bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration Data Processing for Bedload Monitoring in Underwater Environments
Authors: Vasile Gabriel
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a novel data processing framework dedicated to bedload monitoring in underwater environments. After calibration, by integration the total energy in the nominal bandwidth, the proposed experimental setup is able to accurately measure the mass of individual sediments hitting the aluminum plate. This require a priori knowledge of the vibration trasients in order to match a predefined dictionary. Based on unsupervised hierarchical agglomeration of complex vibration spectra, the proposed algorithms allow to accurately localize the transients corresponding to the shocks created by sediment impacts on a steel plate.
Epidemiological Models of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to Control the Transmission Based on Current Evidence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arora Swati , Jain Rishabh , Singh Harendra Pal
Published: July 2020

In Wuhan city of China, an episode of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) happened. during late December and it has quickly spread to all places in the world. Until May 29, 2020, cases were high in the USA with 1.7 Million, Russia with approximately 387 thousand, the UK with 271 thousand confirmed cases. Everybody on the planet is anxious to know when the coronavirus pandemic will end. In this scourge, most nations force extreme medication measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. Modeling has been utilized broadly by every national government and the World Health Organization in choosing the best procedures to seek after in relieving the impacts of COVID-19. Many epidemiological models are studied to understand the spread of the illness and its prediction to find maximum capacity for human-to-human transmission so that control techniques can be adopted. Also, arrangements for the medical facilities required such as hospital beds and medical supplies can be made in advance. Many models are used to anticipate the results keeping in view the present scenario. There is an urgent need to study the various models and their impacts. In this study, we present a systematic literature review on epidemiological models for the outbreak of novel coronavirus in India. The epidemiological dynamics of COVID-19 is also studied. Here, In addition, an attempt to take out the results from the exploration and comparing it with the real data. The study helps to choose the models that are progressive and dependable to predict and give legitimate methods for various strategies.
Regularized Latent Class Analysis for Polytomous Item Responses: An Application to SPM-LS Data
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: July 2020

The last series of Raven's standard progressive matrices (SPM-LS) test were studied with respect to its psychometric properties in a series of recent papers. In this paper, the SPM-LS dataset is analyzed with regularized latent class models (RLCM). For dichotomous item response data, an alternative estimation approach for RLCMs is proposed. For polytomous item responses, different alternatives for performing regularized latent class analysis are proposed. The usefulness of the proposed methods is demonstrated in a simulated data illustration and for the SPM-LS dataset. For the SPM-LS dataset, it turned out the regularized latent class model resulted in five partially ordered latent classes.
Volunteered Geographic Information Users Contributions Pattern and its Impact on Information Quality
Authors: Forati Amir Masoud , Ghose Rina
Published: July 2020

Recent advancements in web-based geospatial software and smartphone technology have popularized the process of voluntary production and sharing of geospatial data by individual citizens. Through such Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) activities, people across the world participate in online mapping projects (such as OpenStreetMap) to insert their spatial information. The quality of data generated by such VGI activities has profound impacts on online mapping projects and their spatial database. In this study, we examine the VGI contribution pattern in OpenStreetMap through three case study neighborhoods located in three major cities: Tehran, London, and Los Angeles, and investigate how it might affect the process of quality assessment of VGI.
IDENTIFIKASI BATUAN DASAR DAERAH PANTAI LUMPUE KOTA PAREPARE MENGGUNAKAN METODE GEOLISTRIK KONFIGURASI WENNER
Authors: Pratama Iswar Edis , Muhtar Indra Jaya , Syamsuddin Syamsuddin , Aswad Sabrianto
Published: July 2020

Telah dilakukan penelitian untuk memperoleh informasi mengenai posisi dan kondisi perlapisan batuan dasar (bedrock) di sekitar Pantai Lumpue, Kota Pare-Pare, Sulawesi Selatan dengan menggunakan metode geolistrik resistivitas. Dengan adanya informasi mengenai perlapisan batuan dan kedalaman bedrock, dapat digunakan sebagai informasi pendukung saat melakukan pembangunan, serta memberikan gambaran tentang jenis batuan yang ada di daerah penelitian. Berdasarkan hasil pengukuran 2D geolistrik tahanan jenis konfigurasi Wenner, didapatkan nilai resitivitas berkisar antara 0,91 Ωm – 514 Ωm, dengan bedrock berupa batuan beku trakit dengan kedalaman bervariasi antara 2,5 m – 24 m.
ESTIMASI SUMBERDAYA BATUBARA MENGGUNAKAN METODE NEAREST NEIGHBOUR POINT, INVERSE DISTANCE WEIGHTING, DAN KRIGING PADA DAERAH MUARA BUNGO, SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Kurnianto Ardi , Setiahadiwibowo Ajimas Pascaning , Giamboro Wrego Seno
Published: July 2020

Perhitungan cadangan batubara penting dalam eksplorasi untuk menentukan kelayakan ekonomi dari penambangan. Hasil perhitungan cadangan penambangan kemudian digunakan untuk mengevaluasi apakah kegiatan penambangan yang direncanakan layak atau tidak. Studi ini berlokasi di wilayah Muarabungo di cekungan Sumatra Selatan. Secara fisiografis Cekungan Sumatra Selatan adalah Cekungan Tersier. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan Metode Nearest Neigbour Point, Metode Inverse Distance Weighting dan Metode Kriging untuk mengetahui sumber daya batubara. Hasil perhitungan cadangan batubara pada Metode Nearest Neigbour Point diperoleh volume batubara 458.240 m3, dengan tonase 960.929,28 ton, volume overburden 3.735.200 m3, dan rasio nilai pengupasan 1:3,887. Dalam metode pembobotan jarak terbalik Inverse Distance Weighting 967.386 ton, overburden 3.826.800 m3, dan stripping ratio 1:3.955. Sedangkan dalam Metode Kriging, volume batubara adalah 446.760 m3, dengan tonase 967.386 ton, overburden 3.908.600 m3, dan stripping ratio 1: 4.166.
Does Sharia By-Laws Damage Interfaith Harmony? The Case of Sharia By-Laws Implementation in Pamekasan, Madura
Authors: Maimun Maimun , Syawqi Abdul Haq
Published: July 2020

Since the beginning of the Reformation Era in 1998, Indonesia has been transforming itself into a more liberal polity than that of in the New Order Era. This political circumstance is characterized by the freedom of opinion and the decentralization of power. During this Reformation Era, many local regulations have been enacted. One of which was sharia by-laws or local regulation based on Islamic norms in some largely Muslim populated regions. This situation has triggered concerns about the impacts of sharia by-laws over the inter-religious harmony among a very diverse society of Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the sharia by-laws implementation in Pamekasan, Madura, and analyze its implication for inter-religious harmony. By using a qualitative approach and phenomenological descriptive analysis, it reveals that there has not been found negative impacts on the implementation of sharia by-laws since its enactment in 2001 until today. The internal and external potentials of Pamekasan residents, arguably, have become the determinant factor in keeping the by-laws in line with inter-religious harmony. These potentials include cultural-deeply rooted social capitals such as friendliness, politeness, mutual respect, and helping others. Besides, dialogue among religious elites, which is facilitated either by local government or civilian organizations, is frequently conducted and this helps to create a conducive atmosphere for all despite the existence of sharia by-laws in Pamekasan, Madura.Keywords: sharia by-laws, interfaith harmony, social capitals.
ON PROPOSAL TO REGULATE ABUSE OF SUPERIOR BARGAINING POSITION: LESSONS FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Authors: Suyawan Meirani , Tanjung Kurnia Togar Pandapotan
Published: July 2020

The latest version of the draft bill regarding Law on the Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Business Competition has added new arrangements about the abuse of a superior bargaining position. The new law proposal which is intended to amend existing Indonesian competition law (Law Number 5 Year 1999) stipulates that any business actor is prohibited from abuse its superior bargaining position within a partnership agreement with other less dominant entities. Under Law Number 20 Year 2008 on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, a partnership agreement means any agreement made between micro, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises like state or privately owned national businesses, joint ventures and foreign businesses that conduct economic activities in Indonesia. For example under the Indonesian Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (SoE) Regulation No. 7 of 2015, the SoE is obligated to arrange a business partnership agreement with small scale enterprise. Unlike the arrangements on abuse of dominant position which requires the establishment of monopoly power or dominance in a relevant market, the abuse of superior bargaining position may exist without market power and only required competition authority to detect whether there is any exploitation by the counterparty in a relatively stronger bargaining position. Such a condition makes many antitrust experts or economists question the relevancy of regulating abuse of superior bargaining position under competition law. However, several jurisdictions –Japan, Korea, Taiwan, France, and Germany- have regulated the abuse of superior bargaining position under their national competition laws
LEGALIZATION OF ABORTION AGAINST VICTIMS OF RAPE CRIMES VIEWED FROM VICTIMOLOGY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Elvandari Siska
Published: July 2020

One of human rights guaranteed and protected in the 1945 Constitution is the right to live and maintain life, stated in Article 28 A of the 1945 Constitution. The right to live and maintain life is the highest right that is inherent in human beings as the subject of law since humans were born to death in the world. The right to live and maintain life is not only inherent in human beings who have been born, but also in humans or children who are still in the womb, stated in Article II of the Civil Code that "Children are considered to have been born when interest is desired. However, in fact the guarantee and protection of the right to live and maintain life has been neglected in line with the legalization of abortion against victims of rape crimes stated in Law Number 36 Year 2009 concerning health. The legalization of abortion against victims of rape crimes certainly has drawn polemics in various circles, namely between pro life and pro choice groups.
Back-matter
Authors: Siregar Tongku Nizwan
Published: July 2020

Vol 14 No. 2, June 2020
Modeling Wormhole Propagation During Closed-Fracture-Acidizing Stimulation in Tight-Carbonate Formations
Authors: Aldhayee Khaled , Ali Mahmoud T. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: July 2020

Closed-fracture acidizing (CFA) is a well-stimulation technique that can be applied to stimulate carbonate reservoirs at the end of acid-fracturing treatments. In CFA, acid is injected into the closed fracture at rates lower than the fracturing pressure to enhance the fracture conductivity. The objective of this study is to develop a robust model that can capture the dissolution process and wormhole-propagation phenomena that occur during CFA.

This work develops a CFA model using computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) techniques coupled with a two-scale continuum model that can predict accurately the reactive-flow mechanisms of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in carbonate formations. The developed CFA model is constructed and populated with the actual porosity-distribution profiles of tight carbonates. The model was tested against the experimental work performed on a fracture-conductivity apparatus. Sensitivity analysis is performed for several parameters that affect the performance of CFA in tight-carbonate formations.

The developed model has successfully captured the dissolution patterns and wormhole-propagation phenomena that occur during CFA. In calcite formations, high temperatures promote acid leakoff into the formation, resulting in inefficient fracture stimulation. On the contrary, low temperatures reduce the overall reaction kinetics and attenuate the HCl reaction with calcite. Also, simulation results show that high acid concentration is favorable in treating low-conductivity fractures. In dolomite formations, it is essential to adapt a strong-acid system with an extended treatment duration to ensure efficient acid stimulation to the closed fractures.

This paper provides a simulation study of the CFA process in a carbonates formation by establishing a 3D CFD model using the two-scale continuum approach. Fracture-surface etching and the associated acid-wormhole behavior during CFA are experimentally validated. This study optimizes the acid volumes and injection rates that can be used in conducting CFA.
A Policy Analysis of the National Phenylketonuria Screening Program in Iran
Authors: Heidari Alireza , Arab Mohammad , Damari Behzad
Published: July 2020

Background

Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening is a public health measure taken to diagnose and treat the patients with PKU to prevent severe neurological disorders in them. The present study was aimed at analyzing the policies of the national PKU screening (NaPS) program in Iran.

Methods

PKU screening program policies were analyzed in compliance with the policy triangle model. Document review and 38 semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Document review data were analyzed using content analysis, and interview data were analyzed using framework analysis.

Results

The national PKU screening (NaPS) program was a decision made at the genetics department of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in Iran. Many internal and external stakeholders were involved in it and valid evidence was used to formulate the policies. Despite some opposition and insufficient support, the program was implemented due to the continuous persistence of parents, interested executives, formulated valid content and a top-down approach. The main barriers included rapid substitution of managers, shortage of Phe-free milk, little awareness of patients’ families, social stigma, and inadequate co-operation of some hospital administrators.

Conclusions

The policy triangle framework contributed to explaining the different components of the PKU screening program. A successful PKU screening program requires more stability of senior managers in MOHME, enough human resources and Phe-free milk, educating patients’ families, and commitment of hospitals administrators. Meanwhile, all the stakeholders need to be involved in the program effectively.
Model of burnout, depression, and work performance among nurses in China: a questionnaire survey.
Authors: Li Li , Yao Yongcheng , Lou Xiaoping , Qin Nan , Yao Wu
Published: July 2020

Background: To investigate the relationship of job burnout, depression, with job performance among nurses and to construct a job performance model.Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 792 nurses working in 5 hospitals in Zhengzhou, Henan province, China from July to August in 2015.Results: Of the 792 nurses, statistically significant differences were found in the age, educational status, years working, department, job title, and personality types with respect to burnout, depression, and job performance ( P <0.05). The job burnout scores were positively correlated with the depression scores and negatively correlated with the job performance ( P <0.001). Nurses in the 25-29 years age group had the highest burnout scores ( P <0.01). The burnout scores were higher among those who worked 6-15 years than those who worked more than 15 years ( P <0.01). The job performance scores were higher in the ≥16-year than <6-year working group ( P <0.05). The burnout scores were lower among intermediate-level than junior-level nurses ( P <0.05), but the job performance scores were higher than those of junior-level nurses ( P <0.01). Path analysis results showed that among the examined job characteristics, the direct effects of age, years working, and job title were greatest.Conclusion: This study suggests that the main risk factors among job characteristics were age, years working, and job title. Burnout may lead to depression and a decline in job performance.
Weight gain in patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab: a cohort study
Authors: Johansson Emma Kristin , Ivert Lina Ulrika , Bradley Baltzar , Lundqvist Maria , Bradley Maria
Published: July 2020

Background Dupilumab, targeting the interleukin-4α receptor and inhibiting the action of interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, was recently approved for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. There is limited data on long-term effects and safety among patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab. Weight gain was observed among patients treated with dupilumab in our clinic. The aim was to describe weight change in a cohort study of patients with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab from baseline to follow-up after 12 months, and to analyze if weight change was associated with effect of treatment, reported appetite, and/or disturbed night sleep due to itching.Methods All patients with atopic dermatitis receiving systemic treatment at the Unit of Dermatology, Karolinska University Hospital, have been registered and monitored consecutively since January 2017. This cohort constituted all patients who started treatment on dupilumab or methotrexate between 10 January 2017 and 30 June 2019 with at least 6 months of follow-up within the study period. The following variables were monitored at start of and during treatment: Eczema Severity Score Index, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, visual analogue scale for pruritus 10cm, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and weight. Data analyses were performed using two-sample Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank-sum test, or the Wilcoxon matched-pairs sign-rank test with a p-value <0.05 considered as statistically significant.Results Patients treated with dupilumab (n=12) gained weight (mean 6.1 kg, range [0.1–18.0], p=0.002) after one year on treatment. The majority of patients showed a good response to treatment with dupilumab (n=11); at follow-up at 6, 9, or 12 months, they reached EASI-90 (n=6), EASI-75 (n=4), or EASI-50 (n=1). There was no significant association between weight gain and treatment response, reported appetite, or disturbed night-sleep due to itch. Patients treated with methotrexate showed no significant weight change (n=8). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report on a possible association between weight gain and dupilumab treatment; the extent of the association is yet to be seen, as is the mechanism behind this finding.
Peer navigation for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jail: a pilot randomized trial study protocol
Authors: Hailemariam Maji , Weinstock Lauren M , Johnson Jennifer E.
Published: July 2020

Background: Serious mental illness (SMI) is a prevalent public health problem affecting 25% of individuals in jail. Re-entry to the community following incarceration is a vulnerable time for justice-involved individuals with SMI. SMI requires prompt and ongoing access to mental health and other healthcare services. Methods: The study will: 1) develop a Mentoring And Peer Support (MAPS) intervention for post-release mental health and other service connection among jailed individuals with SMI, and 2) pilot-test the MAPS intervention to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the MAPS intervention. The primary outcomes will be to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed recruitment methods and research design, of the intervention training methods, of delivering the enhanced peer-navigator and control interventions. Study samples include (focus groups, open trial), and a randomized pilot trial in a sample of 40 individuals with SMI re-entering the community after jail release. Secondary outcomes will include post-release enrollment in mental health, medical care, and substance use services. We will also evaluate reduction in psychiatric symptoms, improvements in functioning, adherence to psychiatric medications, fewer substance using days, fewer hospitalizations and suicide attempts, nights unstably housed, and time until rearrest. Discussion: This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a peer navigation intervention for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jails. The study will serve as a formative work for a larger randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of peer navigator intervention for (include the primary outcome) in this population.
Management of a Patient With Chylomicronemia Syndrome During Pregnancy With Medical Nutrition Therapy: a Case Report
Authors: Zahedi Maryam , Asghari Golaleh , Mirmiran Parvin , Hosseinpanah Farhad
Published: July 2020

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) during pregnancy may be accompanied by acute pancreatitis, hyperviscosity syndrome, and preeclampsia. HTG during pregnancy should be managed by a multidisciplinary team, however, no clinical guidelines exist for severe gestational HTG.Case presentation: We herein present a case of 36-year-old G1P0Ab0, with a history of severe HTG-induced necrotizing pancreatitis 9 years ago. There was no family history of HTG. During these years, she did not follow any appropriate diet or medical therapy for HTG. She became pregnant in May 2019, without preconception counseling. Eruptive and tuberoeruptive xanthomas appeared in 27th week of pregnancy. Serum triglycerides (TGs) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were 6620 and 124 mg/dL, respectively. Showing HTG and gestational diabetes (GDM). After admission for management of severe HTG; she was put on parenteral nutrition with dextrose water 5% and infusion insulin therapy without receiving any enteral carbohydrate for two days. Following that, very low fat diet and omega-3 fatty acids (1200 mg/day) were stated. After 4 weeks, TG levels reached 1000 mg/dL and her self-monitoring blood glucose levels showed appropriate blood glucose for pregnancy. She underwent a successful elective cesarean section in 39th of pregnancy.Conclusion: This case report demonstrates that HTG during pregnancy could be well managed by medical nutrition therapy (MNT).
Frequency of Parechovirus Serotype 1 Among Young Infants With Sepsis
Authors: Makvandi Manoochehr , Karami Chiman , Pirmoradi Rooya , Timori Ali , Shamsizadeh Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Background: Human parechovirus (HPeV) is recognized as a potentially severe viral infection such as gastrointestinal , respiratory and sepsis disease.In neonates and young infants. HPeV-1 is the most prevalent genotype and most commonly causes sepsis in young infants. The aim of study was to determine the prevalence of HPeV in hospitalized young infants with sepsis.Methods: The sera of 100 samples were collected from young infants [46 (46%) females and 54(54%) males < below 90 days] with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis. The total RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized. The Nested PCR was carried out for detection of HPeV. The mean , chi square tests were used for distributions of HPeV genotypes among the gender, age group and season.Results: 5/100 (5%) of patients including 2/46(2%) females and 3/54(3%) males showed positive for HPeV (P=0.85). The results of sequencing and phylogenetic tree revealed that the isolated HPeV were genotype 1.Conclusion: Low prevalence of 5% HPeV were detected. HPeV was dominant in this region. The screening HPeV RNA in patients with sepsis may reduce the use of antibiotics and shorten the duration of hospitalization.
Serum Heme Oxygenase-1 Measurement is Useful for Evaluating Disease Activity and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Nagasawa Ryo , Hara Yu , Murohashi Kota , Aoki Ayako , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Takagi Shigeto , Hashimoto Satoru , Kawana Akihito , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: July 2020

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in acute lung injury, which is associated with the development and progression of acute respiratory failure. Here, we investigated whether the degree of oxidative stress as indicated by serum heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is clinically useful for the patients with acute lung injury including ARDS and AE-ILDs.Methods: Serum HO-1 levels of newly diagnosed or untreated ARDS and AE-ILD patients were measured at diagnosis. Relationships between serum HO-1 and other clinical parameters and 1-month mortality were evaluated. Results: Fifty-five ARDS (n = 22) and AE-ILD (n = 33) patients were assessed. Serum HO-1 level at diagnosis was significantly higher in ARDS patients than AE-ILD patients (87.8 ± 60.0 ng/mL vs. 52.5 ± 36.3 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Serum HO-1 correlated with serum T-bil (R = 0.454, P < 0.001) and serum LDH (R = 0.500, P < 0.001). Serum HO-1 level significantly decreased from diagnosis to 2 weeks after diagnosis (81.1 ± 9.3 ng/mL vs. 60.9 ± 52.4 ng/mL, P = 0.016), however normalized. Composite parameters including serum HO-1, diagnosis, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and sex for prediction of 1-month mortality showed a higher AUC (0.932) than did AUCs of a single predictor or combination of two or three predictors. Conclusion: Oxidative stress assessed by serum HO-1 is persistently high in patients with acute lung injury against intensive treatment. Also, serum HO-1 measurement could be clinically useful for evaluating disease activity and prognosis in patients with ARDS and AE-ILDs.
Financial Burden Reportedly Impact Quality of Life Among Lymphatic Filariasis Pathology Patients in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Samuel Opoku , Amewu Emmanuel Kobla Atsu , Kini Priscilla , Aglomasa Bill Clinton , Forkuor John Boulard , Kwarteng Alexander
Published: July 2020

BackgroundHuman lymphatic filarial pathology is the main cause of disability and poverty among people living with the infection. The second goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is to manage the morbidity associated with the disease with the purpose of improving the quality of life of the patients. Consequently, the current study assessed the overall quality of life of lymphatic filariasis (LF) pathology patients in some selected endemic communities in rural Ghana. MethodIn the present study, the Lymphatic Filariasis Quality of Life Questionnaires (LFSQQ) was used to evaluate the effect of lymphatic filariasis on the quality of life of people with the disease in ten (10) communities in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region of Ghana where, mass drug administration is being implemented for the past twenty years. ResultsOf the 155 study participants recruited, 115 (74.19%) were females and 40 (25.81%) males. A greater proportion of the study participants (40, 25.8%) were presented with stage two (2) lymphedema while only 2 patients had stage seven (7) lymphedema. The average of the overall quality of life scores of study participants was 68.24. There was a negative Pearson correlation (r = -0.504, p-value < 0.0001) between the stage of lymphedema (severity of the disease) and the quality of life of the LF patients. In addition, a clear pattern of positive correlation (r = 0.71, p-value < 0.001) was observed between the disease burden and pain/discomfort domains of the study participants. Whereas, the highest domain specific score (85.03) was observed in the domain of self-care, we noted that the environmental domain, which consist of the financial status was the lowest (45.94) among the study participants. ConclusionOur findings support previous works on the reduced quality of life among lymphatic filariasis patients with pathology. In this study, our results reveal a depressing financial condition among people presenting with late stages of LF pathologies, which eventually reduces their wellbeing.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Clients towards COVID-19 at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Edet Clement Kevin , Wegbom Anthony Ike , Kiri Victor Alangibi
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the lifestyles of people all over the globe as well as the economies of virtually every country. Several control measures have been introduced by both the State and Federal governments to fight the disease since its outbreak in Nigeria. In spite of all the measures, the disease is still ravaging the country. Therefore, this study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the clients who attended public primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) in Rivers State, Nigeria about COVID-19.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving the clients seeking care at the 92 PHFs across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State, Nigeria. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling and data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, percentages, chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 434 respondents voluntarily participated in the study out of 460 questionnaires that were distributed, indicating a high response rate of 94.3%. The proportions of respondents with scores moderate and above in KAP were 86.6% (62.9+23.7), 80.6% (57.6+23.0), and 58.0% (30.8+27.2) respectively. Occupation, educational level, and senatorial district of respondents were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude (P<0.05). Preventive practice against COVID-19 was influenced by age and senatorial district among patients attending primary health facilities (P<0.05). Also, the knowledge level was significantly associated with both attitude and COVID-19 related practices (P=0.000). The multiple logistic regression results revealed some demographics with significant association with KAP. Respondents who have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19 were significantly less likely to have a negative attitude and to adopt poor COVID-19 related practices than those that had insufficient knowledge.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, we suggest public health education programs on COVID-19 should principally be targeted at individuals with low knowledge level, lower educational attainment, and those residing in the Rivers South-East senatorial zone. Such efforts may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the target population in Rivers State.
Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases among pre-school age children (12-59 months) and WASH condition in Mkuranga, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: MUSTAFA UMMUL-KHAIR , Tarimo Donath Samuel
Published: July 2020

Background

National efforts for STH control have hitherto been concentrated on school age children (SAC) excluding pre-school age children (PSAC). Though Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) for PSAC has been going on during deworming and vitamin A supplementation campaigns in the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinics since 2004, it has not been optimal because not all PSAC receive PC thus remaining vulnerable to STH infections and potential source of community transmission. This study examined the prevalence and intensity of STHs infections among PSAC and the associated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) factors in Mkuranga district, Tanzania.
Methods

A quantitative community based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2019. Stool samples from 525 PSAC were examined for STH infections. This was complemented with a questionnaire interview of mothers/caretakers of the PSAC to obtain their socio-demographic characteristics and WASH practices. An observation check list was used to gather environmental WASH practices. Data were analyzed by statistical computer package (SPSS version 23), and summarized by descriptive statistics; proportions were compared by the Chi-square test at the significance level of 0.05.
Results

The overall prevalence of STH infection was very low (1.3%) and was significantly associated with condition of child finger nails (P = 0.001) and place of disposal of faecal matter (P = 0.031). Latrine coverage was very high (97.3%), while disposal of children faeces was 100% hygienic. Less than a half (43.6%) of households were using improved latrines. Majority (95%) of households had access to improved water sources; however, only few (5.3%) treated drinking water. Very few (1.3%) households owned hand washing facilities, conceivably leading to a low practice of hand washing with soap at food preparation (12.8%), child feeding (13%), after defecation (34.1%) and after handling children faeces (23%). Nail trimming habit was very good as a large majority (83.8%) of caretakers and corresponding children (87.2%) had their finger nails trimmed at time of survey.
Conclusion

PSAC are a reservoir of STHs infections, which coupled with the prevalent risk factors of transmission, form a potential source of continuity of transmission in the community, hence the need for a national deworming program extending to PSAC
The epidemiological characteristics and profile of drug-resistant tuberculosis among children with tuberculosis in Sichuan, China, 2015-2018: A retrospective study
Authors: Xu Yuanhong , Li Qingfeng , Zhu Ma , Wu Xueqi , Wang Dongmei , Luo Jia , Li Yingjie , Zhong Jing , Zeng Peibin
Published: July 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and profile of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) among children with TB in Sichuan province of China.Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, microbiological culture-confirmed child TB cases (aged<15 years old) were enrolled retrospectively. Epidemiological and clinical information from these cases, and the drug susceptibility testing (DST) results of the isolates were collected and analyzed.Results: Of 317 culture-confirmed child TB cases, 16.7% (53/317) were aged under 5 years old. 54.9% were Tibetans, and 31.9% had clear history of contact with TB patients. More than half (53.9%) weren’t vaccinated by Calmette–Guérin bacillus (BCG). 30% (n=95) were diagnosed as severe TB, and 92.4% (n=293) were new cases. The ratio of severe TB in BCG vaccinated group was significant lower than that observed in unvaccinated group (p<0.01). Significantly higher proportion of severe TB among Tibetans than Han child TB cases was observed in BCG unvaccinated group (p<0.01). The overall rate of DR-TB in this study was 24.3% (77/317) and 17 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases were identified with rate of MDR-TB at 5.4% (17/317). No XDR case was found. 13 out of 17 MDR-TB cases (76.4%) were Tibetan children. The ratio of any resistance to four first-line drugs identified were: INH, 15.5%; RIF, 9.1%; EMB, 0.6% and SM, 6.0%, respectively. More than half of MDR patterns were resistant to INH+RIF (9/17), followed by at least resistance to INH+RIF+SM (n=7). Conclusions: This was the first investigation on the epidemiological characteristics and profiles of DR-TB among child TB cases in Southwest of China. Our findings indicated a potentially high risk of TB infection to Tibetan children in the concentrated Tibetan communities of Sichuan.
Initial Predictors for Short-Term Prognosis in Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Protein-5 Positive Patients
Authors: Yang Qihua , Li Tianfang , Zhang Xin , Lyu Kunlong , Wu Shujun , Chen Yan , Liu Shengyun , Yu Zujiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (anti-MDA5) positive patients are characterized by the high mortality rate caused by interstitial lung disease (ILD). We conducted a retrospective study to summarize the clinical features and identify the initial predictors for death in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort of anti-MDA5 positive patients. The demographic and clinical data recorded on first admission, as well as the outcomes during the first six months follow-up, were collected. Predictors of rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD) and poor outcomes were calculated using logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively.Results: A total of 90 anti-MDA5 positive patients were included in this study. Eighty-one (90%) patients presented ILD on admission and 35 (38.9%) patients developed RPILD subsequently. During the first six months of follow-up, 22 (24.4%) patients died of respiratory failure at an average time of 6.6 ± 5.9 weeks. Factors including disease duration < 2 months (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.7-22.4, P = 0.007), serum ferritin ≥ 1500 ng/ml (OR 12.3, 95% CI 3.1-49.6, P <0.001), CRP≥13mg/L (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-16.9, P = 0.021) and total GGO score≥4 (OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.8-21.9, P = 0.003), were identified as independent predictors for RPILD. Cox regression model showed that total CT GGO score ≥ 4 (HR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-17.9, P = 0.020), KL-6 > 1600 U/ml (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.1, P = 0.004) and CRP > 5.8 mg/L (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-12.8, P = 0.044) were poor prognostic risk factors, however initial combined treatment (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, P = 0.019) predicted good prognosis in anti-MDA5 positive patients.Conclusion: Anti-MDA5 positive patients demonstrated a high prevalence of ILD on admission, leading to a high short-term mortality rate. Higher total GGO score, higher levels of initial KL-6 and CRP predict poor outcome in anti-MDA5 positive patients. However, initial intensive treatment may improve the prognosis.
Identification of Potential Serum Exosomal microRNAs Involved in Acinar-Ductal Metaplasia That is A Precursor of Pancreatic Cancer Associated with Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Sheng Li-Ping , Han Chao-Qun , Nie Chi , Xu Tao , Zhang Kun , Li Xuan-Ji , Xie Xin-Ru , Lin Rong , Ding Zhen
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds Due to difficulty in early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP), it is urgent to find novel biomarkers to detect CP. Exosomal microRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) located in the serum may be potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CP. In our study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs (DE-Exo-miRNAs) in the serum of CP patients. Methods The dataset GSE128508 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The analysis was carried out using BRB-ArrayTools and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). The target genes of DE-S-Exo-miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk databases. Further gene ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed with plug-in ClueGO in Cytoscape software 3.7.0. Subsequently, the interaction regulatory network between encoded proteins of target genes was performed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and analyzed using plug-in MCODE and cytoHubba in Cytoscape software 3.7.0. Results We identified 227 DE-Exo-miRNAs in the serum. Further analysis using the miRWalk database identified 5164 target genes of these miRNAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) regulatory network of 1912 potential target genes for hub 10 up-regulated miRNAs with high degrees and one down-regulated miRNAs were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. The functional analysis using Cytoscape software tool highlighted that target genes involved in pancreatic cancer. Acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) in the inflammatory environment of CP is a precursor of pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, we constructed a network of target genes associated with ADM and their miRNAs. Conclusions Exo-miRNAs in the serum as well as their target genes may be promising targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of CP. In addition, we identified potential Exo-miRNAs involved in ADM that is a precursor of pancreatic cancer associated with CP.
Association Between Diffusion Weighted-Imaging (DWI) and Simultaneous 18F-FDG-PET/MRI Parameters with a Comparison of their Diagnostical Role in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: FREIHAT Omar , TÓTH Zoltán , PINTER Tamas , KEDVES András , SIPOS Dávid , CSELIK Zsolt , REPA Imre , KOVÁCS Árpád
Published: July 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Focal Mechanisms and the Stress Field in the Aftershock Area of the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake (MJMA = 6.7)
Authors: Susukida Yuki , Katsumata Kei , Ichiyanagi Masayoshi , Ohzono Mako , Aoyama Hiroshi , Tanaka Ryo , Takada Masamitsu , Yamaguchi Teruhiro , Okada Kazumi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Sakai Shin'ichi , Matsumoto Satoshi , Okada Tomomi , Matsuzawa Toru , Miyamachi Hiroki , Hirano Shuichiro , Yamanaka Yoshiko , Horikawa Shinichiro , Kosuga Masahiro , Katao Hiroshi , Iio Yoshihisa , Nagaoka Airi , Tsumura Noriko , Ueno Tomotaka
Published: July 2020

The tectonic stress field was investigated in and around the aftershock area of the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake (MJMA = 6.7) occurred on 6 September 2018. We deployed 26 temporary seismic stations in the aftershock area for approximately 2 months and located 1785 aftershocks precisely. Among these aftershocks 818 focal mechanism solutions were determined using the first motion polarity of P wave from the temporary observation and the permanent seismic networks of Hokkaido University, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and High Sensitivity Seismograph Network Japan (Hi-net). We found that (1) the reverse faulting and the strike-slip faulting are dominant in the aftershock area, (2) the average azimuths of P- and T-axes are N78° ± 33°E and N3° ± 52°W, respectively, and (3) the average dips of P- and T-axes are 25° ± 16° and 46° ± 20°, respectively: the P-axis is close to be horizontal and the T-axis is close to be vertical. We applied a stress inversion method to the focal mechanism solutions to estimate a stress field in the aftershock area. As a result, we found that the reverse fault type stress field is dominant in the aftershock area. An axis of the maximum principal stress (σ1) has the azimuth of N73° ± 8°E and the dipping eastward of 17° ± 6° and an axis of the medium principal stress (σ2) has the azimuth of N126° ± 91°E and the dipping southward of 16° ± 13°, indicating that both of σ1- and σ2-axes are close to be horizontal. An axis of the minimum principal stress (σ3) has the dipping westward of 64° ± 9° that is close to be vertical. The results strongly suggest that the reverse-fault-type stress field is predominant as an average over the aftershock area which is in the western boundary of the Hidaka Collision Zone. Although the average of the stress ratio is R = 0.6 ± 0.2 in the whole aftershock area, R decreases systematically as the depth is getting deep, which is modeled by a quadratic polynomial of depth.
Comparison of the Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Whole Genomes Derived From Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wang Feng , Liu He , Su Qiudong , Qiu Feng , Zhang Guomin , Wang Fuzhen , Zheng Hui , Shen Liping , Bi Shengli
Published: July 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in China. The aims of the present study was to report HCC prevalence in China and characterize the whole gene sequences of HBV derived from patients diagnosed with HCC as well as those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections.Methods: Patients in the HCC group and the CHB group were recruited from national HBV surveillance sites, which were matched by age, gender, and region. All serum samples were tested for serological markers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HBV complete genome sequences. Then the analysis of the full-length HBV genomes was performed with bioinformatics and statistical software.Results: Serum samples were collected from 51 patients with HBV-related HCC and 76 patients with CHB. All patients were from six provinces (Guangxi, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, Qinghai, and Shanghai) in China. Sequencing and analysis of the full-length HBV genomes revealed the presence of four genotypes (B, C, CD, and I). The distribution of HBV genotypes and the positivity rate of the hepatitis B e antigen differed between the two groups. A total of 148 substitution sites deemed statistically significant were identified between the HCC and CHB groups. In addition, three mutational sites associated with HCC, (F22I/L/P in the pre-S2 region, P33S/T and S144A/T/V in the X region) were identified. Deletions to the pre-S and X regions were found in both HCC and CHB patients. However, deletions to the X region were more common in the HCC group than the CHB group.Conclusions: In this study the hotspot mutations associated with high risk of HCC mostly occurred in the sequences and some substitutions (C1470A/T, T1803A/G, and C1804T) that have not been previously reported. It was implicated that aa33 and aa144 substitution in X region may be new predictive markers for HCC. The results of our study would provide important basic information for HCC prevention.
Predictive Value of NLR and Bilirubin Levels in the Readmission of AECOPD
Authors: Dai Lu , Liang Binmiao , Ou Xuemei
Published: July 2020

Objective To analyze acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD) readmission events and to determine whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and bilirubin level are associated with readmission after discharge due to AECOPD .Methods A total of 170 patients with AECOPD were included. Patients were stratified into the readmission group if patients have two or more readmission within 2 years of the previous discharge and non-readmission group with one readmission or none within 2 years of the last discharge. Basic characteristics, laboratory examinations and clinical data of them were collected retrospectively and compared between these two groups. Then the patients were separated by the cutoffs of NLR and bilirubin level. The number of all-cause readmission within 2 years, time to first COPD-related readmission, 1-year and 2-year COPD-related readmission, 1-year and 2-year all-cause mortality were compared between groups respectively .Results Compared with readmission group, patients of non-readmission group had shorter length of hospital stay(P=0.034), more systemic corticosteroids use(P=0.007), higher NLR(P=0.001), higher bilirubin levels(P=0.010) and lower eosinophils counts(P=0.001). NLR and bilirubin level at admission can significantly influence the number of all-cause readmission(p=0.002, P<0.001, respectively). Lower bilirubin was associated with an increased risk of 1-year COPD-related readmission(OR 5.063, 95%CI 1.091-23.498) and 2-year COPD-related readmission(OR 4.699, 95% CI 1.269-17.396) .Conclusion For patients with AECOPD, longer hospital stay and less use of systemic corticosteroids may be associated with higher risk of readmission. NLR and bilirubin level at admission may be related to the number of all-cause readmission. Bilirubin can be regarded as a biomarker to predict readmission rates within 2 years after discharged throughout the course of disease.