bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact Analysis and Selection of Spray Drying Parameters for Dawn and Feather Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Пискаева Анастасия , Piskaeva Anastasiya , Бабич Ольга , Babich Olga , Янг Йонг , Yang Yong
Published: September 2019

Down and feather waste represents a promising source of feed protein. The main component of feather is protein, predominantly β-keratine. Keratin is a mechanically durable and chemically unreactive protein with cistein, glutamine, and protein as dominating amino acids in its structure. According to the chemical composition (amino acid content, balance of micro-and macronutrients), the feather raw material is a valuable source of nutrients as a component of feed additives. The aim of this work was to analyze the efficiency and selection of parameters of spray drying of hydrolysate of feather and down waste products. Dry feed additives obtained by spray drying have a lot of advantages, such as dosing accuracy, compactness, storage time, and a possibility of targeted use in dissolved form. In addition, they are easy to package and transport. The most important quality indicators of feed additives include the mass fraction of moisture and the yield of the finished product. The main parameters of spray drying that affect the mass fraction of moisture and the yield of the final product are the drying temperature, aspiration (air flow rate), and the rate of solution feeding to the installation. According to the experiment conducted, the spray drying temperature of 70.0 ± 5.0°C caused no loss of essential amino acids. In addition, no undesirable substances were formed, unlike in other technologies that use hightemperature treatment (90–120 ± 5.0°C) and hydrolysis, which reduces the biological value of the feed product. This temperature was found optimal for keratin hydrolysates during drying. The optimal value of the parameter of the solution flow rate was 6.5 ± 0.5 ml/min. The optimal range of air flow rates during spray drying of hydrolysates of feather raw materials was 20.0 ± 5.0 m3/h. This temperature provides the maximum yield of the finished product and the minimum mass fraction of moisture.
Study on the Repairing Techniques of Near- Modern Historical Residences in Nanjing, China: The case study of the West Cabbage Garden Conservation project
Authors: Yinghan Li , Qi Zhou
Published: September 2019

Nanjing is a famous city in eastern China. The near-modern history of China was the history of the relocation of the Kuomintang regime to Taiwan and the founding of the People's Republic of China from the 1840 First Anglo-Chinese War to the 1949. There are many important near-modern architectural heritages left here. These historical residences have been used for nearly 90 years, and their structural safety performance has long been unable to meet modern standards. A large number of historical residences are in jeopardy and face a situation of extinction. In the past, some historical residences were demolished, and then people redone a new building with a highly similarly appearance. However, the historical information of the building was destroyed. In recent years, Nanjing's architects have been continually exploring better ways of architectural conservation, allowing these historical residences to meet current safety standards and performance while preserving the authenticity of the building's appearance. The repair method of this kind of building has not yet reached a conclusion. After participating in a series of conservation projects, we put forward our own theory for the conservation methods of Nanjing historic residences.This article first gives a brief introduction to Nanjing's near-modern history and summarizes the characteristics and problems of residences during this period. Then, this article takes an architectural renovation and conservation project undertaken by the authors as an example to introduce the strategies and modern methods adopted in the conservation of the historical residences.
A pele que habitamos: as (auto)narrativas de Ruth, Zezé e Lázaro
Authors: Nogueira Rodrigues Samanta Samira
Published: September 2019

Na esteira dos debates sobre preconceitos raciais, três (auto)narrativas são apresentadas aqui como uma possibilidade de leitura no campo literário. Para esse exercício, foram utilizadas as obras Ruth de Souza: estrela negra (JESUS, 2007), Zezé Motta: muito prazer (MURAT, 2005) e Na minha pele (RAMOS, 2017), que contém os relatos das duas atrizes que dão nome aos livros e do ator Lázaro Ramos. Há nessas histórias uma marca em comum que, como veremos, perpassa a linha entre a ficção - campo de trabalho dos sujeitos aqui apresentados -, e a realidade: a cor da pele preta, elemento considerado durante a configuração das personagens. A possibilidade dessa leitura nos estudos literários é aqui ancorada nas ideias de Arfuch (2010), Benjamin (1994), Bourdieu (2006), Evaristo (2017), Lejeune (2014) e Lima (2013, 2014). A distância temporal entre o início das carreiras das atrizes e do ator indica alguma tentativa de mudança nas representações que lhe são conferidas, entretanto, não sem menos esforço, tanto para atuar, quanto para continuar o trabalho, tendo em vista que a recepção do público a determinados papéis continua a ser um espaço de negociação. Se por um lado os relatos sobre as experiências vividas cumprem o papel de os individualizar, diferenciando-os por suas trajetórias, por outro, a adjetivação racial a elas e a eles sempre e constantemente atribuída, entrecruza suas histórias, indicando um movimento igualmente constante de negociação de trânsitos e permanências em espaços de ficção, muitas vezes questionado em sua semelhança com a realidade, no caso, pelo que é atribuído por leituras de outrem sobre a cor da pele preta.
Semânticas argumentativa e enunciativa: uma análise dos operadores argumentativos
Authors: Morais Maria Eliane Gomes , França Maria da Guia Santos de , Nascimento Erivaldo Pereira do
Published: September 2019

Ao utilizar a língua(gem) nas diversas situações comunicativas escolhemos elementos linguísticos que permitem orientar o discurso em razão de determinado objetivo. Assim, ao enunciar, o indivíduo está argumentando, uma vez que a argumentação é uma atividade inerente à natureza humana. Nesta perspectiva, Ducrot (1988) considera que a argumentação é um fenômeno inscrito na língua, que se materializa nos diferentes enunciados produzidos, por meio do repertório linguístico escolhido. Nesse repertório, muitas vezes, é possível perceber a presença de estratégias ou recursos, responsáveis pelo direcionamento do discurso, entre esses recursos podemos destacar os operadores argumentativos, que além de permitir o encadeamento dos enunciados, contribuindo para a construção de efeito de sentido do texto, determinam a orientação argumentativa destes enunciados. Considerando o relevante papel desempenhado por esses operadores na construção do texto, pretendemos realizar um estudo teórico acerca desses operadores, sob a ótica das Semânticas Argumentativa (SA) e Enunciativa (SE), evidenciando como essas diferentes perspectivas da semântica tratam o mesmo objeto: os operadores argumentativos. Assim, na SA nos deteremos nos pressupostos teóricos de Ducrot (1987,1988); Koch (1996; 2012); Koch e Elias (2016); Nascimento (2005; 2009; 2015); Silva (2006) e na SE nos voltaremos para os estudos de Benveniste (1989); Flores (2013); Guimarães (2007; 2018). Essa pesquisa, em fase de desenvolvimento, já evidenciou que ao abordar o mesmo objeto, tanto a Semântica Argumentativa, quanto a Enunciativa, apontam para o funcionamento discursivo dos operadores, ora se aproximando, ora apresentando algumas distinções no modo de tratar esses operadores.
Relações formais entre expressões cristalizadas e as construções verbais locativas livres
Authors: Rodrigues Roana , Vale Oto Araújo , Baptista Jorge
Published: September 2019

As expressões cristalizadas (EC), sobretudo na perspectiva teórico‑metodológica do Léxico‑Gramática (GROSS, 1982), têm sido habitualmente tratadas na ótica de sua identificação e/ou classificação formal. As possíveis relações dessas expressões com as construções livres (CL) das quais podem (ou não) derivar não têm sido objeto de estudo sistemático neste quadro, pelo menos para o português. Neste sentido, este trabalho contribui para os estudos da lexicologia ao estabelecer relações formais entre as expressões cristalizadas do português do Brasil (VALE, 2001), construídas com verbos locativos, e as construções livres (BAPTISTA, 2013) desses mesmos verbos. Concluímos que um elevado número de ECs é construído com verbos locativos (827/3.551), sobretudo em construções nas quais o verbo seleciona um nome na posição de complemento direto e outro, na posição de complemento preposicionado locativo de destino (pregar chiclete na cruzEC vs. pregar um quadro na paredeCL). Além disso, as ECs podem apresentar uma estrutura idêntica à das CLs, revelando ambiguidade (suar a camisaEC/CL, subir o morroEC/CL); ou ainda apresentar especificidades na formação da expressão, como a seleção de um maior ou menor número de argumentos  do que os que a construção verbal de base apresenta (chutar o balde ØEC vs. chutar a bola no golCL). A partir dos dados analisados, afirmamos que, apesar de a interpretação das expressões muitas vezes não ser (pelo menos inteiramente) composicional, as construções tendem a conservar a seleção dos argumentos de maneira semelhante às construções livres do mesmo verbo, bem como parte manter parte importante do significado e construção de base do verbo que entra na sua formação.
Construção da identidade interseccional: uma análise crítica do discurso sobre mudanças sociais e discursivas de/para mulheres surdas
Authors: Pedrosa Cleide Emilia Faye
Published: September 2019

A discussão sobre o papel das mulheres ocupa, gradativamente, ao longo das últimas décadas, lugar de compromissos de agendas governamentais e acadêmicas (FONTANA; FERRARI, 2017). Leis, decretos, programas sociais e também projetos acadêmicos têm respondidos a este pleito. Todos estes compromissos originam mudanças sociais e são, ao mesmo tempo, também resultados de mobilizações das minorias sociais que são muito bem trabalhadas pela base teórica da Análise Crítica do Discurso (FAIRCLOUGH, 2008; RESENDE, 2017), especialmente, por sua corrente brasileira – Abordagem Sociológica e Comunicacional do Discurso - ASCD (PEDROSA, 2018). Nossas pesquisas na UFRN e UFS (Universidade Federal de Sergipe, onde trabalho atualmente) foram, há 6 anos, direcionadas para grupos vulneráveis, entre eles, a comunidade surda; assim, a partir de corpus formado por narrativas de vida e texto introdutório do currículo lattes desta comunidade, selecionaremos um exemplo de cada gênero, especificamente, de mulheres Surdas a fim de proceder a análise com base metodológica da pesquisa qualitativa-interpretativista. Ainda como caminhos de análise, utilizaremos a proposta da socioanálise oriunda da Sociologia para a Mudança Social (SMS, BAJOIT, 2013). Os resultados, pretendem atingir o objetivo geral de verificar de que forma as narrativas de vida e o texto introdutório do currículo lattes demonstram os desenganos e as vitórias da mulher Surda quanto à constituição interseccional de sua identidade no contexto da história de sua educação.
Nasalização fonética no português brasileiro: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Mendonça Ana Maria Santos de , De Oliveira Alan Jardel
Published: September 2019

Segundo Câmara Jr. (2009[1970]), o processo de nasalização resulta do encontro de uma vogal com uma consoante nasal. Partindo dessa observação, consideramos dois tipos de nasalização: uma fonológica com função distintiva e outra fonética sem função distintiva. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática de literatura sobre o processo de nasalização fonética no português. Para tanto, por meio de palavras-chave e operadores booleanos, criamos uma expressão utilizada para realizar buscas de textos na base de dados Google Acadêmico. Foram selecionados 1.315 textos. Após aplicarmos critérios de exclusões e inclusões, chegamos a 21 textos os quais integram essa revisão sistemática de literatura. As pesquisas selecionadas foram agrupadas em duas categorias: as de base fonética-fonológica e as de base sociolinguística. Os resultados nos levaram à conclusão de que, nas pesquisas de base fonético-fonológica, a nasalização fonética foi tratada de forma marginal, sendo o seu estudo realizado com o objetivo de ser contrastado ao estudo da nasalização fonológica. Já os estudos de base sociolinguística são incipientes com resultados carentes de explicações e conclusões.
Targeting Ceramide Metabolism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Points for Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Grbčić Petra , Car Elitza Petkova Markova , Sedić Mirela
Published: September 2019

Background:

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the greatest global health burdens
because of its uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, aggressive nature as well as inherited
chemoresistance. In spite of different treatment options currently available for HCC, the 5-year relative
survival rates for HCC patients with regional and distant stages of the disease are still low,
which highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for HCC. Recent findings strongly
suggest that specific lipid species, such as sphingolipids, play a prominent role in tumorigenesis.

Objective:

We will give an overview of recent literature findings on the role of ceramide metabolism
in the pathogenesis and treatment of HCC.

Results:

HCC is characterised by dysregulation of ceramide metabolism, which could be ascribed to
altered activity and expression of ceramide synthases 2, 4 and 6, and acid and alkaline ceramidases 2
and 3, as well as to deregulation of Sphingosine kinases (SphK) 1 and 2 and sphingosine-1-
phosphate receptors, in particular, S1PR1. Among them, SphK2 has emerged as a clinically relevant
drug target in HCC whose inhibition by ABC294640 is currently being investigated in a clinical trial
in patients with advanced HCC. Another promising strategy includes restoration of ceramide levels
in HCC tissues, whereby nanoliposomal ceramides, in particular C6-ceramide, has emerged as an
effective therapeutic agent against HCC whose safety and recommended dosing is currently being
clinically investigated.

Conclusion:

Development of novel drugs specifically targeting ceramide metabolism could provide
an enhanced therapeutic response and improved survival outcome in HCC patients.
In Silico Docking, ADMET and QSAR Study of few Antimalarial Phytoconstituents as Inhibitors of Plasmepsin II of P. falciparum Against Malaria
Authors: Salam Syeda Sabiha , Chetia Pankaj , Kardong Devid
Published: September 2019

Background:

Malaria is endemic in various parts of India particularly in the North-
Eastern states with Plasmodium falciparum-the most prevalent human malaria parasite. Plantderived
compounds have always received tremendous importance in the area of drug discovery and
development and scientific study of traditional medicinal plants are of great importance to mankind.

Objective:

The present work deals with the computational study of some antimalarial compounds
obtained from a few medicinal plants used by the tribal inhabitants of the North-Eastern region of
India for treating malaria.

Methods:

In silico methodologies were performed to study the ligand-receptor interactions. Target
was identified based on the pharmacophore mapping approach. A total of 18 plant-derived compounds
were investigated in order to estimate the binding energies of the compounds with their drug
target through molecular docking using Autodock 4.2. ADMET filtering for determining the pharmacokinetic
properties of the compounds was done using Mobyle@RPBS server. Subsequent
Quantitative-Structure Activity Relationship analysis for bioactivity prediction (IC50) of the compounds
was done using Easy QSAR 1.0.

Results:

The docking result identified Salannin to be the most potent Plasmepsin II inhibitor while
the QSAR analysis identified Lupeol to have the least IC50 value. Most of the compounds have
passed the ADME/Tox filtration.

Conclusion:

Salannin and Lupeol were found to be the most potent antimalarial compounds that
can act as successful inhibitors against Plasmepsin II of P. falciparum. The compounds Salannin
and Lupeol are found in Azadirachta indica and Swertia chirata plants respectively, abundantly
available in the North-Eastern region of India and used by many inhabiting tribes for the treatment
of malaria and its symptoms.
Nano-emulgel: Emerging as a Smarter Topical Lipidic Emulsion-based Nanocarrier for Skin Healthcare Applications
Authors: Anand Kumar , Ray Subhabrata , Rahman Mahfoozur , Shaharyar Adil , Bhowmik Rudranil , Bera Rammohan , Karmakar Sanmoy
Published: September 2019

Background:

In recent decades, enormous efforts for different drug discovery
processes have led to a number of drug molecules available today to overcome different
challenges of the health care system. Unfortunately, more than half of these drugs are listed
in either BCS (biopharmaceutical classification system) class II/ IV or both are eliminated
from the development pipeline due to their limited clinical use. A nanotechnological approach
bears much hope and lipoidal fabrication is found to be suitable for the delivery of
such drugs. Nanoemulsion based gel i.e. nanoemulgel out of different nanolipoidal formulations
has been found to be a suitable approach to successful drug delivery through topical
routes. In past few years many herbal and synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
has been patented as nano sized emulsified gel for various therapeutic activities.

Methods:

Nanoemulgel is basically an emulsion-based topical gel formulation, where nanosized
emulsion globules can be prepared with the help of high energy or low energy methods
and further converted into nanoemulgel by adding a suitable gelling agent. Nanoemulgel
fabrication enlists various kinds of polymeric materials, surfactants and fatty substances of
natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic nature with a globule size range from 5 to 500 nm.

Results:

Nanoemulgel can be applicable to various acute and chronic diseases through topical
routes.

Conclusion:

Nanoemulgel preparations of many recently approved drugs are being used
successfully in different areas of health care and have re-defined the significance of topical
route of delivery as compared to other routes. However, along with various improvements in
the current state of the delivery system, the safety factor needs to be taken into account by
toxicological studies of the materials used in such formulations.
Integrated In-silico Analysis to Study the Role of microRNAs in the Detection of Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Khan Amina , Zahra Andleeb , Mumtaz Sana , Fatmi M. Qaiser , Khan Muhammad J.
Published: September 2019

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of
various renal diseases, including Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD). CKD refers to the gradual loss
of kidney function with the declining Glomerular Functional Rate (GFR).

Objective:

This study focused on the regulatory mechanism of miRNA to control gene expression
in CKD.

Methods:

In this context, two lists of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) were obtained; one
from the three selected experiments by setting a cutoff p-value of <0.05 (List A), and one from a
list of target genes of miRNAs (List B). Both lists were then compared to get a common dataset of
33 miRNAs, each had a set of DEGs i.e. both up-regulated and down-regulated genes (List C).
These data were subjected to functional enrichment analysis, network illustration, and gene
homology studies.

Results:

This study confirmed the active participation of various miRNAs i.e. hsa -miR-15a-5p,
hsa-miR-195-5p, hsa-miR-365-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-200b-3p, and hsamiR-
429 in the dysregulation of genes involved in kidney development and function. Integrated
analyses depicted that miRNAs modulated renal development, homeostasis, various metabolic
processes, immune responses, and ion transport activities. Furthermore, homology studies of
miRNA-mRNA hybrid highlighted the effect of partial complementary binding pattern on the
regulation of genes by miRNA.

Conclusion:

The study highlighted the great values of miRNAs as biomarkers in kidney diseases.
In addition, the need for further investigations on miRNA-based studies is also commended in the
development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for renal diseases.
Morphometric Measurements, Meristic Counts, and Molecular Identification of Alestes Dentex, Alestes Baremoze, Brycinus Nurse, and Brycinus macrolepidotus from the River Nile at Kreima
Authors: Mohammed Amna T. M. , Mahmoud Zuheir N. , Abushama Hind M.
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Twenty-two morphometric characters and seven meristic counts were recorded from 324 Alestes specimens from Kreima at the River Nile.

Materials and Methods:

Specimens collected were identified to the species level as Alestes baremoze (100 specimens), Brycinus nurse (100 specimens), Brycinus macrolepidotus (24 specimens), and Alestes dentex (100 specimens). The principal component analysis showed that the lateral line scales and the scale above the lateral line contributed to the percentage variance by 97.01% and 2.56%, respectively. Discriminant function analysis was done to discriminate between field-collected samples of Alestes sp. The LLS, AFR, and LDFL (Longest of Dorsal Fin Lings) were found to be the main characters that discriminate between the four populations.

Results and Discussion:

The first function showed that they were significantly different. This discrimination was a complete one since 98.1% of original grouped specimens and 97.8% of the cross-validated ones were correctly classified. The scatter plot of Discriminant scores from the three functions showed some relatedness between Alestes baremoze and Alestes dentex.

16S ribosomal RNA primers have been used to identify the species at the molecular level. All species have shown a characteristic band (680 bp) indicating successful amplification. Five RAPD primers have been used to investigate the Alestes species. Similar and dissimilar DNA bands indicate the evolutionary connections and genetic spacing, respectively. The derived dendrograms based on morphometric measurements and meristic counts were closer to that derived from the RAPD PCR results.

Conclusion:

The study showed co-existence of four Alestes species in the main River Nile.
Sealability of Different Root Canal Nanosealers: Nano Calcium Hydroxide and Nano Bioactive Glass
Authors: Desouky Asmaa A. , Negm Maged M. , Ali Magdy M.
Published: September 2019

Background:

The success of the endodontic treatment is largely dependent on the sealing achieved by root canal obturation. The application of sealer fills imperfections and increases adaptation of the root filling to the canal walls.

Aim:

To evaluate the sealability of experimental nanosealers (nano calcium hydroxide and nano bioactive glass) and to compare it with the commercial zinc oxide eugenol sealer using a dye penetration method.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected. The tooth crowns were removed so as to obtain standardized 15-mm-long root specimens. The root canal was instrumented with Protaper Ni-Ti rotary file and the final file size was up to # F4/.06 (in vitrostudy). They were then randomly allocated into 3 groups of 20 specimens each (n=20) according to the sealer used for obturation, and all samples were filled with single cone gutta-percha (#40/06) and one of the tested sealers. All teeth were coated with nail polish and then suspended in 2% methylene blue dye for 7 days. Stereo-microscope (x10) was used to evaluate the sealability of newly introduced nanosealers. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test followed by post hoc analysis (P< 0.05).

Results:

Significant improvement shown by the presented study suggests that nano calcium hydroxide sealer showed significantly less dye leakage than nano bioactive glass sealer and zinc oxide eugenol sealer.

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that the synthesized nano-powder sealers are suitable for use in root canal therapy to prevent leakage.

The root canal can be sealed better by using smaller nano-powder particle sizes. In addition, the two groups exhibited significant differences in leakage in comparison with commonly used ZOE sealer.
Biofilm Formation and Detection of icaD Gene in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical Specimens
Authors: Karki Samjhana , Sah Anil K. , Lamichhane Jayram , Maharjan Anjali , Sharma Laxmi , Rajbhandari Rima , Parajuli Shreeya , Acharya Samir , Khanal Santosh
Published: September 2019

Background:

S. aureusis found to be a major source of community as well as hospital acquired infections. The increase in antimicrobial resistance and emergence of multidrug resistance has become a big threat worldwide. The biofilm formation ofS. aureusinfluenced the survival and persistence in both environment and host.

Aim:

The study was conducted with the aim to evaluatein-vitrobiofilm formation and the presence oficaDgene inS. aureusfrom clinical isolates ofS. aureus.

Methods:

A total of 570 wound/pus samples were processed by standard microbiological techniques. Colony morphology, Gram’s staining and biochemical tests were used for the identification ofS. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique and methicillin-resistantS. aureuswas detected by using cefoxitin antibiotics. The production of biofilm was screened by Congo Red Agar and finally, the presence oficaDgene was determined by PCR.

Results:

Out of 570 samples, a total 19.3% (110/570) samples showed the growth ofS. aureus. Among which 59.1% (65/110) were multi-drug resistant. Similarly, 26.4% (29/110) isolates were methicillin-resistantS. aureus. Among MRSA isolates 93.1% (27/29) were MDR with more than 3 classes of antibiotics. Biofilm production was shown by 95.45% (105/110) and 77.3% (85/110) isolates on Congo Red Agar and presence oficaDgene respectively.

Conclusion:

In this study, the significant association was observed in phenotypic production of biofilm and the presence oficaDgene for the genotypic expression of biofilm. There were also increasing rates of MRSA and multidrug resistanceS. aureus.
Characteristic Movement of the Ribs, Thoracic Vertebrae while Elevating the Upper Limbs - Influences of Age and Gender on Movements
Authors: Tachihara Hisayoshi , Hamada Junichiro
Published: September 2019

Background:

The rib cage, such as the thoracic spine and ribs, influences glenohumeral mobility and the development of shoulder disorders.

Objective:

To evaluate movements of the ribs, thoracic vertebrae during bilateral arm elevation and to clarify the characteristic influences of age and gender.

Methods:

Subjects comprised 33 healthy individuals divided into a young group (10 males, 7 females; mean age, 25 years) and a middle-aged group (8 males, 8 females; mean age, 52 years). Chest CT was performed with two arm positions: arms hanging downwards; and arms elevated at 160°. Images were three-dimensionally reconstructed to evaluate rib movement, extension angle of thoracic vertebrae.

Results:

Maximal movement was observed at the fifth rib, and rib movement decreased with increasing distance from the fifth rib in both the groups. In males, movement of the second to fourth ribs was smaller in the middle-aged group than in the young group (p < 0.05). Movement of the first to ninth ribs was smaller in females than in males (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the extension angle of the thoracic vertebrae was found.

Conclusion:

Fifth rib movement is the largest among all ribs during bilateral arm elevation. Reduction of upper rib movement initially arises as an age-related degradation in males. Women exhibit less rib movement during bilateral arm elevation.
Suprascapular Neuropathy in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review of Aetiology and Treatment Options
Authors: Surya Pratham , Pankhania Rahul , Ul Islam Saif
Published: September 2019

Suprascapular neuropathy is often overlooked as a cause for shoulder pain in overhead athletes and can be misdiagnosed for many months, even years. With recent advancements in the understanding of the condition as well as its treatment methods, suprascapular neuropathy is now being diagnosed more frequently. However with a multitude of treatment options, it can be difficult to choose the optimal management. In this systematic review, we have carried out a detailed literature search about suprascapular neuropathy looking into evidence-based diagnostic workup and treatment modalities available. Repetitive overhead activities, rotator cuff tear and direct compression of the nerve by space-occupying lesion are important etiologies for suprascapular neuropathy. Whilst MRI is widely used for the identification of space-occupying lesions and rotator cuff injury; Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) remain gold standards for confirming injury to the nerve. Conservative treatment modalities including physiotherapy and activity modification, nerve blocks, arthroscopic and open surgical interventions are the main treatment options for suprascapular neuropathy.
Development of an Artificial Intelligence Approach for Prediction of Consolidation Coefficient of Soft Soil: A Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Manh Duc , Pham Binh Thai , Tuyen Tran Thi , Hai Yen Hoang Phan , Prakash Indra , Vu Thanh Tien , Chapi Kamran , Shirzadi Ataollah , Shahabi Himan , Dou Jie , Quoc Nguyen Kim , Bui Dieu Tien
Published: September 2019

Background:

Consolidation coefficient (Cv) is a key parameter to forecast consolidation settlement of soft soil foundation as well as in treatment design of soft soil foundation, especially when drainage consolidation is used in foundation treatment of soft soil.

Objective:

In this study, the main objective is to predict accurately the consolidation coefficient (Cv) of soft soil using an artificial intelligence approach named Random Forest (RF) method. In addition, we have analyzed the sensitivity of different combinations of factors for prediction of the Cv.

Method:

A total of 163 soil samples were collected from the construction site in Vietnam. These samples at various depth (m) were analyzed in the laboratory for the determination of clay content (%), moisture content (%), liquid limit (%), plastic limit (%), plasticity index (%), liquidity index (%), and the Cv for generating datasets for modeling. Performance of the models was validated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Correlation Coefficient (R) methods. In the present study, various combinations of soil parameters were applied and eight models were developed using RF algorithm for predicting the Cv of soft soil.

Results:

Results of model’s study show that performance of the models using different combinations of input factors is much different where R value varies from 0.715 to 0.822.

Conclusion:

Present study suggested that RF model with appropriate combination of soil properties input factors can help in better and accurate prediction of the Cv of soft soil.
The Effects of a Knowledge Management Skill Development Program (KMSDP) on the Holistic Health Promotion Knowledge Management Behaviors of Muslim Women Leaders
Authors: Kongvattananon Puangpaka , Othaganont Pranom
Published: September 2019

Background:

Women have high average life spans and live longer than men. In Thai-Muslim society, women have the role of caring and promoting the health of everyone in their family, such as preparing food, raising the children, and taking care sick persons so they are required to be leaders for promoting health in the family.

Objectives:

To develop a KMSDP and to study the effects of using a KMSDP for knowledge management behaviors regarding holistic health promotion by Muslim women leaders

Methods:

This research is of an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. The researcher analyzed the qualitative data and SECI concept to develop the KMSDP. The quantitative data were applied to test the program using a pre-test and post-test design. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=35). Descriptive statistics and independent t-test were used for the data analyses.

Results:

The qualitative findings indicated three themes applied to create the program: 1) To be in accordance with the Muslim way of life; 2) To conform to rubric religious principle; and 3) To agree with family leaders. As for the effects of the KMSDP on the holistic health promotion knowledge management behaviors, it was found that the post-test mean scores for knowledge, management, and skills were higher than those for the pre-test mean scores at a statistical significance level of .001.

Conclusion:

Healthcare providers, proactively promoting health in the Muslim community, can apply this program to develop Muslim women leaders for holistic health promotion.
Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine Infusion Without Loading Dose as a Potent Hypotensive Agent in Lumbar Fixation Surgery
Authors: Moharram Assem Adel , Mostafa Raham Hasan
Published: September 2019

Background:

Dexmedetomidine on the basis of the previous literature can be considered a safe agent for controlled hypotension through its central and peripheral sympatholytic action. Its easy administration and absence of fatal side effect make it a near-ideal hypotensive agent. This study was intended to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine infusion “without loading dose” as an effective hypotensive agent in lumbar fixation surgery.

Methods:

In a double-blind study, a total of 60 patients aged 18-65 years, of both genders, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class I - II scheduled for elective lumbar spine instrumentation were included and divided into: Control group (Group C) who received placebo and Dexmedetomidine group (Group D) who received Intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine. The patients were compared primarily for intraoperative hemodynamics.

Results:

The study results showed that dexmedetomidine had successfully maintained target mean blood pressure of 65-70 mmHg and only 2 patients out of 30 required rescue therapy (both of propofol and NG). Also, dexmedetomidine had maintained heart rate stability than the control group from the 15thminute after positioning till the end of surgery (P-value < 0.001). Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was significantly low in Dexmedetomidine group 75 ± 25.43 µgversus169.64 ± 34.26 µg in Control group (P-value < 0.001). Finally, more post-operative sedation was noticed during the 1stpostoperative hour in dexmedetomidine group when compared to the control group (P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine infusion without loading dose could be an effective and safe agent in achieving controlled hypotension in adults undergoing elective lumbar spine instrumentation surgery with limited side effects together with intraoperative opioid-sparing effect.
Dynamic Performance of High-Speed Electric Multiple Unit within Multi-Body System Simulation
Authors: Wang Junguo , Gong Daoping , Sun Rui , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: September 2019

Background:

With the rapid development of the high-speed railway, the dynamic performance
such as running stability and safety of the high-speed train is increasingly important. This paper
focuses on the dynamic performance of high-speed Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), especially the
dynamic characteristics of the bogie frame and car body. Various patents have been discussed in this
article.

Objective:

To develop the Multi-Body System (MBS) model of EMU, verify whether the dynamic performance
meets the actual operation requirements, and provide some useful information for dynamics
and structural design of the proposed EMU.

Methods:

According to the technical characteristics of a typical EMU, a MBS model is established via
SIMPACK, and the measured data of China high-speed railway is taken as the excitation of track random
irregularity. To test the dynamic performance of the EMU, including the stability and safety, some
evaluation indexes such as wheel-axle lateral forces, wheel-axle lateral vertical forces, derailment coefficients
and wheel unloading rates are also calculated and analyzed in detail.

Results:

The MBS model of EMU has better dynamic performance especially curving performance,
and some evaluation indexes of the stability and safety have also reached China’s high-speed railway
standards.

Conclusion:

The effectiveness of the proposed MBS model is verified, and the dynamic performance of
the MBS model can meet the design requirements of high-speed EMU.
A Trust Based Neighbor Identification Using MCDM Model in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gautam Amit K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2019

Background:

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a major technology for the Internet of
Things (IoT) and is used within an IoT system to facilitate collaboration of heterogeneous information
systems and services. Due to its distributed nature, these networks are highly vulnerable to
various security threats which adversely affect their performance. Trust is one of the influential factors
that applies in the security of WSNs to have its applications in cloud system, e-commerce etc.
The secure and efficient neighbor selection is an issue of Multiple Criteria Decision Making
(MCDM), where many Quality of Service (QoS) parameters play a vital role in the process of best
neighbor selection.

Methods:

A dynamic and efficient trust model is proposed in this paper based on the ranking method
for recommendation of appropriate secure neighbor node. To rank the available neighbors, we
use voting approach and also a hybrid method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique
for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods.

Results:

The paper included a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method
which maximizes the defense against internal attacks. Complexity analysis has been done to show
the superiority of the proposed method. Time complexity of the proposed algorithm is O (n2) against
the compared algorithm the growth rate of which is O (2n).

Conclusion:

This method evaluates trustworthiness of neighbor node quantitatively as a fraction in
the range 0 and 1. The proposed algorithm when applied, selects the best node among the alternatives.
presidenciáveis na corrida eleitoral de 2014
Authors: Vieira Aiane de Oliveira
Published: September 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo identificar as finalidades para as quais partidos e candidatos usam as redes sociais como ferramenta de campanha política e quais as principais estratégias persuasivas usadas por eles. Para alcançar tal objetivo, foram analisadas as páginas oficiais dos candidatos Aécio Neves (PSDB) e Dilma Rousseff (PT) no Facebook durante a corrida presidencial de 2014. Partiu-se da hipótese de que os candidatos usaram as redes sociais como extensão das campanhas na TV e no rádio para promoverem a campanha e suas imagens pessoais. Por meio de análise de conteúdo analisou-se o conteúdo postado entre 06 de julho e 26 de outubro de 2014. Os resultados apontam que os candidatos usam as redes como instrumento de autopromoção.
Fully 3D Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a Boussinesq fluid
Authors: Walters Stephen John , Forbes Lawrence K.
Published: September 2019

Rayleigh–Taylor instability occurs when a heavier fluid overlies a lighter fluid, and the two seek to exchange positions under the effect of gravity. We present a linearized theory for arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) initial disturbances that grow in time, and calculate the evolution of the interface for early times. A new spectral method is introduced for the fully 3D nonlinear problem in a Boussinesq fluid, where the interface between the light and heavy fluids is approximated with a smooth but rapid density change in the fluid. The results of large-scale numerical calculation are presented in fully 3D geometry, and compared and contrasted with the early-time linearized theory.

doi:10.1017/S1446181119000087
Health Care Management Models for the Evolution of Hospitalization in Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Units: Comparative Quantitative Study
Authors: Góngora Alonso Susel , Sainz-De-Abajo Beatriz , De la Torre-Díez Isabel , Franco-Martin Manuel
Published: September 2019

Background

Mental health disorders are a problem that affects patients, their families, and the professionals who treat them. Hospital admissions play an important role in caring for people with these diseases due to their effect on quality of life and the high associated costs. In Spain, at the Healthcare Complex of Zamora, a new disease management model is being implemented, consisting of not admitting patients with mental diseases to the hospital. Instead, they are supervised in sheltered apartments or centers for patients with these types of disorders.

Objective

The main goal of this research is to evaluate the evolution of hospital days of stay of patients with mental disorders in different hospitals in a region of Spain, to analyze the impact of the new hospital management model.

Methods

For the development of this study, a database of patients with mental disorders was used, taking into account the acute inpatient psychiatry unit of 11 hospitals in a region of Spain. SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 23.0 (IBM Corp), was used to calculate statistical values related to hospital days of stay of patients. The data included are from the periods of 2005-2011 and 2012-2015.

Results

After analyzing the results, regarding the days of stay in the different health care complexes for the period between 2005 and 2015, we observed that since 2012 at the Healthcare Complex of Zamora, the total number of days of stay were reduced by 64.69%. This trend is due to the implementation of a new hospital management model in this health complex.

Conclusions

With the application of a new hospital management model at the Healthcare Complex of Zamora, the number of days of stay of patients with mental diseases as well as the associated hospital costs were considerably reduced.
Tackling Research Inefficiency in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Illustrative Review
Authors: Khan Danyal Zaman , Khan Muhammad Shuaib , Kotter Mark RN , Davies Benjamin Marshall
Published: September 2019

Background

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is widely accepted as the most common cause of adult myelopathy worldwide. Despite this, there is no specific term or diagnostic criteria in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision and no Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) or an equivalent in common literature databases. This makes searching the literature and thus conducting systematic reviews or meta-analyses imprecise and inefficient. Efficient research synthesis is integral to delivering evidence-based medicine and improving research efficiency.

Objective

This study aimed to illustrate the difficulties encountered when attempting to carry out a comprehensive and accurate evidence search in the field of DCM by identifying the key sources of imprecision and quantifying their impact.

Methods

To identify the key sources of imprecision and quantify their impact, an illustrative search strategy was developed using a validated DCM hedge combined with contemporary strategies used by authors in previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This strategy was applied to Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) databases looking for relevant DCM systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within the last 5 years.

Results

The MEDLINE via PubMed search strategy returned 24,166 results, refined to 534 papers after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 32.96% (176/534) results were about DCM, and 18.16% (97/534) of these were DCM systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Non-DCM results were organized into imprecision categories (spinal: 268/534, 50.2%; nonspinal: 84/534, 15.5%; and nonhuman: 8/534, 1.5%). The largest categories were spinal cord injury (75/534, 13.67%), spinal neoplasms (44/534, 8.24%), infectious diseases of the spine and central nervous system (18/534, 3.37%), and other spinal levels (ie, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral; 18/534, 3.37%). Counterintuitively, the use of human and adult PubMed filters was found to exclude a large number of relevant articles. Searching a second database (EMBASE) added an extra 12 DCM systematic reviews or meta-analyses.

Conclusions

DCM search strategies face significant imprecision, principally because of overlapping and heterogenous search terms, and inaccurate article indexing. Notably, commonly employed MEDLINE filters, human and adult, reduced search sensitivity, whereas the related articles function and the use of a second database (EMBASE) improved it. Development of a MeSH labeling and a standardized DCM definition would allow comprehensive and specific indexing of DCM literature. This is required to support a more efficient research synthesis.
Perioperative Tablet-Based Telemonitoring After Abdominal Wall Hernia Surgery: Pilot Prospective Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gräfitsch Alexander , Kirchhoff Philipp , Hoffmann Henry , Staerkle Ralph F , Soysal Savas D , Glauser Philippe M
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Hernia repairs account for millions of general surgical procedures performed each year worldwide, with a notable shift to outpatient settings over the last decades. As technical possibilities such as smartphones, tablets, and different kinds of probes are becoming more and more available, such systems have been evaluated for applications in various clinical settings. However, there have been few studies conducted in the surgical field, especially in general surgery.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the feasibility of a tablet-based follow up to monitor activity levels after repair of abdominal wall hernias and to evaluate a possible reduction of adverse events by their earlier recognition.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for elective surgical repair of minor abdominal wall hernias (eg, inguinal, umbilical, or trocar hernias) were equipped with a telemonitoring system, including a tablet, pulse oximeter, and actimeter, for a monitoring phase of 7 days before and 30 days after surgery. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We enrolled 16 patients with a mean overall age of 48.75 (SD 16.27) years. Preoperative activity levels were reached on postoperative day 12 with a median of 2242 (IQR 0-4578) steps after plunging on the day of surgery. The median proportion of available activity measurements over the entire study period of 38 days was 69% (IQR 56%-81%). We observed a gradual decrease in the proportion of available data for all parameters during the postoperative course. Six out of ten patients (60%) regained preoperative activity levels within 3 weeks after surgery. Overall, patients rated the usability of the system as relatively easy.

CONCLUSIONS

Tablet-based follow up is feasible after surgical repair of minor abdominal wall hernias, with good adherence rates during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Thus, such a system could be a useful tool to supplement or even replace traditional outpatient follow up in selected general surgical patients.