bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Iterative Method for Flash Calculations Using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong or the Peng-Robinson Equation of State
Authors: Nghiem Long X. , Aziz Khalid
Published: September 2019

A robust algorithm for flash calculations using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong or Peng-Robinson equation of state is presented. It first uses a special version of the Successive Substitution method and switches to Powell's method if poor convergence is observed. Criteria are established for an efficient switch from one method to the other. Experience shows that this method converges near the bubble-, dew- or critical point and detects also the single-phase region without computing the saturation pressure.

INTRODUCTION

The calculation of vapor-liquid equilibrium using an equation of state in multicomponent systems yields a system of non-linear equations which must be solved iteratively. The method of Successive Substitution is commonly used but it exhibits poor rate of convergence, or in some cases no convergence, near the dew-, bubble or critical point. To overcome convergence problems, Newton's method has been used by Fussel and Yanosik1 to solve the equations. The drawback of Newton's method is the necessity of computing a complicated Jacobian matrix and its inverse at every iteration. Hence, for systems removed from their dew-, bubble- or critical point it involves more work to arrive at the solution than the method of Successive Substitution. The single-phase region is usually determined by computing the saturation pressure and comparing it with the pressure of the system. This requires additional work and it is sometimes difficult to decide whether dew point or bubble point pressure should be computed (they involve different equations).
Assessing Quality Improvement Capacity in Primary Care Practices
Authors: Parchman Michael , Anderson Melissa L. , Coleman Katie F , Michaels LeAnn , Schuttner Linnaea , Conway Cullen , Hsu Clarissa , Fagnan Lyle J.
Published: September 2019

Background: Healthy Hearts Northwest (H2N) is a study of external support strategies to build quality improvement (QI) capacity in primary care with a focus on cardiovascular risk factors: appropriate aspirin use, blood pressure control, and tobacco screening/cessation.

Methods: To guide practice facilitator support, experts in practice transformation identified seven domains of QI capacity and mapped items from a previously validated medical home assessment tool to them. A practice facilitator (PF) met with clinicians and staff in each practice to discuss each item on the Quality Improvement Capacity Assessment (QICA) resulting in a practice-level response to each item. We examined the association between the QICA total and sub-scale scores, practice characteristics, a measure of prior experience with managing practice change, and performance on clinical quality measures (CQMs) for the three cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: The QICA score was associated with prior experience managing change and moderately associated with two of the three CQMs: aspirin use (r=0.16, p=0.049) and blood pressure control (r=0.18, p=0.013). Rural practices and those with 2-5 clinicians had lower QICA scores. PFs notes provide examples of high scoring practices devoting time and attention to quality improvement whereas low scoring practices did not.

Conclusions: The QICA is useful for assessing QI capacity within a practice and may serve as a guide for both facilitators and primary care practices in efforts to build this capacity and improve measures of clinical quality.
ItChIP-simultaneous indexing and tagmentation-based ChIP-seq
Authors: Ai Shanshan , Xiong Haiqing , Li Chen C. , Luo Yingjie , Liu Yaxi , Yu Xianhong , He Aibin
Published: September 2019

Single-cell measurement of chromatin states, including histone modifications and non-histone protein binding, remains challenging. We present a low-cost, efficient ChIP-seq (simultaneous indexing and tagmentation-based ChIP-seq, itChIP), compatible to both low-input and single cells for profiling chromatin states. This single-cell itChIP approach combines chromatin opening, simultaneous cellular indexing and chromatin tagmentation in a single tube, processing samples with tens of single cells in rarity or with thousands of single cells per assay, and the entire procedure can be finished in two days. The sc-itChIP data acquire ~9,000 unique reads per cell, sufficiently capturing the earliest epigenetic priming along cell fate transition and the basis for cell-type specific enhancer usage. Our results demonstrate that itChIP is a generalizable technology for single-cell chromatin profiling of epigenetically heterogeneous cell populations in many biological processes. This step-by-step protocol is related to the publication “Profiling chromatin state by single-cell itChIP-seq” in Nature Cell Biology.
Emergency nurses’ strategies in addressing uncertainty and change in the management of emerging infectious diseases: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Lam Stanley Kam Ki , Kwong Enid Wai Yung , Hung Maria Shuk Yu , Pang Samantha Mei Che , Chien Wai Tong
Published: September 2019

Background Uncertainty and change are the inevitable challenges facing emergency nurses, as they are bound by the nature of emergency care. During an epidemic event, emergency care settings are intertwined with urgency, uncertainty, and change, which continuously pose challenges to emergency nurses on their capacity to act on their duties in a well-planned and systematic manner. However, there has been a paucity of understanding concerning emergency nurses’ actions and strategies to address the instabilities and vulnerabilities of the circumstance. The present study aimed to explore emergency nurses’ behaviours and strategies in addressing the challenges of uncertainty and change during an epidemic event. Methods A qualitative design based upon a Straussian grounded theory approach was selected as the method of inquiry. A total of 26 emergency nurses from Hong Kong were recruited in the study by purposive and theoretical sampling strategies. Semi-structured, face-to-face, individual interviews were conducted for data collection. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through the grounded theory coding procedures. The COREQ guidelines were applied in the reporting of the present study. Results Rehearsing for improvisation was revealed as the core category. Four interplaying sub-categories were identified: (a) sensing the unclear situation, (b) equipping for the impending battle, (c) calibrating to the evolving guidelines, and (d) navigating the new role and duties. The nurses demonstrated their prudence to orientate themselves to an ambiguous work situation and displayed the flexibility to embrace changes in their practice, roles, and duties. Conclusions The findings delineate that emergency nurses were required to prepare and equip themselves with skills and strategies to improvise and adapt to the management of an epidemic event. The findings also offer insights into the development of education and training schemes that allow emergency nurses to acquire and augment their abilities of decision-making and problem-solving in public health responses.
Fertility Desire and Associated Factors among HIV Positive Women in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study.
Authors: wondim Amare , Admasie Addisu , Abebaw Yonatan
Published: September 2019

Background: HIV positive individuals may or may not have fertility desire to have children. But the extent of these desires and how it varies by individual, social, health and demographic characteristics is not well understood. Objective: To assess fertility desire and its associated factors among HIV positive women in Gondar referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia; 2019. Method: Institutional -based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May-June 2019 on 351 HIV positive women at Gondar comprehensive specialized referral hospital. Interview based, pre-tested and structured questionnaires was used to collect the data. Data consistency was checked and entered into Epi-info seven then exported to SPSS versions 20 for further analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. P-values less than 0.05 with 95% CI was taken to declare a statistically significant. Result: Among study participants, 183(52.1%) HIV positive women had fertility desire. Women in the age 15-19 years (AOR: 6.88, CI=1.84-25.79), being married (AOR: 4.42, CI=1.47-13.28), unable to read and write (AOR: 0.39, CI=0.18-0.82), having no partners fertility desire and discussion with health care provider (AOR: 0.04, CI=0.02-0.12) and (AOR=0.31, CI=0.17-0.57), respectively were significantly associated factors. Conclusion: Being young age and married, educational status of women, partner desire and discussion with health care provider were obtained as significant factors of fertility desire. Hence health care providers have to give health information and education about fertility desire and other reproductive issue to clients. Keywords : ART users, women, Fertility desire, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Psychometric Validation of a Novel PRO Measure for Assessing Patient-reported Experience of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia (PRECIS)
Authors: Rosen Raymond C. , Trudeau Jeremiah J. , Silverstein Steven , Henderson David C. , Smith Adam , Walling David P. , Garcia Miguel , Davis Bethany , Derogatis Leonard , Sand Michael
Published: September 2019

Background Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) can be a distressing feature that contributes to the burden of the disorder, as well as being a strong predictor of functional impairment. To fully assess the burden to patients living with this illness, there is a need to develop a specific measure of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods Following initial development of the Patient-Reported Experience of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia (PRECIS) instrument, the domain structure, reliability (inter-item consistency and test-retest reliability), and validity (discriminant validity, divergent, and convergent validity) of the tool were assessed in patients (aged 18–55 years) with CIAS participating in a 12-week, Phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of BI 409306. Healthy control subjects were recruited separately. The PRECIS instrument was completed at baseline, Week 6, Week 9, and Week 12. Results The questionnaire responses of 410 patients with schizophrenia and 88 control subjects were compared. Of the original 35 items included in the draft PRECIS instrument, 11 were eliminated due to poor performance against pre-defined criteria, resulting in a 24-item questionnaire. In confirmatory factor analysis, the 24 items loaded well onto 5 domains (Attention, Memory, Executive Function, Communication, and Bother). The revised 24-item PRECIS instrument demonstrated adequate discriminant validity between patient and control groups in each of the 5 domains (p<0.0001), convergent validity as shown by a significant correlation between PRECIS scores and the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS; p<0.0001), good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha score: 0.942), and adequate test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.78). A simplified, user-friendly scoring method was identified, which assigned scores to each of the 5 domains using a 5-category Likert scale. Conclusions PRECIS is a novel self-completed sensitive instrument designed to measure the subjective experience of cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. The test development process included patient input, perceptions, and feedback, and strong evidence for the validity and reliability of the instrument was demonstrated. The scale provides a patient-based perspective to complement existing objective measures of cognition and serves to define key patient-based endpoints for use in future clinical studies.
Self-stigma and associated factors among Outpatients with Schizophrenia in low income East African countries: Ethiopia
Authors: Weldemariam Hailemarim Hailesilasiie , Tsegabrihan Hagos
Published: September 2019

Background Even though there are efforts to expand of psychiatric treatment and recovery, there is limited data on the extent that self stigma complicates the psychiatric treatment adherence and lives of outpatients with schizophrenia in low income East African countries. This study was conducted with aim determine distribution of self stigma and associated socio-demographic and clinical factors among outpatients with schizophrenia in Ethiopia. Methods the study was an institution based cross-sectional conducted at Ayder Referral Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. Single population proportion formula was used to calculate sample size. Consecutive consenting outpatients with schizophrenia selected and assessed using Tigrigna version of the perceived devaluation and discrimination scale. Result data was collected from 2016 outpatients with schizophrenia; with response rate of 92.7%, who were males (70.8%), single (59.7%), within age range of 23 to34 years (42.1%), (Orthodox in religion (81.6%), could not read and write (52.8%), unemployed (86.6%), living in rural areas (55.1%) and with their family (82.9%). The mean ages of the participants were 32.9 years. 67.1% of the study participants reported self stigma. Factors such as being single (AOR=6.2, 95% CI= 1.83-21.21), rural resident (AOR=3.7, 95% CI= 1.47-9.14), living alone (AOR=9.5, 95% CI= 1.59-56.40), low educational status (AOR= 13.4, 95% CI=2.1-13.16), being with the illness with delayed treatment for more than eleven years (AOR=11.6, 95% CI=2.19-61.7), non-adherence to clinical follow up (AOR=10.6, 95% CI=2.96-12.7) and medications non-adherence (AOR=3.7, 95% CI=1.10-12.37) were positively significantly associated with self stigma of outpatients with schizophrenia. Conclusion and Recommendation self stigma is major problem of outpatients with schizophrenia of low income country Ethiopia. Especially, self stigma complicates the lives of single and low educational level persons with schizophrenia and is likely disrupt the psychiatric treatment and recovery process. Our findings recommend that non-governmental and international charity organizations shall help persons with schizophrenia reduce their self stigma.
Developing an evidence-based ethics education program for surgical residents in Guatemala
Authors: Arévalo Maria Lorena Aguilera , Seikavizza Sergio Nicholas Martínez , Rodriguez Ery Mario , Siguantay Miguel Angel , Ovalle Jorge-Fernando Solares , Rosales Luis Fernando Talé , Barchi Francis
Published: September 2019

Background: Training in responsible conduct of research and human subjects protections (RCR/HSP) is seldom included in postgraduate medical education in low-and middle-income (LMIC) countries despite requirements that residents undertake research projects. Investigators introduced a Spanish-language training program in RCR/HSP for surgical residents in Guatemala using “off-the-shelf” on-line materials, developed a new in-person curriculum specific to the local context, and compared the two teaching modalities with the aim of generating recommendations to improve resident training. Methods: In 2018, surgical residents in three large urban hospitals in Guatemala City completed two on-line programs in RCR/HSP as well as pre- and post-training assessments. Residents in the intervention arm also completed seven weeks of in-person training. Assessments tested awareness of key concepts in the on-line courses with particular attention to international and Guatemalan research regulations. Group differences in matched (pre- and post-) mean scores were analyzed using t-tests to determine gains by study arm assignment. Results: Of the 160 surgical residents, 140 completed pre- and post-training assessments and were included in the analytic sample. Overall mean scores improved from 52.7 to 58.7 points out of 100.The differences in gains between the two arms were very small and there was insufficient statistical power to detect significance. Trainees completing in-person training reported greater confidence in recognizing ethical issues, understanding the legal and ethical requirements for research, and identifying, reporting and avoiding scientific misconduct than trainees who completed on-line training only. Conclusion: Differences in gains in RCR/HSP knowledge and self-efficacy between trainees completing on-line training only and those completing in-person as well as on-line training are too modest to preference one mode of instruction over another in this setting. Given the limited availability of RCR/HSP faculty, financial resources, and time in the surgical training schedule, however, the investigators recommend that academic authorities in Guatemala consider on-line training programs in RCR/HSP in all surgical residency programs as an affordable and scalable strategy to build ethical research skills in its surgical workforce.
A retrospective observational study of intraductal breast papilloma and its coexisting lesions: a real-world experience
Authors: Mao Xiaoyun , Wang Huan , Sun Zhe , Fan Chuifeng , Jin Feng
Published: September 2019

Background: Breast intraductal papilloma are a heterogeneous group. The aim of this study is to investigate the intraductal breast papilloma and its coexisting lesions retrospectively in real-world practice. Methods: We retrospectively identified 4450 intraductal breast papilloma and its coexisting lesions. Results: 18.36% coexisted with malignant lesions of the breast, 37.33% coexisted with atypia hyperplasia, 25.24% coexisted with benign lesions and only 19.10% coexisted without concomitant lesions. In addition, 36.80% of intraductal breast papilloma had nipple discharge, 51.46% had a palpable breast mass and 16.45% had both nipple discharge and a palpable breast mass. 28.18% experienced discomfort or were asymptomatic. Furthermore, 98.99% had ultrasound abnormalities, 53.06% had intraductal hypoechoic upon ultrasound. 31.89% had mammographic distortion, 14.45% had microcalcification upon mammography. Intraductal breast papilloma with malignancy had significant correlations with clinical manifestations. Conclusion: Coexisting malignancy was also related to ultrasound abnormality (BIRADS 4C and 5), mammographic distortion and microcalcification upon mammography but was not related to the intraductal hypoechoic upon ultrasound. Coexisting atypical hyperplasia correlated with nipple discharge but not palpable mass, mammographic distortion or intraductal hypoechoic upon ultrasound. The coexisting atypia hyperplasia was also related to abnormality upon ultrasound or microcalcification compared with the benign lesions. The intraductal papilloma coexists with malignancy or atypia hyperplasia accounted for more than 50%, the clinical information on papilloma and its coexisting lesions is nonspecific. We recommended surgical treatment for benign intraductal papillary lesions. Impact: The current study provides insight into the real-world pattern of intraductal papillomas and their coexisting lesions in a population of Chinese women.
Molecular subtyping improves prognostication of Stage 2 colorectal cancer
Authors: Purcell Rachel Violet , Schmeier Sebastian , Lau Yee Chen , Pearson John F , Frizelle Francis A
Published: September 2019

Background: Post-surgical staging is the mainstay of prognostic stratification for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we compare TNM staging to consensus molecular subtyping (CMS) and assess the value of subtyping in addition to stratification by TNM. Methods: Three hundred and eight treatment-naïve colorectal tumours were accessed from our institutional tissue bank. CMS typing was carried out using tumour gene-expression data. Post-surgical TNM-staging and CMS were analysed with respect to clinicopathologic variables and patient outcome. Results: CMS alone was not associated with survival, while TNM stage significantly explained mortality. Addition of CMS to TNM-stratified tumours showed a prognostic effect in stage 2 tumours; CMS3 tumours had a significantly lower overall survival (P = 0.006). Stage 2 patients with a good prognosis showed immune activation and up-regulation of tumour suppressor genes. Conclusions: Although stratification using CMS does not outperform TNM staging as a prognostic indicator, gene-expression based subtyping shows promise for improved prognostication in stage 2 CRC.
Glioma SOX2 expression decreased after adjuvant therapy
Authors: Yu Wei , Ren Xiaoqiu , Hu Chunxiu , Tan Yinuo , Shui Yongjie , Chen Zexin , Zhang Lili , Peng Jiaping , Wei Qichun
Published: September 2019

Objectives: SOX2 is regarded as an important marker in stem cell. The change of SOX2 expression after adjuvant therapy in high grade glioma (HGG) remains unknown so far. Few patients with recurrent glioma have opportunity to undergo operation once again, so the recurrent glioma samples are scarce. This study tries to analyze SOX2 expression in paired primary and recurrent HGG, aims to better understand the transformation law of SOX2 after adjuvant therapy in HGG. Methods: Twenty-four recurrent HGG patients who undergone a second resection were included. 16 patients received adjuvant therapy, the remaining 8 patients didn’t receive any adjuvant therapy at all. The protein expression of SOX2 in paired primary and recurrent HGG was tested by immunohistochemistry. The statistical analysis was conducted by IBM SPSS Statistics 19.0. Results: In primary HGG, SOX2 expression of 3+,2+,1+ and 0+ were seen in 20 (83.3%), 1 (4.2%), 1 (4.2%) and 2 cases (8.3%), respectively. The expression of SOX2 was decreased in recurrent HGG compared to the paired primary sample (p=0.001). The decrease of SOX2 was often seen in patients received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both (p=0.003). Patients with SOX2 high expression in primary glioma had a longer median PFS than those with SOX2 low expression with marginal statistic significance (12.7 vs. 5.4 months, p=0.083). For cases with SOX2 high expression in the primary glioma, those had SOX2 low expression after recurrence seemed to have worse prognosis as compared to patients with stable SOX2 high expression (PFS: 10.4 vs. 14.9 months, p=0.036; OS: 27.0 vs 49.5 months, p=0.005). Conclusions: This is the first study comparing the protein expression of SOX2 in recurrent HGG and its paired primary tumor. SOX2 high expression is common in brain HGG, a tendency of decreased SOX2 expression in recurrent gliomas was evidenced. Lower SOX2 expression was seen in those patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Patients with low SOX2 expression in primary HGG usually have poorer prognosis, those with SOX2 expression decreased in recurrent HGG had worse outcome.
A multicenter randomized trial of personalized acupuncture, fixed acupuncture, letrozole and placebo on live birth for infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Huang Shiya , Hu Min , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Zheng Yanhua , Wen Qidan , Li Juan , Yu Chuyi , Liu Jia , Wang Cong , Lai Maohua , Wang Xinhua , Wen Xiaohui , Li Shuna , Quan Kewei , Shang Hongcai , Ma Hongxia , Qiao Jie
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usually involves syndrome and disease differentiation, and for acupuncture selection of appropriate points and skillful needling techniques. Many clinical trials on acupuncture used fixed acupuncture protocols without accounting for individual differences. We here design a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate whether personalized or fixed acupuncture increases the likelihood of live births for infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with placebo letrozole. We hypothesis that letrozole is more effective than personalized acupuncture, and personalized acupuncture is more effective than fixed acupuncture, which is more effective than placebo letrozole. Moreover, personalized acupuncture is more likely to reduce miscarriage rate and the risk of pregnancy complications than letrozole.METHODS / DESIGN The study is a randomized assessor-blind controlled trial. A total of 1,100 infertile women with PCOS will be recruited from 28 hospitals and randomly allocated into four groups: A) letrozole, B) personalized acupuncture, C) fixed acupuncture, or D) placebo letrozole. They will receive treatment for 16 weeks and the primary outcome is live birth. Secondary outcomes include ovulation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, hormonal and metabolic profile, and quality-of-life scores. The side effect profile will be recorded throughout the trial. All statistical analyses will be performed using the SPSS program V.21.0 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA) and a p value <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.DISCUSSION This study is the first multicentre RCT to compare personalized or fixed acupuncture, letrozole or placebo letrozole on live birth for infertility in women with PCOS. This findings will inform whether personalized acupuncture therapy could be as an alternative treatment method on live birth for infertile women with PCOS.
Biosolids Improve Urban Soil Properties and Vegetable Production in Urban Agriculture
Authors: Alvarez‐Campos Odiney , Evanylo Gregory K.
Published: September 2019

Exceptional quality (EQ) biosolids may be used to rehabilitate disturbed urban soils for vegetable production in urban gardens. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of various EQ biosolids products on urban soil properties and vegetable yield. Field research was conducted at Blacksburg, VA, in an urban subsoil fill from a nearby construction site. Three EQ biosolids products were applied biannually at agronomic nitrogen (N) rates (fall 2016–2017, and summer 2017–2018) and annually at land reclamation rates (5× agronomic N rate; fall 2016–2017). A heat‐dried and pelletized EQ biosolids product and inorganic fertilizer were applied biannually at agronomic N rate only. Biosolids increased soil C storage vs. the control by 37 to 84% after 2 yr. Soil N availability was less than expected based on previous greenhouse research even after cumulative biosolids rates. Lower N availability likely was due to low organic matter and high clay concentrations that reduced organic N mineralization. Cabbage [Brassica oleraceaL. var.capitataL.] (∼3.1 kg m–2) and Siberian kale [Brassica napusL. subsp.napusvar.pabularia(DC.) Alef.] (∼1.1 kg m–2) yields were greater with reclamation rates than with the inorganic fertilizer (1.0 kg m–2and 0.4 kg m–2, respectively) in fall 2017. Despite limiting soil physicochemical conditions, biosolids addition at reclamation rates showed greater potential to increase vegetable yield after 2 yr of application.
Riscos ocupacionais em catadores de materiais recicláveis (Campina Grande, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil)
Authors: Batista Fábio Giovanni de Araújo
Published: September 2019

A gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos municipais compõe fator importante para com a responsabilidade socioambiental em detrimento da sustentabilidade local. O catador de resíduos sólidos constitui importante personagem por agregar valor aos descartes sociais, segregando e acondicionando em condições de venda. As tarefas executadas no galpão da Associação dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis da Comunidade Nossa Senhora Aparecida (ARENSA), localizado no Município de Campina Grande, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, por trabalhadores associados, delinearam este artigo, por propiciar a caracterização e classificação de riscos ocupacionais que eles estão susceptíveis. Os objetivos deste artigo foram a observação dos métodos de trabalho, a caracterização dos materiais de interesse, a avaliação dos riscos físicos, químicos e biológicos inerentes ao trabalho, bem como a elaboração de matriz de riscos. Foram observados 16 diferentes materiais, seguindo-se a nomenclatura adotada pelos catadores. Os riscos físicos foram identificados em papel branco, plástico grade, PEAD, PVC, alumínios fino e duro, vidros, ferragens e na extração da bobina de cobre, os riscos químicos foram observados nos plásticos PEAD, bacias e vidros, os riscos biológicos foram constatados em 15 dos produtos com exceção da bobina de cobre. Após avaliação dos riscos ocupacionais, via matriz de riscos e padrão para Riscos Ocupacionais à Saúde e Segurança (ROSS) foi possível classificá-los em leves (43,75%), moderados (43,75%) e críticos (12,5%), estando todos acima dos padrões estimados.
Optimal investment portfolio selection from the largest Ukrainian companies: comparative study of conventional and responsible portfolios
Authors: Plastun Alex , Makarenko Inna , Yelnikova Yulia , Bychenko Diana
Published: September 2019

This paper is devoted to the comparing stock portfolios of the largest conventional and responsible Ukrainian companies as the basis for substantiating the structure of an optimal investment portfolio in the current conditions of development of the financial market of Ukraine. The empirical basis of the research was the data of quotations of shares of 6 most liquid conventional and 6 responsible companies in the Ukrainian and Warsaw exchanges. The methodological basis of calculations was the classic Markowitz portfolio optimization model. The key hypothesis of the research was to check that the conventional investment portfolios of Ukrainian companies outperform the responsible investment portfolios by their parameters (return, risk). This hypothesis was rejected. The obtained results have not only theoretical significance – both the rationale for the threat of responsible investment in Ukraine and the applied value for market participants in terms of investment decisions making, taking into consideration the ESG criteria, and the formation of investment portfolios from shares of the responsible companies, the key parameters of which exceed the conventional portfolios.
Prognosticating job satisfaction and morale determinants of public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators
Authors: Jeremiah Andrew , (Braam) Rust Abraham , Martin Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Rewards are a function of job satisfaction and morale. As a result, it is generally accepted that dissatisfaction with intrinsic and extrinsic rewards offered by the employer results in employee reduced job satisfaction and morale. This paper endeavors to contribute to an understanding of the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic rewards on the job satisfaction and resultant morale of employees in an organization. The paper focuses on a case study organization that adds value in the South African context. The paper reviews theoretical and empirical rewards literature and their relationship with the job satisfaction and morale of employees (n = 265). A quantitative research design approach which is rarely used in this type of research was adopted. A self-administered Job Descriptive Index (JDI) was utilized in collecting data. The JDI measures people’s satisfaction with five (5) different aspects of the job, which are detailed in this paper. Data were processed using Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study revealed that both extrinsic and intrinsic rewards significantly influenced the job satisfaction and morale of public TVET educators in Western Cape public TVET institutions. Besides extrinsic rewards such as pay and bonuses, intrinsic rewards such as the job itself, supervision, career progression opportunities and relationships among principals and staff, and among educators and learners were found to be also instrumental in enhancing the job satisfaction and morale of educators.
Children’s Empathy and Family Income: The Mediating Role of Family Communication Pattern
Authors: Amanda Gianti , Agoes Salim Rose Mini
Published: September 2019

The research examined whether the communication patterns in the family by conversation and conformity orientations served as mediators of the relation between children’s empathy and family income. The research was conducted to parents of children age six to eight years old as the participants (N = 233) in Jakarta, Indonesia. The parents’ completed parent’s questionnaire for children’s empathy, family income, and family communication pattern. The relation analyzed using PROCESS Hayes. The results that the family communication pattern partially mediated the children’s empathy and family income. This research result shows a couple of findings. First, the children who come from a low-income family with family conformity orientation have lower empathy. The second finding is that the children with the family who have family conversation orientation have higher empathy. This second finding works for both low and high incomes family. Besides, only conformity orientation is found to mediate the effect of family income on child’s empathy. This research finds there are connections between family environment and children’s behavior. Developing the children’s empathy going to be positive for their social-emotional outcomes in the future is paramount because the children learn to express and regulate their emotion in a positive way when they have higher empathy.
Early prenatal diagnosis of umbilical cord hemangiomixoma
with a favorable outcome
Authors: N.L. Pavlova , L.V. Gotovtseva , O.A. Moskvina et all
Published: September 2019

A case of ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of the umbilical cord hemangiomixome is presented. The tumor
was first detected at 12 weeks as a liquid multi-compartment formation associated with the umbilical cord,
avascular. When examined in dynamics from 13–14 to 29 weeks, the structure of the formation changed to a
cystic and solid one, the sizes quickly increased to giant ones due to a cystic component, a volume of 1482 cm3
.
The blood supply in the solid component progressively increased. Simultaneously with these changes, significant
edema and small cysts of the varton jelly were noted, the thickness of the umbilical cord reached 66 mm in the
period of 29 weeks. Operative delivery was performed at 38–39 weeks. A live boy weighing 2440 grams was born.
The tumor size exceeding the size of the placenta, with a histological examination is qualified as a hemangiomixoma.
Echographic characteristics of the malformations associated with
abnormal urorectal septum development
Authors: A.M. Stygar , S.I. Buryakova , Yu.I. Kucherov ey all
Published: September 2019

Three cases of prenatal diagnosis of malformations associated with abnormal urorectal septum development were presented at 12, 20 and 31 weeks of gestation. The difficulty to diagnose this group of malformations
is reported to depend on the characteristics of the echographic pattern at various stages of pregnancy due to a
complex multi-system anatomical variation.
Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst in a second trimester fetus with
multiple congenital malformations
Authors: I.V. Novikova, I.V. Solovyeva, E.I. Marachovskaya
Published: September 2019

A case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst (BC) in a 20 weeks fetus aborted after prenatal diagnosis is
reported. Sonographic examination demonstrated subdiaphragmatic anechoic cyst evaluated as dilated proximal
end of duodenum. Postabortion investigation revealed histological findings of BC.
Complexo Petroquímico do Rio de Janeiro e o Descumprimento dos Preceitos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e da Justiça Ambiental
Authors: Silva Hudson Santos da , Machado Carlos José Saldanha , Vilani Rodrigo Machado
Published: September 2019

Os megaempreendimentos ocupam lugar de destaque na política de desenvolvimento brasileira, sendo apresentados como propulsores do progresso nacional. Historicamente, este modelo resulta em cenários de injustiça ambiental, caracterizados por conflitos socioambientais, desigualdades socioeconômicas, desequilíbrio no acesso a informações e desvantagens para as populações historicamente marginalizadas. O objetivo desse trabalho é verificar, se os investimentos no setor de petróleo e gás natural do Plano de Aceleração de Crescimento (PAC) do Governo Federal, especificamente do Complexo Petroquímico do Rio de Janeiro (Comperj), seguem o mesmo padrão histórico de injustiça ambiental. Com base em uma metodologia qualitativa de análise de documentos oficiais do empreendimento e de matérias de jornais e revistas sobre sua realização, chega-se à conclusão de que há um desalinhamento entre os investimentos e as possibilidades de desenvolvimento sustentável, uma desorganização na execução do investimento e sua captura por interesses privados através de práticas de corrupção por agentes públicos.
Transformation of education in the conditions of digitalization
Authors: Klochkova Elena N. , Sadovnikova Natalya A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the studyis carrying out the analysis of current trends in education in the conditions of digitalization. In the put modern economic and technological conditions new modern approaches to development of key competences of digital economy, ensuring mass digital literacy of experts and personalisation of educational process are required. For realization of the specified purpose the passport of the Federal project “Shots for Digital Economy” is approved on May 28, 2019. According to target indicators of the Project by 2024 have to be trained on online to programs of development of digital literacy; 120 thousand people have to be accepted on training in programs of the higher education in the sphere of information technologies; about 8 programs of the higher education for the benefit of digital economy are created. The research problem – to establish as far as realizuyema goals.

Materials and methods.For the purpose of the description of the current situation methods of descriptive statistics are used. The analysis of information collected during the sociological poll organized and held by PPS of department of statistics together with ANO Council for Questions of Management and Development at Department of work and social protection of the population of the city of Moscow is provided. Methods of visualization of data are applied to evident data presentation. Data processing was carried out with application of MS of Excel and a package of the IBM SPSS Statistics application programs.

Results.The carried-out analysis allowed to define top trends in education. The revealed trends proved need of improvement of quality of education with application of information and communication technologies. Results of a research show about demand in labor market of experts in the sphere of information and communication technologies, including among persons with limited opportunities. The world rankings testify to low positions of Russia on the level of involvement of the experts having the specified skills.

Conclusion.At the same time, the programs implemented by the state in education will allow to build a qualitative education system at all levels, including both support of talented youth in mathematics and informatics, and training of the highly qualified personnel conforming to new requirements of digital economy and also programs of retraining and professional development for the most demanded professions.
Down-regulation of MiR-138-5p Protects Chondrocytes ATDC5 and CHON-001 from IL-1 β-induced Inflammation Via Up-regulating SOX9
Authors: Chunlei He , Chang Zhao , Sheng Liu , Yanchun Zhong , Lulin Liu , Daozhang Cai
Published: September 2019

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) pertains to a chronic disease of degenerative joints distinguished by
articular cartilage destruction, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and inflammatory changes.
Chondrocyte apoptosis is inextricably linked to cartilage degeneration. SRY-related high-mobility-group-box 9
(SOX9) is a well-acknowledged transcription factor in the chondrogenesis. Nevertheless, the detailed function of
miR-138-5p/SOX9 in OA remains to be fully clarified.

Materials and Methods:

qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expressions of miR-138-5p and SOX9 mRNA
in OA and normal cartilage tissues and cells. Human chondrocyte cell lines, CHON-001 and ATDC5, were
treated with different doses of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to simulate the inflammatory response environment of OA.
miR-138-5p mimics, miR-138-5p inhibitors, and SOX9 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were constructed and
transfected into CHON-001 and ATDC5 cells. CCK-8 was conducted to determine the cell viability and transwell
assay was used to monitor the migration of cells. Western blot was carried out to detect the expressions of apoptosis-
related factors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the contents of inflammatory
factors. TargetScan predicted SOX9 was a target gene of miR-138-5p, which was then verified by
luciferase assay.

Results:

miR-138-5p expression was down-regulated in OA and regulated SOX9 expression. The downregulation
of miR-138-5p facilitated the proliferation and migration of CHON-001 and ATDC5 cells, while impeded
their apoptosis and inflammatory response. Besides, down-regulated SOX9 can counteract the promoting
effect of down-regulated miR-138-5p on the proliferation and migration of chondrocytes.

Conclusion:

miR-138-5p can arrest the proliferation and migration of CHON-001 and ATDC5 via restraining
SOX9, and facilitate the apoptosis and inflammation. This study revealed the protective effect of down-regulated
miR-138-5p on the inflammatory injury of chondrocytes caused by IL-1β.
Preparation and Application of CuO@RHA/MCM-41 Nanocomposite for the Synthesis of Fused pyrano[4,3-b]chromenones
Authors: Nikpassand Mohammad , Fekri Leila Zare , Pourahmad Afshin
Published: September 2019

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of fused pyrano[4,3-b]chromene derivatives via
three-component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, 2-naphthol and 4-hydroxycoumarin,
using CuO@RHA/MCM-41 nanocomposite at room temperature, is described. This nanocomposite
consists of CuO nanoparticles and MCM-41 matrix obtained from Rice Husk Ash (RHA). This method
provides several advantages, such as simple work-up, eco-friendly procedure and short reaction time
along with high yields. All of synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, NMR and Elemental
analyses.
Reliability of a Smartphone Compared With an Inertial Sensor to Measure Shoulder Mobility: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Roldán-Jiménez Cristina , Martin-Martin Jaime , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I
Published: September 2019

Background

The shoulder is one of the joints with the greatest mobility within the human body and its evaluation is complex. An assessment can be conducted using questionnaires or functional tests, and goniometry can complement the information obtained in this assessment. However, there are now validated devices that can provide more information on the realization of movement, such as inertial sensors. The cost of these devices is usually high and they are not available to all clinicians, but there are also inertial sensors that are implemented in mobile phones which are cheaper and widely available. Results from the inertial sensors integrated into mobile devices can have the same reliability as those from dedicated sensors.

Objective

This study aimed to validate the use of the Nexus 4 smartphone as a measuring tool for the mobility of the humerus during shoulder movement compared with a dedicated InertiaCube3 (Intersense) sensor.

Methods

A total of 43 subjects, 27 affected by shoulder pathologies and 16 asymptomatic, participated in the study. Shoulder flexion, abduction, and scaption were measured using an InertiaCube3 and a Nexus 4 smartphone, which were attached to the participants to record the results simultaneously. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated based on the 3 movements performed.

Results

The smartphone reliably recorded the velocity values and simultaneously recorded them alongside the inertial sensor. The ICCs of the 3 gestures and for each of the axes of movement were analyzed with a 95% CI. In the abduction movement, the devices demonstrated excellent interclass reliability for the abduction humeral movement axis (Cronbach alpha=.98). The axis of abduction of the humeral showed excellent reliability for the movements of flexion (Cronbach alpha=.93) and scaption (Cronbach alpha=.98).

Conclusions

Compared with the InertiaCube3, the Nexus 4 smartphone is a reliable and valid tool for recording the velocity produced in the shoulder.
Cambios de uso del suelo y su influencia en la agricultura de riego en el Subtrópico Mexicano
Authors: Juan Pérez José Isabel
Published: September 2019

Ante la problemática que se presenta en el ejido de Santa Ana Xochuca del subtrópico mexicano, se realizó el análisis espacio-temporal de las interacciones que influyen en los procesos de cambio de uso del suelo y su asociación con la agricultura de riego en 2006 y 2016; ya que en esta localidad, en 2006 había trece almacenamientos y para 2016 se incrementaron a 22, factor que provoca cambios de uso del suelo, aumento de la agrodiversidad, conversión de la agricultura y mayor producción de alimentos. La investigación se sustenta en geografía ambiental, ecología cultural, técnicas de trabajo de campo y teledetección en imágenes de satélite.
Korupsi Siemens Aktiengesellschaft dalam United Nations-Oil For Food Programme (Un-Offp) di Irak
Authors: Puspapertiwi Sheiffi
Published: September 2019

Corruption, as a nontraditional form of crime, occurred when power is abused to gain certain favours for individuals or parties at the expense of the rest. Siemens Aktiengesellscahft (Siemens AG) bribery case is the biggest company corruption revealed in history, in which the company had been convicted guilty for giving bribes to governments in many countries, from developing to developed countries. In Iraq, Siemens AG was proved guilty for giving bribes to Saddam Hussein regime during its involvement in United Nation Oil for Food Programme (UN-OFFP) in 2000-2002. This research is conducted to understand causing factors of such action by employing qualitative data for further analysis. Research finding shows that corruption in UN-OFFP involving three institutions: Siemens AS, Saddam Hussein regime, and UN, was occurred due to pragmatism in pursuing economic motive which encouraged by accommodative culture and enabled by weak law enforcement.
Between the Supreme Leader and the President: Understanding Wilayat al Faqih (Iranian) System of Governance
Authors: ALDosari Noof Rashid
Published: September 2019

This paper is going to explain Wilayat al Faqih (Iranian) system of governance by looking at it from institutional and elite theory approach. The paper will try also to look at the so called “president dilemma” within Wilayat al Faqih system of governance, which is represented by the power struggle between the institution of the supreme leader and the institution of the president in public policy making. This power struggle revealed the weakness of the ideology and the institution of Wilayat al Faqih founded by the leader of the Iranian revolution, Khomeini. And became to open the door for many questions of whether or not the Wilayat al Faqih ideology and institution can lead to a constitutional crisis, if not what kind of future is held for both the institution of the supreme leader and the institution of the president under its system?