bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards the collaborative development of machine learning techniques in planning support systems – a Sydney example
Authors: Lock Oliver , Bain Michael , Pettit Christopher
Published: July 2020

The rise of the term ‘big data’ has contributed to recent advances in computational analysis techniques, such as machine learning and more broadly, artificial intelligence, which can extract patterns from large, multi-dimensional datasets. In the field of urban planning, it is pertinent to understand both how such techniques can advance our understanding of cities, and how they can be embedded within transparent and effective digital planning tools, known as planning support systems. This research specifically focuses on two related contributions. First, it investigates the role of planning support systems in supporting a participatory data analytics approach through an iterative process of developing and evaluating a planning support system environment. Second, it investigates how specifically machine learning planning support systems can be co-designed by built environment practitioners and stakeholders in this environment to solve a real planning issue in Sydney, Australia. This paper presents the results of applied research undertaken through the design and implementation of four workshops, involving 57 participants who were involved in a co-design process. The research follows a mixed-methods approach, studying a wide array of measures related to participatory analytics, task load, perceived added value, recordings and observations. The results highlight recommendations regarding the design and evaluation of planning support system environments for co-design and their coupling with machine learning techniques. It was found that consistency and transparency are highly valued and central to the design of a planning support system in this context. General attitudes towards machine learning and artificial intelligence as techniques for planners and developers were positive, as they were seen as both potentially transformative but also as simply another technique to assist with workflows. Some conceptual challenges were encountered driven by practitioners' simultaneous need for concrete scenarios for accurate predictions, paired with a desire for predictions to drive the development of these scenarios. Insights from this work can inform future planning support system evaluation and co-design studies, in particular those aiming to support democracy enhancement, greater inclusion and more efficient resource allocation through a participatory analytics approach.
Deep MRD profiling defines outcome and unveils different modes of treatment resistance in standard- and high-risk myeloma
Authors: Goicoechea Ibai , Puig Noemi , Cedena Maria-Teresa , Burgos Leire , Cordón Lourdes , Vidriales María-Belén , Flores-Montero Juan , Gutierrez Norma C. , Calasanz Maria-Jose , Ramos Maria-Luisa Martin , Lara-Astiaso David , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Alignani Diego , Rodriguez Idoia , Sarvide Sarai , Alameda Daniel , Garcés Juan José , Rodriguez Sara , Fresquet Vicente , Celay Jon , Garcia-Sanz Ramón , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Oriol Albert , Rios Rafael , Martin-Sanchez Jesus , Martinez-Martinez Rafael , Sarra Josep , Hernandez Miguel-Teodoro , de la Rubia Javier , Krsnik Isabel , Moraleda Jose-Maria , Palomera Luis , Bargay Joan , Martinez-Climent Jose-Angel , Orfao Alberto , Rosiñol Laura , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Lahuerta Juan-José , Blade Joan , San Miguel Jesús , Paiva Bruno
Published: July 2020

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) carrying standard- or high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (CAs) achieve similar complete response (CR) rates, but the later have inferior progression-free survival (PFS). This questions the legitimacy of CR as a treatment endpoint and represents a biological conundrum regarding the nature of tumor reservoirs that persist after therapy in high-risk MM. We used next-generation flow (NGF) cytometry to evaluate measurable residual disease (MRD) in MM patients with standard- vs high-risk CAs (n = 300 and 90, respectively) enrolled in the PETHEMA/GEM2012MENOS65 trial, and to identify mechanisms that determine MRD resistance in both patient subgroups (n = 40). The 36-month PFS rates were higher than 90% in patients with standard- or high-risk CAs achieving undetectable MRD. Persistent MRD resulted in a median PFS of ∼3 and 2 years in patients with standard- and high-risk CAs, respectively. Further use of NGF to isolate MRD, followed by whole-exome sequencing of paired diagnostic and MRD tumor cells, revealed greater clonal selection in patients with standard-risk CAs, higher genomic instability with acquisition of new mutations in high-risk MM, and no unifying genetic event driving MRD resistance. Conversely, RNA sequencing of diagnostic and MRD tumor cells uncovered the selection of MRD clones with singular transcriptional programs and reactive oxygen species–mediated MRD resistance in high-risk MM. Our study supports undetectable MRD as a treatment endpoint for patients with MM who have high-risk CAs and proposes characterizing MRD clones to understand and overcome MRD resistance. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01916252.
A robust nonlinear low-dimensional manifold for single cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Verma Archit , Engelhardt Barbara E.
Published: July 2020

Background

Modern developments in single-cell sequencing technologies enable broad insights into cellular state. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can be used to explore cell types, states, and developmental trajectories to broaden our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in tissues and organs. Analysis of these sparse, high-dimensional experimental results requires dimension reduction. Several methods have been developed to estimate low-dimensional embeddings for filtered and normalized single-cell data. However, methods have yet to be developed for unfiltered and unnormalized count data that estimate uncertainty in the low-dimensional space. We present a nonlinear latent variable model with robust, heavy-tailed error and adaptive kernel learning to estimate low-dimensional nonlinear structure in scRNA-seq data.

Results

Gene expression in a single cell is modeled as a noisy draw from a Gaussian process in high dimensions from low-dimensional latent positions. This model is called the Gaussian process latent variable model (GPLVM). We model residual errors with a heavy-tailed Student’s t-distribution to estimate a manifold that is robust to technical and biological noise found in normalized scRNA-seq data. We compare our approach to common dimension reduction tools across a diverse set of scRNA-seq data sets to highlight our model’s ability to enable important downstream tasks such as clustering, inferring cell developmental trajectories, and visualizing high throughput experiments on available experimental data.

Conclusion

We show that our adaptive robust statistical approach to estimate a nonlinear manifold is well suited for raw, unfiltered gene counts from high-throughput sequencing technologies for visualization, exploration, and uncertainty estimation of cell states.
The oilseed rape developmental expression resource: a resource for the investigation of gene expression dynamics during the floral transition in oilseed rape
Authors: Jones D. Marc , Olson Tjelvar S. G. , Pullen Nick , Wells Rachel , Irwin Judith A. , Morris Richard J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Transcriptome time series can be used to track the expression of genes during development, allowing the timing, intensity, and dynamics of genetic programmes to be determined. Furthermore, time series analysis can reveal causal relationships between genes, leading to an understanding of how the regulatory networks are rewired during development. Due to its impact on yield, a developmental transition of agricultural interest in crops is the switch from vegetative to floral growth. We previously reported the collection of genome-wide gene expression data during the floral transition in the allopolyploid crop Brassica napus (oilseed rape, OSR). To provide the OSR research community with easy access to this dataset, we have developed the Oilseed Rape Developmental Expression Resource (ORDER; http://order.jic.ac.uk).

Results

ORDER enables users to search for genes of interest and plot expression patterns during the floral transition in both a winter and a spring variety of OSR. We illustrate the utility of ORDER using two case studies: the first investigating the interaction between transcription factors, the second comparing genes that mediate the vernalisation response between OSR and radish (Raphanus sativus L.). All the data is downloadable and the generic website platform underlying ORDER, called AionPlot, is made freely and openly available to facilitate the dissemination of other time series datasets.

Conclusions

ORDER provides the OSR research community with access to a dataset focused on a period of OSR development important for yield. AionPlot, the platform on which ORDER is built, will allow researchers from all fields to share similar time series datasets.
Comparison of the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine on hospital stay in robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Min Byung-Hun , Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae , Jeon Young-Tae
Published: July 2020

Background

Sugammadex reduces postoperative complications. We sought to determine whether it could reduce the length of hospital stay, post-anesthetic recovery time, unplanned readmission, and charges for patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) when compared to neostigmine.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent RALP between July 2012 and July 2017, in whom rocuronium was used as a neuromuscular blocker. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay after surgery in patients who underwent reversal with sugammadex when compared to those who underwent reversal with neostigmine. The secondary outcomes were post-anesthetic recovery time, hospital charges, and unplanned readmission within 30 days after RALP.

Results

In total, 1430 patients were enrolled. Using a generalized linear model in a propensity score-matched cohort, sugammadex use was associated with a 6% decrease in the length of hospital stay (mean: sugammadex 7.7 days vs. neostigmine 8.2 days; odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.89, 0.98], P = 0.008) and an 8% decrease in post-anesthetic recovery time (mean: sugammadex 36.7 min vs. neostigmine 40.2 min; OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.90, 0.94], P < 0.001) as compared to neostigmine use; however, it did not reduce the 30-day unplanned readmission rate (P = 0.288). The anesthesia charges were higher in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group (P < 0.001); however, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative net charges (P = 0.061) and total charges (P = 0.100).

Conclusions

Compared to the reversal of rocuronium effects with neostigmine, reversal with sugammadex after RALP was associated with a shorter hospital stay and post-anesthetic recovery time, and was not associated with 30-day unplanned readmission rates and net charges.
Privacy-preserving semi-parallel logistic regression training with fully homomorphic encryption
Authors: Carpov Sergiu , Gama Nicolas , Georgieva Mariya , Troncoso-Pastoriza Juan Ramon
Published: July 2020

Background

Privacy-preserving computations on genomic data, and more generally on medical data, is a critical path technology for innovative, life-saving research to positively and equally impact the global population. It enables medical research algorithms to be securely deployed in the cloud because operations on encrypted genomic databases are conducted without revealing any individual genomes. Methods for secure computation have shown significant performance improvements over the last several years. However, it is still challenging to apply them on large biomedical datasets.

Methods

The HE Track of iDash 2018 competition focused on solving an important problem in practical machine learning scenarios, where a data analyst that has trained a regression model (both linear and logistic) with a certain set of features, attempts to find all features in an encrypted database that will improve the quality of the model. Our solution is based on the hybrid framework Chimera that allows for switching between different families of fully homomorphic schemes, namelyTFHEandHEAAN.

Results

Our solution is one of the finalist of Track 2 of iDash 2018 competition. Among the submitted solutions, ours is the only bootstrapped approach that can be applied for different sets of parameters without re-encrypting the genomic database, making it practical for real-world applications.

Conclusions

This is the first step towards the more general feature selection problem across large encrypted databases.
Identification of the fatty acid synthase interaction network via iTRAQ-based proteomics indicates the potential molecular mechanisms of liver cancer metastasis
Authors: Huang Juan , Tang Yao , Zou Xiaoqin , Lu Yi , She Sha , Zhang Wenyue , Ren Hong , Yang Yixuan , Hu Huaidong
Published: July 2020

Background

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is highly expressed in various types of cancer and has an important role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. To clarify the mechanisms of FASN in liver cancer invasion and metastasis, the FASN protein interaction network in liver cancer was identified by targeted proteomic analysis.

Methods

Wound healing and Transwell assays was performed to observe the effect of FASN during migration and invasion in liver cancer. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins interacting with FASN in HepG2 cells. Differential expressed proteins were validated by co-immunoprecipitation, western blot analyses and confocal microscopy. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were performed to demonstrate the mechanism of FASN regulating metastasis.

Results

FASN knockdown inhibited migration and invasion of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells. A total of, 79 proteins interacting with FASN were identified. Additionally, gene ontology term enrichment analysis indicated that the majority of biological regulation and cellular processes that the FASN-interacting proteins were associated with. Co-precipitation and co-localization of FASN with fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1), signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 (SIPA1), spectrin β, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) and CD59 were evaluated. Knockdown of FASN in liver cancer reduced the expression of FSCN1, SIPA1, SPTBN1 and CD59. Furthermore, inhibition of FASN, FSCN1 or SPTBN1 expression in liver cancer resulted in alterations of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and transcription factors, Snail and Twist, at the mRNA level, and changes in matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 protein expression.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the FASN-interacting protein network produced by iTRAQ-based proteomic analyses may be involved in regulating invasion and metastasis in liver cancer by influencing EMT and the function of MMPs.
Serious takotsubo cardiomyopathy: an autopsy case presenting severe irreversible myocardial damage after frequent episodes of recurrence
Authors: Mizutani Kenichi , Shioya Akihiro , Hirose Yasuyo , Saito Ryuhei , Yamada Sohsuke
Published: July 2020

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient dysfunction of the medial to apical segment of the left ventricle. Recurrence within a few months or years has been reported and serious complications, including arrhythmia, acute cardiac shock and cardiac rupture, can arise; however, recurrence is rare and takotsubo cardiomyopathy is typically a reversible functional disorder.

Case presentation

A 91-year-old Japanese woman with a past medical history of angina pectoris, hypertension and uterine carcinoma noted bilateral axillary pain and presented herself to an emergency room. Although the pain improved and she went home, there were several subsequent episodes of recurrent chest pain. At approximately 1 week after the onset, she was hospitalized as her symptom worsened. Electrocardiography showed low voltage in limb and chest leads, and ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF and V3 to V6. Echocardiography revealed medial to apical dyskinesia and basal hypercontractility of the left ventricle, and cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis improved the symptom, but not her cardiac dysfunction. At 3 days after her admission, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed due to ventricular fibrillation. She died on the 5th day of admission (2 weeks after the onset). At autopsy, the left ventricle was dilatated and the apical ventricular wall was thin. On microscopy, remarkable wavy change and thinning of myocardium were diffusely observed, especially at the apex and the anterior to lateral wall of the left ventricle, interventricular septum and right ventricle, intermingled with interstitial fibrosis, hemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration. Contraction band necrosis was mainly observed on the posterior to inferior wall of the left ventricle.

Conclusion

Our case showed severe morphological myocardial change after several chest pain episodes that were considered to be takotsubo cardiomyopathy. This notable case suggests that the frequent recurrence of serious takotsubo cardiomyopathy is life threatening and can lead to irreversible serious myocardial degeneration.
Wound closure in epidermolysis bullosa: data from the vehicle arm of the phase 3 ESSENCE Study
Authors: Murrell Dedee F. , Paller Amy S. , Bodemer Christine , Browning John , Nikolic Milos , Barth Jay A. , Lagast Hjalmar , Krusinska Eva , Reha Allen ,   on behalf of the ESSENCE Study Group
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic wounds are a fundamental issue for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Herein, we assess the natural history of wound closure in patients with EB who were randomly assigned to the vehicle-control arm of the multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 ESSENCE (NCT02384460) trial.

Methods

ESSENCE was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a topical cream formulation of 6% allantoin (SD-101 6%) vs vehicle (SD-101 0%) in patients ≥1 month old who had a diagnosis of EB (simplex, recessive dystrophic, or intermediate junctional) and a target wound 10–50 cm2 present for ≥21 days. Time to complete target wound closure and the proportion of patients with target wound closure over time were analyzed overall and by parameters including patient age and baseline body surface area index (BSAi) of total wound burden (< 5% and ≥ 5%). Changes in BSAi of lesional skin, pain, and itching were also assessed.

Results

The vehicle-control arm included 87 patients. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) time to target wound closure within 3 months was 53.6 (28.6) days, with a range of 14 to 142 days. The proportion of patients with target wound closure increased over time from 7.1% at day 14 to 53.6% at month 3. Mean (SD) changes from baseline in BSAi of total wound burden and BSAi of lesional skin at month 3 were −2.3% (6.3) and −5.0% (13.5) of total body coverage, respectively. Reductions in pain and itching were observed at day 7 and maintained for 3 months. Faster healing times and a greater proportion of patients with wound closure were observed in patients aged 1 month to < 2 years; those with wounds < 30 days old, and in those with BSAi of total body wound burden < 5%.

Conclusions

Treatment response observed in the vehicle-control arm of the ESSENCE study was unexpectedly high and may have been due to unforeseen benefits of vehicle or enhanced wound care provided by the clinical trial staff. These observations will help inform the study design of future trials in patients with EB.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02384460; Date of registration: February 13, 2015; First participant enrollment: March 11, 2015.
Anti-proliferative activities of Byrsocarpus coccineus Schum. and Thonn. (Connaraceae) using ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Ukwade Caroline E. , Ebuehi Osaretin A. T. , Adisa Rahmat A. , Singh Santosh K. , Singh Rajesh
Published: July 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the most lethal tumors of gynecologic malignancies, due to lack of early detection, and a high rate of metastasis. The standard treatment for OvCa is surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, to overcome the high cost and side effects of these treatments, medicinal plants are widely used in developing countries to treat OvCa. Byrsocarpus coccineus plant preparation has been administered to patients traditionally in the management of tumors in Nigeria. In this study, we investigated the anti-proliferative effects of B. coccineus ethanol leaf extract against OVCAR-3 and SW 626 OvCa cell lines. After the treatment of the two cell lines with the extracts, analyses were carried out to determine inhibition of proliferation and expression of cell cycle markers, pro-apoptotic, and anti-apoptotic markers.

Results

Results showed that B. coccineus ethanol leaf extract, significantly inhibited cell migration and colony formation in OVCAR-3 and SW 626 treated cells in a dose-dependent manner. Results also show that B. coccineus ethanol leaf extract modulated the expression of tumor suppressor gene (p53), cell cycle progression, pro- and anti-apoptotic gene, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

These results suggest that B. coccineus have anti-proliferative properties and could induce apoptosis. Further investigation will be carried out to isolate bioactive compounds for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Reflections on the design of corporate headquarters
Authors: Campbell Andrew
Published: July 2020

The design of corporate headquarters (CHQ) is a specialist and important area of organization design. It is important because of the influence that a CHQ has over the portfolio of businesses it owns. A good CHQ can improve the performance of its businesses. A bad CHQ causes its businesses to perform less well. This article describes the lessons learned from a 30-year career researching, advising, and governing corporate leaders. It covers the reasons why CHQ design is so important, why CHQ design work often also involves strategy work, what activities are needed at the CHQ level, and the problem of subtracted value. The ambition is to help practitioners design better CHQ and help researchers design more relevant research.
Prevalence and seroconversion of hepatitis C among hemodialysis patients in Assiut governorate, Egypt
Authors: Kerollos Kerollos Motwade N. , El-Ameen Hussein Ahmed , El Wahed Lobna Abd , Azoz Nashwa Mostafa A.
Published: July 2020

Background

The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infection among the patients on hemodialysis (HD) varies from country to country and from one center to another in the same country. Despite the existence of guidelines for the infection control program, Egypt is one of the countries with high HCV prevalence. In Egypt, the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients in 2015 survey was 50.7%. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and seroconversion rate of hepatitis C infection and the risk factors for seroconversion in our community hemodialysis units.

Results

The prevalence of HCV was 34.8% among hemodialysis patients. The seroconversion rate was 13.2%. The positive history of blood transfusion and the frequency of blood transfusion, in addition to the handling by medical staff to equipment and blood products and the number of inserted temporary dialysis catheters, were found to be significant risk factors for seroconversion.

Conclusion

We concluded that there is a high prevalence of HCV infection in the dialysis units of our community and a relatively high seroconversion rate among hemodialysis patients.
Substantial Elevation of Liver Enzymes During Ketamine Infusion: A Case Report
Authors: Zhu Xiaoying , Kohan Lynn R. , Goldstein Robert B.
Published: July 2020

Intravenous infusion of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine has been shown to improve neuropathic pain. However, ketamine-induced liver injury can occur. Reported here are 2 cases with substantial liver enzyme elevations less than 2 days after initiation of repeat ketamine infusion at least 7 months after the last infusion. Although their liver enzymes normalized within a few weeks, it is unclear what the long-term consequences are. Furthermore, drug-induced liver injury can cause acute liver failure. Therefore, we recommend close monitoring of liver enzymes every 1 to 2 days during ketamine infusions.
Ultrasound-Guided Midpoint Transverse Process to Pleura Nerve Block for Medical Thoracoscopy: A Case Report
Authors: Pedoto Alessia , Kalchiem-Dekel Or , Baselice Stephanie , Husta Bryan C. , Rosenblatt Meg A.
Published: July 2020

We performed the midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block in a patient with a recurrent pleural effusion requiring medical thoracoscopy, drainage of pleural effusion, talc poudrage, and placement of tunneled pleural catheter under sedation while in the left lateral decubitus position. Forty milliliters of a combination of bupivacaine hydrochloride and lidocaine, with dexamethasone and clonidine as adjuvants, was injected at the T6 level under ultrasound guidance with satisfactory intra- and postoperative analgesia.
Significance of Speech Communication in Human Needs Systems
Authors: Papusha I.
Published: July 2020

The article presents the description of a complex syntactic whole as the main unit of written communication in the aspect of the efficiency of its use in the texts of the book of functional styles. Special attention is paid to invariant matrices of complex syntactic whole, as the external forms of complex syntactic whole form stable multiple of the identity, and the analysis forms of complex syntactic whole allows to speak about given regularities of production / perception, which is impossible within the scope of a shape.
Intercultural Communication in the Carpathian-Dniester Region during the Early Hallstatt Period
Authors: Romanchuk A. , Romanenko N.
Published: July 2020

The article considers some issues of intercultural communication in the between archaic societies of the Carpathian-Dniester region. Using the method of comparative-historical analysis the authors examine the nature and characteristics of affiliate networks, which served as the basis for intercultural communication in the Early Hallstatt period (XII-X centuries B.C.). One of the factors that determined the complexity and non-linearity of the processes of intercultural communication is location of the Carpathian-Dniester region at the crossroad of several “cultural worlds”. The authors stress that although archeological data confirm the presence of intercultural communication, it was not accompanied by the movement of actual material objects, ceramics itself, between the cultures. Accordingly, this requires a search for mechanisms that explain the processes of intercultural communications in the archaic societies of the Early Hallstatt period of Carpathian-Dniester region.
Separating Information About Cash Flows from Information About Risk in Losses
Authors: Li Bin
Published: July 2020

Prior literature interprets the weak earnings response coefficient (ERC) of accounting losses as a manifestation either of lack of forward-looking information in losses or of market mispricing of losses. Based on return decomposition theory, I predict that losses contain information not only about future cash flows (i.e., cash flow news) but also, about risk (i.e., expected returns and discount rate news). However, these informational components have offsetting valuation effects, resulting in a muted ERC. Consistent with the prediction, I show that, after controlling for information about risk (mainly expected returns), the ERC of losses becomes statistically significant with more negative returns for larger losses when returns are measured either annually or around earnings announcements. Moreover, loss firms will continue to have poor future earnings and operating cash flows, and larger losses are associated with more negative analyst forecast revisions in the loss-reporting year. I also document that losses provide more negative cash flow information when they are not because of research and development expensing, when they trigger operational curtailments, and when they are less likely to reverse to profits. Further tests confirm the robustness of my findings to considering future return drifts/reversals, alternative proxies for expected returns and discount rate news, alternative test portfolios, and alternative model specifications. Overall, my paper provides new insights into the information content of losses.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
A brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: July 2020

Nikki Welyczko, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Sexual difficulties in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): results of a 2-year study
Authors: Tripp Dean A , Gierc Madelaine , Verrault Phylicia , Fretz Katherine , Ropeleski Mark , Beyak Michael
Published: July 2020

Background:

Sexual difficulties are common in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims:

This study aimed to document sexual difficulties in IBD; to investigate longitudinal patterns in these difficulties; and to identify biopsychosocial factors that may serve as predictors of these difficulties.

Methods:

A longitudinal study was conducted, with IBD outpatients completing three questionnaires across 2 years. Items assessed biopsychosocial variables (e.g., age, PHQ-9, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) and sexual difficulties (Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction).

Findings:

Patients reported a moderate level of sexual difficulties, with 17.5–74.5% exceeding the threshold of clinical significance across domains. No significant changes in sexual difficulties occurred across the study period. Biopsychosocial factors accounted for up to 25.2% of the variance in sexual difficulties, with age, depressive symptoms, pain-related disability, perceived social support, and optimism associated with these difficulties in the hypothesised directions.

Conclusions:

Patients reported significant sexual difficulties in several domains, with a high degree of stability over time. Biopsychosocial factors were associated with reported sexual difficulties, particularly older age and lower perceived social support. These factors are suggested as targets for intervention research.
Too little, too late: the unequal treatment of social care in the UK's pandemic response
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: July 2020

The devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic extend into social care, already in crisis prior to the national emergency. Was it protected ‘right from the start’, as claimed by health secretary Matt Hancock? Helena Frankova examines the facts
Prevention of Legionnaires' disease in the care home
Authors: Croft Jo , Taylor Steve
Published: July 2020

While recent focus has naturally been on the management of COVID-19, it is imperative that other aspects of infection control are not neglected. Jo Croft and Steve Taylor outline the threat of Legionella, how it might affect a care home and practical management strategies
Final pay controls for non-GP staff on retirement
Authors: Leal Andrew
Published: July 2020

Being generous to your staff and colleagues in the run up to their retirement could cost GP practices dearly, warns Andrew Leal, Head of Primary Healthcare at chartered accountants MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Top 10 tips for securing premises finance
Authors: Crompton Ian
Published: July 2020

With a range of providers and options available, the process of choosing the right type of loan for your practice may seem daunting. This article outlines the key issues for practice managers to consider when choosing a finance package
General practice mergers: Look before you leap!
Authors: Odell Kirsty
Published: July 2020

Kirsty Odell, Senior Solicitor at healthcare specialist law firm Hempsons, sets out some of the key considerations for any practice that is thinking of merging
Optical SSB modulator/frequency shifter with ultralow spurious sidebands
Authors: Safavi Najmeh , Esmail Hosseini S.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we report and theoretically investigate an optical single-sideband suppressed-carrier (OSSB-SC) modulator/frequency shifter with ultralow spurious sidebands. The novel, to the best of our knowledge, structure is based on three Sagnac interferometers (SIs) and two bidirectional phase modulators (PMs). The two bidirectional PMs are driven by four radio frequency (RF) signals with equal powers and appropriate phases. An OSSB-SC signal with only

(
4
n
+
1
)

th-order sidebands, where

n

is an integer number, is generated. Besides, by applying appropriate RF phase shifts, an OSSB with carrier (

O
S
S
B

+

C

) modulator can be obtained whose optical carrier-to-sideband ratio (OCSR) can be tuned by controlling the PMs modulation indices. Also, by using the proposed OSSB-SC modulator in another SI, its OCSR can be tuned by controlling the state of polarization in addition to the modulation indices of the PMs. Since the proposed structure is based on SI and no direct current (DC) bias is required for the PMs, it is robust against environmental perturbations and decreases problems associated with DC bias-drift. In addition, performance of the proposed structure under the power and phase imbalances due to the external non-ideal RF hybrid couplers and the phase imbalance of practical non-ideal nonreciprocal optical phase shifters are investigated. Simulation results using commercial software are also presented which are in good agreement with analytical results.
Laser-induced fluorescence combined with multivariate techniques identifies the geographical origin of antimalarial herbal plants
Authors: Amuah Charles Lloyd Yeboah , Eghan Moses Jojo , Anderson Benjamin , Osei-Wusu Adueming Peter , Opoku-Ansah Jerry , Buah-Bassuah Paul Kingsley
Published: July 2020

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) combined with multivariate techniques has been used in identifying antimalarial herbal plants (AMHPs) based on their geographical origin. The AMHP samples were collected from four geographical origins (Abrafo, Jukwa, Nfuom, and Akotokyere) in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. LIF spectra data were recorded from the AMHP samples. Utilizing multivariate techniques, a training set for the first two principal components of the AMHP spectra data was modeled through the use of K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector nachine (SVM), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) methods. The SVM and KNN methods performed best with 100% success for the prediction data, while the LDA had a 99% success rate. The KNN and SVM methods are recommended for the identification of AMHPs based on their geographical origins. Deconvoluted peaks from the LIF spectra of all the AMHP samples revealed compounds such as quercetin and berberine as being present in all the AMHP samples.
Sounds of soccer on-screen: A critical re-evaluation of the role of spectator sounds
Authors: Graakjær Nicolai Jørgensgaard
Published: July 2020

This article is inspired by a mismatch between, on the one hand, the prevalence and purported significance of spectator sounds in televised soccer, and, on the other hand, the limited understanding of its actual structure and functions. Based on a prototypical example of current televised top tier soccer – as well as on observations made of the same match at the venue – the article aims to help remedy this situation. First, the article presents a typology of sounds of soccer on television, then it discusses the significance of spectator sounds for the experience of the match on television. In this regard, spectator sounds appear to carry out three functions as they produce an indication of atmosphere, establish an impression of continuity and liveness and offer information on how the game is going. In specifying these functions, the article re-evaluates the existing, rather fragmented views on the significance and distinctiveness of sounds in televised soccer. The article also contributes to the understanding of why television remains a powerful mediator of live soccer, and how spectator sounds contribute significantly to this compared with sounds in other types of live programming.
Television professionals’ reflections on their practices while cooperating with amateur participants: A case study of three topical Finnish multiplatform shows
Authors: Rautkorpi Tiina
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the professional identities of key members of the television production teams that cooperate with volunteer citizens. The data is derived from production ethnographies conducted during three Finnish reality and documentary productions over the 2015–18 period, which included reflective interviews with scriptwriter-directors, operating producers and a key cinematographer. In the productions utilizing volunteers as storytellers, the professionals focused on building multivocal television narration, which offered amateur presenters valuable opportunities to address the audience. In doing so, the professionals drew on their craft skills and gladly resorted to broad job descriptions and reciprocal teamwork. At the same time, they took the lead in planning the programme entirely and used production tools to control their communication with amateurs. However, in their reflections, the professionals also expressed uncertainty about many obstacles and tensions in selecting and encountering ordinary people. According to the activity theory, the television production staff’s professional development has to be built on the relevant strata of their current skills. The professionals’ identified interest in building multivocal content forms the basis for rejuvenating the entire production process towards co-creation, to take optimal advantage of the way regular citizens make sense.
Domesticating desire: Fantasy and social change in Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs
Authors: Robison Lori
Published: July 2020

This article argues that Todd McGowan’s revision to classic psychoanalytic film theory (2007) gives us a means of better understanding the ideologic commitments of Downton Abbey (2010–15). Instead of addressing this question through examination of the politics of the series’ representations or through examination of the genre of the period drama, I use McGowan’s film theory to consider how the series constructs its viewer through ideological operations. Downton Abbey, this article demonstrates, answers the viewer’s desire with fantasy and thus assures viewers of the omnipotence and rightness of the ideological structures under which we live. A comparative examination of Upstairs, Downstairs () reveals that the earlier series – despite thematic and generic similarities – resists solving the viewer’s desire and thus has the radical potential to construct a viewer who is more likely to question ideology. A final comparison of the last minutes of each series demonstrates Downton Abbey’s investment in the fantasy of tradition as well as a current cultural reluctance to productively confront significant social change.
Resistance reversing activity of plant-derived and novel synthetic compounds in bacterial models
Authors: Kincses Annamária
Published: July 2020

A multidrog rezisztencia során az előzetesen alkalmazott antibakteriális szer hatástalanná válik, mely súlyos problémát okoz a bakteriális fertőzések terápiájában. A multidrog rezisztencia kialakulásának egyik legjelentősebb mechanizmusa az efflux pumpák (EPs) túltermelése, amelyek a különböző hatásmechanizmusú antibiotikumokat képesek a baktériumsejtből a környezetbe juttatni. Az efflux mechanizmusokhoz köthető rezisztencia leküzdéséhez fontos lenne olyan efflux pumpa gátló (EPI) vegyületek tervezése, melyek önmagukban vagy antibiotikummal kombinációban alkalmazhatóak a fertőzések kezelésében. A jelen disszertáció célja három vegyületcsoport (Cleistochlamys kirkii-ből izolált természetes vegyületek, foszfor-ilidek, illetve szelénvegyületek) antimikrobiális és rezisztencia visszafordító hatásának vizsgálata in vitro Gram-pozitív, illetve Gram-negatív baktérium modellek felhasználásával. A vegyületek antibakteriális hatását mikrodilúciós módszerrel határoztuk meg, az EP gátlást etídium-bromid akkumulációs, illetve efflux vizsgálattal tanulmányoztuk valós idejű fluoreszcencia méréssel Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, illetve Staphylococcus aureus törzsek felhasználásával. A szelénvegyületek biofilm gátló aktivitását kristályibolyás festéssel határoztuk meg S. Typhimurium 14028s törzsön. A természetes vegyületeket és a szelénvegyületeket kombinációban vizsgáltuk antibiotikumokkal (ciprofloxacinnal és tetraciklinnel), valamint a foszfor-ilidek és a C. kirkii származékok quorum-sensing (QS) gátló hatását agardiffúziós módszerrel határoztuk meg. Mind a három vegyületcsoportból a leghatásosabb EP gátló aktivitással rendelkező vegyületek génexpresszióra gyakorolt hatását RT-qPCR reakcióval teszteltük. Eredményeink alapján elmondható, hogy a C. kirkii-ből izolált kamanetin (CK2) és dikamanetin (CK4) a kísérletben alkalmazott antibiotikumokkal szinergizmust mutatott a methicillin érzékeny S. aureus törzsön, továbbá az izokamanetint (CK3) kivéve a vegyületek hatékonyan gátolták a QS-et. A foszfor-ilidek közül a 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-2-(trifenilfoszforanilidin)butanal (PY4) gátolta a leghatékonyabban az E. coli AcrAB-TolC efflux rendszerét. A metilketon szelenoészter (EDA9) a vizsgált Gram-pozitív törzseken jelentős antibakteriális hatással rendelkezett. A szelénvegyületek hatékonyan gátolták a S. Typhimurium 14028s biofilm képzését, illetve a ciklikus szelenoanhidrid (EDA1) és a meta-szubsztituált benzol szelenodiészter (EDA4) erősen gátolta az E. coli AG100 AcrAB-TolC rendszerét. A mérési eredményeink alapján megállapítható, hogy a C. kirkii-ből izolált vegyületek hatásosak lehetnek adjuvánsként, a foszfor-ilidek EPI vegyületekként, a szelénszármazékok pedig antibakteriális, illetve EPI vegyületként alkalmazva a bakteriális fertőzések kezelésében.
Manajemen Organisasi tanpa Korupsi Perspektif QS. Al-‘Ashr (103): 1-3
Authors: Zazin Nur , MR Galuh Nashrulloh Kartika
Published: July 2020

This study tries to reveal on how The Qur’an Surah al-'Asr could be interpreted to describe the principles of behaviors required in managing organizations without corruption, what causes failure in organizing process, and an alternative solution for managing the organization to avoid corruption. This is a library research with the primary source taken from the Qur’an Surah Al-Ashr: 1-3, the secondary sources were taken from other verses that is related in the Qur'an, related hadith of the Prophet Muhammad and the books of tafsir, while the tertiary sources are taken from books or writings that have relevance to the problem of research. This qualitative research uses Tahlili interpretation approach with inductive and interpretative method. The results of this study shows that the success of an organization without corruption built on three principles of behaviors, they are to build a work ethic commitment to organize effectively and efficiently based on faith, to run the organization professionally, open to accept and provide truth-based criticism and patience. On the other hand, the cause of the failure to organize is not carrying out their obligations, unfairness that resulting in cheating, corruption and dishonest/hypocritical.
Manajemen Dayah Inklusif: Pendidikan Alternatif bagi Anak Tunanetra Aceh
Authors: Almuhajir Almuhajir
Published: July 2020

This study aims to describe the opportunities for the formation and initiation of the concept of inclusive Dayah management as an alternative education for Aceh blind children. Public education institutions in Aceh have facilitated the needs of many blind children, but Islamic-based educational institutions specifically do not yet have institutions that facilitate their needs. This research is a type of library research using an educational institution management approach. The results of the study showed that the Establishment of Inclusive Dayah was supported by the Aceh government policy system by establishing the Provincial and District/City Dayah Education Office, and enacting the Aceh Qanun Number 11 of 2014 on the Implementation of Aceh's Education and Law Number 20 of 2003 on the National Education System. Management of Inclusive Dayah for blind children can be carried out with the Special Inclusive Dayah Model, Visiting Class Inclusive Dayah, and Special Class Inclusive Dayah. Inclusive Dayah is an education service system that provides opportunities for school-age children with disabilities, especially children with visual impairment who are in the territory of Aceh Province by paying attention to diversity and individual needs. The potential of children with visual impairment can develop optimally in science along with the priority on Islamic religious education.
Manajemen Mutu Berbasis Religi di SD Mutiara Parahyangan Bandung
Authors: Sahidin Irwanto
Published: July 2020

This study discusses about religious-based quality management in Mutiara Parahyangan Elementary School, Bandung. Many cases of child mischief encourage schools to improve the quality of education through religious activities that can change the character of students. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The data were collected through documentation, interviews, and observations. The results of the study show that the religious-based quality management concept is based on a commitment to improving the quality of education based on universal Islamic values. It is manifested in several activities are as follows, (1) The quality planning of vision, mission, and yearly semiannual programs, (2) The quality implementation in the form of religious activities that support religious practice in schools through routine, weekly, and monthly activities. (3) The quality evaluation is conducted periodically. (4) The quality control is carried out as a follow-up from the evaluation results to improve the quality. All of these activities always lead to the quality management principle of continuous improvement.
Implementasi Manajemen Personalia Pendidikan Islam Berbasis Pengabdian di Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo Ngabar, Jawa Timur
Authors: Diantoro Fery
Published: July 2020

Dedicated personnel in pesantren have a great responsibility towards the management of education, even though the quality and qualifications are not the same as education personnel in general. Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo Ngabar presents and provides programs to improve their quality through the personnel management approach. This research is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of the discussion showed that the dedicated personnel at Pondok Pesantren Wali Songo Ngabar were an integrated unit of educational human resources that functioned as educators. Devotion as an embodiment to explore and practice the teachings of Islam (tafaqquh fi al-din), train to be human beings, and strengthen expertise to engage and serve in the community. Management is applied based on morality and Islamic values that prioritize local wisdom, culture, and independence of Pesantren in an effort to create the professional staff.