bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human rights, micro-solidarity and moral action: ‘Face-to-face’ encounters in the Israeli/Palestinian context
Authors: David Lea
Published: September 2019

While there is extensive literature on both the expansion of human rights and solidarity movements, and on micro-solidarity and violent actions, here I ask what is the relationship between human rights, micro-solidarity and social action? Based on a case study of structured, face-to-face dialogue group encounters in the Israeli/Palestinian context, I draw on Randall Collins’s interaction ritual chain theory to demonstrate why emotional energy and the ritualization of historical narratives have very limited potential to translate into human rights-based moral actions. Instead, I suggest, these encounters produce micro-solidarity that ascribes additional weight to ethnic categories, serving to polarize and homogenize groups along ethnic lines.
Criminal Justice Students’ Perceptions and Awareness of Racism and Discrimination
Authors: Jackson Robin D. , Henderson Howard
Published: September 2019

The recent focus on the controversial deaths of minorities at the hands of police officers has led to increased attention on racial bias among the law enforcement community. However, this focus does not extend to criminal justice students. Instead, research examining undergraduates’ racial attitudes focuses on the general student body. In addition to reviewing literature related to criminal justice students’ attitudes toward a variety of criminal justice and social issues, the current study used multiple regression analyses to examine racial and gender differences in a Southwestern University’s criminal justice students’ perceptions of and sensitivity to racism. Findings from the study indicate that male criminal justice students in the sample and White criminal justice students are more likely to have lower perceptions of racism than their female and non-White counterparts, respectively. Additionally, findings for criminal justice students’ sensitivity to racism suggest that White male criminal justice students’ sensitivity to racism only statistically significantly differs from non-White females with White males more likely to be less sensitive than non-White females. Furthermore, the current research provides a benchmark for research related to criminal justice students’ perceptions of racism and discriminatory practices and their attitudes toward minorities. Results, study implications, recommendations, and future research are discussed.
Sacred Alters: The Effects of Ego Network Structure on Religious and Political Beliefs
Authors: Facciani Matthew , Brashears Matthew E.
Published: September 2019

Does who we know impact how strongly we believe? The claim seems reasonable, but research linking social network composition to political beliefs has produced conflicting results. We argue that methodological differences in measuring close ties can explain these inconsistencies and that work on the sacred umbrella provides a useful framework for moving forward. The sacred umbrella argues that when people close to you share your religious beliefs, you are shielded from doubt and uncertainty; perhaps the same mechanism also operates for political views. Using General Social Survey data, we find that religious or political discussion network heterogeneity predicts the strength of beliefs associated with one’s religion or political party, respectively. A religiously or politically homogenous network appears to strengthen certain values associated with the belief system.
Structural characterization of self-assembled chain like Fe-FeOx Core shell nanostructure
Authors: Mukhtar Aiman , Cao Xiao-Ming , Mehmood Tahir , Wang Da-shuang , Wu Kai-ming
Published: September 2019

One of the big challenge of studying the core-shell iron nanostructures is to know the nature of oxide shell, i.e., whether it is γ-Fe2O3 (Maghemite), Fe3O4 (Magnetite), α-Fe2O3 (Hematite), or FeO (Wustite). By knowing the nature of iron oxide shell with zero valent iron core, one can determine the chemical or physical behavior of core-shell nanostructures. Fe core-shell nanochains (NCs) were prepared through the reduction of Fe3+ ions by sodium boro-hydride in aqueous solution at room atmosphere, and Fe NCs were further aged in water up to 240 min. XRD was used to study the structure of Fe NCs. Further analysis of core-shell nature of Fe NCs was done by TEM, results showed increase in thickness of oxide shell (from 2.5, 4, 6 to 10 nm) as water aging time increases (from 0 min, 120 min, 240 min to 360 min). The Raman spectroscopy was employed to study the oxide nature of Fe NCs. To further confirm the magnetite phase in Fe NCs, the Mössbauer spectroscopy was done on Fe NCs-0 and Fe NCs-6. Result shows the presence of magnetite in the sample before aging in water, and the sample after prolonged aging contains pure Hematite phase. It shows that prolonged water oxidation transforms the structure of shell of Fe NCs from mixture of Hematite and Magnetite in to pure hematite shell. The Magnetic properties of the Fe NCs were measured by VSM at 320 K. Because of high saturation magnetization (Ms) values, Fe NCs could be used as r2 contrasts agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in near future.
nanite: using machine learning to assess the quality of atomic force microscopy-enabled nano-indentation data
Authors: Müller Paul , Abuhattum Shada , Möllmert Stephanie , Ulbricht Elke , Taubenberger Anna V. , Guck Jochen
Published: September 2019

Background

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allows the mechanical characterization of single cells and live tissue by quantifying force-distance (FD) data in nano-indentation experiments. One of the main problems when dealing with biological tissue is the fact that the measured FD curves can be disturbed. These disturbances are caused, for instance, by passive cell movement, adhesive forces between the AFM probe and the cell, or insufficient attachment of the tissue to the supporting cover slide. In practice, the resulting artifacts are easily spotted by an experimenter who then manually sorts out curves before proceeding with data evaluation. However, this manual sorting step becomes increasingly cumbersome for studies that involve numerous measurements or for quantitative imaging based on FD maps.

Results

We introduce the Python packagenanite, which automates all basic aspects of FD data analysis, including data import, tip-sample separation, base line correction, contact point retrieval, and model fitting. In addition,naniteenables the automation of the sorting step using supervised learning. This learning approach relates subjective ratings to predefined features extracted from FD curves. For ratings ranging from 0 to 10, our approach achieves a mean squared error below 1.0 rating points and a classification accuracy between good and poor curves that is above 87%. We showcase our approach by quantifying Young’s moduli of the zebrafish spinal cord at different classification thresholds and by introducing data quality as a new dimension for quantitative AFM image analysis.

Conclusion

The addition of quality-based sorting using supervised learning enables a fully automated and reproducible FD data analysis pipeline for biological samples in AFM.
HPAanalyze: an R package that facilitates the retrieval and analysis of the Human Protein Atlas data
Authors: Tran Anh Nhat , Dussaq Alex M. , Kennell Timothy , Willey Christopher D. , Hjelmeland Anita B.
Published: September 2019

Background

The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) aims to map human proteins via multiple technologies including imaging, proteomics and transcriptomics. Access of the HPA data is mainly via web-based interface allowing views of individual proteins, which may not be optimal for data analysis of a gene set, or automatic retrieval of original images.

Results

HPAanalyze is an R package for retrieving and performing exploratory analysis of data from HPA. HPAanalyze provides functionality for importing data tables and xml files from HPA, exporting and visualizing data, as well as downloading all staining images of interest. The package is free, open source, and available via Bioconductor and GitHub. We provide examples of the use of HPAanalyze to investigate proteins altered in the deadly brain tumor glioblastoma. For example, we confirm Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor elevation and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog loss and suggest the importance of the GTP Cyclohydrolase I/Tetrahydrobiopterin pathway. Additionally, we provide an interactive website for non-programmers to explore and visualize data without the use of R.

Conclusions

HPAanalyze integrates into the R workflow with the tidyverse framework, and it can be used in combination with Bioconductor packages for easy analysis of HPA data.
GhFAD2–3 is required for anther development in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Liu Feng , Ma Lihong , Wang Youwu , Li Yanjun , Zhang Xinyu , Xue Fei , Nie Xinhui , Zhu Qianhao , Sun Jie
Published: September 2019

Background

In higher plants, the FAD2 gene encodes the microsomal oleate Δ12-desaturase, one of the key enzymes essential for the biosynthesis of the polyunsaturated lipids that serve many important functions in plant development and stress responses. FAD2 catalyzes the first step, in the biosynthesis of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in the cell membrane and cell wall, and it is thus of great importance to investigate the regulatory role of FAD2 in anther development.

Results

We reported the molecular characterization of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) GhFAD2 gene family and the essential role of GhFAD2–3 in cotton anther development. G. hirsutum contains four pairs of homoeologous FAD2 genes (GhFAD2–1 to GhFAD2–4). GhFAD2–3 is ubiquitously and relatively highly expressed in all analyzed tissues, particularly in anthers. Specific inhibition of GhFAD2–3 using the RNA interference approach resulted in male sterility due to impaired anther development at the stages from meiosis to maturation. The cellular phenotypic abnormality observed at the meiosis stage of the GhFAD2–3 silenced plant (fad2–3) coincides with the significant reduction of C18:2 in anthers at the same stage. Compared with that of the wild type (WT), the content of C18:1 was 41.48%, which increased by 5 fold in the fad2–3 anther at the pollen maturation stage. Moreover, the ratio of monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid was 5.43 in fad2–3 anther, which was much higher than that of the WT (only 0.39). Through compositional analysis of anthers cuticle and transcriptome data, we demonstrated it was unfavorable to the development of anther by regulating GhFAD2–3 expression level to increase the oleic acid content.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrated the importance of C18:2 and/or C18:3 in the development of the pollen exine and anther cuticle in cotton and provided clue for further investigation of the physiological significance of the fatty acid composition for plant growth and development.
Autonomic nervous system response to remote ischemic conditioning: heart rate variability assessment
Authors: Noronha Osório Daniel , Viana-Soares Ricardo , Marto João Pedro , Mendonça Marcelo D. , Silva Hugo P. , Quaresma Cláudia , Viana-Baptista Miguel , Gamboa Hugo , Vieira Helena L. A.
Published: September 2019

Background

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a procedure applied in a limb for triggering endogenous protective pathways in distant organs, namely brain or heart. The underlying mechanisms of RIC are still not fully understood, and it is hypothesized they are mediated either by humoral factors, immune cells and/or the autonomic nervous system. Herein, heart rate variability (HRV) was used to evaluate the electrophysiological processes occurring in the heart during RIC and, in turn to assess the role of autonomic nervous system.

Methods

Healthy subjects were submitted to RIC protocol and electrocardiography (ECG) was used to evaluate HRV, by assessing the variability of time intervals between two consecutive heart beats. This is a pilot study based on the analysis of 18 ECG from healthy subjects submitted to RIC. HRV was characterized in three domains (time, frequency and non-linear features) that can be correlated with the autonomic nervous system function.

Results

RIC procedure increased significantly the non-linear parameter SD2, which is associated with long term HRV. This effect was observed in all subjects and in the senior (> 60 years-old) subset analysis. SD2 increase suggests an activation of both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system, namely via fast vagal response (parasympathetic) and the slow sympathetic response to the baroreceptors stimulation.

Conclusions

RIC procedure modulates both parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, this modulation is more pronounced in the senior subset of subjects. Therefore, the autonomic nervous system regulation could be one of the mechanisms for RIC therapeutic effectiveness.
Determinants of trends in neonatal, post-neonatal, infant, child and under-five mortalities in Tanzania from 2004 to 2016
Authors: Ogbo Felix Akpojene , Ezeh Osita Kingsley , Awosemo Akorede O. , Ifegwu Ifegwu K. , Tan Lawrence , Jessa Emmanuel , Charwe Deborah , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: September 2019

Background

Under-five mortality is still a major health issue in many developing countries like Tanzania. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending preventable child deaths in Tanzania, a detailed understanding of the risk factors for under-five deaths is essential to guide targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate trends and determinants of neonatal, post-neonatal, infant, child and under-five mortalities in Tanzania from 2004 to 2016.

Methods

The study used combined data from the 2004–2005, 2010 and 2015–2016 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys, with a sample of 25,951 singletons live births and 1585 under-five deaths. We calculated age-specific mortality rates, followed by an assessment of trends and determinants (community, socioeconomic, individual and health service) of neonatal, postneonatal, infant, child and under-five mortalities in Cox regression models. The models adjusted for potential confounders, clustering and sampling weights.

Results

Between 2004 and 2016, we found that neonatal mortality rate remained unchanged, while postneonatal mortality and child mortality rates have halved in Tanzania. Infant mortality and under-five mortality rates have also declined. Mothers who gave births through caesarean section, younger mothers (< 20 years), mothers who perceived their babies to be small or very small and those with fourth or higher birth rank and a short preceding birth interval (≤2 years) reported higher risk of neonatal, postneonatal and infant mortalities.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that there was increased survival of children under-5 years in Tanzania driven by significant improvements in postneonatal, infant and child survival rates. However, there remains unfinished work in ending preventable child deaths in Tanzania.
Effective implementation of primary school-based healthy lifestyle programmes: a qualitative study of views of school staff
Authors: Day Rhiannon Eleanor , Sahota Pinki , Christian Meaghan Sarah
Published: September 2019

Background

Primary schools are valuable settings to implement healthy lifestyle (healthy eating and physical activity) interventions, aimed at targeting childhood obesity. This study explored school staff perceptions of factors that hinder and enable successful implementation and sustainability of healthy lifestyle interventions in primary schools. Qualitative data was pooled and analysed from two evaluations carried out in primary schools in North England: a feasibility study of a nutrition and physical activity educational programme (PhunkyFoods Feasibility Study), and an evaluation of a healthy eating programme (The Food Dudes Evaluation).

Methods

Sixty-five qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with head teachers, teachers, catering managers, designated school-based programme coordinators and programme staff supporting schools with programme delivery, at 14 schools involved in both evaluations. Thematic analysis was undertaken and emergent themes categorised using a framework for successful implementation by Durlak and Dupre (2008).

Results

Overall, all schools were delivering a range of healthy lifestyle programmes, often with overlapping content. Perceived challenges to implementation of individual programmes included: limited time, timing of implementation, limited training and support, insufficient resources, capacity and facilities, staff perceptions of intervention and perceived skill-proficiency (for cooking and physical activities). Short-term funding, lack of external and internal support were perceived to hinder sustainability. Staff recommendations for successful implementation of future programmes included: extended training and planning time, sufficient capacity, external support for delivery, good resources (interactive, practical and adaptable), and facilities for cooking, healthy eating, gardening and physical activities. Head teachers need to prioritise delivery of a few key healthy lifestyle programmes, in an overcrowded curriculum. Schools need to employ strategies to engage participation of staff, pupils and parents long term.

Conclusions

Effective implementation of school-based healthy lifestyle programmes was thought to be aided by flexible and adaptable programmes, enabling good contextual fit, well-resourced programmes and effective leadership at multiple levels, pupil (pupils support delivery) and parent involvement. To facilitate sustainability, it was perceived that programmes need to be integrated within the curriculum and school policies long term, with sustained support from head teachers and staff. These findings are relevant to programme developers, policy makers and those involved in delivering interventions.
Duodenal perforation nine months after accidental foreign body ingestion, a case report
Authors: Li Chi , Yong Chee-Chien , Encarnacion Domelle Dave
Published: September 2019

Background

Foreign body ingestion is a scenario occasionally encountered in the emergency room. Pediatric and psychiatric patients are the two most common populations suffering from accidental or in some cases intentional ingestion of foreign bodies. Commonly, majority of cases require no specific treatment and the swallowed objects pass through the digestive tract spontaneously without causing any significant complications. Less than 1% of the cases complicates with gastrointestinal tract perforation, which are often caused by sharp objects, which warrants surgical intervention. The average time from foreign body ingestion to development of perforation was noted at 10.4 days in previous reports. These cases often present in rapidly progressing peritonitis and are subsequently managed by emergent laparotomy. In this case report, we describe an accidental chopstick ingestion of a patient who initially was misdiagnosed and remained asymptomatic for nine months, then presented with acute abdomen.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old man accidentally ingested a wooden chopstick and sought consult at a clinic. Negative abdominal plain film misled the physician to believe ingested chopstick was digested into fragments and passed out unnoticed. The patient presented acute abdomen caused by duodenal perforation nine months later and was subsequently treated with emergency laparotomy with primary duodenorrhaphy.

Conclusions

Negative plain films are not sufficient to conclude a conservative treatment in foreign body ingestion. Computed tomography scan or endoscopic examinations should be done to rule out retained foreign body within gastrointestinal tract.
The impact of uncertainty in society on the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine: a comparative study on visits to alternative/traditional/folk health care practitioners
Authors: Misawa Jimpei , Ichikawa Rie , Shibuya Akiko , Maeda Yukihiro , Arai Ichiro , Hishiki Teruyoshi , Kondo Yoshiaki
Published: September 2019

Background

While traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) is gaining increased interest worldwide, the structural factors associated with the usage of TCAM at the social level have not been sufficiently explored. We aim to understand the social structure of uncertainty in society that affects the TCAM usage for men and women.

Methods

We studied 32 countries using data from the International Social Survey Programme and the World Bank. In this study, we defined TCAM usage as visits to an alternative/traditional/folk health care practitioner during the past 12 months. We performed a correlation analysis and used a generalized linear model .

Results

The prevalence of TCAM usage in terms of visits to practitioners was 26.1% globally, while usage varied across the 32 countries. Generalized linear models showed that unemployment rate was associated with the prevalence of TCAM usage in terms of visits to practitioners.

Conclusions

At the social-structural level TCAM usage involving visits to practitioners was related to job insecurity. Job insecurity led to a decrease in TCAM usage regarding visits to practitioners. These findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the social-structural factors of uncertainty in society when designing health policies related to TCAM.
Diagnosis and surgical repair of congenital double aortic arch in infants
Authors: Yang Yiting , Jin Xin , Pan Zhengxia , Li Yonggang , Wu Chun
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Double aortic arch (DAA) is a rare congenital vascular malformation. This study aims to summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment for congenital double aortic arch.

Methods

The clinical data of 24 cases with double aortic arch (DAA) from January 2008 to January 2018 in our hospital was reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 24 cases, including 12 patients with isolated DAA and 12 patients with DAA and associated intracardiac defects were identified. There were 14 males and 10 females, with an average age of 11 months. The associated intracardiac malformations included ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), transposition of the great arteries (TGA), pulmonary stenosis (PS), and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Of the 12 patients with DAA and intracardiac malformations, 7 patients underwent intracardiac repair simultaneously, however, 3 patients underwent isolated double aortic arch correction. One patient with DAA and TGA underwent surgical correction of congenital vascular ring at the first stage, and the arterial switch operation was performed at the second stage. The clinical outcomes of 23 patients were promising, however, in one patient, parents decided not to do the surgery due to personal reasons. The average follow-up time was 35 months.

Conclusions

Tracheal and esophageal compression are commonly seen in patients with DAA, however could be relieved significantly after surgery. In particular cases, the simultaneous intracardiac defects repair could be performed. Misdiagnosis was easily established with isolated echocardiography. Fortunately, the correct diagnosis of DAA and associated intracardiac defects could be established with the use of combined chest computed tomography.
Multi-sensor fusion based on multiple classifier systems for human activity identification
Authors: Nweke Henry Friday , Teh Ying Wah , Mujtaba Ghulam , Alo Uzoma Rita , Al-garadi Mohammed Ali
Published: September 2019

Multimodal sensors in healthcare applications have been increasingly researched because it facilitates automatic and comprehensive monitoring of human behaviors, high-intensity sports management, energy expenditure estimation, and postural detection. Recent studies have shown the importance of multi-sensor fusion to achieve robustness, high-performance generalization, provide diversity and tackle challenging issue that maybe difficult with single sensor values. The aim of this study is to propose an innovative multi-sensor fusion framework to improve human activity detection performances and reduce misrecognition rate. The study proposes a multi-view ensemble algorithm to integrate predicted values of different motion sensors. To this end, computationally efficient classification algorithms such as decision tree, logistic regression and k-Nearest Neighbors were used to implement diverse, flexible and dynamic human activity detection systems. To provide compact feature vector representation, we studied hybrid bio-inspired evolutionary search algorithm and correlation-based feature selection method and evaluate their impact on extracted feature vectors from individual sensor modality. Furthermore, we utilized Synthetic Over-sampling minority Techniques (SMOTE) algorithm to reduce the impact of class imbalance and improve performance results. With the above methods, this paper provides unified framework to resolve major challenges in human activity identification. The performance results obtained using two publicly available datasets showed significant improvement over baseline methods in the detection of specific activity details and reduced error rate. The performance results of our evaluation showed 3% to 24% improvement in accuracy, recall, precision, F-measure and detection ability (AUC) compared to single sensors and feature-level fusion. The benefit of the proposed multi-sensor fusion is the ability to utilize distinct feature characteristics of individual sensor and multiple classifier systems to improve recognition accuracy. In addition, the study suggests a promising potential of hybrid feature selection approach, diversity-based multiple classifier systems to improve mobile and wearable sensor-based human activity detection and health monitoring system.
A five-year retrospective study on patterns of casuistry and insights on the current status of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in Chile
Authors: Romero Francisca , Espinoza Angelo , Sallaberry-Pincheira Nicole , Napolitano Constanza
Published: September 2019

Background

Human activities are permanently threatening wildlife. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers (WRRC) have served for the rescue, rehabilitation and reinsertion of affected and recovered animals.

Methods

We reviewed the casuistry of five wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in Chile over 5 years, and described the main causes of admission, most affected taxonomic groups and final outcomes of the admitted individuals, shedding light into general patterns and relevant factors currently affecting wildlife in Chile. To understand the current work and status of WRRC system in Chile, we also conducted a qualitative survey to WRRC personnel and Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) regional offices regarding their operation.

Results

A total of 3418 cases of animals admitted to WRRC were obtained; 95.3% corresponded to native species. Of native animal cases, 86.0% corresponded to birds, 12.3% were mammals and 1.7% reptiles. Trauma was the most frequently observed cause of admission in all three native fauna groups (35.8% in birds, 23.2% in mammals, 27.8% in reptiles).

Conclusions

WRRC are a tool for conservation and education of wild animal species in Chile, however WRRC and SAG regional office personnel highlighted several deficiencies in the current system and suggested opportunities for improvement. The current WRRC system needs modernization and financial support from the Chilean state to fulfil their relevant mission.
Short-term eplerenone for treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy; a prospective study
Authors: Moein Hamid-Reza , Bierman Lauren W. , Novais Eduardo A. , Moreira-Neto Carlos , Baumal Caroline R. , Rogers Adam , Duker Jay S. , Witkin André J.
Published: September 2019

Background

Increased mineralocorticoid activity is one of the plausible causes of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and mineralocorticoid inhibitors such as eplerenone have been investigated as its potential therapy. This study investigates the short-term safety and efficacy of oral eplerenone in patients with chronic CSCR.

Patients and methods

Prospective study of 13 eyes of 13 patients with the diagnosis of chronic CSCR. All patients received eplerenone 50 mg/day for 4 weeks. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (OCT) was obtained. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and OCT parameters including sub retinal fluid (SRF), choroidal thickness (CT) and central macular thickness (CMT), were measured manually.

Results

The mean SRF height decreased slightly at 1-month follow-up as compared to baseline, but the change was not statistically significant (94.18 ± 17.53 vs. 113.15 ± 18.69; p = 0.08). Subfoveal CT and CMT was significantly reduced as compared to baseline (6.6% [p = 0.002] and 7.05% [p = 0.04], respectively). The BCVA did not change significantly (20/28 vs. 20/30 [p = 0.16]).

Conclusion

This study suggests that oral eplerenone may be used as a safe and potentially effective treatment in chronic CSCR, however there are minimal short-term effects on subretinal fluid or visual acuity therefore therapeutic trials longer than one month are necessary to test its benefits.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identification number: NCT01822561. Registered 3/25/13, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01822561
Correction to: Ralstonia solanacearum virulence in eggplant seedlings by the leaf-clip inoculation
Authors: Phukan Tarinee , Kabyashree Kristi , Singh Radhika , Sharma Pankaj L. , Singh Niraj , Barman Anjan , Jena Biswa R. , Ray Suvendra K.
Published: September 2019

After publication of this article (Phukan et al. 2019), it was brought to our attention that two important research papers with regard to the development of mCherry tagged Ralstonia solanacearum strains were missed out to be cited in the online paper.
Obtaining consensus regarding patient-centred professionalism in community pharmacy: nominal group work activity with professionals, stakeholders and members of the public
Authors: Hutchings Hayley A , Rapport Frances L , Wright Sarah , Doel Marcus A , Wainwright Paul
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a ranked thematic list encompassing the positive and negative exemplars of patient-centred professionalism in community pharmacy.

Methods

An adapted Nominal Group Work (NGW) method was used in six individual consultation workshops (two with established pharmacists, one with newly qualified pharmacists, one with pharmacy staff, one with stakeholders and one with members of the public) followed by a mixed-group forum event.

Key findings

Each of the six workshops resulted in the production of approximately 10 positive and 10 negative exemplars of patient-centred professionalism. The thematization of these exemplars allowed the development of 11 broad themes. The mixed-group forum event then provided a mechanism for ranking the importance of these themes. Safety, professional characteristics and relationships with patients were ranked as the most important themes by our study participants.
Measuring Progress: A Review Essay on The Pricing of Progress: Economic Indicators and the Capitalization of American Life by Eli Cook
Authors: Coyle Diane
Published: September 2019

There is growing interest in the history of economic statistics, and Eli Cook has provided in The Pricing of Progress: Economic Indicators and the Capitalization of American Life a fascinating account of the era of economic measurement prior to the creation of the modern System of National Accounts. The story illustrates the dual character of statistics, which is the product of political contestation and social structures, as well as the data by which we can interpret the economy. Appreciating this duality through the history of economic measurement helps explain why political polarization today often seems to play out as competing interpretations of the “facts.” In this context, the idea that GDP growth is a good measure of economic progress is increasingly being challenged, as both the “beyond GDP” agenda and digital disruption point to a growing wedge between what GDP is measuring and economic welfare. Economists should be engaging with the history of the statistics we use every day in order to be able to shape their future. (JEL C38, E01, E23, N10)
Developing a student support system at the Hellenic Open University
Authors: Lionarakis Antonis , Niari Maria , Apostolidou Anna , Sfakiotaki Kiriaki , Ligoutsikou Efi
Published: September 2019

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A Hong Kong Chinese kindred with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia caused by AP2S1 mutation
Authors: Wong Felix Chi Kin , Wong Wai Sheung , Kwok Jeffrey Sung Shing , Tsui Teresa Kam Chi , Lau Kam Piu , Chan Michael Ho Ming , Yuen Yuet Ping
Published: September 2019

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH) is a genetic disorder of altered calcium homeostasis. Mutations in the CASR, GNA11 and AP2S1 genes have been reported to cause FHH. We report a Hong Kong Chinese kindred with FHH type 3 (FHH3) caused by mutations in AP2S1. The proband, a 51-year-old woman with hypercalcaemia, was initially diagnosed to have primary hyperparathyroidism but repeated parathyroidectomy failed to normalize her plasma calcium concentrations. Later, FHH was suspected and yet no mutations were identified in the CASR gene which causes FHH type 1 (FHH1), the most common form of FHH. Genetic testing of AP2S1 revealed a heterozygous c.43C>T (p.Arg15Cys) mutation, confirming the diagnosis of FHH3. The elder brother and niece of the proband, who both have hypercalcaemia, were found to harbour the same mutation. To our knowledge, this is the first Chinese kindred of FHH3 reported in the English literature.
Trust compliance with best practice tariff criteria for total hip and knee replacement
Authors: Vanhegan Ivor , Sankey Andrew , Radford Warwick , Ball Simon , Gibbons Charles
Published: September 2019

Background:

Satisfaction of the best practice tariff criteria for primary hip and knee replacement enables on average an additional £560 of reimbursement per case. The Getting it Right First Time report highlighted poor awareness of these criteria among orthopaedic departments.

Methods:

The authors investigated the reasons for non-compliance with the best practice tariff criteria at their trust and implemented a quality improvement approach to ensure successful adherence to the standards (a minimum National Joint Registry compliance rate of 85%, a National Joint Registry unknown consent rate below 15%, a patient-reported outcome measure participation rate of ≥50%, and an average health gain not significantly below the national average). This was investigated using quarterly online reports from the National Joint Registry and NHS Digital.

Results:

Initially, the trust had a 31% patient-reported outcome measures participation rate arising from a systematic error in the submission of preoperative patient-reported outcome measure scores. Re-audit following the resubmission of patient-reported outcome measure data under the trust's correct organization data service code confirmed an improvement in patient-reported outcome measure compliance to 90% and satisfaction of all criteria resulting in over £450 000 of additional reimbursement to the trust.

Conclusions:

The authors would urge others to review their compliance with these four best practice tariff criteria to ensure that they too are not missing out on this significant reimbursement sum.
Measurement system for the parameters of satellite propulsion
Authors: NICULESCU Filip , VALCU Constantin , TIPA Traian , SAVESCU Adrian , VASILE Mirela , SANDU Constantin
Published: September 2019

Within the STRAuSS (Advanced Solar Thermal Propulsion System for Increasing of Satellite Operational Life) project to investigate the extension of a satellite operation period, a new valve type and a new type of nozzle were designed. Extending the period of operation of the satellite propulsion is an important factor for increasing its activity period and reducing the production and launch costs. To measure the force generated when releasing propellant gas from the satellite reservoir, a dynamic fine-scale force measurement system has been designed. This system also measures experiment parameters such as: simulated solar radiation size, 4 key temperature and nozzle pressure. The system controls the action of the propellant gas release valve and the activation of lamps that simulate solar radiation from outer space. The system is based on acquisition modules connected to a touch panel computer. Establishing the measurement system and its calibration was an essential step in performing the experiments within the STRAuSS project.
FAI First Article Inspection in production activity
Authors: RUSU Manuela , SOARE Ilinca , BOTAN Mihail , DRAGOMIRESCU Alina , MILITARU Constantin
Published: September 2019

This article aims to present the First Article Inspection of production activity of the QTS-2 Quick Thermal Shock equipment. First Article Inspection FAI is analyzed using the definition guidance from IAQG - International Aerospace Quality Group, section 3.2. and EN 9102.
An Experimental Flow Field Study of a Bio-inspired Corrugated Wing at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: DWIVEDI Y. D. , SASTRY Y. B. SUDHIR
Published: September 2019

The present paper examined experimentally the glide flight flow visualization and boundary layers of a bio-inspired corrugated dragonfly wing performing a comparison with the results obtained with a flat plate, at low to moderate range of chord Reynolds numbers. The experimental work is performed in an open-end low speed subsonic wind tunnel at different angles of attack ranging from 0 to 120 and Reynolds number 2.25×105. The boundary layer measurements were done at a fixed chord location (0.7 x/c) and three different semi span locations such as 30%, 60% and 90% of the wing’s semi span from the right side of the longitudinal axis of the wing. The flow patterns were visualized by using colored tufts, placed at different span locations. The flow reversal was observed at selected Reynolds numbers and angles of attack only. The boundary layer measurements demonstrated that there exists a clear distinction on the pressure and velocity parameters in all the three tested locations on both types of the wings. The corrugated wing showed significant delay in stall and flow separation compared with the flat plate. The visualization of flow in both wings showed that there subsists a spanwise flow moving from wing tip to root, indicating three dimensional natures of airflows.
The hexapod robot for aircraft fuel tank and the use of calculation in the analysis of the effectiveness of radio interference
Authors: GAINA Maria-Giorgiana
Published: September 2019

This paper focuses on the use of calculation for analyzing the effects of radio interference associated with the entry into the aircraft fuel tank of the hexapod robot. The analysis will help to demonstrate how the mobil robot will interact with the work environment. There are number of advantages from this automation to make the job of the human factor easier and to work in a safe environment by protecting both equipment installed on the aircraft and the hexapod robot.
Numerical simulation of K-, N- and O-regime boundary-layer transition at early nonlinear stage
Authors: JIANG Xian-Yang , LEE Cunbiao
Published: September 2019

Boundary layer transition is usually associated with the amplification and breakdown of three-dimensional waves (3D waves). However, the details of the development of 3D waves in different transition regimes are not well resolved. The present study attempts to examine the transition process at early nonlinear stages of K-, N-, and O-regimes by the solution of nonlinear parabolized stability equations (NPSE). The spatial and temporal variations of streamwise velocity are compared at the one-spike stage. Timelines and material surfaces are presented using Lagrangian tracking method. The development of 3D waves are observed to contribute to the upward lift and downward sweep of flow behaviors, causing inflectional regions in the boundary layer. The evolution of material surfaces reveals that the nonlinear 3D wave manifests as a warped wave front in the near-wall region and as a soliton-like structure at the upper region of the boundary layer. The 3D wave structure is hypothesized as a soliton-like coherent structure. Markedly similar flow behaviors are observed between the regimes, which indicates a similar underlying physical mechanism.
The design and performance on 200N-class bipropellant rocket engine using decomposed H2O2 and Kerosene
Authors: LEE Yang-Suk , JANG Jun Hwan
Published: September 2019

Mono-propellant thrusters are widely utilized in satellites and space launchers. In many cases, they are using hydrazine as a propellant. However, hydrazine has high toxicity and high risks in using for launch campaign. Recently, low-toxic (green) propellant is being highlighted as a replacement for hydrazine. In this paper, 200N bi-propellant engine using hydrogen peroxide/kerosene was designed/manufactured, and the spray or atomization characteristic and inflation pressure were determined by cold flow test, and combustion and pulse tests in a single cycle same as previous methods were conducted. As uniformly supplying hydrogen peroxide through plate-type orifice to a catalyst bed, the hot gas was created as a reaction with hydrogen and catalyst. And then, it was confirmed that the ignition is possible on the wide range of O/F ratio without additional ignition source. The liquid rocket engine with bi-propellant of hydrogen peroxide/kerosene and design/test methods which developed in this study are expected to be utilized as an essential database for designing of the ignitor/injector of bi-propellant liquid rocket engine using hydrogen peroxide/kerosene with high-thrust/performance in near future.
Studi Profil Ozone Permukaan (O3) Dan Gas Monoksida (CO) Antara Kota Bandung Dan Bukit Kototabang
Authors: Sulistiyono Andi , Hartanto Hartanto , Fathuroyan Fathuroyan , Saputra Dodi , Arifin Ikhsan Buyung
Published: September 2019

Ozone Permukaan (O3) terbentuk karena adanya proses fotokimia oleh perkusor pembentuknya salah satunya yaitu gas karbonmonoksida (CO). Dengan menggunakan data parameter gas CO dan O3diurnal hasil pengukuran di Stasiun GAW Bukit Kototabang dan Lapan Bandung,dianalisis untuk mengetahui profil diurnal gas CO dan O3 pada tipe wilayah Urban (Bandung) dan Non Urban (stasiun GAW Bukit Kototabang). Konsentrasi dan profil gas CO secara diurnal untuk wilayah tipe Urban dan Non Urban ditentukan oleh sumber serta waktu emisi dari CO. Untuk wilayah type Urban, grafik diurnal konsentrasi gas CO terjadi puncak dan lembah. Puncak konsentarsi CO terjadi saat warga kota beraktifitas dengan berefek pada emisi gas CO, sedangakan lembah konsentrasi gas CO adalah periode pembentukan O3 melalui proses fotokimia. Untuk wilayah Non Urban (Stasiun GAW Bukit Kototabang) tidak terjadi perbedaan nilai konsentasi yang besar untuk periode tertentu mengingat kedudukan stasiun GAW Bukit Kototabang jauh dari sumber emisi gas. Status kualitas udara tahun 2008 untuk wilayah kota bandung dan Stasiun GAW Bukit Kototabang masih pada kriteria sehat karena nilai dari CO dan O3 masih berada jauh pada dari nilai ambang batasnya.
Pengaruh Perubahan Luas Tutupan Lahan Hutan Terhadap Karakteristik Hidrologi DAS Citarum Hulu
Authors: Salim Andi Gustiani , Dharmawan I Wayan S , Narendra Budi Hadi
Published: September 2019

The decline in water resources and the occurrence of various hydrological disasters in the Citarum watershed indicate the need to restructure the components inside the watershed, especially land cover in the upper watershed area. This study aims to determine the effect of forest land cover on the hydrological parameters of the upstream Citarum watershed through simulations of the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model. The results showed that the forest cover in the Citarum watershed was only 15.96% of the watershed area and only 4.94% was located in the Upper area. The Flow Rate Coefficient of the upstream Citarum watershed is 31.4, the annual average surface flow and annual erosion are 933.03 mm and 517.9 tons/ha respectively. The simulation from several scenarios shows that a decreasing in forest area can increase discharge and surface runoff, whereas an increase in forest area will increase soil infiltration and evapotranspiration. Decreasing forest area by 10% from existing conditions caused 58% of rainwater to become surface runoff. The large number of discrepancies between the existing conditions and the directions in the RTRWP will require a long time and large costs to adjust so that the short-term alternative that can be done is to convert dryland agricultural cover to the forest to reach forest cover of at least 45% of the land area in the upstream area and can optimize the hydrological function of the watershed.
Spatial Analysis and Sustainable-Strategic Environment Management at Baron Spring Catchment Area, Karst of Gunung Sewu, Yogyakarta
Authors: Reinhart Hilary , Rifani Andi
Published: September 2019

Gunung Sewu’s karstic aquifer characteristic of fracture-fissure water conduit leads to pollution problem in the water resources. One main source of water used is the Baron Spring. This study aims to analyze the water quality of the Baron Spring toward the land use in the catchment area and provide recommendations for spatial planning and water management in certain area. This research used spatial analysis of GIS and water quality was analyzed by Pollution Index. The results showed that the Baron Spring was in a mild contaminated state with amount of TSS was 97,1 mg/L, bicarbonate 96 mg/L, total coliform 210 MPN/100ml, and total oil and fat 2 mg/L which have exceeded the water source quality standards. Those results are related with the land use in the catchment area where settlement is dense in the upstream, also because of the distribution of settlement and sinkhole in the middle-part of catchment. In coping with the contamination and pollution several strategies are urged to be designed and implemented. Strategies comprised by two approaches, socio-cultural and spatial approach. Each of the approaches is linked and should not be separated. Management of catchment including stakeholder involvement and spatial planning are essential to be considered.
Factors Related to Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in the Working Area of Baiturrahman Health Center Banda Aceh
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Andika Fauziah
Published: September 2019

According to the 2012 Indonesian demographic and health survey (IDHS), in PRAKARSA Policy Maternal mortality rate update of 359 per 100.000 live births. Nutritional problems that are often faced by pregnant women are Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) and nutritional anemia. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health in 2013, the prevalence of CED pregnant women was 24.2%. This was a survey research with descriptive analytical and cross sectional design. The sample in this study were 80 people. Analysis of data in the form of univariate, bivariate and multivariate. The results showed that Knowledge (p = 0.015, PR = 4.608), Attitude (p = 0.008, PR = 7.933), Family Support (p = 0.035, PR = 3.857), Family income level (p = 0.009, PR = 5,000) , parity (p = 0.003, PR = 6,667), sexual relations behaviour (p = 0.598). The results of the dominant variable multivariate analysis were attitudes obtained. The most dominant variable related to nutritional status of pregnant women was PR = 8,576. It can be concluded that there is a relationship knowledge, attitudes and family support with nutritional status of pregnant women while family income level is not a related factor Attitude variables are dominant factors at risk of developing CED.