bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hearing Protection Devices on Speech Intelligibility of Persian Employees
Authors: Karami Mina , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Nahrani Morteza Hamidi
Published: July 2020

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effect of hearing protection devices (HPDs) on speech intelligibility in Persian work environments. Three current earmuffs and three earplugs and one of the prototype of molded earplug were tested on 15 male subjects which were randomly selected. The noise reduction of HPDs was measured based on the Real Ear attenuation at Threshold (REAT) method. Speech intelligibilities during using HPDs were determined based on the speech discrimination score (SDS). Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.
Results
The actual to nominal noise reduction rating values were from 47–84% for HPDs. The earmuffs show higher ratios of actual to nominal noise reduction compared with the earplugs. At two signal to noise ratios, no significant differences were observed in in speech intelligibility using HPDs (p > 0.05). However, at S/N = 0, the speech intelligibility descriptively has been improved by using common earmuffs up to 9.07%. There was a significant difference up to 21.27% in speech intelligibility for proposed molded earplugs at S/N = 0(p < 0.05). It is concluded that, if the trend of signal to noise ratio is positive, the HPDs will reduce the ability to understand speech.
Patterns Contributing to Severe Complications After Liver Resection: An Aggregate Root Cause Analysis of a Prospective Cohort
Authors: Houssaini Kholoud , Lahnaoui Oumayma , Souadka Amine , Majbar Mohamed-Anass , Ghannam Abdelilah , Ahmadi Brahim El , Belkhadir Zakaria , Amrani Leila , Mohsine Raouf , Benkabbou Amine
Published: July 2020

Background
The Aggregate Root Cause Analysis (AggRCA) was designed to improve the understanding of system vulnerabilities contributing to patient harm, including surgical complications. It remains poorly used due to methodological complexity and resource limitations. This study aimed to identify the main patterns contributing to severe complications after liver resection (SC) using an AggRCA.
Methods
This was a retrospective qualitative study aimed to identify the main patterns contributing to severe complications (SC). All consecutive SC (Clavien-Dindo > 3a within the first 90 days after liver resection) that occurred between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2019 were identified from a prospective electronic database and included in an AggRCA. This included a structured MMR (Morbidity and Mortality Review) reporting tool based on 50 contributory factors adapted from 6 ALARM categories: “Patient”, “Tasks”, “Individual staff”, “Team”, “Work environment”, and “Management and Institutional context”. Data resulting from individual-participant RCA of single-cases were validated collectively then aggregated. The main patterns were suggested from the contributory factors reported in more than half of the cases.
Results
Among 105 consecutive liver resections, 15 cases (14.3%) including 5 deaths (4.8%) met the inclusion criteria. AggRCA resulted in the identification of 36 contributory factors. Eight contributory factors were reported in more than half of the cases and were compiled in three entangled patterns: (1) Disrupted perioperative process, (2) Unplanned intraoperative change, (3) Ineffective communication.
Conclusion
A pragmatic aggregated RCA process improved our understanding of system vulnerabilities based on the analysis of a limited number of events and a reasonable resource intensity. The identification of patterns contributing to SC lay the rationale of future contextualized safety interventions beyond the scope of liver resections.
Two-Year Outcomes After Full-Thickness Astigmatic Keratotomy Combined with Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction for High Astigmatism
Authors: Kim Bu Ki , Chung Young Taek
Published: July 2020

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcomes after full-thickness astigmatic keratotomy (FTAK) combined with small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with high astigmatism.Methods: This study comprised 75 eyes of 43 patients with over 4.0 diopters (D) of astigmatism who were treated with SMILE after FTAK. Visual acuities and refractive measurements were evaluated at 1 month after FTAK, and 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after SMILE. Vector analysis of the astigmatic changes was performed using the Alpins method.Results: Twenty-four months after the combined procedure, the average spherical equivalent was reduced from -6.56 ± 2.38 D to -0.36 ± 0.42 D (p < 0.001). The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities improved from 1.54 ± 5.53 to -0.02 ± 0.09 and from -0.03 ± 0.07 D to -0.07 ± 0.08 D (both p < 0.001), respectively. The preoperative mean astigmatism was -5.48 ± 1.17 D, which was reduced to -2.27 ± 0.97 D and -0.34 ± 0.26 D at 1 month after FTAK and 24 months after SMILE, respectively (p <0.001). The surgically-induced astigmatism after FTAK, SMILE, and FTAK and SMILE combined was 3.38 ± 1.18 D, 2.22 ± 0.84 D, and 5.39 ± 1.20 D, respectively. Furthermore, the correction index of FTAK, SMILE, and FTAK and SMILE combined was 0.63 ± 0.17, 0.90 ± 0.40, and 0.98 ± 0.06, respectively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Our surgical procedure combining FTAK and SMILE showed good and stable clinical outcomes during two-year follow-up for the treatment of high astigmatism.
Knockdown long noncoding RNA SLC8A1-AS1 attenuate cell invasion and migration in glioma via suppression of Wnt-β catenin signaling pathways
Authors: He Ling , Yang Hui , Zhu Xiao-long , Zhang Yan , Lv Kun
Published: July 2020

Background

Glioma, as the most common aggressive malignant tumor in the central nervous system, is still an insurmountable disease in neural system. The potential mechanism of its carcinogenesis remains largely unclear.
Methods

In the present study, we identified dysregulated lncRNA solute carrier family 8 member A1 antisense RNA 1 (SLC8A1-AS1) as associated with glioma based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)data. Validation experiment was conducted to confirm a high expression level of lncRNA SLC8A1-AS1 in glioma tissues.
Results

Down-regulation of lncRNA SLC8A1-AS1 suppressed proliferation, clone formation, migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, lncRNA SLC8A1-AS1 silencing decreased the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and suppressed the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in glioma cells.
Conclusions

Collectively, these findings provide a novel insights into the function and mechanism of lncRNA SLC8A1-AS1 in the pathogenesis of glioma and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for glioma intervention.
Effectiveness and Safety of Xinkeshu Tablet (XKS) on Coronary Heart Disease Patients Combined with Anxiety and Depression Symptoms After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Mingtai , Chen Yingnan , Men Ling , Zhong Xiaoling , Yang Shudong , Luan Jienan
Published: July 2020

Backgroud: It’s known that coronary heart disease (CHD) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was significantly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies have showed that Xinkeshu tablet (XKS), a kind of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) , could effectively improve post-PCI postoperative mood disorders in CHD patients. However, the intensity of evidence has been poor, limiting the further clinical application of XKS to patients above. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess studies of the effectiveness and safety of XKS in CHD patients with anxiety and depression symptoms after PCI. Methods: A systematic literature search for articles up to July 2020 will be performed in following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) Database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) and Wanfang Database. Inclusion criteria are randomized controlled trials of XKS applied on patients with CHD and depression. The primary outcome measures will be CHD-related clinical evaluation (frequency of acute attack angina, severity of angina pectoris, electrocardiographic changes, amount of nitroglycerin) and the scores or reducing fractions of depressive and anxiety measuring scales (the Hospital Anxiety / Depression Scale or other widely used anxiety / depression scale). The safety outcome measures will be adverse events, liver and kidney function. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and risk of bias assessment. A funnel plot will be developed to evaluate reporting bias. Stata 12.0 will be used for meta-regression and Egger tests. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of evidence. Discussion: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of the effects and safety of XKS for CHD patients with anxiety and depression symptoms after PCI. Ethics and dissemination This systematic review does not require ethics approval and will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42019131346.
Characteristics of hepatic solitary necrotic nodules on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Lu Chunyu , Tang Shaoshan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Wang Yang , Wang Kaiming , Shen Peng
Published: July 2020

Background:To summarize the characteristics of solitary necrotic nodules (SNN) in the liver observed under contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and to improve the differential diagnoses value of CEUS on liver focal lesions.Methods:Conventional ultrasonography (US) and CEUS were performed in 24 patients who were confirmed to have SNN by pathological assessment. The US data and dynamic enhancement patterns of CEUS were recorded and retrospectively analyzed.Results:All patients underwent CEUS, and of these, 10 patients underwent surgical resection, while 14 patients underwent a puncture biopsy to confirm SNN. Among the 24 patients, 13 patients had a single lesion and 11 patients had multiple lesions. Eleven patients presented no enhancement in all three phases, while the other 13 patients presented with a peripheral thin rim-like enhancement in the arterial phase, an iso-enhancement in the portal phase and delayed phase, and no enhancement in the interior of the lesions. Conclusions:SNN has characteristic findings on the CEUS, which play an important role in the differential diagnoses of liver focal lesions.
Three-Dimensional (3D) Magnetic Resonance Volume Assessment and Loco-regional Failure in Anal Cancer: Early Evaluation Case-Control Study
Authors: Sekhar Hema , Kochhar Rohit , Carrington Bernadette , Kaye Thomas , Tolan Damian , Saunders Mark , Sperrin Matthew , Sebag-Montefiore David , Herk Marcel van , Renehan Andrew
Published: July 2020

Background: The primary aim was to test the hypothesis that deriving pre-treatment 3D magnetic resonance tumour volume (mrTV) quantification improves performance characteristics for the prediction of loco-regional failure compared with standard maximal tumour diameter (1D) assessment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Methods: We performed an early evaluation case-control study at two UK centres (2007-2014) in 39 patients with loco-regional failure (cases), and 41 patients disease-free at 3 years (controls). mrTV was determined using the summation of areas method (Volsum). Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass concordance correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreements. We derived receiver operating curves using logistic regression models and expressed accuracy as area under the curve (ROCAUC). Results: The median time per patient for Volsum quantification was 7.00 (inter-quartile range, IQR: 0.57-12.48) minutes. Intra and inter-observer reproducibilities were generally good (ICCs from 0.79 to 0.89) but with wide limits of agreement (intra-observer: -28% to 31%; inter-observer: -28% to 46%). Median mrTVs were greater for cases (32.6 IQR: 21.5-53.1 cm3) than controls (9.9 IQR: 5.7-18.1 cm3, p <0.0001). The ROCAUC for mrT-size predicting loco-regional failure was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63-0.85) improving to 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.92) when replaced with mrTV (test for ROC differences, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that the replacement of mrTV for mrT-size improves prediction of loco-regional failure after chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. However, mrTV calculation is time consuming and variation in its reproducibility are drawbacks with the current technology.
Determination and Improvement of the Postharvest Storability of Little Mallow (Malva Parviflora L.): A Novel Crop for a Sustainable Diet
Authors: Kahramanoğlu İbrahim , Wan Chunpeng
Published: July 2020

Little mallow (Malva parviflora L.) has been traditionally used as an alternative food source. To the authors’ knowledge, there is no available published information about the postharvest storability of little mallow. This study was conducted in three steps. It aimed to determine the postharvest storability of little mallow leaves and to improve its storability using different strategies. First, the effects of four different storage conditions on the storability of little mallow leaves were tested to determine the most favorable conditions for further studies: 5 ± 1 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH); 9 ± 1 °C and 95% RH; 13 ± 1 °C and 95% RH; and 24 ± 1 °C and 55% RH as control. Preliminary experiments suggested that the best temperature and RH combination is 9 ± 1 °C and 95% RH. Hence, the effects of hot water dipping (HWD) were tested at three different temperatures (40, 45, and 50 °C) for two different durations (60 and 120 seconds); the results suggested that the 40 °C treatment is the most suitable heat treatment for improving the storability of mallow. The final experiments were conducted with 15 different treatments, including HWD, eco-friendly edible bio-materials, modified atmosphere packaging, and ultraviolet radiation. Results showed that low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (60 × 60 cm; thickness, 50 μ) and polypropylene (PP) (35 × 50 cm; thickness, 35 μ) packaging provide the highest efficacy for preserving overall quality. The edible quality of little mallow can be extended to 15 days with PP and 12 days with LDPE. However, both materials caused an abnormal odor after that time. Further studies involving additional edible coatings are necessary to determine if the storage duration of little mallow leaves could be extended.
The use of thermography for assessment of high-intensity laser therapy in racehorses: Pilot study
Authors: GODLEWSKA MARIA , SOROKO MARIA , ZIELIŃSKA PAULINA , DUDEK KRZYSZTOF
Published: July 2020

The aim of the pilot study was to perform a thermographic assessment of temperature changes on the surface of the fetlock joint of clinically healthy racehorses after high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). The study was conducted on 16 clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses aged 3-4 years, trained for racing. Temperature measurements of the left forelimb fetlock joint were taken from a lateral aspect before and after HILT. Temperature was measured with a Vario-Cam HR® InfraTec thermographic camera with a resolution of 640 × 480. A measuring region of the fetlock joint was determined for each thermographic image to calculate the average temperature. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. The study results indicate a statistically significant increase in the average surface temperature of the fetlock joint (by an average of 3.0°C) after HILT. Thermography offers a simple and precise assessment of temperature changes in the treated region. The results of this pilot study may prove valuable in future research on the use of thermography in monitoring changes as well as short-term and long-term effects of HILT to determine the most effective and optimal parameters of this therapy.
Qualitative changes in selected dairy products during their shelf life
Authors: KRÓL JOLANTA , KARASIŃSKA ANETA , BRODZIAK ANETA , STOBIECKA MAGDALENA , BARŁOWSKA JOANNA
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to assess changes in qualitative characteristics of selected dairy products that occur during their shelf life. The research covered 2% pasteurized drinking milk, 18% cream and semi-fat tvarog produced in 3 regional processing plants (A, B and C) and purchased in the local retail network. A total of 186 samples were taken, including 20 samples of each of the above products from plants A and B, and 22 samples of these products from plant C. The following parameters were determined: chemical composition, density, potential acidity (°SH), freezing point, and the number of Enterobacteriaceae in drinking milk; as well as the content of fat, protein and dry matter, potential acidity (°SH), and the number of β-glucuronidasepositive Escherichia coli in cream and tvarogs. The research showed that the dairy products available in the retail network generally met the requirements of Polish standards. Deviations from the standards were found in the fat content of drinking milk and cream compared to that declared by the manufacturer. On both measurement dates, the acidity of the products did not exceed the prescribed limits, which indicates that the quality of the products was maintained during the storage period. The assessment of microbiological quality showed that on both dates the limit of E. coli contamination was exceeded in tvarog samples from dairy C, which indicates an unsatisfactory microbiological quality of the production process in this plant and the need to take corrective actions in the field of production hygiene. Drinking milk and cream, on the other hand, met the legal requirements in terms of process hygiene.
Field evaluation of the influence of garlic extract and probiotic cultures on sows and growing pigs
Authors: SATORA MARTA , RZĄSA ANNA , RYPUŁA KRZYSZTOF , PŁONECZKA-JANECZKO KATARZYNA
Published: July 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of a garlic extract and probiotic strains, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum, on sows and their offspring. A total of 24 sows and the 301 piglets they farrowed were used in this trial. The animals (sows and piglets) were assigned to 3 groups: group A, supplemented with garlic extract; group B, supplemented with probiotics; and the control group C, without supplementation. The trial lasted from the 80th day of gestation to the weaning day for sows. For piglets, results were analyzed during two periods, from the 8th day to the 56th or the 147th day of life, in order to determine the more desirable duration of supplementation. Morphological and biochemical blood parameters, as well as body weight and piglet losses, were recorded. At weaning, the piglets supplemented with probiotics were heavier than the rest of experimental population (P ≤ 0.01). On the day of sale for slaughter, the pigs from the control group were on average 15 kg lighter (P ≤ 0.01) than those from both supplemented groups. Differences in blood parameters were also noted between the groups. Our findings suggest that the use of a garlic extract and probiotic bacteria may help improve pig performance at various stages of the production cycle.
A Novel Combinational Nanodrug Delivery System Induces Synergistic Inhibition of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells In vitro
Authors: Fan Mingliang , Li Jiping
Published: July 2020

Background:

The combination of two or more therapeutic drugs is an attractive approach
to improve the treatment of experimental tumors. Leveraging nanocarriers for combinational drug
delivery can allow control over drug biological fate and promote co-localization in the same area of
the body. However, there are certain concerns regarding the biodegradability and potential longterm
toxicity arising from these synthetic nanoscale carriers.

Objective:

Our aim was to develop a combinational nanodrug delivery system formed by selfassembling
of amphiphilic drug molecules.minimizing potential toxicities associated with using
additional synthetic nanocarriers.

Methods:

A novel prodrug chlorambucil gemcitabine conjugate was synthesized, this prodrug was
used for the encapsulation of an additional hydrophobic anticancer drug paclitaxel, taking the form
of combinational nanodrugs. Particle size and zeta potential were evaluated, cytotoxicity assay and
apoptosis/cell cycle analysis were also performed to validate the anticancer efficacy of the combinational
nanodrugs.

Results:

The combinational nanodrugs were acquired by means of nanoprecipitation. In A549 lung
adenocarcinoma cell line, cellular assays revealed that co-delivery of low dosage paclitaxel with
chlorambucil gemcitabine conjugate can act synergistically to inhibit cell growth and induce accumulation
of cells in the G2/M phase with a concomitant decrease in G0/G1 compartment.

Conclusion:

Chlorambucil gemcitabine conjugate and paclitaxel can co-assemble into composite
nanoparticles by a nanoprecipitation process and the resulting combinational nanodrugs showed a
synergistic anticancer effect. This synthetic nanocarrier-free approach might broaden the nanodrug
concept and have potential in cancer therapy.
Role of Lactate Dehydrogenase in the Prediction of Severity in Pre- Eclampsia
Authors: Khidri Feriha F. , Shaikh Fozia , Khowaja Imran-ul-Hassan , Riaz Hina
Published: July 2020

Background:

Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive pregnancy disorder accompanied by proteinuria.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is a biochemical marker that reflects the severity and
progression of pre-eclampsia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health
Sciences (LUMHS). One hundred pre-eclamptic women were enrolled and categorized into mild
(n=30) and severe pre-eclamptic groups (n=70) to ascertain the function of LDH as a prognostic
marker and to assess its association with severity and gestational age in pre-eclamptic women.

Results:

The significant differences in mean concentrations of LDH between mild and severe preeclamptic
women (p-value <0.0001) and early and late-onset pre-eclamptic women (p-value=0.049)
were found. Significant differences were also found in the LDH range between mild and severe preeclamptic
women presented with late-onset pre-eclampsia (p-value= 0.004). Statistically significant
differences (p-value= 0.019) in the levels of LDH were found with systolic blood pressure and proteinuria
(p-value= 0.048).

Conclusion:

LDH is the prognostic marker representing the severity of pre-eclampsia. An increased
level of LDH directs adequate monitoring and management; and by early detection of preeclampsia,
serious consequences and complications may be prevented.
Free Area of the Spinal Canal and Torg’s Ratio in Acute Cervical Trauma and Degenerative Disease: MANCOVA and Correlational Analyses
Authors: Martinez-Martinez Lidieth , Perez-Perez Jose Domingo , Soto-Hernandez Jose Luis , Corona-Cedillo Roberto , Roldan-Valadez Ernesto
Published: July 2020

Background:

The two of the most common indications for magnetic resonance (MR)
imaging of the cervical spine include acute spine trauma and degenerative disease.

Objective:

We aimed to correlate the measurements of the free area of the spinal canal (FASC), a
new approach to the cervical spinal canal compromise, with the Torg´s ratio quantification of the
cervical spine.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study including 50 cervical-spine MR evaluations of patients with
acute cervical trauma or degenerative disease was performed. We used multivariate analysis of covariance
(MANCOVA) to identify the type of lesion, intervertebral level and gender differences between
FASC and Torg´s ratio quantification of the cervical spine; age was the controlled covariate.
Correlates between FASC and Torg´s ratio were obtained at each intervertebral level.

Results:

There was a non-significant interaction between the type of lesion, gender and intervertebral
levels between FASC and Torg´s ratio measurements, F (8, 456) 0.260, p = .978; Wilks' Lambda
0.991; with a small effect size (partial η2 = .005). Among the main effects, only the gender was
statistically significant: F (2, 228) = 3.682, p = .027. The age (controlled covariate) was non-significantly
related to FASC and Torg´s ratio quantification: F (2, 228) = .098, p = .907. The Pearson´s
correlation coefficient depicted a poor, non-significant agreement between FASC and Torg´s ratio.

Conclusions:

FASC provides an integrative evaluation of the cervical spinal canal compromise in
acute, cervical spine trauma and degenerative disease. Further observations and correlation with
specific neurological symptoms, surgical findings and clinical outcomes are necessary to assess the
usefulness of FASC in clinical settings.
Virtual Screening of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Based on Machine Learning Combined with Molecule Docking Methods
Authors: Yan Jinyu , Huang Weiguang , Zhang Chi , Huo Haizhong , Chen Fuxue
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to screen for compounds with relatively high
inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase.

Methods:

Classification models for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors based on KNN (1-nearest
neighbors), and a quantitative prediction model based on support vector machine regression were
used. The interaction of the compounds and receptors was analyzed using the molecular simulation
method.

Results:

The radial basis kernel function was selected as the kernel function for support vector
machine regression, and a total of 19 descriptors were selected to construct the quantitative
prediction model.
The Strategic Positioning of Moroccan Seaports: An Application of the Boston Consulting Group Growth-share Matrix
Authors: Birafane Mahdi , Liu Wei , Khalikov Sarvar
Published: July 2020

Background:

Under the current challenges of global and regional changing environments in the seaport industry faced by market players and the increase of competition among port business entities, the necessity of pursuing a competitive strategic positioning by strategic business units is a compulsory plan to ensure constructive and sustained growth.

Aims and Objectives:

In this context, the purpose of this study is to analyze the competitive position of the eight (largest, most important, busiest) seaports of Morocco in the four-years period from 2014 to 2017 using a dynamic portfolio analysis known as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix. This study aims to overcome the regional challenges that have a substantial impact on seaport activities by highlighting competitive strategic positioning, which will enable seaport operators to visualize the position of selected ports, monitor their progress, and predict the future trends of the studied ports.

Results:

The finding reveals the competitive strategic positioning of analyzed ports is varying over the studied period.

Conclusion:

The Tangier MED, Jorf Lasfar and Casablanca ports were found to be stars in 2017, while in 2015 they had a combined position of stars and cash cows. Other studied seaports were found to be in an unfavorable strategic position.
Effects of Medicinal Plants on Human Hosts and Zoonotic Helminthic Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heidari-Soureshjani Saeid , Sherwin Catherine M.T.
Published: July 2020

Parasitic worm infections are a major health issue around the world, which cause numerous
physiological damages in the patient's infected organ(s). The aim of this review was to investigate
the anthelmintic properties of various medicinal plants. In this systematic review, all Randomized
Controlled Trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental and experimental studies examining the anthelmintic
effects were retrieved from databases, including Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)
and PubMed from 1988-2019 by interesting keywords. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated
that many medicinal plants, including their compounds and derivatives, have anthelmintic properties
through various Mechanisms Of Action (MOA). Examples of MOAs include paralysis of the
helminths’ central nervous system, tegumental (outer body covering) destruction, interference with
enzyme functioning, increased autophagy and apoptosis and reduction in cell viability and count.
These actions lead to a reduction in the helminth ability to reproduce, decrease in egg count, inhibition
of energy generation, damage to digestive tissues, lipid and ion accumulation, and change in
and binding to different regulatory proteins and disruption of the helminth motor activity. These
MOAs can also be used for the treatment of parasitic worms. Medicinal plants and their compounds
have been the primary sources of new therapeutics, and are comparably more cost-effective
than synthetic drugs and provide effective methods to combat parasitic worms that have entered into
the human body. Therapists must take into account the effective dose of these compounds in
treating the patients and also consider their overall health status, including comorbidities. There is
an urgent need to conduct clinical trials using certain approaches, such as clinical interventional
trials, to identify the effectiveness of herbal medicines in treating human host and zoonotic helminthic
infections.
wLEACH: Real-Time Meteorological Data Based Wind LEACH
Authors: Monali Chaudhari , Bhaskar Anand K.A.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Nowadays, Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) plays an important role in various fields. The limited power capability of the sensor nodes in the WSN brings constraints on the performance of the network. Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) is a promising protocol for WSN that suffers from higher energy consumption.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to give an alternate harvesting resource power to sensor nodes in the LEACH algorithm which can be equally capable of providing the same or sometimes better results.

Methods:

This study is based on real-time meteorological data. A real-time wind speed data is taken for the starting of a day to the end of the day on an hourly basis from the weather forecast. Now to convert this rotational energy into electrical energy, we used two types of wind turbines. For the proposed methodology, a micro wind turbine generator and 300watt wind turbine are used. Then this converted electrical energy is given to sensor nodes. For the clustering, the wind power operated nodes are given maximum preference to be elected as the cluster heads based on realtime wind meteorological data. We consider 10 wind-powered sensor nodes. As we increase the number of wind-powered sensor nodes in the network, the performance is increased in terms of a lifetime but then increases the complexity of the network. These wind-powered nodes remain alive in the network. Since the deployment of the sensor nodes is random, each simulation runs for 5 times and the average of first node dead, half node dead and last node dead is considered.

Results:

The experimental results for the micro wind turbine generator are compared based on with and without the MPPT controller. MPPT controller gives the maximum power by using the tip speed ratio control, power signal feedback control, and hill climb search control method. Therefore, the network lifetime should be higher for the MPPT based wind generator. Network lifetime and Energy consumption are compared for a micro wind turbine generator and 300watt wind turbine. Finally, the performance of the proposed system is compared with the modified solar LEACH implemented using real-time meteorological data.

Conclusion:

This paper has investigated the wind-based LEACH which uses the real-time meteorological data for the selection of the cluster head. Two types of wind generators are considered for the implementation and it is found that the performance of the commercial 300W wind turbine and the micro wind turbine with and without MPPT is almost similar since the data from both wind turbines are given on hourly basis. The performance of the wLEACH is compared with the sLEACH which shows that the network lifespan of the wLEACH is also nearly the same compared to the sLEACH. However, it was found that wind power generation is cheaper and efficient than solar power generation. Therefore, it is inferred that this proposed wLEACH provides a costefficient solution.
Design and Development of Wide Beamwidth Antenna for Ionosphere Wireless Remote Sensing Applications
Authors: Rao M. Durga , Rao Inabathini Srinivasa
Published: July 2020

Background:

The Yagi-Uda antenna is a highly directive antenna used widely in many
applications including pulsed Doppler radars to study the dynamics of the atmosphere. Yagi antennas
configured in planar array configurations in phased array radars to achieve high peak powers
to probe the atmosphere from troposphere. In this paper, a two-element Yagi-Uda antenna design
is presented to investigate the ionospheric irregularities from the Gadanki Ionospheric Radar
Interferometer. A new approach devised for the first time to design the two element, wide beam
width tilted Yagi antenna, where folded dipole acts as active driver element and reflector as parasitic
element.

Methods:

Several design techniques have been studied and new approach has been employed in
designing the antenna and simulations have been carriedout and optimized the performance at 30
MHz with 14o tilt towards geometric north from vertical (zenith) direction for the maximum back
scattered echo gain. Based on the design antenna has been fabricated and the system performance
has been evaluated. Detailed validation methods have been listed to validate the parameters like
reflection coefficient, gain, bandwidth and front-to-back ratio.

Results:

The antenna is designed and simulated results with 4NEC2 provided the optimized parameters before fabrication.
The measured results indicate that the antenna has a gain of 5.65dBi and a reflection coefficient of -30 dB and these
results are in close agreement with the simulation results. The band width obtained is about 2MHz is very good for the
ionospheric remote sensing applications. The peak power handling capability upto 1kW shows the reliable system design
for continuous and long term use of the system.

Conclusion:

Two element wide beam width 14o tilted Yagi-Uda antenna at 30MHz has been designed, simulated and
optimized. Realized system performance validated to use for ionospheric radar remote sensing application. Details of the
test methodologies are explained and the same have been executed to characterize the performance of the fabricated
antenna with simulation results by measuring reflection coefficient, gain, radiation pattern. All the measured results have
very close agreement with the simulation results and satisfy the design requirements to fit into 30 MHz radar antenna
array for dedicated ionospheric probing. In future, we intended to carry out the radiation pattern simulation of the 20x8
phased array antennas to describe the overall radiation pattern.
Especies de Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) del CICOLMA, Veracruz, México
Authors: Rivera-Gasperín Sara Lariza , Escobar-Hernández Fernando
Published: July 2020

La investigación en biodiversidad y conservación en México ha avanzado en gran medida porque están vinculadas a la existencia de estaciones biológicas, reservas de la biosfera o áreas naturales protegidas. El Centro de Investigaciones Costeras La Mancha (CICOLMA) es una de las estaciones pioneras del país en la investigación de ecosistemas costeros, sin embargo, los estudios sobre la fauna de escarabajos en esta área han sido mínimos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue documentar la fauna de Scarabaeoidea presente en el CICOLMA de abril de 2003 a marzo de 2004, donde se realizaron colectas de escarabajos con técnicas directas e indirectas. Se obtuvo una muestra de 865 individuos de Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea, de las familias Cetoniidae, Melolonthidae, Passalidae, Scarabaeidae y Trogidae, que representan 66 especies de 41 géneros. Las especies Cotinis pauperula Burmeister, 1847, Euetheola bidentata (Burmeister, 1847), Paranomala flavilla (Bates, 1888) y Pelidnota virescens Burmeister, 1844, representan nuevos registros para el estado de Veracruz. Se incluye una clave dicotómica para separar las especies de Scarabaeoidea de la región y datos sobre su fenología.
E-HAILING SERVICES IN MALAYSIA: CURRENT PRACTICES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Authors: Jais Ahmad Sahir , Marzuki Azizan
Published: July 2020

E-hailing services are known to be on-demand vehicle acquisition that relies on network dependency and use of a specific digital application through the Internet. The objectives of this study were to investigate the adoption of e-hailing services from the initial inception, issues in adoption and the direction of e-hailing services within the context of Malaysia. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) related to the e-hailing industry was used by employing the inclusion criteria of keywords generated from the literature data pool. The legalisation of e-hailing services in Malaysia had spurred the growth of the industry. With the establishment of the Transportation Network Company, which was a positive sign for e-hailing to continue to flourish, the industry was considered as a complement to the existing public transportation system. The growth projection showed that e-hailing services will continue to be part of the Malaysian transportation sectors and would remain competitive in contributing to the domestic economy. However, some barriers would deter the progress of e-hailing services, such as over-regulation by the government.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING: LOCAL BUS SERVICE INTEGRATION AND IMPROVEMENTS IN PENANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Aziz Azfizan , Mohamad Jamilah
Published: July 2020

An integrated public transport system should provide seamless travel to passengers so that they can enjoy good service connection, reasonable waiting time at interchanges, comprehensive information and an integrated ticket amongst different transport modes. Such a system is essential because it allows integrated travel by using all public transport modes that suit passengers’ routes. The concept of integration in public transport, which includes physical, network, fare, information and institutional integration, generally adopts the vision of ‘good practice’ in terms of integration of public transport services. This research concentrates on bus service because it is the primary public transport mode in Penang, Malaysia. This work analyses the Rapid Penang Bus Operation and Network in detail by using a system of indicators derived from surveys and detailed information supplied by the operator. Several recommendations are also provided to improve the reliability, convenience, accessibility, coordinated physical effort and fair fare of bus services.
PARTICIPATION IN E-GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND SMART CITY PROGRAMS: A CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIAN LOCAL AUTHORITY
Authors: Seng Boon Lim , Abdul Malek Jalaluddin , Hussain Mohd Yusof , Tahir Zurinah
Published: July 2020

Public participation is gaining popularity in local governance practices where the involvement of the public in the decision-making process is essential in promoting good governance concepts. However, local authorities are facing challenges in guiding public involvement in e-government services such as smart city programmes. Hence, this paper aimed to examine the participation process in e-government services and smart city programmes, and later to recommend a framework to assess participation level and process in local context. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, was selected as a case study where interviews and observations were conducted with thematic analysis based on relevant themes. Through the selected attributes and designated questions in the participation framework, time and effort can be saved in addition to clearing the ambiguities of stakeholders who are keen on gaining the authentic participation culture in e-services and smart city programmes. This study has provided new insights on how e-government can be implemented by the local government after adopting a smart city policy in the context of public participation.
DO INFLATION, INTEREST RATE AND COST OF RENTING AFFECT THE PRICE OF TERRACE HOUSES IN PENANG?
Authors: Zainuddin Zaemah , Mohd Yusof Rosylin
Published: July 2020

In Malaysia, the housing ownership is reported to decrease from 85% in 1999 to 72.5% in 2010. This is due to the outstripped increase of house price over the income level and the unstable economic situation which creates unaffordability to own a house for many people. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to examine whether the price of terrace houses in Penang is being affected with fundamental factors such as inflation, interest rates and the cost of renting. This study uses multivariate regression analysis with quarterly data of terrace house prices (HPI terrace house in Penang), inflation (CPI) and interest rate (mortgage rates) from 2009: Q1 to 2016: Q4. Evidently, the cost of renting terrace houses in Penang does not have any impact on the price of terrace houses and the stable movement of cost of renting indicates that the growth of rental rate is at acceptable price for middle income earners.
Multiple Epidemic Wave Model of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Modeling Study
Authors: Kaxiras Efthimios , Neofotistos Georgios
Published: July 2020

Background

Intervention measures have been implemented around the world to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding the dynamics of the disease spread and the effectiveness of the interventions is essential in predicting its future evolution.

Objective

The aim of this study is to simulate the effect of different social distancing interventions and investigate whether their timing and stringency can lead to multiple waves (subepidemics), which can provide a better fit to the wavy behavior observed in the infected population curve in the majority of countries.

Methods

We have designed and run agent-based simulations and a multiple wave model to fit the infected population data for many countries. We have also developed a novel Pandemic Response Index to provide a quantitative and objective way of ranking countries according to their COVID-19 response performance.

Results

We have analyzed data from 18 countries based on the multiple wave (subepidemics) hypothesis and present the relevant parameters. Multiple waves have been identified and were found to describe the data better. The effectiveness of intervention measures can be inferred by the peak intensities of the waves. Countries imposing fast and stringent interventions exhibit multiple waves with declining peak intensities. This result strongly corroborated with agent-based simulations outcomes. We also provided an estimate of how much lower the number of infections could have been if early and strict intervention measures had been taken to stop the spread at the first wave, as actually happened for a handful of countries. A novel index, the Pandemic Response Index, was constructed, and based on the model’s results, an index value was assigned to each country, quantifying in an objective manner the country’s response to the pandemic.

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic can be successfully modeled as a series of epidemic waves (subepidemics) and that it is possible to infer to what extent the imposition of early intervention measures can slow the spread of the disease.
Sedentary Work in Desk-Dominated Environments: A Data-Driven Intervention Using Intervention Mapping (Preprint)
Authors: Berninger Nathalie M , ten Hoor Gill A , Plasqui Guy , Kok Gerjo , Peters Gjalt-Jorn Ygram , Ruiter Robert A C
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Since desk-dominated work environments facilitate sedentary behavior, office workers sit for 66% of their working days and only 8% succeed in interrupting their prolonged periods of sitting within the first 55 minutes. Yet stretches of long and uninterrupted sitting increase the likelihood of several chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We therefore developed a computer-based app designed to interrupt periods of prolonged sitting among office employees.

METHODS

When developing the intervention, we applied the intervention mapping protocol. This approach for the systematic design of theory and evidence-based behavior change programs consists of 6 steps: creation of a logic model of the problem, creation of a logic model of change, program design, program production, design of an implementation plan, and development of an evaluation plan.

RESULTS

Working through all 6 steps has resulted in an individually adaptable intervention to reduce sedentary behavior at work. The intervention, UPcomplish, consists of tailored, half-automatized motivational components delivered by a coach. To register sedentary behavior, the VitaBit (VitaBit Software International BV) toolkit, a wearable accelerometry-based monitoring device, is used. Among others, UPcomplish includes personalized goal setting, tailored suggestions to overcome hurdles, and weekly challenges. The VitaBit toolkit supports the participants to monitor their behavior in relation to self-set goals.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention mapping is a useful protocol not only for the systematic development of a comprehensive intervention to reduce sedentary behavior but also for planning program adherence, program implementation, and program maintenance. It facilitates obtaining the participation of relevant stakeholders at different ecological levels in the development process of the intervention and anticipating facilitators to and barriers of program implementation and maintenance.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NL7503; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7503

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/14951