bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteremia in patients with liver cirrhosis in the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance: single-center epidemiology
Authors: Milovanovic Tamara , Pantic Ivana , Velickovic Jelena , Oluic Branislav , Vlaisavljevic Zeljko , Dragasevic Sanja , Stojkovic Lalosevic Milica , Dumic Igor
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is commonly associated with bacterial infections, which contribute to unfavorable outcome. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of bacteremia and patterns of antibiotic resistance in patients with cirrhosis, factors associated with multidrug-resistant infection, and predictors of mortality.

Methodology: This retrospective single-center study included patients with cirrhosis treated between January 2016 and December 2018. Data were collected from the patients’ medical records. The severity of liver disease was determined using the Child–Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na, Chronic Liver Failure-Consortium Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure, and Chronic Liver Failure-Consortium Acute Decompensation scores.

Results: A total of 85 patients with cirrhosis and bacteremia were included (male: 82.4%, mean age 60.3 ± 9.4 years). The etiology of cirrhosis was mainly alcoholism (87.1%). After 30 days, lethal outcome occurred in 44.7% of the patients. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Enterococcus spp. (31.8%), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (15.3%), and Escherichia coli (14.1%), while 37.3% of all isolated microorganisms were multi-drug resistant. Multi-drug resistant infection [odds ratio (OR): 6.198, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.326–17.540, p = 0.006] and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.181, 95% CI = 1.043–1.337, p = 0.009) are independent predictors of mortality. The aforementioned scores, which represent the extent of hepatic insufficiency, are significantly higher in patients with multi-drug resistant isolates, while multi-drug resistant bacteremia was more common in patients with more advanced liver disease.

Conclusions: Multi-drug resistant bacteremia is more common in patients in whom liver disease is more severe and is a major independent predictor of mortality.
Antimicrobial and Genomic Characterization of Salmonella Nigeria from Pigs and Poultry in Ilorin, North-central, Nigeria
Authors: Raufu Ibrahim A , Ahmed Olayiwola A , Aremu Abdulfatai , Ameh James A , Timme Ruth E , Hendriksen Rene S , Ambali AbdulGaniyu
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Non-typhoidal Salmonella are major foodborne pathogens causing serious challenges to public health and food safety worldwide. This study aimed to determine the resistance, virulence genes, sequence type, using multi-locus sequence typing, plasmids and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Nigeria (S. Nigeria) from livestock in Ilorin, North central Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 1,500 samples from pig (feces; n = 600) and poultry (feces, postmortem samples; n = 900) were collected and analyzed between 2014 to 2017. Presumptive Salmonella isolates were characterized by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

Results: We recovered nine S. Nigeria serovars. All the isolates harbored a single point mutation parC(T57S) in addition to qnrB19 and the tetA gene. Furthermore, two plasmids, Col(pHAD28) and IncQ1 predicted to encode qnrB19 and tetA genes, respectively, were detected in all the strains. All the isolates belonged to a single sequence type (ST) 4911, the SNP-based phylogeny showed all the isolates to be highly related, in addition two clinical isolates from the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, collected outside of this study, also fell into this cluster. Twenty virulence genes were identified from Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands (SPI), chromosomal and fimbriae loci.

Conclusions: This study highlights the roles of pig and poultry in the emergence and spread of S. Nigeria serovar in Nigeria, sub-Sahara Africa. It also highlighted the importance of WGS in clinical and epidemiological surveillance. There is the need for collaborative research studies to investigate the public health importance of Salmonella enterica serovar Nigeria.
Corticosteroids prescription for mild-moderate COVID-19 in Primary Care
Authors: Ordinola Navarro Alberto , Lopez Luis Bruno Ali
Published: January 2022

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Oncological Outcome of Surgically Resected Sternal Tumors, 16 Years’ Experience
Authors: Abdelrahman Abdelrahman , Ismail Mourad , Ghaly Galal , Abulkheir Iman Loay , Hanafy Ayman
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the sternum are rare and can develop from primary bone pathology or through metastatic spread. Sternal resection with immediate reconstruction of the anterior chest wall defect was recommended for both primary and secondary sternal tumors as curative treatment.

AIM: The purpose of our study was to examine the perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, and OS in patients undergoing partial, subtotal, and total sternectomy.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with sternal resections in 29 patients during a 16-year period. The purpose of our study was to examine the perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing partial, subtotal, and total sternectomy.

RESULTS: We found that 5-year OS was 26.0%, Univariate analysis of predictors of survival revealed that, there was a trend toward prolonged 5-year survival at R0 resection (35.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.058). Post resection defect size associated with prolonged 5-year OS (42.1% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). The absence of post-operative complications associated with prolonged 5-year OS (40.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.012), with special attention to absence of post-operative flail chest which was associated with prolonged 5-year OS (36.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, R0 resection (HR, 3.692 [95% CI, 1.190–11.456], p = 0.024) and absence of post-operative flail chest (HR, 52.204 [95% CI, 5.908–461.289], p < 0.001) were associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that sternal resection of benign and primary malignant tumors can yield long-term survival. The completeness of resection and absence of postoperative flail chest are the strongest predictors of survival.
Potential Combinations of Pasak Bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), Docosahexaenoic Acid, and Seluang Fish (Rasbora spp.) to Improving Oxidative Stress of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Brain Undernutrition
Authors: Sanyoto Didik Dwi , Syahadatina Noor Meitria , Triawanti Triawanti
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: The brain is very susceptible to damage from oxidative stress due to undernutrition. Provision of nutrients and compounds that act as antioxidants is needed to improve oxidative stress in the brain.

AIM: This study was conducted with the aim of proving the potential of the combination of pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), DHA, and seluang fish (Rasbora Spp.) to improve oxidative stress in the brains of undernourished rats (Rattus norvegicus).

METHODS: Once the rats were undernourished, they were divided: positive control (KP) = undernourished rats + placebo + standard feed; (P1) = undernourished rats + 70% ethanol extract of pasak bumi root (EPB) 15 mg/kg BW + standard feed; (P2) = undernourished rats + DHA 1 mg/kgBW + standard feed; (P3) = undernourished rats + EPB 15 mg/kg BW + DHA 1 mg/kg BW + standard feed; (P4) = undernourished rats + seluang fish; (P5) = undernourished rats + EPB 15 mg/kg BW + seluang fish for 5 weeks; plus 1 negative control group (KN) that is healthy rats given placebo and standard feed. The parameters included superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase, peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Data analysis used the Kruskall-Wallis test followed by Mann Whitney with a significance level of 95%.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in the activity of SOD (p = 0.001), catalase (p = 0.000), peroxide levels (p = 0.000), and MDA (p = 0.000) between treatments. The group that was given a combination of EPB 15 mg/kg BW and DHA 1 mg/kg BW showed better SOD and catalase activity, and lower levels of peroxide and MDA than the other groups.

CONCLUSION: The combination of 70% ethanol extract of pasak bumi 15 mg/kg BW and DHA 1 mg/kg BW has the best potential to improve brain oxidative stress in undernourished rats compared to single administration of 15 mg/kg BW EPB, DHA, or seluang fish alone.
Effect of Ramipril on Endothelin-1 Expression in Myocardial Tissue at Wistar Rats Induced Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Aliska Gestina , Katar Yusticia , Endo Mahata Liganda , Pratiwi Nisa , Nuranisyah Vinta
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction occurs due to a sudden decrease in coronary blood flow caused by coronary artery embolism, coronary dissection, or coronary vasospasm. The Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor; it is synthesized and released from vascular and endocardial endothelial cells and myocytes. The action of ET-1 induces endothelial dysfunction in the coronary circulation through several mechanisms, such as reduced NO pathway activity, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, and interference with glucose and lipid metabolism. Ramipril is one of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) that can reduce the formation of ET-1 by enhancing the NO expression. NO can down-regulate the ET-1 secretion through soluble guanylate cyclase activation and increased cellular generation of cGMP.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ramipril on ET-1 expression in rats-induced myocardial infarction.

METHODS: Six-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: negative control, positive control was given NaCl 0.9% and treatment group treated with ramipril 3 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days. Myocardial infarction was induced in positive and treatment group by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and 24 h after the last administration, rats were sacrificed to evaluate the relative expression of ET-1 using the real-time polymerase chain reaction and 2-ΔΔCt method.

RESULTS: The average expression for the negative control was 0.0098, positive control was 0.0136 and treatment group was 0.0118, with p = 0.210 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there is no difference between groups for the relative expression of ET-1.
Fruit and Vegetable Effect Changes in Blood Sugar Levels and Food Glycemic Index
Authors: Mulyo Gurid Pramintarto Eko , Kaffah Zidnie Silmi , Mutiyani Mira , Ayuhastuti Angreni
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Foods consumed with fiber sources will be different from foods not consumed with fiber sources because fiber has a mechanism to lower blood sugar levels. However, the difference or the correlation factor is not yet known.

AIM: This study aims to determine the differences in changes in blood sugar levels in the fruit or vegetable intervention and to determine the correction factor for changes in blood sugar levels and the glycemic index (GI) of food.

METHODS: The research design used was experimental with a pre-post design; the sampling technique used purposive sampling totaling 13 people divided into two groups, namely, the fruit and vegetable group. The sample was selected under normal circumstances and had no history of diabetes mellitus. Blood sugar levels taken were fasting blood sugar levels at 0’, 30’, 60’, 90’, and 120’ after the intervention to see a graph of changes in blood sugar levels. The statistical analysis used is ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis.

RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.005) in comparing standard bread with bread and avocado and bread and beans at 30’ after the intervention. After the intervention, bread with watermelon showed significant results at 120’ and bread with carrots at 90’. The highest GI and the lowest correction factor for changes in blood sugar levels were shown in watermelon. In contrast, the lowest GI and the highest correction factor were shown in avocado.

CONCLUSION: When compared between the four interventions, giving avocados were more able to lower blood sugar levels.
Isolation and Molecular Identification of Endophytic Mold Schizophillum commune in Red Dahlia (Dahlia sp. L) Tuber as Producing Inulinases
Authors: Sunarti Sunarti , Ginting Chrismis Novalinda , Ginting Sahna Ferdinand
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Dahlia tuber as the source of isolates in endophytic mold produces Inulinases. Inulinase is used in industry to produce inulin to become fructose through an enzymatic reaction. Fructose from natural substances constitutes low calories used as diet in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients. An important phase is done obtain the inulinase enzyme through mold isolation.

AIM: The objective of this research was to isolate and identify the molecular of endophytic mold from red dahlia tuber which had the optimum inulinase activity.

METHODS: Mold isolation was done through the stage of surface sterilization and purification. Mold isolation which had the highest inulinase activity was identified in a molecular using the polymerase chain reaction technique with the Internal transcribed spacers ITS region. DNA amplification used primer ITS 1 and ITS 4.

RESULTS: The result of the study showed that there was five-mold isolation with the result of screening high inulinase activity found in UD3 (++), UD4 (++), and UD5 (+++), the value of inulinase enzyme activity of UD3 was 0.582716049, UD4 was 0.330864198, and UD5 was 0.685185185. The result of identifying UD5 molecular in eight DNA tapes was successfully amplified with 660 pb. The result of identifying molecular based on BLAST analysis found Schizophillum commune species

CONCLUSION: It was found that the highest inulinase activity was the species S. commune, which added new variants of inulinase enzyme from red dahlia tuber which could be used by industry to yield fructose through an enzymatic reaction.
Observations on the habitat and feeding behaviour of the hypogean genus Eukoenenia (Palpigradi, Eukoeneniidae) in the Western Italian Alps
Authors: Balestra Valentina , Lana Enrico , Vanin Stefano
Published: January 2022

The order Palpigradi includes species characterized by millimetric size and a characteristic flagellum with bristles at the end of the opisthosoma. They represent one of the less well-known and obscure arachnid orders. In this paper, observations were made on the ecology and feeding behavior of species belonging to the genus Eukoenenia Börner, 1901, from the Western Italian Alps. Direct observations and photographic documentation of 141 individuals in their cave habitat, allowed the recording of data on the physical and trophic conditions such as the presence/absence of trophic resources, temperature and relative humidity, of the underground environment in which they were found. Results showed that the species of this taxon are not as rare as previously reported and that their presence is mainly influenced by temperature, relative humidity, trophic resources and the presence of two speleothems: rimstone dams and rafts. The combination of our observations as well as data previously published highlights that the taxon can have predatory and saprophagous feeding behavior depending on the availability of the food resources. This work represents the starting point for a further investigation of the taxon.
Trade Union Mobilization and Female-Dominated Care Work in Ireland: Feminised and/or Feminist?
Authors: Cullen Pauline
Published: January 2022

Cet article adopte une perspective politique féministe pour examiner les changements liés au genre dans la mobilisation des syndicats en Irlande. Alors que les syndicats ont bénéficié d'un accès à l’élaboration des politiques dans une forme de partenariat social, de la fin des années 1980 à 2008, ce processus a été aboli par la crise économique et remplacé par des accords de stabilité des salaires publics en période d'austérité. En adoptant une approche d'étude de cas, nous nous intéressons aux campagnes syndicales pour les professions féminisées afin d’examiner comment le genre est utilisé pour mener un travail politique et un travail sur les idées dans les campagnes féminisées. Cette analyse soulève des questions plus larges sur les conséquences du déclin des modèles corporatistes nationaux et la réponse des syndicats, qui se tournent vers des campagnes de "genre" et mobilisent les secteurs professionnels féminisés.
Plaider pour l’égalité au nom de la performance ou de la justice sociale ? Conflits de ‘savoirs sur le genre’ syndicaux et managériaux dans de grandes entreprises françaises
Authors: Milner Susan , Pochic Sophie
Published: January 2022

Au niveau international puis national, des grandes entreprises ont justifié d’investir sur la « gestion de la diversité » au nom de ses bénéfices pour la performance économique, discours repris par l’Union européenne. Ce programme décliné sur l’égalité ou la « mixité » (au sens de représentation équilibrée dans les postes à responsabilités) peut être qualifié d’étroit ou de modéré quand on le compare à un programme syndical large ou redistributif, qui relie souvent le sexe à la classe sociale. Alors que les écarts sexués de rémunération stagnent depuis 2008, la stratégie de la Commission européenne a longtemps été d’encourager la négociation collective en entreprise. Deux études de cas dans le secteur numérique en France, replacées dans une plus vaste enquête collective, entrent dans la dynamique de négociation au sein de l’entreprise. Elles illustrent comment les « cadrages de l’égalité » déployés par les employeurs et les syndicats, diffèrent en termes de diagnostic sur les inégalités et de solutions proposées pour y remédier, et comment les relations de pouvoir, encastrées dans le contexte économique et social de l'entreprise, déterminent le résultat des négociations.
Si le brevet m’était conté…
Authors: Guesmi Amelle
Published: January 2022

L’intérêt de Bernard Remiche pour le brevet, et pour les fonctions qui lui ont été assignées au fil du temps, l’a conduit à observer qu’il s’était éloigné de l’idée de contrat social sur laquelle il reposait initialement. Alors qu’il aurait dû favoriser l’innovation et sa diffusion – dans un contexte de révolution technologique – et permettre aux pays les moins avancés de développer leur industrie, son rôle a changé avec la globalisation et la mise en œuvre de l’Accord ADPIC. D’outil de compétitivité internationale, il s’est peu à peu mué en actif immatériel – objet de commerce – avec sa financiarisation, ce qui a renforcé les inégalités entre les pays dotés ou non de capacités d’innovation, notamment dans le domaine de la santé. Ce constat a conduit Bernard Remiche à conclure que le système de brevet devait être repensé dans son ensemble, afin que son usage soit plus conforme à l’intérêt général.
Savoir, pouvoir et savoir-faire
Authors: Coppens Philippe
Published: January 2022

Dans cet article, j’interroge les fondations du droit de la propriété intellectuelle en analysant les conditions de son apparition : une connaissance humaine privée dont un sujet est propriétaire et qui représente un pouvoir sur autrui. J’essaie ensuite de montrer que cette conception est aux antipodes de l’idée d’une construction intersubjective de la connaissance et de son rapport à la vérité. J’indique enfin les raisons pour lesquelles je pense que tout savoir est lié à l’action. Le savoir est un savoir-faire.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Two High-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Products for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Onuma Hiroyuki , Sugihara Toshihiro
Published: January 2022

In Japan, hyaluronic acid (HA) is often used to treat patients with relatively mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). The use of HA in and the physique and lifestyle of the Japanese population differ from those of other populations. Therefore, clinical reports of HA from around the world must be interpreted with caution for application in Japan. We compared the clinical efficacy of two HA products, with average molecular weights of 900,000 (HA90) and 1.9 million (HA190), for Japanese patients with knee OA. There were 49 patients and 54 knees (27 patients received both HA90 and HA190 injections). We used a disease-specific/patient standing-type knee OA function evaluation scale that was developed earlier and later improved considering the uniqueness of the Japanese lifestyle. The assigned HA product was injected into the joints of patients with knee OA with Kellgren-Lawrence classification system grades I to III once a week, for 5 consecutive weeks. Effects were subjectively self-evaluated using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) and a visual analog scale. The average age of the patients was 65.4 years (range, 42–88 years). Both HA products alleviated walking pain and improved JKOM scores, and symptoms continued to improve with continued injections for 6 months. The continued administration of HA90 improved general activity more than that of HA190. In contrast, HA190 improved initial pain more, but its continued administration did not contribute to improving general activity. These results suggest that it may be effective to use different HA products depending on the symptoms and conditions of patients with knee OA. [
Orthopedics
. 2022;45(1):13–18.]
Family and Friends Support and Hope in Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem
Authors: Hu Xiaojin , You Shiyu , Ling Yu , Huebner E. Scott
Published: January 2022

Structural modeling was used to investigate presumed antecedents of hope in a community-based sample of Chinese adolescents. Specifically, we evaluated the mediating role of self-esteem in the link between social support from family and friends and individual differences in hope. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Children's Hope Scale were administered to 1,654 adolescent students (781 boys and 873 girls) from Chinese senior high schools. Social support from family and friends correlated equally with hope levels of participants, demonstrating the importance of both sources of support. Self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between family support and hope and partially (23.6%) mediated the relationship between friends support and hope. Results support a social-cognitive model of the origins of hope among adolescents. Findings also suggest implications for the design of hope-promoting environments for adolescents that extend beyond a focus on the individual to incorporate more comprehensive systemic components, including social support from family and friends. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60
(7), 39–46.]
Existence of ground states for Schrödinger-Poisson system with nonperiodic potentials
Authors: Cheng Rong , Wang Jun
Published: January 2022

In the present paper we study a class of Schrödinger-Poisson equations

 \begin{document}$\begin{equation} \begin{cases} -\Delta u+V(x)u+\phi u = a (x)|u|^{p-1}u,\ x\in\mathbb{R}^3\\ -\Delta \phi = u^{2},\ x\in\mathbb{R}^3, \end{cases} \end{equation}\quad\quad\quad (1)$ \end{document}

where \begin{document}$ V(x) $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ a(x) $\end{document} are of different forms on the half space, i.e. \begin{document}$ V(x) = V_{1}(x), a(x) = a_{1}(x) $\end{document} for \begin{document}$ x_{1}>0 $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ V(x) = V_{2}(x), a(x) = a_{2}(x) $\end{document} for \begin{document}$ x_{1}<0 $\end{document}, where \begin{document}$ V_{1},V_{2},a_{1} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ a_{2} $\end{document} are periodic in each coordinate direction. By using a concentration compactness discussion, we establish the existence of surface gap soliton ground state of (1) for \begin{document}$ p\in [3,5) $\end{document}. We also give a Mountain-Pass type ground state of (1) for \begin{document}$ p\in (3,5) $\end{document}.
A new fixed-time stability criterion for fractional-order systems
Authors: Ding Yucai ,   School of science, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, China, Liu Hui
Published: January 2022

In this work, we study the fixed-time stability of fractional-order systems. By virtue of the properties of Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative and the comparison principle, we derive a new fixed-time stability theorem for fractional-order systems. Meanwhile, order-dependent setting time is formulated. Based on the developed fixed-time stability theorem, a fixed-time synchronization criterion for fractional-order neural networks is given. Simulation result demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed results.
Existence and global exponential stability of compact almost automorphic solutions for Clifford-valued high-order Hopfield neutral neural networks with $ D $ operator
Authors: Cao Yuwei ,   School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China, Li Bing
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a class of Clifford-valued higher-order Hopfield neural networks with $ D $ operator is studied by non-decomposition method. Except for time delays, all parameters, activation functions and external inputs of this class of neural networks are Clifford-valued functions. Based on Banach fixed point theorem and differential inequality technique, we obtain the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of compact almost automorphic solutions for this class of neural networks. Our results of this paper are new. In addition, two examples and their numerical simulations are given to illustrate our results.
Inequalities for unified integral operators of generalized refined convex functions
Authors: Zahra Moquddsa ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Wah, Wah Cantt, Pakistan, Ashraf Muhammad , Farid Ghulam , Nonlaopon Kamsing ,   Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Campus, Pakistan,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Published: January 2022

In this article, the bounds of unified integral operators are studied by using a new notion called refined $ (\alpha, h-m)-p $-convex function. The upper and lower bounds in the form of Hadamard inequality are established. From the results of this paper, refinements of well-known inequalities can be obtained by imposing additional conditions.
Sub-exponential mixing of generalized cellular flows with bounded palenstrophy
Authors: Crippa Gianluca ,   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Basel, Spiegelgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, Schulze Christian
Published: January 2022

We study the mixing properties of a passive scalar advected by an incompressible flow. We consider a class of cellular flows (more general than the class in [Crippa-Schulze M$ ^3 $AS 2017]) and show that, under the constraint that the palenstrophy is bounded uniformly in time, the mixing scale of the passive scalar cannot decay exponentially.
Pothranjenost i dehidracija korisnika u domovima za starije osobe i uloga nemara
Authors: Rusac Silvia
Published: January 2022

Elderly dehydration and malnutrition are very common types of elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Malnutrition and dehydration of the elderly in nursing homes are two of the most common health problems faced by users. They are also a leading sign of neglect and inadequate care and are often the result of negligence. It is the responsibility of the home staff to provide their users with adequate food and fluid. Staff and administrators have a legal responsibility to take reasonable care of the safety and well-being of their users and others who come to the facility. Part of this is the duty to provide adequate food and water to the users to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. In most cases, proper nutrition and hydration involves developing a diet plan and schedule to meet the individual needs of each patient. This includes considering any physical or mental health issues a patient may have, as well as any nutritional needs of that patient. Failure to meet these needs can be considered negligence or transgression. The risk of developing these conditions is much higher in the elderly, as well as the serious side effects as a result. It is therefore crucial that the staff of the establishment is appropriately trained to predict whether the beneficiary is malnourished or dehydrated. Key words: the elderly; nursing homes; dehydration; malnutrition; neglect
Synthesis and characterization of iridium-doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jakubovskij Eldar , Selskis Algirdas , Ignatjev Ilja , Stalnionis Giedrius , Šablinskas Valdas
Published: January 2022

Keywords: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), iridium-doped, nanohybrid composite, Raman spectrum, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been prepared by chemical vapour deposition pyrolysis of ethyl alcohol at 665 °C. The addition of atoms other than carbon to the nanostructure, in our case the iridium component, leads to the formation of defects that contribute to changes in the electrical and optoelectrical properties. The formation and structural changes of multi-walled nanotubes were studied using an electron microscope, Raman and energydisperse spectrometry. Using the Raman and X-ray spectrum, a clear difference between the synthesis without and with the addition of iridium impurities was found.
Factors Influencing the Acceptance of Mobile Learning in K-12 Education in Saudi Arabia: Towards a Shift in the Saudi Education System vis-à-vis Saudi 2030 Vision
Authors: Alturise Fahad , Alshmrany Sami , Alkhalifah Tamim , Alkhalaf Salem
Published: January 2022

The Saudi Arabian government is committed to updating and improving its education system. Thus, in March 2017, a project was declared to convert the existing book-based methodology to modern, mobile technology in the K-12 education space by 2021. As part of this process, a deep-dive literature review of student acceptance of mobile learning confirmed that there was limited research into what elements had an effect on how much students were likely to accept learning with mobile applications in the five to 18-year-old demographic of K-12. The conclusion of the literature review was that the Saudi Arabian Education Ministry must acquire an understanding of these elements in order to strategize the implementation of the new technology. This study approached high school students, aged 16 – 18, in Saudi Arabia, to examine the elements which would influence their acceptance of mobile learning technology. The research consolidated known elements of education, namely learning self-management, system quality, and hedonic motivation with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to create a significant theoretical model for the new technology in a high school setting. Conclusions were drawn that societal influence did not affect the student’s approach to mobile learning, but that learning self-management, the expectancy of effort and performance, hedonic motivation and the quality of the system did affect the acceptance behaviour of the students. It was also noted that gender was not a significant factor in the study
Android Malware Detection with Deep Learning using RNN from Opcode Sequences
Authors: Lakshmanarao A. , Shashi M.
Published: January 2022

Android is the most widely used operating system in smartphones. Mobile users can download and access apps easily from the play store. Due to lack of security awareness and risk associated with mobile apps, malware apps would be downloaded by normal users in general. The consequences after installing a malware app are unpredictable. Malware apps can gather user personal data, browsing history, user profiles, user sensitive data like passwords. Hence, android malware detection is essential for providing security to mobile users. Android malware detection using machine learning is done either by extracting static features (opcodes, permissions, intents, system commands) or by extracting dynamic features (log behavior, system calls, dataflow). In this paper, opcode sequences are extracted from malware and benign apps, and Recurrent Neural Networks are proposed on extracted sequences. Benign apps are collected from the play store, apkpure.com and malware apps are collected from the virus share website. The proposed Recurrent Neural Network model could achieve 96% accuracy for android malware detection.
Performance Analysis of OLSR Protocol in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wheeb Ali H. , Al-jamali Nadia Adnan
Published: January 2022

Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OLSR) is an efficient routing protocol used for various Ad hoc networks. OLSR employs the Multipoint Relay (MPR) technique to reduce network overhead traffic. A mobility model's main goal is to realistically simulate the movement behaviors of actual users. However, the high mobility and mobility model is the major design issues for an efﬁcient and effective routing protocol for real Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the performance of the OLSR protocol concerning various random and group mobility models. Two simulation scenarios were conducted over four mobility models, specifically the  Random Waypoint model (RWP), Random Direction model (RD), Nomadic Community model (NC), and the Reference Point Group Model (RPGM) with a low as well as high random range mobility of the nodes.  Moreover, BonnMotion Software and Network simulator NS-3 used to implement the simulation scenarios. Further, the performance of the OLSR protocol analyzed and evaluated based on latency, routing overhead, and packet loss ratio metrics. According to the results, the OLSR protocol provides the best performance over the RWP model in a low mobility environment, whereas the Nomadic mobility model is suitable for OLSR protocol in a high mobility environment.
Deep Learning Technique of Sentiment Analysis for Twitter Database
Authors: Gattan Atif M.
Published: January 2022

Sentiment investigation is the progression of calculating, recognizing as well as classifying the people mentality stated in the outline of the manuscript and the outlook of the individual concerning the particular subject matter can be investigated with the assist of that statistics. The information is accumulated by way of the assistance of API in favor of classifying of the end outcome based on the information collected as in Negative way, Neutral way and Positive way with the support of the scoring polarity allocated in favor of every statement that are collected. These data are fruitful for discovering and enhancing the consumer requirements and to acquire better tune-up. Major improvement of using the concept of sentiment analysis is to develop the user needs by straightforwardly collecting the information from the outsized set of consumers.
A Comprehensive Study on Privacy and Security on Social Media
Authors: Albulayhi Mohammed S. , Khediri Salim El
Published: January 2022

In many aspects of healthy, science, educational, functional, and social life, social media networks today are part of the human lifestyle. Social media has more impact on human life and introduced significant changes in the way people’s way of communication. People exchange a lot of information across social media networks, starting with the sharing of information with the growth of information sharing at the moment, and the advancement of technology Users create overt networks to reflect their current or new social connections. Users also upload and post a plethora of personal details. Maintaining the privacy and security of the user is a main challenge in social media. Users should feel the importance of preserving the privacy of their data and how valuable information such as banking details and confidential data should be kept away from social media. Users can also post personal information about others without their permission. The problem is exacerbated by users' lack of familiarity and knowledge, as well as the lack of appropriate resources and architecture of social media networks. This paper provides study on many privacy and security challenges encountered by social media networks and the privacy threats they pose, as well as current studies into possible solutions.
Peut-on encore écrire, si l’on ne peut plus se relire ?
Authors: Contat Michel , Philippe Gilles
Published: January 2022

Pour Sartre, il n’y a littérature que s’il y a style, et le style ne peut être atteint que par des réécritures successives. Ce qui distinguerait le texte littéraire, ce serait donc d’abord la spécificité de sa genèse : on écrit, on relit, on biffe, on récrit. La première partie de cette étude décrit les modalités prises par ce travail d’ajustement stylistique dans les brouillons de Jean-Paul Sartre et oppose le protocole rédactionnel de l’écrivain au protocole rédactionnel du philosophe. La seconde prend appui sur le tout dernier manuscrit connu de Jean-Paul Sartre : celui-ci est devenu aveugle et déclare alors volontiers que la cécité lui interdit tout travail d’ordre stylistique. En y regardant de près, on peut cependant observer que cela n’est pas tout à fait vrai.
Analysis of Clay Humidity Behavior for the Preservation of Historical Monuments
Authors: Mounir Soumia , Maaloufa Youssef , Ibn-Elhaj Sara , Abdelhamid Khabbazi , Dodo Yakubu Aminu
Published: January 2022

This paper is an investigation of the humidity behavior of clay according to the design of historical monuments related to different dynasties in Morocco and classified as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. The first step consisted of a diagnosis of the capillarity behavior of different design wall’s dynasties’. The second step consisted of a comparison of the humidity behavior of clay according to a different kind of the wall’s design located in Rabat as c and Fez as a dry and continental climate cities built by those dynasties’ Al Mohade and Alaouite. The method X-Ray was used for the identification of the material studied and samples were produced to analyze the humidity behavior of walls, according to their design: full walls or hollowed ones. Results indicate that the hallowed walls loosed water quickly in a very short time doesn’t exceed five days, however, the full ones keep water until the tenth day. According to the results authors’ advice on the manner of preservation of historical monuments to increase their lifetime.
The Effective of Pressure on the Physical Proprieties of Y2Ba4Cu7O15 Superconductor
Authors: Jasim Kareem Ali , Taha Akram Hashim , Shaban Auday H.
Published: January 2022

The major problems that facing sustainability is the heat production with electricity transmission. The research and engineering communities hope that superconductive materials will be employed in the power transmission, without any losses along the way. Solid-state reaction is a one of the methods for preparing compound samples. This method was used to prepare the nominal chemical formula Y2Ba4Cu7O15. The calcining of the mixed powder at constant temperature of 800C0, followed by compressing the mixed, under (7, 8, 9) tons/cm2 pressures, as pallets shape with diameter 1.5 cm and thickness (0.2-0.3) cm inducing. The prepared samples were encounter many sintering processes through constant temperature. The sintering processes were done in the furnace by rising and cooling temperature with Oxygen rate 0.5 L/min. The samples were measured electrically to determine the resistivity changes in different temperatures (77–300) K, using four-probe technique. The results for the samples A, B and C shows the onset superconducting transition temperatures (Tc (onset)) at 88 K, 93 K, and 99 K respectively. The XRD data illustrated a polycrystalline structure for all samples. The transition temperature, oxygen content (δ) and the lattice parameter increase with increasing the pressure.
Plasma Jet Prepared Gold and Silver Nanoparticles to Induce Caspase-Independent Apoptosis in Digestive System Cancers
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Subhi , Adil Ban H. , Obaid A.S. , Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed
Published: January 2022

Alot of medical and industrial applications used the metal nanoparticles (NPs) with increase interest to be used as cancer therapy. The current work aimed to prepare AuNPs and AgNPs through the use of plasma jet and test their antitumor mechanism of apoptosis induction. The results indicating the face-centered cubic structures and crystalline nature of AuNPs and AgNPs. Also, the image of FESEM showed that the well dispersions regarding AuNPs and AgNPs, while the NP’s spherical shape with the particle size distributions which are considered to be close that estimated from the XRD. cytotoxicity have been assessed against the Normal embryonic cell line REF and the digestive system (HC , SK-GT-4) cell lines under a variety of the series dilute of the Ag and Au NPs (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100%), have been determined through a microtetrazolium (MTT) assay. The capacity of Ag and Au NPs to induce apoptosis to an infected cell has been studied by crystal violet stain to measure the percentage of induction of apoptosis. In cases where 100 μg\ml Au NP concentrations are 69.60 percent, the maximum cytotoxicity of the HC cell line was reported, while 100 μg\ml Au NP was 69.20% for the SKg cell line exposure. qRT-PCR in AuNPs and AgNPs treated of (HC and SKG) cell lines revealed a remarkable in the expression of BAX, BCL2 and AIF, Endo G (independent pathway).
STI/HIV Vulnerability among Out of School Youth in Vocational Training Centres in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi Districts
Authors: Thanthree D. K. J. , Dharmakulasinghe V. S. , Jayasekara N. , Hathurusinghe H. A. C. W.
Published: January 2022

Introduction: A decade after the civil war in Sri Lanka, the youth in the northern province had access to the rest of the world, with a gap of knowledge on sexual health.
Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and high-risk behaviour towards HIV & STI and identify factors associated with high risk behaviours among out of school youth in vocational training centres in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 303 consenting out of school youth in vocational training centres were recruited in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi districts. Research validated scales were used to assess HIV knowledge and attitude. Bivariate statistical methods were used to understand the relationship between the variables.
Results: Mean age was 18.5 years (SD=2.1 years), and 51% (n=155) were male. Only a quarter (n=76) had adequate HIV knowledge, and 11% (n=34) had the correct attitude. Sixty-three (21%) had consumed alcohol, and 34 (11%) had taken psychoactive drugs. Fifteen (5%) were sexually active, and 4 (1%) had received commercial sex. Adequate knowledge and attitude towards HIV were associated the sex (P=0.000, P=0.0045) and knowledge obtained from school (P=0.000, P=0.027).
Conclusions: Even though risk behaviours for STI and HIV were low among out of school youth, the knowledge and attitude towards HIV/STI were poor.
HIV Estimation and Projection in Sri Lanka (2019-2025); Application of AIDS Epidemic Model and Spectrum
Authors: Suranga Suchira , Manathunge Ariyaratne , Peerapatanapokin Wiwat
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the late 1980s, Sri Lanka has been classified as a country with low level HIV epidemic. Even among key populations, HIV prevalence has not exceeded beyond 5%. HIV estimation and projection in Sri Lanka are more important than ever when the country is trying to reach ending AIDS epidemic targets by 2025.
Objective: This study aims to generate HIV estimates for Sri Lanka and identify the pattern of the AIDS epidemic and develop future directions.
Method: AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM) and Spectrum were used as tools to generate the estimates by Technical Working Group (TWG) which was represented by the relevant government, nongovernment, UN and technical partners. Sub-national estimates were not attempted during the current AIDS Epidemic Modelling due to the lack of region-specific data as well as expected low numbers in a sub-national estimate in Sri Lanka.
Results: Results of national estimates indicate that there are 3,600 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Sri Lanka in 2019. Of this estimate, 3,550 are adults who are 15 years and older, and the male to female ratio was 2.93. The trend of PLHIV is relatively stable in the past five years implying the state of balance between new infections and AIDS related deaths. Total new HIV infections were estimated at 140 in 2019 with 137 new HIV infections among adults 15 years and older. Although the epidemic is declining in terms of numbers, new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) as share of total new HIV infections is growing. In 2019, 169 AIDS-related deaths are estimated among adults living with HIV.
Conclusions: AIDS epidemic in Sri Lanka is seems to be under control but not yet over. The National Strategic Plan scenario showed that ending AIDS is achievable. However, this needs scale up of current HIV prevention efforts based on the informed policy and decision making.
Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine (Sri Lanka JoSHH)
Authors: Karawita Ajith
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Population dynamics and breeding preference of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus attributing to dengue threat in Kelaniya medical officer of health area in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe L.D. , Nadeeka P.V.J.
Published: January 2022

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the two species of dengue vector mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. Indoor and outdoor distribution of these species, their population dynamics and breeding preference are important factors determining the dengue transmission. Gampaha district in Sri Lanka reported to have frequent dengue epidemics from recent past, hence this study was conducted. Ovitrap surveillance was conducted to determine the vector species distribution in indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area of the Gampaha district. Larvae were reared until emergence of adults in the laboratory to identify species morphologically. Breeding preference of vector mosquitoes were carried out by physically observing the presence of mosquito larvae in water accumulated  receptacles in  the area. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were reported to distribute throughout Kelaniya MOH area as a mixed population. Ae. albopictus is the most abundant species both indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya MOH area compared to Ae. aegypti. Weather factors, rain days and wind positively correlated with Aedes population. High risk areas were identified as Kiribathgoda and Hunupitiya in this study.
An Unexpected Role for Cell Density Rather than IgM in Cell-Surface Display of the Fc Receptor for IgM on Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Woolley Cassandra R , Brinkman Nicholas C , Cash Elizabeth D , Chandran Swapna K , Mitchell Thomas C
Published: January 2022

The Fc receptor for IgM, FcMR, is unusual in that it is preferentially expressed by cells of the adaptive immune system. It is, moreover, the only constitutively expressed Fc receptor on human T cells. Efforts to decipher the normal functions of FcMR have been complicated by species-specific expression patterns in lymphocytes from mice (B cells) versus humans (B, NK, and T cells). In human cells, FcMR cell-surface expression has been reported to be low at baseline ex vivo, with one suggested contribution being ligand-induced internalization by serum IgM. Indeed, preincubation overnight in IgM-free culture medium is recommended for studies of FcMR because surface display is increased under these conditions. We investigated FcMR display on human lymphocytes in PBMCs and found that, surprisingly, cell-surface FcMR was unaffected by IgM abundance and was instead downregulated in high–cell density cultures by a yet undefined mechanism. We further found that ex vivo processing of whole blood decreased surface FcMR, supporting the idea that FcMR expression is likely to be greater on circulating lymphocytes than previously appreciated. Collectively, these findings prompt new predictions of where and when FcMR might be available for functional interactions in vivo.