bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of tertiary education students in regard to air pollution in Windhoek, Namibia: a cross sectional study
Authors: KEMBA HAUSHIKU , Nkwenika Tshifhiwa , Nkosi Vusumusi
Published: December 2019

Background: Knowing the residents' knowledge, attitude, and practices to air pollution is necessary for developing interventions specific to that population. Air pollution remains a neglected environmental concern in Windhoek, Namibia and people’s perceptions about air pollution and health have not been documented. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tertiary students to air pollution in Windhoek. Methods: Students from five tertiary institutions in Windhoek, Namibia were included in cross sectional study. A previously validated structured questionnaire; designed to collect information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding air pollution was used to collect data from 321 randomly selected study participants.Results: More than half (59.4%) of the study participants thought that air pollution was a major problem, while over 90% knew that air pollution could negatively impact health. The media was found to be the main source of information for study participants (91.1%). Despite having the knowledge, less than a third (27%) of the respondents regularly took action out of concern of air pollution. There was a statistically significant association between knowledge, attitudes, and practices to air pollution (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Air pollution interventions targeting tertiary students should be aimed at informing them on ways in which they could contribute individually and collectively to reducing air pollution and its negative effects.
IgE reactivity to components of fish allergens in Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) in atopic dogs
Authors: Imanishi Ichiro , Uchiyama Jumpei , Mizukami Keijiro , Kamiie Junichi , Kurata Keigo , Fujimura Masato , Shimakura Kuniyoshi , Nishifuji Koji , Sakaguchi Masahiro
Published: December 2019

Background IgE reactivity to fish allergens in atopic dogs, which are used as models for food allergy, has not been elucidated to date. We investigated IgE reactivity to crude and purified Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) allergens in atopic dogs to identify the allergenic components of cod. Methods Specific IgE to crude cod allergens in the sera of 179 atopic dogs, including 27 dogs with cod allergy, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The allergenic components of crude cod antigen were analyzed by ELISA, immunoblotting, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). IgE reactivity to parvalbumin, collagen, and tropomyosin was evaluated using the sera of atopic dogs that were positive for specific IgE to crude cod allergens. Results Specific IgE to crude cod allergens were present in 36 (20%) of the 179 atopic dogs and 12 (44%) of the 27 dogs with cod allergy. In allergen component analysis, IgE reactivity to tropomyosin and enolase was observed in the sera of dogs with cod allergy. Among the 36 dogs with IgE reactivity to crude cod extracts, 9 (25%), 14 (39%), and 18 (50%) dogs had specific IgE to parvalbumin, collagen, and tropomyosin, respectively. Conclusions The dogs exhibited IgE reactivity to the cod allergen components similar to that observed in humans, providing support for the use of atopic dogs with fish allergy as a model for fish allergy in humans.
The development of early ascites is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with drug-eluting embolic chemoembolization
Authors: Pipa-Muniz María , Sanmartino Susana , Mesa Alicia , Alvarez-Navascués Carmen , González-Diéguez Maria Luisa , Cadahía Valle , Rodríguez José Eduardo , Vega Florentino , Rodríguez Manuel , Costilla-García Serafín Marcos , Calvo Maria Varela
Published: December 2019

Background: A single-centre cohort study was performed to identify the independent factors associated withthe overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads (DEB-TACE). Methods: A total of 216 HCC patients who underwent DEB-TACE from October 2008 to October 2015 at a tertiary hospital were consecutively recruited. The analysis of prognostic factors associated with DEB-TACE complications was performed. Results: The objective response (OR) rate (Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria) to the first DEB-TACE (DEB-TACE-1) was 70.3%; the median OS from DEB-TACE-1 was 27 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 24-30). In the multivariate analysis, basal Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage and serum alkaline phosphatase were independent factors for survival following DEB-TACE-1. The most important clinical event associated with poor survival was the development of early ascites after DEB-TACE-1 (median OS, 17 months), which was closely related to the history of ascites, albumin and hemoglobin but not to tumour load or to response to therapy. Conclusions: Early ascites post-DEB-TACE is associated with the survival of patients despite adequate liver function and the use of a supra-selective technical approach. History of ascites, albumin and hemoglobin are major determinants of the development of early ascites post-DEB-TACE.
Effect of low-intensity ultrasound on the colonization of spermatogonial stem cells
Authors: Moghaddam Zeinab Hormozi , Mokhtari-Dizaji Manijhe , Movahedin Mansoureh
Published: December 2019

Background: Low-level-intensity ultrasound waves contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and increasing the number of cells in vitro. However, the interaction of ultrasonic waves involving thermal effects, mechanical vibration, or cavitation as a cell proliferation factor has not been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cavitation (mechanical index) on spermatogonial stem cell proliferation and colonization by removing heat effects caused by ultrasound radiation. Isolated spermatogonial stem cells from neonatal mice were cultured in a DMEM culture medium with 10% FBS. Spermatogonial stem cells were stimulated by low-level ultrasound for five days and colonization and viability were evaluated on the 7th day.Results: Regarding the low intensity of ultrasound, the Rayleigh integral model was used for acoustic pressure computation. According to the results of modeling, the intensities of 0.28, 0.45, 0.96, and 1.34 W/cm2 were selected at 0.5 cm of distance with the mechanical indices of 0.40, 0.51, 0.75, and 0.89. The mechanical indices of 0.40 and 0.89 resulted in 93±4 and 32±4 colonies, respectively. An increase in colony diameter was observed for the mechanical index of 0.40 during all days of the culture. In the culture on the 7th day, it had the largest average colony diameter of 134.05±1.22 μm in comparison with other groups (p<0.05). Cell viability did not significantly differ across groups (p=0.08). Conclusion: The results suggest that a low-intensity ultrasound of 40 kHz with a 0.40 mechanical index can be effective in increasing the proliferation and colonization of spermatogonial stem cells during culture. In other words, a mechanical index within the threshold of cavitation increases the proliferation and colonization of spermatogonial stem cells.
Factors predictive of invasive ductal carcinoma in cases preoperatively diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Morisaki Tamami , Takahashi Katsuyuki , Fujita Hisakazu , Takashima Tsutomu , Tomita Shuhei , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: December 2019

Background Invasion is often found in the postoperative pathological examination of cases diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by histological examinations such as core needle biopsy (CNB) or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB). A meta-analysis reported that 25.9% of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cases are diagnosed as DCIS preoperatively by CNB. Risk factors for invasion by postoperative examination have been studied, but no factors have been found that could be assessed preoperatively from blood tests. In this study, we investigated factors predictive of invasion based on preoperative blood tests in patients diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy. MethodsIn this study, 118 patients who were diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy were included. Biopsies were performed with 16-gauge CNB or VAB. Peripheral blood was obtained at the time of diagnosis. This study evaluated absolute platelet count, absolute lymphocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, carcinoembryonic antigen, and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3). The platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was calculated by dividing the absolute platelet count by the absolute lymphocyte count, and patients were grouped into high PLR (≥160.0) and low PLR (<160.0) groups. ResultsInvasion was found more frequently after surgery in pathologically high-grade cases than in pathologically not-high-grade cases (p = 0.015). The median PLR was 138.9, and 48 patients (40.7%) were classified into the high PLR group. The high PLR group was significantly more likely to have invasion in the postoperative pathology than the low PLR group (p = 0.018). In multivariate analysis of factors predictive of invasion in postoperative pathology, a high PLR (p = 0.007, odds ratio [OR] = 3.212), larger tumor size (p = 0.044, OR = 2.758), and biopsy method (VAB vs CNB, p = 0.001, OR = 0.206) were independent risk factors. Conclusions The PLR may be a predictor of invasion in the postoperative pathology for patients diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy.
Extensão universitária e formação acadêmica: alguns apontamentos sobre os 5 anos de vigência do Programa de Bolsas de Apoio à Cultura e à Arte da UFVJM
Authors: Madureira José Rafael
Published: December 2019

Qual é o sentido da cultura e da arte na formação acadêmica dos estudantes? Essa indagação é o ponto de partida das discussões apresentadas neste artigo e elaboradas com base na análise de dados levantados sobre os cinco anos de vigência do Procarte (2012-2017), um programa específico de apoio destinado aos projetos de extensão vinculados às áreas da cultura e da arte e desenvolvido pela Pró-Reitoria de Extensão e Cultura da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM). O cruzamento de todo material pesquisado (documentos oficiais, resoluções, regulamentos e editais de programas, planilha de projetos aprovados, quadros de resultados finais) possibilitou a organização de um conjunto de apontamentos sobre esse programa que poderá contribuir não apenas na avaliação diagnóstica do mesmo, como também com os debates sobre o papel da extensão universitária nos processos de formação cultural e acadêmica dos estudantes.
O impacto de ações de divulgação da neurociência junto a uma comunidade escolar de Uruguaiana/RS
Authors: Fantti Mayúme Fantti De Freitas , De Vargas Liane Da Silva , Neves Ben-Hur Souto , Mello-Carpes Pâmela Billig
Published: December 2019

Já é reconhecida a importância dos conhecimentos da neurociência para a sociedade. Estes conhecimentos, por ficarem restritos ao meio científico, muitas vezes não chegam à população em geral, e tampouco à escola, onde o entendimento do cérebro poderia contribuir para os processos de ensino-aprendizagem. Esta pouca divulgação científica acaba propiciando a disseminação de neuromitos, entendimentos equivocados acerca do funcionamento do cérebro, os quais podem ser prejudiciais. O pprograma POPNEURO busca promover ações de divulgação e popularização da neurociência. Neste estudo relatamos o impacto de um conjunto de ações, denominadas Neuroblitzes. As Neuroblitzes são visitas semanais a uma turma de escolares da Educação Básica nas quais temas de neurociência são abordados em atividades teórico-práticas. Participaram das ações aqui relatadas 28 escolares do 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental da Escola Municipal Cabo Luiz Quevedo do município de Uruguaiana/RS. As ações foram realizadas em 2018. Para avaliar o impacto das intervenções um questionário sobre os temas abordados foi aplicado antes e outro após as atividades. Os resultados demonstram que ações propostas aumentaram o conhecimento de estudantes da Educação Básica sobre o cérebro e o sistema nervoso, como no questionamento sobre os constituintes de um neurônio onde, após as intervenções, mais de 40% acertou todos os constituintes de um neurônio. Também em relação à Universidade onde antes das ações 68,18% afirmaram conhecer a UNIPAMPA, e, após as intervenções, este percentual subiu para 87,5%. Adicionalmente, os alunos gostaram das atividades, considerando-as divertidas e conseguindo estabelecer relação com o que foi destacado nas aulas, com o seu cotidiano.
Internet de las cosas aplicado a la agricultura: estado actual
Authors: Tovar Soto Jhonatan Paolo , Solórzano Suárez José De los Santos , Badillo Rodríguez Andrés , Rodríguez Cainaba Genner Oswaldo
Published: December 2019

Este artículo presenta una revisión actualizada de las diferentes aplicaciones de tecnologías enmarcadas en el internet de las cosas (IoT) en agricultura, mediante la recopilación de diversos documentos en las áreas de interés, y por medio de criterios de selección puntualizados, respondiendo preguntas específicas de investigación. La información recolectada se dividió en dos factores relevantes: en primer lugar, se identificaron las tecnologías de IoT aplicadas en agricultura divididas en capa de percepción y capa de red; por otra parte, se hizo énfasis en la búsqueda de desarrollos aplicados en América Latina, con especial cuidado en Colombia, para establecer la influencia de este tipo de tecnologías en la región. Finalmente, este trabajo pretende dar un panorama para futuras investigaciones, estableciendo los dispositivos y las tecnologías de IoT más recurrentes aplicadas en agricultura.
The social potential of industry as a dominant factor in achieving economic sustainability
Authors: Nesvit Kostyantyn
Published: December 2019

The article deals with the transformation of the role of industry’s social potential as a determinant of sustainability in the new economy. It also scientifically substantiated the social sources and the functional impact factors. The large-scale and multi-vector changes accompanying the wave-like oscillations of post-industrial economies have been investigated; the leading trends in the development of the social potential of industry have been highlighted. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the social potential of industry in the context of implementing sound structural changes and capacity building of technologically intensive industries, increased human capital productivity, renewal of economic and social infrastructure, achieving general economic and social progress.
Lack of environmental enrichments in shelters for homeless animals: Animal welfare and human perception of animals’ need
Authors: MAMZER HANNA
Published: December 2019

The more social and intelligent an animal is, the more stimuli it needs for optimal welfare. Animal welfare is based on complex interactions between somatic, psychological and social stimuli that fulfill animals’ needs at various levels. This is also true of dogs – the species that was domesticated first due to its extensive social and communicative skills as well as cognitive capabilities. In view of these facts, it is difficult to explain why Polish law does not require animal shelters to provide dogs with environmental and social enrichments. Environmental enrichments are required by law for animals used in scientific experiments, for animals kept in zoos and for farm animals in industrial farming, but not for companion species kept in shelters. This is even more surprising considering that homeless animals spend long years in shelters, while the other categories of animals mentioned above may, according to their use, live much shorter lives. What are the consequences of this undesirable situation for animals in shelters and for society, and how can it be changed?
Effect of eCG applied to dairy cows in the postpartum period on ovarian activity and reproductive performance
Authors: YENİLMEZ KUDRET , ÖZDEMİR NURULLAH
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) applied in postpartum (pp) period on ovarian follicle development, serum estradiol concentration, serum progesterone concentration, the calving-to-first oestrus (calving-to-first insemination) interval, and conception at first insemination. The material of this study consisted of 20 cows on day 14 pp. Cows included in this study were randomly divided into two groups. Cows in the first group, were treated with eCG (500 IU Folligon; Intervet, Holland) for 14 days. No treatment was applied to the second group, and it was left as a control group, Ovarian follicle diameters were measured by ultrasonographic examination on days 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 pp in all animals included in the study. Serum estradiol and progesterone were from blood samples taken on the same days. All animals included in the study were followed up until the first observable oestrus was detected, and they were inseminated 12 hours after the appearance of oestrus symptoms. A pregnancy examination was performed on the 45th day after insemination. In cows administered with eCG during postpartum period, an increase in ovarian follicle diameters compared to untreated cows and a decrease in the calving-to-first oestrus interval were determined. In contrast, serum estradiol and progesterone hormone levels did not differ between the two groups. Pregnancy rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, but there was no statistical difference between them. As a result, it was concluded that eCG applied to dairy cows on day 14 pp did not affect serum estradiol and progesterone levels, but it affected the ovarian follicle diameter and the calving-to-first oestrus interval positively.
ESTRATÉGIAS DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA: ANÁLISE DOS MÉTODOS GERENCIAIS NA PERSPECTIVA DO PROCESSO ADMINISTRATIVO NEOCLÁSSICO
Authors: Mathioni Fernanda , Spies Jacinta
Published: December 2019

A pesquisa objetivou compreender o método de gestão adotado pelos Enfermeiros, sob a luz das funções básicas da administração: o planejamento, a organização, coordenação e controle. Seguiu-se uma abordagem quantitativa, exploratório descritiva. O estudo de campo foi realizado nas Estratégias de Saúde da Família, de três munícipios de Gestão Plena da Atenção Básica Ampliada, pertencentes a 14ª Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de fevereiro e março de 2017, por meio de um formulário aplicado aos entrevistados. O tratamento dos dados ocorreu através da análise estatística descritiva, utilizando-se o método de distribuição de frequências. Como principais resultados obteve-se que: 52,94% dos sujeitos pesquisados não possuem capacitação na área de gerenciamento; 76,47% relataram que as esferas do governo não têm demonstrado intenção de capacita-los para gerir suas equipes; 64,71% se sentem capacitados para exercer sua função gerencial na ESF, porém 52,94% não segue nenhuma metodologia específica para orientar sua gestão; 70,59% não estão a par do planejamento estratégico de sua Secretaria Municipal de Saúde; 88,24% possui controle das atividades realizadas em sua ESF através de relatórios, porém 82,35% não fazem a análise, com a equipe, dos dados presentes nos relatórios periodicamente. Em resumo, os dados colhidos indicam que nos municípios estudados o processo administrativo não está consolidado integralmente, há deficiências, principalmente, no planejamento e controle de desempenho.
RESÍDUO SÓLIDO ORGÂNICO EM UNIDADE DE ALIMENTAÇÃO E NUTRIÇÃO HOSPITALAR: A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DO RESTO DOS PACIENTES
Authors: Kinasz Tânia Regina , Dias Ana Laura Almeida , Mariano Dálete Campos , Lima Mayara Barbosa
Published: December 2019

Avaliou-se a geração de resíduo sólido orgânico advindo do resto ingestão de pacientes de acordo com o tipo de dieta e a clínica de internação, e os fatores que influenciaram nessa geração. Realizou-se um estudo transversal descritivo num hospital universitário localizado no Município de Cuiabá MT. As amostras foram coletadas durante o jantar, totalizando 184. Para o cálculo da porção média de refeição distribuída, per capita médio e índice médio do resto ingestão foi utilizado o método de pesagem e como padrão de referência o índice inferior a 20%. Enquetes de satisfação realizadas com 41 pacientes avaliaram os fatores que influenciam nesta geração. Observou-se que a geração variou de acordo com a consistência das dietas e clínicas de internação. Hábitos e preferências alimentares, sensação de plenitude gástrica, porção elevada de refeição, náusea, inapetência e o horário do jantar foram os motivos mais citados para justificar a geração. Concluiu-se que a redefinição dos per capita dos alimentos de acordo com as preparações, redefinição das porções de acordo com a consistência da dieta por clínica de internação, padronização dos utensílios e o cumprimento desta padronização poderão contribuir para a diminuição dos índices de resíduo orgânico advindo do resto.
Penentuan Harga Opsi Tipe Eropa dengan Model Binomial
Authors: Maulida Via , Siswanah Emy , Nisa Eva Khoirun
Published: December 2019

Opsi merupakan suatu jenis kontrak yang memberikan hak kepada salah satu pihak untuk menjual atau membeli sejumlah saham pada suatu harga dan jangka waktu tertentu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan harga opsi call dan put tipe Eropa menggunakan model binomial langkah dan membandingkan hasil perhitungan harga opsi model binomial langkah dengan harga opsi model Black-Scholes dan harga opsi pasar. Model binomial merupakan model sederhana yang digunakan untuk menentukan harga opsi dengan mengasumsikan dua kemungkinan pergerakan harga saham yaitu harga saham akan naik atau turun. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penentuan harga opsi tipe Eropa dipengaruhi oleh harga saham (S0), harga kontrak (K), waktu jatuh tempo (T), volatilitas (sigma), suku bunga (r) dan parameter yang dibutuhkan untuk menghitung harga opsi yaitu peluang harga saham naik (p), tingkat kenaikan harga saham (u), tingkat penurunan harga saham (d). Dilihat dari besar erornya, secara empiris penentuan harga opsi dengan model binomial memberikan harga yang lebih mendekati harga opsi pasar dibandingkan dengan besar eror yang dihasilkan dari harga opsi model Black-Scholes terhadap harga opsi pasar. Namun secara empiris, harga opsi yang dihasilkan oleh model binomial hampir sama dengan harga opsi yang dihasilkan oleh model Black-Scholes yang merupakan model yang telah banyak diterima di dunia keuangan.
Mineralization mechanisms of groundwater in a semi-arid area in Algeria: statistical and hydrogeochemical approaches
Authors: Bouteldjaoui F. , Bessenasse M. , Taupin J.-D. , Kettab A.
Published: December 2019

The study area of Ain Oussera (3,790 km2) is located in the semi-arid high plains of the Saharian Atlas (200 km south of Algiers). Groundwater investigated in the present study is from the Albian formations which are considered as a major source for drinking and irrigation water. The objective of this study is to identify the different hydrochemical processes controlling the groundwater mineralization. For this purpose, chemical analyses were performed on 31 wells sampled during May 2014. The chemical study (total dissolved solids (TDS), Piper, chemical correlation) allowed the origins of groundwater mineralization to be identified. The dissolution of evaporate minerals, precipitation of carbonate minerals, and ion exchange reactions have been identified as major sources of mineralization processes. Anthropogenic processes due to human activities (sewage efﬂuents and agricultural fertilizers) also contribute to the mineralization of the water. The results of principal component analysis also confirm that both natural and anthropogenic processes contribute to the chemical composition of groundwater in the study area.
Comparison of Vascular Responses to Vasoconstrictors in Human Placenta in Preeclampsia between Preterm and Later Term
Authors: Feng Xueqin , Zhang Yumeng , Tao Jianying , Lu Likui , Zhang Yingying , Liu Jingliu , Zhao Meng , Guo Jun , Zhu Dan , Zhu Jianguo , Xu Zhice
Published: December 2019

Background:

Placental blood vessels play important roles in maternal-fetal circulation. Although
pathologic mechanisms of preeclampsia are unclear, it is known that placental vascular dysfunction
could contribute to pregnant hypertension. However, placental micro-vessel function or dysfunction
at preterm has not been investigated.

Methods:

Human placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies at preterm and term were obtained.
Placental micro-vessels were used for determining vascular tension and responses to various
vasoconstrictors as well as intracellular calcium store capability. It was the first time to show vascular
responses in placental arteries to angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and other vascular drugs at preterm.

Results:

Compared to the control, placental vascular contractile responses to angiotensin II and caffeine
were significantly decreased, while placental vascular responses to KCl, endothelin-1, and bradykinin
were not significantly altered in the later term group in preeclampsia. In comparison of placental
micro-vessel tension between the preterm and later term, caffeine- and serotonin-induced vascular
contractions were significantly weaker in the preterm than that in the later term. On the contrary, vascular
response to angiotensin II was increased in the preterm preeclampsia, while KCl-, endothelin-1,
and bradykinin-mediated placental vessel responses in the preterm preeclampsia were similar to that in
later term preeclampsia.

Conclusion:

New data showed that micro-vessel responses to angiotensin II and serotonin, not endothelin-
1 or bradykinin, were significantly reduced in the human placentas at preterm, and intracellular
Ca2+ store capacity was damaged too, providing important information on possible contributions of
placental vascular dysfunction to pregnant hypertension.
Performance Analysis of Fuzzy Multilayer Support Vector Machine for Epileptic Seizure Disorder Classification using Auto Regression Features
Authors: Rajendran T. , Sridhar K.P. , Deepa S.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Around 1% of the total population in the world suffers from epilepsy, a central nervous system disorder. Epilepsy is the neurological disorder of the human brain which can affect people of all ages. Classification techniques and Signal processing are basic methods in the advancement of an algorithm for seizure detection. The primary procedures of a typical biomedical evaluation and processing framework are data acquisition, feature extraction, preprocessing, and classification. Based on this, seizure detection is performed by using the following two methods.

Methods:

This paper proposes a technique for the classification of EEG signals to detect the epileptic seizures by using Cascade Forward Backpropagation Neural Network (CFBNN) and Fuzzy Multilayer Support Vector Machine (FMSVM) methods.

Results:

Finally, the results of developed classifiers are identified with seizure disorder activities. This research concentrated on Parametric Features such as AR (Autoregressive) Burg, AR YuleWalker, AR Covariance, AR Modified Covariance, and Levinson Durbin Recursion. Linear Prediction Coefficient was analyzed with the EEG dataset gathered from Karunya University. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for the proposed classifiers.

Conclusion:

The results of the proposed classifiers were computed with minimum and maximum accuracy and these results were compared with the previous results of the classifiers like FFNN, and PNN as shown in the tables. Based on the obtained outputs and calculated parametric functions, the results validated that the FMSVM classifier performed better in the detection of epileptic seizure disorder in terms of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity.
Non-invasive Estimation of Haemoglobin Level Using PCA and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lakshmi M. , Manimegalai P.
Published: December 2019

Objective:

Haemoglobin(Hb) measurement is generally performed by the traditional “fingerstick” test i.e., by invasively drawing blood from the body. Although the conventional laboratory measurement is accurate, it has its own limitations such as time delay, inconvenience of the patient, exposure to biohazards and the lack of real-time monitoring in critical situations. Non-invasive Haemoglobin Measurement (SpHb) has gained enormous attention among researches and can provide an earlier diagnosis to polycythemia, anaemia, various cardiovascular diseases, etc. Currently, Photoplethysmograph signal (PPG) is used for measuring oxygen saturation, to monitor the depth of anesthesia, heart rate and respiration monitoring. But through detailed statistical analysis, PPG signal can provide further information about various blood components.

Investigation / Methodology:

In this paper, an approach for non-invasive measurement of Hb using PPG, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Neural Network is proposed. A transmissive type PPG sensor is developed which is interfaced with Crowduino for the acquisition of PPG. From the obtained PPG signal, Principal Components (PC) are extracted. SpHb is predicted followed by the extraction of features from the PC. The analysis involves the SpHb prediction using a single PC, double PC and finally all the three PC. The predicted SpHb is evaluated with Hblab in terms of R-value, Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error and Root Mean Squared Error.

Conclusion:

An approach for non-invasive measurement of Hb using Principal Components obtained from the PPG signal is discussed. The SpHb value is compared with the Hblab values. Correlation R-value between SpHb and Hblab is 0.77 when three principal components are used. Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) between SpHb and Hblab are 0.3, 0.44 and 0.6633 respectively when SpHb is measured with three principal components. It is evident from the result analysis that SpHb shows the promising result when all the three principal components are used. However, one of the limitations of the work is that the population setting chosen for the work does not include paediatric patients, accurately ill patient, pregnant population and surgical patients. With detailed analysis on a wide range of population setting, Hb prediction using PPG is a promising approach for non-invasive measurement.
Litterfall deposition and nutrient return in pine-oak forests and scrublands in northeastern Mexico
Authors: González-Rodríguez Humberto , López-Hernández Juan Manuel , Ramírez-Lozano Roque Gonzalo , Gómez-Meza Marco Vinicio , Cantú-Silva Israel , Sarquís-Ramírez Jorge Isaac , Mora Olivo Arturo
Published: December 2019

Litterfall and its decomposition represents the main nutrient input in forest soils whereby organic matter is cycled, thus influencing the circulation of nutrients in ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine litterfall nutrient-input and deposition via fallen leaves. Litterfall was collected at three sites: 1) a pine-oak forest, 2) an ecotone in a transition zone between a pine-oak forest and a piedmont shrubland, and 3) a thorn scrub in the Tamaulipan thorn-scrub vegetation community. At each site, an experimental plot was selected to allocate ten litter canisters to collect litterfall. Total litterfall deposition was highest at the ecotone, followed by the thorn scrub and the pine-oak forest (hereupon, the pine-oak forest will be referred to as “pine forest” for simplicity) (706.0 g m-2 year-1, 495.6 g m-2 year-1, and 483.0 g m-2 year-1, respectively). Leaf litter abundance was greater than that of twigs, reproductive structures, or miscellaneous components (385.3 g m-2 year-1, 84.6 g m-2 year-1, 55.7 g m-2 year-1, and 35.8 g m-2 year-1, respectively). Total deposition of nutrients (mg m-2 year-1)varied as follows: Ca, from 3.7 (pine forest) to 13.5(thorn scrub); K, from 1.0 (pine forest) to 3.8 (ecotone); Mg, from 0.5 (pine forest) to 1.3 (ecotone); N, from 2.7 (pine forest) to 8.3 (ecotone); P, from 0.1 (pine forest) to 0.3 (ecotone); Cu, from 1.0 (pine forest) to 2.9 (ecotone); Fe, from 35.2 (pine forest) to 89.3 (ecotone); Mn, from 27.7 (pine forest) to 71.8 (ecotone), and Zn from 7.3 (thorn scrub) to 7.8 (ecotone). Litterfall and nutrient input was more abundant during the months of winter than at any other time of the year.
Comparison of Traditional Citation Metrics and Altmetrics Among Dermatology Journals: Content and Correlational Analysis Study
Authors: Murray Gregg , Hellen Rebecca , Ralph James , Ni Raghallaigh Siona
Published: December 2019

Background

Research impact has traditionally been measured using citation count and impact factor (IF). Academics have long relied heavily on this form of metric system to measure a publication’s impact. A higher number of citations is viewed as an indicator of the importance of the research and a marker for the impact of the publishing journal. Recently, social media and online news sources have become important avenues for dissemination of research, resulting in the emergence of an alternative metric system known as altmetrics.

Objective

We assessed the correlation between altmetric attention score (AAS) and traditional scientific impact markers, namely journal IF and article citation count, for all the dermatology journal and published articles of 2017.

Methods

We identified dermatology journals and their associated IFs available in 2017 using InCites Journal Citation Reports. We entered all 64 official dermatology journals into Altmetric Explorer, a Web-based platform that enables users to browse and report on all attention data for every piece of scholarly content for which Altmetric Explorer has found attention.

Results

For the 64 dermatology journals, there was a moderate positive correlation between journal IF and journal AAS (rs=.513, P<.001). In 2017, 6323 articles were published in the 64 dermatology journals. Our data show that there was a weak positive correlation between the traditional article citation count and AAS (rs=.257, P<.001).

Conclusions

Our data show a weak correlation between article citation count and AAS. Temporal factors may explain this weak association. Newer articles may receive increased online attention after publication, while it may take longer for scientific citation counts to accumulate. Stories that are at times deemed newsworthy and then disseminated across the media and social media platforms border on sensationalism and may not be truly academic in nature. The opposite can also be true.
Barriers to and Facilitators of the Prescription of mHealth Apps in Australian General Practice: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Byambasuren Oyungerel , Beller Elaine , Hoffmann Tammy , Glasziou Paul
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The ubiquity of smartphones and health apps make them a potential self-management tool for patients that could be prescribed by medical professionals. However, little is known about how Australian general practitioners and their patients view the possibility of prescribing mobile health (mHealth) apps as a nondrug intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine barriers and facilitators to prescribing mHealth apps in Australian general practice from the perspective of general practitioners and their patients.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews in Australian general practice settings with purposively sampled general practitioners and patients. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed by two researchers.

RESULTS

Interview participants included 20 general practitioners and 15 adult patients. General practitioners’ perceived barriers to prescribing apps included a generational difference in the digital propensity for providers and patients; lack of knowledge of prescribable apps and trustworthy sources to access them; the time commitment required of providers and patients to learn and use the apps; and concerns about privacy, safety, and trustworthiness of health apps. General practitioners perceived facilitators as trustworthy sources to access prescribable apps and information, and younger generation and widespread smartphone ownership. For patients, the main barriers were older age and usability of mHealth apps. Patients were not concerned about privacy and data safety issues regarding health app use. Facilitators for patients included the ubiquity of smartphones and apps, especially for the younger generation and recommendation of apps by doctors. We identified evidence of effectiveness as an independent theme from both the provider and patient perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth app prescription appears to be feasible in general practice. The barriers and facilitators identified by the providers and patients overlapped, though privacy was of less concern to patients. The involvement of health professionals and patients is vital for the successful integration of effective, evidence-based mHealth apps with clinical practice.

CLINICALTRIAL
Modern Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Group Women in three Peri-Urban Communities in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Abiye Alfoalem Araba , Fekede Bethel , Jemberie Ayenew Mulualem , Molla Bereket Abraha , Tolla Beruk Ketema , Tefera Bethlelem Sisay , Barkiligne Bezawit Melaku , Dirbaba Bikiltu Dugassa , Olana Biruhtesfa Dechasa , Tesfa Biruk Worku , Kemal Hassen Sied , Deresse Assefa Seme
Published: December 2019

Introduction: - Amongst the family planning program is the use of modern contraception. It is one of the key fundamentals of health services whose benefits are wellbeing’s of mothers, husbands, families, and their country in general. According to the world fertility rate report 2015, Ethiopia is expected to achieve a TFR of 2.4 children per woman between the years 2025-2030.

Objective: - the principal objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of modern contraception use and factors that affect utilization.

Methods: - a quantitative community based cross-sectional study was done in three peri-urban communities of Batu, Eastern Shewa zone of Oromia region of Ethiopia from October to November 2017. A total of 351 women in the reproductive age group were interviewed with a questionnaire in the form of a house-to-house survey. Statistical analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0.

Results: - the study showed that the contraception prevalence was 37.9%. Forty-seven percent of the users were in the age group 21-29. Knowledge, formal education and religion were associated with contraception utilization. It was found that knowledge and formal education were the enhancing factors for utilization whereas the Muslim religion was an inhibiting factor for modern contraceptive use.

Conclusion: - the contraceptive prevalence was higher than the national result for the rural community but lower than the urban community was. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations should continue the good work of building community awareness of modern contraceptive methods.

Keywords: - Contraceptives, knowledge, attitude, practice, Batu
Sonochemistry: Non-Classical Way of Synthesis
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Sheth Avani , Patel Dhaval M , Patel Advaita , Mehta Priti
Published: December 2019

This review presents the detailed picture of current knowledge on ultrasound assisted chemical reactions and its green approach in chemical synthesis. This article illustrates the theoretical background and details about ultrasound, its mechanism (cavitation, the driving force) in chemical synthesis, types of reactions with different systems and its utility. All the reported applications have shown that Sonochemistry, ultrasound assisted chemical reaction is a green and economical viable approach for drug, impurity or chemical intermediate synthesis.

Keywords: Cavitation, Sonocatalysis, Sonochemistry Ultrasound
A Pharmacovigilance Study on Causality and Severity Assessment of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Kishore Babu A. V. , Srinivasa Rao A.
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The main purpose of the study is to assess the causality, severity, preventability of ADRs and factors associated with ADRs in chronic disease patients of tertiary care teaching hospital.

Study setting and Design: A Prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital at Hyderabad, India, for 3 years.

Materials and Methods: Patients of age group > 18 years were included in the study. All the patients were distributed according to their gender, age, number medications used, disease condition, and socioeconomic state. The reported ADRs were analyzed by WHO-UMC causality, Hartwig’s Siegel’s scale and modified Shumock and Thornton criteria respectively. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistical analysis was used.

Results: A total of 691 patients enrolled in the study, in that 391 patients reported with 510 ADRs. Of these 37.0% are in-patients and 62.9% are out-patients. Majority of the patients are female category (58.0%) and 45.8% of ADRs reported from adults (41-60 years). 65.8% patients are non-adherent to medication. Life style habits, economic status and education are found to be predictors for ADRs. WHO-UMC scale showed 42.9% of ADRs probable. Hartwig’s and Siegel’s severity scales shown 13.1 % ADRs are severe followed by 33.7% moderate ADRs and 40% of ADRs were preventable.

Conclusion: Hence our study advises that there is a need of improvement in ADR reporting from health care professionals. This study also suggests further research in India for the improvement of possible intervention strategies to reduce burden and cost of ADR.

Keywords: Prospective, ADR reporting, WHO-UMC, Hartwig’s Siegel’s scale, Shumock and Thornton.
Instrumental Characterization and Antibacterial Investigation of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized From Garcinia Kola Leaf
Authors: AKINTELU Sunday Adewale , FOLORUNSO Aderonke Similoluwa , ADEMOSUN Olabisi Theresa
Published: December 2019

The need to devise another method of synthesizing nanoparticles from sources that are eco-friendly, non-hazardous and cost effectiveness is of great importance in preventing environmental and health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Garcinia kola leaves as reducing and stabilizing agent for silver nanoparticles synthesis. The leaves of Garcinia kola obtained were authenticated, air dried, pulverized and extracted. The extract was mixed with aqueous solution of silver nitrate solution to form silver nanoparticles and were characterized using Ultra violet (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antibacterial investigation of the synthesized silver nanoparticle was carried out following the disk diffusion method. UV analysis revealed the silver surface plasmon band at 425.18 nm, The FTIR indicated -OH, -C=C- and alkane as the functional groups responsible for the stabilization of the silver nanoparticle formed. The morphological assessment from SEM and TEM analysis confirmed that the silver nanoparticle formed are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 28.80nm.The EDX analysis ascertained that the silver surface plasmon resonance at 2.8–3.2 keV was confirmed the reduction of silver ion (Ag+ to Ag0). The XRD study revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles synthesized. The antibacterial investigation showed high inhibition against the growth of tested bacteria.  This study ascertained that the green synthesis of silver nanoparticle without the use of harmful solvent that are offensive to the environment is achievable. 

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Biosynthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial activity and Garcinia kola.
The effect of Bombyx mori larvae extract in reducing the toxicity of methotrexate in pregnant female albino rats
Authors: Ibrahim Nehad M. , Sayed Samar , Ali Rania S. , Ashour Osama H. , Ebtehal Mohammad Fikry
Published: December 2019

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anticancer agent which is used alone or in combination with other anticancer agents in the treatment of breast cancer, epidermoid cancers of the head and neck, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and lung cancer. Bombyx mori larvae have a huge value as health food especially for cardiac and diabetic patients, bronchial asthma, primary trigeminal neuralgia, vocal nodules and polyps and in the treatment of facial palsy and pain. In the present study meeting occurred under the normal conditions and about 40 pregnant female rats were used. Herein the pregnant females will be divided into five groups;  group 1 will be used as negative control received distilled water, group 2 will used as positive control and recived buffer of Bombyx mori larvae extract,  group 3 was treated with MTX at the 12th day of gestation (at organogenesis phase), group 4 was treated with Bombyx mori larvae  extract at 7th , 9th , 11th ,13th  and 15th days of gestation (during the oraganogensis  period), & group 5 was injected by MTX the 12th day of  gestation as well as bombyx mori larvae extract at 7th ,9th ,11th ,13th  &15th days of gestation. Animals of all groups will be sacrificed at 20th day, the end of gestation periods. Then livers of all pregnant rats were removed for examination. The obtained results showed decrease in maternal body weight gain plus increase in the abortion rate and uterine weight in the MTX-treated group. In addition, MTX induced an elevation in the examined liver oxidative stress biomarkers plus myeloperoxidase activity and decrease in reduced glutathione content and catalase activity; in mothers. Histopathological studies of liver tissues showed congestion of central vein of mothers in MTX group showing ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, perivascular inflammatory cells infiltration and strong deposition of collagen fibers. Noteworthy, Bombyx mori larvae induced marked improvement in injuries associated with MTX administration.

Keywords: Methotrexate, Bombyx mori larvae, Pregnant female rats, Hepatotoxicity.
Review on “Standardization an Imp Tool for Herbal Drug Development”
Authors: Rathod Rucha , Chandak Raman R.
Published: December 2019

The medicinal plants are important source for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Medicinal plants & herbal medicines account for a significant percentage of the pharmaceutical market. There is increasing awareness and general acceptability of the use of herbal drugs in today’s medical practice although most of these applications are not scientific. Herbal medicines are not a simple task since many factors influence the biological efficacy and Reproducible therapeutic effect. So it is necessary to improve safety of herbal drugs by developing certain quality control parameters & by following the WHO guidelines for herbal medicines. This review seeks to enlighten the need to establish quality parameters for collection, handling, processing and production of herbal medicine as well as employ such parameters in ensuring the safety of the global herbal market. It is necessary to introduce measures on the regulation of herbal medicines to ensure quality, safety, efficacy of herbal medicines by using modern suitable standards & GMP. The processes of good quality assurance and standardization of herbal medicines and products using various spectroscopic, chromatographic and electrophoretic methods were also discussed. In fact, the research field of quality control of herbal medicines is really an interdisciplinary research. It needs crossover of chemistry, pharmacology, medicine and even statistics to provide a platform for the quality control of traditional herbal medicines and further to discover the novel therapeutics composed of multiple chemical compounds.

Keywords: Herbal drugs, Adulteration, Standardization, Chromatography, Electrophoresis, HP-LC and GC-MS.