bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEROIC: a 5-year observational cohort study aimed at identifying novel factors that drive diabetic kidney disease: rationale and study protocol
Authors: Mccafferty Kieran , Caplin Ben , Knight Sinead , Hockings Paul , Wheeler David , Fan Stanley L , Hulthe Johannes , Kleta Robert , Ashman Neil , Papastefanou Vasilios , Mehta Hemal , Salama Alan , Hadzovic Sinela , Chowdhury Tahseen Ahmad , Jarl Lisa , Unwin Robert , Challis Benjamin , Sundgren Anna K , Yaqoob Muhammad Magdi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide and a major cause of premature mortality in diabetes mellitus (DM). While improvements in care have reduced the incidence of kidney disease among those with DM, the increasing prevalence of DM means that the number of patients worldwide with DKD is increasing. Improved understanding of the biology of DKD and identification of novel therapeutic targets may lead to new treatments. A major challenge to progress has been the heterogeneity of the DKD phenotype and renal progression. To investigate the heterogeneity of DKD we have set up The East and North London Diabetes Cohort (HEROIC) Study, a secondary care-based, multiethnic observational study of patients with biopsy-proven DKD. Our primary objective is to identify histological features of DKD associated with kidney endpoints in a cohort of patients diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 DM, proteinuria and kidney impairment.

Methods and analysis

HEROIC is a longitudinal observational study that aims to recruit 500 patients with DKD at high-risk of renal and cardiovascular events. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data will be collected and assessed annually for 5 years. Renal biopsy tissue will be collected and archived at recruitment. Blood and urine samples will be collected at baseline and during annual follow-up visits. Measured glomerular filtration rate (GFR), echocardiography, retinal optical coherence tomography angiography and kidney and cardiac MRI will be performed at baseline and twice more during follow-up. The study is 90% powered to detect an association between key histological and imaging parameters and a composite of death, renal replacement therapy or a 30% decline in estimated GFR.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee (REC 18-LO-1921). Any patient identifiable data will be stored on a password-protected National Health Services N3 network with full audit trail. Anonymised imaging data will be stored in a ISO27001-certificated data warehouse.

Results will be reported through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conferences and disseminated to participants, patients and the public using web-based and social media engagement tools as well as through public events.
How effective is undergraduate palliative care teaching for medical students? A systematic literature review
Authors: Boland Jason W , Brown Megan E L , Duenas Angelique , Finn Gabrielle M , Gibbins Jane
Published: September 2020

Palliative care is central to the role of all clinical doctors. There is variability in the amount and type of teaching about palliative care at undergraduate level. Time allocated for such teaching within the undergraduate medical curricula remains scarce. Given this, the effectiveness of palliative care teaching needs to be known.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care teaching for undergraduate medical students.

Design

A systematic review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment (mixed methods and Cochrane risk of bias tool) were performed in duplicate.

Data sources

Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane and grey literature in August 2019. Studies evaluating palliative care teaching interventions with medical students were included.

Results

1446 titles/abstracts and 122 full-text articles were screened. 19 studies were included with 3253 participants. 17 of the varied methods palliative care teaching interventions improved knowledge outcomes. The effect of teaching on clinical practice and patient outcomes was not evaluated in any study.

Conclusions

The majority of palliative care teaching interventions reviewed improved knowledge of medical students. The studies did not show one type of teaching method to be better than others, and thus no ‘best way’ to provide teaching about palliative care was identified. High quality, comparative research is needed to further understand effectiveness of palliative care teaching on patient care/clinical practice/outcomes in the short-term and longer-term.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018115257.
Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST): protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate invitation to community-based low-dose CT screening for lung cancer versus usual care in a targeted population at risk
Authors: Crosbie Philip AJ , Gabe Rhian , Simmonds Irene , Kennedy Martyn , Rogerson Suzanne , Ahmed Nazia , Baldwin David R , Booton Richard , Cochrane Ann , Darby Michael , Franks Kevin , Hinde Sebastian , Janes Sam M , Macleod Una , Messenger Mike , Moller Henrik , Murray Rachael L , Neal Richard D , Quaife Samantha L , Sculpher Mark , Tharmanathan Puvanendran , Torgerson David , Callister Matthew EJ
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer death. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduced lung cancer mortality by 20% in the US National Lung Screening Trial. Here, we present the Yorkshire Lung Screening Trial (YLST), which will address key questions of relevance for screening implementation.

Methods and analysis

Using a single-consent Zelen’s design, ever-smokers aged 55–80 years registered with a general practice in Leeds will be randomised (1:1) to invitation to a telephone-based risk-assessment for a Lung Health Check or to usual care. The anticipated number randomised by household is 62 980 individuals. Responders at high risk will be invited for LDCT scanning for lung cancer on a mobile van in the community. There will be two rounds of screening at an interval of 2 years. Primary objectives are (1) measure participation rates, (2) compare the performance of PLCOM2012(threshold ≥1.51%), Liverpool Lung Project (V.2) (threshold ≥5%) and US Preventive Services Task Force eligibility criteria for screening population selection and (3) assess lung cancer outcomes in the intervention and usual care arms. Secondary evaluations include health economics, quality of life, smoking rates according to intervention arm, screening programme performance with ancillary biomarker and smoking cessation studies.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Greater Manchester West research ethics committee (18-NW-0012) and the Health Research Authority following review by the Confidentiality Advisory Group. The results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentation at conferences and on the YLST website.

Trial registration numbers

ISRCTN42704678andNCT03750110.
Acquired cutaneous angiomatosis and Chorioptes species dermatitis in an adult llama
Authors: Hicks Karly , Newcomer Benjamin W , Sandey Maninder , Kennis Bob , White Amelia
Published: September 2020

A five‐year‐old male llama was presented for nonpainful, nonpruritic dermatitis of the right pelvic and thoracic limbs, and right pelvic limb lameness of 2 weeks’ duration. Cutaneous lesions were soft to firm, erythematous, raised and plaque‐like with comedones and scale. Histopathology revealed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, suppurative and eosinophilic folliculitis and numerous densely packed vascular structures extending throughout the superficial and mid‐dermis. Concurrent Chorioptes species mites were diagnosed via skin scrapings, and parasitic infestation resolved with topical sulphurated lime solution application. Angiomatosis lesions persisted on clinical and histopathological re‐evaluation. PCR on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue was negative for multiple Bartonella species. This is the second report of cutaneous angiomatosis in a llama, but the first case suspected to be secondary to ectoparasite (Chorioptes species) infestation.
Synthesizing and communicating climate change impacts to inform coastal adaptation planning
Authors: Whitney Charlotte K. , Conger Tugce , Ban Natalie C. , McPhie Romney
Published: September 2020

Planning for adaptation to climate change requires regionally relevant information on rising air and ocean temperatures, sea levels, increasingly frequent and intense storms, and other climate-related impacts. However, in many regions there are limited focused syntheses of the climate impacts, risks, and potential adaptation strategies for coastal marine areas and sectors. We report on a regional assessment of climate change impacts and recommendations for adaptation strategies in the NE Pacific Coast (British Columbia, Canada), conducted in collaboration with a regional planning and plan implementation partnership (Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast), aimed at bridging the gaps between climate science and regional adaptation planning. We incorporated both social and ecological aspects of climate change impacts and adaptations, and the feedback mechanisms which may result in both increased risks and opportunities for the following areas of interest: “Ecosystems”, “Fisheries and Aquaculture”, “Communities”, and “Marine Infrastructure”. As next steps within the region, we propose proactive planning measures including communication of the key impacts and projections and cross-sectoral assessments of climate vulnerability and risk to direct decision-making.
Thermostatistics with an invariant infrared cutoff
Authors: Roushan M. , Nozari K.
Published: September 2020

Quantum gravitational effects may affect the large scale dynamics of the universe. Phenomenologically, quantum gravitational effect at large distances can be encoded in an extended uncertainty principle that admits a minimal measurable momentum/energy or a maximal length. This maximal length can be considered as the size of the cosmological horizon today. In this paper we study thermostatistics of an expanding universe as a gaseous system and in the presence of an invariant infrared cutoff. We also compare the thermostatistics of different eras of the evolution of the universe in two classes, Fermions and Bosons.
First principles calculations on theoretical band gap improvement of IIIA-VA zinc-blende semiconductor InAs
Authors: Mahmood Waqas , Bukhtiar Arfan , Haroon Muhammad , Dong Bing
Published: September 2020

The structural, electronic, dielectric and vibrational properties of zinc-blende (ZB) InAs were studied within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) by employing local density approximation and norm-conserving pseudopotentials. The optimal lattice parameter, direct band gap, static dielectric constant, phonon frequencies and Born effective charges calculated by treating In-4d electrons as valence states are in satisfactory agreement with other reported theoretical and experimental findings. The calculated band gap is reasonably accurate and improved in comparison to other findings. This work will be useful for more computational studies related to semiconductor devices.
LINKING HARMONIOUS CSR AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION: THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INCOME
Authors: SINGH KULDEEP , MISRA MADHVENDRA
Published: September 2020

This study focuses on the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on financial inclusion behavior in rural communities. CSR in the domain of community engagement, education and livelihood initiatives, which are all referred to as ‘harmonious CSR’ in the paper. This study further explores the moderating influence of financial literacy and income on harmonious CSR-financial inclusion linkages.

A field survey of 344 rural households (CSR beneficiaries) was conducted in two districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. This study follows a two-stage approach. First, a theoretical model is constructed on the basis of a strategic review of literature in the field of social science (social work, rural development and development studies). Second, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is performed, followed by a hierarchical regression model to determine underlying associations. Findings reveal that harmonious CSR has a significantly positive impact on financial inclusion in the Indian rural sector. The moderating effect of financial literacy is also reflected in CSR-financial inclusion linkages. However, income is not found to have any moderating influence on the relationship between harmonious CSR and financial inclusion. Finally, this study is in favor of deepening the influence of the financial institutions so that policymakers can make informed decisions about maintaining a sustainable economic environment, especially, in the context of the rural sector where such steps are desperately needed.
Extending quasi-alternating links
Authors: Chbili Nafaa , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: September 2020

Champanerkar and Kofman [Twisting quasi-alternating links, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 137(7) (2009) 2451–2458] introduced an interesting way to construct new examples of quasi-alternating links from existing ones. Actually, they proved that replacing a quasi-alternating crossing [Formula: see text] in a quasi-alternating link by a rational tangle of same type yields a new quasi-alternating link. This construction has been extended to alternating algebraic tangles and applied to characterize all quasi-alternating Montesinos links. In this paper, we extend this technique to any alternating tangle of same type as [Formula: see text]. As an application, we give new examples of quasi-alternating knots of 13 and 14 crossings. Moreover, we prove that the Jones polynomial of a quasi-alternating link that is obtained in this way has no gap if the original link has no gap in its Jones polynomial. This supports a conjecture introduced in [N. Chbili and K. Qazaqzeh, On the Jones polynomial of quasi-alternating links, Topology Appl. 264 (2019) 1–11], which states that the Jones polynomial of any prime quasi-alternating link except [Formula: see text]-torus links has no gap.
ΛCDM as a Noether symmetry in cosmology
Authors: Benisty D. , Guendelman E. I. , Nissimov E. , Pacheva S.
Published: September 2020

The standard [Formula: see text]CDM model of cosmology is formulated as a simple modified gravity coupled to a single scalar field (“darkon”) possessing a nontrivial hidden nonlinear Noether symmetry. The main ingredient in the construction is the use of the formalism of non-Riemannian spacetime volume-elements. The associated Noether conserved current produces stress–energy tensor consisting of two additive parts — dynamically generated dark energy and dark matter components noninteracting among themselves. Noether symmetry breaking via an additional scalar “darkon” potential introduces naturally an interaction between dark energy and dark matter. The correspondence between the [Formula: see text]CDM model and the present “darkon” Noether symmetry is exhibited up to linear order with respect to gravity-matter perturbations. With the Cosmic Chronometers (CC) and the Redshift Space Distortion (RSD) datasets, we study an example for the “darkon” potential that breaks the Noether symmetry and we show that the preservation of this symmetry yields a better fit.
Analysis of pairing phase transition in Sn-isotopes within semiclassical approach
Authors: Monga Saniya , Kaur Harjeet , Jain Sudhir R.
Published: September 2020

We demonstrate that pairing phase transition (superfluid to normal) can be described quite generally in terms of the thermodynamical properties after verifying the obtained level densities with the available experimental data for [Formula: see text]- isotopes. Periodic-orbit theory conveniently connects the oscillatory part of level density to the underlying classical periodic orbits and hence, leads to the shell effects in the single-particle level density. Such methods incorporated with pairing effects can be used effectively to study the phase transitions in [Formula: see text]-isotopes. In addition to this, an interplay between pairing correlations and the shell effects has been understood by analyzing the results obtained for the critical temperatures and shell structure energies for [Formula: see text] isotopes. A relation between variation in critical temperatures caused by shell effects and the shell structure energies determined with and without pairing effects has been established. Furthermore, the systematics of the heat capacity (giving a clear signature of pairing phase transition) as function of temperature for these nuclei are investigated as well.
CHAOS IN A NONAUTONOMOUS MODEL FOR THE INTERACTIONS OF PREY AND PREDATOR WITH EFFECT OF WATER LEVEL FLUCTUATION
Authors: SARKAR ABHIJIT , TIWARI PANKAJ KUMAR , BONA FRANCESCA , PAL SAMARES
Published: September 2020

Water level regulates the dynamics of different populations residing in water bodies. The increase/decrease in the level of water leads to an increase/decrease in the volume of water, which influences the interactions of fishes and catching capability. We examine how seasonal variations in water level and harvesting affect the outcome of prey–predator interactions in an artificial lake. A seasonal variation of the water level is introduced in the predation rate. We derive conditions for the persistence and extinction of the populations. Using the continuation theorem, we determine the conditions for which the system has a positive periodic solution. The existence of a unique globally stable periodic solution is also presented. Moreover, we obtain conditions for the existence, uniqueness and stability of a positive almost periodic solution. We find that if the autonomous system has a stable focus, the corresponding nonautonomous system exhibits a unique stable positive periodic solution. But, whenever the autonomous system shows limit cycle oscillations, the corresponding nonautonomous system exhibits chaotic dynamics. The chaotic behavior of system is confirmed by the positivity of the maximal Lyapunov exponent. For higher values of the assimilation fraction of prey population, the persistent oscillations of the autonomous system are eliminated and this system becomes stable. On the other hand, chaotic nature of the nonautonomous system is converted into periodicity if the assimilation fraction of prey is large. Moreover, populations behave almost periodically if the seasonally varied rate parameters are almost periodic functions of time. Our findings show that water level plays an important role in the persistence of prey–predator system.
A note on automorphism groups of symmetric cubic graphs
Authors: Ma Jicheng
Published: September 2020

We study [Formula: see text]-arc-transitive cubic graph [Formula: see text], and give a characterization of minimal normal subgroups of the automorphism group. In particular, each [Formula: see text] with quasi-primitive automorphism group is characterized. An interesting consequence of this characterization states that a non-solvable minimal normal subgroup [Formula: see text] contains at most 2 copies of non-abelian simple group when it acts transitively on arcs, or contains at most 6 copies of non-abelian simple group when it acts regularly on vertices.
Motivations of the Female Entrepreneurs to Start Online Businesses in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Tahir Rizwan , Raza Ali
Published: September 2020

The global dissemination of internet technology and advances in it are facilitating female entrepreneurs to participate in online entrepreneurial activities by utilizing new business frameworks to achieve economies of scope and scale as they start to compete with the traditional entrepreneurs in the market. This research draws on two fields of scholarly research; “online businesses” and “female entrepreneurship” and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that endeavors to provide an overview of female entrepreneurship in online businesses in the UAE. This study, which is based on a qualitative survey of 20 online businesses, owned and smanaged by females’ in the UAE, investigates why females start their online businesses. The obvious picture emerging from this study is that with control over the number of hours they put in their online businesses and do not face the type of work to family conflict encountered by the female who own and manage traditional businesses outside of their homes. More precisely, the results of this study give indicative and exciting comprehensions into the challenges and impediments of female entrepreneurs in this fast-growing sector of the UAE economy. Of critical interest to researchers and policy makers, we investigate the challenges and impediments to success and the ways that female entrepreneurs in the UAE are successfully starting and expanding their online businesses.
On a functional of Kobayashi for Higgs bundles
Authors: Cardona Sergio A. H. , Meneses Claudio
Published: September 2020

We define a functional [Formula: see text] for the space of Hermitian metrics on an arbitrary Higgs bundle over a compact Kähler manifold, as a natural generalization of the mean curvature energy functional of Kobayashi for holomorphic vector bundles, and study some of its basic properties. We show that [Formula: see text] is bounded from below by a nonnegative constant depending on invariants of the Higgs bundle and the Kähler manifold, and that when achieved, its absolute minima are Hermite–Yang–Mills metrics. We derive a formula relating [Formula: see text] and another functional [Formula: see text], closely related to the Yang–Mills–Higgs functional, which can be thought of as an extension of a formula of Kobayashi for holomorphic vector bundles to the Higgs bundles setting. Finally, using 1-parameter families in the space of Hermitian metrics on a Higgs bundle, we compute the first variation of [Formula: see text], which is expressed as a certain [Formula: see text]-Hermitian inner product. It follows that a Hermitian metric on a Higgs bundle is a critical point of [Formula: see text] if and only if the corresponding Hitchin–Simpson mean curvature is parallel with respect to the Hitchin–Simpson connection.
A discrete event simulation model for waiting time management in an emergency department: A case study in an Egyptian hospital
Authors: Mohamed Israa
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a discrete event simulation model to help improving healthcare service provided by an emergency department at a private hospital at Zagazig, Egypt. We construct a patient flow division model by dividing patients according to their severity level. Although patients division and routing have significant evidence in improving health service in terms of waiting times and Length of Stay (LoS), there is a lack in a detailed system evaluation and implementation under this configuration. Based on system observation and health care provider’s interviews, a comprehensive and clear picture of the system has been drawn along with a conceptual model showing different patient flows through the studied system. A discrete event simulation model of the Emergency Department is built using collected data. Different operational scenarios were tested against the baseline scenario to study the impact of patient flow division, including different staff capacities and different patient magnitudes. Results indicate that waiting times and length of patient stay can be significantly improved under the proposed system configuration.
Convalescent Plasma Therapy: A New Flair of Hope in the Fight Against the Novel Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID-19)
Authors: Garg Pankaj
Published: September 2020

Corona virus disease or its pandemic (COVID-19), because of novel corona virus-2 (SARS-nCoV-2), has become a big challenge worldwide to discover an effective therapeutic regime for its prevention and treatment. Researchers and scientists are continuously exploring new ideas and strategies to come up with an effective treatment that can confront against the novel corona virus, but no significant results have been documented in any of the reported study up till. Neither an effective vaccine nor any antiviral therapeutic agent has been approved to treat Covid-19. In the present scenario, immunotherapy by transferring of antibody enriched convalescent sera to the infected patient seems to be one of the promising treatment approaches. This paper focuses on exploring the suitability of using CP transfusion therapy on Covid-19 patients, highlighting the risks and challenges associated with its treatment for gaining maximum clinical benefits and better treatment outcome. The findings derived from the serological assays provide a valuable information that would help to support diagnosis, treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Ubiquity symposium 'What is computation?'
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: September 2020

The first Ubiquity symposium seeks to discuss the question, "What is computation?"
Do Online Courses Help or Hinder English Language Learners' Experience With Math Credit Recovery?
Authors: Costa-Guerra Boris , Costa-Guerra Leslie
Published: September 2020

As online learning enrollments continue to grow, the conversation has shifted from the value of online learning to what tools students should be using and in what capacity. The benefits of having such a variety of options are immense and allow schools to meet the needs of individual learners no matter where they are. However, are all of the outcomes from online learning positive? How is online learning effective for English language learners (ELLs) in mathematics? This study sought to understand the influence of Edgenuity's E2020 Math Credit Recovery Program on the degree of the quality of learning experience with ELL students in the southwestern United States.
Data from Survey of Online College Students Helps Institutions Thrive
Authors: Clinefelter David
Published: September 2020

The fourth annual "Online College Students: Comprehensive Data on Demands and Preferences" report surveyed 1,500 past, present, and prospective fully online college students. This article explores what online college students are looking for from higher education institutions, as well as best practices colleges and universities can implement to provide high-quality online programs. Field of study, affordability and the website are identified as key factors in online students' decision making, and are all areas where institutions should carefully consider how to provide an optimal student experience.
Amplify the Power: Five reasons to use interactive video
Authors: Pasterfield Louise
Published: September 2020

People are watching more video than ever before but it's a passive experience. Interactive video means participation, creating interesting opportunities. This article looks at the types of interactive video, benefits for learning, production tips and real life examples.
Four Questions to Ask When Using YouTube in the Classroom
Authors: Drew Christopher
Published: September 2020

With the rise of the flipped classroom concept, videos from platforms such as YouTube are increasingly being embedded in education courses. Teachers use videos they find online not only as stimulus materials, but also because they can explicitly teach concepts to learners. This article proposes teachers reflect on the pedagogical value of such videos before using them as educational materials. Based on constructivist principles that emphasize active learning and critical thinking, four simple questions are presented for teachers to ask about videos that are designed to explicitly teach before selecting them as tools that do teaching their courses.
Asynchronous Video-Based Discussions in the Online Classroom
Authors: Wehr Katrina M.
Published: September 2020

This article presents a review of research surrounding asynchronous video communication and its impact on social presence in online courses. The author includes a narrative of firsthand experience as an instructional designer implementing asynchronous multimodal discussions, along with a survey of student perspectives as well as the instructor's. Recommendations for improvement in future implementations are also included.
Web Conferencing Supports the Wake Tech High School Equivalency Program
Authors: Roddenberry Chris , Fister Maria
Published: September 2020

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is a national initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education that helps migrant workers obtain high school equivalency diplomas. Wake Technical Community College?s HEP program recently transitioned to a fully online model supported by the use of the Adobe Connect web conferencing software, providing immediate benefits to both instructors and students. This paper provides a roadmap for other non-traditional educational programs that want to transition to online environments.
Professional Development for Open Education: The usefulness of a cMOOC
Authors: Hayman Jenni
Published: September 2020

There are two commonly identified obstacles to use of open educational resources (OER) and open educational practices (OEP) in global contexts. These obstacles are awareness and relevant skills. The focus of this article is participant experiences in a cMOOC designed to address these challenges. In June 2018, a group of post-secondary educators engaged in an open course they identified as useful for increasing their awareness and their capacity for finding and using OER.
Getting Engagement Right
Authors: Quinn Clark
Published: September 2020

Nick Shackleton-Jones' book How People Learn proposes a new model of learning, and implications for design. While the model is questionable--the implications can be derived from more traditional models--the inferred design principles are spot on. This is a good read to think afresh about making learning meaningful.
Algorithm 486
Authors: Veillon Francoise
Published: September 2020

This work forms part of a thesis presented in Grenoble in March 1972. Improvements made to the Dubner and Abate algorithm for numerical inversion of the Laplace transform [1] have led to results which compare favorably with theirs and those of Bellmann [2], and Stehfest [3]. The Dubner method leads to the approximation formula: ƒ(
t
) = 2

e
at

/
T
[1/2
Re
{
F
(
a
)} + ∑
∞

k
-1

Re
{
F
(
a
+
ikπ
/
T
)}cos(
kπ
t/
T
)], (1) where
F
(
s
) is the Laplace transform of ƒ(
t
) and
a
is positive and greater than the real parts of the singularities of ƒ(
t
).
Don't Just Teach to the Metrics
Authors: Feldstein Michael
Published: September 2020

My latest article raises some common-sense questions about instructional goals that we should all ask ourselves every time we design a course. It also shows some of the more common ways that the specific answers to those questions can affect course design, success metrics, and even how you set up access to the courses.
Two PARALLEL EULER run time models
Authors: Chirica L. M. , Martin D. F. , Dreisbach T. A. , Peetz J. G. , Sorkin A.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss two implementations of an extension, to support parallel computation, of the programming language EULER [WW66]. The run time environments of these two implementations are based, respectively, on the
deletion
and
retention
storage management policies [Be71b]. In addition to the effect of adding parallel computation, some of the more interesting conceptual and implementation problems associated with block-structured high level programming languages arise when the assignment as values of labels, references (pointers), and procedure descriptors is permitted. In particular, the choice of storage management policy significantly affects the correctness of implementation. Some of these problems are discussed in this paper. The basic mode of exposition centers around the EULER programming language and machine, chosen for their use of well-understood basic principles and their widely available, concise (if not always well explained), and reasonably precise definition. Familiarity with the principles of ALGOL 60 implementation [RR64], EULER [WW66], and the contour model of block-structured processes [Jo71] is assumed.
A Retrospective Study on Amoxicillin Susceptibility in Severe Haemophilus influenzae Pneumonia
Authors: Danneels Pierre , Postorino Maria Concetta , Strazzulla Alessio , Belfeki Nabil , Pitch Aurelia , Pourcine Frank , Jochmans Sebastien , Dubée Vincent , Monchi Mehran , Diamantis Sylvain
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Treatment of Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) pneumonia is on concern because resistance to amoxicillin is largely diffused. This study describes the evolution of resistance to amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) in Hi isolates and characteristics of patients with Hi severe pneumonia. Methods. A monocentric retrospective observational study including patients from 2008 to 2017 with severe pneumonia hospitalized in ICU. Evolution of amoxicillin and AMC susceptibility was showed. Characteristics of patients with Hi pneumonia were compared to characteristics of patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) pneumonia, as reference. Risk factors for amoxicillin resistance in Hi were investigated. Results. Overall, 113 patients with Hi and 132 with Sp pneumonia were included. The percentages of AMC resistance among Hi strains decreased over the years (from 10% in 2008-2009 to 0% in 2016-2017) while resistance to amoxicillin remained stable at 20%. Also, percentages of Sp resistant strains for amoxicillin decreased over years (from 25% to 3%). Patients with Hi pneumonia experienced higher prevalence of bronchitis (18% vs. 8%, p=0.02, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43% vs. 30% p=0.03), HAP (18% vs. 7%, p=0.01, ventilator-associated pneumonia (27% vs. 17%, p=0.04, and longer duration of mechanical ventilation (8 days vs. 6 days, p=0.04) than patients with Sp pneumonia. Patients with Sp pneumonia had more frequently local complications than patients with Hi pneumonia (17% vs. 7%, p=0.03). De-escalation of antibiotics was more frequent in patients with Sp than in patients with Hi (67% vs. 53%, p=0.03). No risk factors were associated with amoxicillin resistance among patients with Hi pneumonia. Conclusions. Amoxicillin resistance was stable over time, but no risk factors were detected. AMC resistance was extremely low, suggesting that AMC could be used for empiric treatment of Hi pneumonia, as well as other molecules, namely, cephalosporins. Patients with Hi pneumonia had more pulmonary comorbidities and severe diseases than patients with Sp pneumonia.
Calcitonin and Bone Physiology: In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Investigations
Authors: Xie Jingbo , Guo Jian , Kanwal Zaeema , Wu Mingzheng , Lv Xiangyang , Ibrahim Nihal Abdalla , Li Ping , Buabeid Manal Ali , Arafa El-Shaimaa A. , Sun Qingshan
Published: September 2020

Calcitonin was discovered as a peptide hormone that was known to reduce the calcium levels in the systemic circulation. This hypocalcemic effect is produced due to multiple reasons such as inhibition of bone resorption or suppression of calcium release from the bone. Thus, calcitonin was said as a primary regulator of the bone resorption process. This is the reason why calcitonin has been used widely in clinics for the treatment of bone disorders such as osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, and Paget’s disease. However, presently calcitonin usage is declined due to the development of efficacious formulations of new drugs. Calcitonin gene-related peptides and several other peptides such as intermedin, amylin, and adrenomedullin (ADM) are categorized in calcitonin family. These peptides are known for the structural similarity with calcitonin. Aside from having a similar structure, these peptides have few overlapping biological activities and signal transduction action through related receptors. However, several other activities are also present that are peptide specific.In vitroandin vivostudies documented the posttreatment effects of calcitonin peptides, i.e., positive effect on bone osteoblasts and their formation and negative effect on osteoclasts and their resorption. The recent research studies carried out on genetically modified mice showed the inhibition of osteoclast activity by amylin, while astonishingly calcitonin plays its role by suppressing osteoblast and bone turnover. This article describes the review of the bone, the activity of the calcitonin family of peptides, and the link between them.
Correlation between the Serum Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, Angiopoietin-1, and Severity of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Pang Sisi , Tao Zhengxian , Min Xiaoyan , Zhou Chuanwei , Pan Dijia , Cao Zhen , Wang Xiangming
Published: September 2020

Background. The expression of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) in patients with coronary artery disease of different studies was inconsistent. This study was to investigate the expression of the PDGF and Ang-1 in peripheral blood and coronary artery in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the relationship between the expression of the PDGF and Ang-1 and the severity of coronary artery disease. Methods. A total of 81 patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled from September 2012 to December 2013. Patients with ACS included 61 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI group) and 20 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP group). The 29 patients who were hospitalized for chest pain undergoing coronary angiography without stenosis and with TIMI level 3 blood flow were selected as the control group. During coronary arteriography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), blood in the peripheral artery and in the local coronary artery was collected from all the patients. Serum PDGF and Ang-1 levels were measured by ELISA. We calculated the Gensini score of each patient with CHD according to the result of CAG. Patients with ACS were followed up, and the major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events were recorded. Results. In peripheral blood, the concentration of the PDGF was significantly elevated in the ACS group than that of the control group. The level of the PDGF in the AMI group was significantly higher than that in the UAP group. In coronary artery blood, the level of the PDGF in the ACS group was significantly higher than that of the UAP group. There was no significant difference in the concentration of Ang-1 in peripheral blood between patients with coronary heart disease and the control group. The concentration of Ang-1 in the coronary artery was significantly lower than that in peripheral blood. The coronary Ang-1 concentrations in the ACS group were significantly higher than those in the UAP group. The concentrations of the PDGF and Ang-1 in peripheral and coronary artery blood were positively correlated with the severity of coronary lesions. Patients with MACCE had higher PDGF and Ang-1 levels in the coronary sinus. Conclusion. The serum PDGF concentration in patients with acute coronary syndrome was significantly increased, especially in the local coronary artery. The serum Ang-1 in the coronary artery was significantly increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction and was related to the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Coronary sinus PDGF and Ang-1 levels can reflect the severity of lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Bioinformatic Identification of Neuroblastoma Microenvironment-Associated Biomarkers with Prognostic Value
Authors: Wang Yi , Luo Huan , Cao Jing , Ma Chao
Published: September 2020

The microenvironment plays a vital role in the tumor recurrence of neuroblastoma. This research aimed at exploring prognostic genes that are involved in neuroblastoma microenvironment. We used “estimate” R package to calculate the immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores of each sample of ArrayExpress dataset E-MTAB-8248 based on the ESTIMATE algorithm. Then we found that immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores were not correlated with age/chromosome 11q, but tumor stage, MYCN gene amplifications, and chromosome 1p. Samples were then divided into high- and low-score groups, and 280 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. 64 potential prognostic genes were harvested through overall survival analysis from the common DEGs. 14 prognostic genes (ABCA6, SEPP1, SLAMF8, GPR171, ABCA9, ARHGAP15, IL7R, HLA-DPB1, GZMA, GPR183, CCL19, ITK, FGL2, and CD1C) were obtained after screening in two independent cohorts. GO and KEGG analysis discovered that common DEGs and 64 potential prognostic genes are mainly involved in T-cell activation, lymphocyte activation regulation, leukocyte migration, and the interaction of cytokines and cytokine receptors. Correlation analysis showed that all prognostic genes were negatively correlated with MYCN amplification. Cox analysis identified 5 independent prognostic genes (ARHGAP15, ABCA9, CCL19, SLAMF8, and CD1C).
Road Safety Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Ghana
Authors: Odonkor Stephen T. , Mitsotsou-Makanga Hugues , Dei Emmanuel Nene
Published: September 2020

The importance of road safety in the developmental agenda of a country cannot be overemphasized. It is essential for effective socioeconomic development. However, several countries in the developing world are confronted by several challenges relating to road safety, which are inadequately investigated. These challenges further aggravate the already heavily burdened health-care systems. The aim of this study is, therefore, to determine and analyse road safety issues in Ghana aimed at contributing to national policy development, stakeholder engagements, and public safety education campaigns on road traffic collision. A qualitative study by one-on-one interviews with individuals (n = 97) in road safety leadership positions was performed from November 2018 to February 2019. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was conducted using a constant comparative methodology approach facilitated by Atlas.ti 8.0 software. Important road safety challenges that were identified by the respondents were categorized into six thematic areas, namely, institutional, executional, managerial and operational, attitudinal and behavioural, research, and financial and investment challenges. We recommend that the government and stakeholders alike should tackle these challenges by building a collaborative environment where everyone is involved in the process of developing and implementing strategies aimed at overcoming these challenges as they arise. There is also the need to address the epidemic carnage of road traffic injuries, many of which are preventable since they arise from human actions and inactions.
Scrotal Skin Metastases Revealing a Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ziani Idriss , Makhoukh Zayd El Boukili El , Ibrahimi Ahmed , Bellouki Omar , Benahmed Jihane , Laraqui Yasmine , Zouidia Fouad , Sayegh Hachem El , Benslimane Lounis , Nouini Yassine
Published: September 2020

Introduction. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Cutaneous metastasis from prostate cancer is an unusual clinical finding. Scrotal skin metastasis revealing a prostate adenocarcinoma is even rarer. Case Report. We report the case of a 78-year-old patient, who initially consulted for nonspecific scrotal skin lesions evolving for 4 months. Patient’s past history revealed urinary disorders. Physical examination and PSA levels led to perform a prostate biopsy, and the diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma was made. Bone scintigraphy showed that the cancer has spread to the bones. Imaging studies showed that the cutaneous lesions were limited to the scrotal wall. Cutaneous metastasis was suspected and was proven on skin biopsy. The patient received second-generation hormone therapy with good clinical and biological outcomes. Discussion. Based on literature review of nearly 2,500 skin metastases, we found that only 436 were spreading from the genitourinary tract. Skin metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma is a rare entity with a low incidence rate (0.36%). Conclusion. Skin metastases, and especially in the scrotum, are exceptional in prostate cancer. However, in any patient with a prostate adenocarcinoma, nonspecific cutaneous lesions should lead to perform skin biopsy in order to identify and initiate treatment of cutaneous metastases.
A Novel Parameter Initialization Technique Using RBM-NN for Human Action Recognition
Authors: Roselind Johnson Deepika , Uthariaraj V.Rhymend
Published: September 2020

Human action recognition is a trending topic in the field of computer vision and its allied fields. The goal of human action recognition is to identify any human action that takes place in an image or a video dataset. For instance, the actions include walking, running, jumping, throwing, and much more. Existing human action recognition techniques have their own set of limitations when it concerns model accuracy and flexibility. To overcome these limitations, deep learning technologies were implemented. In the deep learning approach, a model learns by itself to improve its recognition accuracy and avoids problems such as gradient eruption, overfitting, and underfitting. In this paper, we propose a novel parameter initialization technique using the Maxout activation function. Firstly, human action is detected and tracked from the video dataset to learn the spatial-temporal features. Secondly, the extracted feature descriptors are trained using the RBM-NN. Thirdly, the local features are encoded into global features using an integrated forward and backward propagation process via RBM-NN. Finally, an SVM classifier recognizes the human actions in the video dataset. The experimental analysis performed on various benchmark datasets showed an improved recognition rate when compared to other state-of-the-art learning models.
Statistical Analysis of the Performance of Rank Fusion Methods Applied to a Homogeneous Ensemble Feature Ranking
Authors: Soheili Majid , Moghadam Amir-Masoud Eftekhari , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: September 2020

The feature ranking as a subcategory of the feature selection is an essential preprocessing technique that ranks all features of a dataset such that many important features denote a lot of information. The ensemble learning has two advantages. First, it has been based on the assumption that combining different model’s output can lead to a better outcome than the output of any individual models. Second, scalability is an intrinsic characteristic that is so crucial in coping with a large scale dataset. In this paper, a homogeneous ensemble feature ranking algorithm is considered, and the nine rank fusion methods used in this algorithm are analyzed comparatively. The experimental studies are performed on real six medium datasets, and the area under the feature-forward-addition curve criterion is assessed. Finally, the statistical analysis by repeated-measures analysis of variance results reveals that there is no big difference in the performance of the rank fusion methods applied in a homogeneous ensemble feature ranking; however, this difference is a statistical significance, and the B-Min method has a little better performance.