bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Numerical Simulation of Micromixing of Particles and Fluids with Galloping Cylinder
Authors: Abdelmalek Zahra , Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Micromixers are significant segments inside miniaturized scale biomedical frameworks. Numerical investigation of the effects of galloping cylinder characteristics inside a microchannel Newtonian, incompressible fluid in nonstationary condition is performed. Governing equations of the system include the continuity equation, and Navier–Stokes equations are solved within a moving mesh domain. The symmetry of laminar entering the channel is broken by the self-sustained motion of the cylinder. A parameter study on the amplitude and frequency of passive moving cylinder on the mixing of tiny particles in the fluid is performed. The results show a significant increase to the index of mixing uses of the galloping body in biomedical frameworks in the course of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Dynamic Hilbert-Type Inequalities with Fenchel-Legendre Transform
Authors: El-Deeb Ahmed A. , Makharesh Samer D. , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: April 2020

Our work is based on the multiple inequalities illustrated in 2020 by Hamiaz and Abuelela. With the help of a Fenchel-Legendre transform, which is used in various problems involving symmetry, we generalize a number of those inequalities to a general time scale. Besides that, in order to get new results as special cases, we will extend our results to continuous and discrete calculus.
Triangular Single Valued Neutrosophic Data Envelopment Analysis: Application to Hospital Performance Measurement
Authors: Yang Wei , Cai Lulu , Edalatpanah Seyed Ahmad , Smarandache Florentin
Published: April 2020

The foremost broadly utilized strategy for the valuation of the overall performance of a set of identical decision-making units (DMUs) that use analogous sources to yield related outputs is data envelopment analysis (DEA). However, the witnessed values of the symmetry or asymmetry of different types of information in real-world applications are sometimes inaccurate, ambiguous, inadequate, and inconsistent, so overlooking these conditions may lead to erroneous decision-making. Neutrosophic set theory can handle these occasions of data and makes an imitation of the decision-making procedure with the aid of thinking about all perspectives of the decision. In this paper, we introduce a model of DEA in the context of neutrosophic sets and sketch an innovative process to solve it. Furthermore, we deal with the problem of healthcare system evaluation with inconsistent, indeterminate, and incomplete information using the new model. The triangular single-valued neutrosophic numbers are also employed to deal with the mentioned data, and the proposed method is utilized in the assessment of 13 hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences of Iran. The results exhibit the usefulness of the suggested approach and point out that the model has practical outcomes for decision-makers.
A Comprehensive Multi-Scenario Routing Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Control Theory in Opportunistic Social Network
Authors: Yu Yao , Yu Jiong , Chen Zhigang , Wu Jia , Yan Yeqing
Published: April 2020

With the flourishing of big data and the 5G era, the amount of data to be transmitted in the communication process is increasing, and end-to-end communication in traditional social networks has been unable to meet the current communication needs. Therefore, in order to improve the success rate of data forwarding, social networks propose that the sender of the message should reasonably choose the next hop node. However, existing routing and forwarding algorithms do not take into account nodes that are live in different scenarios, and the applicable next hop node metrics are also different. These algorithms only consider the forwarding preferences of the nodes during working hours and do not consider the forwarding preferences of the nodes during non-working hours. We propose a routing algorithm based on fuzzy decision theory, which aims at a more accurate decision on selecting the next hop. A routing and forwarding algorithm based on fuzzy decision is proposed in this paper. This algorithm symmetrical divides scenes in opportunistic social networks into working time and non-working time according to real human activity. In addition, metrics are designed symmetrically for these two scenarios. Simulation results demonstrate that, in the best case, the proposed scheme presents an average delivery ratio of 0.95 and reduces the average end-to-end delay and average overhead compared with the epidemic routing algorithm, the EIMSTalgorithm, the ICMT algorithm, and the FCNSalgorithm.
A Monte Carlo Approach to Estimate the Stability of Soil–Rock Slopes Considering the Non-Uniformity of Materials
Authors: Zhou Aizhao , Huang Xianwen , Li Na , Jiang Pengming , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

A soil–rock slope is a heterogeneous slope composed of soil and rocks that is widely distributed throughout the world. In order to accurately analyze the slope stability of soil–rock mixture, based on a Monte Carlo algorithm (fuzzy-based method), a symmetrical stability analyzing method for soil–rock slopes is proposed, considering the dispersion of strength of soil–rock mixtures. In analyzing it, the numerical model is symmetrical to the real soil–rock slope in geometry and material properties. In addition, the effect of rock content to slope stability was studied by this symmetrical method. The specific work of this paper is as follows: (1) The acquisition method of random number series for the Monte Carlo algorithm and the method of slope stability analysis, using the Monte Carlo method, are introduced. (2) According to in situ samples and remade samples, the strength characteristics of soil–rock mixtures were measured with different rock contents, which proved the scatter of strength of soil–rock mixtures. (3) Based on the measured strength parameters of soil–rock mixtures and the slope landslide, the reliability in analyzing results and superiority in calculating time of using the Monte Carlo method to analyze stability of soil–rock slopes are detailed. (4) The stability of soil–rock slopes with different rock content is discussed with the Monte Carlo method, and it is concluded that with the increase of rock content, the stability of a soil–rock slope decreases first and then increases, and the minimum safety factor is acquired at 20% rock content. (5) Based on a large number of calculation examples, the applied situations of the Monte Carlo method to analyze stability of soil–rock slopes are detailed according to sampling results and rock size.
Inflammation and Premature Ageing in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ebert Thomas , Pawelzik Sven-Christian , Witasp Anna , Arefin Samsul , Hobson Sam , Kublickiene Karolina , Shiels Paul G. , Bäck Magnus , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: April 2020

Persistent low-grade inflammation and premature ageing are hallmarks of the uremic phenotype and contribute to impaired health status, reduced quality of life, and premature mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because there is a huge global burden of disease due to CKD, treatment strategies targeting inflammation and premature ageing in CKD are of particular interest. Several distinct features of the uremic phenotype may represent potential treatment options to attenuate the risk of progression and poor outcome in CKD. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)–kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology [ECH]-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) signaling pathway, the endocrine phosphate-fibroblast growth factor-23–klotho axis, increased cellular senescence, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis are currently the most promising candidates, and different pharmaceutical compounds are already under evaluation. If studies in humans show beneficial effects, carefully phenotyped patients with CKD can benefit from them.
Cylindrospermopsin- and Deoxycylindrospermopsin-Producing Raphidiopsis raciborskii and Microcystin-Producing Microcystis spp. in Meiktila Lake, Myanmar
Authors: Ballot Andreas , Swe Thida , Mjelde Marit , Cerasino Leonardo , Hostyeva Vladyslava , Miles Christopher O.
Published: April 2020

Meiktila Lake is a shallow reservoir located close to Meiktila city in central Myanmar. Its water is used for irrigation, domestic purposes and drinking water. No detailed study of the presence of cyanobacteria and their potential toxin production has been conducted so far. To ascertain the cyanobacterial composition and presence of cyanobacterial toxins in Meiktila Lake, water samples were collected in March and November 2017 and investigated for physico-chemical and biological parameters. Phytoplankton composition and biomass determination revealed that most of the samples were dominated by the cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii. In a polyphasic approach, seven isolated cyanobacterial strains were classified morphologically and phylogenetically as R. raciborskii, and Microcystis spp. and tested for microcystins (MCs), cylindrospermopsins (CYNs), saxitoxins and anatoxins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). ELISA and LC–MS analyses confirmed CYNs in three of the five Raphidiopsis strains between 1.8 and 9.8 μg mg−1 fresh weight. Both Microcystis strains produced MCs, one strain 52 congeners and the other strain 20 congeners, including 22 previously unreported variants. Due to the presence of CYN- and MC-producing cyanobacteria, harmful effects on humans, domestic and wild animals cannot be excluded in Meiktila Lake.
Development and Validation of a UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS Method for Quantification of Oleandrin and Other Cardiac Glycosides and Evaluation of Their Levels in Herbs and Spices from the Belgian Market
Authors: Malysheva Svetlana V. , Mulder Patrick P. J. , Masquelier Julien
Published: April 2020

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites that can be toxic to humans and animals. The aim of this work was to develop a targeted analytical method utilizing liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for quantification of these plant toxins in a herbal-based food and human urine. The method included oleandrin, digoxin, digitoxin, convallatoxin, and ouabain. Samples of culinary herbs were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned using Oasis® MAX solid-phase extraction (SPE), while samples of urine were diluted with acidified water and purified on Oasis® HLB SPE cartridges. Limits of quantification were in the range of 1.5–15 ng/g for herbs and 0.025–1 ng/mL for urine. The mean recovery of the method complied with the acceptable range of 70–120% for most CGs, and relative standard deviations were at maximum 14% and 19% for repeatability and reproducibility, respectively. Method linearity was good with calculated R² values above 0.997. The expanded measurement uncertainty was estimated to be in the range of 7–37%. The LC-MS/MS method was used to examine 65 samples of culinary herbs and herb and spice mixtures collected in Belgium, from supermarkets and local stores. The samples were found to be free from the analyzed CGs.
New Biophysical Approaches Reveal the Dynamics and Mechanics of Type I Viral Fusion Machinery and Their Interplay with Membranes
Authors: Benhaim Mark A. , Lee Kelly K.
Published: April 2020

Protein-mediated membrane fusion is a highly regulated biological process essential for cellular and organismal functions and infection by enveloped viruses. During viral entry the membrane fusion reaction is catalyzed by specialized protein machinery on the viral surface. These viral fusion proteins undergo a series of dramatic structural changes during membrane fusion where they engage, remodel, and ultimately fuse with the host membrane. The structural and dynamic nature of these conformational changes and their impact on the membranes have long-eluded characterization. Recent advances in structural and biophysical methodologies have enabled researchers to directly observe viral fusion proteins as they carry out their functions during membrane fusion. Here we review the structure and function of type I viral fusion proteins and mechanisms of protein-mediated membrane fusion. We highlight how recent technological advances and new biophysical approaches are providing unprecedented new insight into the membrane fusion reaction.
Copy Number and Prevalence of Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs) in German Wild Boars
Authors: Krüger Luise , Stillfried Milena , Prinz Carolin , Schröder Vanessa , Neubert Lena Katharina , Denner Joachim
Published: April 2020

Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of pigs and are transmitted like cellular genes from parents to the offspring. Whereas PERV-A and PERV-B are present in all pigs, PERV-C was found to be in many, but not all pigs. When PERV-C is present, recombination with PERV-A may happen and the PERV-A/C recombinants are characterized by a high replication rate. Until now, nothing has been known about the copy number of PERVs in wild boars and little is known about the prevalence of the phylogenetically youngest PERV-C in ancient wild boars. Here we investigated for the first time the copy number of PERVs in different populations of wild boars in and around Berlin using droplet digital PCR. Copy numbers between 3 and 69 per genome have been measured. A lower number but a higher variability was found compared to domestic pigs, including minipigs reported earlier (Fiebig et al., Xenotransplantation, 2018). The wild boar populations differed genetically and had been isolated during the existence of the Berlin wall. Despite this, the variations in copy number were larger in a single population compared to the differences between the populations. PERV-C was found in all 92 analyzed animals. Differences in the copy number of PERV in different organs of a single wild boar indicate that PERVs are also active in wild boars, replicating and infecting new cells as has been shown in domestic pigs.
KSHV ORF59 and PAN RNA Recruit Histone Demethylases to the Viral Chromatin during Lytic Reactivation
Authors: Hiura Kayla , Strahan Roxanne , Uppal Timsy , Prince Brian , Rossetto Cyprian C. , Verma Subhash C.
Published: April 2020

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes multiple malignancies in immunocompromised individuals. KSHV primarily establishes a lifelong latency in infected humans during which only a subset of viral genes is expressed while most of the viral genome remains transcriptionally silent with condensed chromatin. However, during the lytic phase, the viral genome undergoes dramatic changes in chromatin landscape leading to a transcriptionally active state with the expression of most of the viral genes and production of progeny virions. Multiple cellular and viral factors influence the epigenetic gene regulation and transitioning of virus from latency to the lytic state. We have earlier shown that KSHV ORF59, viral processivity factor, binds to a protein arginine methyl transferase 5 (PRMT5) to alter the histone arginine methylation during reactivation. Additionally, ORF59 has been shown to interact with most abundantly expressed KSHV long noncoding polyadenylated nuclear RNA (PAN RNA), which associates with the viral epigenome during reactivation. Interestingly, PAN RNA interacts with UTX and JMJD3, cellular H3K27me3 demethylases, and removes the repressive marks on the chromatin. In this study, we report that the recruitment of histone demethylases to the viral chromatin is facilitated by the expression of ORF59 protein and PAN RNA. Using biochemical and localization assays including co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, we demonstate ORF59 localizes with UTX and JMJD3. Our results confirm that PAN RNA enhances the interaction of ORF59 with the chromatin modifying enzymes UTX and JMJD3.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Response of a Water Conveyance System with a Surge Chamber during Water Hammer
Authors: Guo Qiang , Zhou Jianxu , Li Yongfa , Guan Xiaolin , Liu Daohua , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2020

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is a frequent and unstable inherent phenomenon in water conveyance systems. Especially in a system with a surge chamber, valve closing and the subsequent water level oscillation in the surge chamber are the excitation source of the hydraulic transient process. Water-hammer-induced FSI has not been considered in preceding research, and the results without FSI justify further investigations. In this study, an FSI eight-equation model is presented to capture its influence. Both the elbow pipe and surge chamber are treated as boundary conditions, and solved using the finite volume method (FVM). After verifying the feasibility of using FVM to solve FSI, friction, Poisson, and junction couplings are discussed in detail to separately reveal the influence of a surge chamber, tow elbows, and a valve on FSI. Results indicated that the major mechanisms of coupling are junction coupling and Poisson coupling. The former occurs in the surge chamber and elbows. Meanwhile, a stronger pressure pulsation is produced at the valve, resulting in a more complex FSI response in the water conveyance system. Poisson coupling and junction coupling are the main factors contributing to a large amount of local transilience emerging on the dynamic pressure curves. Moreover, frictional coupling leads to the lower amplitudes of transilience. These results indicate that the transilience is induced by the water hammer–structure interaction and plays important roles in the orifice optimization in the surge chamber.
A Two-Dimensional Depth-Averaged Sediment Transport Mobile-Bed Model with Polygonal Meshes
Authors: Lai Yong G.
Published: April 2020

A polygonal-mesh based numerical method is developed to simulate sediment transport in mobile-bed streams with free surfaces. The flow and sediment transport governing equations are depth-averaged and solved in the two-dimensional (2D) horizontal space. The flow and sediment transport are further coupled to the stream bed changes so that erosion and deposition processes are simulated together with the mobile bed changes. Multiple subsurface bed layers are allowed so that bed stratigraphy may be taken into consideration. The proposed numerical discretization is valid for the most flexible polygonal mesh type which includes all existing meshes in use such as the quadrilateral-triangle hybrid mesh. The finite-volume method is adopted such that the mass conservations of both water and sediment are satisfied locally and globally. The sediment transport and stream bed processes are formulated in a general way so that the proposed numerical method may be applied to a wide range of streams and suitable for practical stream applications. The technical details of the numerical method are presented; model verification and validation studies are reported using selected cases having physical model or field measured data. The developed model is intended for general-purpose use available to the public.
A Direct Approach for the Near-Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks Based on Power Use
Authors: Saldarriaga Juan , Páez Diego , Salcedo Camilo , Cuero Paula , López Laura Lunita , León Natalia , Celeita David
Published: April 2020

In recent years, iterative computational techniques have been considered as the most effective methods to tackle the problem of Water Distribution System (WDS) minimum-cost design. Given their stochastic nature, these approaches involve a large number of hydraulic simulations in order to obtain suitable results. Herein, a WDS design methodology based entirely on hydraulic principles is presented. This methodology, named Optimal Power Use Surface (OPUS), focuses on both reaching low-cost designs and diminishing the number of hydraulic executions (iterations), by establishing efficient ways in which energy is dissipated and flow is distributed throughout the system. The algorithm was tested in four well known benchmark networks, previously reported in the literature. OPUS proved that following hydraulic principles is a fair choice to design WDS, showing plenty of potential in other water distribution mathematical modeling applications and offering an alternative for the extensive search process undertaken by metaheuristics.
HEM Impoundment—A Numerical Prediction Tool for the Water Framework Directive Assessment of Impounded River Reaches
Authors: Tritthart Michael , Flödl Peter , Habersack Helmut , Hauer Christoph
Published: April 2020

A novel prediction tool is presented as a component of the Habitat Evaluation Model (HEM), which allows the assessment of the ecological status of impounded water bodies based on environmental factors that were shown in literature to correlate with the abundance of benthic macro-invertebrates. Main model parameters are the observed grain sizes and depth-averaged flow velocities obtained from a hydrodynamic simulation. The tool was tested in three Austrian river reaches. It was found that the river lengths predicted to be ecologically affected by the impoundments were substantially shorter for mean flow conditions than previously assessed when employing a physical mapping approach. The differences disappeared for low discharge conditions. The numerical prediction tool allows us to perform a status assessment for discharge conditions, which are potentially more representative of the annual discharge spectrum than those within the in-situ observable range. This property, thus, bears the potential to facilitate the recommendation of sediment management strategies in impounded river reaches in the future.
The Ascending and Fading of a Progressive Policy Instrument: The Climate Change Factor in Southern Germany
Authors: Pelaez Jara Melani
Published: April 2020

The climate change factor (CCF) is a precautionary instrument for technical flood protection that was introduced in Southern Germany in the early 2000s. The CCF was designed as a surcharge value to be added to all new technical flood protection facilities, such as dams, protection walls, and retention areas. This paper deconstructs the conditions and processes that led to the creation of this new policy instrument. Following the instrument choice framework, the paper analyzes in a heuristic manner, the institutions, actors, discourses, and decision context that were part of this process from the early 1990s to 2004, when the instrument was introduced. In order to better understand the scope of this regional instrument, the paper also briefly depicts four non-representative cases of flood risk and protection management, where the instrument was either applied or avoided. The article closes with an assessment of the CCF, concluding that the innovativeness of this instrument faded once the overarching sectoral paradigm shifted from technical flood protection to more comprehensive flood risk management.
Water Consumption and Management in Schools in the City of Alicante (Southern Spain) (2000–2017): Free Water Helps Promote Saving Water?
Authors: Morote Álvaro-Francisco , Hernández María , Olcina Jorge , Rico Antonio-Manuel
Published: April 2020

Studies on water in cities usually focus on household consumption. However, little attention has been given to non-household consumption and schools from a geographic perspective. The objectives of this research are to examine water consumption trends in schools in the city of Alicante (Southern Spain) between 2000–2017, revise how water use is managed in these centers, and, lastly, examine initiatives aimed at environmental education and saving water in these schools. The results obtained from a survey of school directors indicate a low level of participation because only 14 of the 88 educational centres in the city chose to collaborate in this research. Second, and with regard to water trend consumption, in 2017, water consumption increased by 1.76% in comparison with the average for the period of 2000 to 2004, in contrast with a 38.9% fall in non-household general consumption in the city. Lastly, measures to encourage water saving and environmental education in schools are limited. This tendency is explained by the increase in the number of users over the last five years. Second, the water bill is not paid directly by schools’ directors and, thus, ‘free’ water is a factor that does not incentivise savings. A third is the little investment made in the installation of water-saving devices, water-saving plans, or action taken to promote the use of non-conventional water resources to the watering garden. Lastly, low promotion of environmental education or incentives for savings in schools.
Assessing Strontium and Vulnerability to Strontium in Private Drinking Water Systems in Virginia
Authors: Scott Veronica , Juran Luke , Ling Erin J. , Benham Brian , Spiller Asa
Published: April 2020

A total of 1.7 million Virginians rely on private drinking water (PDW) systems and 1.3 million of those people do not know their water quality. Because most Virginians who use PDW do not know the quality of that water and since strontium poses a public health risk, this study investigates sources of strontium in PDW in Virginia and identifies the areas and populations most vulnerable. Physical factors such as rock type, rock age, and fertilizer use have been linked to elevated strontium concentrations in drinking water. Social factors such as poverty, poor diet, and adolescence also increase social vulnerability to health impacts of strontium. Using water quality data from the Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP) and statistical and spatial analyses, physical vulnerability was found to be highest in the Ridge and Valley province of Virginia where agricultural land use and geologic formations with high strontium concentrations (e.g., limestone, dolomite, sandstone, shale) are the dominant aquifer rocks. In terms of social vulnerability, households with high levels of strontium are more likely than the average VAHWQP participant to live in a food desert. This study provides information to help 1.7 million residents of Virginia, as well as populations in neighboring states, understand their risk of exposure to strontium in PDW.
Biopolymer-Reinforced Levee for Breach Development Retardation and Enhanced Erosion Control
Authors: Ko Dongwoo , Kang Joongu
Published: April 2020

This study proposes an earthen levee reinforcement method with a new biopolymer-based material to prevent levee scour and breach. It is an eco-friendly method that can efficiently protect the levee slope as it enhances soil strength, even at a very low concentration of biopolymer, and has high resistance to surface runoff in addition to promoting vegetation growth. The function and effectiveness of this method were demonstrated through an overflow-based semi-scale experiment in a previous study. In this study, we examined the effect of biopolymer-mixed soil layer on levee stability against an overflow-induced breach. In these experiments, biopolymer-mixed soils were sprayed on the crest and land-side levee surface. Two full-scale tests were conducted (2.5–2.7 m high and 14 m wide on bottom). Case 1 (control case) consisted of bare sand without any treatment, while Case 2 consisted of a 1.0% biopolymer-mixed soil sprayed on the crest and landside slope of the levee and turf put on it. By applying an image analysis technique, we analyzed the breach phenomenon and breach retardation effect of the levee treated with a biopolymer and covered with vegetation. In this experiment, the slope loss rate of Case 2 was retarded 1.5 to 2.3 times over time as compared to Case 1. During the experiment, we observed that soil erosion followed through the narrow water channel formed by the stripped turfs. This means that the grasses did not root firmly enough to protect the surface. In this regard, although the experimental results may seem unsatisfactory, the biopolymer was found to help improve erosion retardation. In 2020, we will conduct more experiments with different compositions and concentrations of the biopolymer regardless of levee vegetation. With this research, we expect to confirm that the new technology of using biopolymer-treated soils is promising for solving the levee overflow breach problem.
Simulating the Hydraulic Heave Phenomenon with Multiphase Fluid Flows Using CFD-DEM
Authors: Xiao Qiong
Published: April 2020

In geotechnical engineering, the seepage phenomena, especially regarding the hydraulic heave, is one of the most dangerous failure mechanisms related to infrastructural stability. Hence, a fundamental understanding of this occurrence is important for the design and construction of water-retaining structures. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver was developed and coupled with discrete element method (DEM) software to simulate the seepage failure process for the three phases of soil, water, and air. Specimens were constructed with two layers of gap-graded particles to give different permeability properties in the vertical direction. More significant heave failure was observed for the sample with higher permeability in the upper layer. Special attention was drawn to the particle-scale observations of the internal structure and drag force to study the erosion mechanism. The soil filled with air bubbles produced a higher drag force in the region below the retaining wall and showed a larger loss of fine particles than the saturated soil, particularly in the initial stages. The results indicate that the impact of air bubbles would accelerate the development of the heave or boiling phenomenon and influence the stability of the system at an early stage.
Implementation of the National Early Warning Score in patients with suspicion of sepsis: evaluation of a system-wide quality improvement project
Authors: Pullyblank Anne , Tavaré Alison , Little Hannah , Redfern Emma , le Roux Hein , Inada-Kim Matthew , Cheema Kate , Cook Adam
Published: April 2020

Background

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was introduced to standardise early warning scores (EWS) in England. It has been recommended that NEWS should be used in pre-hospital care but there is no published evidence that this improves outcomes. In 2015, the West of England Academic Health Science Network region standardised to NEWS across all healthcare settings. Calculation of NEWS was recommended for acutely unwell patients at referral into secondary care.

Aim

To evaluate whether implementation of NEWS across a healthcare system affects outcomes, specifically addressing the effect on mortality in patients with suspicion of sepsis (SOS).

Design and setting

A quality improvement project undertaken across the West of England from March 2015 to March 2019, with the aim of standardising to NEWS in secondary care and introducing NEWS into community and primary care.

Method

Data from the national dashboard for SOS for the West of England were examined over time and compared to the rest of England. Quality improvement methodology and statistical process control charts were used to measure improvement.

Results

There was a reduction in mortality in the SOS cohort in the West of England, which was not seen in the rest of England over the time period of the project. Admissions did not increase. By March 2019, the West of England had the lowest mortality in the SOS cohort in England.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that use of NEWS in pre-hospital care is associated with improved outcomes in patients with SOS.
Çocuklarda COVID-19 Enfeksiyonunun Tanısı, Tedavisi ve Korunma Yolları
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Öner , PALA Ayşegül
Published: April 2020

Koronavirüsler (KoV), tek-zincirli RNA virüsleri olup alfa, beta, gamma ve delta olmak üzere dört gruba ayrılır. İnsanlarda genelde solunum ve gastrointestinal sistemde hastalıklara neden olurlar. Koronavirüsler çok hızlı mutasyon geçirdiklerinden dolayı yeni KoV tipleri ortaya çıkar ve hayvanlardan bulaşarak insanlarda hastalık yapabilir. 2002 yılında Çin’de ağır akut solunum sendromu koronavirüsü (SARS-KoV) ve 2012 yılında Suudi Arabistan’da Orta Doğu solunum sendromu koronavirüsü (MERS-KoV) olarak iki yeni koronavirüs ortaya çıktı. 2019 sonunda, yine Çin’de yeni bir koronavirüs (SARS-KoV-2) küresel bir salgın hastalığına (COVID-2019) neden oldu. İlk bulgulara göre SARS-KoV-2 çocuklarda asemptomatik veya hafif semptomlara neden olduğu gösterilmiştir. Erişkinlerde klinik tablo soğuk algınlığından bronşit, pnömoni, ağır akut solunum sıkıntısı sendromu (ARDS) ve ölümle sonuçlanan çoklu-organ yetmezliğine kadar değişebilir. Çocukların virüsün yayılmasındaki rolü tam olarak bilinmemektedir. Bu derlemede, çocuk hastalardaki yeni KoV enfeksiyonunun (COVID-19) klinik ve tanısal bulgularını, tedavisini ve önleme yollarını anlatmayı hedefledik.
Towards a New Definition of Blended Learning
Authors: Cronje Johannes
Published: April 2020

Most current definitions of blended learning refer to a
blend of online and face‑to‑face instruction. It seems that few
authors notice the irony that the definition of blended learning
does not include the concept of learning at all. The problem with
these definitions is that they are devoid of theory and thus lead to
trial‑and‑error research. This paper argues that the definition of
blended learning should be built around learning theory and should
refer to a blend of direct instruction and learning‑by‑doing. The
paper reports on research conducted to validate a model that puts
behavioural and constructivist learning at right angles and
considers if the two can occur simultaneously. The model is then
placed in the context of a framework of knowledge management and
from there a definition is derived that includes context, theory,
methodology and technology.
Palynostratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the Middle Jurassic Sortehat Formation (Neill Klinter Group), Jameson Land, East Greenland
Authors: Koppelhus Eva B. , Hansen Carina F.
Published: April 2020

The grey–black mudstones of the Sortehat Formation form part of the Middle Jurassic fill of the Jameson Land Basin in East Greenland. The formation is exposed in the southernmost part of the north–south-trending, Mesozoic rift system in East Greenland that was part of the epeiric seaway between East Greenland and Norway. Sedimentological observations of the Sortehat Formation indicate deposition in an offshore marine setting that was typically low energy and periodically oxygen-deficient but was influenced by storm currents on occasion. Detailed palynological studies of the Sortehat Formation have resulted in the definition of three palynological assemblage zones recognised at four localities, namely Enhjørningen Dal and Pelion (north Jameson Land), the type section at Sortehat (central Jameson Land) and Albuen at Neill Klinter along Hurry Inlet (south-east Jameson Land). In stratigraphic order, these zones are termed the Botryococcus Assemblage Zone, the Nannoceratopsis gracilis – Nannoceratopsis senex Assemblage Zone, and the Sentusidinium pelionense Assemblage Zone. They are recognised on the basis of the identification of approximately 110 species of palynomorphs, including 45 species of spores, 30 of pollen, 22 of dinoflagellate cysts, 10 acritarch species, two species of algae, and some fungal spores. An Aalenian – ?Early Bajocian age is suggested for the Sortehat Formation on the basis of the palynoflora. Interpretation of the palynomorph assemblages suggests that the formation accumulated in a shallow, brackish marine environment. A significant terrestrial input, including the freshwater green alga Botryococcus, is recorded in the lower part of the formation and interpreted as an allochthonous accumulation in an offshore marine environment related to transgression of a low-lying coastal plain. A marked shift in the palynomorph assemblage seen by diversification of marine microplankton above the base of the formation, indicates an increase in the marine signal probably related to the onset of highstand conditions following the marine transgression.
Platonic Quantum Set Theory Proposal and Fractal-Cantorian Heterotic Kaluza- Klein Spacetime
Authors: El Naschie Mohamed S.
Published: April 2020

The four basic building blocks of the cosmos hypothesized by the Athenian philosopher Plato and his corresponding theory are replaced by the backbone golden mean based scaling pertinent to each of the four kinds of blocks. In the course of doing this we stretch and generalize Plato’s philosophical ideas to ultimately find out that it is essentially the deep philosophical origin of the golden mean number system of E-infinity Cantorian spacetime theory of high energy physics and quantum cosmology. Subsequently we use this new platonic form of E-infinity quantum set theory to uncover a remarkably rich Kaluza-Klein fractal version of Gross et al’s ingenious Heterotic superstring theory.
Effect of Alkaline Treatment on the Thermal Stability of Pineapple Leaf Fibers
Authors: Mittal Mohit , Chaudhary Rajiv
Published: April 2020

Recently, most of the industries are looking towards to incorporate sustainable, renewable, eco- friendly and affordable raw materials and production process. To achieve this goal, engineers and technologist are working on biocomposite material. The primary reason behind the selection of natural fiber based material in the automobile, construction, and aerospace industry is its low cost, lightweight, high specific strength and modulus, biodegradability, and friendly processing. Inspite of all beneficial features, one of the main barriers to their utilization in all mentioned sectors is thermal degradability. Natural fibers can be subjected to thermal degradation during composite processing and their application in the high-temperature field. So it is practically significant to understand the thermal decomposition of lignocellulosic fibers and to modify it for the purpose of high-temperature stability. In this work, alkaline treatment of varying concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10 wt %) was used to study the effect of alkaline treatment on thermal stability of pineapple leaf fibers. The thermal behavior of untreated and alkali treated pineapple leaf fiber was examined by using a thermal gravimetric analysis instrument (TGA). The results show that 4 wt% NaOH treated pineapple leaf fiber have maximum thermal stability. The decomposition of untreated and treated PALF was a two-stage process attributed to the thermal decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The results also showed that the temperature of initial degradation 251 0C increased to 285 0C after 4% alkaline treatment due to partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif terhadap Hasil Belajar Passing Bawah Bola Voli pada Siswa Kelas X SMA Negeri 1 Simpang Rimba
Authors: Anda Oki , Rostini Tien , Putranto Dedy
Published: April 2020

Berdasarkan observasi, hasil belajar pendidikan jasmani, rekreasi dan kesehatan peserta didik masih rendah. Hasil yang diperoleh peserta didik kelas X tentang passing bawah bola voli kurang memuaskan, karena proses kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilakukan oleh guru kurang membangkitkan semangat belajar peserta didik. Tujuan yang diharapkan dari penelitian ini adalah Untuk mengetahui peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik kelas X SMA Negeri 1 Simpang Rimba dengan model pemebelajaran kooperatif pada pelajaran pendidikan jasmani, rekreasi dan kesehatan materi passing bawah. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Desain penelitian ekperimental yang digunakan adalah two-group pretest-posttest design. Populasi terdiri dari 87 siswa dengan teknik pengambilan sampel yaitu menggunakan teknik sampling purposive. Setelah semua data dianalis dengan berbagai tahapan yang dimulai dengan uji statistika untuk menentukan mean, median, modus, standar deviasi, varian dan range. Kemudian dilakukan uji normalitas data, uji homogenitas dan uji hipotesis dengan syarat thitung lebih besar dari ttabel. Berdasarkan perhitungan diketahui bahwa bahwat hitung = 4,560 > 2,080, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa ha diterima, artinya bahwa terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran kooperatif yang digunakan dalam pembelajaran pendidikan jasmani, rekreasi dan kesehatan materi passing bawah bola voli.
THE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH REQUIREMENT FOR SHARIAH ECONOMIC STUDENTS
Authors: Hidayati Dewi
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study to determine the analysis of English needs for shariah economic department. Based on the objectives of students who focus on analyze targets and learning requirement. The subjects of this study were students of the Department of Islamic Economics STAI Diponegoro Tulungagung. The method in this research uses qualitative methods. Data collection methods were obtained from questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study in the form of a target analysis show that the goal of learning English for students in Islamic economics department be able to communicate using English actively. The results of the analysis of learning needs obtained are students needed the ability to speak directly and communicatively in order to prepare themselves to meet the demands of their profession in the future. It is shows that the desires of speaking students’ ability (speaking) it is very accordance with the needs of the job market which requires the ability to communicate in English well. The results of this reference are expected to be a reference for preparing syllabus and learning material.
NDERES PROFIT SHARING MODEL ON THE BROWN SUGAR FARMERS IN NGLEGOK DISTRICT BLITAR REGENCY
Authors: Elvianita Martanti Diana , Suprayitno Hery
Published: April 2020

Profit sharing is a mutually beneficial collaboration between two or more people on mutual agreement. The purpose of this study is to find out the profit sharing model “nderes” for brown sugar farmers in Nglegok Kabupaten Blitar sub-district. One area in Blitar regency which is a producer of brown sugar is Nglegok Subdistrict. This is because Nglegok village has fertile land and there are still many coconut trees that grow up. Therefore, many Ngelgok subdistrict residents who utilize the results of coconut tree sap to be made into brown sugar even though to take coconut palm juice the risk is quite large because it is not impossible to have an accident when taking the sap, such as falling from coconut trees and others. Because of the large risk, many owners of coconut trees do not dare to climb by themselves, so in order to obtain additional income they work together with other people who dare to take the sap water with a profit sharing system. This research method used a qualitative approach with the interview method to the beneficiary, coconut tree owners and “legen” cookers in Nglegok sub-district Blitar Regency. The results of this study produce various concepts of cooperation, namely based on the results of “nderes” in the form of ounces and profit sharing based on the day.
PRÁTICAS EDUCACIONAIS PARA CRIANÇAS SOBRE A TUBERCULOSE: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Patrícia da Silva Andrade Soares Rayla , Priscila Abdias do Nascimento Camila , Keller Gregorio de Araújo Vitória , Daeny Medeiros do Nascimento Vitória , Yasmine Bezerra e Silva Sandy , Simone Galvão Pinto Érika
Published: April 2020

OBJETIVO: apresentar um relato de experiência vivido no terceiro encontro das práticas educacionais sobre a tuberculose, para as crianças de uma Escola Municipal. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência, oriundo do projeto de extensão: “Tuberculose: Educar para juntos controlar”. Realizado na Escola Municipal Professora Tereza Satsuqui, pertencente à rede pública de ensino localizada na cidade de Natal/RN. A abordagem a ser descrita neste relato foi trabalhada no 3° encontro pautada nos principais sinais e sintomas da tuberculose. A vivência foi coordenada por enfermeiras participantes do grupo de pesquisa em tuberculose da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Obteve-se a participação de 29 alunos do 5º ano do ensino fundamental com idades entre 10 e 14 anos, no período das 07:00h às 08:00h. RESULTADOS: foram realizadas orientações dialogadas, seguida de atividades educativas por meio de imagens que demonstrem os principais sinais e sintomas da doença de forma lúdica para a construção de um quebra-cabeça. As crianças identificaram corretamente os sintomas, onde foram resgatados os conhecimentos sobre a tuberculose. CONCLUSÃO: O saldo desta vivência foi positiva. A experiência mostra a importância da execução das práticas educacionais e contribui para que as crianças se tornem multiplicadores na busca por sintomáticos respiratórios na comunidade.

Palavras chave: Educação em Saúde; Tuberculose; Serviços de Saúde Escolar.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS À PREVALÊNCIA DA OBESIDADE EM CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES: UM ESTUDO DE REVISÃO
Authors: de Almeida Cardoso Liliane , Fontelles Morais Kevin , Franklin de Carvalho Danielle
Published: April 2020

INTRODUÇÃO: o excesso de peso culminado em obesidade define-se como o acúmulo anormal ou excessivo de gordura que representa um risco à saúde. Embora represente um problema de saúde pública que afeta diversas faixas etárias, é entre crianças e adolescentes que ela desempenha um papel mais importante devido à complexidade do tratamento, à alta probabilidade de persistência na vida adulta e à associação com outras doenças não transmissíveis de início precoce. OBJETIVO: identificar quais os fatores associados para o desenvolvimento e persistência da obesidade entre crianças e adolescentes. MÉTODO: trata-se de uma revisão de literatura do tipo descritiva e exploratória, cujo material utilizado para desenvolvimento foi oriundo das bases de dados: BVS, Scielo, PubMed e LILACS, com um total de 11 artigos analisados nos idiomas português, espanhol e inglês. Foram utilizados os seguintes descritores em saúde: “Obesidade”, “Adolescente”, “Sobrepeso” e “Estado Nutricional”. RESULTADOS: a prevalência da obesidade está relacionada às mudanças no estilo de vida, consumo frequente de bebidas açucaradas, alimentos de alta densidade energética, presença de gorduras saturadas e alto teor de sal, associadas ao sedentarismo, presença de equipamentos eletrônicos, condições socioeconômicas (provocam modificações no padrão alimentar e predomínio do sedentarismo) e culturais; frequência, local e companhia nas refeições entre os escolares na rede pública e na rede privada somente ao sobrepeso/obesidade da mãe. CONCLUSÃO: conclui-se que a prevalência da obesidade nas crianças e adolescentes investigados foi elevada e esteve associada ao estilo de vida, mudanças nos hábitos alimentares, excesso de peso materno, presença de equipamentos eletrônicos e sedentarismo.

Palavras chave: Obesidade; Criança; Adolescente; Sobrepeso; Estado Nutricional.