed without breaking. Since the beginning of its manufacturing at industrial levels, the amount of the world’s plastic production has already risen over 20,000%. Most of the produced plastic ends up having the sea as the end destination and it is known that there are toxic compounds associated with its decomposition that can cause serious problems to the ecosystem and to marine fauna. Biotechnology, as an area of study that integrates several areas of science, is committing to develop methods that may be useful in reversing the impacts that improper disposal of plastic can cause in the environment. The development of biodegradable materials and faster degradation tests with selected microorganisms have been the most effective biotechnological techniques, although they do not yet have a major impact on existing pollution mitigation. This paper will discuss the current accumulation of plastic in the oceans, as well as some of the biotechnological alternatives adopted to reverse the amount of plastic material discarded annually which ends up in the sea.
Qualidade da água no Médio Paraopeba e seus impactos socioambientais após rompimento da Barragem da Mina do Córrego do Feijão, Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Santos Lucas Alves Barros dos , Gomes Nicole Silva , Hugo Karolina Santos , Amaral Márcia Sabrina Lopes , Rossoni Hygor Aristides Victor
Published: April 2021

O rompimento da barragem no complexo da Mina Córrego do Feijão da Mineradora Vale S.A., em Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, ocorrido em 25 de janeiro de 2019, acarretou uma série de impactos socioambientais. Após o rompimento, foram depositados na Bacia do Rio Paraopeba cerca de 12 milhões de metros cúbicos de rejeitos minerários. Sendo assim, este estudo objetiva discutir os impactos surgidos com a deterioração da qualidade da água desta bacia nos trechos do rio que percorrem cinco municípios localizados no Médio Paraopeba. Neste contexto, o índice de qualidade da água (IQA), as concentrações de metais pesados (Fe, Cu, Mn e Cr), oxigênio dissolvido e turbidez, foram utilizados para a análise da qualidade da água. Com isso, foi observado que, ao longo dos trechos do rio, o IQA e as concentrações de Fe, Cu, Mn e Cr encontram-se fora dos limites exigidos pela legislação. Estas condições da qualidade da água acarretam em limitações para usos múltiplos, no entanto não se atribui apenas ao rompimento da barragem, uma vez que o rio apresentava historicamente altas concentrações de contaminantes. Por fim, constata-se que este evento corroborou para a deterioração da água, e por isso, devem ser projetadas soluções que afastem os riscos de desabastecimento dos municípios.
Exercício físico e conexão com a Natureza: um estudo de caso em João Pessoa no Brasil
Authors: Alves Humberto da Nóbrega , Azeredo Luane Maria Melo , López Luiz Carlos Serrano , Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva de
Published: April 2021

O objetivo foi avaliar as relações entre conexão com a Natureza e a prática de exercício físico regular outdoor (ar livre) e indoor (ambientes fechados) de praticantes de exercícios físicos outdoor e indoor no Município de João Pessoa-PB. Foram analisados os dados socioeconômicos, hábitos de exercício físico/repouso noturno, bem estar (afetos positivos, afetos negativo, aflição, bem estar), dobras cutâneas e conexão com a Natureza em uma amostra de 300 pessoas praticantes de exercícios físicos. Foi utilizado como modelo de análise linear o Critério de Informação Bayesiano (BIC), com intervalo de confiança de 95% (p < 0,05), além da distribuição percentual, médias e desvios padrões das variáveis de estudo por meio do programa estatístico R. As pessoas entrevistadas tinham idade entre 18 e 80 anos, com rendimento acima de um salário mínimo e maioria com ensino médio e superior completos. O exercício físico principal da maioria das pessoas era a caminhada. Foi constatado pelo Critério de Informação de Bayesiano (BIC) uma correlação positiva entre o grau de conexão com Natureza e afetos positivos (t = 2,878; p < 0,01), com a aflição (t = 3,286; p < 0,01), com o bem-estar (t = 3,453; p < 0,001) e com a variável grupo outdoor (t = 3,801; p < 0,001). Já as correlações negativas foram encontradas centre o grau de conexão com a natureza e os afetos negativos (t = -3,958; p < 0,001); com as dobas cutâneas (t = -3,057; p < 0,01); e com a intensidade exercício físico principal (t = -3,876; p < 0,001). Os resultados apontam para uma relação significativa entre a conexão com a Natureza e o exercício físico convergindo para uma melhoria de saúde e qualidade de vida da população.
A Review on the Negative Impacts of Black Sand Mining on the Ecosystem of Kerala
Authors: Sharon C
Published: April 2021

India having coastline of in excess of 6000 km, has likely the greatest and most luxurious coastline placers. India's beach sand stores and rises contain weighty minerals like ilmenite,zircon, rutile, monazite, and sillimanite, the world necessity of garnet. Kerala has a 570 km long coastline as one of world's most potential fishing ground with exceptional biodiversity and furthermore as the plentiful wellspring of probably the most extraordinary minerals that can be found in the world. The most expected wellspring of these mineral stores is the coastline of the stretch of Kollam and Alappuzha that extends around 150 km. The dark sand mining has influenced the biodiversity of the zone consequently absolutely influencing the lives of the rural communities bringing about an ecological constrained movement and occupation misfortune. This paper critically reviews the negative impacts of the black sand mining on the ecosystem of Kerala.
Augmented and Virtual (Mixed) Reality for Asset Management in a Construction Warehousing Facility: A Modelling and Simulation Study
Authors: Sayah Elias B. , P Kishor
Published: April 2021

This research presented a practically achievable scenario of a smart warehouse receiving smart containers to be inspected smartly and effectively. This research had four objectives: review role of augmented and virtual realities in construction warehousing; define a scenario in an example construction warehousing layout and create modelling and simulation environment in Blender; simulate the scenario in interactive mode and record the features and experiences; and make recommendations for its practical implementation. A 3D model of an example scenario of inspection of containers was created in Blender software, and its Augmented Reality (AR) functionalities were configured for a simulated experience. An example process of inspection of the containers offloaded in a temporary construction warehouse was experienced within the 3D model and key features and experiences were recorded.
Shear Strength of Steel Fiber Reinforced Reactive Powder Concrete & Geopolymer Concrete – A Comparison
Authors: Kumar Aravind S , Raj J Bharati , Simon Keerthy M
Published: April 2021

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is an ultra-high strength concrete composite prepared by the replacement of natural aggregates with quartz powder, silica fume and steel fibers. The use of RPC yields high strength, high ductile concrete with optimized material use and contributes to economic, sustainable and ecofriendly constructions. Past research has indicated that RPC offers significant improvement in the mechanical and physical properties owing to its homogenous composition with less defects of voids and microcracks. This leads to enhancement of ultimate load capacity of RPC members and results in superior ductility, energy absorption, tensile strain-hardening behavior, crack control capability and durability. Geo-polymer concrete (GPC) is a type of concrete that is made by reacting aluminate and silicate bearing materials with a caustic activator. Usually, waste materials such as fly ash or slag from iron and metal production are used, which helps lead to a cleaner environment. This paper attempts to review the effect of steel fibers on the shear strength of steel fiber reinforced RPC and compare the results with those of geopolymer concrete.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Traffic calming measures
Authors: K.B Gayathri
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of various traffic calming measures on achieving their predetermined objectives. The first stage focused on the influence of measures like Speed table, Rumble strips, Road studs and Lane narrowing implemented in isolation under the same conditions, on the speed of unimpeded vehicles has been investigated by evaluating differences in speed profiles of individual vehicles. Their effect on safety was assessed by comparing the accident data before and after installation of these measures. The second stage measured the operating speeds of vehicles passing through successive measures using a GPS based mobile application, Speedometer in 2 seconds interval to have an insight on the relationship between spacing and speed. The raw speed data were analysed and formed significant relationships which formed the basis of a multiple linear regression model for the speed profile of unimpeded vehicles in a given traffic calmed link.
Keynote Speech: Significance of Soil Moisture Content and its Measurement Techniques
Authors: S.U. Susha Lekshmi , Singh D.N.
Published: April 2021

Soil moisture is an inevitable part of the soil and has a significant influence on the engineering, agronomic, geological, ecological, biological, and hydrological behavior of the soil mass. A small change in the soil moisture content alters the behavior or mechanical properties of the soil mass, viz., consistency, compatibility, cracking, swelling, shrinkage, and density. The soil moisture content can be considered as a multi-disciplinary parameter as it has been used as a critical parameter in civil, agricultural, and environmental engineering disciplines. In geotechnical engineering, construction of embankments, pavements, earthen dam, retaining walls, foundations, evaluation of contaminant transport within the unsaturated zone, and slope stability determination, spatial and temporal soil moisture content variation has vital importance. Furthermore, it has a significant role to play as far as plant growth, organization of the natural ecosystems, and biodiversity are concerned. In the agriculture sector, adequate and timely moisture for irrigation, depending upon the soil-moisture-plant environment, is essential for crop production.
El cuerpo como territorio de control: expresión del deseo desde lo femenino y lo masculino.
Authors: Martínez Ramírez Anamaría , Yate Capera Angie Tatiana , Fonseca Rey Brayan Steven , Armero Moreno Claudia Melissa , Alonso Morales Dayana , Tovar Pinilla Juan David
Published: April 2021

La relación entre el deseo y el cuerpo como territorio de control para la constitución de las ficciones políticas de feminidad y masculinidad exige el estudio de los postulados del siglo xx y su evolución contrastada con lecturas contemporáneas. Proponemos, así, las categorías de psicoanálisis Freudiano con la patologización del deseo femenino y el poder institucional de Foucault. Serán revisadas las visiones en virtud de la irrupción del fenómeno queer, lo performativo del género en Butler, el imperio excluyente de la heterónoma a partir de la relación consecuente entre sexo-género-deseo y las lecturas sociológicas de Connell y Sara Martín en la construcción identitaria de la masculinidad viril. Por último, en el intento de vislumbrar una episteme alternativa, se propone el modelo farmocopornográfico de Preciado, que converge dos industrias: la farmacéutica, puntualizando el análisis en la píldora anticonceptiva, y la pornográfica, como instrumento semiótico para la construcción y manipulación del placer. Los dispositivos biotecnológicos abordados permitirán transitar de las lógicas socioculturales al lente de lo bioquímico, concluyendo que lo molecular también es político.
Marruecos y Túnez: Un escenario de conflicto para los principios de occidente en el marco de una democracia impuesta
Authors: Mora Gómez Karol Johana
Published: April 2021

Esta investigación se realiza desde una metodología cualitativa descriptiva, la cual permite realizar un análisis crítico frente a la consolidación del Estado que marcó a África, especialmente a los Estados de Marruecos y Túnez, así como su evolución hacia la democracia. De este modo, se tendrán en cuenta los determinantes sociales, económicos, culturales y políticos que delimitaron su actual sistema político. Adicionalmente, esta investigación está apoyada en conceptos clave como democracia, geopolítica y Estados híbridos. Se considera que estos conceptos son herramientas de análisis que permiten la comprensión de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿Cuáles son las implicaciones políticas de una occidentalización en el mundo árabe y su reconfiguración jerárquica subcontinental en el balance de poder? La Investigación se centrará en la primera década del siglo xxi y las últimas décadas del siglo xx, este periodo fue seleccionado ya que marca un punto crucial para la transformación del sistema político de la región y, en especial, de Marruecos y Túnez; Estados que se entrarán a analizar.
Editorial Volumen 13-1
Authors: Reyes Guzmán Sebastián Camilo
Published: April 2021

La revista Criterios. Cuadernos de Ciencias Jurídicas y Política Internacional, llega a su ejemplar número veinticinco, posicionando y suscitando fenómenos de coyuntura y dinámicas estructurales por más de trece años, pasando por avatares políticos, económicos y sociales, como la consecución de un acuerdo de paz entre Colombia y su guerrilla más antigua, el recrudecimiento de violencias, el surgimiento de nuevos actores armados, las trasformaciones enérgicas generadas a través de la protesta social y las transiciones de presidencias de vertientes de izquierda a derecha en América Latina. Incluso, atravesando uno de los panoramas contemporáneos de mayor complejidad e impacto en diversos escenarios, como la pandemia del COVID-19, la cual continúa y muy seguramente extenderá su efecto por varios años en el futuro.
En ese sentido, Criterios, se está adaptando a los nuevos direccionamientos que a nivel global los centros de pensamiento, observatorios, grupos de investigación y revistas científicas están desarrollando con el propósito de generar experiencias más diversas y holísticas, por un lado, cercanas a la sociedad civil, vinculando a colectividades a la generación de producción científica que decante en herramientas para su transformación y paralelamente, configurándose en plataformas transmedia, donde confluye material visual, sonoro, táctil e interactivo, por lo que, desde la estructura orgánica de Criterios, se están adoptando medidas imperantes para avanzar en el camino de exigencias y estándares de calidad internacionales, acordes con el contexto y desafíos actuales.
Occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamaseand AmpC-type cephalosporinase-producing Escherichia coli in mastitic cow’s milk
Authors: RÓŻAŃSKA HANNA , KUBAJKA MARIA , WEINER MARCIN
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum betalactamases (ESBL and/or AmpC) in the milk of cows with mastitis. A total 2,500 milk samples from mastitic cows were tested in 2014-2018. The investigations included the culture of bacteria on MacConkey agar with cefotaxime, identification with the API Rapid 32 E test, synergy disc test D68C, assessment of antimicrobial resistance by the microdilution method and confirmation of the occurrence of genes encoding ESBL and AmpC. Out of 133 isolates identified as E. coli, 87 were recognized as ESBL producers and 46 as chromosomally encoded cephalosporinase AmpC producers. The blaTEM was predominant in the ESBL producers. All 46 AmpC-positive strains had the blaCMY gene. The results confirmed the occurrence of extended-spectrum betalactamase- producing E. coli in inflammatory secretions from mastitic
Fuzzy numerical solution to the unconfined aquifer problem under the Boussinesq equation
Authors: Samarinas N. , Tzimopoulos C. , Evangelides C.
Published: April 2021

In this article, the fuzzy numerical solution of the linearized one-dimensional Boussinesq equation of unsteady flow in a semi-infinite unconfined aquifer bordering a lake is examined. The equation describing the problem is a partial differential parabolic equation of second order. This equation requires knowledge of the initial and boundary conditions as well as the various soil parameters. The above auxiliary conditions are subject to different kinds of uncertainty due to human and machine imprecision and create ambiguities for the solution of the problem, and a fuzzy method is introduced. Since the physical problem refers to a partial differential equation, the generalized Hukuhara (gH) derivative is used, as well as the extension of this theory regarding partial derivatives. The objective of this paper is to compare the fuzzy numerical and analytical results, for two different cases of the physical problem of an aquifer's unsteady flow, in order to prove the reliability and efficiency of the proposed fuzzy numerical scheme (fuzzy Crank–Nicolson scheme). The comparison of the methods is based on the transformed Haussdorff metric, which shows that the distances between the analytical and numerical results tend to zero.
Silage of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste to improve methane production
Authors: Castellón-Zelaya Mario F. , González-Martínez Simón
Published: April 2021

The silage of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a common practice in biogas plants. During silage, fermentation processes take place, affecting the later methanisation stage. There are no studies about how OFMSW silage affects methane production. This work aimed to determine the effects of silage (anaerobic acid fermentation) at different solids concentrations and temperatures on methane production. OFMSW was ensiled at 20, 35, and 55 °C with total solids (TS) concentrations of 10, 20, and 28% for 15 days. The ensiled OFMSW was then tested for methane production at the substrate to inoculum ratios (S/I) of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. Independently of the temperature, the production of the metabolites during silage increases with decreasing solids concentration. The highest production was of lactic acid, ethanol, and acetic acid, representing together 95% of the total. Methane production from ensiled OFMSW at 10% solids concentration shows, under every tested condition, better methane production than from fresh OFMSW. Ensiled OFMSW produces more methane than fresh OFMSW, and methane production was highest at 35 °C.
Mechanisms Involved in Apice Closure of Pulpless Teeth – Literature Review
Authors: dos Santos Neto Alexandrino Pereira , Maia Sandra Maria Alves Sayão , Leão Jair Carneiro , Quidute Iliana Lins , dos Santos Guimarães Carolina , Júnior Severino Alves , Álvares Pamella Recco , Gomes Ribeiro Maria Izabel , Silva Luciano Barreto
Published: April 2021

Background:

Unfinished root formation has always offered challenges in endodontics due to technical difficulties and weakened teeth resistance during the lifetime of an individual. Pulp revascularization therapy appeared as a solution for apical closure and root maturation. The existence of oral stem cells involved in the process associated with traditional resident cells requires adequate blood supply given by induced controlled injury deliberately accomplished into the periapical zone.

Objective:

The aim of this work was to research, through literature review, the main mechanisms involved in the process of apical closure through the technique of pulp revascularization.

Conclusion:

Apice closure in pulpless teeth seems to happen as a result of professional intervention and biological activity. The success rate depends on the role of traditional local immune cells and stem cells associated with adequate blood supply to finish root formation.
Performance of QMAC-dRASTTM (Direct Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) - a Newcomer in Phenotypic Automatic AST
Authors: Christensen Jens J. , Junker Hanne , Madsen Connie B. , Christiansen Camilla F. , Kristensen Tina , Lund Tine K. , Fallesen Majbritt , Kjølsen Rie , Hansen Bodil , Hansen Pia K. , Jensen Ulrich S.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

QMAC-dRASTTM is a phenotypic automatized Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) system based on microfluidic chip technology enabling observation of changes in a single bacterial cell under antibiotic treatment conditions. The 96 wells plate with dried antibiotics comprises 19 and 17 antibiotics for the Gram-Negatives (GNs) and Gram-Positives (GPs), respectively. Categorical (Sensitive, Intermediate or Resistant) results were compared to results obtained by our laboratory standard susceptibility testing procedure and given as Categorical Agreement (CA).

Methods:

In a 3-month period (2019/2020), blood cultures detected positive were included. Excluded were known off-panel strains of QMAC-dRASTTM, such as Gram-positive bacilli, Streptococcus and Candida species. Percentages of CA (CA, %) between QMAC-dRASTTM and routine testing methods used in the laboratory (EUCAST disc diffusion and/or etest/Broth Micro Dilution MIC), were calculated.

Results:

255 positive blood cultures from as many patients were examined. Of the positive blood culture strains, 144 were GNs, and 111 were GPs. An overall combined CA,% of 96.3 (2410 of 2502 determinations) was obtained, and discrepancies were noted in 92 of 2502 test results (3.7%). The percentage of very major errors (VMEs) was 0.7% for GNs and 2.2% for GPs. For 87% of blood culture specimens examined, susceptibility reports were available within 6-7 hours.

Conclusion:

The high CA,% for as well GNs as GPs are promising. The presented time to report data obtained by QMAC-dRASTTM in this study being of 3-8 hours for blood culture specimens examined strongly support a further possible improvement in the workflow for handling blood stream infections.
Evaluation of CA-125 Biomarker in Acute Appendicitis Patients: Correlation with Clinical Symptoms and Lab Results
Authors: Ahmadinejad Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyed A. , Shirzadi Alireza , Soltanian Ali , Ashrafi Jafar , Kabir Kourosh , Alizadeh Mahla
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic significance of CA 125 in Acute Appendicitis (AA) along with the changes in its levels about clinical symptoms and lab findings.

Methods:

Patients referred at the emergency department of Madani hospital with the suspicion of AA and right iliac fossa pain were enrolled in this study. Preoperative CA 125 levels along with C-reactive Protein (CRP) and complete blood count were obtained. Lab findings, signs and symptoms were recorded for all the patients. Statistical analysis was conducted based on CA 125 < 16.4 U/mL and ≥ 16.4 U/mL using the logistic regression model, where variables such as fever, anorexia, CRP and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) were added to the model.

Results:

Of 207 patients with the mean age of 26.55 ± 0.967 years, 48.8% of them were males and 51.20% were females. 122 of the total patients had CA 125 ≥ 16.4 U/mL. Anorexia was significantly associated with increased levels of CA 125. CA 125 was 2.14 times higher in patients presenting anorexia. However, ESR, CRP and fever were not associated with the elevation of CA 125. Based on the contour plot, it was deduced that leukocytosis at its lowest and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at its highest levels is associated with the maximum concentration of serum CA 125.

Conclusion:

Based on the findings from this study, CA 125 cannot be considered as a reliable diagnostic variable for acute appendicitis. Levels of CA 125 may vary with the severity of AA.
PENGARUH ORIENTASI KEWIRAUSAHAAN DAN AKSES KEUANGAN TERHADAP KINERJA USAHA
Authors: Rizki Agung Putra Muchammad , Firdausi Nuzula Nila , Khalid Mawardi Muhammad
Published: April 2021

This study attempts to explain the influence of orientation entrepreneurship and financial access on their performance. Business research by analyzing the effectiveness of the KUR program bri given to the offender SME’s in Blitar East Java. With a technique, the sample collection non-probability in random proportionate, with the data was path analysis. The result showed that orientation entrepreneurship positive effect on access to finance, entrepreneurial orientation also has a relationship significantly to the performance of businesses either directly or indirectly financial access addition, financial access to depend on the performance of business.
Evolution of Radar and Lightning Variables in Convective Events in Barcelona and Surroundings for the Period 2006–2020
Authors:   Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya, Berlin, 38-46 08029, Barcelona, Spain, Rigo Tomeu , Castillo Sergio ,   Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, C/Ramírez de Arellano 37, 28043 Madrid, Spain
Published: April 2021

The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona is a densely populated region in the North-East of the Iberian Peninsula. Infrastructures in this area play a significant role in the economy of this part of Europe. The combination of the Mediterranean Sea and the complex topography is responsible for the occurrence of severe weather events in this location and the surrounding areas. The use of remote sensing data in an hourly resolution allows the identification and characterization of those severe episodes, helping in determining the future trends of the adverse weather. This fact is crucial in the development of new engineering projects, as well as in the maintenance of the current ones. Weather radar and lightning observations have enabled the monitoring of an increase in severe weather occurrence and, in addition, the prime characteristics of the thunderstorms responsible for producing them. Deepening vertical developments, the presence of hail, and the decrease of the rainfall efficiency are some of the characteristics that must be taken into account in the near future.
Initial Validation of a Replicated Field-scale Denitrifying Bioreactor Facility in a Boreal Environment
Authors:   St. John’s Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 204 Brookfield Road, St. John’s, NL, Canada, Jeyakumar Lordwin Girish Kumar , McKenzie David B. ,   St. John’s Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 204 Brookfield Road, St. John’s, NL, Canada, Christianson Laura E. ,   University of Illinois, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL, USA, Derdall Evan ,   Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Published: April 2021

Denitrifying bioreactor technology, where a solid carbon source (woodchips) acts as a reactive medium to intercept agricultural tile drainage water, has been successfully used to convert N (NO3-) to di-nitrogen (N2) gas. Four replicated field-scale (24 m long x 3 m wide x 1 m deep), bioreactors were built and operated at the St. John’s Research and Development Centre and were successful at removing a notable amount of nitrate (N) from agricultural subsurface drainage water. The objective of this study was to investigate the internal flow dynamics of one of these field-scale bioreactors as a proxy for the others. The hydraulic conditions in the bioreactor system developed differently than expected; asymmetric flow rates led to long average hydraulic retention time (HRT) and a highly dispersed residence time distribution, which was revealed by a sodium chloride tracer test. To measure the internal flow a known amount of sodium chloride (salt) was added to water before it entered the bioreactor and samples were collected in 30 minutes intervals. The temperature of water samples taken from the inlet, outlet, and sample ports ranged from 14.5 to 18.4°C With a N removal of 62 to 66% the bioreactor proved at the same time to be very effective under the boreal environment of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Mass removal rate (MRR) was calculated to evaluate the performance of woodchip bioreactor. The average MRR was 3.87 gm-3day-1 and the highest was 7.19 gm-3day-1 respectively. The theoretical retention time was calculated to be approximately 10.64 h based on the active flow volume, the length and depth of the system. In comparison the observed retention was 18.18 h
The Role of Fatigue in the Aging Swallow: A Review
Authors:   Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, 665 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA, Brates Danielle , Troche Michelle S. ,   Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA, Molfenter Sonja M. ,   Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, 665 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA
Published: April 2021

Fatigue is a term commonly used to describe patient performance and/or subjective experience in the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders (known as dysphagia). There is an association between fatigue and aging, as well as fatigue and many dysphagia-causing diseases/disorders. Therefore, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are justifiably aware of and concerned about the potential impact of fatigue on swallowing performance and mealtime behavior. However, there is minimal agreement on and understanding of what constitutes swallowing-related fatigue, how it is identified and measured, who is at risk, and its impact on swallowing function, overall health, and quality of life. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of fatigue in swallowing and eating behavior in the context of aging, and how fatigue may be measured and managed clinically. We review the concept of fatigue and its clinical implications for swallowing function and mealtime behavior through the dichotomous framework of self-perceived fatigue versus measurable fatigability. Quantitative fatigability and patient-reported fatigue are discussed. We conclude with implications for future research.
Understanding Public Perceptions of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps: Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Social Media Analysis
Authors: Cresswell Kathrin , Tahir Ahsen , Sheikh Zakariya , Hussain Zain , Domínguez Hernández Andrés , Harrison Ewen , Williams Robin , Sheikh Aziz , Hussain Amir
Published: April 2021

Background

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 and its subsequent spread worldwide continues to be a global health crisis. Many governments consider contact tracing of citizens through apps installed on mobile phones as a key mechanism to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Objective

In this study, we sought to explore the suitability of artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled social media analyses using Facebook and Twitter to understand public perceptions of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in the United Kingdom.

Methods

We extracted and analyzed over 10,000 relevant social media posts across an 8-month period, from March 1 to October 31, 2020. We used an initial filter with COVID-19–related keywords, which were predefined as part of an open Twitter-based COVID-19 dataset. We then applied a second filter using contract tracing app–related keywords and a geographical filter. We developed and utilized a hybrid, rule-based ensemble model, combining state-of-the-art lexicon rule-based and deep learning–based approaches.

Results

Overall, we observed 76% positive and 12% negative sentiments, with the majority of negative sentiments reported in the North of England. These sentiments varied over time, likely influenced by ongoing public debates around implementing app-based contact tracing by using a centralized model where data would be shared with the health service, compared with decentralized contact-tracing technology.

Conclusions

Variations in sentiments corroborate with ongoing debates surrounding the information governance of health-related information. AI-enabled social media analysis of public attitudes in health care can help facilitate the implementation of effective public health campaigns.
Machine Learning–Driven Models to Predict Prognostic Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure Using Electronic Health Records: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lv Haichen , Yang Xiaolei , Wang Bingyi , Wang Shaobo , Du Xiaoyan , Tan Qian , Hao Zhujing , Liu Ying , Yan Jun , Xia Yunlong
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

With the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases increasing worldwide, early prediction and accurate assessment of heart failure (HF) risk are crucial to meet the clinical demand.

OBJECTIVE

Our study objective was to develop machine learning (ML) models based on real-world electronic health records to predict 1-year in-hospital mortality, use of positive inotropic agents, and 1-year all-cause readmission rate.

METHODS

For this single-center study, we recruited patients with newly diagnosed HF hospitalized between December 2010 and August 2018 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University (Liaoning Province, China). The models were constructed for a population set (90:10 split of data set into training and test sets) using 79 variables during the first hospitalization. Logistic regression, support vector machine, artificial neural network, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting models were investigated for outcome predictions.

RESULTS

Of the 13,602 patients with HF enrolled in the study, 537 (3.95%) died within 1 year and 2779 patients (20.43%) had a history of use of positive inotropic agents. ML algorithms improved the performance of predictive models for 1-year in-hospital mortality (areas under the curve [AUCs] 0.92-1.00), use of positive inotropic medication (AUCs 0.85-0.96), and 1-year readmission rates (AUCs 0.63-0.96). A decision tree of mortality risk was created and stratified by single variables at levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (<0.068 μg/L), followed by percentage of lymphocytes (<14.688%) and neutrophil count (4.870×109/L).

CONCLUSIONS

ML techniques based on a large scale of clinical variables can improve outcome predictions for patients with HF. The mortality decision tree may contribute to guiding better clinical risk assessment and decision making.
2B-Alert Web 2.0, an Open-Access Tool for Predicting Alertness and Optimizing the Benefits of Caffeine: Utility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Reifman Jaques , Kumar Kamal , Hartman Luke , Frock Andrew , Doty Tracy J , Balkin Thomas J , Ramakrishnan Sridhar , Vital-Lopez Francisco G
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

One-third of the US population experiences sleep loss, with the potential to impair physical and cognitive performance, reduce productivity, and imperil safety during work and daily activities. Computer-based fatigue-management systems with the ability to predict the effects of sleep schedules on alertness and identify safe and effective caffeine interventions that maximize its stimulating benefits could help mitigate cognitive impairment due to limited sleep. To provide these capabilities to broad communities, we previously released 2B-Alert Web, a publicly available tool for predicting the average alertness level of a group of individuals as a function of time of day, sleep history, and caffeine consumption.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to enhance the capability of the 2B-Alert Web tool by providing the means for it to automatically recommend safe and effective caffeine interventions (time and dose) that lead to optimal alertness levels at user-specified times under any sleep-loss condition.

METHODS

We incorporated a recently developed caffeine-optimization algorithm into the predictive models of the original 2B-Alert Web tool, allowing the system to search for and identify viable caffeine interventions that result in user-specified alertness levels at desired times of the day. To assess the potential benefits of this new capability, we simulated four sleep-deprivation conditions (sustained operations, restricted sleep with morning or evening shift, and night shift with daytime sleep) and compared the alertness levels resulting from the algorithm’s recommendations with those based on the US Army caffeine-countermeasure guidelines. In addition, we enhanced the usability of the tool by adopting a drag-and-drop graphical interface for the creation of sleep and caffeine schedules.

RESULTS

For the 4 simulated conditions, the 2B-Alert Web–proposed interventions increased mean alertness by 36% to 94% and decreased peak alertness impairment by 31% to 71% while using equivalent or smaller doses of caffeine as the corresponding US Army guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhanced capability of this evidence-based, publicly available tool increases the efficiency by which diverse communities of users can identify safe and effective caffeine interventions to mitigate the effects of sleep loss in the design of research studies and work and rest schedules.
Laypeople’s Online Health Information Search Strategies and Utilization for Health-Related Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Chiu Yen-Lin , Tsai Chin-Chung , Liang Jyh-Chong
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

With the increase in utilizing the Internet to search for health information about health-related problems, there is a need for health care professionals to better understand how their patients search for and utilize the online health information which may influence their medical decision making.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were to explore laypeople’s online health information search strategies and examine the relations between their search strategies and utilization behavior of online health information.

METHODS

Two scales, namely “match” and “elaboration,” were utilized to measure patients’ basic search strategies (i.e., simple approach) and advanced search strategies (i.e., integrative approach), respectively. In addition, the “consultation” scale was employed to evaluate participants’ utilization of online health information to consult doctors and others. A total sample of 253 outpatients without university education were purposely selected and surveyed. The participants were outpatients at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was performed to analyze the measurement model to specify the measurement validation. In addition, the structure model of PLS-SEM was evaluated to examine the path correlations between variables and to execute the interaction analysis and curvilinear analysis.

RESULTS

The results of the path correlation analysis by PLS-SEM showed that both elaboration strategy (path coefficient = 0.55, p < 0.001) and match strategy (path coefficient = 0.36, p < 0.001) were positively correlated to consultation on online health information with doctors and others. In addition, the interaction and curvilinear analyses indicated that there was a significant interaction effect between elaboration and match on consultation (path coefficient = -0.34, p < 0.001) and a significant curvilinear relationship between match and consultation (path coefficient = -0.09, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing patients’ exposure to online health information through both a simple search approach (i.e., match strategy) and a complex search approach (i.e., elaboration strategy) may lead them to appropriately utilize the information to consult doctors and others. However, the results of the interaction effect analysis and curvilinear relationship analysis highlighted the essential role of the elaboration strategy to properly locate, evaluate, and apply online health information. The findings of this study may help healthcare professionals better understand how to communicate with their patients through the health information on the Internet.

CLINICALTRIAL