bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutraceutical Status and Scientific Strategies for Enhancing Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Microalgae and their Role in Healthcare
Authors: Gupta Jitendra , Gupta Reena
Published: July 2020

Adherence to Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) as Nutraceuticals for medicinal applications
provides health improvement. The prevention and treatment of diseases with O3FAs hold promise in
clinical therapy and significantly reduces the risk of chronic disorders. Polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFA) O3FAs have beneficial effects in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, diabetic disease,
foetal development, Alzheimer’s disease, retinal problem, growth and brain development of infants
and antitumor effects. Association to current analysis promotes the application of algal biomass for
production of O3FAs, mode of action, fate, weight management, immune functions, pharmaceutical
and therapeutic applications serving potent sources in healthcare management. A search of the
literature was conducted in the databases of WHO website, Sci.org, PubMed, academics and Google.
The authors performed search strategies and current scenario of O3FAs in health associated disorders.
Promising outcomes and future strategies towards O3FAs may play a pivotal role in Nutraceutical industries
in the cure of human health in the future.
Effect of the Phytochemical Agents against the SARS-CoV and Some of them Selected for Application to COVID-19: A Mini-Review
Authors: Idrees Muhammad , Khan Shamshad , Memon Nazakat H. , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Background:

The aim of the present review is to provide basic knowledge regarding the
treatment of Coronavirus via medicinal plants. Coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV)
as a viral pneumonia causative agent, has infected thousands of people in China and worldwide. Currently,
there is no specific medicine or vaccine available that can treat or prevent this virus and this has posed
a severe threat to human health; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a novel drug or anticoronavirus
vaccine. However, natural compounds to treat coronaviruses are the most effective alternative
and complementary therapies due to their diverse range of biological and therapeutic properties.

Methods:

We performed an open-ended, English restricted search of Scopus database, Web of Science,
and Pubmed for all available literature from Jan-March, 2020, using terms related to phytochemical
compounds, medicinal plants and coronavirus.

Results:

The view on anti-coronavirus (anti-CoV) activity in the plant-derived phytochemicals and
medicinal plants gives a strong base to develop a novel treatment employing these compounds for
coronavirus. Various phytochemicals and medicinal plant extracts have been revised and are considered
as potential anti-CoV agents for effective control of the virus and future drug development. Herein,
we discuss some important plants (Scutellaria baicalensis, Psorothamnus arborescens, Glycyrrhiza
radix, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Lycoris radiate, Phyllanthus emblica, Camellia sinensis, Hyptis atrorubens
Poit, Fraxinus sieboldiana, Erigeron breviscapus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Amaranthus
tricolor, Phaseolus vulgaris, Rheum palmatum, Curcuma longa and Myrica cerifera) that have
emerged to have broad-spectrum antiviral activity.

Conclusion:

Nigella sativa has potent anti-SARS-CoV activity and it might be a useful source for developing
novel antiviral therapies for coronavirus.
Effects of Antidiabetic Drugs on Muscle Mass in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Kaneko Ryutaro , Imataka Kanako , Okubo Kaoru , Shirakura Yoshitaka , Azuma Kentaro , Fujiwara Ryoko , Murata Kazuya
Published: July 2020

Background:

When considering the administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
(GLP-1RAs), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, or metformin, it is important to
understand their weight loss effect as well as the degree of muscle loss caused by each drug in clinical
practice.

Objective:

To comparatively examine the effects of GLP-1RAs and oral antidiabetic drugs, including
SGLT2 inhibitors and metformin, on muscle mass and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes via a
network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods:

We included randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of antidiabetic drugs on muscle
mass and body weight. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated
using a random-effects network meta-analysis.

Results:

Of the studies identified, 18 randomized controlled trials (1, 363 subjects) satisfied the eligibility
criteria. In all studies, the effects of these drugs on fat-free mass (FFM) were evaluated. Therefore,
FFM, which is used as an alternative index of muscle mass, was included in the study. Semaglutide
(MD: -1.68, 95% CI: -2.84 to -0.52), dapagliflozin (-0.53, -0.93 to -0.13), and canagliflozin (-0.90, -1.73
to -0.07) showed a significant decrease in FFM compared with the placebo. Metformin did not show a
significant decrease in FFM compared with the placebo. When compared with the placebo, semaglutide,
dapagliflozin, ipragliflozin, and canagliflozin showed a significant weight loss.

Conclusion:

Although semaglutide, dapaglifrozin, and canagliflozin have a large weight loss effect, it is
important to pay attention to muscle loss because a decrease in FFM was observed.
GATA-3 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-Jaber Hend , Al-Mansoori Layla , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: July 2020

:

Impaired adipogenesis plays an important role in the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as it leads to ectopic fat deposition.

:

The anti-adipogenic transcription factor GATA-3 was identified as one of the potential molecular targets responsible for the impairment of adipogenesis. The expression of GATA-3 is higher in insulinresistant obese individuals compared to BMI-matched insulin-sensitive counterparts. Adipose tissue inflammation is a crucial mediator of this process.

:

Hyperglycemia mediates the activation of the immune system, partially through upregulation of GATA- 3, causing exacerbation of the inflammatory state associated with obesity.

:

This review discusses the evidence supporting the inhibition of GATA-3 as a useful therapeutic strategy in obesity-associated insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, through up-regulation adipogenesis and amelioration of the immune response.
Withdrawal Notice: Effect of Zinc Oxide in Mechanical, Thermal, Contact Angle, Color and Antibacterial Properties of PCL (Polycaprlctone) in dry Food Packaging
Authors: Obaid Ali N. , Ali Nadia A.
Published: July 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor of the journal Current Nanoscience due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be
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copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Natural Products: Implication in Cancer Prevention and Treatment through Modulating Various Biological Activities
Authors: Anwar Shehwaz , Almatroudi Ahmad , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Khan Masood A. , Khan Amjad A. , Rahmani Arshad H.
Published: July 2020

Cancer is one of the most leading causes of death worldwide. It is one of the primary global diseases that cause morbidity and mortality in millions of people. It is usually caused by different carcinogenic agents that damage the genetic material and alter the cell signaling pathways. Carcinogens are classified into two groups as genotoxic and non-genotoxic agents. Genotoxic carcinogens are capable of directly altering the genetic material, while the non-genotoxic carcinogens are capable of producing cancer by some secondary mechanisms not related to direct gene damage. There is undoubtedly the greatest need to utilize some novel natural products as anticancer agents, as these are within reach everywhere. Interventions by some natural products aimed at decreasing the levels and conditions of these risk factors can reduce the frequency of cancer incidences. Cancer is conventionally treated by surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but such treatments may be fast-acting and causes adverse effects on normal tissues. Alternative and innovative methods of cancer treatment with the least side effects and improved efficiency are being encouraged. In this review, we discuss the different risk factors of cancer development, conventional and innovative strategies of its management and provide a brief review of the most recognized natural products used as anticancer agents globally.
Technological Prospection of Oil Nanoparticles: Primary Characteristics and Profiles
Authors: Silva Vanessa de L. , Oliveira Tainara S. , de Souza Carolina O. , Druzian Janice I. , Machado Bruna A.S. , Nunes Itaciara L. , Ribeiro Camila D.F.
Published: July 2020

The search for technological applications for oils has been growing largely due to their potential
nutritional and economic applications. Encapsulation makes it possible to reduce the disadvantages
of oils, such as physical instability or thermodynamics, or to improve their technological
properties, enabling their use in various industrial areas. Nanoencapsulated oils have the potential to
improve oil bioavailability and achieve controlled release and are able to target bioactive compounds
with greater precision than microencapsulated oils. The present study aims to evaluate the primary
characteristics and profiles of the technological prospection of oil nanoparticles. This technology foresight
study investigates the patenting activity and the academic literature to map out the technological
progress and difficulties in the area of nanoencapsulation. Exponential growth in patent filing was noted
with a peak in 2017, with China filing the highest number of patents. Regarding the area of application,
the food industry was most common followed by the pharmaceutical industry. The most commonly
used terms in patent documents on the subject were nanoemulsion and nanoparticle. The most commonly
used oil, technique, wall materials and emulsifiers were soybean oil, emulsification, chitosan
and lecithin, and Span 80, Tween 80 and Tween 40, respectively. The obtained articles were typically
patent documents. The main depositor was Jiangnan University, and most inventors filed the same
number of patent documents. Nanoencapsulation of oils has many known advantages that have been
widely published in the literature and used by industry. There is a trend in the growth of patent document
deposits and related scientific publications, indicating that many innovations have been made,
highlighting the importance of oil nanoencapsulation.
Human Ascariasis: An Updated Review
Authors: Leung Alexander K.C. , Leung Amy A.M. , Wong Alex H.C. , Hon Kam L.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common helminthic infection. More than 1.2 billion people have ascariasis worldwide.

Objective:

This article aimed to provide an update on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ascariasis.

Methods:

A PubMed search was conducted in February 2020 in Clinical Queries using the key terms “ascariasis” OR “Ascaris lumbricoides”. The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. The search was restricted to English literature. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Patents were searched using the key term “ascariasis” OR “Ascaris lumbricoides” in www.freepatentsonline.com.

Results:

Ascaris lumbricoides is transmitted through the ingestion of embryonated eggs from fecal- contaminated material. Ascariasis has high endemicity in tropical and subtropical areas. Predisposing factors include poverty, poor sanitation, inadequate sewage disposal, and poor personal hygiene. The prevalence is greatest in children younger than 5 years of age. The majority of patients with intestinal ascariasis are asymptomatic. For those with symptoms, anorexia, nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and intermittent diarrhea are not uncommon. Other clinical manifestations vary widely, depending on the underlying complications. Complications include Löeffler syndrome, intestinal obstruction, biliary colic, recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, cholecystitis, acalculous cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, and malnutrition. The diagnosis is best established by microscopic examination of fecal smears or following concentration techniques for the characteristic ova. Patients with A. lumbricoides infection warrant anthelminthic treatment, even if they are asymptomatic, to prevent complications from migration of the parasite. Albendazole and mebendazole are the drugs of choice for children and nonpregnant individuals with ascariasis. Pregnant women with ascariasis should be treated with pyrantel pamoate. Recent patents related to the management of ascariasis are also discussed.

Conclusion:

The average cure rate with anthelminthic treatment is over 95%. Unfortunately, most treated patients in endemic areas become re-infected within months. Health education, personal hygiene, improved sanitary conditions, proper disposal of human excreta, and discontinuing the use of human fecal matter as a fertilizer are effective long-term preventive measures. Targeting deworming treatment and mass anthelminthic treatment should be considered in regions where A. lumbricoides is prevalent.
Method of choosing the element base and design solutions to ensure the required reliability of promising radio equipment
Authors: Kucherov Y. S. , Dopira R. V. , Yagolnikov D. V. , Yanochkin I. E.
Published: July 2020

The article proposes a method for solving the problem of choosing the element base and constructive solutions to ensure the required reliability of promising radio equipment at minimal cost. The problem belongs to the class of Boolean linear programming and is solved using the branch and bound method. The main idea of the branch and bound method is to determine the branching rule for assigning options and further evaluating the objective function on these subsets, which allows us to exclude from consideration subsets that do not contain optimal points. The task of increasing reliability can be solved by choosing more reliable elements and using the method of structural reservation of elements at the stage of product development. The results of using the proposed method to solve the practical problem of choosing the elements are presented.
A Boy’s Own Trauma: Revisiting a Photograph Recorded in a Nazi Concentration Camp First Encountered as a Child
Authors: Bakker Roelof
Published: July 2020

Photographer Roelof Bakker revisits a George Rodger photograph recorded in a Nazi concentration camp, Bakker first encountered as a child growing up in the Netherlands forty years ago. Finally developing this image, which registered in his mind yet remained unprocessed, Bakker actively engages with the photograph as a photographer, investigator and spectator, but also as a human being, integrating thought and feeling into an ethical and responsible process of analysis. Responding to critical texts by Ariella Azoulay, Ulrich Baer, Susie Linfield, Werner Sollors, and others, Bakker looks beyond the photograph as a static object, addressing the other participants in the photographic act, including the photographer’s subject Sieg Maandag, and connecting the photograph to a world outside its frame, towards a future unknown at the time of exposure.
Obituaries: A Dead Important Genre
Authors: Brant Clare
Published: July 2020

Obituaries are micro-narratives in which distinct conventions and tensions are at work. Humanist and historical, emotional and dispassionate, philosophical and random, obituaries have a literary nexus that encompasses reverence, irreverence, grief and (in some cases) relief. My analysis starts with broadsheet obituaries of the late twentieth century, and models of reading the genre, which I re-read through counter-establishment Private Eye’s comic verse obituaries. Pet memorials adopt and adapt obituary, creating distinct subcultures of animal relations in genres of human mourning. The obituaries discussed span the ideological reproduction of essentially respectful obituaries, to comedy’s counter-cultural critique, to an expansive embrace of selected animal companions seen as part of human families, to an articulation of the value of life forms lost to climate emergency. In these and other contexts, obituaries are alive and well.
We all got Poetry and Life is Rich
Authors: Morland James
Published: July 2020

Death? Oh. Aye. Uh. I disarm, ease the tension, bring the laughter. We both take a deep breath of this air thick and stilted with death-talk. I recount the cycles of atoms that started the research, disguising the root of all of this: my own grief. ‘I am the researcher of cycles of death and grief continually stuck in cycles of death and grief’ is perhaps not the best clearer of the air. It is only after the fact that this has all finally revealed itself. This work began with death, continued through deaths, and ends with life. Returning to the poetry of grief with tears running down my face: '[…] look back on these tears, also, which, stricken with love, I pour out in memory of you; this is all I can do, while my only wish is to mourn at your tomb and address these empty words to your silent ashes.'
Non-compliance Behavior in Contact Lens Wear and Care among University Students
Authors: Zainodin Elly Liyana , Abdul Hadi Nurul Syafiqa
Published: July 2020

Non-compliance in contact lens wear poses risks for microbial infection. Understanding the scope and extent of non-compliance behaviour is vital for eye care practitioners in deciding which aspect of lens care is critical when consulting patients. A survey was done to assess the level and scope of non-compliance behaviour among 66 young contact lens wearers. Overall, more than half of the participants (52%) did not comply with lens wear and care regimens. The most non-compliant behaviour was the lens cleaning procedure (59%). Eye care practitioners need to establish creative guidelines to improve compliance among the young lens wearers.   Keywords: Contact lens; Compliance; Students; Lens care.   eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2192
The Impacts of Visual Factors on Resident’s Perception, Emotion and Place Attachment
Authors: Zhang Heng , Nam Nguyen Dinh , Hu Yu-Chuan
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to explore the underlying visual factors in a community environment and how the visual factors affect the resident’s perception, emotion, and place attachment. Factor analysis and multiple regression had been employed to clarify this relationship. The factor analysis extracted visual environment into four factors: "architecture", "outdoor furnishing", "indicative symbol," and "healthy environmental element." The regression indicated that environmental perception and place attachment have different predictors. The former had predicted by "outdoor furnishing" and "healthy environmental element" while the latter affected by "architecture" and "indicative symbol". The emotion was only influenced by "outdoor furnishing".
Keywords: Community environment; Visual elements; Environmental perception; Place attachment.
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.2207
Landscape Character: Relationship between existing Acts, Policies and Guidelines in Malaysia
Authors: Teh Mohd Zulhaili , Ghani Izham , Abdullah Marina , Ahmad Pugi Noorsazwan
Published: July 2020

Landscape is an essential national resource which includes outstanding natural and cultural heritage. Landscape character assessment can make a valuable contribution to the formation of planning policies, to the allocation of land for development and development of control activities. Efforts in landscape development, preservation and conservation existed in this country indirectly through the introduction of various acts, policies and guidelines. Legislation on development protection and the direction is to provide landscape character assessment at national, regional and local levels through thorough and systematic ways in contributing to national development and an alternative to the protection, planning and landscape management. Keywords: Landscape character acts, policies and guidelines; Landscape character assessment. eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI:
Número de racimos y la sostenibilidad económica del tomate bajo condiciones semicontroladas
Authors: Suárez Olver , Hurtado Salazar Alejandro , Ceballos Aguirre Nelson
Published: July 2020

Estudios relacionados con la productividad del tomate respecto a la relación entre la eliminación de racimos y su sostenibilidad económica son escasos. El presente estudio se realizó con el fin de evaluar el efecto del número de racimos sobre el rendimiento, calidad y rentabilidad del cultivo de tomate hibrido Torrano® bajo condiciones semicontroladas en dos invernaderos de 12m x 40m (480 m2). Éste se llevó a cabo en la granja Tesorito, propiedad de la Universidad de Caldas, Manizales bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro despuntes: 6; 8 y 10 racimos/planta y sin despunte con crecimiento indeterminado, cada tratamiento contó con seis repeticiones y la unidad experimental fue de cinco plantas. Se evaluó la calidad tamaño del fruto y el rendimiento por planta y por hectárea. Las plantas sin poda con crecimiento indeterminado mostraron los valores más altos en las diferentes calidades de la fruta como primera, segunda, tercera y el rendimiento total con valores de 2236, 1666, 750 y 6883 g/planta respectivamente. Igualmente genero los ingresos netos más altos con USD$27.241 ha/ciclo, sin embargo en términos porcentuales la calidad aumenta a medida que se disminuye el número de racimos por planta. Por tanto, se concluye que no se debe realizar podas de racimos en tomate hibrido Torrano® bajo condiciones semicontroladas en la zona de estudio.
Efecto del potasio y la densidad de siembra en la producción de papa Solanum tuberosum Grupo Phureja var. Criolla Guaneña
Authors: Silva Parra Amanda , Albornoz Bucheli Cesar , Criollo Escobar Hernando
Published: July 2020

El potasio es un macronutriente que puede mejorar el crecimiento de los cultivos. Se empleó un diseño en bloques completos al azar con el objetivo de evaluarla influencia de cuatro densidades de siembra (50.000, 41.667, 33.333, 31.250 plantas ha-1) y tres niveles de potasio (300, 250, 200 kg de K2O ha-1), sobre el área foliar (AF), índice de área foliar (IAF), índice de crecimiento de cultivo (ICC) e índice de cosecha (IC) en papa Solanum tuberosum Grupo Phureja var. Criolla Guaneña cultivada en una zona de Botana, Altiplano de Pasto, Nariño, Colombia. Todas las evaluaciones se midieron cada 20 días hasta los 120 días después de la siembra (dds), menos el IC al final del ciclo. Se realizó análisis de varianza, comparación de medias Tukey (P<0,05) y regresión entre lasvariables evaluadas.  Las variables fisiológicas presentaron un ajuste significativo a los modelos polinómico de tercer grado, cuadrático y de Hoerl, con coeficientes de determinación superiores a 0,6, indicando que con 31.250 plantas ha-1 y 250 kg K2O ha-1 se lograron incrementos en AF de 6000 cm2  y con 200 kg K2O ha-1 en IAF e ICC de 2,0 y 40 g m2 día-1 entre 60 a 80 y 80 a 100 dds, respectivamente; sin embargo, con 33.333 plantas ha-1y 250 kg K2O ha-1se incrementó el IC (0,70) (P<0,05). Aunque las regresiones mostraron tendencia a aumentos del IAF e ICC con las prácticas de manejo de producción realizada por los agricultores (41.667 plantas ha-1 y 250 kg K2O ha-1) entre 60 a 80 dds, no se recomienda ya quese obtuvo un menor IC (0,60) al final del ciclo.
La agricultura familiar agroecológica, una estrategia de desarrollo rural incluyente. Una revisión
Authors: Fonseca-Carreño Nelson Enrique , Salamanca-Merchan Juan David , Vega-Baquero Zulma Yesenia
Published: July 2020

Dentro de la teoría de las ciencias ambientales, se menciona que existen interrelaciones complejas, dinámicas y constantes, que se establecen entre la agroecología, los ecosistemas y los territorios, en todas ellas la agricultura familiar adopta particular importancia como base de la subsistencia y la seguridad alimentaria. El objetivo de la presente investigación es determinar los planteamientos adyacentes a la Agricultura Familiar Agroecológica (AFA) y su constructo teórico. Este documento presenta una revisión sistemática de la agricultura familiar en bases de datos científicas, complementada con información bibliográfica depositada en revistas y libros científicos. Dentro de los hallazgos sobresale el hecho que la AFA ha sido un tema de interés, ya que subsidia su propia fertilidad y productividad, contribuyendo así, a la protección de la biodiversidad, dentro de las dimensiones económica, ecológica, política, social y cultural. Finalmente, se concluye que la AFA favorece la generación de buenas prácticas agroecológicas, demostrado a través de la presencia de alto número de especies tanto vegetales como animales y el conocimiento asociado a estas, contribuyendo a una mayor estabilidad en el uso del capital natural, aportando así a la sustentabilidad.
Eficiencia de la aplicación de policloruro de aluminio en post-tratamiento de aguas industriales en palma de aceite
Authors: Rodriguez-Diaz Yim J. , Torregroza-Mozo Alcides A. , Mejía-Padilla Franklin , Atencia-Vargas Jader Johan , Villero-González Andrea Carolina
Published: July 2020

Las plantas extractoras de aceite demandan grandes cantidades de agua en sus procesos, generando aguas residuales y residuos sólidos, ocasionando un impacto ambiental adverso. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la eficiencia del Policloruro de Aluminio (PAC), en la remoción de parámetros contaminantes [Demanda química de oxigeno (DQO), grasas y aceites (G y A), turbidez, sólidos suspendidos totales (SST), sólidos suspendidos volátiles (SSV)] de las aguas residuales efluentes del tratamiento biológico de la empresa OLEOFLORES en Codazzi-Cesar. Se realizaron muestreos compuestos de las aguas residuales, conforme lo recomienda el Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales; se realizó una caracterización y se determinó el rango óptimo de coagulante para la remoción de estos parámetros, encontrando valores iniciales en DQO, G y A, turbidez, SST y SSV de: 4111,20 mg L-1, 737,26 mg L-1, 939,33 NTU, 870 mg L-1, 673,33 mg L-1, respectivamente y una dosis óptima de: 3963 mg L-1 de PAC, obteniendo porcentajes de remoción para DQO, SST y (G y A) de 75,79%, 86,21% y 98,8%. Al comparar con Sulfato de Aluminio la remoción máxima obtenida para DQO, SST y G y A de: 34,14%, 11,88% y 85,64% respectivamente. Se concluye que el uso del PAC es una opción eficiente para el post-tratamiento de aguas residuales; además, contribuirá en el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de las poblaciones que se beneficien del recurso hídrico.
Épocas críticas de competencia de arvenses en cultivo de yuca en el Caribe seco colombiano.
Authors: Rubiano-Rodríguez Jose Antonio , Cordero-Cordero Carina Cecilia
Published: July 2020

La yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz) pertenece a la familia Euphorbiaceae, su centro de origen genético se encuentra en la Cuenca Amazónica y es uno de los cultivos que produce la mayor cantidad de energía, siendo una de las raíces más comercializadas a nivel mundial, principalmente como fuente de carbohidratos. Sin embargo, el cultivo se puede ver afectado por problemas fitosanitarios como los insectos, hongos y malas hiervas o arvenses entre otros. Las arvenses pueden ser el mayor problema fitosanitario en los cultivos comerciales. Existen reportes que debido al no manejo de las arvenses en el cultivo de yuca las pérdidas pueden llegar a ser drásticas y alcanzar hasta un 50% en la producción final. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar las épocas críticas de competencia de malezas sobre el cultivo de yuca. Se evaluaron 10 tratamientos con tres repeticiones, se tomaron datos mensuales del porcentaje de cobertura, la altura de las malezas y diferentes variables al momento de la    cosecha incluyendo rendimiento.  El peso fresco y contenido de materia seca de las malezas tiene tendencia aumentar principalmente en los tratamientos en los cuales permanecen por mayor periodo de tiempo. La época donde las malezas pueden llegar a ser más críticas e influir en los rendimientos del cultivo de yuca está entre los 60 y 90 días después de siembra.
Stochastic modelling of chlamydial infections
Authors: Callan Torrington , Woodcock Stephen
Published: July 2020

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial pathogen that can cause serious reproductive harm. We describe a class of stochastic branching processes and their application in modelling the growth of an infection by Chlamydia. Using simulations we show that the model can reproduce biological phenomena of interest, and we show the variability in outcomes of infections under the same parameter conditions. We further speculate how this model might be used to explain long-term adverse reproductive sequelae.
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Development of an Emotion-Sensitive mHealth Approach for Mood-State Recognition in Bipolar Disorder (Preprint)
Authors: Daus Henning , Bloecher Timon , Egeler Ronny , De Klerk Richard , Stork Wilhelm , Backenstrass Matthias
Published: July 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Internet- and mobile-based approaches have become increasingly significant to psychological research in the field of bipolar disorders. While research suggests that emotional aspects of bipolar disorders are substantially related to the social and global functioning or the suicidality of patients, these aspects have so far not sufficiently been considered within the context of mobile-based disease management approaches. As a multiprofessional research team, we have developed a new and emotion-sensitive assistance system, which we have adapted to the needs of patients with bipolar disorder. Next to the analysis of self-assessments, third-party assessments, and sensor data, the new assistance system analyzes audio and video data of these patients regarding their emotional content or the presence of emotional cues. In this viewpoint, we describe the theoretical and technological basis of our emotion-sensitive approach and do not present empirical data or a proof of concept. To our knowledge, the new assistance system incorporates the first mobile-based approach to analyze emotional expressions of patients with bipolar disorder. As a next step, the validity and feasibility of our emotion-sensitive approach must be evaluated. In the future, it might benefit diagnostic, prognostic, or even therapeutic purposes and complement existing systems with the help of new and intuitive interaction models.
Comprehensive Computer-Aided Decision Support Framework to Diagnose Tuberculosis From Chest X-Ray Images: Data Mining Study (Preprint)
Authors: Owais Muhammad , Arsalan Muhammad , Mahmood Tahir , Kim Yu Hwan , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most infectious diseases that can be fatal. Its early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the mortality rate. In the literature, several computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools have been proposed for the efficient diagnosis of TB from chest radiograph (CXR) images. However, the majority of previous studies adopted conventional handcrafted feature-based algorithms. In addition, some recent CAD tools utilized the strength of deep learning methods to further enhance diagnostic performance. Nevertheless, all these existing methods can only classify a given CXR image into binary class (either TB positive or TB negative) without providing further descriptive information.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study is to propose a comprehensive CAD framework for the effective diagnosis of TB by providing visual as well as descriptive information from the previous patients’ database.

METHODS

To accomplish our objective, first we propose a fusion-based deep classification network for the CAD decision that exhibits promising performance over the various state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, a multilevel similarity measure algorithm is devised based on multiscale information fusion to retrieve the best-matched cases from the previous database.

RESULTS

The performance of the framework was evaluated based on 2 well-known CXR data sets made available by the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Our classification model exhibited the best diagnostic performance (0.929, 0.937, 0.921, 0.928, and 0.965 for F1 score, average precision, average recall, accuracy, and area under the curve, respectively) and outperforms the performance of various state-of-the-art methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presents a comprehensive CAD framework to diagnose TB from CXR images by retrieving the relevant cases and their clinical observations from the previous patients’ database. These retrieval results assist the radiologist in making an effective diagnostic decision related to the current medical condition of a patient. Moreover, the retrieval results can facilitate the radiologists in subjectively validating the CAD decision.
Machine Learning–Based Analysis of Encrypted Medical Data in the Cloud: Qualitative Study of Expert Stakeholders’ Perspectives (Preprint)
Authors: Alaqra Ala Sarah , Kane Bridget , Fischer-Hübner Simone
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Third-party cloud-based data analysis applications are proliferating in electronic health (eHealth) because of the expertise offered and their monetary advantage. However, privacy and security are critical concerns when handling sensitive medical data in the cloud. Technical advances based on “crypto magic” in privacy-preserving machine learning (ML) enable data analysis in encrypted form for maintaining confidentiality. Such privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) could be counterintuitive to relevant stakeholders in eHealth, which could in turn hinder adoption; thus, more attention is needed on human factors for establishing trust and transparency.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze eHealth expert stakeholders’ perspectives and the perceived tradeoffs in regard to data analysis on encrypted medical data in the cloud, and to derive user requirements for development of a privacy-preserving data analysis tool.

METHODS

We used semistructured interviews and report on 14 interviews with individuals having medical, technical, or research expertise in eHealth. We used thematic analysis for analyzing interview data. In addition, we conducted a workshop for eliciting requirements.

RESULTS

Our results show differences in the understanding of and in trusting the technology; caution is advised by technical experts, whereas patient safety assurances are required by medical experts. Themes were identified with general perspectives on data privacy and practices (eg, acceptance of using external services), as well as themes highlighting specific perspectives (eg, data protection drawbacks and concerns of the data analysis on encrypted data). The latter themes result in requiring assurances and conformance testing for trusting tools such as the proposed ML-based tool. Communicating privacy, and utility benefits and tradeoffs with stakeholders is essential for trust. Furthermore, stakeholders and their organizations share accountability of patient data. Finally, stakeholders stressed the importance of informing patients about the privacy of their data.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the benefits and risks of using eHealth PETs is crucial, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders is essential. Assurances of the tool’s privacy, accuracy, and patient safety should be in place for establishing trust of ML-based PETs, especially if used in the cloud.
Methodological Challenges in Investigating Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus From a Child’s Viewpoint: Evolution of Study Protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Lim Brittany Tara , Chhina Harpreet , Pike Ian , Brussoni Mariana , Cooper Anthony
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Outdoor play and risk-taking behaviors, including play at heights, are important to children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. These aspects of play are important to consider when informing prevention policies for serious injuries that commonly occur on play structures. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCH) are the most common type of elbow fractures that result from falls on an outstretched hand among healthy children. Despite being one of the leading causes of admission to the hospital and surgical intervention, the details surrounding the cause of these injuries are often not recorded. Previous research has correlated decreased overall playground safety with higher rates of SCH fractures. Play structure height and the type of undersurface have been identified as potential risk factors for severe injuries, including SCH fractures, in part due to low compliance with safety standards. This paper explores the challenges we encountered designing the study and the resulting insights and methodological modifications we made.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to discuss the challenges related specifically to clinical research in pediatrics and strategies developed to conduct a study that prioritizes the engagement and perspective of children and their families.

METHODS

To explore the link between the severity of SCH fractures and children’s behavioral, environmental, and mechanistic factors, we conducted a mixed-methods study.

RESULTS

During phase 1 (the original methodology) from April 2017 to July 2018, there were 58 eligible study participants and 17 were recruited. For phase 2 (the revised methodology) between October 2018 and October 2019, there were 116 eligible participants and 47 were recruited.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in methodology made following the first phase of data collection were effective in our ability to recruit participants. By identifying and addressing challenges pertaining to recruitment and resource limitations, we were able to collect data in a concise manner while not compromising the quality of the data and make for an easily adoptable methodology for other sites interested in participating in the study. We hope that future studies that plan to employ a similar methodology can gain insight through the methodological challenges we have encountered and the way we adapted the methodology to build a more pragmatic approach.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/21816
Health Professional Student Placements and Workforce Location Outcomes: Protocol of an Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Farthing Annie , Witt Susan , Anderson Jessie , Lenthall Sue , Moore Leigh , Rissel Chris
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The successful recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural and remote areas of Australia is a health policy priority. Nursing or allied health professional students’ learning placements in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, most of which is considered remote, may influence rural or remote work location decisions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine where allied health professionals and nurses who have had a student placement in the NT of Australia end up practicing.

METHODS

This research is an observational cohort study, with data collection occurring at baseline and then repeated annually over 10 years (ie, 2017-2018 to 2029). The baseline data collection includes a demographic profile of allied health and nursing students and their evaluations of their NT placements using a nationally consistent questionnaire (ie, the Student Satisfaction Survey). The Work Location Survey, which will be administered annually, will track work location and the influences on work location decisions.

RESULTS

This study will generate unique data on the remote and rural work locations of nursing and allied health professional students who had a placement in the NT of Australia. It will be able to determine what are the most important characteristics of those who take up remote and rural employment, even if outside of the NT, and to identify barriers to remote employment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will add knowledge to the literature regarding rates of allied health and nursing professionals working in remote or rural settings following remote or rural learning placements. The results will be of interest to government and remote health workforce planners.

CLINICALTRIAL

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12620000797976; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000797976.aspx

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/21832
Implementation and Evaluation of a Text Message–Based Addiction Counseling Program (Text4Hope-Addiction Support): Protocol for a Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku , Hrabok Marianne , Vuong Wesley , Gusnowski April , Shalaby Reham , Surood Shireen , Greenshaw Andrew J , Aulakh Avininder , Abba-Aji Adam , Singh Mohit
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing counseling to people with drug or alcohol addiction while maintaining physical distance has been challenging. This protocol describes the use of text messaging (as used in the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program) as a convenient, evidence-based, cost-effective, and accessible population-level mental health intervention with high user satisfaction proven in prior research.

OBJECTIVE

The project goal is to implement a program of daily supportive text messaging (Text4Hope-Addiction Support) to reduce drug or alcohol cravings as well as anxiety and depression, typically associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; demographic correlates of the same; and the outcomes of the Text4Hope-Addiction Support intervention in mitigating cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaires will be used to assess cravings for the primary substance of addiction (Brief Substance Craving Scale), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Data will be collected at baseline (onset of receiving text messages), program midpoint (6 weeks), and program end (12 weeks).

RESULTS

As of October 2020, data collection is in progress; and it is expected to be completed by fall 2021. Data analysis will include parametric and nonparametric techniques, focusing on primary outcomes (ie, cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and metrics of use, including the number of subscribers and user satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This Text4Hope-Addiction Support project will provide key information regarding the prevalence rates of cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among persons with alcohol and substance use disorders; demographic correlates of cravings, anxiety, and depression; and outcome data related to this scalable population-level intervention. Information from this study will be valuable for addiction care practitioners; it will inform the policy and decision making regarding population-level addiction treatment and support during emergencies.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/22047