bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cropping Method on Grayscale Images for Periapical Radiographs of Human Teeth
Authors: Widianti Linda Wahyu , Sudiro Sunny Arief , Madenda Sarifuddin , Harlan Johan
Published: August 2020

This study explains the comparison of techniques for cropping existing in Matlab for graylevel images on periapical radiographs of human teeth. Some cropping techniques in Matlab are rectangular crop, square crop, circular crop, ellipse crop, polygon crop. This research will explain how each existing cropping technique will give different results based on their respective shapes. So that eventually will produce the most appropriate cropping techniques among several existing cropping techniques in mathlab. The five cropping techniques that have been mentioned here where the four existing cropping techniques namely rectangular crop, square crop, circular crop, ellipse crop still carry other objects that are not needed in research, so it is not appropriate to be used for research objects that have irregular shapes. Appropriate cropping technique is polygon cropping because it is able to identify research objects that have irregular shapes.
Groundwater Potential Investigation Using Geoelectric Method with Schlumberger Electrode Configuration in Catur Rahayu Village, Dendang District, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi Province
Authors: Rahajoeningroem Tri , Indrajana Bagus
Published: August 2020

The planning of making boreholes for groundwater exploitation on investigations location is necessary to investigate using the geoelectric method. This method is applied with Schlumberger electrode configuration to obtain information about the coating of subsurface rocks before drilling, where detection target to a depth of about 50 m. The information that will be obtained from the results of this geoelectric measurement is in the form of log geoelectrical sounding with the resistivity price of each rock layer that reflects the form of rock layers below the surface. Furthermore, from the rock resistivity value classification, it can be estimated the type / lithology of each rock layer. From the investigation result using geoelectric method obtained the illustration that the cover layer consists of soil and peat with resistivity values of 60.42 to 245.84 ohms-m. The second layer is in the form of a peat layer with a relatively high resistivity value of 116.78 to 212.58 ohms-m. The third layer is estimated to be a layer dominated by clay, with a relatively low resistivity value of 11.31 to 26.53 ohms-m. Finally, the fourth layer is estimated to be a layer dominated by sand, where the resistivity value is 41.99 to 59.50 ohm-m. This sand layer is expected to be an aquifer layer because it has high water passing characteristic. After the results of groundwater drilling are compared with the results of geoelectric research, it can be concluded that the results of geoelectric research can be used as a guide when conducting groundwater drilling activities.
Data Mining in Sales Data Grouping
Authors: Supriyati  , Abdillah S R
Published: August 2020

The purpose of making data mining is to make sales data neatly organized and based on sales data can see sales potential that can increase company profits. Selling goods requires a new method for analyzing data in sales and data mining is one way to analyze sales data created in an increasingly advanced business world. This study used a qualitative method and data collection techniques using literature reviews and observations with secondary data types. The results of this study are when processing data, there are many ways in data processing both in terms of data and in terms of processing. The compilation in subsequent processing becomes information that is easy to read and the data becomes the beginning of the information that we previously processed from several existing methods and data developed into information that is easy to read.
Designing Electronic Menu Applications for Restaurant Businesses
Authors: Narimawati U , Pangestu A
Published: August 2020

This study aims to facilitate and speed up the process of ordering menus in restaurants by customers and minimize the usual errors when ordering. In designing applications, we used descriptive method to see what processes must and can be done so customers can place orders easily and quickly. From this research, an application is produced which will make it easier for customers to make the order process, besides that the ordering process can be done quickly. This result is obtained because the application is designed to have an easy-to-understand flow for customers in order. The ordering process is faster because customers no longer need to ask and wait for the restaurant waiter to serve the order process. By facilitating and speeding up the ordering process, a restaurant will make visitors from restaurants feel comfortable and well served so that the restaurant business will run better.
E-Wallet Effects on Community Behavior
Authors: Wulantika L , Zein S R
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of using E-Wallet on people’s lives. This research used a qualitative research method because this study describes the events that are taking place in the present. The results of this study show how much influence the E-Wallet on community behavior, which ultimately the community experienced many changes one of which is a change in consumer behavior in daily life. Nowadays, social life cannot be separated from information system technology, where technology has entered into all aspects of social life. As for the background of this writing is the number of a startup that develops and offers E-Wallet information system technology to the public as a substitute for wallets and cash. With a variety of business strategies that startups have done, this E-Wallet is easily accepted by the general public.
Analysis of Electronic Wallets Use Patterns among Students in Online Transportation Services
Authors: Santy R D , Haninawati D
Published: August 2020

This study is conducted to discover the impact and the use of electronic wallet (e-wallet) by students especially in online transportation service. This research used a comparative approach by comparing online transportation service users with conventional transportation service and the literature analysis method, interviews, and written surveys involving students in Bandung as respondents. The results of this study showed that students who used electronic wallets to pay for online transportation service were more able to control their expenses efficiently compare to students who use conventional transportation service and use conventional payment methods as well. Especially for students, using an electronic wallet in online transportation services is very helpful in the payment process.
Electronic Wallet as a Payment Transaction Instrument
Authors: Rizaldi A , Faruqi F A
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to see the effectiveness or efficiency of the use of wallets and electronic money as a means of payment. This research used a descriptive method by trying to offer and display various payment examples through electronic wallets as a transaction tool. The results show this payment method is so helpful that now consumers no longer have to carry a lot of money in their pockets to shopping. From these results, it can be seen that the electronic wallet method is suitable for use in the current digital era, with various conveniences offered in it.
Information Technology for Coffee Industry
Authors: Setiana S M , Khaerani A
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to find out how to use Instagram social media as a means of publishing coffee shop photo menus in Bandung. We used a descriptive qualitative research method through literary studies and field observations. From the result, we found out that words and images are a very good combination in the process of sending messages and information. This can be applied to all connoisseurs of photographs, including business people who try to attract consumers’ attention through aesthetic photo techniques. One of them is a coffee shop business that uses aesthetic photo techniques in social media. Therefore, it can be predicted that the use of Instagram is the right tool for publication and increase consumer buying interest. From the research, we can conclude that attractive and aesthetic photographic images can influence how a person perceives or interprets things. Instagram is a social media that is widely used and displays various images to be shared. If many people came to the shop because of a good promotional image on Instagram, it can increase the number of sales and provide more profits.
E-commerce in Farmers Communities
Authors: Fidowaty T , Supriadi R Y
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to know the role of government in empowering farmers communities and to identify the driving factors and barriers of such roles. This method of research was a qualitative and descriptive Debitor. The results showed that the role of government in empowering farmers community had been going well, but still not effective. The conclusion of this research is the role of government in empowering communities to strengthen farmers society by creating innovations to support the sale of crops from farmers.
E-commerce in Supply Chain
Authors: Jannah A , Hassanah H
Published: August 2020

This study aims to minimize the losses obtained by e-commerce businesses because of the risk of changes in demand and supply of products that are not balanced through communication strategies. The approach taken was a qualitative approach, a case study method and data collection with literature review, online journal research and observation of the problems that were the subject of research. Based on the result of research, e-commerce and electronic shopping transaction services made it easy for consumers and business people with its online payment system and practical business transactions.
Effect of User Interface and User Experience on Application Sales
Authors: Pratama M A T , Cahyadi A T
Published: August 2020

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are the most important factors in an application. It is because the User Interface and User Experience is the link between the user and the system. The purpose of this research is to discuss about how much influence the User Interface and User Experience have on the sale of an application. This research used the observation method. The results of this study show that the quality of the User Interface and User Experience can solves the problem. User Interface and User Experience in the application will help users to know what needs to be done to solve a problem. A good User Interface and User Experience will help users to get information aaccording to what the users needed. Therefore, every application that has a good User Interface and User Experience will make users comfortable.
Developments of Information Technology and Digital Startup Sector of Agriculture in Indonesia
Authors: Soegoto D S , Faridh M
Published: August 2020

This research is intended to find out how fast the development of information technology in agriculture and plantations, so that it can help the problems being faced by farmers and plantation owners, especially startup companies engaged in these fields. The research method used in this study was descriptive. The results of this research are to find out whether the presence of technology and information and startup companies, farmers and gardeners can solve the problems they face, it is necessary to know that the agriculture and plantation sector is a very abundant source of food in Indonesia. With the existence of information technology and startup companies that handle these problems, food self-sufficiency can be implemented well in Indonesia to meet the food needs of all Indonesian people.
Sustainable Building Materials
Authors: Suhamad D A , Martana S P
Published: August 2020

This research is conducted to inform that a sustainable material is easy to be made and can be useful for the community. This material is also environmentally friendly. Observation, precedent, and literature study were used as the research method. The results indicate that the use of sustainable materials can be used optimally such as bamboo, recycled plastic waste, and others. As a conclusion, we can find out how important sustainable materials are and the benefit of a community self-provided material.
Use of 3D Animation Software in Visualizing Architectural Works
Authors: Hadiyatna W , Harapan S Andi
Published: August 2020

The architect is needed something to explain their product result from each stage of the design process. The tool is something that is used by the architect in explaining their product result with a 3D presentation. The purpose of this study is to describe how influencing and important of 3D Presentation (such as the animation) with the architectural works for architects. The software that was used for the visualization is the lumion, which is often used by professional architects. The method of this research used the interview and questionnaires with some architects. Based on the result, the animation can make easier for the architect to explain and elaborate their concepts to the others as well as their Client. The lumion software is the easier one to apply for the architect to present their design.
The Influence of Technology on Architecture Design 4.0
Authors: Fadjri M , Ekawardhani Y A
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research is to find the trends in the use of building design visualization or visualization technology. The world of architecture is experiencing significant developments, especially in the context of visual presentations. Digital technology is constantly being updated, touching the technical realm of the visualization, which previously done with sketching, modelling, and rendering techniques. This research used literature review from related research and interviews with students majoring in Architecture. The results of this study are the trends in the use of special architectural software among students majoring in Architecture engineering. Mastery of special architectural software will help facilitate the development of building designs, especially in the face of the technology era 4.0.
Air Quality Monitoring System in Urban Areas
Authors: Suhendar S , Warlina L
Published: August 2020

This study aims to investigate the use of technology to monitor air quality in urban areas. The method used is descriptive research using the data obtained from the application provided to monitor the air quality of urban areas. The results of this study indicate that there are many applications to monitor air quality in major cities in the world. Air quality monitoring systems can produce information on which cities have the best, sufficient, and worst air quality. Also, the applications show air quality information in real-time. The disadvantages are that complete and accessible information is only from big cities.
Design of Smart Trash Bin
Authors: Chandra R P , Tawami T
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of high-tech bins on people’s interest in disposing trash. The method used in this study is a quantitative descriptive method and literature study to analyses community perceptions of smart trash bin. The results of this study state that the mind-set of the community in disposing trash increased after the existence of smart trash bin project. These results were obtained because the community became more interested in disposing trash in the presence of unique designs and diverse functions of these high-tech bins. This study concluded that smart trash bin can increase people’s interest in disposing garbage in its place.
Green Architectural Design Factors for Residential Environment and Lifestyle
Authors: Fatimah D , Syaifudin B Z
Published: August 2020

This study aims to process the residential green architecture design factors on poeple’s lifestyle and its environment. This study used a qualitative analysis method, which was Miles and Huberman model. The method consists of several stages, namely the data reduction stage, the data presentation stage, as well as the conclusion and verification stage. The results of this study illustrate that residential design will affect the environment and changes in a person’s lifestyle after settling in a residential that has been designed by an architecture. It is also likely to change someone’s mindset indirectly.
Utilization of Sawdust as Interior Acoustic
Authors: Maharlika F , Aida
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine the use and benefits of sawdust in an acoustic interior. Most people think that sawdust does not have a sale value. Usually, sawdust will be burned, stacked, and buried with soil or the other waste. However, sawdust has a good absorption. Therefore, with this capability, sawdust should be recycled into something with an expensive sale value. Wood is a sustainable material if it can be used effectively. Sawdust also can be recycled into mini panels of wall coverings that function as moisture and sound absorbent. The shape and light color of the wood give an advantage in the manufacturing process as makes it to become more flexible in color coating. Other than effecting the acoustics and humidity of a particular room, the wood powder is also affecting the wall aesthetics. Recycling of sawdust is very efficient to be used and sold to the general public. It can also be an educational media for the general public about the concept of recycling.
Kampong KB Public Open Space Design Based on a Participatory
Authors: Aditya N C , Natalia T W , Imaniar L N , Astuti S
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to write the Community Dedication activities carried out by the UNIKOM Architecture Study Program Team in assist Field Design in Kampong KB, Nyalindung Village, Bandung City. The Kampong KB was launched by the President of the Republic of Indonesia (Ir. Joko Widodo) in January 2016 with the aim of improving the quality of life of residents. One of them is Kampong KB in Nyalindung Village which is one of the Pilot Kampong KB throughout Indonesia. The method of implementation is the design approach, design ideas based on the behavior, and activities of the community. The initial design method was carried out by measuring, mapping, and interviewing a number of community leaders, as well as residents. The results obtained from the assistance of Kampong KB Sports Field Design are the Participatory Public Space Concept as the main concept. This concept is expected to increase the value of kinship and awareness of the importance of cooperation and communication that is involved between generations, bearing in mind that the community of citizens has diverse age ranges. This field is expected to be one of the indicators of the success of the Kampong KB, which is to increase family participation in group activities and the development of community cooperation in developing Kampong KB. So as to able to improve the quality of life, reduce population density and achieve a prosperous life, healthy and smart life.
Relationship between Farmer Characteristics and Gadget Using in Rural Area for Improving Regional Development
Authors: Aulia S S
Published: August 2020

This research aims to see the relationship between the farmers’ characteristics and their gadgets, such as mobile phone or smartphones in support of agricultural activities. This research used qualitative and quantitative research types namely qualitative research with a survey method of observation and semi-closed interviews. The data from the field survey was processed into useful information in seeing the characteristics of farmers and their relationship in utilizing their gadgets. Analysis of this relationship was analysed using quantitative chi-square methods. The significant value of the significance of the variable age, level of education, and saving ability is 0.001, 0.003, and 0.002. Variable age and education level are internal condition of farmers who are strongly associated with the ability of farmers in operating a mobile phone to search for a variety of agricultural information. The use of a mobile phone can affect the effectiveness and efficiency of farmers in terms of time, cost, and energy. However, the use of mobile phone can also the negative impact when the expenditure to buy credit phone is not controllable, so it can be related to the inability of farmers to save in the bank.
Implementing the Shortest Time Route Search Algorithm in Semarang Using the Best First Search Method
Authors: Wibowo N , Widodo C E , Adi K
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this research was to find the shortest route so that the search for the destination is more effective and efficient to avoid traffic jams using the best first search method. the best first search method is a search method by selecting the best value from different data. The aim was to find the shortest time route between regions in Semarang using the Best First Search algorithm according to the distance of each region, road width, and traffic density of motorized vehicles to get better time efficiency. Using the best first search usually tries to estimate the distance at the end of the path with a solution. The shortest time search system in the city of Semarang on traffic density, road width to determine the desired time efficiency. Analysis of the Best First Search algorithm by using the output of the path used as input in the search for the shortest route, between the starting point to the destination point. Conducting trials with the software as a result of recording data according to the field. the impact of the system on searching for route research becomes solution for road users to reach their destination a short time.
Experimental Study Improving The Friction in The Surface of Cold Form Steel Connections Using Adhesive
Authors: Setiyarto Y D
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to test the strength of light steel joints using screws and the addition of adhesives to the surface of the joint. The addition of adhesive is done to increase the frictional force on the surface of the joint. The study was carried out experimentally by giving axial tensile strength to the specimens. The specimen is a mild steel connection made from a lip channel profile that is connected back to back with 2 screws and has 2 variables, namely adhesive and without adhesive. Each variable has 3 samples. The experimental results show that the addition of adhesives to the joint system is proven to increase friction. This shows that the joints that use adhesives have a greater strength of 17.20% than the joints without adhesives. The mechanism of collapse of the joint using adhesive starts from the collapse in the friction plane, then the screw undergoes tilting and subsequently experiences a collapse in the fused plane. From the results of this study it was concluded that the use of adhesives can be used as an alternative to increase the frictional force on the surface of the mild steel joints.
Maintenance Policy for Korin Filling Machines Using Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Markov Chain
Authors: Andriani D , Santosa A , Depari D U M
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to measure the performance effectiveness, determine component replacement, and maintenance schedule for Korin filling machines that often experience downtime. The downtime can cause the performance of the machine to decline so that the production process does not run optimally, the product operating time decreases from the time of the targeted operation. This study used two methods, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is a method used to measure the effectiveness of overall machine performance by measuring Availability, Performance, and Quality Level factors, meanwhile, Markov Chain is a method used to determine preventive maintenance schedules to obtain optimal time and costs for important components. The results of the Overall Effectiveness of Equipment on the Korin Filling machines are decreased. The value of the performance factor is at the lowest value. The results of the Markov Chain method yielded a machine maintenance schedule every five days.
Database Design for Distribution Simulation Game
Authors: Santosa A , Rinaldy A M , Andriani D
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to obtain a database design for a distribution simulation game that will be used as a learning medium in a industrial engineering. Distribution simulation games have been used since the 1960s, since the invention of the Beer Game by Jay Wright Forrester. The method used in this research is the System Development Life Cycle including the steps of enterprise modeling, conceptual data modeling, logical database design, physical database design, and database implementation. The results of this study are in the form of a relational database design consisting of five entities namely GameTitle, Retailer, Wholesaler, Distributor, and Maufacturer. GameTitle is a strong entity that owns the other four entities. The design can be implemented well in a Database Management System such as Microsoft Access, MySQL, or others. This database is used as data storage during the game and then used as a data source to analyze the effectiveness of understanding the concept of learning in industrial techniques such as forecasting, inventory planning, and supply chain management. The main conclusion that can be drawn in this study is that the database design for the distribution simulation game can be implemented using Microsoft Access with the condition that transaction data between echelon is stored in a separate table to avoid conflicts when accessing simultaneously. With this database design, it is expected that everyone can develop a distribution simulation game application for improving the learning process in their respective fields of study.
Spatio-temporal characterization of ultrashort laser beams: a tutorial
Authors: Jolly Spencer W , Gobert Olivier , Quéré Fabien
Published: August 2020

The temporal characterization of ultrafast laser pulses has become a cornerstone capability of ultrafast optics laboratories and is routine both for optimizing laser pulse duration and designing custom fields. Beyond pure temporal characterization, spatio-temporal characterization provides a more complete measurement of the spatially-varying temporal properties of a laser pulse. These so-called spatio-temporal couplings (STCs) are generally nonseparable chromatic aberrations that can be induced by very common optical elements—for example, diffraction gratings and thick lenses or prisms made from dispersive material. In this tutorial we introduce STCs and a detailed understanding of their behavior in order to have a background knowledge, but also to inform the design of characterization devices. We then overview a broad range of spatio-temporal characterization techniques with a view to mention most techniques, but also to provide greater details on a few chosen methods. The goal is to provide a reference and a comparison of various techniques for newcomers to the field. Lastly, we discuss nuances of analysis and visualization of spatio-temporal data, which is an often underappreciated and non-trivial part of ultrafast pulse characterization.
Grinding characteristics during ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding of alumina ceramic in selected dry and MQL conditions
Authors: Das Sreethul , Pandivelan C
Published: August 2020

Ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding (UAG) has proven to lower the forces and improve the ground surface quality while shaping difficult to grind materials such as ceramics. A systematic study of UAG of alumina ceramic using a metal bonded diamond grinding wheel has been performed here. Taguchi’s L18 array based experimentation has been performed to study the effect of UAG parameters. During UAG, the vibration amplitudes of 6 and 12 microns have been used and the frequency has been kept at 20 kHz. From these experiments, optimum parameters for UAG have been identified using Grey relational analysis. Mathematical models generated using regression analysis have been found to correlate the experimental data with good accuracy. A comparison of the grinding forces and roughness of the surfaces generated in dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions in both conventional grinding and optimal condition in UAG has been performed to identify the beneficial effects of providing vibration to the workpiece. The surface quality has been evaluated using 3D roughness data, 3D plots and SEM images of the ground surface. By examining nature of the ground surface and kurtosis (Sku) values of the surface profile, it has been concluded that UAG reduces brittle fracture and facilitates material removal by ductile mode for alumina. The desired condition of least machining forces and highest surface quality has been achieved during the combination of UAG and MQL.
Improved hydration resistance of MgO–2CaO·SiO2–3CaO·SiO2 composite refractory using low-grade minerals
Authors: Zhan Xuewu , Wu Xiaopeng , Xing Yiqiang , Cui Xinghui , Wang Shijie , Zhao Fei , Meng Wei , Ma Chengliang , Zhong Xiangchong
Published: August 2020

Three low-grade mineral raw materials, i.e., natural dolomite, high-silicon magnesite, and forsterite tailings were used to prepare a MgO–2CaO·SiO2–3CaO·SiO2 composite refractory, and its hydration resistance was essentially improved. Free CaO was converted into more stable calcium silicate which protected MgO from hydration, and low melting phases formed by impurities promoted densification. The composite refractory, predominantly composed of MgO, β-2CaO·SiO2, and 3CaO·SiO2 with a bulk density of 3.13 g cm−3 and apparent porosity of 4.6%, was obtained after being calcined at 1600 °C for 3 h. The prepared composite exhibited excellent hydration resistance with a weight increase of only 0.03% at 1600 °C. Microstructural analysis revealed that a dense matrix consisting of intergranular calcium–silicate phases, was dispersed by rounded MgO aggregates.
A simple algorithm to find the L-curve corner in the regularisation of ill-posed inverse problems
Authors: Cultrera Alessandro , Callegaro Luca
Published: August 2020

We propose a simple algorithm to locate the ‘corner’ of an L-curve, a function often used to select the regularisation parameter for the solution of ill-posed inverse problems. The algorithm involves the Menger curvature of a circumcircle and the golden section search method. It efficiently finds the regularisation parameter value corresponding to the maximum positive curvature region of the L-curve. The algorithm is applied to some commonly available test problems and compared to the typical way of locating the l-curve corner by means of its analytical curvature. The application of the algorithm to the data processing of an electrical resistance tomography experiment on thin conductive films is also reported.
Association of a Clinician’s Antibiotic-Prescribing Rate With Patients’ Future Likelihood of Seeking Care and Receipt of Antibiotics
Authors: Shi Zhuo , Barnett Michael L , Jena Anupam B , Ray Kristin N , Fox Kathe P , Mehrotra Ateev
Published: August 2020

Background

One underexplored driver of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) is patients’ prior care experiences. When patients receive antibiotics for an ARI, patients may attribute their clinical improvement to the antibiotics, regardless of their true benefit. These experiences, and experiences of family members, may drive whether patients seek care or request antibiotics for subsequent ARIs.

Methods

Using encounter data from a national United States insurer, we identified patients <65 years old with an index ARI urgent care center (UCC) visit. We categorized clinicians within each UCC into quartiles based on their ARI antibiotic prescribing rate. Exploiting the quasi-random assignment of patients to a clinician within an UCC, we examined the association between the clinician’s antibiotic prescribing rate to the patients’ and their spouses’ rates of ARI antibiotic receipt in the subsequent year.

Results

Across 232,256 visits at 736 UCCs, ARI antibiotic prescribing rates were 42.1% and 80.2% in the lowest and highest quartile of clinicians, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar across the four quartiles. In the year after the index ARI visit, patients seen by the highest-prescribing clinicians received more ARI antibiotics (+3.0 fills/100 patients (a 14.6% difference), 95% CI 2.2–3.8, P < 0.001,) versus those seen by the lowest-prescribing clinicians. The increase in antibiotics was also observed among the patients’ spouses. The increase in patient ARI antibiotic prescriptions was largely driven by an increased number of ARI visits (+5.6 ARI visits/100 patients, 95% CI 3.6–7.7, P < 0.001), rather than a higher antibiotic prescribing rate during those subsequent ARI visits.

Conclusions

Receipt of antibiotics for an ARI increases the likelihood that patients and their spouses will receive antibiotics for future ARIs.
Thoracic surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Madrid, Spain: single-centre report
Authors: Hoyos Mejía Lucas , Romero Román Alejandra , Gil Barturen Mariana , Córdoba Pelaez Maria del Mar , Campo-Cañaveral de la Cruz José Luis , Naranjo José Manuel , Crolwey Carrasco Silvana , Tanaka Shin , Sánchez Calle Alvaro , Varela de Ugarte Andrés , Gómez de Antonio David
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

We reviewed the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 cases and the postoperative outcomes of patients who had thoracic surgery during the beginning and at the highest point of transmission in our community.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who had undergone elective thoracic surgery from 12 February 2020 to 30 April 2020 and were symptomatic or tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection within 14 days after surgery, with a focus on their complications and potential deaths.

RESULTS

Out of 101 surgical procedures, including 57 primary oncological resections, 6 lung transplants and 18 emergency procedures, only 5 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 were identified, 3 in the immediate postoperative period and 2 as outpatients. All 5 patients had cancer; the median age was 64 years. The main virus-related symptom was fever (80%), and the median onset of coronavirus disease 2019 was 3 days. Although 80% of the patients who had positive test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 required in-hospital care, none of them were considered severe or critical and none died.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that, in properly selected cases, with short preoperative in-hospital stays, strict isolation and infection control protocols, managed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, a surgical procedure could be performed with a relatively low risk for the patient.
Is Cortical Activation During Walking Different Between Parkinson’s Disease Motor Subtypes?
Authors: Orcioli-Silva Diego , Vitório Rodrigo , Beretta Victor Spiandor , da Conceição Núbia Ribeiro , Nóbrega-Sousa Priscila , Oliveira Anderson Souza , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: August 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often classified into tremor dominant (TD) and postural instability gait disorder (PIGD) subtypes. Degeneration of subcortical/cortical pathways is different between PD subtypes, which leads to differences in motor behavior. However, the influence of PD subtype on cortical activity during walking remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the influence of PD motor subtypes on cortical activity during unobstructed walking and obstacle avoidance. Seventeen PIGD and 19 TD patients performed unobstructed walking and obstacle avoidance conditions. Brain activity was measured using a mobile functional near-infrared spectroscopy–electroencephalography (EEG) systems, and gait parameters were analyzed using an electronic carpet. Concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and EEG absolute power from alpha, beta, and gamma bands in FCz, Cz, CPz, and Oz channels were calculated. These EEG channels correspond to supplementary motor area, primary motor cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and visual cortex, respectively. Postural instability gait disorder patients presented higher PFC activity than TD patients, regardless of the walking condition. Tremor dominant patients presented reduced beta power in the Cz channel during obstacle avoidance compared to unobstructed walking. Both TD and PIGD patients decreased alpha and beta power in the FCz and CPz channels. In conclusion, PIGD patients need to recruit additional cognitive resources from the PFC for walking. Both TD and PIGD patients presented changes in the activation of brain areas related to motor/sensorimotor areas in order to maintain balance control during obstacle avoidance, being that TD patients presented further changes in the motor area (Cz channel) to avoid obstacles.
Daily Physical Activity Patterns and Their Association With Health-Related Physical Fitness Among Aging Workers—The Finnish Retirement and Aging Study
Authors: Stenholm Sari , Pulakka Anna , Leskinen Tuija , Pentti Jaana , Heinonen Olli J , Koster Annemarie , Vahtera Jussi
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to identify accelerometer-measured daily physical activity patterns, and to examine how they associate with health-related physical fitness among aging workers.

Methods

The study population consisted of 263 participants (mean age 62.4 years, SD 1.0) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study, who used wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometer for at least 1 week including both workdays and days off. Health-related physical fitness measures included body composition (waist circumference, bioimpedance), cardiorespiratory fitness (bicycle ergometer test), and muscular fitness (push-up and chair rise tests).

Results

Based on the latent class trajectory analysis, 6 trajectories were identified for workdays showing variation in activity level on working hours and on evening hours. Moderate activity during working hours and increase of activity level in the evening was associated with the most favorable health-related fitness in comparison to low activity throughout the workday: waist circumference 90.0 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] 85.5–94.5) versus 99.5 cm (95% CI 96.8–102.3), fat mass 13.9 kg (9.3–18.5) versus 23.8 kg (20.2–27.4), cardiorespiratory fitness 33.4 mL/kg/min (95% CI 31.4–35.3) versus 29.1 mL/kg/min (95% CI 27.8–30.3) (adjusted for age, sex, days off activity, smoking, and alcohol). For the days off, 2 different trajectories were identified, but they differed only in terms of level and not by timing of physical activity.

Conclusions

A large variation in the workday physical activity patterns was observed among aging workers. Independent of worktime activity, people who were more active in the evenings had more favorable health-related physical fitness than those who were less active throughout the day.
Day-to-Day Variability in Subjective Age and Ageist Attitudes and Their Association With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Bodner Ehud , Shrira Amit , Hoffman Yaakov , Bergman Yoav S
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Evidence of daily fluctuations in subjective age and their association with older adults’ well-being was recently obtained. Yet, neither the simultaneous tracking of two daily views on aging (i.e., daily subjective age and daily ageist attitudes) nor their interactive effect on mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms) has been explored. We hypothesized that (a) at days on which older adults feel older or report high ageist attitudes they would report higher depressive symptoms, (b) combined older subjective age and high ageist attitudes will be associated with the highest daily depressive symptoms.

Method

Community-dwelling older adults (N = 134, mean age = 69.66) completed measures of subjective age, ageist attitudes, and depressive symptoms for 10 consecutive days.

Results

Daily older subjective age and higher ageist attitudes were related to higher depressive symptoms, but there was no combined effect of both on depressive symptoms. There was a significant three-way interaction between subjective age, ageist attitudes, and chronological age, demonstrating the interactive effect of subjective age and ageist attitudes on depressive symptoms only among the old-old respondents. Time-lagged analyses further showed that ageist attitudes during previous days predicted feeling older and more depressed on following days, but not vice versa.

Discussion

Results suggest that old-old individuals are more susceptible to a combination of negative views on aging on daily basis. Findings further support a daily assimilation process, whereby previous-day stereotypes are assimilated and manifested into one’s identity and mental health, so that one feels older and more depressed on subsequent days.
Implementing a Reablement Intervention, “Care of People With Dementia in Their Environments (COPE)”: A Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study
Authors: Clemson Lindy , Laver Kate , Rahja Miia , Culph Jennifer , Scanlan Justin N , Day Sally , Comans Tracy , Jeon Yun-Hee , Low Lee-Fay , Crotty Maria , Kurrle Sue , Cations Monica , Piersol Cathy V , Gitlin Laura N
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

The translation of reablement programs into practice is lagging despite strong evidence for interventions that maintain function for the person living with dementia as well as improve carer well-being. The aim was to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based program, Care of People with Dementia in Their Environments (COPE), into health services.

Research Design and Methods

An implementation-effectiveness hybrid design was used to evaluate implementation outcomes while simultaneously involving a pragmatic pre–post evaluation of outcomes for people with dementia. We report uptake, fidelity to intervention, outcomes for people living with dementia and carers, and beliefs and behaviors of interventionists contributing to successful implementation.

Results

Seventeen organizations in Australia across 3 health contexts, 38 occupational therapists, and 17 nurses participated in training and implementation. While there were challenges and delays in implementation, most organizations were able to offer the program and utilized different models of funding. Overall, we found there was moderate fidelity to components of the program. Pre–post outcomes for carer well-being and coping (Perceived Change Index, p < .001) and activity engagement of the person living with dementia (p = .002) were significantly increased, replicating previous trial results. What contributed most to therapists implementing the program (Determinants of Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire) was a stronger intent to deliver (p < .001), higher confidence (p < .001), a sense of control in delivery (p = .004), and a belief the program was very useful to their clients (p = .002).

Discussion and Implications

This study demonstrated that implementation is possible in multiple health systems and beneficial to individuals and their families.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease–Associated Changes in the Gut: Focus on Kazan Patients
Authors: Lo Sasso Giuseppe , Khachatryan Lusine , Kondylis Athanasios , Battey James N D , Sierro Nicolas , Danilova Natalia A , Grigoryeva Tatiana V , Markelova Maria I , Khusnutdinova Dilyara R , Laikov Alexander V , Salafutdinov Ilnur I , Romanova Yulia D , Siniagina Mariia N , Vasiliev Ilya Yu , Boulygina Eugenia A , Solovyeva Valeriya V , Garanina Ekaterina E , Kitaeva Kristina V , Ivanov Konstantin Y , Chulpanova Darja S , Kletenkov Konstantin S , Valeeva Alina R , Odintsova Alfiya Kh , Ardatskaya Maria D , Abdulkhakov Rustam A , Ivanov Nikolai V , Peitsch Manuel C , Hoeng Julia , Abdulkhakov Sayar R
Published: August 2020

Background

Several studies have highlighted the role of host–microbiome interactions in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in an increasing amount of data mainly focusing on Western patients. Because of the increasing prevalence of IBD in newly industrialized countries such as those in Asia, the Middle East, and South America, there is mounting interest in elucidating the gut microbiota of these populations. We present a comprehensive analysis of several IBD-related biomarkers and gut microbiota profiles and functions of a unique population of patients with IBD and healthy patients from Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia).

Methods

Blood and fecal IBD biomarkers, serum cytokines, and fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content were profiled. Finally, fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S and whole-genome shotgun sequencing.

Results

Fecal microbiota whole-genome sequencing confirmed the presence of classic IBD dysbiotic features at the phylum level, with increased abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria and decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. At the genus level, the abundance of both fermentative (SCFA-producing and hydrogen (H2)-releasing) and hydrogenotrophic (H2-consuming) microbes was affected in patients with IBD. This imbalance was confirmed by the decreased abundance of SCFA species in the feces of patients with IBD and the change in anaerobic index, which mirrors the redox status of the intestine.

Conclusions

Our analyses highlighted how IBD-related dysbiotic microbiota—which are generally mainly linked to SCFA imbalance—may affect other important metabolic pathways, such as H2 metabolism, that are critical for host physiology and disease development.
Functional and Environmental Constraints on Prey Capture Speed in a Lizard
Authors: Adams D R , Gifford M E
Published: August 2020

Synopsis

Movement is an important component of animal behavior and determines how an organism interacts with its environment. The speed at which an animal moves through its environment can be constrained by internal (e.g., physiological state) and external factors (e.g., habitat complexity). When foraging, animals should move at speeds that maximize prey capture while minimizing mistakes (i.e., missing prey, slipping). We used experimental arenas containing obstacles spaced in different arrays to test how variation in habitat complexity influenced attack distance, prey capture speed, and foraging success in the Prairie Lizard. Obstacles spaced uniformly across arenas resulted in 15% slower prey capture speed and 30–38% shorter attack distance compared to arenas with no obstacles or with obstacles clustered in opposite corners of the arena. Prey capture probability was not influenced by arena type or capture speed, but declined with increasing attack distance. Similarly, the probability of prey consumption declined with attack distance across arena types. However, prey consumption probability declined with increasing prey capture speed in more open arenas but not in the cluttered arena. Foraging accuracy declined with increasing speed in more open arenas, and remained relatively constant when obstacles were in closer proximity. Foraging success was primarily constrained by intrinsic properties (speed-maneuverability tradeoff) when ample space was available, but environmental conditions had a greater impact on foraging success in “cluttered” habitats. This empirical test of theoretical predictions about optimal movement speeds in animals provides a step forward in understanding how animals select speeds in nature.
“Filthy Lapdogs,” “Jerks,” and “Hitler”: Making Sense of Insults in International Relations
Authors: Rousseau Elise , Baele Stephane J
Published: August 2020

This paper offers an original theoretical framework for the study of insults in international relations (IR). Bringing into IR the two main theoretical approaches to aggravating language, slurs and dysphemisms, we conceptualize insults’ disruptive impact on international interactions in a way that explains their logic, consequences, and risks. Specifically, we argue that insults constitute both at once tactical tools used by international actors to achieve their interests by disrupting an interaction and modifying the payoffs associated with it and linguistic artifacts constructing and sharpening self- and other identities. The components of our theoretical framework are illustrated with a wide range of empirical cases of international insults.