bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BioTracs: A transversal framework for computational workflow standardization and traceability
Authors: Abi-Ghanem Joséphine , Ouattara Djomangan Adama
Published: December 2019

Background The need of digital tools for integrative analysis is today important in most scientific areas. It leads to several community-driven initiatives to standardize the sharing of data and computational workflows. However, there exists no open agnostic framework to model and implement computation workflows, in particular in bioinformatics. It is therefore difficult for data scientists to share transparently and integrate heterogeneous analysis processes coming from different scientific domains, programing languages, projects or teams.Results We present here BioTracs, a transversal framework for computational workflow standardization and traceability. It is based on PRISM architecture (Process Resource Interfacing SysteM), an agnostic open architecture we introduce here to standardize the way processes and resources can be modelled and interfaced in computational workflows to ensure traceability, reproducibility and facilitate sharing. BioTracs is today implemented in MATLAB and available under open source license on GitHub. Several BioTracs-derived applications are also available online. They were successfully applied to large-scale metabolomics and clinical studies and demonstrated flexibility and robustness.Conclusions As an implementation of the PRISM architecture, BioTracs paved the way to an open framework in which bioinformatics could specify ad model workflows. PRISM architecture is designed to provide scalability and transparency from the code to the project level we less efforts. It could also be implemented using open object-oriented languages such as Python, C++ or java.
Optimal implantation site of orthodontic micro-screws in the mandibular anterior region based on CBCT
Authors: Wang Yannan , Quan Shi , Xu Juan , Wang Feng
Published: December 2019

Background To determine the optimal implantation site of orthodontic micro-screws based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis in the mandibular anterior tooth region, provide a theoretical basis for orthodontic implant placement and improve post-implantation stability. Methods Forty patients who underwent CBCT scanning were selected for this study. CBCT scanning was applied to measure the interradicular distance, buccolingual dimension, labial cortical bone thickness and lingual cortical bone thickness between mandibular anterior teeth at planes 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm below the alveolar ridge crest. The data were measured and collected to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of the specific site conditions of the alveolar bone. Results The interradicular distance, buccolingual dimension and labial cortical bone thickness between the mandibular anterior teeth were positively correlated with the distance below the alveolar ridge crest (below 8 mm). The interradicular distance, buccolingual dimension, labial cortical bone thickness and lingual cortical bone thickness were all greater than those in other areas between the lateral incisor root and canine incisor root 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm below the alveolar ridge crest. Conclusion The area between the lateral incisor root and the canine incisor root in planes 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm from the alveolar ridge crest can be used as safe sites for implantation, while 8 mm below the alveolar ridge crest can be the optimal implantation site. An optimal implantation site can be 8 mm below the alveolar ridge crest between the lateral incisor root and the canine incisor root.
WITHDRAWN: The effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral microbiota: systematic review
Authors: Lucchese Alessandra , Pellegrino Marianna , Montini Eugenio , Liguori Alessandra , Manuelli Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Background Removable orthodontic appliances due to plaque accumulation and oral microbe colonization, might be associated with intraoral adverse effects on enamel or periodontal tissues. The present systematic review was carried out to evaluate both qualitatively and quantitatively the microbiological changes occurring during orthodontic therapy with removable orthodontic appliances. Methods PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University databases were searched. The research included every article published up to December 2018. The Preferred Reporting Items for Reporting Systematic reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and the ‘Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care Criteria for Grading Assessed Studies’ (SBU) method were adopted to conduct this systematic review. Results The current study has moderate/high evidence, according with SBU method. It demonstrates that removable appliances do influence the oral microbiota, with significant alterations just 15 days after the beginning of therapy, independently from the type of appliance. Furthermore, the levels of oral pathogens decrease significantly or even returned to pre-treatment levels several months later the therapy end. Conclusions This review suggests that orthodontic treatment with removable appliances might not induce permanent changes to oral microflora. Protocol: PROSPERO database registration number CRD42019121762.
Treatment related renal dysfunction after 3 monthly doses of 60 mg/kg of praziquantel for Schistosome haematobium infection
Authors: Darko Samuel Nkansah , Hanson Henry , Ankrah Sampson Twumasi , Baffour Sandra , Adjei-Kusi Priscilla , Yar Denis , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: December 2019

Background: Praziquantel (PZQ) is the standard treatment for Schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is evidence suggesting praziquantel treatment failure in Schistosome infections with associated potential renal impairment. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three monthly doses of 60 mg/kg/day PZQ on schistosome egg count, liver and renal function during the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.Methods: A nested case-control study was designed from a cohort screened for schistosomiasis; 28 schistosomiasis positive cases by microscopy matched with 53 healthy controls by age and gender. The study population was urban dwellers from the Asokwa sub-metropolitan area, Kumasi in Ghana. Participants were within the age range of 6 to 30 years. We assessed S. haematobium egg counts in urine and its associated impact on liver and renal function at baseline, treatment and post-treatment phases. Results: Of the 28 cases and 53 controls, 78.6% and (81.1% were males respectively. Globulin levels before treatment was higher in cases [(36.92±1.46 vrs 27.88±1.49), p=0001] at pre-treatment but not at post-treatment [(35.35±1.28 vrs 37.26±1.77), p= 0.391]. Estimated cure rate was 42.9%, 46.4% and 96.4% after first, second and third dose respectively. Schistosome egg counts dropped significantly (p= 0.001) from before second dose to post-treatment. Similarly, levels of alanine aminotransferase (p=0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p=0.028) and gamma glutamyl transferase (p=0.001) significantly declined towards post-treatment. Estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly improved from before second dose to post-treatment using both the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Program (p=0.001) and 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (p=0.002) equations. Conclusion: Treatment of urinary Schistosoma hematobium infections with a repeated high monthly dose of 60 mg/kg of praziquantel for 3 months could be an effective and safe alternative for the current treatment option 40 mg/kg body weight.
Characterization of CT scan in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome compared with non-BHD diffuse cysts lung diseases in Chinese Patients
Authors: Xu WenShuai , Xu Zhiyan , Liu Yaping , Zhan Yongzhong , Sui Xin , Feng Ruie , Peng Min , Li Xue , Wang Jun , Meng Shuzhen , Wang Li , Tian Xinlun , Zhang Xue , Xu Kai-Feng
Published: December 2019

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to create a practical CT-based algorithm to differentiate Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome from other diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLD). Methods: The study was a retrospective review of the CT images of 18 patients with BHD syndrome, 18 patients with LAM, and 16 patients with NBNL (non-BHD and non-LAM) DCLD patients. On the basis of the data collected, the CT images were reviewed again to evaluate the characteristics (size, number, distribution, morphology) of pulmonary cysts. Results: Lower lung–predominant cysts were prone to be found in patients with BHD syndrome than in patients with LAM, but there is no difference between BHD and NBNL DCLD group. In the axial distribution, 9 of 18 patients in BHD-group had cysts predominance near the mediastinum, relatively, all the patients in the non-BHD group have diffuse cysts. The appearance of fusiform cysts was easier observed in patients of BHD group. Most patients in BHD-group had less than 50 lung cysts, while all patients in non-BHD group had more than 50 lung cysts. The maximum cyst located in the lower lobe in 16 of 18 patients in BHD-group, while 6 of 18 patients in LAM group and 8 patients in NBNL DCLD group had the maximum cyst in the lower lobe. Conclusion: The pulmonary cysts in patients with BHD tend to be fusiform, less numerous, and have a predominance in the lower lobe and near the mediastinum. These radiologic pulmonary features could assist physicians differentiating BHD from other DCLDs.
Associations of an empirical dietary pattern with cardiometabolic risk factors in Malaysian adolescents
Authors: Emi Aishah , Gan Wan Ying , Shariff Zalilah Mohd , Zaini Azriyanti Anuar , Shamsuddin Nurainul Hana , Appukutty Mahenderan , Appannah Geeta
Published: December 2019

Background This study aimed to identify a dietary pattern (DP) characterised mainly by high intakes of free sugar and other nutrients hypothesised to be associated with obesity such as dietary energy density (DED), percentage of energy from total fat and fibre density in adolescents from three southern states of Peninsular Malaysia, and its associations with cardiometabolic risk factors.Methods This is a cross-sectional study among 335 adolescents who provided both dietary information assessed using a validated My-UM food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and biochemical parameters including lipid profile, blood glucose, serum insulin and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Anthropometric measurements included weight (kg), height (cm) and waist circumference (cm), while body mass index (BMI) in kg/m 2 was estimated, respectively. Reduced rank regression (RRR) identified a DP with percentage of energy from sugar and total fat, DED and fibre density intake as response variables.Results The identified ‘high sugar, high fibre, high DED and low fat’ DP was characterised by high intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, fruits, sweets and low intakes of meat and cereal. Adolescents in the highest tertile of the identified DP had about 3.0 (OR=2.7; 95%CI: 1.3, 5.6) and 2.0 (OR=1.9; 95%CI: 1.0, 3.5) times higher odds of having dyslipideamia or elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level, respectively compared to adolescents in the lowest tertile DP after adjusting for sex, school location, maternal education, physical activity, dietary misreporting and BMI z-score. This DP was not significantly associated with overweight and obesity.Conclusions Higher adherence to a DP characterised mainly by free sugars and DED was associated with greater odds of having dyslipideamia, elevated total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in Malaysian adolescents.
Comparative Analysis of MRI and Pathological Findings in a Resected Specimen of Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Toshinori , Hamada Madoka , Miki Hisanori , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Ikeda Shigeki , Kurokawa Hiroaki , Ishida Mitsuaki , Uemura Yoshiko
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic value of MRI of the resected specimen (smr) of rectal cancer in terms of pathological circumferential resection margin (pCRM).MethodsTwenty-three patients with middle to low rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical surgery from March 2017 to April 2018, and smr was performed. Two radiologists interpreted smr with the pathological findings blinded. We examined two categories in the accuracy comparison with pCRM; 1) correlation betweenzand pCRM and correlation between smr CRM and pCRM. 2) diagnostic accuracy of smr in identifying the mesorectal lymph-nodes (LN) and tumor deposit (TD) that should be taken into consideration in the CRM measurements.ResultsPatient characteristics (median): male 18, female 5, Age 67 years (45-79), Anal verge 8.0cm (0-13.0), pre-operative chemoradiotherapy + / -:10/13, Surgical procedure low anterior reaction (LAR)/ abdominoperineal resection (APR)/ total pelvic exenteration (TPE):20/2/1. pT x/1/2/3:1/1/3/18, pN 0/1a/1b/1c/2b:12/5/2/3/1. pStage X/I/IIA/ IIIA/IIIB/IIIC:1/3/8/1/9/1.1) Sixteen cases of TME surgery were examined correlation between in-vivoCRM, smrCRM and pCRM. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and a simple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between in-vivoCRM (p <0·001, p<0.05), smrCRM(p <0·001, p<0.01) and pCRM. The correlation coefficient between smrCRM and pCRM was stronger than that between in-vivoCRM and pCRM. 2) Ninety-six mesorectal nodules included: pLN (-) 77, pLN (+) 10, TD 9, and kappa value of diagnostic agreement for each radiologist was 0.105 and 0.138. Inter-observer agreement was 0.204.Conclusionsmr could become a tool for assessing CRM accurately.
Vascular inflammation is a risk factor associated with brain atrophy and disease severity in Parkinson’s disease: a case-control study
Authors: Yu Chiun-Chieh , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Chen Meng-Hsiang , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chang Yung-Yee , Li Shau-Hsuan , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lin Wei-Che
Published: December 2019

Background: Systemic inflammation with elevated oxidative stress causing neuroinflammation is considered a major factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD).The interface between systemic circulation and the brain parenchyma is the blood - brain barrier (BBB), which also plays a role in maintaining neurovascular homeostasis. Relatedly, intermediate vascular inflammation causing BBB dysfunction is a key component of PD pathogenesis. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate brain endothelial function, neoangiogenesis, and, in turn, neuronal homeostasis regulation, such that their dysregulation can result in neurodegeneration, such as gray matter atrophy, in PD. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the associations among specific levels of gray matter atrophy, peripheral vascular adhesion molecules, miRNAs, and clinical disease severity in order to achieve a clearer understanding of PD pathogenesis.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 33 patients with PD and 27 healthy volunteers, and the levels of VCAM-1 and several miRNAs in those samples were measured. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was performed using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SPM (Statistical Parametric Mapping software program). The associations among the vascular parameter, miRNAs, gray matter volume and clinical disease severity measurements were evaluated by partial correlation analysis.Results: The levels of VCAM-1, miRNA-22 and miRNA-29a expression were significantly elevated in the PD patients. The gray matter volume atrophy in the left parahippocampus, bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, left temporal gyrus, and cerebellum was significantly correlated with increased clinical disease severity, the upregulation of miRNA levels, and increased vascular inflammation.Conclusions: Patients with PD seem to have abnormal levels of vascular inflammatory markers and miRNAs in the peripheral circulation, and these levels are correlated with specific brain volume changes. This study reinforces the associations among peripheral inflammation, the BBB interface, and gray matter atrophy in PD, and further demonstrates that BBB dysfunction with neurovascular impairment may play an important role in PD progression.
Effect of diallyl disulfide on lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behavior in mice
Authors: Lu Jiashu , He Haiyan , Huang Chao , Chen Zhuo
Published: December 2019

Background: Depression is associated with high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative markers. Inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress is beneficial for depression prevention and/or therapy. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), an active compound in garlic oil, has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and mechanism of DADS in lipopolysacharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice.Methods: We used behavioral tests and biochemical analysis to illustrate the role and mechanism of DADS in depression regulation.Results: Similarly to imipramine (10 mg/kg), a clinical antidepressant, DADS (40 or 80 mg/kg), which was administered 1 h before LPS treatment (pre-LPS) or 1.5 h and 23.5 h after LPS treatment (post-LPS), prevented and reversed the LPS (100 μg/kg)-induced increase in immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) in mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that DADS pre-treatment or post-treatment at the dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg prevented and reversed (i) the LPS-induced increases in interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, (ii) the LPS-induced increases in contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), a parameter reflecting high levels of oxidative stress, as well as (iii) the LPS-induced decreases in contents of GSH, a marker reflecting weakened anti-oxidative ability, in both hippocampus and prefrontal cortexes in mice.Conclusions: DADS is comparable to imipramine in effectively ameliorating LPS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, providing a potential value for DADS in prevention and/or therapy of depression.
Kimberlite Volcanology: Transport, Ascent, and Eruption
Authors: Russell J. Kelly , Sparks R. Stephen J. , Kavanagh Janine L.
Published: December 2019

Kimberlite rocks and deposits are the eruption products of volatile-rich, silica-poor ultrabasic magmas that originate as small-degree mantle melts at depths in excess of 200 km. Many kimberlites are emplaced as subsurface cylindrical-to-conical pipes and associated sills and dykes. Surficial volcanic deposits of kimberlite are rare. Although kimberlite magmas have distinctive chemical and physical properties, their eruption styles, intensities and durations are similar to conventional volcanoes. Rates of magma ascent and transport through the cratonic lithosphere are informed by mantle cargo entrained by kimberlite, by the geometries of kimberlite dykes exposed in diamond mines, and by laboratory-based studies of dyke mechanics. Outstanding questions concern the mechanisms that trigger and control the rates of kimberlite magmatism.
Developing a Scale to Measure Students’ Attitudes toward Science
Authors: AKKUŞ Adem
Published: December 2019

The
aim of this study is to develop a science attitude scale (SAS). For that
purpose, the literature review has been done for suggestions for creating
scales and a new draft scale developed. The draft scale was analyzed by
specialists and a pilot study is done after its approval by experts. The SAS is
prepared with 21 items and among these, 11 items are reverse-coded. The SAS
consists of Likert-type items. The sample of the study consists of 154 college
students studying at the Faculty of Education, Elementary Science Education,
and Elementary Education departments. Principal axis factoring with orthogonal
rotation (varimax) was used for exploratory factor analysis. Factor eigenvalues
were checked with respect to parallel analysis and numbers of the factors were
determined with respect to the analysis. Items that did not serve the purpose
of the scale were omitted from the SAS. The finalized SAS’ Cronbach alpha value
is .953. For confirmatory factor analysis data were collected from a different
sample which consists of university students who were studying at elementary
science education, elementary education, and electric electronic engineering
departments. Number of sample is 201. Confirmatory factor analyses run through
Amos 24.0 software. It is believed that SAS is a valuable contribution to the
science education field since it has unidimensional structure and proved its
item discrimination power, and alongside with an excellent internal consistency.
SAS also offers opportunity to develop multidimensional science attitude scale.
For that purpose, original SAS and English version of it are provided in
appendixes.
Pemanfaatan Social Network Analysis Untuk Menganalisis Kolaborasi Komunikasi Pada Balai Perikanan Budidaya Laut Ambon
Authors: Latupeirissa Ariyanto , Sediyono Eko , Iriani Ade
Published: December 2019

Marine aquaculture center-Ambon (Balai Perikanan Budidaya Laut/BPBL-Ambon) is a technical implementing unit under supervision of Directorate General of Aquaculture, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Republic of Indonesia. Based on report of government’s internal control system (Sistem Pengendalian Intern Pemerintah/SPIP) specifically at the third quarter, some crucial organizational disadvantages have been identified in BPBL-Ambon, particularly related to the communication and coordination between divisions and technical staffs. To deal with this problem, there is a need to analyze and map the roles of interactions between employees in social networks. This study aims to analyze the patterns of interaction between staffs in the social networks. In this work, social network analysis (SNA) was used, which is based on formal and informal interactions on BPBL-Ambon, enabling to identify the key actors potentially able to act as alternative actors for information access to facilitate communication. The collection of individual data, as well as formal and informal interactions, was carried out using questionnaire and interview, involving entire population (saturation sampling). The collected data were then filetered and tabulated symmetric matrix, as preliminary steps for analysis following exported. SNA approach focuses on determining degree centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality. As a result, our experimental data suggested that most divisions alreadyshowed an appreciable collaboration in terms of communication; however, the remaining divisions showed 0 value in terms of their relationship with other divisions. Based on these findings, we could solve the problem through acting the alternative actors having the highest indegree value apart from stakeholders from a division capable of acting as alternative sources of information. The involvement of alternative actors could be a meaningful attempt in order to solve communication and coordination problems present in BPBL-Ambon
Sistem Peramalan Kebutuhan Hidup Layak Minimum (Kapita/Bulan) Kota Bandung
Authors: Fahrudin Rifqi , Sumitra Irfan Dwiguna
Published: December 2019

The importance of inflation forecasting is used as a reference for estimating the Need for Living (KHL). If inflation can be predicted with high accuracy, it can certainly be used as the basis for government policy making in anticipating future economic activity. This study aims to produce a model of inflation data forecasting system, the forecasting results can be used as a reference for determining the Decent Living Needs (KHL) of a single worker in one month. The data used in forecasting is inflation data for January 2011 - December 2017 while the KHL data for the food and beverage category is obtained from the food price portal. The method used in this study is the SARIMA-SES hybrid method. In forecasting the inflation rate where the data is in the form of time series, the SARIMA-SES hybrid method can show more accurate forecasting results than using a single method. Based on the comparison of the overall forecasting model and by combining the SARIMA (1,0,1) (1,0,1) 12 and SES models with alpha 0,6 the smallest error value with MAD value 0,114, MSE 0,017 and 0,39% for MAPE. From these results, it was gathered that inflation forecasting in Bandung City using the SARIMA-SES hybrid method has a high accuracy value so that the results of the KHL value calculation with the forecasting inflation value approach the actual value. From these values can be used as a reference for the decision making of a single worker in fulfilling their life needs one month.
Analisis Aplikasi Mobile Transportasi Online Menggunakan User Experience Questionnaire pada Era Milenial dan Z
Authors: Abdillah Leon Andretti
Published: December 2019

Online transportation becomes so popular in the ride-sharing industry. Young millennial and z generation users utilize their smartphone not only for communications but also for ordering online transportation services like Gojek. This study examines the experience of millennial and z generation students in using the well-known Gojek online transportation mobile service. A number of 154 millennial computer science students as respondents are involved in this study. Their experience in using online mobile transportation services via smartphone was collected through an online questionnaire made using google forms and distributed via Facebook. The tool used in this study is Online User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). The results showed that all UEQ categories scored in positive areas. The highest score is in the "Perspicuity" category, while the lowest score is in the "Novelty" category. The benchmark value of the Gojek application indicates that the Gojek application has a rating scale that is on the scale of "above average" and "good". Suggestions that can be taken from the results of research that the Gojek application in general has been very good in providing experience for its users, things that need to be improved is in terms of the renewal of the application.
Aplikasi Auto Sales Forecasting Berbasis Computational Intelligence Website untuk Mengoptimalisasi Manajemen Strategi Pemasaran Produk
Authors: Bakri Rizal , Data Umar , Astuti Niken Probondani
Published: December 2019

Business analytics plays an important role in optimizing the management of product marketing strategies. One of the most popular analytical tools in business analytics is sales forecasting. Businesses need to conduct sales forecasting to optimize marketing management in the form of product availability predictions, predictions of capital adequacy, consumer interest, and product price governance. However, the problem that is often encountered in forecasting is the number of forecasting methods available so that it makes it difficult for business people to choose the best forecasting method. The aims of this research is to develop a forecasting software tha can be accessed online based on computational intelligence, which is a software that can make forececasting with various methods and then intelligently choose the best forecasting method. The software development method used in this study is the SDLC with waterfall model. The result of this research is the Auto sales forecasting software was developed using the R programming language by combining various package and can be accessed online through the page Http://bakrizal.com/AutoSalesForecasting. This software can be used to conduct forecast analysis with various methods such as Simple Moving Average, Robust Exponential Smoothing, Auto ARIMA, Artificial Neural Network, Holt-Winters, and Hybrid Forecast. This software contains intelligence computing to choose the best forecasting method based on the smallest RMSE value. After testing the sales transaction data at the Futry Bakery & Cake Shop in Makassar, the results show that the Robust Exponantial Smoothing method is the best forecasting method with an RMSE value of 0.829
Regenerative Mobility: Disruption and Urban Evolution
Authors: Alcantara Maria N.P.A. , Gonzaga A.S. da S. , Kneib E.C.
Published: December 2019

Mobility plays an important role in the cities by enabling people to carry out the most varied activities across the territory, as well as to ensure the city fully function. In addition, analogies to the human organism can be made by this urban dynamic, looking for solutions to specific issues. Moreover, this paper has been based by the premise that phenomena and urban elements could be conceptualized, explained and transformed from contemporary and innovative approaches applied in the medical field. For this reason, this paper aims to develop and present a new concept associated with urban mobility, based on the principles of regenerative medicine: the Regenerative Mobility, a concept with disruptive and evolutionary purposes. Furthermore, the structure of this paper is summarized by the introduction which contextualizes the theme, presents and characterizes the techniques used in the research. Additionally, the following chapters explore essential aspects of the city, explaining why it needs a mobility change and new concepts. Therefore, the concept of Regenerative Mobility is presented as a potential of mobility and cities improvement, followed by pragmatic cases, capable of illustrating some of its principles.
Typology and Solar Gain Analysis: Vernacular Courtyard Houses of Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Khatibi Maryam
Published: December 2019

The study presents the results of typological analysis and simulation modeling analysis of traditional courtyard residential houses in the cold semi-arid climate of Iran. The purpose of the research has been to analyze and evaluate traditional passive environmental strategies and their elements to provide implications for the design of sustainable residential buildings in contemporary time. Five existing traditional courtyard houses in the city of Tabriz, Iran, are used as case-studies to analyze the typology and the solar zoning conditions and to develop simulation models. The Ecotect simulation program is used to calculate the solar gains of the buildings and to analyze the effectiveness of the natural passive systems along with native design strategies in terms of potential solar gains of main and secondary living spaces. However, in the vernacular, not only the awareness of the climatic and topological considerations is important, but also the values, rituals, and beliefs that shape the design of the dwellings need to be considered. The research is based on the hypothesis that vernacular buildings (courtyard houses) of Iran have been environmentally sustainable structures. However, an important challenge of the study has been to avoid the technological bias and to consider the cultural and social aspects and embodiment of the studied houses, as well. The study also addresses the potential shortcomings that limit the reliability of Iranian vernacular architecture at present in order to arrive at a more holistic understanding of the sustainability of the vernacular architecture in the country.
Design of a drinking water quality monitoring and evaluation system
Authors: Zhao Meilian , Liu Peixue , Jiang Baohua , Chen Yujie
Published: December 2019

With the rapid development of industry and agriculture, water pollution is found everywhere, and the protection of water resources has attracted increasing attention. For a long time, drinking water pollution was measured manually, which is time-consuming and laborious. To effectively detect and evaluate drinking water pollution, a drinking water quality monitoring and evaluation system is designed. The system can perform real-time measurements of water temperature, conductivity, turbidity and other parameters. The measurement results can be displayed on an LCD screen and can be transmitted remotely. The system can be used to detect the contamination of drinking water resources, such as surface water and groundwater, and to judge whether the water quality is qualified according to the set threshold parameters. The test results demonstrate that the system can realize dynamic monitoring and evaluation of drinking water resources. In addition, the system can provide effective data for water resource environmental protection.
Tailoring electronic configurations in adsorptive sites for the enhancement of As(V) removal from groundwater
Authors: Tian Kaixun , Xiao Jing , Shen Jian , Zhao He
Published: December 2019

In the past few decades, heavy metal pollution, such as As(V), has become an important issue for aqueous environment safety. For reasons of practical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, adsorption has been widely used in the water treatment and reuse community, with rapid development of adsorbents. However, the precise control of the electronic configuration of the adsorbents' sites to enhance adsorption performance is largely unexplored. In this study, to demonstrate the effect of electronic configuration on adsorption performance, we synthesized granular activated carbon (GAC) supported Fe-based hydroxides adsorbents by varying the valence state in transition metals. Furthermore, the adsorbents are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify surface structure and morphological properties. Adsorptive performance studies show that the adsorption capacity and arsenic removal efficiency of Fe(II)-GAC are twice those of Fe(III)-GAC, as a matter of charge transfer between adsorbents and cationic pollution (such as Fe-O and As species). Finally, PO43− was selected as a control sample to confirm the rationality of the removal mechanism. Collectively, fine-tuning of the electronic configuration from charge transfer will not only benefit heavy metal removal channels, but also supply fundamental information for adsorbents design for organics removal.
Remote control rain sampler for rainfall runoff collection
Authors: Su Chengzhi , Hou Daiguo , Zhao Shiruo , Li Xin , Yuan Zedong , Yu Danyang
Published: December 2019

The availability of high spatial resolutions rainfall runoff data is vitally important in water resource estimation and management. To settle the problem of untimely collection of rainfall runoff caused by the uncertainty of rainfall, an unattended rainfall runoff collector with remote control was developed. According to the whole system, when the trigger device detects rainfall runoff, an energy-saving circuit connects, and the sampler is powered. At the same time, state and position information are sent to the mobile phone through the communication module. Then, the mobile phone sends instructions and starts an order back to the sampler through texts based on different requirements. The instructions and start order are then passed to the single-chip micyoco (SCM) control system, which also occurs via the communication module. A disconnected signal will be sent to the energy-saving circuit after the rainfall runoff collection. This signal will power off the sampler at the end. Test experiments showed that the maximum sampling error of the sampler developed in this paper was 1′02″, and the minimum sampling error was 22″.
Method for flood risk estimation in a tropical basin
Authors: Farias Bettys , Marquez Adriana , Guevara Edilberto , Rey Demetrio
Published: December 2019

This study proposes a method for estimating the flood risk in a tropical basin. The novelty consists of using two dynamic variables represented by the precipitation and the land use and land cover (LULC) to obtain the effective rainfall and its exceedance probability. The flood risk is determined by using deterministic methods depending on the exceedance probability of effective rainfall. Two time series of precipitation were involved. The first precipitation time series was used to prove the method corresponding to the months of the rainy season obtained from 58 gauging stations during the period 1980–2000. The second precipitation time series was applied for the validation stage of method corresponding to the period 2015–2018. In the validation stage, it has been found that there is a slight difference between the principal component N° 1 in the first time series with respect to the second time series. The method represents a contribution to determine the spatio-temporal distribution of flood risk that allows decisions to be taken to achieve preventive measures that contribute to the protection of human beings and goods.
Removal efficiency of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using a natural coagulant during coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes
Authors: Sha'arani Shazwana , Azizan Siti Noor Fitriah , Md Akhir Fazrena Nadia , Muhammad Yuzir Muhamad Ali , Othman Nor'azizi , Zakaria Zuriati , Mohd Noor Megat Johari Megat , Hara Hirofumi
Published: December 2019

Staphylococcus sp. as Gram-positive and Escherichia coli as Gram-negative are bacterial pathogens and can cause primary bloodstream infections and food poisoning. Coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes could be a reliable treatment for bacterial removal because suspended, colloidal, and soluble particles can be removed. Chemical coagulants, such as alum, are commonly used. However, these chemical coagulants are not environmentally friendly. This present study evaluated the effectiveness of coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes for removing Staphylococcus sp. and E. coli using diatomite with standard jar test equipment at different pH values. Staphylococcus sp. demonstrated 85.61% and 77.23% significant removal in diatomite and alum, respectively, at pH 5. At pH 7, the removal efficiency decreased to 79.41% and 64.13% for Staphylococcus sp. and E. coli, respectively. At pH 9, there was a decrease in Staphylococcus sp. after adding diatomite or alum compared with that of E. coli. The different removal efficiencies of the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria could be owing to the membrane composition and different structures in the bacteria. This study indicates that diatomite has higher efficiency in removing bacteria at pH 5 and can be considered as a potential coagulant to replace alum for removing bacteria by the coagulation process.
Mechanisms and Characteristics of Sulfonylureas and Glinides
Authors: Lv Wei , Wang Xianqing , Xu Qian , Lu Wencong
Published: December 2019

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex progressive endocrine disease characterized by hyperglycemia and life-threatening complications. It is the most common disorder of pancreatic cell function that causes insulin deficiency. Sulfonylurea is a class of oral hypoglycemic drugs. Over the past half century, these drugs, together with the subsequent non-sulfonylureas (glinides), have been the main oral drugs for insulin secretion.

Objective:

Through in-depth study, the medical profession considers it as an important drug for improving blood sugar control.

Methods:

The mechanism, characteristics, efficacy and side effects of sulfonylureas and glinides were reviewed in detail.

Result:

Sulfonylureas and glinides not only stimulated the release of insulin from pancreatic cells, but also had many extrapanular hypoglycemic effect, such as reducing the clearance rate of insulin in liver, reducing the secretion of glucagon, and enhancing the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

Sulfonylureas and glinides are effective first-line drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Although they have the risk of hypoglycemia, weight gain and cardiovascular disease, their clinical practicability and safety can be guaranteed as long as they are reasonably used.
Preeclampsia Emerging as a Novel Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in the Offspring
Authors: Karatza Ageliki A. , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder which affects 2%-8% of all
gestations and is associated with high maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.
There is no “cure” for the disease except for early delivery of the fetus and placenta, however
leaving preeclampsia a long term health risk both for mothers and infants.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to review currently available information linking preclampsia to longterm
cardiovascular complications in infants and children.

Results:

Currently, there is evidence of predisposition to cardiovascular disease, and a higher incidence
of cardiovascular risk factors among children born to preeclamptic mothers. Both in experimental
models and human epidemiological studies it is now clear that the infants of pregnancies
complicated by preeclampsia have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and double
the risk of stroke in later life. Preeclampsia is consistently associated with higher blood pressure
and body mass index as early as 4–10 years of age. Also there is some evidence of higher cardiovascular
risk in adults exposed to maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It seems that
preeclampsia has an impact on the cardiovascular system independent of preterm birth and is associated
with endothelial dysfunction, increased carotid intima media thickness and reductions in cardiac
function that cannot be accounted for by prematurity alone.

Conclusion:

Taking into consideration the currently available evidence, it can now be suggested
that preeclampsia is linked to adverse effects on the cardiometabolic health of the infant. Understanding
the relationship between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease will allow for implementation
of early interventions to prevent or delay the onset of adverse events in this high risk
population.
Patient Centered Studies Focusing on Diabetes Self-Management: A Scoping Review
Authors: Salkar Monika , Rosenthal Meagen , Thakur Tanvee , Arnold Austin
Published: December 2019

Background:

Type 2 diabetes continues to be a significant burden to patients and health systems
globally. Addressing this condition from an alternative perspective, patients and various other
stakeholders from three northern Mississippi communities co-created patient-centered research questions
focused on type 2 diabetes management.

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review was to explore current literature focusing on nine patient-
centered research questions to establish current knowledge and identify future research needs in
the area of type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted to obtain an overview of research related to the study purpose.
The PubMed database was searched from March 2013 to March 2018 to identify patient-centered
studies focused on type 2 diabetes and relevant to one of the nine research questions.

Results:

A total of 33 studies were identified and included. For five of the research questions, there was
either no previous research literature or only “related” studies could be identified. These largely unexplored
topics included how the understanding of guidelines by healthcare providers, specialty, and
communication of medication side-effects impact patients’ understanding and outcomes, the impact of
improving patients’ preparedness to communicate with providers, and whether younger patients require
weight management programs that account for this populations’ needs.

Conclusion:

This lack of previous literature presents a unique opportunity to partner with patients to
conduct this study and help improve the management of type 2 diabetes.
Ultrasmall Nanoclusters: Synthesis and Applications as an Emerging Platform for Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Sultan Deborah , Heo Gyu Seong , Luehmann Hannah , Detering Lisa , Liu Yongjian
Published: December 2019

Background:

Ultrasmall nanoclusters (USNCs) have attracted tremendous attention owing
to their unique properties that make them desirable for the development of personalized medicine,
such as tunable emission, straightforward modification, and renal clearance. Hence, USNCs
have emerged as potential materials for nanotheranostics.

Objective:

For decades, great efforts have been devoted to the bio-applications of USNCs, promising
platforms to satisfy the increasing demand for precise diagnostic and targeted therapeutics. Herein,
we summarize the most recent advances of USNCs in biomedical applications and provide our perspective
on the future development of USNCs.

Results:

This review briefly summarized the synthetic methods of metallic USNCs and discussed
their recent applications for cancer imaging and therapy.

Conclusion:

USNCs have shown their potential for accurate diagnosis and specific delivery of therapeutics
in preclinical research.
The Biochemical and Clinical Perspectives of Lactate Dehydrogenase: An Enzyme of Active Metabolism
Authors: Khan Amjad A. , Allemailem Khaled S. , Alhumaydhi Fahad A. , Gowder Sivakumar J.T. , Rahmani Arshad H.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a group of oxidoreductase isoenzymes catalyzing the reversible reaction between pyruvate and lactate. The five isoforms of this enzyme, formed from two subunits, vary in isoelectric points and these isoforms have different substrate affinity, inhibition constants and electrophoretic mobility. These diverse biochemical properties play a key role in its cellular, tissue and organ specificity. Though LDH is predominantly present in the cytoplasm, it has a multi-organellar location as well.

Objective:

The primary objective of this review article is to provide an update in parallel, the previous and recent biochemical views and its clinical significance in different diseases.

Methods:

With the help of certain inhibitors, its active site three-dimensional view, reactions mechanisms and metabolic pathways have been sorted out to a greater extent. Overexpression of LDH in different cancers plays a principal role in anaerobic cellular metabolism, hence several inhibitors have been designed to employ as novel anticancer agents.

Discussion:

LDH performs a very important role in overall body metabolism and some signals can induce isoenzyme switching under certain circumstances, ensuring that the tissues consistently maintain adequate ATP supply. This enzyme also experiences some posttranslational modifications, to have diversified metabolic roles. Different toxicological and pathological complications damage various organs, which ultimately result in leakage of this enzyme in serum. Hence, unusual LDH isoform level in serum serves as a significant biomarker of different diseases.

Conclusion:

LDH is an important diagnostic biomarker for some common diseases like cancer, thyroid disorders, tuberculosis, etc. In general, LDH plays a key role in the clinical diagnosis of various common and rare diseases, as this enzyme has a prominent role in active metabolism.