bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Pharmacogenetic Information in Food and Drug Administration Drug Labeling and the Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations
Authors: Cheng Christine M. , So Thomas W. , Bubp Jeff L.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using only FDA-reviewed pharmacogenetic information to make prescribing decisions based on genetic test results. Such information is available in drug labeling and in the Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations (“Associations table”).

Objective:

To compile a list of drug-gene pairs from drug labeling and the Associations table and categorize the pharmacogenetic information and clinical outcome associated with each drug-gene pair.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of pharmacogenetic information in the Associations table and individual drug labeling in March 2020. We used the Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling to identify drug labels to review. We categorized the pharmacogenetic information for each drug-gene pair according to whether the purpose was to describe (1) polymorphisms affecting drug disposition (metabolism or transport), (2) polymorphisms affecting a direct drug target, (3) variants associated with adverse drug reaction (ADR) susceptibility, (4) variants associated with therapeutic failure, (5) a biomarker-defined indication, or (6) a biomarker-defined ADR. We also categorized the clinical outcome—efficacy, safety, or unknown—associated with each drug-gene pair. We reported counts and proportions of drug-gene pairs in each pharmacogenetic information and clinical outcome category.

Results:

We identified 308 drug-gene pairs, of which 36% were associated with a biomarker-defined drug indication, 33% with polymorphic drug metabolism, and 28% with ADR susceptibility. Most drug-gene pairs (n = 267, 87%) were associated with an efficacy or safety-related outcome.

Conclusion and Relevance:

FDA-reviewed pharmacogenetic information is available for more than 300 drug-gene pairs and can help guide prescribing decisions.
Coupling effect of unbalanced magnetic pull and ball bearing on nonlinear vibration of motor rotor system
Authors: Guo Shaojie , Bai Changqing
Published: December 2020

In this article, the coupling effects of the unbalanced magnetic pull and ball bearing on nonlinear vibration of the three-phase asynchronous motor are investigated with the experimental and numerical methods. A test rig of a motor whose rotor supported by ball bearings is used and a 2 degrees of freedom magnetic solid coupling dynamic model of the motor rotor system is presented. The nonlinear dynamic response and spectrum are obtained from experiments and numerical analysis. The numerical results are in good agreement with test data, thus validating the presented model. It is found that the unbalanced magnetic pull and ball bearing forces possess the significantly interactional and nonlinear influences on the rotor dynamic characteristics. Small magnetic pull could impact the nonlinear bearing-rotor system, resulting in remarkable changes in the dynamic characteristics of the system. The effects of rotational speed and the rotor mass eccentricity on dynamic behaviors of the motor are discussed, and the results show that the magnetic pull gradually increases the amplitude of the ball bearing-rotor system, and its effect decreases with the increment of the rotational speed and mass eccentricity.
Caregivers’ perceptions of the relationship among weight, health status, and asthma in their children
Authors: Bianchi-Hayes Josette M , Cataldo Rosa , Schoenfeld Elinor R , Hou Wei , Pati Susmita
Published: December 2020

Asthma and obesity are the two most common childhood illnesses and are physiologically interrelated. Few studies have assessed parental perceptions and beliefs about this relationship to better target education and therapy. This study aimed to determine caregiver beliefs and perceptions regarding weight, health status, and asthma diagnoses. Data from a survey of caregivers to children aged 4–11 years are merged with corresponding anthropometric and medical data from the electronic medical record. Caregivers of children with asthma completed a supplemental questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate associations between perception of health problem, asthma, and weight status. Increased weight status was ≥ 85th body mass index percentile per Centers for Disease Control classifications. Compared to caregivers of healthy children and those of children with healthy weight and asthma, caregivers of dual diagnosis children were more likely to identify weight as a health problem (OR = 3.89, 95% confidence interval [1.48, 10.21]). Nevertheless, only 31% of caregivers of children with dual diagnosis believed weight contributed to the severity of their child’s asthma. Less than one third of caregivers of dual diagnosis children believed that these diagnoses are interrelated. Addressing this gap in understanding is a critical next step to developing family-centered interventions.
The (broken) promise of queerbaiting: Happiness and futurity in politics of queer representation
Authors: McDermott Michael
Published: December 2020

‘Queerbaiting’ is a pejorative fan-coined term that refers to the media practice of deliberately hinting at, or advertising, queer representation to attract and gain the investments of LGBTQ viewers without ever following through on this promise. Utilizing a range of queer theories of affect as well as data gathered from online discussions with fans, this article explores how fans are reading, conceptualizing, and mobilizing concepts of queerness and emotion in critiquing the practices and motivations behind queerbaiting. I argue that queerbaiting discourse is deeply invested in orientations towards the future marked by the promise of happiness. I assert that through these politics, queerbaiting is positioned as opposing the liveability of queers.
‘In the vertigo of this freedom’: Democracy between procedural and divided popular sovereignty
Authors: Bozzon Matteo
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to investigate the Habermasian way of problematizing the European political situation through consideration of the conceptual framework within which he develops his proposal. I begin by clarifying various conceptual difficulties that emerge when thinking about politics within the European Union. I then focus on the concept of popular sovereignty as procedure, which Habermas develops in Between Facts and Norms against the historical backdrop of the nation state. In the debate regarding European constitutionalization, the concept of popular sovereignty as procedure first assumes a critical function (made possible owing to its desubstantializing effect) against proponents of the no demos thesis. More recently, Habermas has advanced a concept of shared/divided sovereignty, which becomes indispensable when we consider Europe as a democratic federation. The conclusions hereby drawn disclose two problematic aspects of Habermas’s recent proposal. Respectively, these concern the viability of his approach and the questionable plausibility of this proposed federation’s ability to uphold democracy in terms of self-determination.
Relational counselling as a psychosocial intervention for dementia: Qualitative evidence from people living with dementia and family members
Authors: Griffiths Alys Wyn , Shoesmith Emily , Sass Cara , Nicholson Paul , Charura Divine
Published: December 2020

Counselling and other psychotherapeutic interventions can be offered to people with dementia and their caregivers, to treat specific conditions or symptoms (e.g. affective disorders such as depression). Psychotherapeutic interventions also offer the opportunity for individuals with dementia and their families/caregivers to engage in psychological support for a wide range of presentations. However, little is known about how those within this demographic who receive these interventions perceive the experience. This study aimed to understand the experiences of individuals with dementia or caring for someone with dementia, before and after a 12-week relational counselling intervention delivered through a third sector organisation within England. Semi-structured interviews were completed with participants (29 pre-intervention and 25 post-intervention). Framework analysis was conducted, with four main themes identified; expectations and outcomes of counselling, emotional impact of life with dementia, appraisals of identity and importance of therapeutic relationship. Participants reported that counselling interventions addressed a range of needs and concerns that they had, enabling them to reassess and reconsider these. Specific training is needed before therapists deliver therapeutic interventions with people with dementia, to ensure that appropriate support is provided for those with more severe cognitive impairment or who may have fluctuating capacity. Future research should explore the experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers, across different counselling modalities, to establish the appropriateness and effectiveness of relational counselling.
Simulation data driven weakly supervised adversarial domain adaptation approach for intelligent cross-machine fault diagnosis
Authors: Yu Kun , Fu Qiang , Ma Hui , Lin Tian Ran , Li Xiang
Published: January 2021

In current research works, a number of intelligent fault diagnosis methods have been proposed with the assistance of domain adaptation approach, which attempt to distinguish the health modes for target domain data using the diagnostic knowledge learned from source domain data. An important assumption for these methods is that the label information for the source domain data should be known in advance. However, the high-quality condition monitoring data with sufficient label information is difficult to be acquired in the actual field, which can greatly hinder the effectiveness of domain adaptation–based fault diagnosis methods. The simulation model of the rotating machine is an effective approach to provide an insight into the characteristics of the mechanical equipment, which can also easily carry the sufficient label information for the mechanical equipment under various operating conditions. In this study, a simulation data–driven domain adaptation approach is proposed for the intelligent fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment. The simulation data from a rotor-bearing system are used to build the source domain data set, and the diagnostic knowledge learned from the simulation data is used to realize the healthy mode identification of mechanical equipment in the actual field. The proposed domain adaption approach consists of two parts. The first part is to achieve the conditional distribution alignment between source domain data and target domain supervised data in an alternative way. The second part is to achieve the marginal distribution alignment between source domain data and target domain unsupervised data in an adversarial training process. The proposed domain adaptation method is evaluated on two case studies, the diagnostic results on two case studies indicate that the proposed domain adaptation method is capable of realizing the fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment using the diagnostic knowledge learned from simulation data.
Five-year data on the first UK experience of using urethral bulking agents in treating men with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Yang Bob , Salimi Fatemeh , Foley Steve , Britnell William
Published: December 2020

Level of evidence: 4
Assessment of novel Lehmann’s funnel entry trap prototypes performance to control malaria mosquito populations
Authors: Sanou Roger , Maïga Hamidou , Bilgo Etienne M. , Sawadogo Simon P. , Sow Bazoumana B. D. , Ouema Adama , Bayili Koama , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Toé Léa Paré , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye
Published: January 2021

Background

There is a global consensus that new intervention tools are needed for the final steps toward malaria elimination/eradication. In a recent study in Burkina Faso, the Lehmann Funnel Entry Trap (LFET) has shown promising results in the reduction of mosquito densities, even in areas where insecticide resistance is as high as 80%. The LFET requires no chemicals and is self-operated. However, one of the issues with the original LFET is the size of the funnel, which often occupies too much space within users’ homes. Here, the performance of three new, smaller-sized LFET prototypes that combine a screening and killing effect on mosquitoes was assessed.

Methods

The study was carried out over three months during the rainy season in low and high malaria vector density sites, Soumousso and Vallée du Kou, respectively. The original LFET (or ‘Prototype 1’/‘P1’) was modified to produce three new prototypes, which were referred to as prototype 2 (‘the Medium’ or ‘P2’), prototype 3 (P3) and prototype 4 (P4). Each of the new prototypes was tested on eight days per month over the three-month period to assess their effectiveness in trapping and killing mosquitoes entering houses through the windows compared to the original LFET.

Results

Overall, 78,435 mosquitoes (mainly Anopheles gambiae sensu lato) were collected in the two study sites, both in the traps and in the houses. A total of 56,430 (72%) mosquitoes were collected from the traps. In Vallée du Kou, the original LFET caught a greater number of mosquitoes than the medium (prototype 2), whereas no difference was observed between the other new prototypes (3 and 4) and the medium. In Soumousso, both the original and medium LFETs collected significantly greater numbers of mosquitoes compared to prototypes 3 and 4.

Conclusion

This study has shown that the new LFET prototypes are effective in trapping mosquitoes in high mosquito density settings. A large-scale study with one of the prototypes will be needed to assess community acceptance of the traps and their ability to control malaria vectors.
In vivo anti-malarial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of rhizomes of Kniphofia foliosa and its constituents
Authors: Alebachew Yonatan , Bisrat Daniel , Tadesse Solomon , Asres Kaleab
Published: January 2021

Background

Kniphofia foliosa is a flamboyant robust perennial herb which has dense clumps and tick upright rhizomes with leaves at the base. In Ethiopia, it has several vernacular names including Abelbila, Ashenda, Amelmela, Yeznjero Ageda, Shemetmetie and Yezinjero Ageda. The plant is endemic to Ethiopian highlands, where its rhizomes are traditionally used for the treatment of malaria, abdominal cramps and wound healing. In the present study, the 80% methanol extract of K. foliosa rhizomes and its constituents are tested against Plasmodium berghei in mice.

Methods

Isolation was carried out using column and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC). The chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods (ESI–MS, 1D and 2D-NMR). Peters’ 4-day suppressive test against P. berghei in mice was utilized for in vivo anti-malarial evaluation of the test substances.

Results

Two compounds, namely knipholone and dianellin were isolated from the 80% methanolic extract of K. foliosa rhizomes, and characterized. The hydroalcoholic extract (400 mg/kg) and knipholone (200 mg/kg) showed the highest activity with chemosuppression values of 61.52 and 60.16%, respectively. From the dose–response plot, the median effective (ED50) doses of knipholone and dianellin were determined to be 81.25 and 92.31 mg/kg, respectively. Molecular docking study revealed that knipholone had a strong binding affinity to Plasmodium falciparum l-lactate dehydrogenase (pfLDH) target.

Conclusion

Results of the current study support the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of malaria.
How do apprentices moderate the influence of organizational innovation on the technological innovation process?
Authors: Rupietta Christian , Meuer Johannes , Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: January 2021

This paper contributes to the literature on non-monetary benefits of Vocational Education and Training (VET) by investigating its influence on a firm’s innovation process. While an increasing number of studies finds positive effects of VET on innovation in firms, the role that apprentices play in this mechanism has largely been unexplored. To analyze this role, we use the distinction between technological and organizational innovation, two complementary forms of innovation. When investigating the initiators of organizational innovation, to date, research has primarily focused on internal and external change agents at upper echelons. We conceptualize apprentices as hybrid (a combination of internal and external) change agents at lower echelons. We examine how apprentices in the Swiss VET system are key to integrating external knowledge (through school-based education) with internal knowledge (through on-the-job training) and moderating the influence of organizational innovation on technological innovation. Drawing on a sample of 1240 firms from a representative Swiss Innovation Survey, we show that apprentices leverage the positive association between innovations in a firm’s business processes and organization of work with incremental innovations. With the description of a new mechanism that shows the significant role of apprentices on firms’ technological innovation activities and evidence for supportive associations between key variables, we contribute to the understanding of the influence of VET on innovation in firms.
Perinatal mortality and its determinants in Sub Saharan African countries: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tiruneh Dawit , Assefa Nega , Mengiste Bezatu
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite decreasing overall perinatal and maternal mortality in high-income countries, perinatal and maternal health inequalities are persisting in Sub Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects size of rates and determinants for perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan countries.

Method

The sources for electronic datasets were PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Google, Google Scholar, and WHO data Library. Observational studies published in the English language from January 01, 2000, to May 30, 2019 were included. STROBE and JBI tools were used to include relevant articles for this review. We used a Comberehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 software for this analysis. The I2and Q- statistic values were used to detect the level of heterogeneity. The Kendall’s without continuity correction, Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation and Egger’s linear regression tests were used to detect the existence of significant publication bias (P <  0.10). The effects size were expressed in the form of point estimate and odds ratio with 95% CI (P <  0.05) in the random effect analysis using the trim and fill method.

Result

Twenty-one articles were included in this review. However, only fourteen studies reported the perinatal mortality rate. Among 14 studies, the observed and adjusted PMR was found to be 58.35 and 42.95 respectively. The odds of perinatal mortality among mothers who had no ANC visits was 2.04 (CI: 1.67, 2.49,P <  0.0001) as compared to those who had at least one ANC visit. The odds of perinatal mortality among preterm babies was 4.42 (CI: 2.83, 6.88,P <  0.0001). In most cases, heterogeneity was not evident when subgroup analyses were assessed by region, study design, and setting. Only perinatal mortality (P <  0.0001), antenatal care (P <  0.046) and preterm births (P <  0.034) showed a relationship between the standardized effect sizes and standard errors of these effects.

Conclusion

In general, engaging in systematic review and meta-analysis would potentially improve under-represented strategies and actions by informing policy makers and program implementers for minimizing the existing socioeconomic inequalities between regions and nations.
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals From Mixed Domestic Sewage Through Vertical- Flow Constructed Wetland Planted with Canna Indica and Acorus Calamus
Authors: Barya Mahesh Prasad , Gupta Deepak , Shukla Reetika , Thakur Tarun Kumar , Mishra Virendra Kumar
Published: January 2021

The removal of contaminants from sewage wastewater through constructed wetlands is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Constructed wetland (CW) is a man-made structure for wastewater treatment that uses natural processes associated with wetland vegetation, soils, and their associated microbial combinations. This study investigated the performance of experimental vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) cells to remove heavy metals (HMs) from primary treated sewage. The primary treated sewage was collected from the sewage treatment plant (STP) in the campus of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India. Sewage wastewater samples were collected from all cells of the experimental VFCW and analyzed for four heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cu, and Cr). The plant species results show that the removal efficiency of the Canna indica L. for Zn, Fe, Cu, and Cr was 95%, 92%, 96%, and 93 % and Acorus calamus L.were 89 %, 80 %, 91 %, and 47 % respectively. These macrophytes with the substrate (gravel and sand) have presented a wide range of tolerance to all the selected metals and therefore can be used for field-scale constructed wetland removal of heavy metals from sewage wastewater.
Water Relations of Two Adjacently Growing Tree Species Shorea Robusta Gaertn-and Pinus Roxburbhii Sarg-in the Lower Himalayan Region
Authors: Tewari Ashish
Published: January 2021

Water potential (predawn and mid day), water potential components (osmotic potential at full and zero turgor, relative water content), soil water potential and leaf conductance were measured for two adjacently growing tree species Shorea robusta Gaertn and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. at an elevation of 1370m. The stands were open and the density of S. robusta was 212 trees/ha and of P. roxburghii was 141trees/ha. Presence of high number of saplings indicates both the species were regenerating well in the site despite human disturbance. S. robusta maintained relatively high predawn water potential even in summers (above -0.50MPa) and P. roxburghii showed low predawn water potential in early summer and summer season (above-1.4 MPa). P. roxburghii maintained a relatively small daily change in water potential during early summer and summer season (0.33MPa and 0.27MPa) indicating greater ability of the species to close its stomata as drought intensifies. The values of osmotic potential at full and zero turgor remained more or less constant for S. robusta from monsoon to winter and then declined during early summer. P. roxburghii showed a gradual decline in osmotic potential values from monsoon to winter season. Chir-pine has the ability of invade and grow on sites that are water stressed which can be related to its capacity to show high osmotic adjustment.. The most negative values of soil water potential were in early summer in both years. The morning and afternoon conductance was lowest during early summer and highest in autumn season.
Metal Induced Risk of Diabetes Mellitus Due to Toxicological Effects of Mercury: Influence of Environmental Threats
Authors: Guria Srikanta
Published: January 2021

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition of hyperglycemia due to defects of insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Toxic metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, arsenic and mercury have been identified which accumulate in various biological samples from T2D (type 2 diabetes) patients through environmental pollution and food chain. Present study will elucidate the toxicological effects of mercury (II) chloride in the pancreatic islets and liver tissues of rat which leads to dysfunction and degeneration of pancreatic islets and liver. Photomicrograph of histology of treated pancreas exhibited the disruption of islets, disorientation of cells and disruption of connective tissue septa. In mercury (II) chloride treated group pancreatic cells were found to be pyknotic and cellular death was confirmed by membrane rupture and necrosis. Alteration of blood glucose levels were observed by glucose tolerance test. The liver sections of rats treated with mercury (II) chloride showed modification in the structure of this organ. Treated liver showed lower periodic acid/Schiff response. In this study, changes in the architecture of pancreatic islets as well as liver may be the reason behind diabetes.
Spatiotemporal Pattern Assessment of Precipitation for the Wainganga Sub-Basin
Authors: Thakur Aradhana , Mishra Prabhash Kumar , Nema A K , Sahoo Souranshu Prasad
Published: January 2021

Precipitation is the major component of a hydrologic system, which significantly influences the planning and management of the water resources. The present study is principally concerned with the shifting of precipitation patterns over time. This study attempted to explain the precipitation trend for 65 years (1951-2015) using a Mann-Kendall test (MK test) and trend magnitude by Sen's slope estimator. Daily gridded data procured from India Meteorological Department (IMD) of 0.25º × 0.25º degrees to find the monthly and seasonal variability of precipitation. Eighty-five grids were falling in the basin processed for the periods from 1951 to 2015. The statistical analysis revealed that the average annual precipitation (AAP) and monsoon precipitation following the insignificant downward trend with Z statistics 0.10 and 1.23 and Sen's slope 0.79 and 0.76, respectively, over the basin. The shift analysis shows the AAP and monsoon precipitation increased significantly during 1951-61, whereas during the 1962-2015 rise in precipitation was insignificant. That changes in precipitation over the Wainganga sub-basin (WSB) may occur probably due to a rising trend of temperature. Therefore, nature-based climate solutions are the best way to endure the condition.
Prayagraj: Air Pollution Profile and Policy Recommendations
Authors: Choudhary Sugandh Kumar
Published: January 2021

Air pollution is the fifth leading risk factor behind theworld – wide mortality. Ever growing population size feeding industrial activity through demand channel, vehicular pollution accompanied by rapid urbanization and burning of fossil fuels pose a serious threat to clean air. Some major air pollutants under study in the city of Prayagraj are Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Particulate Matter (PM10) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2). Pollution profile of the city localityi.e. Rambagh, Johnstonganj, Alopibagh, Crossing Mahalakshmi talkies and Bharat Yantra Nigam are studied. PM10 level of exposure is serious in Crossing Mahalakshmi talkiesand Alopibagh area as exposure to very high level in the range of 250 – 400 µg/m3 occurs for the longest duration of time. Alopibagh, Johnstonganj and Rambagh shows critical level of Nitrogen Dioxide indicating higher vehicular movement in these areas. Trend wise, SO2 component has spiked above 12 µg/m3 at Rambagh, Johnstonganj and Alopibagh during the onset of winters season in 2016. Similar phenomenon was seen at Bharat Yantra Nigam and Crossing Mahalakshmi talkies during winter season of 2019. Arrival of monsoon tend to lower pollutants content in the outdoor ambient air quality. Overall air quality is in critical zone at Alopibagh for 45 per cent of the time period followed by Johnstonganj. Crossing Mahalakshmi talkies and Bharat Yantra Nigamshows critical air quality for more than 60 per cent of the time period which calls for urgent action to prevent them from entering the critical zone. Overall air quality of Prayagraj is range bound with air pollutants improve during the monsoon season. However, improvement in air quality has reduced in the last two years as fall in air pollutants is less in 2018 and 2019 monsoon compared to previous two years. The findings of the paper will help the administration, municipal corporation and various stake holders of the city to take targeted measures locality wise towards pollution control depending upon pollutants concentration and exposure area – wise. It will also raise public awareness about pollutant levels in their area.
Studies on Tropics of Fish Along Upper Tungabhadra Channel, Ballari District, Karnataka
Authors: Kulkarni A. R.
Published: January 2021

Gut analysis is the tool to understand the feeding patterns of fishes and is an important aspect of fisheries management. It also provides the basis for understanding trophic interactions in aquatic food webs and to investigate the most frequently consumed prey or to determine the relative importance of different food types to fish nutrition. In the present study the gut content analysis was performed in Garra, Gobi, Notopterus and Tilapia fishes collected from Tungabhadra upper irrigation channel at Ballari, Karnataka.Bacillariophyceae showed maximum number in all the four fish species. Over all it showed 40% followed by Detritus (30%), Chlorophyceae (17%), Cyanophyceae(7%) and Zooplankton (6%). Among fishes Garrashowed maximum food items (2272) followed by Glossogobiusgiuris(1538), Notopterusnotopterus (996) and Oreochromismossambicus (769). The relative abundance of food items in the guts also revealed the Garragotylastenorhynchus Oreochromismossambicus. The variation is due to availability of foodorganisms during the study period and anthropogenic influence on channel water.
Hyper Spectral Remote Sensing for Mapping Species and Characteristics of Mangroves in Krishna Delta Region
Authors: Undrajavarapu Jemima , Sekhar M. Chandra
Published: January 2021

Mangroves are globally classified as eastern and western groups of which 40% are found along Asian coasts. The largest identified mangroves are found in Indonesia, Brazil, Sunder bans of India and Bangladesh. Odum 1971 in his research referred mangroves serve as Juvenile stock and form most valuable Biomass. In the state of Andhra Pradesh the mangroves are concentrated in the deltas of Krishna and Godavari which add a healthy ecosystem. An extensive research in monitoring the nature and changes of Godavari delta mangroves using Remote sensing technologies. The mangroves are vastly reserves of different species of flora and are classified as single vegetative class in traditional multispectral imagery, where there is a possibility of losing information due to specific narrow band widths. Hence an attempt is being made for species level classification and characterization of Krishna delta region using hyper spectral remote sensing imagery. Hyper spectral remote sensing overcomes the limitation of extensive field work which is labor intensive and costly. The current research paper describes the species level classification of flora in Krishna delta using Hyper spectral remote sensing imagery.
ESTIMATIVA DE CONSTITUINTES OPTICAMENTE ATIVOS DA ÁGUA POR SENSORIAMENTO REMOTO ORBITAL
Authors: Dos Santos Felipe Correa , Pereira Filho Waterloo
Published: December 2020

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o uso potencial de imagens LISS-III/Resourcesat-1 na estimativa de constituintes opticamente ativos da água do reservatório Passo Real. Com as imagens de satélite utilizadas para a análise da refletância da água foi possível a extração de informações em pixels com resolução espacial de 23,5 metros. A seleção de imagens foi feita a partir da disponibilidade de cenas sem presença de nuvens em datas mais próximas à realização dos trabalhos de campo. Os processamentos das imagens para correção dos efeitos atmosféricos e transformação dos números digitais em valores de reflectância foram realizados no software ENVI 5.0 As espacializações dos dados limnológicos obtidos in situ foram realizadas por interpolação no software Spring 4.3.3 e as espacializações dos dados estimados por satélite foram gerados por fatiamento da imagem gerada pela inserção das equações obtidas nos modelos. A partir do conjunto de dados disponível foi possível produzir modelos capazes de estimar o total de sólidos em suspensão, a turbidez e a transparência da água com apenas uma única banda espectral, a banda 3 (620 a 680 nm) do sensor LISS-III/Resourcesat-1. Com a aplicação da técnica de razão de bandas espectrais foi possível gerar um modelo para estimativa da concentração de clorofila-a.
Complex Impedance Spectroscopic Studies of PMMA(80,70,60,50) : PC(10,20,30,40): PVP(10): LiClO4(5) Polymer Solid Electrolyte Systems
Authors: Swarnalatha R. , Chary A. Sadananda , Ramana Jeedi Venkata , Mallaiah Yalla , Reddy S. Narender
Published: December 2020

Polymer solid electrolytes PMMA(80,70,60,50): PC(10,20,30,40):PVP(10):LiClO4(5) were synthesized according to stoichiometric ratios using solution cast method. FTIR study confirms the good complexation among the constituent materials in the polymers matrix. Complex impedance and electric modulus studies are carried out and explained. From cole-cole plots, maximum decrement of resistance is observed at a threshold ratio 70Wt% PMMA: 20Wt% PC: 10Wt% PVP: 5Wt% LiClO4 and this could be due to the high mobility of the Li+ ion in the polymer network due to the plasticizer. The plasticizer plays an important role in decreasing the viscosity of the system, which in turn favors the mobility of segmental motion of polymer network and fast ion motion in the polymer. Real and Imaginary electric modulus spectra show the presence of relaxation peaks and confirm that the polymer solid electrolyte is an ionic conductor.
Beware of the dog
Authors: Winter George
Published: January 2021

In 2018, there were 8.9 million dogs in the UK, 6.6 million UK households own a dog, and between 1981 and 2015 there were 78 human deaths from dog bites in England and Wales. Surgical challenges include infection, dealing with arm and nose injuries and when to close a wound. Effective legislation derives in part from appropriately robust studies, but some lack sufficient scientific rigour. Dog breed identification in the absence of DNA analysis is unreliable and reward-based dog owner interaction is superior to punishment-based training. Legislation that is based on the targeting of specific breeds should be abandoned.
Exposure to and training in the control of major intraoperative haemorrhage: a survey of surgical trainees
Authors: Brown RJ , Hosgood SA , Praseedom R , Nicholson ML
Published: January 2021

Recent changes in surgical training coupled with increased specialisation of surgeons have led to reduced exposure for trainees to general and emergency surgery. We conducted a survey of all current general surgical trainees in the East of England to ascertain levels of experience and extent of training in dealing with major intra-operative haemorrhage during surgery. The findings confirmed that trainees lack exposure to and training in this area. Respondents were keen to see improvements in the existing training pathway and the majority were supportive of the establishment of a live large animal course in the UK as part of the solution.
A service evaluation of the dental and oral health of 5-year-old patients attending a specialised cleft centre
Authors: Amin Dipali , Bilimoria Rishana , Vaidyanathan Mina , Bhujel Nabina
Published: January 2021

Introduction

It is well recognised that cleft lip and/or palate carries an increased risk of developing dental caries. This article describes a service evaluation that was undertaken at the South Thames cleft service to analyse whether the five-year-old cohort of patients attending the clinic were following preventative advice as well as whether they were registered with a general dental practitioner and attending for regular recall.

Methods

A total of 96 patients were assessed. Data from a 24-month period were collected retrospectively using a data collection sheet.

Results

The vast majority (92%) of the patients included in this service evaluation were registered with a general dentist. Despite this, 40% had a decayed/missing/filled teeth score of >0, only 73% were having fluoride varnish applied regularly and 79% were using toothpaste containing the recommended fluoride content. More than half (57%) of the patients had developmental defects of enamel.

Conclusions

There needs to be increased emphasis on following national prevention guidelines given that this group of patients is known to be at a higher risk of dental caries. Parents and carers must be made aware of the requirement for shared care between general dental practitioners and secondary care.
Keeping teeth clean – but not at the environment’s expense
Authors: Chasma Farida , Cousin Gary
Published: January 2021

There is growing importance given to the sustainability and carbon footprints of items, especially those consumed regularly such as straws, earbuds and toothpaste. With the toll of greenhouse gases becoming apparent, it is understandable that consumers are looking to switch to greener alternatives. Toothpaste tubes at present are largely unrecyclable, resulting in an estimated 260 million tubes adding to landfill each year. Considering biodegradation takes 500 years to occur, it is easy to appreciate the disparity between supply and demand. Colgate currently offer a nationwide recycling programme for toothpaste tubes however, this is not readily accepted by local councils, necessitating alternatives to be sought in order to reduce waste. Many of the alternatives marketed do not contain fluoride, which has cariostatic properties. Fluoridated toothpaste tablets in biodegradable bags, glass jars, or boxes are available for use. These products may be of consideration for dental professionals to recommend to those seeking plastic free alternants. With increased use resulting in increased supply this may become a more recognised form of toothpaste in the years to come.
The challenge of the implementation and evaluation of hospital-based cancer registry in Indonesia’s national referral hospital
Authors: Gondhowiardjo Soehartati , Ekaputra Ericko , Randi Achmad , Jayalie Vito Filbert
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND To lower the burden caused by cancer, the Ministry of Health of the republic of Indonesia requires valid data collection to plan and evaluate cancer programs. This study aimed to evaluate the challenge of developing a cancer registry (CanReg) in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

METHODS This was an observational study on the implementation of cancer registration from the initial licensing until the creation of valid and accurate data, also the challenges in implementing hospital-based cancer registry (HBCR) in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

RESULTS Cancer registry was developed in 2016 using the 2013 Indonesian version of CanReg5 program called SriKandI. We identified some problems in this registry implementation, such as legal and human resources, medical records, electronic health records, and the CanReg5 program. Moreover, this team processed 886,086 raw patients’ data with fairly good topography and age data completeness.

CONCLUSIONS Several obstacles were encountered upon the establishment of HBCR at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from program to bureaucracy and resources. Nevertheless, CanReg data can be used as a basis for decision making by stakeholders.
The challenges of metabolic disorders in Indonesia: focus on metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and diabetes
Authors: Suastika Ketut
Published: January 2021

[No abstract available]
A randomized clinical trial of freeze-dried amniotic membrane transplantation and conjunctival-limbal graft for pterygium excision and evaluation of conjunctival inflammation marker in tears
Authors: Susiyanti Made , Panjaitan Manoa , Wangge Grace , Gondhowiardjo Tjahjono Darminto
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Minimizing inflammation on the ocular surface after pterygium surgery is essential to prevent recurrence. Currently, limited data are available for the comparison between freeze-dried amniotic membrane (FD-AM) and conjunctival–limbal graft (CLG). Therefore, this study aimed to assess conjunctival inflammation and the interleukin (IL)-6 levels in tears after pterygium excision between both techniques.

METHODS This prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial included 26 eyes of 26 patients with primary or recurrent pterygium and who were indicated for pterygium surgery at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia from October 2017 until February 2018. The patients were scheduled for pterygium excision with FD-AM or CLG based on block randomization. Conjunctival inflammation and the level of IL-6 in tears were measured on day-7 and -28 after surgery.

RESULTS The 26 eyes (13 in each group) were subjected to a complete 1-month follow-up period. Day-7 after the surgery, severe inflammation occurred in 4/13 (31%) eyes having FD-AM and 8/13 eyes (62%) having CLG (p = 0.59). The IL-6 tear level increased similarly in FD-AM (22.85 pg/ml) and CLG (23.51 pg/ml) in (p = 0.78). No severe adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS Pterygium excision using FD-AM yield a milder inflammation than CLG on day-7 and -28 after surgery. The tear IL-6 levels similarly increased on day-7.
Predictors of smear non-conversion among new-treatment pulmonary tuberculosis: a single center case-control study in Indonesia
Authors: Fibriana Arulita Ika , Saefurrohim Muhamad Zakki , Setiana Akhriyah Atsna , Azam Mahalul , Pratama Avissena Dutha
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Previous studies concluded predictors of smear non-conversion pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) globally as well as in Indonesia. However, there is a limited data in hospital setting. This study aimed to explore predictors of smear non-conversion pulmonary TB in hospital setting. METHODS A case-control study was conducted to explore predictors of smear nonconversion among new-treatment pulmonary TB in Dr. Kariadi General Hospital from 2017 to 2019. Number of cases and controls have been determined consecutively. Data were collected from secondary data accessed in medical records and directly from subjects. Non-conversion status in the case group was defined as a persistent sputum smear-positive after 2 months of intensive phase of treatment. The subjects’ characteristics i.e., age, sex, BMI, education level, occupational status, and predictors of smear non-conversion, i.e., patient’s compliance, smoking status, alcohol consumption, presence of drugs side effects, health care access, first acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear grading, diabetes mellitus (DM), housing condition, housing density, and household income were observed. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used. RESULTS 35 subjects were determined in the case group while 76 subjects were the control group and involved in the final analysis. Age, sex, first AFB smear grading, smoking status, housing condition, housing density, and DM were involved in the model of logistic regression. DM (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.19–10.00) and first AFB smear grading (OR = 11.2; 95% CI = 3.86–33.00) were concluded as the predictors of smear nonconversion. CONCLUSIONS DM and first AFB smear grading were the predictors of smear nonconversion among new-treatment pulmonary TB subjects.
Negative curvature hollow core fiber sensor for the measurement of strain and temperature
Authors: Ferreira Marta S. , Bierlich Jörg , Kobelke Jens , Pinto João L. , Wondraczek Katrin
Published: January 2021

Three different types of strain and temperature sensors based on negative curvature hollow core fiber (NCHCF) are proposed. Each sensor is produced by splicing a small section of the NCHCF between two sections of single mode fiber. Different types of interferometers are obtained simply by changing the splicing conditions. The first sensor consists on a single Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI). The remaining two configurations are attained with the same sensing structure, depending on its position in relation to the interrogation setup. Thus, a double FPI or a hybrid sensor, the latter being composed by an FPI and a Michelson interferometer, are formed. The inline sensors are of submillimeter size, thus enabling nearly punctual measurements.
Volumetric imaging efficiency: the fundamental limit to compactness of imaging systems
Authors: Ma Zhao , Shih Ko-Han , Lopez-Zelaya Cesar , Renshaw C. Kyle
Published: January 2021

A new metric for imaging systems, the volumetric imaging efficiency (VIE), is introduced. It compares the compactness and capacity of an imager against fundamental limits imposed by diffraction. Two models are proposed for this fundamental limit based on an idealized thin-lens and the optical volume required to form diffraction-limited images. The VIE is computed for 2,871 lens designs and plotted as a function of FOV; this quantifies the challenge of creating compact, wide FOV lenses. We identify an empirical limit to the VIE given by VIE < 0.920 × 10−0.582×FOV when using conventional bulk optics imaging onto a flat sensor. We evaluate VIE for lenses employing curved image surfaces and planar, monochromatic metasurfaces to show that these new optical technologies can surpass the limit of conventional lenses and yield >100x increase in VIE.
Tuning of mid-infrared absorption through phonon-plasmon-polariton hybridization in a graphene/hBN/graphene nanodisk array
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Jinlai , Ren Bin , Song Jie , Jiang Yongyuan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we utilize a heterostructured graphene/hBN/graphene nanodisk array to implement an electrically tunable absorber in and out of the Reststrahlen band (RSB) region of hBN. Tuning of phonon-type resonance absorption in the RSB region is achieved through phonon-plasmon-polariton hybridization. The hybrid phonon mode enabled a 290 nm shift of the resonant wavelength, and the sensitivity of absorption peak to the electrical control is 362.5 nm/eV. Simultaneously, the nearly perfect absorption is obtained in the condition of high chemical potential of graphene. Moreover, the plasmon polaritons are strongly modified by phonon polaritons of hBN, so the FWHM of absorption peaks out of the RSB region reduce to 45-49 nm, and the maximum Q of absorption reaches 220.44 at EF=0.65 eV, which is paving a way toward coherent emission at the atmospheric transparent band. Importantly, graphene-assisted hyperbolic phonon polaritons of hBN will enable future phonon devices with high optical performance and wide tunability.
Effects of a radiation dose in gamma-ray irradiation fields on holographic gratings formed by liquid crystal composites
Authors: Ogiwara Akifumi , Toda Makishi , Ishido Junya , Watanabe Minoru , Kakiuchida Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

The radiation resistance of liquid crystal diffraction gratings was investigated using a cobalt 60 gamma radiation source until the radiation reached a total dose of 1000 Mrad, corresponding to a very severe amount of radiation. The optical properties of gratings exposed to gamma-ray radiation were discussed with internal observations such as polarization optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The radiation resistance of liquid crystal diffraction gratings for gamma-ray irradiation has been explained by associating the optical characteristic measurements for liquid crystal composite materials, including a glass substrate, by analyzing the internal volume grating structure. The radiation resistance for anisotropic diffraction in the HPDLC grating has been explained by the modulation of the LC orientation in the polymer network configuration affected by the gamma-ray irradiation.