bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendampingan ekstrakurikuler menjahit untuk meningkatkan soft skill dan kesiapan berwirausaha siswa Madrasah Aliyah (MA) Sunan Ampel Keraton Pasuruan
Authors: Suchaina Suchaina , Kartika Dwi , Ayunin Khurotul , Fitriyah Fitriyah
Published: March 2020

[Bahasa]: Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah bagian dari program kegiatan tim KKN STKIP STIT PGRI Pasuruan yang didampingi oleh Dosen Pembimbing Lapangan (DPL) di MA Sunan Ampel Keraton Pasuruan. Kegiatan pendampingan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan soft skill menjahit dan memberi bekal kesiapan bagi siswa untuk berwirausaha siswa melalui pengembangan ekstrakurikuler menjahit. Metode yang digunakan terdiri dari tiga tahap yaitu: (1) tahap persiapan berupa observasi untuk mengidentifikasi apa saja yang dibutuhkan untuk kegiatan ekstrakurikuler menjahit, (2) tahap pelaksanaan kegiatan pendampingan ekstrakurikuler menjahit bersama siswa yang terpilih melalui seleksi, (3) tahap evaluasi kegiatan pendampingan. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegiatan pendampingan ini adalah: (1) meningkatnya kemampuan memahami teknik mengayuh mesin jahit, (2) siswa dapat menjahit dengan rapi, (3) meningkatnya kemampuan memotong bahan jahitan sesuai dengan model, dan (4) meningkatnya kemampuan menjahit kain yang dikombinasi. Akan tetapi program ini belum dapat mengembangkan kesiapan berwirausaha siswa. Kesimpulan dari pelaksanaan kegiatan ini adalah program pendampingan ekatrakurikuler mampu meningkatkan life skill siswa meskipun belum bisa mengembangkan kesiapan berwirausaha siswa.

Kata Kunci: ekstrakurikuler; menjahit; life skill; wirausaha

[English]: This community service program is a part of KKN STKIP – STIT PGRI Pasuruan programs supported by supervising lecturer at MA Sunan Ampel Keraton Pasuruan. It was aimed to improve students' soft skills and prepare them to have entrepreneurship skills through sewing extracurricular. The method used in this program were: (1) preparation step through observation to identify extracurricular needs, (2) the implementation step with selected students through selection process, (3) evaluation of the program. The results showed that (1) understanding of the techniques of operating sewing machine was improved, (2) students were able to sew tidily, (3) students’ ability to cut the cloth based on the model was increased, (4) students’ ability to sew combined cloth was improved. However, this program could not yet develop students’ readiness in entrepreneurship. In conclusion, this program improved students' skills but has not prepared the students for entrepreneurship practices.

Keywords: extracurricular; sewing; life skill; entrepreneurship
Penyuluhan upaya penanggulangan dan pemeriksaan cacingan sebagai implementasi program pesantren sehat
Authors: Taisir Atwazzah , Hapsari Ria , Pratama Iman Surya , Aini Siti Rahmatul , Tresnani Galuh , Suryadi Bambang Fajar
Published: March 2020

[Bahasa]: Angka prevalensi cacingan nasional pada tahun 2015 sebesar 28,12%, dengan prevalensi daerah yang bervariasi hingga melebihi 50%. Survey cacingan pada sampel anak SD/MI di Kabupaten Lombok Barat pada tahun 2011 menunjukkan angka prevalensi 29,47%. Cakupan upaya penanggulangan yang masih terbatas mendorong peningkatan koordinasi lintas mitra salah satunya pesantren. Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk mengimplementasikan upaya penanggulangan cacingan melalui penyuluhan dan demonstrasi indikator Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) pada salah satu mitra pondok pesantren di daerah Lombok Barat. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu wawancara semi terstruktur dan observasi pengetahuan siswa dengan lembar kuisioner. Berdasarkan pemeriksaan natif terhadap 38 sampel feses terdapat 3 orang cacingan (0.7 %)  terdiri atas infeksi campuran cacing tularan tanah (Ascaris sp dan Trichuris sp) dan infeksi tunggal (Hymenolepis sp, Ascaris sp). Hasil pengabdian secara umum berkontribusi terhadap penguasaan indikator PHBS sederhana yang terdiri atas: Cuci Tangan Pakai Sabun (CTPS), penggunaan alas kaki, serta pengukuran berat, dan tinggi badan secara berkala.

Kata Kunci: cacingan; pesantren sehat; PHBS

[English]: The national worm prevalence rate in 2015 was 28.12%, with regional prevalence varies over 50%. Worms survey in a sample of elementary school children in West Lombok Regency in 2011 showed a prevalence rate of 29.47%. The limited scope of prevention efforts has led to increased coordination across partners including pesantren. This community service program aimed to implement the prevention of intestinal worms through counseling and demonstration of clean and healthy behaviors (PHBS) indicators at one of the boarding schools in West Lombok. The methods used in this program is semi-structured interview and observation of students’ knowledge with questionnaire sheets. Based on the native examination of 38 feces samples, there were three students who have worms (0.7%) consisting of mixed infection of earthworm (Ascaris sp and Trichuris sp) and single infection (Hymenolepis sp, Ascaris sp). Generally, this program contributes to the mastery of simple PHBS indicators consisting of: handwashing with soap (CTPS), footwear use, and periodic weight and height measurements.

Keywords: worm infestation; healthy boarding school; personal hygiene
Universal Scaling Law for the Velocity of Dominoes Toppling Motion
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: March 2020

By using directed dimensional analysis and data fitting, an explicit universal scaling law for the velocity of dominoes toppling motion is formulated. The scaling law shows that domino propagational velocity is linearly proportional to the $1/2$ power of domino separation and thickness, and $-1/2$ power of domino height and gravitation. The study also proved that dominoes width and mass have no influence on the domino wave traveling velocity. The scaling law obtained in this Letter is very useful to the dominoes game and will help the domino player to place the dominoes for fast speed and have a quick estimation on the speed without doing complicated multi-bodies dynamical simulation.
From Understanding to Sustainable Use of Peatlands: The WETSCAPES Approach
Authors: Jurasinski Gerald , Ahmad Sate , Anadon-Rosell Alba , Berendt Jacqueline , Beyer Florian , Bill Ralf , Blume-Werry Gesche , Couwenberg John , Günther Anke , Joosten Hans , Koebsch Franziska , Köhn Daniel , Koldrack Nils , Kreyling Jürgen , Leinweber Peter , Lennartz Bernd , Liu Haojie , Michaelis Dierk , Mrotzek Almut , Negassa Wakene , Schenk Sandra , Schmacka Franziska , Schwieger Sarah , Smiljanic Marko , Tanneberger Franziska , Teuber Laurenz , Urich Tim , Wang Haitao , Weil Micha , Wilmking Martin , Zak Dominik , Wrage-Mönnig Nicole
Published: March 2020

Of all terrestrial ecosystems, peatlands store carbon most effectively in long-term scales of millennia. However, many peatlands have been drained for peat extraction or agricultural use. This converts peatlands from sinks to sources of carbon, causing approx. 5% of the anthropogenic greenhouse effect and additional negative effects on other ecosystem services. Rewetting peatlands can mitigate climate change and may be combined with management in the form of paludiculture. Rewetted peatlands, however, do not equal their pristine ancestors and their ecological functioning is not understood. This holds especially for groundwater-fed fens. Their functioning results from manifold interactions and can only be understood following an integrative approach of many relevant fields of science, which we merge in the interdisciplinary project WETSCAPES. Here, we address interactions among water transport and chemistry, primary production, peat formation, matter transformation and transport, microbial community and greenhouse gas exchange using state of the art methods. We record data on six study sites spreading across three common fen types (Alder forest, percolation fen, and coastal fen) each in drained and rewetted state. First results showed that indicators reflecting more long-term effects like vegetation and soil chemistry showed a stronger differentiation between drained and rewetted state than variables with more immediate reaction to environmental change, like greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Variations in microbial community composition explained differences in soil chemical data as well as vegetation composition and GHG exchange. We show the importance of developing an integrative understanding of managed fen peatlands and their ecosystem functioning.
An Investigation of Lecturers’ Teaching through English Medium of Instruction – A Case of Higher Education in China
Authors: Chen Haijiao , Han Jinghe , Wright David
Published: March 2020

Teaching through English Medium Instruction (EMI) has been a strategic move in some European and Asian countries as part of their educational internationalisation. A large number of studies on EMI teaching have appeared in the last decade. The majority of these report on issues and concerns at macro-level including: the lack of structured policy guidance, EMI lecturers and students’ low level of English proficiency, and a shortfall of research informed training programs for EMI lecturers. Up to date, there is little research into EMI in-class teaching and learning. Lived experience in EMI in-class practice has been largely ignored. To fill this gap, this research explored a group of academics’ in-class EMI practice in a Chinese university. Their teaching process through EMI was observed and recorded, with data analysed through a multiple theoretical lens. Data reveal that EMI teaching is a complicated issue and can be neither standardised nor prescribed. It needs to be addressed as a pedagogy responding to and influenced by local context, driven by language, culture and education systems. This research is expected to provide insight for the development of localised institutional guidelines for EMI teaching and lecturers’ professional development in EMI teaching.
Suggestion of a Framework of Similarity Laws for Geometric Distorted Structures Subjected to Impact Loading
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Fei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Dai Zhen
Published: March 2020

A framework of similarity laws, termed oriented-density-length-velocity (ODLV) framework, is suggested for the geometric distorted structures subjected to impact loading. The distinct feature of this framework is that the newly proposed oriented dimensions, dimensionless numbers and scaling factors for physical quantity are explicitly expressed by the characteristic lengths of three spatial directions, which overcome the inherent defects that traditional scalar dimensional analysis could not express the effects of structural geometric characteristics and spatial directions for similarity. The non-scalabilities of geometrical distortion as well as other distortions such as different materials and gravity could be compensated by the reasonable correction for the impact velocity, the geometrical thickness and the density, when the proposed dimensionless number of equivalent stress is used between scaled model and prototype. Three analytical models of beam, plate and shell subjected to impact mass or impulsive velocity are verified by equation analysis. And a numerical model of circular plate subjected to dynamic pressure pulse is verified in more detail, form the view of point of space deformation, deformation history and the components of displacement, strain and stress. The results show that the proposed dimensionless numbers have attractively perfect ability to express the dimensionless response equations of displacement, angle, time, strain and strain rate. When the proposed dimensionless numbers are used to regularize impact models, the structural responses of the geometrically distorted scaled models can behave the completely identical behaviors with those of the prototype on space and time —not only for the direction-independent equivalent stress, strain and strain rate but also for the direction-dependent displacement, stress and strain components.
Zheng's Scaling Laws of Jet Produced by Shaped Charge
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: March 2020

This Letter revisits the instability of jet produced by shaped charge. Scaling laws for shaped charge jet are derived by dimensional analysis. It shows that the scaling laws are universal when cross-sectional shrinkage rate is not included in the formulation.
Simplification of Galactic Dynamic equations
Authors: Gu Ying-Qiu
Published: March 2020

Most fully developed galaxies have vivid spiral structure, but the formation and evolution of spiral structure is still a mystery that is not fully understood in astrophysics. We find that the currently used equations of galactic dynamics contain some unreasonable components. In this paper, the following three working assumptions are introduced to simplify the galactic structural equations. 1. In the research of large-scale structure, the retarded potential of the gravitational field should be taken into account. The propagating time of the gravitational field from center to border is longer than the revolution periods of the stars near the center of galaxy. Newton's gravitational potential is unreasonable for such case, and the weak field and low velocity approximation of Einstein's field equation should be adopted. 2. The stars in a fully developed galaxy should be zero-pressure and inviscid fluid, and the equation of motion is different from that of ordinary continuum mechanics. Stars move along geodesics. 3. The structure of the galaxy is only related to the total mass density distribution. The equation of state of dark halo is different from that of ordinary luminous interstellar matter, so their trajectories are also very different. Dark halo and ordinary matter in galaxy are automatically separated. The total mass density distribution can be presupposed according to the observation data, and then it can be determined by comparing the solution of the equations with the observed data. These assumptions and treatments are supported by theory and observation. The variables of the equations of simplified galactic dynamics are separated from each other, and the equations are well-posed and can be solved according to a definite procedure. Therefore, this simplified dynamic equation system provides a more reasonable and practical framework for the further study of galactic structure, and can solve many practical problems. Besides, it is closely related to the study of dark energy and dark matter.
Life Cycle Analysis of a Geothermal Power Plant: Comparison of the Environmental Performance with Other Renewable Energy Systems
Authors: Basosi Riccardo , Bonciani Roberto , Frosali Dario , Manfrida Giampaolo , Parisi Maria Laura , Sansone Franco
Published: March 2020

A Life Cycle Analysis was performed considering three existing power plants of comparable size operating with different sources of renewable energy: geothermal, solar and wind. Primary data were used for building the life cycle inventories. The geothermal power plant includes emissions treatment for removal of hydrogen sulfide and mercury. The scenario about the substitution of natural emissions from geothermal energy, with specific reference to the greenhouse effect, is also investigated performing a sensitivity analysis. The results are characterized employing a wide portfolio of environmental indicators employing the Recipe 2016 and the ILCD 2011 Midpoint+ methods; normalization and weighting are also applied using the Recipe 2016 method at endpoint level. The results demonstrate a good eco-profile of geothermal power plant with respect to other renewable energy systems and allow for a critical analysis to support potential improvements of the environmental performances.
Advances in the Definition of Needs and Specifications for a Climate Service Tool Aimed at Small Hydropower Plants Operation and Management
Authors: Contreras Eva , Herrero Javier , Crochemore Louise , Pechlivanidis Ilias , Photiadou Christiana , Aguilar Cristina , Polo María José
Published: March 2020

The operation feasibility of small hydropower plants in mountainous sites is subjected to the run-of-river flow which is also depending on a high variability in precipitation and snow cover. Moreover, the management of this kind of systems has to be performed with some particular operation conditions of the plant (e.g. turbine minimum and maximum discharge) but also some environmental flow requirements. In this context, a technological climate service is conceived in tight connection with end users, perfectly answering the needs of the management of small hydropower systems in a pilot area, and providing forecast of river streamflow together with other operation data. This paper presents an overview of the service but also a set of lessons learnt related to features, requirements and considerations to bear in mind from the point of view of climate services developers. In addition, the outcomes give insight into how this kind of services could change the traditional management (normally based on the past experience), providing a probability range of future river flow based on future weather scenarios according to the range of future weather possibilities. This highlights the utility of the co-generation process to implement climate services for water and energy fields but also that seasonal climate forecast could improve the business as usual of this kind of facilities.
Coalescence Dynamics of Acoustically Levitated Droplets
Authors: Hasegawa Koji , Watanabe Ayumu , Kaneko Akiko , Abe Yutaka
Published: March 2020

The contactless coalescence of a droplet is of paramount importance for physical and industrial applications. This paper describes a coalescence method in mid-air via acoustic levitation using an ultrasonic phased array system. Acoustic levitation using ultrasonic phased arrays provides promising lab-on-a-drop applications, such as transportation, coalescence, mixing, separation, evaporation, and extraction in a continuous operation. The mechanism of droplet coalescence in mid-air may be better understood by experimentally and numerically exploring the droplet dynamics immediately before the coalescence. In this study, water droplets were experimentally levitated, transported, and coalesced by controlling acoustic fields. We observed that the edge of droplets deformed and attracted each other immediately before the coalescence. Through image processing, the radii of curvature of the droplets were quantified and the pressure difference between the inside and outside the droplet was simulated to obtain the pressure and velocity information on the droplet surface. The results revealed that the sound pressure acting on the droplet clearly decreased before the impact of the droplets. This pressure on the droplets was quantitatively analyzed from the experimental data. Our experimental and numerical results provide deeper physical insights into contactless droplet manipulation for futuristic lab-on-a-drop applications.
UAV-based Survey of Glaciers in Himalayas: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Ramsankaran RAAJ , Navinkumar P.J. , Dashora Ajay , Kulkarni Anil
Published: March 2020

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based remote sensing (RS) studies in glaciology are mainly focusing on obtaining accurate high-resolution data from UAV images. Studies for identifying and minimising the challenges faced during the UAV-based RS data acquisition survey on inaccessible and harsh terrains of mountain glaciers is limited. This study aims to examine the practical challenges faced during UAV surveys of glaciers and derive strategies to minimize them. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that addresses such problems over the Himalayan region. Here, the UAV surveys were conducted using a fixed-wing commercial-grade off-the-shelf UAV (eBee plus, SenseFly) on three glacier sites (East Rathong, Hamtah and Panchinala-A) located in different zones and climate regimes lying within the Indian part of Himalayas. From UAV collected photos, the study was able to generate ultra-high-resolution ortho-mosaicked images and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) at 0.1m GSD. UAV-derived DEMs was able to achieve vertical (horizontal) accuracy of 0.45 and 0.21 m (0.15 and 0.1 m) with 3 and 6 ground control points (GCPs) for an area of 0.75 km2 and 1.38 km2. Accuracy assessment of UAV DEMs generated with and without GCPs indicate that GCPs are must to obtain decimetre level accurate DEM especially on glaciers with steep-valleyed terrains. The utility of the obtained ultra-high-resolution ortho-mosaicked images was demonstrated by generating glacier surface feature maps. Based on the challenges observed during UAV surveys, the study identifies and recommends best-suited locations on a glacier and its adjacent regions for conducting UAV surveys efficiently in the glaciated terrain of Himalayas and possibly beyond. Recommendations reported in this article shall minimise the challenges faced and involved risks for data acquisition and thus enable UAVs to cover more glaciated area successfully.
Virtual Reality Tremor Reduction in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cornacchioli John , Galambos Alec , Rentouli Stamatina , Canciello Robert , Marongiu Roberta , Cabrera Daniel , Njie eMalick G.
Published: March 2020

Multidisciplinary neurotechnology holds the promise of understanding and non-invasively treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this preclinical trial on Parkinson's disease (PD), we combined neuroscience together with the nascent field of medical virtual reality and generated several important observations. First, we established the Oculus Rift virtual reality system as a potent measurement device for parkinsonian involuntary hand tremors (IHT). Interestingly, we determined changes in rotation were the most sensitive marker of PD IHT. Secondly, we determined parkinsonian tremors can be abolished in VR with algorithms that remove tremors from patients' digital hands. We also found that PD patients were interested in and were readily able to use VR hardware and software. Together these data suggest PD patients can enter VR and be asymptotic of PD IHT. Importantly, VR is an open-medium where patients can perform actions, activities, and functions that positively impact their real lives - for instance, one can sign tax return documents in VR and have them printed on real paper or directly e-sign via internet to government tax agencies. Lastly, we generated a technical framework wherein movements in the real world can be measured side-by-side with those in virtual reality. With this framework, we observed anecdotal evidence of parkinsonian tremors being reduced in real life when our algorithms abolished digital hand tremors in VR.
Develop an Educational Model Based on Proposed Value in Ports and Maritime Organization (Using Grounded Theory and Interactive Qualitative Analysis)
Authors: Torkestani Mohammad Saleh , Esfidani Mohammad Rahim , Arazm Masoud
Published: March 2020

The Educational model in the port and maritime organization is a model that establishes a method based on training people who can make balance between demands and cost supplies.  The study area is the Ports and Maritime Organization (Shahid Rajaee Port), 15 km from Band Abbas in Hormozgan province. The statistical population (N), in the first qualitative phase for formulating the grounded theory model, is the statistical population consisting of legal customers of owners of goods, shipping lines including bulk, containers and downloading and loading companies of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Administration. In the second qualitative phase and in the interactive qualitative analysis, the statistical population consists of experts related to the research topic in the form of a focus group. In the qualitative part of the grounded theory, maxqda software was used for initial data analysis. Despite extensive studies by researchers in port areas, customers and the value provided to them has not received much attention by Iranian researchers. Accordingly, the development this educational model with appropriate explanatory power to examine the nature of proposed value-based competitiveness (from the customers' point of view) and how and why value-based competitiveness necessitated the need to conduct the present study and it was attempted to fill the main gap between an ideal situation and an existing situation, that is the lack of access to a local model with suitable explanation power.
Musculoskeletal Infection in Orthopaedic Trauma
Authors: Obremskey William T. , Metsemakers Willem-Jan , Schlatterer Daniel R. , Tetsworth Kevin , Egol Kenneth , Kates Stephen , McNally Martin
Published: March 2020

Update

This article was updated on July 2, 2020, because of previous errors. On page e44(4), in the legend for Figure 1, the sentence that had read “Diagnosis of fracture-related infection (FRI).” now reads “Diagnosis of fracture-related infection (FRI)22.” On page e44(5), the title for Table III that had read “Diagnostic Criteria for Fracture-Related Infection*14” now reads “Diagnostic Criteria for Fracture-Related Infection*25.”

An erratum has been published: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020 Aug 5;102(15):e93.

Fracture-related infections (FRIs) are among the most common complications following fracture fixation, and they have a huge economic and functional impact on patients. Because consensus guidelines with respect to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this major complication are scarce, delegates from different countries gathered in Philadelphia in July 2018 as part of the Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection. This paper summarizes the discussion and recommendations from that consensus meeting, using the Delphi technique, with a focus on FRIs. A standardized definition that was based on diagnostic criteria was endorsed, which will hopefully improve reporting and research on FRIs in the future. Furthermore, this paper provides a grade of evidence (strong, moderate, limited, or consensus) for strategies and practices that prevent and treat infection. The grade of evidence is based on the quality of evidence as utilized by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The guidelines presented herein focus not only on the appropriate use of antibiotics, but also on practices for the timing of fracture fixation, soft-tissue coverage, and bone defect and hardware management. We hope that this summary as well as the full document by the International Consensus Group are utilized by those who are charged with musculoskeletal care internationally to optimize their management strategies for the prevention and treatment of FRIs.
Assessment of long distance chasing photometer (NAG-ADF-300-2) by estimating the drug atenolol with ammonium molybdate via continuous flow injection analysis
Authors: Mezaal Elham N. Mezaal N.
Published: March 2020

Atenolol was used with ammonium molybdate to prove the efficiency, reliability and repeatability of the long distance chasing photometer (NAG-ADF-300-2) using continuous flow injection analysis. The method is based on reaction between atenolol and ammonium molybdate in an aqueous medium to obtain a dark brown precipitate. Optimum parameters was studied to increase the sensitivity for developed method. A linear range for calibration graph was 0.1-3.5 mmol/L for cell A and 0.3-3.5 mmol/L for cell B, and LOD 133.1680 ng/100 µL and 532.6720 ng/100 µL for cell A and cell B respectively with correlation coefficient (r) 0.9910 for cell A and 0.9901 for cell B, RSD% was lower than 1%, (n=8) for the determination of atenolol at concentration (0.5, 0.7 and 5) mmol/L respectively. The results were compared with classical method UV-Spectrophotometric at λ max=270 nm using the standard addition method via the use of t-test, at 95% confidence level. The comparison of data explain that long distance chasing photometer (NAG-ADF-300-2) is the choice with excellent extended detection and wide application.
Dynamic Response of a Nonlinear Fabry-Perot Etalon for Various Medium Response Times
Authors: Khidhir Ali H.
Published: March 2020

In this work, the switching nonlinear dynamics of a Fabry-Perot etalon are studied. The method used to complete the solution of the differential equations for the nonlinear medium. The Debye relaxation equations solved numerically to predict the behavior of the cavity for modulated input power. The response of the cavity filled with materials of different response time is depicted. For a material with a response time equal to = 50 ns, the cavity switches after about (100 ns). Notice that there is always a finite time delay before the cavity switches. The switch up time is much longer than the cavity build-up time of the corresponding linear cavity which was found to be of the order of a few round-trip times. The slowing down of the cavity response occurs when the incident intensity is approximately equal to the critical switching intensity. This effect is called critical slowing down. As a result, the response of the cavity is much slower than what could be expected from the steady state analysis. The reflected intensity and the change in round-trip phase have similar dynamic response. In this research, the matlap programs are used to study the switching dynamics of a Fabry-Perot etalon.
Discussing Fuzzy Reliability Estimators of Function of Mixed Probability Distribution By Simulation
Authors: Hawash Mohammed Kadhim
Published: March 2020

This paper deals  with constructing mixed probability distribution  from exponential with scale parameter (β) and also Gamma distribution with (2,β), and the mixed proportions are (  .first of all, the probability density function (p.d.f) and also cumulative distribution function (c.d.f) and also the reliability function are obtained. The parameters of mixed distribution, ( ,β)  are estimated by three different methods, which are  maximum likelihood, and  Moments method,as well proposed method (Differential Least Square Method)(DLSM).The comparison is done using simulation procedure, and all the results are explained in tables.
Mobile-based Telemedicine Application using SVD and F-XoR Watermarking for Medical Images
Authors: Ahmed Hanaa Mohsin
Published: March 2020

A medical- service platform is a mobile application through which patients are provided with doctor’s diagnoses based on information gleaned from medical images. The content of these diagnostic results must not be illegitimately altered during transmission and must be returned to the correct patient. In this paper, we present a solution to these problems using blind, reversible, and fragile watermarking based on authentication of the host image. In our proposed algorithm, the binary version of the Bose_Chaudhuri_Hocquengham (BCH) code for patient medical report (PMR) and binary patient medical image (PMI) after fuzzy exclusive or (F-XoR) are used to produce the patient's unique mark using secret sharing schema (SSS). The patient’s unique mark is used later as a watermark to be embedded into host PMI using blind watermarking-based singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm. This is a new solution that we also proposed to applying SVD into a blind watermarking image. Our algorithm preserves PMI content authentication during the transmission and PMR ownership to the patient for subsequently transmitting associated diagnosis to the correct patient via a mobile telemedicine application. The performance of experimental results is high compare to previous results, uses recovered watermarks demonstrating promising results in the tamper detection metrics and self-recovery capability, with 30db PSNR, NC value is 0.99.
Occupational exposure to HIV among healthcare workers in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akpuh Ndubuisi . , Ikeoluwapo Ajayi , Ayo Adebowale , Suleiman Idris H , Nguku Patrick , Dalhat Mahmood , Adedire Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

Background

Rivers State is among the states with high HIV prevalence in Nigeria. Occupational exposure to HIV through blood or body fluids of HIV/AIDS patients is a recognised risk factor of HIV infections among healthcare workers. We identified the determinants of occupational exposures to HIV among healthcare workers in Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission (PMTCT) sites within Port Harcourt metropolis in Rivers State.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 341 healthcare providers from 22 public and 22 private health facilities in PMTCT sites in Port Harcourt metropolis. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression models ( p-value = 0.05 ).

Results

Respondents’ mean age was 35.9±SD8.4 years, 270 (80.1%) and 171(50.7%) were females, and from public health facilities respectively. Prevalence of occupational exposure of healthcare workers to HIV in the past 12 months was 153 (45.0%), and 96 (63.3%) experienced such exposure more than once. Contacts with potentially infectious body fluid accounted for the largest proportion 51 (33.3%); followed by needle stick prick 49 (32.6%). About 189 (56.1%) had safety information at their disposal and this serves as a reminder on safety precautions. The likelihood of occupational exposure was significantly higher among doctors (AOR=2.22, 95% C.I=1.16-4.25,) but lower among environmental health workers (AOR=0.10, 95% C.I=0.02-0.46,) than nurses/midwives when other factors were included in the model.

Conclusion

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids remains a frequent occurrence among healthcare workers; highest among doctors in PMTCT sites in the study area. Provision of protective safety materials, training and enforcement of adherence to universal precaution strategies are highly recommended.
Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by group B streptococcus; case reports and review of 35 reported cases
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Yokokura Shunji , Nishida Takashi , Mochizuki Kiyofumi , Suzuki Takashi , Maruyama Kazuichi , Otomo Takaaki , Nishiguchi Koji M , Kunikata Hiroshi , Nakazawa Toru
Published: March 2020

Background: Group B streptococcus (GBS), a gram-positive coccus that occasionally causes neonatal sepsis or invasive infection in the elderly, has been considered a rare cause of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis (EBE). However, the number of invasive GBS infections is increasing, particularly in elderly patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease and cancer. We report 6 cases of EBE caused by GBS and review the literature. Methods: Retrospective case series and literature review Results: In the current case series, 6 eyes of 6 patients developed EBE caused by GBS. The average age was 73.5 years. The focus of infection included the urinary tract, cellulitis, arthritis, peritonitis, catheter-associated infection and endocarditis. Four patients had DM. While all 6 strains were sensitive to β-lactams (penicillins and cephems), 4 strains were resistant to levofloxacin (no data for 1 isolate). Each case was treated with the systemic antibiotic to which the individual strain was sensitive. All cases showed poor visual acuity at presentation (decimal visual acuity: less than 0.03). Vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics injection was performed in 4 cases. Visual acuity recovered in 4 cases and did not recover in 2 cases, even after vitrectomy. The literature review of 53 eyes of 41 patients revealed that 60% of eyes finally lost all vision, and death occurred in 2 cases. Initial visual acuity of less than counting fingers was associated with a final outcome of lost vision. Of 41 patients, 13 (32%) had DM as an underlying medical condition. The most common extra-ocular infection focus was endocarditis (37%). Conclusions: DM is common in patients with EBE caused by GBS. While the 4 cases in the current report had a relatively good visual acuity outcome, despite poor initial visual acuity, the literature review indicated that EBE caused by GBS is generally a severe condition with a poor prognosis. The current study also indicates the importance of considering the possibility of endocarditis on encountering EBE caused by GBS.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and the analysis of Risk Factors regarding Schistosomiasis Among Fishermen and Boatmen in the Dongting Lake Basin, P.R. China
Authors: Guan Zhou , Dai Si-Min , Zhou Jie , Ren Xiao-Bing , Qin Zhi-Qiang , Li Yin-Long , Lv Shan , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Xu Jing
Published: March 2020

Background: Fishermen and boatmen are a risk population for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, our present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using molecular technique in the selected area of Hunan Province in P.R. China.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province, P. R. China. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed between October and November 2017. Information regarding socio-demographic details and KAPs towards schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR. Results: Of the 601 respondents, over 90% knew schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The prevalence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in past three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population.Conclusions: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in P.R. China and gaps exist in KAPs towards schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.
Association of macular thickness with parapapillary atrophy in myopic eyes
Authors: Piao Helong , Guo Yue , Ha Jun Young , Sung Mi Sun , Park Sang Woo
Published: March 2020

Background: To investigate whether macular structure could be affected by axial elongation and to determine the association between macular intraretinal thickness and the microstructure of β-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA) in myopic eyes. Methods: The study recruited 113 healthy myopic subjects (113 eyes). Images of the macula, subfoveal choroid, and optic nerve head were acquired using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). An automatic segmentation algorithm was used to segment the macular images into 7 intraretinal layers. PPA widths with and without Bruch’s membrane (PPA+BM and PPA-BM, respectively) were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between macular intraretinal thickness and axial length and the microstructure of PPA. Results: An increase in axial length was associated with a decrease in whole macular thickness of the peripheral region and an increase in whole macular thickness of the central region. Thickness alterations of the macular intraretinal layers were most apparent in the peripheral region. A significant correlation was found between PPA-BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness, whereas no significant correlation was found between PPA+BM width and macular intraretinal layer thickness. Moreover, both PPA+BM and PPA-BM widths significantly correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness. Conclusions: Macular intraretinal layer thickness may be affected by PPA-BM width. These findings indicate that the microstructure of PPA should be considered when evaluating the macula in patient with myopia and glaucoma.
Explore the recycling of bioleaching functional bacteria and sulfur substrate using the sulfur-covered biochar particles
Authors: Wu Chuncheng , Jiang Mengying , Ye Zhe , Cai Yuchen , Shen Yutao , Wang Haizhen , Lin Qi , Shen Chaofeng , Hu Baolan , Lou Liping
Published: March 2020

Background

Bioleaching has been attracting attention recent years as an emerging sediment heavy metal pollution remediation technology. However, the use of sulfur powder as sulfur substrate causes the problem of “post-acidification”, and the free bioleaching functional bacteria which are susceptible to environmental impact during reactor operation cannot be used efficiently for multiple rounds. These problems can be solved if the sulfur substrate and the bioleaching functional bacteria can be recycled simultaneously after bioleaching. A new kind of sulfur substrate, the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles, were used in the bioleaching experiment, compared with sulfur powder and sulfur powder mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid.

Results

The sulfur-covered biochar particles exhibited superior bioleaching performance, including faster acidification rate, SO 4 2- production rate and heavy metal bioleaching rate, and higher heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni 33.76%; Cu 66.16%; Zn 65.494%), which was resulted from the acceleration of bioleaching reaction by the bioleaching functional bacteria immobilized on the biochar surface. Otherwise, the sulfur-covered biochar particles could be reused in the second round, and the heavy metal solubilization percentage (Ni32.84%, Cu69.93%, Zn67.17%) was comparable with that of the first round. Nevertheless, the sulfur content became the main limiting factor causing poor bioleaching performance during the third round. The sulfur mixed with the surfactant rhamnolipid did not show significant effect in promoting acidification and heavy metal solubilization due to high levels of organic matter and the impact of the low pH value.

Conclusion

The research indicated the laboratory-made sulfur-covered biochar particles could realize the dual immobilization of the bioleaching functional bacteria and the sulfur substrate to support their recycling and reuse in the second bioleaching round. In the future research, the way to maintain the reuse of the sulfur-covered biochar particle for more rounds will be explored.
Cross-cultural translation, adaptation and validation of a Japanese version of the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (J-FIHOA)
Authors: Nakagawa Yasunobu , Kurimoto Shigeru , Maheu Emmanuel , Matsui Yuichiro , Kanno Yuri , Menuki Kunitaka , Hayashi Masanori , Nemoto Tetsuya , Nishizuka Takanobu , Tatebe Masahiro , Yamamoto Michiro , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Dreiser Renée Liliane , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: March 2020

Background: Hand osteoarthritis (OA) has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and physical function is one of the core domains where patients suffer. The Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a leading assessment tool for hand OA-related functional impairment. Our objective was to make a Japanese version of FIHOA (J-FIHOA) and validate it among Japanese hand OA patients. Methods: Forward and backward translation processes were completed to create a culturally adapted J-FIHOA. A prospective, observational multicenter study was undertaken for the validation process. Seventeen collaborating hospitals recruited Japanese hand OA patients who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria. A medical record review and responses to the following patient-rated questionnaires were collected: J-FIHOA, Hand20, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), numerical rating scale for pain (NRS pain) and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). We explored the structure of J-FIHOA using factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and item-total correlations were calculated. Correlations between J-FIHOA and other questionnaires were evaluated for construct validity. Participants in clinically stable conditions repeated J-FIHOA at a one- to two-week interval to assess test-retest reliability. To evaluate responsiveness, symptomatic patients who started new pharmacological treatments had a 1-month follow-up visit and completed the questionnaires twice. Effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated with pre- and post-treatment data sets. We assessed responsiveness, comparing ES and SRM of J-FIHOA with other questionnaires (construct approach). Results: A total of 210 patients participated. J-FIHOA had unidimensional structure. Cronbach’s alphas (0.914 among females and 0.929 among males) and item-total correlations (range, 0.508 to 0.881) revealed high internal consistency. Hand20, which measures upper extremity disability, was strongly correlated with J-FIHOA (r=0.82) while the mental and role-social components of SF-36 showed no correlations (r=−0.24 and −0.26, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.83 and satisfactory. J-FIHOA showed the highest ES and SRM (−0.68 and −0.62, respectively) among all questionnaires, except for NRS pain. Conclusions: Our results showed J-FIHOA had good measurement properties to assess physical function in Japanese hand OA patients both for ambulatory follow-up in clinical practice, and clinical research and therapeutic trials.
Clinical efficacy of single intraoperative 500 mg methylprednisolone management therapy for thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum﻿
Authors: Huo Xiaoyang , Zhou Jiaming , Liu Shiwei , Guo Xing , Xue Yuan
Published: March 2020

Background: The objective of our study was to compare clinical outcome and postoperative complications between patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) treated with and without intraoperative methylprednisolone (MP).Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 101 patients who underwent posterior approach surgery for OLF and were followed up at least 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups according to MP use in the operation: MP group (n=47) and non-MP group (n=54). Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated before and after operation and at the last follow-up. Results: Significant differences were found in modified Japanese Orthopedics Association (mJOA) scores and proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups immediately after surgery and at 2-week follow-up. No significant differences were found between the two groups in mJOA score before operation and at the final follow-up. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in recovery rate according to mJOA score at any time points, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of Frankel grade (A-C) between the two groups at final follow-up. There were 13 documented infections: 10 in the MP group and 3 in the non-MP group (P=0.034).Conclusion: Management therapy with intraoperative 500 mg MP showed better recovery of nerve function within 2 weeks in patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF compared with those did not receive MP. However, long-term follow-up results showed that there was no significant difference in neurological recovery between patients with intraoperative MP or not. Moreover, intraoperative MP increased the rate of wound infection.