bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical derivation for the exceedance probability of corresponding flood volume of the equivalent frequency regional composition method in hydrology
Authors: Huang Yixin , Liang Zhongmin , Hu Yiming , Li Binquan , Wang Jun
Published: July 2020

The equivalent frequency regional composition (EFRC) method is an important and commonly used tool to determine the design flood regional composition at various sub-catchments in natural conditions. One of the cases in the EFRC method assumes that the exceedance probabilities of design flood volume at upstream and downstream sites are equal, and the corresponding flood volume at intermediate catchment equals the gap between the volumes of upstream and downstream floods. However, the relationship between the exceedance probability of upstream and downstream flood volumes P and that of corresponding intermediate flood volume C has not been clarified, and whether P>C or P ≤ C has not been theoretically proven. In this study, based on the normal, extreme value type I and Logistic distributions, the relationship between C and P is deduced via theoretical derivations, and based on the Pearson type III, two-parameter lognormal and generalized extreme value distributions, the relationship between C and P is investigated using Monte Carlo experiments. The results show that C is larger than P in the context of the design flood, whereas P is larger than C in the context of low-flow runoff. Thus, the issue of exceedance probability corresponding flood is further theoretically clarified using the EFRC method.
Potential impact of water transfer policy implementation on lake eutrophication on the Shandong Peninsula: a difference-in-differences approach
Authors: He Jia , Yao Jiping , Li Aihua , Tan Zhongxin , Xie Gang , Shi Huijian , Zhang Xuan , Sun Wenchao , Du Peng
Published: July 2020

Traditional research on lake eutrophication has failed to consider the effect of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) policy; thus, the difference-in-differences (DID) model, which is usually applied to economic factors, was innovatively introduced to evaluate the effect of such policies on lake eutrophication. Nansi Lake and Dongping Lake in the Shandong Peninsula were selected as the experimental group, and Daming Lake and Mata Lake were selected as the control group. The eutrophication indices of the experimental group and the control group were calculated by the measured chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, water transparency and chemical oxygen demand data and used as the explanatory variables of the DID model. Nine environmental and socio-economic factors, such as dissolved oxygen and rural population, were selected as the control variables of the DID model to analyze the impact of the SNWTP policy on lake eutrophication. A joint consideration of environmental and socio-economic factors showed that the eutrophication degree of the experimental lakes deteriorated by 7.10% compared with the control under the influence of the implemented policy. Dissolved oxygen is the main factor affecting the eutrophication of the Shandong Peninsula. This study verifies that the DID model has the potential for use in quantitative analyses of the effect of the SNWTP policy on lake eutrophication.
Enhanced decolourization of methyl orange by immobilized TiO2/chitosan-montmorillonite
Authors: Bahrudin Noor Nazihah , Nawi Mohd Asri , Zainal Zulkarnain , Schneider Raphaël , Sabar Sumiyyah
Published: July 2020

Many attempts have been made to improve the photocatalytic performance of immobilized photocatalysts for large-scale applications by modification of the photocatalyst properties. In this work, immobilized bilayer photocatalyst composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and chitosan–montmorillonite (CS–MT) were prepared in a layer-by-layer arrangement supported on glass substrate. This arrangement allows a simultaneous occurrence of adsorption and photocatalysis processes of pollutants, whereby each layer could be independently modified and controlled to acquire the desired degree of occurring processes. It was found that the addition of MT clay within the CS composite sub-layer improved the mechanical strength of CS, reduced its swelling and shifted its absorption threshold to higher wavelengths. In addition, the band gap energy of the photocatalyst was also reduced to 2.93 eV. The immobilized TiO2/CS–MT exhibited methyl orange (MO) decolourization rate of 0.071 min−1 under light irradiation, which is better than the single TiO2 due to the synergistic processes of adsorption by CS–MT and photocatalysis by TiO2 layer. The MO dye took 6 h to achieve complete mineralization and produced sulfate and nitrate ions as the by-products. Furthermore, the immobilized TiO2/CS–MT could be reused for at least ten cycles of application without significant loss of its activity.
Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug Resistance
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Kun , Chen Yi , Zhu Mingyue , Li Mengsen
Published: July 2020

:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of primary liver cancer and a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide because of its high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Surgical resection is currently the major treatment measure for patients in the early and middle stages of the disease. Because due to late diagnosis, most patients already miss the opportunity for surgery upon disease confirmation, conservative chemotherapy (drug treatment) remains an important method of comprehensive treatment for patients with middle- and late-stage liver cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) in patients with HCC severely reduces the treatment effect and is an important obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The serum expression levels of AFP in many patients with HCC are increased, and a persistently increased AFP level is a risk factor for HCC progression. Many studies have indicated that AFP functions as an immune suppressor, and AFP can promote malignant transformation during HCC development and might be involved in the process of MDR in patients with liver cancer. This review describes drug resistance mechanisms during HCC drug treatment and reviews the relationship between the mechanism of AFP in HCC development and progression and HCC drug resistance.
Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress Level and Serum Prolidase Activity in Patients with Sleep Bruxism
Authors: Ozcan-Kucuk Ayse , Ege Bilal , Koparal Mahmut , Gonel Ataman , Koyuncu Ismail
Published: July 2020

Aims and Objective:

Sleep bruxism is a complicated disease, and its cause remains controversial. If the etiology of bruxism is resolved, the treatment can be adjusted to the prevailing aetiological factor. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress level and serum prolidase activity in patients with sleep bruxism.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy healthy subjects and 51 patients with sleep bruxism were included in this study, and blood samples from all patients were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and prolidase activity.

Results:

The prolidase, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in patients with bruxism than in the healthy controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). The TAS level was significantly lower in bruxism patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The increased TOS, OSI, and prolidase levels and decreased TAS levels could be assumed to result in oxidative injury in patients with sleep bruxism. However, the study could not determine whether oxidative imbalance and increased serum prolidase levels could be a cause or a result of bruxism.
The Potential Therapeutic Role of the HMGB1-TLR Pathway in Epilepsy
Authors: Wang Shu , Guan Yuguang , Li Tianfu
Published: July 2020

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, affecting over 70 million
people worldwide. For the treatment of epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgeries are
widely used. However, drug resistance and adverse effects indicate the need to develop targeted AEDs
based on further exploration of the epileptogenic mechanism. Currently, many efforts have been made
to elucidate the neuroinflammation theory in epileptogenesis, which may show potential in the treatment
of epilepsy. In this respect, an important target protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), has
received increased attention and has been developed rapidly. HMGB1 is expressed in various eukaryotic
cells and localized in the cell nucleus. When HMGB1 is released by injuries or diseases, it participates
in inflammation. Recent studies suggest that HMGB1 via Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways can
trigger inflammatory responses and play an important role in epilepsy. In addition, studies of HMGB1
have shown its potential in the treatment of epilepsy. Herein, the authors analyzed the experimental
and clinical evidence of the HMGB1-TLR pathway in epilepsy to summarize the theory of epileptogenesis
and provide insights into antiepileptic therapy in this novel field.
Strategic Developments & Future Perspective on Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer: Role of mTOR and Brk/ PTK6 as Molecular Targets
Authors: Sahu Roja , Pattanayak Shakti P.
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer is a serious health issue and a major concern in biomedical research. Alteration in major signaling (viz. PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Ras-Raf-MEK-Erk, NF-kB, cyclin D1, JAK-STAT, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog signaling and apoptotic pathway) contributes to the development of major subtypes of mammary carcinoma such as HER2 positive, TNBC, luminal A and B and normal-like breast cancer. Further, mutation and expression parameters of different genes involved in the growth and development of cells play an important role in the progress of different types of carcinoma, making gene therapy an emerging new therapeutic approach for the management of life-threatening diseases like cancer. The genetic targets (oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes) play a major role in the formation of a tumor. Brk/PTK6 and mTOR are two central molecules that are involved in the regulation of numerous signaling related to cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, survival, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Since these two proteins are highly upregulated in mammary carcinogenesis, this can be used as targeted genes for the treatment of breast cancer. However, not much work has been done on them. This review highlights the therapeutic significance of Brk and mTOR and their associated signaling in mammary carcinogenesis, which may provide a strategy to develop gene therapy for breast cancer management.
Preparation and Evaluation of Ternary Polymeric Blends for Controlled Release Matrices Containing Weakly Basic Model Drug
Authors: Obeidat Wasfy M. , Gharaibeh Shadi F. , Jaradat Abdolelah A. , Abualsuod Osama
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a ternary mixture of
smart polymers comprised of Eudragit®E100, Eudragit®L100, and sodium alginate to serve as a carrier
for sustained drug release for weakly basic drugs. The model drug chosen in this part of the study is
Metronidazole.

Methods:

Matrix tablet formulations were prepared by either direct compression or by wet granulation.
Dissolution studies were conducted using USP XXΠ rotating paddle apparatus in three different consecutive
stages (pH 1.2, 4.8, and 6.8). Tablets made of low to intermediate proportions of sodium alginate
and approximately equal proportions of Eudragit®E100 and Eudragit®L100 were found to have a
significant modification of drug release rates.

Results:

Thus, indicating a potential for controlling the drug release for 12 hours depending on polymers
ratios in the formulation. The ratio of sodium alginate to total Eudragit® polymers and the ratio of
Eudragit®E100 to Eudragit®L100 within the ternary polymeric composition were found critical in determining
the controlled release performance.

Conclusion:

Results of swelling studies were in agreement with the dissolution behaviors of the tablets.
The findings suggest the significance of the ternary polymeric compositions in controlling the release of
a weakly basic drug, Metronidazole.
Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Derived Compounds as Wild Type and Mutant Plasmodium falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors: Induced Fit Docking and ADME Studies
Authors: Iwaloye Opeyemi , Elekofehinti Olusola Olalekan , Kikiowo Babatomiwa , Fadipe Toyin Mary , Akinjiyan Moses Orimoloye , Ariyo Esther Opeyemi , Aiyeku Olabisi Olapade , Adewumi Nicholas Adeyemi
Published: July 2020

Background:

In a bid to come up with effective compounds as inhibitors for antimalarial
treatment, we built a library of 2,000 traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-derived compounds
retrieved from TCM Database@Taiwan.

Methods:

The active sites of both the wild type and mutant Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolatereductase
(pfDHFR) were explored using computational tools. pfDHFR, one of the prime drug
targets in the prevention of malaria infection induced by the female anopheles mosquito has continued
to offer resistance to drugs (antifolates) due to mutation in some of the key amino acid residues
crucial for its inhibition.

Results:

We utilized virtual throughput screening and glide XP docking to screen the compounds,
and 8 compounds were found to have promising docking scores with both the wild type and mutant
pfDHFR. They were further subjected to Induce Fit Docking (IFD) to affirm their inhibitory
potency. The ADME properties and biological activity spectrum of the compounds were also
considered. The inhibition profile of the compounds revealed that a number of compounds
formed intermolecular interactions with ASP54, ILE14, LEU164, SER108/ASN108, ARG122
and ASP58. Most of the compounds can be considered as drug candidates due to their antiprotozoal
activities and accordance with the Lipinski’s Rule of Five (ROF).

Conclusion:

The outcome of the present study should further be investigated to attest the efficacy
of these compounds as better drug candidates than the antifolates.
The Nutraceuticals and White Adipose Tissue in Browning Process
Authors: Siannoto Melisa , Nugraha Gaga I. , Lesmana Ronny , Goenawan Hanna , Tarawan Vita M. , Khairani Astrid F.
Published: July 2020

Obesity has become a prominent epidemic disease since its worldwide prevalence has
shown a continuous rise over the past few decades. The primary aim of obesity treatment is to effectively
reduce the intake of energy, while simultaneously increasing energy expenditure. Increasing
thermogenesis is one of the methods to increase energy expenditure. Thermogenesis, which primarily
occurs in brown adipose tissue, can also be produced by beige adipose tissue, through a process
known as browning. The browning process has recently been attracting a great deal of attention as
a potential anti-obesity agent. Many well-researched inducers of the browning process are readily
available, including cold exposure, agonist β3-adrenergic, agonist peroxisome proliferator activated
receptor γ, fibroblast growth factor 21, irisin and several nutraceuticals (including resveratrol,
curcumin, quercetin, fish oils, green tea, etc.). This mini review summarizes the current knowledge
and the latest research of some nutraceuticals that are potentially involved in the browning process.
Advances in the Chromatographic Separation and Determination of Bioactive Compounds for Assessing the Nutrient Profile of Nuts
Authors: Kalogiouri Natasa P. , Manousi Natalia , Rosenberg Erwin , Zachariadis George A. , Samanidou Victoria F.
Published: July 2020

Background::

Nuts have been incorporated into guidelines for healthy eating since they
contain considerable amounts of antioxidants and their effects are related to health benefits since they
contribute to the prevention of nutritional deficiencies. The micronutrient characterization is based
mainly on the determination of phenolics, which is the most abundant class of bioactive compounds
in nuts. Terpenes constitute another class of bioactive compounds that are present in nuts and show
high volatility. The analysis of phenolic compounds and terpenes is a very demanding task that requires
optimization of the chromatographic conditions to improve the separation of the components.
Moreover, nuts are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and they are therefore considered as cardioprotective.
Gas chromatography is the predominant instrumental analytical technique for the determination
of derivatized fatty acids and terpenes in food matrices, while high performance liquid chromatography
is currently the most popular technique for the determination of phenolic compounds.

Objective::

This review summarizes all the recent advances in the optimization of the chromatographic
conditions for the determination of phenolic compounds, fatty acids and terpenes in nuts.

Conclusion::

The state-of-the art in the technology available is critically discussed, exploring new
analytical approaches to reduce the time of analysis and improve the performance of the chromatographic
systems in terms of precision, reproducibility, limits of detection and quantification and
overall quality of the results.
Current Insights for the Management of Acne in the Modern Era
Authors: Singh Neha , Singh Apoorva , Pandey Kalpana , Nimisha
Published: July 2020

Background:

Acne vulgaris a chronic disease which is caused by blockage of the sebaceous gland is commonly seen in almost every human being at some point in their lives. There are 20-25% chances of progression of acne to severe cases, which leads to permanent scarring that results in psychological problems like depression, social isolation, lowered self-esteem, and lowered self-confidence.

Objective:

Though several conventional treatments are available in the market but still there are various adverse effects associated with topical anti-acne agents due to which it lacks patient compatibility. The present study is undertaken to find out the major shortcoming; why the current therapies do not give the desired therapeutic results.

Conclusion:

Novel drug delivery strategies can play a crucial role in the enhancement of topical delivery of anti-acne agents by escalating their dermal localization and reducing their adverse effects. Consumption of medicinal plants like Aloe vera, Withania somniferia etc. have clinical evidence regarding the effective management of acne. The current inclination towards nanotechnology is considerable due to several changes in the pharmaceutical research area. To secure the research work in different pharmaceutical fields, patents are filed against various agents like Galderma Research & Development have filed patents for adapalene and benzoyl peroxide for the management of acne vulgaris. The current review highlights the potential of various novel drug delivery approaches like liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transfersomes etc. in enhancing the topical delivery of anti-acne agents.
FOXM1-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of EZH2 Induces Proliferation and Progression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tian Juan-Hua , Mu Li-Jun , Wang Mei-Yu , Zeng Jin , Long Qing-Zhi , Bin-Guan  , Wang Wen , Jiang Yu-Mei , Bai Xiao-Jing , Du Yue-Feng
Published: July 2020

Background:

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and one of the most
common causes of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. Patients who are diagnosed with localized
prostate cancer and treated with radical prostatectomy often respond well to therapy. The current standard therapy
for prostate cancer involves maximal surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clarifying
the molecular mechanism of tumor proliferation and recurrence becomes more and more important for
clinical therapies of prostate cancer.

Methods:

Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western-blot were used in detection of mRNA and protein expression.
Lentivirus infection was used to overexpression or knock down target gene. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to
test protein expression and apoptosis level. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify protein expression in tissue.
Statistical differences between two groups are evaluated by two-tailed t-tests. The comparison among multiple groups is
performed by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s posttest. The statistical significance of the
Kaplan-Meier survival plot is determined by log-rank analysis.

Results:

In this study, we identified that FOXM1 expression was significantly enriched in prostate cancer compared with
normal tissue. Additionally, FOXM1 was functionally required for tumor proliferation and its expression was associated
to poor prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Mechanically, FOXM1-dependent regulation of EZH2 is essential for
proliferation and progression in prostate cancer.

Conclusion:

Taken together, our data suggest that oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1 is up-regulated in
prostate cancer, suggesting that the growth of cancer cells may depend on FOXM1 activity. FOXM1 may serve
as a clinical prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Low Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 in Gunn Rats: A Hyperbilirubinemia Animal Model of Schizophrenic Symptoms
Authors: Hayashida Maiko , Hashioka Sadayuki , Hayashida Kenji , Miura Shoko , Tsuchie Keiko , Araki Tomoko , Izuhara Muneto , Kanayama Misako , Otsuki Koji , Nagahama Michiharu , Jaya Muhammad Alim , Arauchi Ryosuke , Wake Rei , Oh-Nishi Arata , Horiguchi Jun , Miyaoka Tsuyoshi , Inagaki Masatoshi , Morita Eishin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 (also referred to as basic FGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that plays a pivotal role in the pro-survival, pro-migration and pro-differentiation of neurons.

Method:

Because alterations in FGF2 levels are suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis schizophrenia, we investigated serum levels of FGF2 in the Gunn rat, a hyperbilirubinemia animal model of schizophrenic symptoms.

Results:

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the serum levels of FGF2 in Gunn rats were 5.09 ± 0.236 pg/mL, while those in the normal strain Wistar rats were 11.90 ± 2.142 pg/mL. The serum FGF2 levels in Gunn rats were significantly lower than those in Wistar rats. We also measured serum levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and found a significant negative correlation between UCB and FGF2 at serum levels in all the rats studied.

Conclusion:

Since it is known that FGF2 regulates dopaminergic neurons and have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, our finding suggests that low FGF2 levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, in which disbalanced dopamin-ergic signaling and neuroinflammation are supposed to play certain roles.
Ferroptotic Cell Death: New Regulatory Mechanisms for Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Le Yifei , Zhang Zhijie , Wang Cui , Lu Dezhao
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cell death is a fundamental biological phenomenon that contributes to the
pathogenesis of various diseases. Regulation of iron and iron metabolism has received considerable
research interests especially concerning the progression of metabolic diseases.

Discussion:

Emerging evidence shows that ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic programmed cell death induced by iron-dependent
lipid peroxidation, contributes to the development of complex diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cardiomyopathy, renal ischemia-reperfusion, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, inhibiting ferroptosis can improve the pathophysiology of associated metabolic diseases. This review describes the vital role of ferroptosis in mediating the development
of certain metabolic diseases. Besides, the potential risk of iron and ferroptosis in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases is also described. Iron overload and ferroptosis are potential secondary causes of death in metabolic diseases. Moreover,
this review also provides potential novel approaches against ferroptosis based on recent research advances.

Conclusion:

Several controversies exist concerning mechanisms underlying ferroptotic cell death in metabolic diseases, particularly in atherosclerosis. Since ferroptosis participates in the progression of metabolic diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), there is a need to develop new drugs targeting ferroptosis to alleviate such diseases.
System Stability of Bored Piles with Steel Supports for Deep Foundation Pits in Sandy Pebble Stratum
Authors: Cheng Xuansheng , Hong Junliang , Xia Qingchun , Liu Haibo , Gao Fei , Chen Chaobo
Published: July 2020

Background:

At present, there are a few research studies on the stability of the supporting
structure of bored piles with steel supports for deep foundation pits, and it is even less common
to use this support method for deep foundation pits in sandy pebble stratum. This paper studied the
stability of the deep foundation pit support of the Southwest Jiaotong University Station in Chengdu,
China, using the stability analysis theory of bored piles with steel supports for deep foundation
pits.

Objective:

The study aims to show the stability of steel supports for deep foundation pits.

Methods:

The overall stability, anti-overturning stability and uplift stability of the foundation pit are
important components of the stability analysis of bored piles with steel supports for deep foundation
pits. Aiming at the designed method and parameters of the bored piles with steel support for the
deep foundation pit, in-depth theoretical analysis, and calculation of the overall stability, antioverturning
stability, and uplift stability of the deep foundation pit are conducted, respectively.

Results:

The results show that the stability of the deep foundation pit using bored piles with steel
support meets the requirements, indicating that the design of this support form is safe and reasonable,
thus ensuring the smooth progress of the project.

Conclusion:

The stability analysis of deep foundation pits in sandy pebble stratum provides ideas
for the optimization of deep foundation pits and a reference for the stability analysis of deep foundation
pits in sandy pebble stratum and other types of the stratum.
Multi-level Image Segmentation using Randomized Spiral-based Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Shivahare Basu Dev , Gupta S.K.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Segmenting an image into multiple regions is a pre-processing phase of
computer vision. For the same, determining an optimal set of thresholds is a challenging problem.

Objective:

This paper introduces a novel multi-level thresholding based image segmentation method.

Methods:

The presented method uses a novel variant of whale optimization algorithm to determine
the optimal thresholds. For experimental validation of the proposed variant, twenty-three benchmark
functions are considered. To analyze the efficacy of new multi-level image segmentation method,
images from Berkeley Segmentation Dataset and Benchmark (BSDS300) have been considered and
tested against recent multi-level image segmentation methods.

Conclusion:

Experiments arm that the presented method is efficient and competitive than the existing
multi-level image segmentation methods.
Structural and Morphological Characterization of CdS Nanoparticles
Authors: Dwivedi Manish , Tripathi Vijay , Kumar Dhruv , Gupta Dwijendra K.
Published: July 2020

Aims:

CdS nanoparticles are an attractive material having applications in various
fields like pigment in paints, biotag for bioimaging and many more optoelectronic as
well as biological applications. The present study aims to synthesize and characterize the
CdS nanoparticles to make it applicable in different areas.

Objectives:

Preparation of CdS nanoparticles by using simple and facile chemical methods
and further physical and structural characterization using various physical tools.

Methods:

In present work, CdS nanoparticles have been synthesized by using a rationally
simple chemical precipitation method with some modification on temperature and incubation
time in existed methods. Characterizations were done by employing XRD, SEM, TEM
and AFM techniques.

Results:

Simple chemical method produces the CdS nanoparticles with a size of about 100-
200 nm in length and 5-10 nm in diameter. The SEM studies show that the CdS nanoparticles
can agglomerate and form a continuous network-like structure. The X-Ray Diffraction
(XRD) measurements show the single-phase formation of CdS nanoparticles with the
structure of the cubic phase, and the broadening of XRD patterns indicates that the prepared
samples are nanostructured. Our analysis of CdS nanoparticles by using a transmission
electron microscope and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) revealed that the nanoparticles
form both spherical and nearly rod-shaped with the average size applicable for biotagging.
UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis reveals a blue shift in the absorption peak probably
caused by quantum confinement.

Conclusion:

The observed CdS nanoparticles were appeared yellow in color. The XRD
pattern of the CdS nanoparticles showed that the materials were of nanometric sized regime
with a predominantly cubic phase along with the rod and round morphology. The
study and characterization of CdS nanoparticles will bring us a new approach to understand
the biological problem by tagging nanoparticles with biomolecules and further suggest
that the CdS nanoparticles formulate it more suitable biocompatible nanomaterial for
biotagging and bioimaging.
Retratos, paisagens, botões: O percurso artístico de Sarah Affonso (1899–1983)
Authors: Sapega Ellen W.
Published: July 2020

Neste ensaio, interpreto o percurso artístico de Sarah Affonso à luz do seu contexto sociopolítico com o fim de entender melhor a sua opção de deixar a pintura em fins da década de 1930. As diferentes fases da sua carreira mudam conforme as várias fases da cultura política do seu país e estas fases talvez sejam ainda mais evidentes na obra de Sarah Affonso pelo facto de ser uma mulher artista. A actividade pública desta artista começou durante a segunda década da República e passou a ganhar novas dimensões sob o Estado Novo. Embora a produção artística de Sarah Affonso não reflicta explicitamente esta mudança de regime e a nova política cultural que condicionou os estilos e gostos da época a partir da década de 1930, é importante reconhecer, ao mesmo tempo, que, com a mudança de regime, impunham-se novas medidas que limitavam a liberdade e os direitos da mulher portuguesa.
THE EFFECT OF CURRICULUM 2013 ON ECONOMICS LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT: MOTIVATION AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE
Authors: Setiawan Ananda , Widjaja Sri Umi Mintarti , Kusumajanto Djoko Dwi , Wahyono Hari
Published: July 2020

The National Standard of Education (NSE) in Indonesia is a legitimate instrument to reach the best achievement. Yet, there are still the other positive factors, especially on economics subjects. This research aimed to find out the direct effect of the national standard of education (NSE) involving in a standard of content (SC), standard for educator and education staff (SEE), standard of facilities (SF), standard of assessment (SA), standard of the process (SP) and competence graduate standard (CGS) on achievement motivation (AM) and economics learning achievement (ELA), and to find out the indirect influence of SC, SEE, SF, SA, SP, and CGS on ELA through AM. This descriptive quantitative research used a survey to collect the data. The population is Indonesian senior high school students who have learned the economy for, at least. A total of 1065 students were selected through using proportional stratified random sampling with the Slovin formula (error=1%). The data in this study were collected through The data were subsequently analyized using Structural Equation Modeling (Partial Least Square approach). The result of this research showed that there was a direct effect of SC, SEE, SF, SA, SP, and CGS and AM on ELA. Then, there was an indirect effect of SC, SEE, SF, SA, and CGS on ELA through AM as a mediating variable.
HOW GOOD IS MYGURU: THE LECTURERS’ PERCEIVED USEFULNESS AND ATTITUDE
Authors: Azman Mohamed Nor Azhari , Kamis Arasinah , Kob Che Ghani Che , Abdullah Arman Shah , Jerusalem Mohammad Adam , Komariah Kokom , Budiastuti Emy
Published: July 2020

The integration of e-learning platforms in the higher education system has been around for a long time and is seen in line with the changes in Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). Realizing this, Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI), Malaysia has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) platform based on Technology Acceptance Model for its members to streamline learning and facilitating processes, namely MYGURU. The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability and attitude of the lecturers towards the used of MYGURU during the teaching, learning and facilitating process. Using a survey method, the study involved 734 and 248 lecturers who were selected using simple random sampling. The questionnaire was distributed by email in 2 months period. The results of this study found the mean score for MYGURU perceived usefulness and mean scores of lecturers' attitude to be at moderate level. The study of attitudes toward MYGURU used was modest, whereas the correlation test showed that there was a significant positive and moderate relationship between perceived usefulness and lecturers’ attitude. This study implies that developing a Learning Management System such as MYGURU requires continuous improvement in order to provide a better quality of higher education.
COLLABORATIVE-COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL TO IMPROVE THEOLOGY STUDENTS’ CHARACTERS: IS IT EFECTIVE?
Authors: Harianto GP , Rusijiono Rusijiono , Masitoh Siti , Setyawan WH
Published: July 2020

The Collaborative-Cooperative Learning Model (CCL) helps improve students’ characters. This study is aimed at finding out the effectiveness of the CCL instructional model in improving the characters of the theology students in the subject matter class Self Development. The study used the quasi-experimental research design. The research sample consisted of 58 students of the Surabaya Excelsius Institute of Theology. Data were collected by way of a test in a pre-test and posttest for the experiment and control groups and analyzed by way of an independent sample t-test on the SPSS software program of Amos 25. Results show that (1) the CCL model is found to be able to improve students’ characters. Experts’ reviews conclude that the CCL syntax can be categorized as having innovative aspects based on the rationality model on the score of 3.29; (2) The CCL model is found to be effective in improving students’ characters by the Mann-Whitney test (sig. = 0,012) and the paired sample t-tes (sig. = 0.000) showing a significant difference in the mean scores; (3) the CCL model can improve the characters of self-discipline, social discipline, and religious discipline  in the theology students in the subject matter class Self Development and can be used for subject matter classes with the same characteristics, be followed-up by research in wider subject-matter contexts, and be integrated  with research from other academic fields.
Effectiveness of a Mobile App Intervention for Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McCloud Tayla , Jones Rebecca , Lewis Gemma , Bell Vaughan , Tsakanikos Elias
Published: July 2020

Background

Depression and anxiety symptoms are common among university students, but many do not receive treatment. This is often because of lack of availability, reluctance to seek help, and not meeting the diagnostic criteria required to access services. Internet-based interventions, including smartphone apps, can overcome these issues. However, a large number of apps are available, each with little evidence of their effectiveness.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate for the first time the effectiveness of a self-guided mobile app, Feel Stress Free, for the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms in students.

Methods

A web-based randomized controlled trial compared a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based mobile app Feel Stress Free with a wait-list control. University students self-identified as experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression and were randomized to 6 weeks of intervention (n=84) or control (n=84), unblinded. The app is self-guided and incorporates behavioral relaxation activities, mood tracking and thought challenging, and minigames. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale online at baseline and every fortnight.

Results

At week 6, the primary end point, there was evidence that the Feel Stress Free app reduced depression symptoms (mean difference −1.56; 95% CI −2.67 to −0.44; P=.006) but only very weak evidence that it reduced anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.36; 95% CI −2.93 to 0.21; P=.09). At week 4, there was evidence to support the effectiveness of the intervention for anxiety symptoms (mean difference −1.94; 95% CI −3.11 to −0.77; P=.001) and, though weaker, depression symptoms (mean difference −1.08; 95% CI −2.12 to −0.04; P=.04). At week 6, 83% (34/41) of participants indicated that they were using the app weekly or more frequently.

Conclusions

The Feel Stress Free app is a promising mobile intervention for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in students and overcomes many of the barriers to traditional CBT. Further research is needed to establish its effectiveness at and beyond 6 weeks.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03032952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03032952
Asthma Exacerbation Prediction and Risk Factor Analysis Based on a Time-Sensitive, Attentive Neural Network: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xiang Yang , Ji Hangyu , Zhou Yujia , Li Fang , Du Jingcheng , Rasmy Laila , Wu Stephen , Zheng W Jim , Xu Hua , Zhi Degui , Zhang Yaoyun , Tao Cui
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Asthma exacerbation is an acute or subacute episode of progressive worsening of asthma symptoms and can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. However, efficient methods that can help identify personalized risk factors and make early predictions are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use advanced deep learning models to better predict the risk of asthma exacerbations and to explore potential risk factors involved in progressive asthma.

METHODS

We proposed a novel time-sensitive, attentive neural network to predict asthma exacerbation using clinical variables from large electronic health records. The clinical variables were collected from the Cerner Health Facts database between 1992 and 2015, including 31,433 adult patients with asthma. Interpretations on both patient and cohort levels were investigated based on the model parameters.

RESULTS

The proposed model obtained an area under the curve value of 0.7003 through a five-fold cross-validation, which outperformed the baseline methods. The results also demonstrated that the addition of elapsed time embeddings considerably improved the prediction performance. Further analysis observed diverse distributions of contributing factors across patients as well as some possible cohort-level risk factors, which could be found supporting evidence from peer-reviewed literature such as respiratory diseases and esophageal reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed neural network model performed better than previous methods for the prediction of asthma exacerbation. We believe that personalized risk scores and analyses of contributing factors can help clinicians better assess the individual’s level of disease progression and afford the opportunity to adjust treatment, prevent exacerbation, and improve outcomes.
A Comprehensive App That Improves Tuberculosis Treatment Management Through Video-Observed Therapy: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Guo Xujun , Yang Yarui , Takiff Howard E , Zhu Minmin , Ma Jianping , Zhong Tao , Fan Yuzheng , Wang Jian , Liu Shengyuan
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) requires at least six months and is compromised by poor adherence. In the directly observed therapy (DOT) scheme recommended by the World Health Organization, the patient is directly observed taking their medications at a health post. An alternative to DOT is video-observed therapy (VOT), in which the patients take videos of themselves taking the medication and the video is uploaded into the app and reviewed by a health care worker. We developed a comprehensive TB management system by using VOT that is installed as an app on the smartphones of both patients and health care workers. It was implemented into the routine TB control program of the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of VOT with that of DOT in managing the treatment of patients with pulmonary TB and to evaluate the acceptance of VOT for TB management by patients and health care workers.

METHODS

Patients beginning treatment between September 2017 and August 2018 were enrolled into the VOT group and their data were compared with the retrospective data of patients who began TB treatment and were managed with routine DOT between January 2016 and August 2017. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, treatment adherence, positive findings of sputum smears, reporting of side effects, time and costs of transportation, and satisfaction were compared between the 2 treatment groups. The attitudes of the health care workers toward the VOT-based system were also analyzed.

RESULTS

This study included 158 patients in the retrospective DOT group and 235 patients in the VOT group. The VOT group showed a significantly higher fraction of doses observed (P<.001), less missed observed doses (P<.001), and fewer treatment discontinuations (P<.05) than the DOT group. Over 79.1% (186/235) of the VOT patients had >85% of their doses observed, while only 16.4% (26/158) of the DOT patients had >85% of their doses observed. All patients were cured without recurrences. The VOT management required significantly (P<.001) less median patient time (300 minutes vs 1240 minutes, respectively) and transportation costs (¥53 [US $7.57] vs ¥276 [US $39.43], respectively; P<.001) than DOT. Significantly more patients (191/235, 81.3%) in the VOT group preferred their treatment method compared to those on DOT (37/131, 28.2%) (P<.001), and 92% (61/66) of the health care workers thought that the VOT method was more convenient than DOT for managing patients with TB.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the VOT-based system into the routine program of TB management was simple and it significantly increased patient adherence to their drug regimens. Our study shows that a comprehensive VOT-based TB management represents a viable and improved evolution of DOT.
Exploring the Influences of Service Characteristics on Individuals’Use Intention of Mobile Health Services (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Fei , Wu Pengkun , Guo Xitong
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Service characteristic factors are verified as the determinants for influencing people’s use intention of mHealth. Exploration of the interactions among the service characteristics of users can play an important role in improving service adoption rate. mHealth service appears to be an emerging new technology that presents a new pattern of healthcare service; however, users have concerns that their personal information might be disclosed and used without permission. This concern hinders people’s adoption behavior of mHealth services.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore how service characteristics (service relevance and service accuracy) interact to influence individuals’ use intention of mHealth services. This study also investigates the moderating roles of innovativeness and privacy concern.

METHODS

To meet these objectives, six hypotheses thus developed were empirically validated using a survey to test the effects of service characteristics and personal traits on use intention of mHealth.

RESULTS

We confirm that service relevance and service accuracy positively and directly influence individuals’ use intention of mHealth services. In addition, innovativeness positively affects the relationship between service relevance and use intention. Privacy concern negatively influences the relationship between service relevance and use intention, but positively influences the relationship between service accuracy and use intention.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides new insights into the influencing factors of individuals’ usage behaviour toward mHealth services. Such insight could provide further understanding of how individuals adopt new information service or technologies, which contribute to both information system and health care research areas in a very promising way.
A Bespoke Electronic Health Record for Epilepsy Care (EpiToMe): Development and Qualitative Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Tao Shiqiang , Lhatoo Samden , Hampson Johnson , Cui Licong , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

While electronic health records (EHR) bring various benefits to health care, EHR systems are often criticized as cumbersome to use, failing to fulfill the promise of improved health care delivery with little more than a means of meeting regulatory and billing requirements. EHR has also been recognized as one of the contributing factors for physician burnout.

OBJECTIVE

Specialty-specific EHR systems have been suggested as an alternative approach that can potentially address challenges associated with general-purpose EHRs. We introduce the Epilepsy Tracking and optimized Management engine (EpiToMe), an exemplar bespoke EHR system for epilepsy care. EpiToMe uses an agile, physician-centered development strategy to optimize clinical workflow and patient care documentation. We present the design and implementation of EpiToMe and report the initial feedback on its utility for physician burnout.

METHODS

Using collaborative, asynchronous data capturing interfaces anchored to a domain ontology, EpiToMe distributes reporting and documentation workload among technicians, clinical fellows, and attending physicians. Results of documentation are transmitted to the parent EHR to meet patient care requirements with a push of a button. An HL7 (version 2.3) messaging engine exchanges information between EpiToMe and the parent EHR to optimize clinical workflow tasks without redundant data entry. EpiToMe also provides live, interactive patient tracking interfaces to ease the burden of care management.

RESULTS

Since February 2019, 15,417 electroencephalogram reports, 2635 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit daily reports, and 1369 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit phase reports have been completed in EpiToMe for 6593 unique patients. A 10-question survey was completed by 11 (among 16 invited) senior clinical attending physicians. Consensus was found that EpiToMe eased the burden of care documentation for patient management, a contributing factor to physician burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

EpiToMe offers an exemplar bespoke EHR system developed using a physician-centered design and latest advancements in information technology. The bespoke approach has the potential to ease the burden of care management in epilepsy. This approach is applicable to other clinical specialties.