bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Variations in Raw and Cooked Dried Fruit of Xylopia aethiopica
Authors: Oso Babatunde Joseph , Oladiji Adenike Temidayo
Published: February 2019

Most plant products undergo one or more different thermal processes before consumption despite the claims that cooking fruits and vegetables could have detrimental effects on the beneficial properties of the plants. This work investigated the changes in antioxidant status occurring in dried fruit of Xylopia aethiopica subjected to cooking at different temperatures. The analyses were performed on both raw and boiled samples to assess the total phenolic contents (TPCs) and the antioxidant potential through reduction of ferric chloride salt and bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons by Tukey-Kramer test at p < 0.05. There was a significant heat-trend difference between the phenolic contents of the samples at the selected temperatures with the highest TPC recorded at 70°C. Similarly, the ferric reducing potentials of the cooked samples were significantly different (p <0.05) from the raw. However, uncooked samples had significantly (p <0.05) higher percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to cooked samples. The overall effect of cooking the dried fruit of X. aethiopica was due to an elevation in total phenolics concentrations and reducing potentials of the aqueous infusions. However, boiling decreases the DPPH radical scavenging ability of the samples. Therefore, this study suggests an optimum cooking temperature of 70°C which could result in the highest retention of phenolic contents and ferric reducing potentials in the fruit of X. aethiopica and lowest appropriate temperature to conserve its intrinsic radical-scavenging activity in order to assure a higher quality food for the maintenance of human health. Moreover, losses in the phenolic contents and antioxidant potential should be considered when the procedural temperature during processing is unalterable.
The impact of United States monetary policy uncertainty on the Gulf Cooperation Council stock markets
Authors: Saeed S Alqahtani Abdullah , Ouyang Hongbing , Saleh Shayem
Published: February 2019

Most of the GCC countries currencies are pegged to the US dollar, which make the economy those countries susceptible to the US monetary policy change. This paper used the non-structural VAR tests to examine the spillovers impact of the two recently developed US monetary policy uncertainty indices (the BBD MPU and the HRS MPU) shocks on GCC stock markets from 2003: M01 to 2017: M07. The result revealed that during the period under review, the two MPU have slight significant impact on some GCC markets. But the HRS MPU has more impact than the BBD MPU. Besides this, unidirectional causality running from HRS MPU to Bahraini and Kuwaiti Stock market was detected within the period. Hence, policymakers should realize the heterogeneity impacts from US MPU to stock markets in GCC countries. The findings also help investors and portfolio managers to better understand the effects of US monetary policy uncertainty on the stock markets.
When the pits fill up: (in)visible flows of waste in urban India
Authors: Prasad C. S. Sharada , Ray Isha
Published: February 2019

India's flagship program on sanitation and hygiene – the Swachh Bharat Mission – aims to eliminate open defecation and to manage urban waste for a ‘Clean India’. The emptying of toilet pits and the transport of waste are as critical as more toilets are for sustainable sanitation. In unsewered cities of the global South, these services are mainly provided by privately run cleaning trucks. We find that the physical and social mechanisms through which these services are organized are virtually invisible in national fecal sludge and waste management policies. Based on a rich ethnography of cleaning trucks in Bangalore, India, we show that trucking operations dispose of sludge in ways that harm both public health and the environment, and that the caste composition of sanitation work helps to keep it invisible from officials and the public. We draw on the concept of the social role of disgust to explain the seen-and-unseen nature of these trucks. ‘Seeing’ sludge management as it is practiced is essential for understanding how the sanitary city is being produced and for the success of future sanitation reforms.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Illuminating utility benchmarking data with analysis and consumer feedback – insights from Nepal
Authors: Ogata R. , Khatri N. , Sakamoto M.
Published: February 2019

The Government of Nepal, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), conducted a benchmarking activity with performance indicators, water quality tests, and a consumer survey for 26 larger and older town water supply services in the country. Performance indicators varied widely between the different towns: number of staff/1,000 connection (staff ratio), for example, ranged from 2.8 to 15.3, whereas water supply coverage ranged from 13.8% to 98.4%, and operating ratios which indicate financial performance ranged from 0.24 to 2.8. Critically poor biological water quality was found in water quality tests that 55% of tap water samples were Escherichia coli-contaminated. Overall, customer satisfaction ranged between 14% and 97%. Analysis showed that the operating ratio was significantly correlated with the staff ratio, the number of water supply connections, the water coverage, and the metered ratio. Results of water quality tests and the consumer survey revealed risk in direct drinking of tap water and a need to improve tap water quality by managing free residual chlorine and leakage reduction. Customers' satisfaction with water sufficiency was found to be significantly correlated with their perception of the reliability of supply time rather than the number of supply hours and water consumption rate.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.
Treatment of road runoff by coagulation/flocculation and sedimentation
Authors: Nyström F. , Nordqvist K. , Herrmann I. , Hedström A. , Viklander M.
Published: February 2019

A laboratory investigation of the treatment potential of a coagulation process in the context of stormwater treatment was undertaken. The initial 25 L road runoff generated from four rain events was collected and subjected to a jar-testing regime with two commercial coagulants. The treatment effect was assessed by analysing the runoff before and after treatment for turbidity, suspended solids and metal content. The coagulation process resulted in particle and total metal reduction of more than 90% compared to 40% for only sedimentation. Up to 40% reduction of dissolved Cr, Cu and Pb was also observed compared to 0% for sedimentation. This study shows that coagulation may be a useful process for stormwater treatment systems when the treatment requirements are high.
Microengineered Organ-on-a-chip Platforms towards Personalized Medicine
Authors: Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Wang Shi-Bin , Chen Ai-Zheng
Published: February 2019

Current preclinical drug evaluation strategies that are explored to predict the pharmacological parameters, as well as toxicological issues, utilize traditional oversimplified cell cultures and animal models. However, these traditional approaches are time-consuming, and cannot reproduce the functions of the complex biological tissue architectures. On the other hand, the obtained data from animal models cannot be precisely extrapolated to humans because it sometimes results in the distinct safe starting doses for clinical trials due to vast differences in their genomes. To address these limitations, the microengineered, biomimetic organ-on-a-chip platforms fabricated using advanced materials that are interconnected using the microfluidic circuits, can stanchly reiterate or mimic the complex tissue-organ level structures including the cellular architecture and physiology, compartmentalization and interconnectivity of human organ platforms. These innovative and cost-effective systems potentially enable the prediction of the responses toward pharmaceutical compounds and remarkable advances in materials and microfluidics technology, which can rapidly progress the drug development process. In this review, we emphasize the integration of microfluidic models with the 3D simulations from tissue engineering to fabricate organ-on-a-chip platforms, which explicitly fulfill the demand of creating the robust models for preclinical testing of drugs. At first, we give a brief overview of the limitations associated with the current drug development pipeline that includes drug screening methods, in vitro molecular assays, cell culture platforms and in vivo models. Further, we discuss various organ-on-a-chip platforms, highlighting their benefits and performance in the preclinical stages. Next, we aim to emphasize their current applications toward pharmaceutical benefits including the drug screening as well as toxicity testing, and advances in personalized precision medicine as well as potential challenges for their commercialization. We finally recapitulate with the lessons learned and the outlook highlighting the future directions for accelerating the clinical translation of delivery systems.
Ultrastructural Analysis of Human Gallstones using Synchrotron Radiation µCT
Authors: Chen Weixin , Liu Riming , Tao Suo , Shen Weixing , Zhou Weihong , Song Chao , Lu Huanhua , Xing Chungen
Published: February 2019

Objective:

Gallstone formation is a pathological process of mineralization in the human
body. Determination of the morphology and ultrastructure of gallstones holds the key to
understanding the pathophysiology of gallbladder disease. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast Xray
microtomography is a novel technology, which is designed for comprehensive analysis of
gallstone ultrastructure.

Materials and Methods:

Nine human gallstones were obtained from the Department of Pathology,
Qingpu branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University (China), and scanned by
synchrotron radiation µCT (SR µCT). The imaging data generated by SR µCT scan were analyzed.

Results:

The three-dimensional ultrastructure of human gallstones corresponding to their
cholesterol and bile pigment composition was determined.

Conclusions:

The ultrastructure of gallstones exhibits considerable diversity and complexity. The
synchrotron radiation phase-contrast X-ray microtomography is a valuable tool for in-depth study
of human gallstones.
Discovery and Optimization of a Series of Sulfonamide Inverse Agonists for the Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor-α
Authors: Doebelin Christelle , He Yuanjun , Campbell Sean , Nuhant Philippe , Kumar Naresh , Koenig Marcel , Garcia-Ordonez Ruben , Chang Mi Ra , Roush William R. , Lin Li , Kahn Susan , Cameron Michael D. , Griffin Patrick R. , Solt Laura A. , Kamenecka Theodore M.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Despite a massive industry endeavor to develop RORγ-modulators for
autoimmune disorders, there has been no indication of efforts to target the close family member
RORα for similar indications. This may be due to the misconception that RORα is redundant to
RORγ, or the inherent difficulty in cultivating tractable starting points for RORα. RORα-selective
modulators would be useful tools to interrogate the biology of this understudied orphan nuclear receptor.

Objectives:

he goal of this research effort was to identify and optimize synthetic ligands for RORα
starting from the known LXR agonist T0901317.

Methods:

Fourty-five analogs of the sulfonamide lead (1) were synthesized and evaluated for their
ability to suppress the transcriptional activity of RORα, RORγ, and LXRα in cell-based assays.
Analogs were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LC-MS analysis. The pharmacokinetic
profile of the most selective RORα inverse agonist was evaluated in rats with intraperitoneal (i.p.)
and per oral (p.o.)dosing.

Results:

Structure-activity relationship studies led to potent dual RORα/RORγ inverse agonists as
well as RORα-selective inverse agonists (20, 28). LXR activity could be reduced by removing the
sulfonamide nitrogen substituent. Attempts to improve the potency of these selective leads by
varying substitution patterns throughout the molecule proved challenging.

Conclusion:

The synthetic RORα-selective inverse agonists identified (20, 28) can be utilized as
chemical tools to probe the function of RORα in vitro and in vivo.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel C5-Modified Pyrimidine Ribofuranonucleosides as Potential Antitumor or/and Antiviral Agents
Authors: Kollatos Nikolaos , Mitsos Christos , Manta Stella , Tzioumaki Niki , Giannakas Christos , Alexouli Tania , Panagiotopoulou Aggeliki , Schols Dominique , Andrei Graciela , Komiotis Dimitri
Published: February 2019

Background:

Nucleoside analogues are well-known antitumor, antiviral, and chemotherapeutic
agents. Alterations on both their sugar and the heterocyclic parts may lead to significant
changes in the spectrum of their biological activity and the degree of selective toxicity, as
well as in their physicochemical properties.

Methods:

C5-arylalkynyl-β-D-ribofuranonucleosides 3-6, 3΄-deoxy 12-15, 3΄-deoxy-3΄-C-methyl-
β-D-ribofurananucleosides 18-21 and 2΄-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranonucleosides 23-26 of uracil, were
synthesized using a one-step Sonogashira reaction under microwave irradiation and subsequent
deprotection.

Results:

All newly synthesized nucleosides were tested for their antitumor or antiviral activity.
Moderate cytostatic activity against cervix carcinoma (HeLa), murine leukemia (L1210) and human
lymphocyte (CEM) tumor cell lines was displayed by the protected 3΄-deoxy derivatives
12b,12c,12d, and the 3΄-deoxy-3΄-methyl 18a,18b,18c. The antiviral evaluation revealed appreciable
activity against Coxsackie virus B4, Respiratory syncytial virus, Yellow Fever Virus and Human
Coronavirus (229E) for the 3΄-deoxy compounds 12b,14, and the 3΄-deoxy-3΄-methyl
18a,18c,18d, accompanied by low cytotoxicity.

Conclusion:

This report describes the total and facile synthesis of modified furanononucleosides
of uracil, with alterations on both the sugar and the heterocyclic portions. Compounds 12b,14 and
18a,c,d showed noticeable antiviral activity against a series of RNA viruses and merit further biological
and structural optimization investigations.
Potential Impurities of Tigecycline: Synthesis, Isolation, Characterization and In Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Sharavanan Selliamman Palaniyandi Nallusamy , Venkatesan Chidambaram Subramanian , Sathiyanarayanan Singaram , Kabilan Senthamaraikannan
Published: February 2019

Background:

Tigecycline is a known antibiotic in the tetracycline family and a chemical
analog of minocycline. It may be used for the treatment against drug-resistant bacteria.

Methods:

HPLC method was used for related substance analysis. The degraded impurities during the
process were isolated and characterized by IR, HRMS (High Resolution Mass Spectrometry) and NMR
spectral analysis.

Results:

Four impurities of tigecycline, a broad spectrum antibacterial agent, were identified, synthesized
and characterized. The in vitro biological evaluation of the isolated compounds showed significant
antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to that of tigecycline. Apart from these, the tigecycline drug
substance showed significant degradation under oxidation conditions.

Conclusion:

The extensive investigational data confirm the structure of the four impurities. The specification
limit for these impurities is applied based on the toxicological data. The antimicrobial activity
revealed that the impurity 4 shows excellent activity towards both Gram-positive and Gram-negative
bacteria when compared with tigecycline. The results obtained for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity concluded that the impurity 2 and the impurity 3 showed good antioxidant
properties when compared with tigecycline. There was no activity observed on fungi for both
isolated degradants as well as tigecycline.
A Suitable Immunosensor for Chloramphenicol Determination: Study of Two Different Competitive Formats
Authors: Martini Elisabetta , Tomassetti Mauro , Angeloni Riccardo , Castrucci Mauro , Campanella Luigi
Published: February 2019

Background:

deep analytical study was performed on two different formats based on a
“competitive” ELISA-type assay to develop a suitable, sensitive and cheap immune device for
chloramphenicol determination that could be advantageously applied to the analysis of real matrices
(pharmaceutical, food and environmental).

Methods:

To this purpose peroxidase enzyme as a marker and an amperometric electrode for hydrogen
peroxide, as a transducer, were used. Through the first competitive format, chloramphenicol determination
was based on the competition between chloramphenicol and conjugated with biotin-avidinperoxidase
chloramphenicol, both free in solution, for anti-chloramphenicol immobilized in the membrane,
while the second competitive format was based on the competition between free in solution chloramphenicol
and immobilized in membrane one, for anti-chloramphenicol biotin-avidin-peroxidase
conjugated free in solution.

Results:

The immunosensor was optimized by comparing the two used different “competitive” working
formats on the basis of respective Kaff values, that were found to be about 105 and 104 (mol L-1)-1. The
developed immune device displayed good selectivity for Chloramphenicol and LOD (limit of detection)
was of the order of 10-9 mol L-1. The immunosensor was also used to test the presence of Chloramphenicol
in real matrices such as cow milk, river wastewater and pharmaceutical formulations; recovery
tests, using the standard addition method, gave satisfactory results.

Conclusion:

The results proved the validity of this immune device based on the competition between
chloramphenicol and conjugated chloramphenicol obtained using biotin-avidin-peroxidase format, by
which it is possible to carry out the analysis of chloramphenicol in milk and in river waste-waters with a
% RSD ≤ 5 and with recovery values between 96% and 103%.
Estimating Bifurcating Consensus Phylogenetic Trees Using Evolutionary Imperialist Competitive Algorithm
Authors: Nikkhah Vageehe , Babamir Seyed M. , Arab Seyed S.
Published: February 2019

Background:

One of the important goals of phylogenetic studies is the estimation of species-level phylogeny. A phylogenetic tree is an evolutionary classification of different species of creatures. There are several methods to generate such trees, where each method may produce a number of different trees for the species. By choosing the same proteins of all species, it is possible that the topology and arrangement of trees would be different.

Objective:

There are methods by which biologists summarize different phylogenetic trees to a tree, called consensus tree. A consensus method deals with the combination of gene trees to estimate a species tree. As the phylogenetic trees grow and their number is increased, estimating a consensus tree based on the species-level phylogenetic trees becomes a challenge.

Methods:

The current study aims at using the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) to estimate bifurcating consensus trees. Evolutionary algorithms like ICA are suitable to resolve problems with the large space of candidate solutions.

Results:

The obtained consensus tree has more similarity to the native phylogenetic tree than related studies.

Conclusion:

The proposed method enjoys mechanisms and policies that enable us more than other evolutionary algorithms in tuning the proposed algorithm. Thanks to these policies and the mechanisms, the algorithm enjoyed efficiently in obtaining the optimum consensus tree. The algorithm increased the possibility of selecting an optimum solution by imposing some changes in its parameters.
PIK3R1 Mutation Associated with Hyper IgM (APDS2 Syndrome): A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yazdani Reza , Hamidi Zahra , Babaha Fateme , Azizi Gholamreza , Fekrvand Saba , Abolhassani Hassan , Aghamohammadi Asghar
Published: February 2019

Background and Objective:

APDS [Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) δ Syndrome]
is a newly found special form of primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in genes
encoding PI3Kδ subunits and over-activation of the PI3K signaling pathway. Gain-of-function and
loss-of-function mutations in PIK3CD (encoding P110δ) and PIK3R1 (encoding p85α, p55α and p50α)
lead to APDS1 and APDS2, respectively. The subsequent irregular PI3K downstream signaling cascade
is associated with abnormalities in B cells and T cells and the consequent heterogeneous clinical
manifestations including respiratory tract infections, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation and not to
mention primary antibody deficiency. In this study, we report a 12-year-old girl with a mutation in the
PIK3R1 gene who manifested immunological phenotypes resembling hyper IgM syndrome along with
a review of the literature of the previously reported patients.

Methods:

Whole exome sequencing was performed to detect the underlying genetic mutation in this
patient.

Results:

A de novo heterozygous splice site mutation in the hot spot of the PIK3R1 gene within the
intron 10 was found (c.1425+1G>A).

Conclusion:

Further investigations are required for evaluation of the underlying genetic defects and
the possible associations between genetic underpinning and heterogeneous severity and features of the
disease.
Formulation and Evaluation of Atenolol Nanocrystals Using 3(2) Full Factorial Design
Authors: Mazumder Rupa , Paul Swarnali Das
Published: February 2019

Background:

Atenolol is a commonly used antihypertensive drug of class III BCS category. It
suffers from the problem of poor intestinal absorption or permeability thus low bioavailability. The objective
of the present study was to enhance the permeability of atenolol by using a suitable technique, which
is economical and devoid of using any organic solvent.

Methods:

The nanocrystal technology by high-pressure homogenization was chosen for this purpose,
which is a less expensive and simple method. In this technique, no organic solvent was used. The study
was further aimed to characterize prepared nanocrystals in the solid state by Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) patterns, particle size, zeta potential, %yield
and drug permeation study through isolated goat’s intestine. An in-vivo study was carried out to determine
the pharmacokinetic property in comparison to pure drug powder using rats as experimental animals.
The formulation design was optimized by a 3(2) factorial design. In these designs, two factors namely
surfactant amount (X1) and speed of homogenizer (X2) were evaluated on three dependent variables
namely particle size (y1), zeta potential (y2) and production yield (y3).

Results:

PXRD study indicated the presence of high crystal content in the prepared formulation. These
nanocrystal formulations were found with a narrow size range from 125 nm to 652 nm and positive
zeta potential of 16-18 mV. Optimized formulations showed almost 90% production yield. Permeability
study revealed 90.88% drug release for optimized formulation in comparison to the pure drug
(31.22%). The FTIR study also exposed that there was no disturbance in the principal peaks of the pure
drug atenolol. This confirmed the integrity of the pure drug and its compatibility with the excipients used.
A significant increase in the area under the concentration-time curve Cpmax and MRT for nanocrystals
was observed in comparison to the pure drug. The higher values of the determination coefficient (R2) of all
three parameters indicated the goodness of fit of the 3(2) factorial model. The factorial analysis also revealed
that speed of homogenizer had a bigger effect on particle size (-0.2812), zeta potential (-0.0004)
and production yield (0.0192) whereas amount of surfactant had a lesser effect on production yield
(-370.4401), zeta potential (-43.3651) as well as particle size (-6169.2601).

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the selected method of nanocrystal formation and its further optimization
by factorial design was effective to increase the solubility, as well as permeability of atenolol. Further,
the systematic approach of factorial design provides rational evaluation and prediction of nanocrystals
formulation on the selected limited number of smart experimentation.
Ebstein Anomaly in a Neonate with Clinically Significant, Reversible, Idiopathic, Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Ali, MD Nyaz , Amin, MD Ali Hama , Hogan, MD Thomas , Balian, MD Arpy
Published: February 2019

Ebstein anomaly is a form of congenital heart disease primarily affecting the tricuspid valve (TV) and right ventricle (RV) in 1 in 20,000 live births. The TV malformation and the clinical presentation are both variable. LV systolic dysfunction is uncommon with Ebstein anomaly. In a review of 106 consecutive patients with Ebstein anomaly at Mayo Clinic between July 1, 2001 and February 28, 2003, the authors reported prevalence of 7% LV systolic dysfunction, 18% LV noncompaction, and 36% LV diastolic dysfunction. However, on a 2017 PubMed review of literature searching for “Ebstein anomaly and Left ventricular systolic dysfunction” we found only one reported case in an adult with documented clinical impact. Here, we report a newborn baby girl with mild Ebstein anomaly who presented with severe respiratory failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In our patient, the LV systolic dysfunction was reversible and of unknown etiology. Significant improvement in her respiratory and cardiac function were attributed to early correct diagnosis and aggressive supportive therapy, which hopefully can also be applied to similar neonates to reduce the mortality and morbidity of Ebstein anomaly.
Exploring the Patterns of Use and Acceptability of Mobile Phones Among People Living With HIV to Improve Care and Treatment: Cross-Sectional Study in Three Francophone West African Countries (Preprint)
Authors: Lepère Phillipe , Touré Yélamikan , Bitty-Anderson Alexandra M , Boni Simon P , Anago Gildas , Tchounga Boris , Touré Pendadiago , Minga Albert , Messou Eugène , Kanga Guillaume , Koule Serge , Poda Armel , Calmy Alexandra , Ekouevi Didier K , Coffie Patrick A
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile technology in health care (mobile health [mHealth]) could be an innovative way to improve health care, especially for increasing retention in HIV care and adherence to treatment. However, there is a scarcity of studies on mHealth among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in West and Central Africa.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of an mHealth intervention among PLHIV in three countries of West Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study among PLHIV was conducted in 2017 in three francophone West African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. PLHIV followed in the six preselected HIV treatment and care centers, completed a standardized questionnaire on mobile phone possession, acceptability of mobile phone for HIV care and treatment, preference of mobile phone services, and phone sharing. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to describe variables and assess factors associated with mHealth acceptability.

RESULTS

A total of 1131 PLHIV—643 from Côte d’Ivoire, 239 from Togo, and 249 from Burkina Faso—participated in the study. Median age was 44 years, and 76.1% were women (n=861). Almost all participants owned a mobile phone (n=1107, 97.9%), and 12.6% (n=140) shared phones with a third party. Acceptability of mHealth was 98.8%, with the majority indicating their preference for both phone calls and text messages. Factors associated with mHealth acceptability were having a primary school education or no education (adjusted odds ratio=7.15, 95% CI 5.05-10.12; P<.001) and waiting over one hour before meeting a medical doctor on appointment day (adjusted odds ratio=1.84, 95% CI 1.30-2.62; P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of mHealth in HIV treatment and care is highly acceptable among PLHIV and should be considered a viable tool to allow West and Central African countries to achieve the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 goals.
Applicability of Different Electronic Record Types for Use in Patient Recruitment Support Systems: Comparative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Schreiweis Björn , Brandner Antje , Bergh Björn
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials constitute an important pillar in medical research. It is beneficial to support recruitment for clinical trials using software tools, so-called patient recruitment support systems; however, such information technology systems have not been frequently used to date. Because medical information systems' underlying data collection methods strongly influence the benefits of implementing patient recruitment support systems, we investigated patient recruitment support system requirements and corresponding electronic record types such as electronic medical record, electronic health record, electronic medical case record, personal health record, and personal cross-enterprise health record.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to (1) define requirements for successful patient recruitment support system deployment and (2) differentiate and compare patient recruitment support system–relevant properties of different electronic record types.

METHODS

In a previous study, we gathered requirements for patient recruitment support systems from literature and unstructured interviews with stakeholders (15 patients, 3 physicians, 5 data privacy experts, 4 researchers, and 5 staff members of hospital administration). For this investigation, the requirements were amended and categorized based on input from scientific sessions. Based on literature with a focus on patient recruitment support system–relevant properties, different electronic record types (electronic medical record, electronic health record, electronic medical case record, personal health record and personal cross-enterprise health record) were described in detail. We also evaluated which patient recruitment support system requirements can be achieved for each electronic record type.

RESULTS

Patient recruitment support system requirements (n=16) were grouped into 4 categories (consent management, patient recruitment management, trial management, and general requirements). All 16 requirements could be partially met by at least 1 type of electronic record. Only 1 requirement was fully met by all 5 types. According to our analysis, personal cross-enterprise health records fulfill most requirements for patient recruitment support systems. They demonstrate advantages especially in 2 domains (1) supporting patient empowerment and (2) granting access to the complete medical history of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In combination with patient recruitment support systems, personal cross-enterprise health records prove superior to other electronic record types, and therefore, this integration approach should be further investigated.
Feasibility of an Automated Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources-based 12-lead Electrocardiogram Mobile Alert System (Preprint)
Authors: Hur Sujeong , Cha Won Chul , Lee Jeanhyoung , Kim Taerim , Chang Dong Kyung , Kang Mira , Choi Jong Soo
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Timely information transfer is more important in the emergency care setting because it is associated with the clinical outcome. For patients with time-critical acute coronary syndrome, reporting of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings is the most important component of the treatment process.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and implement an automated Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)-based 12-lead ECG mobile alert system in an emergency department (ED).

METHODS

An automated FHIR-based 12-lead ECG alert system was developed. The system aimed to generate alert for potential ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. A feasibility test was carried out in the ED of an academic tertiary care hospital from November 14 to December 7, 2018. The system generate alert based on 12-lead ECG readings from the device. The alert was transmitted to the physicians both via mobile app and EMR. A retrospective analysis was performed for patients ≥18 years of age admitted to the ED. The automated FHIR-based 12-lead ECG alert system processing interval was defined as the time from ED arrival and 12-lead ECG capture to the time when FHIR-based notification was transmitted. We analyzed the 12-lead ECG process intervals and the clinical characteristics. In this study, a successful transmission is defined as transmit the FHIR-based notification within 5 minutes.

RESULTS

The automated FHIR-based 12-lead ECG alert transmission system was developed and used the “Observation” FHIR resource. There were 3,812 emergency visits during the study period. A total of 1,581 12-lead ECGs were captured. The FHIR system generated 155 alerts. Alert patient were significantly older, and the percentage of males was higher. Among 155 alerts, 146 (94%) were transmitted successfully. In the group with cardiac-related symptoms, the median interval from arrival to 12-lead ECG capture was 74.4 min (IQR 15.6 – 211.2 min). The median interval was 106.5 min (IQR 28.5 – 251.6 min) in the non cardiac-related symptoms. The group with cardiac-related symptoms, the median of 2.7 min (IQR 2.3 – 2.9 min) from 12-lead ECG capture to FHIR notification. The median of 2.9 min (IQR 2.5 – 3.3 min) in the non cardiac-related symptoms. The median interval of 9 (6%) unsuccessful cases was 69.1 min (IQR 37.6 – 100.7 min) in the group with cardiac-related symptoms. The non cardiac-related symptoms group, the median was 20 min (IQR 10.8 – 34.8 min).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that an automated FHIR-based 12-lead ECG mobile alert system was feasible in the ED.
DETERMINANTES DE LAS CAPACIDADES DE INNOVACIÓN EN EL SECTOR BIOTECNOLÓGICO EN MÉXICO
Authors: Morales Sánchez Mario Alberto , Díaz Rodríguez Héctor Eduardo
Published: February 2019

 RESUMEN

La innovación tecnológica es un proceso ligado a la generación de conocimiento y la manera en la que las empresas aprenden y desarrollan innovaciones depende del contexto particular en el que se desenvuelven. Dado el potencial de diseminación que la biotecnología tiene y, por tanto, su capacidad para apuntalar una oleada de crecimiento en otros sectores, el presente estudio se centra en conocer y medir las capacidades de innovación, así como sus factores determinantes en empresas biotecnológicas mexicanas. Los resultados muestran que la existencia de redes (financieras, de conocimiento, de colaboración, entre otras) que permitan generar un flujo adecuado de conocimiento, así como de capacidades de las empresas para aprovecharlo, son factores determinantes del dinamismo innovador.

 

DETERMINANTS OF INNOVATION ABILITIES IN MEXICO’S BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR

ABSTRACT
Technological innovation is a process linked to the generation of knowledge and the way in which companies learn and develop innovations. It depends on the particular context in which firms operate. As the potential of biotechnology has to support a wave of growth in other sectors, this study focuses on identifying and measuring innovation capabilities, as well as the determinants of such capabilities in the Mexican biotechnology companies. The results show that the existence of networks (financial, knowledge, collaboration, among others) that allow generating both an adequate flow of knowledge and the capacities of companies to take advantage of such knowledge, are determining factors of the innovative dynamism.
EL IMPACTO DE LAS FUSIONES Y ADQUISICIONES EN LA DISTRIBUCIÓN DEL INGRESO Y EL PIB: AMÉRICA LATINA, 1990-2014
Authors: Alarco Tosoni Germán
Published: February 2019

RESUMEN

El artículo presenta los factores explicativos de las fusiones y adquisiciones (F&A), mostrando la evolución, importancia relativa y sectores de destino de esas operaciones en 16 economías de América Latina en el periodo 1990-2014. Con base en un modelo integral, se evalúan los impactos de las F&A en el producto interno bruto (PIB), la vinculación entre el valor de las operaciones de F&A y las ganancias y con ello se determinan los impactos en el consumo privado, la inversión privada y las exportaciones. Se concluye que la elasticidad del PIB respecto al valor de las F&A es negativa en los casos de Chile, Perú y México. Más fusiones reconcentran el ingreso a favor de las ganancias e impactan de forma negativa en el producto. En el resto de las economías de la región estos resultados son ligeramente positivos o inciertos.

  

THE IMPACT OF MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS ON INCOME DISTRIBUTION AND GROWTH IN LATIN AMERICA, 1990-2014

ABSTRACT

The paper reviews the factors accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As). It then discusses the evolution of M&A trades, their relative importance and the economic sectors that have been influenced by M&As in sixteen Latin-American economies during 1990-2014. An integral model is developed with the aim of assessing both the impact of M&As on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the link between the value of M&A transactions and profits so as to determine the effects of profit share changes on private consumption, private investment and exports. The conclusion is reached that the elasticity of GDP with respect to the value of M&As is negative in countries such as Chile, Peru and Mexico. A larger value of M&As tend to redistribute income towards profits and impart a negative impact on output. The impact for other Latin American economies in our sample is either slightly positive or uncertain.
Algorithm of the Converter of Control Actions Implementation on the PLC and Microcontroller
Authors: Karpov E K , Kuznetsova E M , Sbrodov N B
Published: February 2019

Целью данной работы является разработка программного обеспечения преобразователя управляющих воздействий. В статье приведено краткое описание алгоритма практической реализации преобразователя управляющих воздействий. Обоснована актуальность исполнения такого преобразователя на различных аппаратных платформах. В качестве аппаратной части управляющего устройства применяются программируемый логический контроллер и микроконтроллер. Анализ научной литературы и современных публикаций подтвердил актуальность задачи разработки принципиального алгоритма регулятора и определения особенностей и ограничений прикладной программы, реализующей алгоритм на ПЛК и микроконтроллере. В основной части статьи приводится разработанный алгоритм преобразователя для микроконтроллера, указаны ограничения данного алгоритма и способы повышения точности его работы. В программном коде учитывается влияние времени задержки не только самого преобразователя, но и времени выполнения команд микроконтроллером. Разработанная в универсальной среде программирования CoDeSys v2.3 программа, реализующая целевой алгоритм, с помощью target-файлов может быть адаптирована практически к любому типу промышленных контроллеров. Выполнена оценка характеристики разработанного варианта программы, реализующей преобразователь на ПЛК. Для отладки разработанной программной реализации преобразователя проводились исследования точности выполнения алгоритма при различных входных параметрах системы. Дальнейшее развитие предлагаемого авторами варианта регулятора заключается в написании программного кода для контроллера Simatic S7-313-2DP и проведении экспериментальной части исследования преобразователя управляющих воздействий с использованием аппаратных средств промышленного контроллера.
Heat Balance and Energy Efficiency of Bioreactor in Severe Climate Conditions
Authors: Isakov V G , Svalova M V , Abramova A A , Nepogodin A M
Published: February 2019

На основе математического моделирования тепловых режимов биогазовой установки проведено исследование влияния климатических условий, режимов сбраживания, конструктивных особенностей метантенка, видов используемого субстрата на получение товарного биогаза. Установлено, что круглогодичная работа биогазовой установки в полностью автономном режиме в условиях сурового климата возможна только при объеме метантенка больше некоторого критического объема, определяемого как климатическими условиями, так и видом используемого субстрата, конструкцией установки и теплоизоляции. При объеме меньше критического автономная работа биореактора возможна только в теплое время года. Определена величина термического сопротивления теплоизоляции реактора, при которой возможна автономная круглогодичная работа реактора. При этом мезофильный режим работы реактора предпочтительнее в климатических условиях Удмуртии, если ориентирован на получение биогаза как основного продукта сбраживания и его энергетического использования.
Specifications of Physical-Human-Technical Systems for Solving Constructive Problems
Authors: Beltiukov A P , Maslov S G
Published: February 2019

В работе предлагается концепция физико-антропотехнических систем и описание способов подхода к решению ими задач повышения уровня качества жизни человека. Концепция конкретизирует конструктивную точку зрения на ноосферное устойчивое развитие человека, общества, техники и природы. Концепция строится на основе перехода от «общества потребления» к «обществу использования» и индивидуально-массовому производству. В рамках концепции должны решаться социальные проблемы понимания и (осмысления) жизненных процессов, а также способствовать разумному формированию траектории жизни человека. В рамках концепции рассматриваются модели спецификаций конструктивных задач для решения системами, составленными из компонент, включающих технику, людей и природные объекты. Для построения таких моделей предлагается подход, состоящий в создании конвергентных языков. Это языки, полученные сближением и взаимным проникновением естественных человеческих и логических. Рассматриваемая тематика претендует на новизну в области построения сложных систем и является актуальной для развития жизненных процессов и жизненной среды человека. Предлагаемый подход устанавливает баланс между процессами построения и управления в сложных системах на основе конвергенции знаний. Важную роль в этом случае приобретают процессы самоорганизации и аттрактивности, симбиоза и синестезии. На основе данной концепции предлагается формировать центры активных знаний, которые позволят, прежде всего, выявлять жизненно важные проблемы и среду их решения. Возникает новая среда для эффективной и своевременной реализации инноваций, обеспечивающих непрерывное и устойчивое ноосферное развитие человека, общества, техники и природы.
Developing and Studying a Model of Thermal Field within the Pyrolysis Regenerator Reaction Chamber
Authors: Glushkov V A , Gravshin V G
Published: February 2019

Рассматривается подход к моделированию динамики распространения тепла по объему гомогенного материала внутри реакционной камеры пиролизного регенератора при наличии нагревателей, размещаемых внутри камеры. Проанализированы несколько подходов для расчета температурных полей: аналитический (непосредственное решение дифференциального уравнения Фурье в частных производных), численный (метод конечных разностей и метод конечных элементов), применение эквивалентных электрических схем и компьютерное моделирование. Показано, что данная динамика описывается дифференциальными уравнениями дробного порядка. При этом форма уравнений, описывающих зависимости токов в ветвях электрической цепи и напряжения в ее узлах, аналогична форме уравнений, описывающих зависимость теплового потока в среде и значений температуры в отдельных ее точках. Таким образом, решение дифференциального уравнения заменяется на моделирование работы электрической цепи во временнóй области. Предложены схемотехнические модели теплопроводности среды для таких элементов пространства, как стержень, а на его основе - элемент плоскости, столбец и объем. С помощью данных элементов проведено моделирование нестационарного распространения температуры по объему среды при наличии от одного до трех нагревательных элементов внутри объема. Корректность схемотехнического моделирования подтверждена с помощью специализированного ПО, реализующего классический метод конечных элементов.
Technology of Processing Parts with Square and Rectangular Holes
Authors: Volkov M A , Osetrov V G
Published: February 2019

Анализируется технология получения нетехнологичных деталей (дисков, втулок, фланцев) с квадратным или прямоугольным отверстием. Представлены основные виды нетехнологичных деталей, а также перечислены основные методы механической обработки четырехгранных отверстий глухого и сквозного типа. Особое внимание уделено получению квадратных отверстий при помощи сверла Уаттса, геометрия которого основывается на равностороннем треугольнике Рело. Раскрывается спектр использования данной технологии в области машиностроения и приборостроения, а также ее положительные и отрицательные стороны. Перечислены основные движения данного режущего инструмента в процессе механической обработки квадратных отверстий, а также рассмотрена основная погрешность при получении реального профиля квадрата. Представленная автором идея получения отверстий с прямоугольным сечением заключается в предварительной обработке контура отверстия и разбиении необработанных участков на квадраты для последующей их обработки. Представлены рекомендации при выборе диаметра режущего инструмента при предварительной обработке контура прямоугольного отверстия. Также автором рассмотрена обратная задача изготовления деталей с четырехгранными отверстиями, которая основывается на использовании вспомогательной технологической оснастки для последующей наружной обработки заготовки. Основной вид используемой вспомогательной технологической оснастки - цанговые или жесткие оправки с квадратным или прямоугольным сечением установочной поверхности. В программной среде ANSYS смоделирован процесс деформации лепестков оправки с различным приложенным к ним усилием. Для равномерной деформации лепестков оправки в двух осях перечислены рекомендации по изменению конструкции цанговой оправки. В заключение автором перечислены основные выводы и результаты по технологии обработки квадратных и прямоугольных отверстий и используемой в данной технологии технологической оснастки.
Overview of Object Recognition Methods Used in Machine Vision Systems
Authors: Sitnikov V V , Lyuminarskiy V V , Korobeynikov A V
Published: February 2019

Приведен обзор методов распознавания объектов на изображении, применяемых в системах машинного зрения, а также примеры применения систем машинного зрения в промышленности и при анализе изображений биологических объектов. Статья содержит информацию о том, для каких целей и в каких областях применяются системы машинного зрения, а также из каких основных компонентов состоят системы машинного зрения. Рассмотрены классические методы распознавания объектов, используемые в системах машинного зрения, и новые исследования в данной области. Содержится обзор работ по методу Виолы - Джонса и его модификациям, разработанным с целью повышения производительности и точности распознавания объектов. Рассмотрены методы распознавания изображений, основанные на контурном анализе, поиске шаблона, сопоставлении по ключевым точкам и сверточных нейронных сетях. Приведены примеры использования систем машинного зрения для автоматического обнаружения дефектов при контроле качества выпускаемой продукции, определения места резки металла, проверки качества маркировки изделий, поиска дефектов при производстве печатных плат. Также приведена информация о применении распознавания изображений в медицине при сегментации левого желудочка сердца, обнаружении тромба в сердце, поиске области интереса и ее улучшении на эхокардиограмме.