bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Functional Analysis of theDrosophilaGenehindsight: Evidence for Positive Regulation of EGFR Signaling
Authors: Kim Minhee , Du Olivia Y , Whitney Rachael J , Wilk Ronit , Hu Jack , Krause Henry M , Kavaler Joshua , Reed Bruce H
Published: October 2019

We have investigated the relationship between the function of the gene hindsight (hnt), which is the Drosophila homolog of Ras Responsive Element Binding protein-1 (RREB-1), and the EGFR signaling pathway. We report that hnt mutant embryos are defective in EGFR signaling dependent processes, namely chordotonal organ recruitment and oenocyte specification. We also show the temperature sensitive hypomorphic allele hntpebbled is enhanced by the hypomorphic MAPK allele rolled (rl1). We find that hnt overexpression results in ectopic DPax2 expression within the embryonic peripheral nervous system, and we show that this effect is EGFR-dependent. Finally, we show that the canonical U-shaped embryonic lethal phenotype of hnt, which is associated with premature degeneration of the extraembyonic amnioserosa and a failure in germ band retraction, is rescued by expression of several components of the EGFR signaling pathway (sSpi, Ras85DV12, pntP1) as well as the caspase inhibitor p35. Based on this collection of corroborating evidence, we suggest that an overarching function of hnt involves the positive regulation of EGFR signaling.
GENETIC PERFORMANCE OF THE STRIPED CATFISH (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878) POPULATION DERIVED FROM SELECTIVE BREEDING
Authors: Marnis Huria , Tahapari Evi , Darmawan Jadmiko
Published: October 2019

Selective breeding to improve growth trait in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) need genetic performance data. This study was carried out to evaluate genetic performance of different generations of the striped catfish population derived from selective breeding. Fifty fish of each population from four generations selected striped catfish was analyzed using five microsatellite loci (Pg-1, Pg-2, Pg-3, Pg-13, and Pg-14). Microsatellite allele data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Arlequin, and Fstat software. A neighborhood joining dendrogram was constructed based on Nei’s distance (Da) matrix with 1,000 bootstrap replications using MEGA7 software. The result showed that totally 31.5 exist, ranged from 4-7. Number of allele was ranged from 5.0 to 5.2, and polymorphic data was from 0.45-0.60. There were some exception, such as the allele of the loci Pg-2—194 bp, Pg-13—227 bp, Pg-13—229 bp, and Pg-14—279 bp; their gene frequencies were increased by generation. Further analyses indi­cated that most genetic variations arise from individuals within populations (approximately 57.10%). The founder generation closely related to G-0 generation. Likewise, G-1 generation closely related to G-2 generation. This result indicated that selection activity had a very significant impact on the genetic improvement of the selected population.
RANCANG BANGUN PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA SURYA SEBAGAI SUMBER LISTRIK UNTUK KAPAL PERIKANAN SKALA KECIL DI KABUPATEN PANGKEP, SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Daging I Ketut , Alirejo M. Subroto , Antara I Putu Wirta , Dwiyatmo Emil F. , Wahyu Tri
Published: October 2019

Kebutuhan akan listrik untuk kalangan industri, perkantoran, perumahan, termasuk untuk kapal-kapal perikanan meningkat dengan pesat. Peningkatan kebutuhan listrik ini tidak diiringi dengan penambahan pasokan listrik. Energi surya dapat dijadikan alternatif penghasil  energi listrik. Sel surya dapat mengkonversi langsung radiasi sinar matahari menjadi energi listrik (proses photovoltaic). Energi listrik yang dihasilkan dari sel surya dapat dimanfaatkan pada malam hari, dengan cara menyimpan energi listriknya ke baterai yang dikontrol oleh regulator pada siang hari. Pemanfaatan energi listrik dalam di atas kapal dilakukan dengan menghubungkan inverter dari arus DC ke AC pada keluaran regulator. Hasil pengujian modul surya (photovoltaic) diperoleh daya terbesar yang dihasilkan dari jam 08:00-16:00 adalah pada jam 12:00 dengan daya yang dihasilkan sampai 45,76 watt. Pengukuran tegangan dan arus setiap jam dari rentang jam 08:00 – 16:00, diperoleh daya rata-ratanya sebesar 32,389 Watt. Keluaran daya rata-rata selama 5 hari mencapai 32,386 Watt.
Survivorship Care Plans in Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Care Plan Outcomes
Authors: Hill Rebecca E. , Wakefield Claire E. , Cohn Richard J. , Fardell Joanna E. , Brierley Mary-Ellen E. , Kothe Emily , Jacobsen Paul B. , Hetherington Kate , Mercieca-Bebber Rebecca
Published: October 2019

Background

The Institute of Medicine recommends that survivorship care plans (SCPs) be included in cancer survivorship care. Our meta-analysis compares patient-reported outcomes between SCP and no SCP (control) conditions for cancer survivors. Our systematic review examines the feasibility of implementing SCPs from survivors' and health care professionals' perspectives and the impact of SCPs on health care professionals’ knowledge and survivorship care provision.

Methods

We searched seven online databases (inception to April 22, 2018) for articles assessing SCP feasibility and health care professional outcomes. Randomized controlled trials comparing patient-reported outcomes for SCP recipients versus controls were eligible for the meta-analysis. We performed random-effects meta-analyses using pooled standardized mean differences for each patient-reported outcome.

Results

Eight articles were eligible for the meta-analysis (n = 1,286 survivors) and 50 for the systematic review (n = 18,949 survivors; n = 3,739 health care professionals). There were no significant differences between SCP recipients and controls at 6 months postintervention on self-reported cancer and survivorship knowledge, physical functioning, satisfaction with information provision, or self-efficacy or at 12 months on anxiety, cancer-specific distress, depression, or satisfaction with follow-up care. SCPs appear to be acceptable and potentially improve survivors’ adherence to medical recommendations and health care professionals’ knowledge of survivorship care and late effects.

Conclusion

SCPs appear feasible but do not improve survivors’ patient-reported outcomes. Research should ascertain whether this is due to SCP ineffectiveness, implementation issues, or inappropriate research design of comparative effectiveness studies.
East Calcutta Wetlands, India: integrating sanitation, engineering and ecology
Authors: Das Gupta Dhruba
Published: October 2019

The East Calcutta Wetlands are an indispensable heritage of the city of Calcutta, India, and globally recognised as a partly natural, partly man-made ecosystem that sets an example in sustainable wastewater reuse. The 2017 UN World Water Development Report emphasised the vital role of the East Calcutta Wetlands in treating the city’s municipal sewage through biological methods, without the aid of a mechanical sewage treatment plant but with the help of the community, whose livelihood is connected to this work. Considering that, globally, only 20% of wastewater is treated, the looming water crisis raging through many Indian cities, increasing calls for conservation and proper utilisation of water sources such as rivers and wise use of water/wastewater, it is relevant to examine the dynamics of these wetlands. They afford timely lessons for urban wastewater management and sustainability of a tropical city with ample sunshine. The wetlands are an outcome of engineering innovation connected to a drainage outfall system. This paper examines the context of that innovation and the lessons they hold out for the urban future.
Prêt-à-Porter Procreation: Contemplating the Ban on Preimplantation Sex Selection
Authors: Soni Sheetal
Published: October 2019

Preimplantation genetic testing makes it possible to genetically test in vitro embryos for the presence of genetic disease. It also identifies the sex of the embryo. Preimplantation sex selection is prohibited in a number of jurisdictions, including South Africa. Sex selection may be considered to be included in the ambit of the right to reproductive autonomy under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. An analysis of international human rights law supports such a view, and a comparison with foreign law suggests that South Africa should be wary of adopting blanket prohibitions without considering their context. The analysis demonstrates that a prohibition of preimplantation sex selection may have no place in South African law.
The Question is "Should Insurers Continuously Update Policyholder Records"? Insurance Law Requires the Principles of Administrative Law to Settle Disputes between the Policyholder and the Insurer
Authors: Kilian Neels
Published: October 2019

It is possible to argue that the Financial Advisory Intermediary Services Ombud (hereafter FAIS Ombud) has jurisdiction to consider insurer's decisions not to update their internal administrative systems. The FAIS Ombud may therefore investigate such matters as a complaint as defined in section 1 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (hereafter the FAIS Act). On the other hand, upon any failure to investigate such complaints, the complainant may approach the Financial Services Tribunal, either to give directions to the FAIS Ombud regarding how to investigate the complaint or to replace this failure with the Tribunal's own investigation/reconsideration of a decision as regulated in section 8 of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 (hereafter the PAJA). An administrative decision is defined in the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017 (hereafter the FSRA) which includes the statutory ombud (example, FAIS Ombud) decisions, such as a decision not to investigate a complaint. When an insurer's decision is in fact an administrative decision, reference should also be made to the FSRA, i.e. an insurer's decision to debar an employee/representative or a decision not to update relevant policyholder records with new information. An insurer's decision not to update policyholder records is not part of this statutory regulation (FSRA) of what constitutes an administrative decision; nevertheless the PAJA could still be relevant to understand when these decisions could be considered a public function. Although the latter falls outside the scope of this article, the National Horse Racing Authority of Southern Africa v Cyril Naidoo 2010 3 SA 182 (N) is briefly discussed in this article with reference to a public function. In this article, the failure of the FAIS Ombud to investigate a policyholder's (hereafter client) complaint (the insurer is unwilling to update client records) is an administrative decision and it is specifically regulated by FSRA. For this reason, the relevance of the Financial Services Tribunal is discussed when the FAIS Ombud directs the complaint (or the client may also refer a matter in specific circumstances, as if the FAIS Ombud fails to investigate the matter within a reasonable time) to the Financial Services Tribunal for a reconsideration of the decision.
Helenistik kulelerde yanal yüke ilişkin düzlem içi ve düzlem dışı duvar davranışının duvar profilleri ve açıklık tiplerine bağlı olarak incelenmesi
Authors: GENÇER Funda , HAMAMCIOĞLU TURAN Mine , AKTAŞ Engin
Published: October 2019

Taş bloklar arasında herhangi bir
bağlayıcı malzeme kullanılmadan inşa edilmiş olan kuru yığma duvar örgülerine
Yunan, Helenistik ve Roma dönemlerine ait farklı yapı tiplerinde
rastlanmaktadır. Yığma yapım sistemlerinin kurgularının, depreme ilişkin gerekliliklerin
deneyimler ile olgunlaşması sonucunda oluştuğu düşünülmektedir. Kuru yığma
duvar profilleri; duvar kalınlığı, cidar sayısı, cidarların bağlantısı, taş
blokların boyutu, formu, dizilişi ve ilişkileri açısından çeşitlilik
göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada Helenistik Dönem’de inşa edilmiş kuru yığma duvar
örgüsüne sahip, kareye yakın planlı gözlem kulelerinin depreme karşı dayanımını
arttıran detayların ortaya çıkarılması hedeflenmiştir. Çalışma; yanal yük
altında düzlem içi ve düzlem dışı duvarlarda meydana gelen şekil değişimlerinin,
farklı duvar profilleri ve açıklık düzenlerine sahip kuleler üzerinde
incelenmesiyle sınırlanmıştır.

 

Öncelikle; antik dönemde Karya, Pamfilya
ve Kilikya Bölgeleri’nde bulunan, yapısal özgünlük ve bütünlüğünü kaybetmemiş
ya da özgün bilgisi bulunan kuru yığma gözlem kulelerinin duvar profilleri ve
açıklık tipleri belgelenmiştir. Elde edilen veriler ile, farklı duvar
profillerine sahip, farklı açıklık tipleri bulunan hipotetik kuleler
tasarlanmıştır. Rijit bloklardan oluşan 3 boyutlu hipotetik kulelerin yanal
yüke ilişkin düzlem içi ve düzlem dışı duvar davranışının belirlenebilmesi için
denge durumuna (equilibrium) dayanan statik-benzeri
(quasi-static) eğme analizlerinin bilgisayar ortamında simülasyonu
yapılmış, kulelerin yıkılma açıları ve duvarlardaki şekil değişimleri
belirlenmiştir. Farklı duvar profilleri ve açıklık organizasyonlarına sahip
kulelerin; yanal yük altındaki davranışı incelenerek, kulelerin dayanımını
etkileyen özellikler saptanmaya çalışılmıştır.
Maksimum bağlanabilirlik kapasitesi hesabına yönelik geliştirilen yeni bir matematiksel model
Authors: DOĞANŞAHİN Kadir , KEKEZOĞLU Bedri , YUMURTACI Recep
Published: October 2019

Dağıtık üretim, güç sistemlerine tüketim tarafından
bağlanarak elektrik enerjisi üretimi yapma biçimidir. Yenilenebilir enerji
kaynaklarının elektrik enerjisi üretimine katılımına olanak sağlamak ve enerji
iletim kayıplarını azaltarak sistem verimliliğini artırmak gibi etkileri
neticesinde yüksek fayda potansiyeline sahip bir üretim biçimidir. Diğer taraftan,
DÜ geleneksel güç sistemlerinin tek taraflı güç akışı alt yapısına aykırı bir
üretim şeklidir. Bu durum, aşırı DÜ katılımının yer aldığı sistemlerde tek
yönlü güç akışına neden olarak sistemde aşırı gerilimlerin oluşması, sistemde
koruma şemasının hatalı çalışması veya işlevini yitirmesi gibi sorunlara yol
açabilir. Bu nedenle DÜ katılımları uygun bir planlama neticesinde
gerçekleştirilmesi gerekmektedir.

Aşırı gerilim sorunları, DÜ katılımlar açısından en
çok karşılaşılan ve sistemde en büyük etkileri doğuran sorunlardan birisidir.
Bir DÜ katılımının sistemde oluşturacağı gerilim artışı sisteme dâhil edilen DÜ
kapasitesi ile doğrudan alakalıdır. Bu yayında, bir güç sistemine, aşırı
gerilim sorunları yaratmaksızın, belirli bir noktadan dâhil edilebilecek
maksimum DÜ kapasitesinin hesabı için yeni bir matematiksel model
geliştirilmiştir. Geliştirilen matematiksel model, bir test sistemi üzerinde
gerçekleştirilen durum analizleri ile incelenmiş ve literatürde yer alan diğer
matematiksel modeller ile karşılaştırılarak üstünlüğü kanıtlanmıştır. Ayrıca,
güç sistemi içerisinde gerilim kontrollü bir noktanın varlığı durumunda,
gerilim kontrolü üzerinde bozucu etki oluşturmaksızın sisteme dâhil
edilebilecek DÜ kapasitesinin hesabına yönelik incelemeler gerçekleştirilmiş ve
önerilen matematiksel modelin söz konusu durum için uygun bir yorumlaması
sunulmuştur.
Granüler yol malzemeleri için regresyon yöntemiyle Esneklik modülü (Mr) tahmin modeli geliştirilmesi
Authors: YILMAZ Altan
Published: October 2019

Yol üstyapılarının mekanik-ampirik tasarımında
granüler malzemelerin mekanik direncinin tespiti amacıyla kullanılabilecek en
gerçekçi parametre Esneklik modülü olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Esneklik
modülü uygulanan gerilme durumuna, yükleme süresine, su muhtevasına, kuru
yoğunluğa ve gradasyon gibi faktörlere bağlı olarak değişim göstermektedir.

Bu çalışma kapsamında, ülkemizdeki yol
inşaatlarında kullanılmakta olan volkanik kökenli agregalardan elde edilen
deneysel bulgular kullanılarak agrega karışımlarının Esneklik modülünü (Mr)
tahmin etmek amacıyla matematiksel bir model oluşturulmuştur. Çalışmada
kullanılan agrega örnekleri (bazalt ve traki-bazalt) Anadolu yarımadasının
güney ve iç bölgelerinden farklı ocaklardan temin edilmiştir. Çalışmanın
deneysel kısmında dinamik üç eksenli deneyi uygulanarak silindirik numunelerin
esneklik modülü bulunmuştur. Daha sonra elde edilen deneysel bulgular
kullanılarak matematiksel bir model oluşturulmuştur.

Çoklu regresyon yöntemiyle oluşturulan modelde,
agrega fiziksel özellikleri, agrega karışım özellikleri ve numune yükleme
durumu ile ilgili parametreler (8 farklı değişken) giriş verisi olarak alınmış
ve agrega karışımlarına ait Mr değeri çıkış parametresi olarak elde
edilmiştir. Yeni ortaya konan model, Uzan modeli gibi geleneksel tahmin
modellerine alternatif olarak ortaya konmuş ve bu modeller ile istatistiki
olarak karşılaştırılmıştır. Çoklu regresyon yöntemiyle elde edilen performans
değerleri oldukça yüksek çıkmıştır  (R2:0,98,
SE:10,51). Model belirli değişkenler kullanılarak, yeni giriş değerleri için
sonuç üretebilmektedir. Bunun sonucu olarak, gerçek-zamanlı olarak farklı
gerilmeler altındaki esneklik modülü değerinin hesaplanabilmesini mümkün
kılmaktadır.
Şebekeye bağlı yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklı eviriciler için yeni bir akım kontrol stratejisi
Authors: MERAL Mehmet Emin , ÇELİK Doğan
Published: October 2019

Dengesiz şebeke gerilimleri pozitif ve negatif sıralı
(PNS) bileşenleri içermektedir. Özelikle, kontrol sinyallerinin üzerindeki
salınımlara sebep olan negatif sıralı bileşenler şebekeye bağlı yenilenebilir
enerji kaynaklı eviricilerin (YEKI) performansını önemli derecede
etkilemektedir. Bu çalışmada, ideal olmayan şebeke gerilim şartlarında şebekeye
bağlı YEKI’ in kontrolü için kullanılan oransal integral (PI) tabanlı ikili
akım kontrolcünün yavaş dinamik tepkisi, kararlı hal hataları ve kompleks
yapısı gibi dezavantajlarının giderilmesi için oransal kompleks integratör
(PCI) tabanlı akım kontrolcüsü önerilmiştir. Aktif-reaktif güç referans sinyali,
PNS bileşenleri ve esnek kontrol parametresine dayanan referans akımlar, tüm kontrol
döngülerinde kullanılmak üzere üretilmiştir. İdeal olmayan şebeke durumlarından
kaynaklanan aktif ve reaktif güç salınımlarının bir biri ile olan ilişkileri
ayrıntılı bir şekilde incelenip kontrol edilebilirlikleri esnek kontrol
parametresi ile sağlanmıştır. Çalışmanın literatürdeki benzer i çalışmalara
kıyasla önemli bir katkısı, referans akım üretimi için gerekli PNS gerilim ve akım
bileşenlerinin önerilen hızlı ve sağlam ikili ortalama filtre tabanlı faz
kilitlemeli döngü (DAPLL) ile ayrılmasıdır. Önerilen PCI tabanlı akım kontrol
stratejisinin performansı çeşitli durum çalışmaları kullanılarak PI tabanlı
ikili akım kontrolcü ile karşılaştırılıp test edilmiştir.
HTAPP_Sorting nuclei into 96-well plates for Smart-Seq2 v1
Authors: Nomura Masashi , Shore Marni , Bussema Lillian , Richman Alyssa , Gritsch Simon , Habib Naomi , Regev Aviv , Suva Mario
Published: October 2019

This protocol describes the process/settings to sort single nuclei into 96-well plates by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for Smart-seq2 using the MoFlo Astrios EQ cell sorter (Beckman Coulter). This protocol was applied to frozen pediatric glioma samples for the Human Tumor Atlas Pilot Project (HTAPP). [Note: It does not include instructions on how to operate the cell sorter Beckman Coulter MoFlo Astrios EQ.]
Exploring the Role of Computers in Knowledge Construction of Young Learners in a Constructionist Classroom
Authors: Joshi Archana , Darasawang Pornapit , Tepsuriwong Saowaluck
Published: October 2019

This is an exploratory study which investigates a young learner constructionist classroom’s knowledge constructions by using computers. It is part of an on-going research which had ten participants ranging between 6-7 years of age.  However, in this study only three participants out of the ten have been covered. The study was conducted in a project-based classroom where the participants had to build artefacts for knowledge construction. Data was collected through field observations, semi-structured interviews, learner journals and learner logs.  The evidence of knowledge construction was found in the artefacts made by the participants.  The results show that using computers to mediate the participants’ learning at different stages facilitated meaningful interactions between participants and peers and participants and facilitators, encouraged autonomy and provided itself as a source of information for exploration of ideas, which had a positive impact on participants’ knowledge construction.
A Survey and Analysis of Mobile Learning of Local Undergraduate College Students
Authors: Qiu Jiaosheng
Published: October 2019

Mobile learning is a new learning mode with the increasing popularity of multimedia technology and Internet application. It not only emphasizes the learner's subjective status and initiative, but also helps learners construct meanings through various forms of interaction (Qiu,2019). This paper investigates the basic situation of students' mobile learning based on smart phones in local colleges and universities by means of questionnaire survey and interview. It also analyses the main problems and reasons of students' mobile learning based on smart phones in local colleges and universities, and explores relevant countermeasures and suggestions.
Foundation Program English Language Learner Profile: A Case Study in Oman
Authors: Inguva Meenalochana , Tuzlukova Victoria , Sancheti Pooja
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses the concept of the foundation program English language learner profile, its meaning and utility, and explores contextual variables that might have caused success or failure of the students enrolled in the foundation English language courses in tertiary education institutions in Oman. In more detail, it reports on the findings of the study that focuses on foundation English language program context-specific internal and external factors to highlight a variety of learner profile attributes shaping students’ personality and equip them with 21st century skills. A bilingual questionnaire in English and Arabic is used to provide detailed descriptions of the leaner profile, discuss experiences, achievements and challenges of the students of the foundation program exit level English language courses at the Centre for Preparatory Studies at Sultan Qaboos University. The results demonstrate that the analysis of the learner profile attributes can serve as a guide for informing future decisions about the foundation program English language curriculum design and implementation to enhance students’ academic success.
Teachers’ Self-efficacy and Performance in Teaching Literature in the Interest-based Classes at Senior High School
Authors: Nurindah Nurindah , Akil Mansyur , Jafar Basri
Published: October 2019

Teacher’s self-efficacy is a specific phenomenon that can be seen as one of the contributors to the process of learning and effective teaching. Teacher self-efficacy was investigated at two Senior High Schools (SMAN 1 and SMAN 2) in Kendari, and proved its importance in the interest-based classes at senior high schools in Kendari. Findings revealed two major methods employed in the research study: 1) interviews conducted in the form of an open interview with 5 teachers; and 2) observation was focused on teachers teaching materials, classroom management, as well as the enthusiasm of the teacher during the learning process takes place. Based on the finding, this study argues that teachers have high confidence in their ability to teach literature because they ascribe high value to their performance. However, the self-efficacy of teachers did not have an impact when applied in practice. In the classroom observation, these elements generally did not show up. This shows that the dependence of teachers on textbooks is not accompanied by an increase in the ability of teachers to ask questions to the students during the learning process, so that the high self-efficacy of teachers does not produce learning achievement is high. This goal can be achieved by giving more opportunities and experiences for teachers to improve the quality of learning.
Multiple Dimensions of Effective Assessment in Graded College English Teaching Classroom
Authors: Liu Kang , Gan Xiaoli
Published: October 2019

Teaching assessment refers to the process of assessing the teaching effect and implementation of the teaching goal, it aims to make corresponding value judgment through systematic detection and assessment of teaching activities according to certain teaching criteria. An effective teaching assessment not only brings teachers feedback and improves the teaching administration, but also provides students with an effective means to optimize the learning strategies to achieve better learning efficiency and desired effects. So a comprehensive and accurate assessment is of vital significance to propel the course goals into accomplishment. In college English graded teaching practice, it is prerequisite to adhere to the assessment principle of development and diversification of assessment dimensions in order to arrive at an effective classroom evaluation.
Stigma towards people with mental disorders: perceptions of devaluation and discrimination in a sample of Chilean workers
Authors: Solis-Soto María Teresa , Burrone María Soledad , Reginatto Gabriel , Sapag Jaime C. , Alvarado Rubén
Published: October 2019

Introduction. Mental disorders represent one of the main causes of disease burden in the adult population. Negative public attitudes and behaviors toward people with mental disorders negatively affect the treatment, recovery, and social inclusion of those affected. Chile laks surveys on workers that address this issue. Objective. To describe the perceptions of devaluation and discrimination towards people with mental disorders in a sample of Chilean workers. Method. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1 516 workers in the formal sector of four regions of Chile (Metropolitan Region [RM], Bío Bio [VIII], Valparaíso [V] and Coquimbo [IV]). The perception of discrimination and devaluation was explored through a modified version of the The perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Scale (PDD) comprising 15 questions. The relationship of each question with sociodemographic variables (age, sex, years of study, and region) and type of economic activity was assessed. Results. The study found a high percentage of perceptions of devaluation and discrimination in most aspects considered, particularly those related to hiring a person who has been hospitalized due to a mental illness (85%), feeling sorry for people with severe mental illnesses (80%), and the unwillingness to marry a person with a mental illness (78%). Significant differences were observed in the opinions by sociodemographic variables and region of residence. Discussion and conclusion. The perception of Chilean workers has high levels of stigma towards people living with mental disorders. It is necessary and urgent to develop effective anti-stigma public policies to promote a more inclusive, tolerant society.
Development and psychometric properties of the Subtle Gender-Based Violence Among Medical Residents Assessment Scale (SGEVRA)
Authors: Guízar-Sánchez Diana , Vargas-Huicochea Ingrid , Silva-Aragón Aura , Heinze Gerhard , Manjarrez-Gutiérrez Luis , Hernández-Montoya Dewi , Fresán-Orellana Ana
Published: October 2019

Introduction. Medical residents (MR) are an important pillar for a future effective health system. As such, it is important to study all the factors throughout their training that may influence their professional development, like gender-based violence (GV). Objetive. To design and evaluate the psychometric proprieties of subtle GV among medical residents’ assessment scale (SGEVRA). Method. The design was carried out in two phases: (1) in the qualitative phase, three focus groups were interviewed to obtain information about GV during medical training; and (2) in the quantitative phase, the information was incorporated into the instrument and the psychometric properties were tested. Results. A total of 1,645 medical residents (MRs) completed the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis led to a final two factor model comprised of 31 items that explained 74.9% of the variance. The factors were labelled as gender discrimination (factor 1) and sexual violence (factor 2); both demonstrated high internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha (factor 1: .987; factor 2: .935). Discussion and conclusion. The SGEVRA is a brief, valid, and reliable instrument for assessing subtle GV among MR.
Family functioning and environmental resources offered by families of children with mental disorders
Authors: Souza Dilleggi Eduarda , Rosa Ana Paula , Santos Patricia Leila dos
Published: October 2019

Introduction. The presence of mental disorders in a family may cause various losses in its functioning and characteristics. Objective. To determine which environmental resources are offered to children with mental disorders by their families and how they correlated with the family functioning. Method. The study included a total of 33 persons responsible for children with mental disorders. The subjects responded to two questionnaires to characterize family functioning (FACES IV) and the availability of resources in the family environment (RAF). Data were analyzed in a descriptively and the Spearman correlation test was used to identify associations between variables. Results. Most of the children were male and attended school, and the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Most families were considered to have good family functioning (87.9%), with only 12.1% being considered dysfunctional. Regarding environmental resources, the highest mean values were assigned to the presence of toys (6.9 ± 2.0) and to family gatherings for routine activities (6.6 ± 2.3). Family cohesion, flexibility, communication, and satisfaction (functional) were positively correlated with the offer of activities and resources and negatively correlated with unbalanced (dysfunctional) subscales. Discussion and conclusion. Children’s mental disorders do not appear to affect family dynamics in a significant manner. However, family functioning interferes with the types of activities and resources it offers to the child and that may have an impact on his/her development.
Relación entre el curso académico y los niveles de autoeficacia general percibida en universitarios / Relationship between the course year and the levels of perceived self-efficacy in undergraduate students
Authors: Morales Rodríguez Francisco Manuel , Giménez Lozano José Miguel
Published: October 2019

La percepción de autoeficacia se entiende como un constructo psicológico que hace alusión a la capacidad para estimar cómo de bien realiza uno mismo las actividades que presentan un reto o dificultad. Cuanto mayor es el nivel de autoeficacia percibida, mayores esfuerzos, motivación y adherencia a las actividades suele presentar la persona. El objetivo es evaluar si existen diferencias entre los diferentes cursos académicos desde primero de grado a máster para la autoeficacia general percibida en estudiantes universitarios españoles. La muestra estuvo compuesta por una muestra total de 258 estudiantes de grado (distribuidos en 5 cursos académicos) y de máster de la Universidad de Granada, el 63,6% fueron mujeres, con una media de edad de 21,53 años. Para evaluar la percepción de autoeficacia se utilizó la escala general de autoeficacia, validada para población universitaria española. Se observan diferencias en los niveles de autoeficacia en función del sexo. La media total de autoeficacia de la muestra fue de 73,74 ± 9,26 puntos. El análisis ANOVA para medidas independientes no resultó significativo (F = 2,156, p = 0,060). Los resultados informan de que la muestra presenta niveles adecuados de autoeficacia; sin embargo, no se observó diferencias entre los cursos académicos para la percepción de la misma. Se concluye señalando la importancia de evaluar la autoeficacia en estudiantes universitarios analizando el efecto de variables como la edad y el sexo para el diseño de futuros programas de intervención psicoeducativa en los que estas variables pueden jugar un papel relevante.
HDF Cloud – Helmholtz Data Federation Cloud Resources at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre
Authors: Hagemeier Björn
Published: October 2019

The HDF Cloud is an OpenStack based infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) environment operated by Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. It has been installed predominantly to support challenging data use cases within the Helmholtz Association’s strategic initiative Helmholtz Data Federation (HDF). To this end, it has been connected to one of the central storage resources of JSC, the DATA file system that is also available on the high-performance computing systems.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with dysphagia: our experience
Authors: T. Zameerulla , D. Vivekanand , B. N. Hanumathappa
Published: October 2019

Background: One of the common indications for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is dysphagia. Dysphagia is usually associated with serious underlying disorder that requires immediate attention. The current study aimed to determine the frequency of common endoscopic findings in patients presenting with   dysphagia.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the S.S Institute of Medical Science and Research center Davangere from January 2015 to June 2019. Patients admitted with complaints of dysphagia, OPD patients and references with complaints of dysphagia underwent upper GI endoscope by different endoscopist were included in the study. Register in endoscopic room was referred for different endoscopic findings in dysphagia patients.Results: A total of 158 patients presenting with dysphagia were studied, 83 (52.53%) were males and 74 (47.46%) were females. The mean age was 55years.  Normal study present in 63 (39.87). Malignant oesophageal stricture was the next common finding noted in 47 (29.74%) patients. Among these patients 25 (53.19%) males and 22 (46.80%) females patients. It was followed by reflux esophagitis in 31 (19.62%) patients. Benign oesophageal strictures in 9 (5.69%) patients while achalasia was noted in 1 (0.63%) patients, 7 (4.46%) patients had findings other than the ones mentioned above. Malignant lesions commonly present in elderly patients with age. Benign lesions present commonly in younger age group.Conclusions: Malignancies, reflux esophagitis, benign oesophageal strictures are a more common cause of dysphagia in our population. Early diagnosis of can result in proper treatment of many of these cases.
Serum homocysteine as a predictor of severity of peripheral arterial disease in association with Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: S. P. Preethi , Hemachandran Tejaswi
Published: October 2019

Background: To evaluate association between raised serum homocysteine levels and severity of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and to assess the role of homocysteine as a prognostic marker in PVD and thereby aid in early referrals to prevent cerebral and coronary events in those patients and introduce homocysteine lowering with vitamin therapy as part of medical management in patients diagnosed with PVD.Methods: The serum homocysteine levels was measured in all patients admitted for peripheral vascular disease of upper and/or lower limb and to correlate the above values with Doppler ultrasonography (USG) in the duration between 2016-2018 (18 months).Results: The comparison of homocysteine levels with Doppler shows corresponding significant increase in Serum Hcy levels only in cases of moderate PVD. Statistical analysis with binary logistic regression does show a significant association with moderate severity of PVD and serum homocysteine levels with 66.7% predictability.Conclusions: There was significant association of homocysteinemia only in Moderate PVD with no statistically significant correlation with mild, severe cases of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and radiological normal cases, further large randomised trials are required to elucidate its clinical relevance in PAD as a prognostic marker of severity.
Clinico-etiological spectrum of constipation in children
Authors: Sharma Shipra , Nirala Sukhlal , Ratre Rajendra
Published: October 2019

Background: Childhood constipation is a common problem that has been difficult to define because it may comprise of diverse symptoms, from delay or difficulty in defecation sufficient to cause significant distress, to symptoms of faecal incontinence, displaying of retentive posturing and withholding behaviour to painful defecation and passing of stools so large that they may obstruct the toilet. Knowledge of common etiology of constipation and characteristic presentation may help us in initial management of patient without subjecting them to armour of investigation.Methods: The prospective interventional analytical study conducted in the Department of Surgery and Department of Pediatrics Pt. J.N.M. Medical College and Dr. B.R.A.M Hospital, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India. Consecutive 81 children with constipation presenting to OPD of pediatrics and pediatric surgery at Dr B.R.A.M Hospital, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India between January 2010 to January 2011 were included in the study.Results: Mean age at presentation was found overall to be 54.49±10.85 months. Presentation of constipation in boys and girls (44% vs 56% in functional and 54% vs 46% in organic). Of the organic causes Hirschsprung’s disease was the commonest diagnosis made (63%). Other organic causes were Rectal stenosis with anteriorly placed anal canal (1.2%), rectal prolapsed (1.2%), anal fissure (1.2%) and associated with dysgerminoma in pelvic cavity in one case.Conclusions: Assessment and management of pediatric constipation poses many challenges for the practitioner including deciphering whether the problem is organic or non-organic in nature.
Factors influencing conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy into open cholecystectomy
Authors: Tripathi Ankur Dutt , Qazi Imran , Tripathi Shashank Shekhar
Published: October 2019

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be rendered difficult by various problems encountered during surgery, such as difficulty in accessing the peritoneal cavity, creating a pneumoperitonium, dissecting the gall bladder, pericholecystic adhesions and adhesions between the common bile duct the cystic duct and the cystic artery (calot’s triangle) or extracting the excised gall bladder, injury to common bile duct, bowel and iliac vessels. These conditions may lead surgeons to perform conventional open cholecystectomy.Methods: The general biodata was collected. A detailed history was taken with special reference to duration of right upper quadrant pain or epigastric pain, its periodicity, its aggravation by fatty meals and relief by oral or parental analgesics. Fever, jaundice or any previous attacks of cholecystitis. A relevant general physical examination and systemic examination was done and findings recorded, routine laboratory investigation was done. All cases were then subjected to ultrasound examination with 2-5MHz curvilinear array transducer with an aim to assess.Results: The univariate analysis sex proved to be significantly predictive of conversion in the present study. Execution of ERCP before the intervention proved associated with an increased risk for conversion in our study. Stone position as significant factor for conversion while stone size was not significant. No significant association between fever and conversion our study.Conclusions: Male gender, GB wall thickness, stone position, stone size, ultrasound signs of pericholecystitis, acute cholecystitis, were significantly associated with conversion.
A study of surgical site infections in a general practice hospital
Authors: Ravi Kumar Thota Venkata , Goud K. Anand
Published: October 2019

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI), major contributor to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs among surgical patients worldwide. This study evaluates the incidence of surgical site infections in abdominal surgeries.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Siri hospital, Khammam after obtaining permission from the hospital ethics committee. A total of 250 patients of elective and emergency abdominal surgery were included and studied about surgical site infections and factors influencing it.Results: This study includes 250 patients with abdominal abnormalities. In this 48(19.2%) patients were recorded with surgical site infection. As the age increases SSI was also increases. ASA scores of III (5.6%) & IV (8.0%) were associated with the increased SSI. These SSI were more common in intestinal obstruction with gangrene cases 7 (2.8%) and also in accidental trauma/injury cases 7 (2.8%). SSI can be noticed after 48 hour of infection and recorded up to 10 days of postoperative period. The surgical wound incidence was clean (14.6%), clean contaminated (29.2%), contaminated (20.8%) and dirty (35.4%) respectively. Major factors that influence the SSI were diabetes, obesity, pre-operative anti biotic usage, duration of surgery, emergency surgery and level of haemoglobin and albumin levels. The organisms isolated from SSI were E.coli (22.9%), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (18.7%), Proteus species (16.6%), Klebsiella species (16.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.2%) and mixed bacterial infections (10.4%).Conclusions: Surgical site infections were more commonly seen in abdominal surgeries. SSI was higher in older people. Control of factors influencing and bacterial contamination decreases the incidence of SSI in abdominal surgeries.
Role of computed tomography in the determination of resectability of carcinoma pancreas
Authors: Sasikumar M. N. , Salam A. Chintha
Published: October 2019

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive neoplastic processes. Inspite of progress in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies, the resectability and survival rates for pancreatic cancer are very poor. This study aims to determine the accuracy of computerised tomography in assessing the resectability of carcinoma pancreas.Methods: 66 patients with carcinoma pancreas, who were judged fit for surgery were studied. All cases had undergone preoperative contrast enhanced triphasic computed tomography (CT) for assessing the resectability. Radiological data was compared with per operative findings for assessments regarding vascular invasion and resectability.Results: Of the 66 cases, resectability reported by CT was 59 (89.4%). The rest of 7 (10.6%) cases were reported as unresectable. Per operatively vascular involvement was found in 14 (21.2%) cases and with no vascular invasion in 52 (78.8%) cases. All the unresectable cases reported in CT (7 cases) turned out to be unresectable. Out of 59 cases reported as resectable, 43 (65.2%) cases under went Whipples procedure, while rest of the 23 (34.8%) cases underwent palliative procedures. Out of these 23 cases, 14 (21.2%) cases were unresectable due to vascular involvement.Conclusions: The study has shown that CT does assess the operability in carcinoma pancreas, assessing mainly unresectability though less effective in assessing resectability. The role of endoscopic ultrasound and laparoscopic ultrasound in aiding CT in further assessment of resectable and borderline resectable cases are to be considered for further research.
Delayed presentation of extensor pollicis longus tendon injury treated using extensor indicis proprius tendon transfer
Authors: Ghelani Nilesh B. , Shah Sankit , B. P. Sunmathi , Patel Samir
Published: October 2019

Spontaneous closed rupture of EPL tendon are frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Colles fracture, sports related injury. In cases of delayed presentation direct tendon repair is not feasible and a tendon transfer is usually recommended. In this study we evaluated the results of extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to extensor pollicis longus (EPL) transfers for EPL ruptures. Four patients, (two male and two females); mean age 32 years (range 20 to 45 years) with EPL tendon rupture underwent EIP to EPL tendon transfer. The mean duration from rupture to surgery was 4.5 weeks (range 4 to 6 weeks). Range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), interphalangeal joints (IP) of the thumb and index finger of the operated side was compared with the normal side. The results were scored using geldmacher scheme, for the thumb four functions were scored, the radial abduction angle, the elevation deficit, the opposition distance and flexion extension deficit of MP and IP joints. The mean follow-up period was 5 months. All the four patients were able extend the thumb at MCP joint and oppose the thumb to the MCP of little finger after mean follow up of 5 months. Based on the questionnaire, the results of tendon transfer scored by three (75%) patients was excellent and by one (25%) patient was good. Independent extension of the index finger of operated hand was possible in all 4 patients. The procedure of EIP to EPL tendon transfer provides excellent result for extension of thumb. It is a safe procedure.
A study on the dangerous outbreak of chikungunya in Chittagong, including a limited survey around that city of Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Baishakhi , Amin Sabrina , Azad M. Abul Kalam , Billah Motashen , Murad Mirfa , Chowdhury Sraborni , Roy Rajashree , Akter Sharmin , Alam Sanjida
Published: October 2019

Background: The first major outbreak in Bangladesh was reported in 2008 in Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj. It then re-emerged in 2013, 2014 and 2015 mostly in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, with a notable outbreak in December 2016 according to a report. It is a statistical report on the data retrieved from chikungunya patients in the Chittagong area, specifically in relation to age, gender, location, symptoms and to assess the magnitude of the outbreak with an interest in identifying the potential socio-environmental factors which may be responsible for chikungunya in respect to Chittagong.Methods: Collection of reports from well-established diagnostic laboratories, as well as, limited survey data during July to December, 2017. There were 188 clinically suspected chikungunya cases in both genders ranging from 2-70 years of age.Results: The total chikungunya cases in the study area it has been found that the highest number of cases were found in the age group of 41-50 years (25%), almost equally distributed in both genders. The least (5.3%) was found in children less than 10 years of age; males having only 3 positive cases and females being 7. Amongst the total present study population, 44.4% were suffering from chikungunya.Conclusions: From our study we found that this outbreak took place in Chittagong due to consciousness. Educating the general population about its causes, effects, treatment and preventive methods should be the main target in the prevention of chikungunya.