bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition metal-free synthesis of sterically hindered allylarenes from 5-hexene-2-one
Authors: Shaw Ranjay , Althagafi Ismail , Elagamy Amr , Rai Reeta , Shah Chandan , Nemaysh Vishal , Singh Harpreet , Pratap Ramendra
Published: July 2020

Sterically hindered allylarenes have been synthesized by ring transformation of 2-pyranones with 5-hexene-2-one.
Second harmonic generation responses of KH2PO4: importance of K and breaking down of Kleinman symmetry
Authors: Jia Minghao , Cheng Xiyue , Whangbo Myung-Hwan , Hong Maochun , Deng Shuiquan
Published: July 2020

The importance of K in the SHG responses and the breaking down of Kleinman symmetry were revealed in KDP.
Spiropyran-modified upconversion nanocomposite as a fluorescent sensor for diagnosis of histidinemia
Authors: Su Jian , Li Yiwei , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: July 2020

A novel sensor based on upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles was developed and used to diagnose histidinemia.
Friction and mechanical properties of amino-treated graphene-filled epoxy composites: modification conditions and filler content
Authors: Bao Tianjiao , Wang Zhiyong , Zhao Yan , Wang Yan , Yi Xiaosu
Published: July 2020

The enhancement in resistance to the propagation of cracks in epoxy composites by adding GO-0.5 results in excellent wear resistance.
Tumor microenvironment triggered biodegradation of inorganic nanoparticles for enhanced tumor theranostics
Authors: Yang Weitao , Yang Suhong , Jiang Liping , Zhou Yujuan , Yang Cuiling , Deng Cuijun
Published: July 2020

In this review, we summarize the recent advances in tumor microenvironment (TME)-triggered biodegradation of inorganic NPs accompanied by imaging signal amplification and the released ions-mediated tumor therapy.
Tensional homeostasis at different length scales
Authors: Stamenović Dimitrije , Smith Michael L.
Published: July 2020

Traction field temporal fluctuations of bovine aortic endothelial cells; each color corresponds to a single cell (left), and a representative traction field of a single cell (right) (adapted from ref. 18 with permission from Elsevier).
A self-rotating solar evaporator for continuous and efficient desalination of hypersaline brine
Authors: Xia Yun , Li Yang , Yuan Shi , Kang Yuan , Jian Meipeng , Hou Qinfu , Gao Li , Wang Huanting , Zhang Xiwang
Published: July 2020

A self-rotating solar evaporator is developed to overcome the challenge of salt accumulation during continuous solar desalination.
Fluorinated interfacial layers in perovskite solar cells: efficient enhancement of the fill factor
Authors: Wang Ru , Nakar Rana , Jiang Yue , Berton Nicolas , Wu Sujuan , Wang Qianming , Liu Jun-Ming , Zhou Guofu , Kempa Krzysztof , Schmaltz Bruno , Gao Jinwei
Published: July 2020

A series of novel fluorinated small molecules have been designed and used as interfacial materials to improve the contact between perovskite and spiro-OMeTAD, with an enhanced PCE enabling by a significant FF, up to ∼80%.
Two-stage metal ion sensing by through-space and through-bond charge transfer
Authors: Yin Guoxin , Wang Yu , Yuan Yuping , Li Ruxue , Chen Rui , Wang Hsing-Lin
Published: July 2020

A highly selective colorimetric and ratiometric “two-stage”/“off–on” type fluorescent probe with an ability to exclude other heavy and transition metal ions has been designed and synthesized for iron ion detection.
Efficient bipolar AIE emitters for high-performance nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Zhang Jiasen , Bai Yongqi , Wei Qiang , Cao Liang , Wang Tao , Ge Ziyi
Published: July 2020

Bipolar transmission AIE emitters with high EQEs.
Acoustic Model of Perceived Overall Severity of Dysphonia in Adductor-Type Laryngeal Dystonia
Authors: Buckley Daniel P. , Cadiz Manuel Diaz , Eadie Tanya L. , Stepp Cara E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study is a secondary analysis of existing data. The goal of the study was to construct an acoustic model of perceived overall severity of dysphonia in adductory laryngeal dystonia (AdLD). We predicted that acoustic measures (a) related to voice and pitch breaks and (b) related to vocal effort would form the primary elements of a model corresponding to auditory-perceptual ratings of overall severity of dysphonia.

Method

Twenty inexperienced listeners evaluated the overall severity of dysphonia of speech stimuli from 19 individuals with AdLD. Acoustic features related to primary signs of AdLD (hyperadduction resulting in pitch and voice breaks) and to a potential secondary symptom of AdLD (vocal effort, measures of relative fundamental frequency) were computed from the speech stimuli. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to construct an acoustic model of the overall severity of dysphonia.

Results

The acoustic model included an acoustic feature related to pitch and voice breaks and three acoustic measures derived from relative fundamental frequency; it explained 84.9% of the variance in the auditory-perceptual ratings of overall severity of dysphonia in the speech samples.

Conclusions

Auditory-perceptual ratings of overall severity of dysphonia in AdLD were related to acoustic features of primary signs (pitch and voice breaks, hyperadduction associated with laryngeal spasms) and were also related to acoustic features of vocal effort. This suggests that compensatory vocal effort may be a secondary symptom in AdLD. Future work to generalize this acoustic model to a larger, independent data set is necessary before clinical translation is warranted.
Diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder in Research Studies
Authors: Nitido Hallie , Plante Elena
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which researchers in the field of developmental language disorder are utilizing validated methods to diagnose their research participants.

Method

We examined 90 research articles published from 2015 to 2019 that included English-speaking participants from the United States who were identified as having a developmental language disorder or specific language impairment. From these articles, we identified the tests and measures used to identify participants and classify them as healthy or impaired. We then consulted the test manuals and the literature to find information on sensitivity and specificity of the test and the evidence-based cut score that maximized identification accuracy.

Results

Of the 90 articles examined, 38 (42%) were found to reflect validated diagnostic methods, and 51 (58%) did not.

Conclusion

Our results illustrate that validated methods are used less than half of the time even by those who should have a high level of expertise and despite calls for increasing scientific rigor in research practices.
The Importance of Speech-Language Pathologists' Explicit Knowledge of Morphology
Authors: Brimo Danielle , Henbest Victoria S.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with students with specific language impairment and specific learning disorder who are known to have deficits in morphological knowledge and morphological awareness. Thus, it is important that SLPs have explicit knowledge of morphology to classify, elicit, and correct morphological errors to improve these students' morphological knowledge and morphological awareness. The purposes of this clinical focus article are to summarize current evidence about SLPs and other educators' explicit knowledge of language, to identify information that supports explicit knowledge of morphology, and to illustrate the use of explicit knowledge of morphology with a hypothetical case study.

Method

A case-based demonstration of an SLP's use of his/her explicit knowledge of morphology to analyze a fourth-grade student's production of derivational morphemes in a spoken language sample and on a sentence completion task is presented.

Results and Conclusion

The SLP's morphological analyses and summarization of the analyses are presented.
First systematic high-precision survey of bright supernovae
Authors: Paraskeva E. , Bonanos A. Z. , Liakos A. , Spetsieri Z. T. , Maund J. R.
Published: July 2020

Rapid variability before and near the maximum brightness of supernovae has the potential to provide a better understanding of nearly every aspect of supernovae, from the physics of the explosion up to their progenitors and the circumstellar environment. Thanks to modern time-domain optical surveys, which are discovering supernovae in the early stage of their evolution, we have the unique opportunity to capture their intraday behavior before maximum. We present high-cadence photometric monitoring (on the order of seconds-minutes) of the optical light curves of three Type Ia and two Type II SNe over several nights before and near maximum light, using the fast imagers available on the 2.3 m Aristarchos telescope at Helmos Observatory and the 1.2 m telescope at Kryoneri Observatory in Greece. We applied differential aperture photometry techniques using optimal apertures and we present reconstructed light curves after implementing a seeing correction and the Trend Filtering Algorithm (TFA, Kovács et al. 2005, MNRAS, 356, 557). TFA yielded the best results, achieving a typical precision between 0.01 and 0.04 mag. We did not detect significant bumps with amplitudes greater than 0.05 mag in any of the SNe targets in the VR-, R-, and I-bands light curves obtained. We measured the intraday slope for each light curve, which ranges between −0.37−0.36 mag day−1 in broadband VR, −0.19−0.31 mag day−1 in R band, and −0.13−0.10 mag day−1 in I band. We used SNe light curve fitting templates for SN 2018gv, SN 2018hgc and SN 2018hhn to photometrically classify the light curves and to calculate the time of maximum. We provide values for the maximum of SN 2018zd after applying a low-order polynomial fit and SN 2018hhn for the first time. We conclude that optimal aperture photometry in combination with TFA provides the highest-precision light curves for SNe that are relatively well separated from the centers of their host galaxies. This work aims to inspire the use of ground-based, high-cadence and high-precision photometry to study SNe with the purpose of revealing clues and properties of the explosion environment of both core-collapse and Type Ia supernovae, the explosion mechanisms, binary star interaction and progenitor channels. We suggest monitoring early supernovae light curves in hotter (bluer) bands with a cadence of hours as a promising way of investigating the post-explosion photometric behavior of the progenitor stars.
Correlated energy uncertainties in reaction rate calculations
Authors: Longland Richard , de Séréville Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Context. Monte Carlo methods can be used to evaluate the uncertainty of a reaction rate that arises from many uncertain nuclear inputs. However, until now no attempt has been made to find the effect of correlated energy uncertainties in input resonance parameters.

Aims. Our goal is to investigate the impact of correlated resonance energy uncertainties on reaction rates.

Methods. Using a combination of numerical and Monte Carlo variation of resonance energies, the effect of correlations are investigated. Five reactions are considered: two fictional, illustrative cases and three reactions whose rates are of current interest.

Results. The effect of correlations in resonance energies depends on the specific reaction cross section and temperatures considered. When several resonances contribute equally to a reaction rate, and when they are located on either side of the Gamow peak, correlations between their energies dilute their effect on reaction rate uncertainties. If they are both located above or below the maximum of the Gamow peak, however, correlations between their resonance energies can increase the reaction rate uncertainties. This effect can be hard to predict for complex reactions with wide and narrow resonances contributing to the reaction rate.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Outcome of Eight Cases with Criss-Cross Heart – A Multicenter Case Series
Authors: Vorisek Carina Nina , Kurkevych Andrii , Kuhn Viktoria , Stessig Rüdiger , Ritgen Jochen , Degenhardt Jan , Enzensberger Christian , Wolter Aline , Götte Malena , Khalil Markus , Akintürk Hakan , Axt-Fliedner Roland
Published: July 2020

Objective Criss-cross heart (CCH) is a rare congenital cardiac defect defined by crossing of ventricular inflow streams contributing to less than 0.1 % of all congenital heart anomalies. Due to its rarity and complexity, prenatal diagnosis in these patients remains challenging. We sought to describe prenatal findings and postnatal course in eight cases of prenatally diagnosed CCH.

Methods This is a retrospective case series of prenatally diagnosed CCH in three centers between 2010–2017. We reviewed fetal echocardiograms as well as postnatal clinical charts and surgical reports.

Results 8 cases of CCH were included. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 27 weeks. 7 patients were found with situs solitus, one fetus with situs ambiguous. In all patients, the four-chamber view was abnormal. There was atrioventricular discordance in half of the patients, while all patients showed ventriculoarterial discordance. All patients were found with additional cardiac anomalies, including ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, right aortic arch, atrial septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Three patients underwent amniocentesis without pathological findings. All patients were born alive at a median gestational age of 38 + 2 weeks and survived our median follow-up of 181 days.

Conclusion CCH can be diagnosed prenatally by detailed fetal echocardiography when observing an abnormal four-chamber view with crossing of inflow streams into both ventricles and a lack of parallel orientation of the atrioventricular valve axis due to a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the ventricular mass along its axis. With the help of prenatal ultrasound, parental guidance and counselling as well as postnatal pediatric cardiac management can be warranted.
The Role of Lung Ultrasound as an Early Diagnostic Tool for Need of Surfactant Therapy in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Vardar Gonca , Karadag Nilgun , Karatekin Guner
Published: July 2020

Objective This study aimed to determine the accuracy of neonatal lung ultrasound (LUS) in predicting the need for surfactant therapy compared with chest X-ray (CXR) in preterm infants.

Study Design A prospective double-blind study was conducted in infants with a gestational age <34 weeks with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by evaluation with LUS and CXR on admission.

Results Among 45 preterm infants, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) LUS score was 4 (2–8) in the mild RDS group, whereas it was 10 (IQR: 9–12) in the severe RDS group (p < 0.01). The LUS score showed a significant correlation with the need for total surfactant doses (ρ = 0.855; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.801–0.902; p < 0.001). A cut-off LUS score of four predicted the need for surfactant with 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.97–1.00; p < 0.01). LUS scores predicted continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure accurately (AUC: 0.804; 95% CI: 0.673–0.935; p = 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between LUS scores and positive end-expiratory pressure levels (ρ = 0.782; p < 0.001). During the study period, the CXR number per infant with RDS decreased significantly when compared with preceding months (p < 0.001). The LUS score in the first day of life did not predict the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (AUC: 0.274; 95% CI: 0.053–0.495; p = 0.065).

Conclusion The LUS score in preterm infants accurately predicts the severity of RDS, the need for surfactant and CPAP failure. The routine use of LUS can decrease the frequency of CXRs in the neonatal intensive care units.

Key Points
Risk Factors for Brain Injury in Newborns Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Melbourne Launice , Wien Michael A. , Whitehead Matthew T. , Ridore Michelande , Wang Yunfei , Short Billie L. , Bulas Dorothy , Massaro An N.
Published: July 2020

Objective This study aimed to assess the association of clinical risk factors with severity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain injury in neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients.

Study Design This is a single-center retrospective study conducted at an outborn level IV neonatal intensive care unit in a free-standing academic children's hospital. Clinical and MRI data from neonates treated with ECMO between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. MRI injury was graded by two radiologists according to a modified scoring system that assesses parenchymal injury, extra-axial hemorrhage, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces. MRI severity was classified as none (score = 0), mild/moderate (score = 1–13.5), and severe (score ≥ 14). The relationship between selected risk factors and MRI severity was assessed by Chi-square, analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis tests where appropriate. Combinative predictive ability of significant risk factors was assessed by logistic regression analyses.

Results MRI data were assessed in 81 neonates treated with ECMO. Veno-arterial (VA) patients had more severe injury compared with veno-venous patients. There was a trend toward less severe injury over time. After controlling for covariates, duration of ECMO remained significantly associated with brain injury, and the risk for severe injury was significantly increased in patients on ECMO beyond 210 hours.

Conclusion Risk for brain injury is increased with VA ECMO and with longer duration of ECMO. Improvements in care may be leading to decreasing incidence of brain injury in neonatal ECMO patients.

Key Points
Bauaktivitäten Deutscher Kliniken: Leichter Anstieg
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: July 2020

Die Coronakrise beschert den deutschen Krankenhäusern unruhige Zeiten. Wie steht es mit den Bauaktivitäten im Gesundheitswesen? Der Münchner Informationsdienstleister Schwab Marketing registriert – nach einer leichten Stagnation vor einem Jahr – in seiner aktuellen Marktstudie für 2020 wieder mehr Baumaßnahmen.
Technische due Diligence: Klinikgebäude auf Herz und Nieren prüfen
Authors: Kucera Martin
Published: July 2020

Der Gebäudebestand in Deutschlands Kliniken wird immer älter. Wer über notwendige Sanierungs- und Umbaumaßnahmen entscheiden muss, steht durch medizinische Entwicklungen, bautechnische und strukturelle Anforderungen und zunehmenden Kostendruck vor großen Herausforderungen. Im Interview erklären die Experten Mathias Heiser und Lucas Pfeiffer, wie das Analyseinstrument Technische Due Diligence (TDD) Investoren und Bauherren bei diesen Entscheidungen maßgeblich unterstützt.
Placing a spin on cryptography and hardware authentication
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: July 2020

Using the random orientation of the magnetization of a ferromagnetic dot after the removal of a current pulse, researchers developed a method of generating a cryptographic key for hardware security using spin-orbit torque.
Residual polymer effect on shallow trench Bosch process stability
Authors: Lee Chan-Yun , Shen Andy
Published: July 2020

This paper offers a solution to address the unstable shallow trench Bosch process problem by altering several major contributing factors involved in chamber polymer deposition. This approach has been implemented to product lines and has proven to be very effective in resolving this long-standing problem. This method can be generalized to all Bosch process related applications in a manufacturing environment. Experimental results indicate that film patterns and pre-conditioning species generate residual polymers, which interact with the etching plasma to cause process drifts. During a sequence run, wafer-less cleaning can be used to reach a steady-state concentration of residual polymers. A qualitative description of the influential factors of the etch rate at various conditions is given in an empirical formula. A prototypical mechanism was set up to reveal possible complications. Typical process charts and statistics were also collected for analysis. Suggestions for further development and fab-line wafer sequence flow will be discussed in this paper.
Primary care initiatives focused on the secondary prevention and management of chronic pain: a scoping review of the Australian literature
Authors: Walker Pippy , De Morgan Simone , Sanders Duncan , Nicholas Michael , Blyth Fiona M.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this scoping review was to identify initiatives focused on the secondary prevention and management of chronic pain in Australian primary care to understand options available to Primary Health Networks and to identify evidence gaps. The Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Cochrane databases, as well as relevant websites, were searched for eligible records published from 2007 to 2018. Initiative characteristics and outcomes evaluated were extracted and synthesised. In all, 84 initiatives from 167 published and grey literature records were identified, including: (1) consumer initiatives that aimed to improve access to multidisciplinary care, health literacy and care navigation (n=56); (2) health professional capacity building initiatives that aimed to ensure health professionals are skilled and provide best-practice evidence-based care (n=21); and (3) quality improvement and health system support initiatives (n=7). Evidence gaps were found relating to initiatives addressing the secondary prevention of chronic pain, those targeting vulnerable and regional populations, health professional capacity building initiatives for all primary health care providers and quality improvement and system support initiatives. Addressing evidence gaps related to effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and implementation should be the focus for future chronic pain initiatives in primary care settings.
Learning from COVID-19 to improve access to physiotherapy
Authors: Stanhope Jessica , Weinstein Philip
Published: July 2020

Funding for telehealth should continue post-COVID-19 and should include provision for tele-physiotherapy. There are several instances where tele-physiotherapy may be an appropriate form of primary care, including the early management of acute pain, which may otherwise become chronic. By extending the availability of tele-physiotherapy beyond 30 September 2020, we can improve the health of the population generally and, in particular, better serve remote or otherwise isolated people.
i-SATA: A MATLAB based toolbox to estimate current density generated by transcranial direct current stimulation in an individual brain
Authors: Kashyap Rajan , Bhattacharjee Sagarika , Arumugam Ramaswamy , Oishi Kenichi , Desmond John E , Chen SH Annabel
Published: July 2020

Objective. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a technique where a weak current is passed through the electrodes placed on the scalp. The distribution of the electric current induced in the brain due to tDCS is provided by simulation toolbox like Realistic volumetric Approach based Simulator for Transcranial electric stimulation (ROAST). However, the procedure to estimate the total current density induced at the target and the intermediary region of the cortex is complex. The Systematic-Approach-for-tDCS-Analysis (SATA) was developed to overcome this problem. However, SATA is limited to standardized (MNI152) headspace only. Here we develop individual-SATA (i-SATA) to extend it to individual head. Approach. T1-weighted images of 15 subjects were taken from two Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners of different strengths. Across the subjects, the montages were simulated in ROAST. i-SATA converts the ROAST output to Talairach space. The x, y and z coordinates of the anterior commissure (AC), posterior commissure (PC), and Mid-Sagittal (MS) points are necessary for the conversion. AC and PC are detected using the acpcdetect toolbox. We developed a method to determine the MS in the image and cross-verified its location manually using BrainSight®. Main results. Determination of points with i-SATA is fast and accurate. The i-SATA provided estimates of the current-density induced across an individual’s cortical lobes and gyri as tested on images from two different scanners. Significance. Researchers can use i-SATA for customizing tDCS-montages. With i-SATA it is also easier to compute the inter-individual variation in current-density across the target and intermediary regions of the brain. The software is publicly available.
Residual composite materials with applications in the industry of the construction
Authors: Yenny Ávila-Torres , Brandon Suarez , Carolina Caicedo
Published: July 2020

Ecological awareness as an ethical obligation is conceived. A product, a prototype or a process must culminate efficiently when incorporated into a production chain; its life cycle will depend, therefore; of its use, reuse and recycling. This project presents an industrial vision in conjunction with agriculture. For this, a general problem of interaction between products (agribusiness chain of the banana plant and reuse of conventional polymeric waste) that work within the same context has been addressed. Colombia has climatic conditions that weigh this country as one of the major producers in the banana zone. Today Colombia is recognized for its quality and for its exports, which reach a figure of 1,578,112 Tons of Banana as of December 31, 2017, and amount to 86.99 million boxes of approximately 18.14 Kg. Once the fruit is harvested, it is packed and exported; at the end of this process, the leaves and stems of the plant become waste. This residue called pseudostem has a mass percentage of about 51% with respect to the total plant. In economic terms, 1,667,000 metric tons per year correspond to this waste, an important economic factor in regions where bananas are high, as is the case in Risaralda. In response to this situation, we find that the banana pseudostem is a low-cost fiber, which increases its mechanical strength when mixed with medium density polymers. These characteristics allow mixing cellulosic residues with residual polymers such as polypropylene, the incorporation of load and reinforcement elements in thermoplastics has been a common practice in the plastics industry whose purpose is the reduction of production costs of molded products, and the improvement of thermo-mechanical properties of polymers. In this context, new materials are proposed based on the mixture of polypropylene and fiber with percentages of 10%, 20% and 30%. For these materials, the process variables were evaluated based on obtaining the pellets by extrusion and finally the samples to which the mechanical properties were estimated. On the other hand, the 3D design of the potential application in roof tiles for construction is reported and it is concluded that at 20 % fiber the degradation. There is a good consistency of pellets, but there is a drastic detriment of traction.
Pressure-Induced Layered Structure in BaWO4
Authors: Mesa Luis , Paez Carlos J. , Garcia-Castro A. C.
Published: July 2020

We have theoretically investigated the structural stability of the predicted polar phase on the layered Tungsten-based oxide BaWO4at high pressure. Although the energy vs. volume curves report a non-centrosymetric Cmc21phase in BaWO4oxide under pressure, we found that such a phase is dynamically unstable when the phonon-dispersions are considered. Additionally, we have observed that the polar eigendisplacements, related to WO6octahedral rotations, are destroyed once the internal coordinates are allowed to fully relax. Thus, the symmetry of the crystalline material is transformed into a Cmcm phase, where we found a dynamically stable layered structure.
The Medical Facilities Selection Based on Location-Based Services Application Using SAW and TOPSIS Algorithm
Authors: Rohman M Z , Irwansyah  , Sari W E
Published: July 2020

Emergencies are occurring in any situation. The best decision is needed in an emergency situation, such as accidents, heart attacks, and parturition. Google Maps only presents information about the closest distance and time based on Google’s algorithm, without considering the best option of medical facilities based on condition in real situation. Furthermore, in this study, the decision support systems, Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), was built then combined with Google Maps API. The Haversine formula was used to get the value of radius, travel distance, and time. The system was compared to other decision support system algorithm, TOPSIS, to understand the suitable method of this system. The scopes of Medical services in this study are hospital, clinic, and PUSKESMAS. Based on experiment that is conducted on 30 data, SAW yields an accuracy of 80, while TOPSIS is 90%. While working on 10 experiments from different user coordinate points, SAW produced 70% accuracy and TOPSIS 80% compared to human experience.
TOPSIS Method for Decision Support Systems in Determining the Interests of Medical Student
Authors: Riswanto E , Melany D R , Wiratama B S , Syafrianto
Published: July 2020

Learning modules selected at Medical Education Study Program of Gadjah Mada University is not accordance with the student’s interests and abilities. Some modules does not give a detailed information. Student tend to choose the recommended modules with highly subjective consideration, following recommendation from classmates or senior. This study uses the TOPSIS method. it is used in decision support systems. The system developed is not a decision making tool, but a system that helps decision makers with information from data that has been processed. Results of implementing decision support system using TOPSIS method are module chosen according to student’s interest. Through interest test, the student completes the questions that are available in each module block. Student not need to read the entire module overview. Decision support system display an appropriate module overview through ranking result from the prediction analysis of student interest and abilities.
Automatic Question Generator System Conceptual Model for Mathematic and Geometry Parallel Question Replication
Authors: Prasetyanto A A B , Adji T B , Hidayah I
Published: July 2020

Weaknesses in the paper assessment process have been able to overcome using the Computer Assisted Assessment (CAA) objective question. The weakness that can be overcome is the reduction in time for correction and the process of handling thousands of participants simultaneously. However, the process of preparing objective questions is still constrained by providing parallel questions. Parallel questions are made so that each examinee gets a different question but has the same level of difficulty. Making parallel questions manually requires expensive costs and the consistency of the difficulty level must be the same. Some researchers propose an Automatic Question Generation (AQG) system to overcome these problems. In this study an AQG system will be developed to make parallel questions for the material tested at each school level. The process of previous generating questions that can only detect text and numeric variables, will be developed so that they can detect image variables and can detect geometry types based on numerical variables. The system is expected to work like humans who can make questions when given a text, numeric, image, or mathematical notation. By combining the Stem, Multi Part Parser Algorithm and the Custom Media Type Parser Algorithm in the Python-Django framework, the system can provide question recommendations according to mathematical geometry-based input. The process of generating items in this study will use the concept of manipulation of keywords represented by variables. This variable stores values in the form of text, numeric, and image. The ability to manipulate text, numerics, and images is applied to the developed AQG system so that it can be used to generate questions on the material to be tested. AQG is expected to be able to detect text, numeric, notation, and image input and produce output in the form of geometry-based mathematical problems according to text, numeric, notation, and image input with a better level of accuracy.
Interference Mitigation using Adaptive Beamforming with RLS Algorithm for Coexistence between 5G and Fixed Satellite Services in C-Band
Authors: Muhammad C B , Anwar K
Published: July 2020

Smart antenna system is one of the most suitable techniques making the sharing between incumbent Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) and the Fifth Telecommunication Generation (5G) possible, because adaptive beamforming can make null the beam towards the FSS earth station. This paper proposes the use of Recursive Least Square (RLS) algorithm for adaptive beamforming in 5G Base Station (BS) having a null beam toward FSS earth station. We perform a computer simulation to evaluate the proposed RLS algorithm and compare the result in terms of separation distance between FSS earth station and 5G BS with and without RLS algorithm. The results confirmed that the RLS algorithm for adaptive beamforming makes the coexistence between 5G and FSS possible indicated by the significant reduction of separation distance between FSS earth station and 5G BS leading to the minimum interference of 5G BS to the FSS earth station.
System Identification of Two-Wheeled Robot Dynamics Using Neural Networks
Authors: Uddin N
Published: July 2020

A system identification of two-wheeled robot (TWR) moving on planar space is presented by applying using neural networks. The system identification is to model the TWR dynamics which is a nonlinear system. The model is applied for estimating the TWR posture during the movements. Neural networks applied in the system identification is multi later perceptron. The neural networks consists of three layers with eight neurons at the first layer, five neurons at the second layer, and three neurons at the third layers. The neural networks is trained to model the TWR dynamics based on a set of input and output data. The system identification is demonstrated through computer simulations. The results show that the system identification using neural networks is able to model the TWR dynamics. The neural networks with learning rate 0.005 is able to estimate the TWR posture with convergence time 0.5 seconds.
Naïve Bayes Method to Determine Learning Specialization for New Students
Authors: Wahyu M , Munaji A A , Halim R A , Santoso A J
Published: July 2020

In life, a person is often confronted with several choices and is required to be able to choose from those choices. One example is the selection of Major’s specialization. There are several campuses or universities in Indonesia that require students to choose the type of specialization or concentration before starting their first lecture, such as the Postgraduate Program at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta. Naive Bayes method is one of the probability methods used to predict the likelihood that will occur in the future by using previous data. The purpose of this study is to use the Naive Bayes method to make a recommendation based on the attributes that have been determined. The method used in this research is: data collection using qualitative methods and distributing questionnaires to parties related to this research. As for the points of the questions in the questionnaire are (1) the previous department, (2) the final score of the cumulative achievement index, (3) interest in the field, (4) individual ability, (5) certain subject values, (6) concentration chosen, and (7) the level of suitability of concentration selection. This study uses a sample data of 25 Postgraduate students of Magister Teknik Informatika at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta. The results of this study are a recommendation for the selection of majors at the Postgraduate Department of Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta.
Time-Dependent Apparent Increase in dd-cfDNA Percentage in Clinically Stable Patients Between One and Five Years Following Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Schütz Ekkehard , Asendorf Thomas , Beck Julia , Schauerte Verena , Mettenmeyer Nina , Shipkova Maria , Wieland Eberhard , Kabakchiev Mariana , Walson Philip D , Schwenger Vedat , Oellerich Michael
Published: July 2020

Background

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is reportedly a valuable tool for graft surveillance following kidney transplantation (KTx). Possible changes in dd-cfDNA(%) reference values over time have not been evaluated. For long-term monitoring after KTx, changes in host cfDNA might represent a biasing factor in dd-cfDNA(%) determinations.

Methods

Plasma samples were obtained (n = 929) 12–60 months after engraftment in a cross-sectional cohort of 303 clinically stable KTx recipients. Total cfDNA(copies/mL), dd-cfDNA(%), and dd-cfDNA(copies/mL) were determined using droplet-digital PCR. Stability of threshold values in these stable KTx recipients over time was assessed by 80th, 85th, and 90th quantile regression.

Results

Upper percentiles of total cfDNA showed a significant decline of −1902, −3589, and −4753 cp/mL/log(month) (P = 0.014, <0.001, and 0.017, respectively), resulting in increasing dd-cfDNA(%) percentiles by 0.25, 0.46, and 0.72%/log(month) (P = 0.04, 0.001, and 0.002, respectively), with doubling of the 85th percentile value by 5 years. In contrast, dd-cfDNA(cp/mL) was stable during the observation period (P = 0.52, 0.29, and 0.39). In parallel increasing white blood cell counts and decreasing tacrolimus concentrations over time were observed. After 5 years, the median total cfDNA was still 1.6-fold (P < 0.001) higher in KTx recipients than in healthy controls (n = 135) and 1.4-fold (P < 0.001) higher than patients with other medical conditions (n = 364).

Conclusions

The time-dependent decrease of host cfDNA resulted in an apparent increase of dd-cfDNA fraction in stable KTx patients. For long-term surveillance, measurement of absolute dd-cfDNA concentrations appears to be superior to percentages to minimize false positive results.
Economic Evaluation of Sedative Deprescribing in Older Adults by Community Pharmacists
Authors: Turner Justin P , Sanyal Chiranjeev , Martin Philippe , Tannenbaum Cara
Published: July 2020

Background

Sedative use in older adults increases the risk of falls, fractures, and hospitalizations. The D-PRESCRIBE (Developing Pharmacist-Led Research to Educate and Sensitize Community Residents to the Inappropriate Prescriptions Burden in the Elderly), pragmatic randomized clinical trial demonstrated that community-based, pharmacist-led education delivered simultaneously to older adults and their primary care providers reduce the use of sedatives by 43% over 6 months. However, the associated health benefits and cost savings have yet to be described. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the D-PRESCRIBE intervention compared to usual care for reducing the use of potentially inappropriate sedatives among older adults.

Methods

A cost-utility analysis from the public health care perspective of Canada estimated the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with the D-PRESCRIBE intervention compared to usual care over a 1-year time horizon. Transition probabilities, intervention effectiveness, utility, and costs were derived from the literature. Probabilistic analyses were performed using a decision tree and Markov model to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.

Results

Compared to usual care, pharmacist-led deprescribing is less costly (−$1392.05 CAD) and more effective (0.0769 QALYs). Using common willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of $50 000 and $100 000, D-PRESCRIBE was the optimal strategy. Scenario analysis indicated the cost-effectiveness of D-PRESCRIBE is sensitive to the rate of deprescribing.

Conclusions

Community pharmacist-led deprescribing of sedatives is cost-effective, leading to greater quality-of-life and harm reduction among older adults. As the pharmacist’s scope of practice expands, consideration should be given to interprofessional models of remuneration for quality prescribing and deprescribing services.
Acute Kidney Injury Is Associated With In-hospital Mortality in Older Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Yan Qi , Zuo Peiyuan , Cheng Ling , Li Yuanyuan , Song Kaixin , Chen Yuting , Dai Yue , Yang Yi , Zhou Lun , Yu Weiwei , Li Yongsheng , Xie Min , Zhang Cuntai , Gao Hongyu
Published: July 2020

Background

The epidemic of COVID-19 presents a special threat to older adults. However, information on kidney damage in older patients with COVID-19 is limited. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized adults and associated with poor prognosis. We sought to explore the association between AKI and mortality in older patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study in a large tertiary care university hospital in Wuhan, China. All consecutive inpatients older than 65 years with COVID-19 were enrolled in this cohort. Demographic data, laboratory values, comorbidities, treatments, and clinical outcomes were all collected. Data were compared between patients with AKI and without AKI. The association between AKI and mortality was analyzed.

Results

Of 1764 in-hospital patients, 882 older adult cases were included in this cohort. The median age was 71 years (interquartile range: 68–77), 440 (49.9%) were men. The most presented comorbidity was cardiovascular diseases (58.2%), followed by diabetes (31.4%). Of 882 older patients, 115 (13%) developed AKI and 128 (14.5%) died. Patients with AKI had higher mortality than those without AKI (68 [59.1%] vs 60 [7.8%]; p < .001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that increasing odds of in-hospital mortality are associated with higher interleukin-6 on admission, myocardial injury, and AKI.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury is not an uncommon complication in older patients with COVID-19 but is associated with a high risk of death. Physicians should be aware of the risk of AKI in older patients with COVID-19.
Frequency and hydrogen bonding of nucleobase homopairs in small molecule crystals
Authors: Cabaj Małgorzata Katarzyna , Dominiak Paulina Maria
Published: July 2020

We used the high resolution and accuracy of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) to provide detailed information regarding base pairing interactions of selected nucleobases. We searched for base pairs in which nucleobases interact with each other through two or more hydrogen bonds and form more or less planar structures. The investigated compounds were either free forms or derivatives of adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, thymine, uracil and cytosine. We divided our findings into categories including types of pairs, protonation patterns and whether they are formed by free bases or substituted ones. We found base pair types that are exclusive to small molecule crystal structures, some that can be found only in RNA containing crystal structures and many that are native to both environments. With a few exceptions, nucleobase protonation generally followed a standard pattern governed by pKa values. The lengths of hydrogen bonds did not depend on whether the nucleobases forming a base pair were charged or not. The reasons why particular nucleobases formed base pairs in a certain way varied significantly.
How to Poll Runoff Elections
Authors: Selb Peter , Göbel Sascha , Lachat Romain
Published: July 2020

We present a polling strategy to predict and analyze runoff elections using the 2017 French presidential race as an empirical case. This strategy employs rejective probability sampling to identify a small sample of polling stations that is balanced with respect to past election results. We then survey the voters’ candidate evaluations in first-round exit polls. We poststratify the voter sample to first-round election returns to account for nonresponse and coverage issues, and impute missing candidate evaluations to emulate campaign learning. Next, the votes for eliminated competitors are redistributed according to their supporters’ lower-order preferences. Finally, the predictions are validated against official results and other polls. We end with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of this approach.
Impact of COVID-19 outbreak by income: hitting hardest the most deprived
Authors: Baena-Díez Jose Miguel , Barroso María , Cordeiro-Coelho Sara Isabel , Díaz Jorge L , Grau María
Published: July 2020

Background

The impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has many facets. This ecological study analysed age-standardized incidence rates by economic level in Barcelona.

Methods

We evaluated confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barcelona (Spain) between 26 February 2020 and 19 April 2020. Districts were classified according to most recent (2017) mean income data. The reference for estimating age-standardized cumulative incidence rates was the 2018 European population. The association between incidence rate and mean income by district was estimated with the Spearman rho.

Results

The lower the mean income, the higher the COVID-19 incidence (Spearman rho = 0.83; P value = 0.003). Districts with the lowest mean income had the highest incidence of COVID-19 per 10 000 inhabitants; in contrast, those with the highest income had the lowest incidence. Specifically, the district with the lowest income had 2.5 times greater incidence of the disease, compared with the highest-income district [70 (95% confidence interval 66–73) versus 28 (25–31), respectively].

Conclusions

The incidence of COVID-19 showed an inverse socioeconomic gradient by mean income in the 10 districts of the city of Barcelona. Beyond healthcare for people with the disease, attention must focus on a health strategy for the whole population, particularly in the most deprived areas.
Bayesian Tip-Dated Phylogenetics in Paleontology: Topological Effects and Stratigraphic Fit
Authors: King Benedict
Published: July 2020

The incorporation of stratigraphic data into phylogenetic analysis has a long history of debate but is not currently standard practice for paleontologists. Bayesian tip-dated (or morphological clock) phylogenetic methods have returned these arguments to the spotlight, but how tip dating affects the recovery of evolutionary relationships has yet to be fully explored. Here I show, through analysis of several data sets with multiple phylogenetic methods, that topologies produced by tip dating are outliers as compared to topologies produced by parsimony and undated Bayesian methods, which retrieve broadly similar trees. Unsurprisingly, trees recovered by tip dating have better fit to stratigraphy than trees recovered by other methods under both the Gap Excess Ratio (GER) and the Stratigraphic Completeness Index (SCI). This is because trees with better stratigraphic fit are assigned a higher likelihood by the fossilized birth-death tree model. However, the degree to which the tree model favors tree topologies with high stratigraphic fit metrics is modulated by the diversification dynamics of the group under investigation. In particular, when net diversification rate is low, the tree model favors trees with a higher GER compared to when net diversification rate is high. Differences in stratigraphic fit and tree topology between tip dating and other methods are concentrated in parts of the tree with weaker character signal, as shown by successive deletion of the most incomplete taxa from two data sets. These results show that tip dating incorporates stratigraphic data in an intuitive way, with good stratigraphic fit an expectation that can be overturned by strong evidence from character data. [fossilized birth-death; fossils; missing data; morphological clock; morphology; parsimony; phylogenetics.]