bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of digital technologies on growth of mutual funds industry
Authors: Das Kishore Kumar , Ali Shahnawaz
Published: March 2020

This study aims to evaluate the effect of rapid changes in financial technologies and their impact on the financial services industry of India. A descriptive study has been made on the implementation of financial technologies in modern-day financial services Industries. An intensive literature review has been done from the existing most recent available journals, newspaper articles, government websites, and magazines. We have discussed the effects of the financial technologies on the existing financial system of India, the threats and challenges faced by the regulators in regulating the novel disruptive technologies. We have also discussed potential threats, challenges and future prospects of upcoming technologies in the mutual funds industry in India. Based on the literature review, it is found that financial technologies (FinTech) have a positive and important effect on the financial services industry of India. The AUM (Asset Under Management) has seen a tremendous jump in the recent past. It has also increased the customer experience with better access to the back office, even from remote places. In addition, the paper has also discussed the challenges faced by the regulators, who are yet to fully understand the implication of the fast-changing technological environment around us. Finally, this article contributes to the knowledge building and understanding of financial technologies and its impact on the financial industry, challenges, and future prospects.
The impact of project-based organization on competence management practices
Authors: Hedhili Mohamed Ali , Boudabbous Sami
Published: March 2020

The present article aimed at studying the relationship between project-based organization and competence management practices (recruitment, assessment, training, compensation and career management). The central question of our research is formulated as follows: To what extent does project-based organization influence competence management practices? To answer this question, we adopted a quantitative study. A total of 156 Tunisian project managers participated in our survey. We tested our hypotheses through a linear regression analysis. The results show that the majority of competence management practices, namely recruitment, evaluation and training, are more relevant to project-based organizations and thus the three first hypotheses are confirmed. However, other practices, like remuneration and career management, are insensitive to project activities.
Investigating the moderating role of intercultural factors on consumer cross-shopping behavior
Authors: Hino Hayiel
Published: March 2020

The concept of prejudice has become increasingly important to scientific thinking about relations between groups. Yet, despite extensive research, little is known about how prejudice affects consumer buying behavior, especially regarding activities that involve purchasing products and services thereby crossing to suppliers from the dominant community.  The purpose of this study is twofold: to examine the influence of both positive and negative prejudices on cross-shopping intention in the context of an ethnic minority-majority group relationship; and, to investigate the moderating influence of intercultural-related factors (i.e. online contact, social interaction, and acculturation) on the relationship between negative prejudice and cross-shopping intention. A sample consisting of 202 respondents was obtained from across ethnic-minority consumers (the Israeli Arabs) who routinely interact online and offline with individuals from the majority population (Israeli Jews). The conceptual framework and hypothesis are tested using the partial least squares analyses (PLS). The study results provide a better understanding of the conflicting effects of positive and negative prejudice on cross-shopping intention. Additionally, results shed light on the moderating role of intercultural factors on the relationship between negative prejudice and cross-shopping intention. Implications are identified together with consideration of the study limitations and avenues for future research.
Mediation effect of financial attitude on financial knowledge and financial behavior
Authors: Çoşkun Ali , Dalziel Nurdilek
Published: March 2020

In this study, 396 university students in Turkey are surveyed online regarding their attitudes towards financial issues, their level of financial knowledge, and their financial behavior. The latest version of OECD/INFE Financial Literacy Survey (2018) is used in the study. Using SPSS and LISREL. Factor analysis, Cronbach's Alpha, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are used to analyze the relationship between financial knowledge of the participants with their financial attitude and behavior as well as the mediation effect of financial attitude in this relationship. In line with the common wisdom that the relationship between knowledge and behavior is higher if knowledge is better reflected in the attitude of the individual, the mediation effect of financial attitude strengthens the financial knowledge and financial behavior relationship.
Evaluation of performance-based earthquake engineering in Yemen
Authors: Al-Safi Sulaiman , Alameri Ibrahim Abdullah , Badhib Rushdi A. M. , Kuleib Mahmoud
Published: March 2020

Building codes follow a common concept in designing buildings to achieve an acceptable seismic performance. The objective underlying the concept is to ensure that the buildings should be able to resist minor earthquake without damage, resist moderate earthquake with some non-structural damage, and resist major earthquakes without collapse, but some structural as well as non-structural damage. This study aims to evaluate the performance-based seismic to come up with necessary recommendations for both future practices, essential review, and restoration of existing structures in Yemen. To do this real case studies incorporated, and nonlinear pushover analysis is carried out. The analysis results presented and then assessed to find out the conformity with the required performance. The structural sections assumed at the beginning of the design, then the design repeated many times to achieve the selected performance criteria (the plastic hinge properties and the maximum displacement).
Investigating the synergy between lean construction practices and post disaster management processes
Authors: Demirkesen Sevilay
Published: March 2020

Lean aims to maximize value while minimizing waste. Lean practices are likely to reduce the number potential hazards and errors. The use of Lean practices in construction is essential to experience less hazards. Benefitting from Lean practices has gained much attention in the last decade. Especially, the destroying effect of hazards and accidents is of utmost importance in terms of seeking for better strategies. Within this context, Lean practices offer a wide variety of advantages and provide means for achieving greater success in projects. This study investigates the use of Lean practices in post disaster management. Since post disaster management includes the activities to help community in rebuilding, Lean tools and techniques might be employed to better handle post disaster management processes. The study also scrutinizes the integration of Lean practices with the post disaster processes and encourages the community to compete against the destroying effect of disasters thanks to using Lean tools and techniques. The main contribution of this study is that it introduces Lean practices to be used in the post disaster management processes, which might potentially remove safety concerns in construction sites up to a great extent.
Effect of configuration of shear walls at story plan to seismic behavior of high-rise reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Çöğürcü Mustafa Tolga , Uzun Mehmet
Published: March 2020

In developing countries, the need for shelter, working area, shopping and entertainment centers is increasing due to the increasing population effect. In order to meet this need, it is necessary to turn to high-rise buildings. Significant damages have been observed as a result of insufficient horizontal displacement stiffness of high-rise buildings in major earthquakes in previous years. It is known that as the height of the structure increases, the displacement demand of the structure also increases. Since it is accepted that the structure will make inelastic deformation in the design of the structure, these displacements increase to very high levels as the number of stories increases. For this reason, damages can be much higher than expected. In order to limit the level of damage that may occur in high-rise buildings, the horizontal displacement of buildings is limited in many regulations in our age. This limitation is possible by increasing the rigidity of the structures against horizontal displacement. In recent years, the use of shear wall has increased due to the horizontal displacement limitation in the regulations. The use of shear walls in buildings limits the horizontal displacement. However, the choice of where the shear walls will be placed on the plan is very important. Failure to place the shear walls correctly may result in additional loads in the structure. It can also lead to torsional irregularity. In this study, a 10-storey reinforced concrete building model was created. Shear wall at the rate of 1% of the plan area of the building was used in the building. The shear walls are arranged in different geometric shapes and different layouts. The earthquake analysis of 5 different models were performed. Equivalent Earthquake Load, Mode Superposition and Time History Analysis methods were used for earthquake analysis. The results were compared and a proposal was made for the geometry and configuration of the shear wall.
Model updating of a reduced-scaled masonry bridge by using response surface method
Authors: Alpaslan Emre , Karaca Zeki
Published: March 2020

Historical structures reflect the historical and cultural properties of countries and also contributes to the economy in terms of cultural tourism. Therefore, it is important to understand the structural behavior of these kinds of structures under dynamics loads such as earthquakes, etc. to protect and transfer them safely to future generations. For this reason, this study aims to investigate the dynamic behavior of a reduced-scale one-span masonry arch bridge constructed in laboratory conditions by performing experimental and numerical analysis. Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) Technique was performed under ambient vibrations for experimental study to determine modal parameters of the reduced-scaled bridge model. Sensitive three-axial accelerometers were located on critical points on the bridge span and signals originated by accelerometers were collected to quantify the vibratory response of the scale bridge model. The experimental natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios resulting from these measurements were figured out by using Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition (EFDD) technique. ANSYS software was utilized to carry out 3D finite element (FE) modeling of the reduced-scale masonry bridge and determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the bridge numerically. Experimental results were compared with FE analysis results of the bridge. Significant differences appeared when comparing the results of the experimental and numerical with the initial conditions. Therefore, the finite element model is calibrated by using the response surface (RS) method according to the experimental results to minimize the uncertain finite element modeling parameters of the reduced-scale bridge model such as material properties.
Gilbreath's Sequences and Proof of Conditions for Gilbreath's Conjecture
Authors: Gatti Riccardo
Published: March 2020

The conjecture attributed to Norman L. Gilbreath, but formulated by Francois Proth in the second half of the 1800s, concerns an interesting property of the ordered sequence of prime numbers $P$. Gilbreath’s conjecture stated that, computing the absolute value of differences of consecutive primes on ordered sequence of prime numbers, and if this calculation is done for the terms in the new sequence and so on, every sequence will starts with 1. In this paper is defined the concept of Gilbreath’s sequence, Gilbreath’s triangle and Gilbreath’s equation. On the basis of the results obtained from the proof of properties, an inductive proof is produced thanks to which it is possible to establish the necessary condition to state that the Gilbreath's conjecture is true.
Minimizing Defect States in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cell Materials
Authors: Williams René M. , Brakkee Rosa
Published: March 2020

In order to reach the theoretical efficiency limits of lead-based metal halide perovskite solar cells, the voltage should be enhanced because it suffers from nonradiative recombination. Perovskite materials contain intrinsic defects that can act as Shockley-Read-Hall recombination centers. Several experimental and computational studies have characterized such defect states within the band gap. We give a systematic overview of compositional engineering by distinguishing the different defect reducing mechanisms. Doping effects are divided into influences on: (1) Crystallization; (2) Lattice properties. Incorporation of dopant influences the lattice properties by: (a) Lattice strain relaxation; (b) Chemical bonding enhancement; (c) Band gap tuning. The intrinsic lattice strain in undoped perovskite was shown to induce vacancy formation. The incorporation of smaller ions, such as Cl, F and Cd, increases the energy for vacancy formation. Zn doping is reported to induce strain relaxation but also to enhance the chemical bonding. The combination of computational studies using (DFT) calculations quantifying and qualifying the defect reducing propensities of different dopants with experimental studies is essential for deeper understanding and unraveling insights, such as the dynamics of iodine vacancies and the photochemistry of the iodine interstitials, and can eventually lead to a more rational approach in the search for optimal photovoltaic materials.
Time To Depth: Where Geologists and Geophysicists Meet
Authors: Medvin Evelyn , Rennie Julie
Published: March 2020

Accurate depth conversions are critical in any exploration area to avoid time-consuming and costly errors in a drilling program. Onshore and offshore, detailed well prognoses from the explorationist are key for the drilling engineer to develop an economical and safe well plan. ln addition, depth conversion is used to calculate the burial depths required for determining geothermal history, provide a depth model for accurate geosteering, and provide for fluid flow simulation. This article explores the necessary steps an interpreter uses to derive and qualify the depth conversion of the seismic interpretation within the workstation environment.

Geophysical interpretation begins by identifying regional seismic markers, basinal unconformities, and sequence boundaries to develop a general structural framework. Once the basic framework is established, the task of identifying the seismically represented geologic zones begins. To accurately match geologic tops to seismic reflectors, the interpreter needs a high-quality sonic Jog from which a synthetic seismogram is generated. Check-shot or vertical seismic profile (VSP) data are used to calibrate the sonic curve; the final calibration will define the time and depth relationship along the borehole path. Often the interpreter must rely on other sources for velocity information, i.e., apparent velocities from depth markers tied to regional seismic markers, processing velocities, or a known regional velocity function.

Better Synthetic Seismograms

Sonic Log Calibration. The sonic log data is critical for accurately creating a synthetic seismogram used in the initial time-to-depth correlations. A density Jog is also important, although standard density values can be applied when no Jog is available. ln the absence of sonic information, a pseudo-sonic Jog may be computed from other logs, such as resistivity. Several activities are commonly performed before the synthetic seismogram is created: editing of the check-shot or velocity information for sonic calibration, generation of a reflectivity series (RC curve), and selection of analytical and extracted wavelets for synthetic convolution.
An assessment of the level of awareness of e-health among Saudi medical students
Authors: Aldebasi Bader , Alhassan Abdulaziz I. , Al-Nasser Sami , Abolfotouh Mostafa
Published: March 2020

Background Background. Many studies are available in the literature about e-health in Saudi Arabia, however, data is limited to a few organizations and does not necessarily reflect the the current and potential use of e-health for health care organizations in the country. The aims of this study were 1)To determine the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students on e-health, and 2) To identify the predictors of e-health practice. Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 440 medical students at the college of medicine, King Saud bin-Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted, during October/November 2019, using a previously validated questionnaire, to assess: (1) knowledge in three domains; e-health definition (13 statements), fields of application of e-health (8 statements), methods of using e-health (7 statements), (2) attitude toward using e-health (8 statements) and (3) reported practice of e-health in medical training (5 statements). A scoring system was used to calculate the total and percentage score of knowledge, attitude and practice for each student. Multiple regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of e-health practice. Significance was considered at p<0.05. Results. Of 440 medical students surveyed, the majority were females (55.7%), of stream type1 (79.8%) and from families whose monthly income was more than 10,000SR (82.8%). Overall knowledge about e-health was unsatisfactory (PMS=71.6%), with only 43.6% of students reporting satisfactory level. However, this level was satisfactory for fields of application (Percentage mean score-PMS=76.6%) and unsatisfactory for definition of e-health (PMS=70.7%) and methods of its use (PMS=65.69%) domains. Overall attitude towads e-health use was positive (PMS=82.3%), with nearly three-quarters of students (73.4%) reporting positive attitude. Generally, good level of practice of e-health was reported by students (PMS=84.3%), with more than three-quarters of students (78.4%) reporting good practice. Adjusting for age, gender, stream, educational grade and family monthly income, good practice was significantly predicted with higher knowledge (t=2.219, p=0.027) and attitude (t=2.114, p=0.035) scores. Conclusion. This study provides basic information regarding medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on e-health. More resources should be directed to elevate medical students’ knowledge and to motivate them to practice e-health using the available tools.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the simplified Chinese version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability questionnaire in Chinese-speaking patients with chronic ankle instability disorders
Authors: Wang Wei , Sheng Jun , Tang Yinchao , Xie Qingyun , Wei Meng , Li Zhiqiang , Zheng Wei
Published: March 2020

Background: The aims of this study were to adapt the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire into a simplified Chinese version and to assess its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in Chinese-speaking patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) disorders.
Methods: The simplified Chinese version of the IdFAI (SC-IdFAI) questionnaire was developed with a five-step procedure involving cross-cultural translation and adaptation. Three questionnaires, including the SC-IdFAI, Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), were administered to the recruited patients. Then, the Cronbach’s alpha value, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), Spearman’s correlation coefficient ( r s ), effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire.
Results: A total of 131, 119, and 86 patients with CAI successfully completed the first, second, and third rounds of the questionnaires, respectively. Good or excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability were found for the overall scale and subscales of the SC-IdFAI questionnaire. The values for the SEM (1.346) and MDC (3.73) were low, indicating that small clinical changes can be detected by the SC-IdFAI questionnaire. The correlations of the SC-IdFAI with FAAM and SF-36 were generally in agreement with the a priori hypotheses (85%, 34/40), suggesting the SC-IdFAI questionnaire has good construct validity. Moreover, the results suggest that the SC-IdFAI (ES=1.123 and SRM=1.554) has an acceptable level of responsiveness.
Conclusion: The SC-IdFAI scale may be an effective tool, and it is responsive, reliable and valid for the assessment of Chinese patients suffering from CAI.
Fear of falling and cognitive impairment in elderly with different social support levels: Findings from a community survey in Central Vietnam
Authors: Vo Thi Hue Man , Nakamura Keiko , Seino Kaoruko , Nguyen Hoang Thuy Linh , Vo Thang Van
Published: March 2020

Background : Fear of falling (FoF) in the elderly is one of the major public health concerns in this era of aging of the population. As there is limited evidence on how cognitive function may differ by social support level in relation to FoF among the elderly, this cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence of FoF and the associations between cognitive impairment and FoF by the social support level, after adjustments for potential confounders.
Methods : Data from the “Health needs assessment of elderly in Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam in 2018” survey of 725 elderly aged 60 years or older were used for analysis. FoF was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale - International. High FoF was defined as a score above 28. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to measure the perception of support. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between cognitive function and FoF by social support levels (p <0.05).
Results: The prevalence of high FoF among the elderly was 40.8%. Female gender, advanced age, a marital status of single or formerly married, living alone, history of injury, history of falls, chronic diseases (arthritis and/or hypertension), limitations of the IADL and BADL, visual difficulty and walking difficulty, low social support, and cognitive impairment were all significantly associated with a high FoF. After adjustments for the age, gender, marital status, history of falls and health-related factors, cognitive impairment remained significantly associated with a high FoF among the elderly with a low to moderate social support level (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.49-5.89), but not in those with a high social support level.
Conclusions: A high FoF was associated with impairment of cognitive function among the elderly who perceived themselves as having low or moderate support levels, even after adjustments for socio demographic and physical functional factors. However, this association was not observed among the elderly who perceived themselves as having high social support levels. Fall prevention programs for the elderly with various levels of social support should be carefully devised, keeping in mind the cognitive function levels of the target recipients.
Peer education for HIV prevention among high-risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Jiayu , Wang Ying , Du Zhicheng , New Jing Liao , He Na , Hao Yuantao
Published: March 2020

Background: Peer education has become a strategy for health promotion among high-risk groups for HIV infection worldwide. However, the extent to which peer education could have an impact on HIV prevention or the long-term effect of this impact is still unknown. This study thus quantifies the impact of peer education over time among high-risk HIV groups globally.
Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was used to assess the effects and duration of peer education. A thorough literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed, and studies about peer education on high-risk HIV groups were reviewed. Pooled effects were calculated and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis.
Results: A total of 60 articles with 96484 subjects were identified, and peer education was associated with 36% decreased rates of HIV infection among overall high risk groups (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47-0.87). Peer education can promote HIV testing (OR=3.19; 95%CI:2.13,4.79) and condom use (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 2.11-3.36) while reduce equipment sharing (OR=0.50; 95%CI:0.33,0.75) and unprotected sex (OR=0.82; 95%CI: 0.72-0.94). Time trend analysis revealed that peer education had a consistent effect on behavior change for over 24 months and the different follow-up times were a source of heterogeneity.
Conclusion: Our study shows that peer education is an effective tool with long-term impact for behavior change among high-risk HIV groups worldwide. Low and middle-income countries are encouraged to conduct large-scale peer education.
Magnitude of iodine deficiency disorder and associated factors in Dawro zone, southwest Ethiopia; the hidden hunger: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Asfaw Agize , Belachew Tefera
Published: March 2020

Background: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is continued to be a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The problem is worse but the data is scarce in some pocket areas of the country. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of IDD and associated factors in southwest Ethiopia by using different biochemical and clinical indicators.
Methods: Both community and school based cross- sectional study was conducted on school age children (6-12 years) from March 1 to 24, 2017. Simple random and systematic sampling techniques were applied to select districts and eligible children respectively. Household data was collected from children’s primary care takers by using structured questionnaire. A trained surgeon examined all children (n=652) for goiter. Urine sample was collected from 20% of children (n=130).
Results: A total of 652 school children were participated in the study. Total goiter rate and median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 54.8 % and 96.12μg/l respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses student’s age was significantly (P<0 05) associated with both goiter and median UIC. However; sex of students and family income were significantly (P<0.001) associated with goiter and cassava consumption was significantly (P<0.001) associated with UIC.
Conclusion: As indicated by the median UIC, there was mild iodine deficiency in this study community. However; chronic iodine deficiency was still a severe public health problem (high goiter prevalence). In addition, there was low concentration of iodine in the salt and increased cassava cultivation and consumption indicating the potential risk in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify IDD elimination activities along with teaching communities on techniques of cassava processing for household consumption.
Trial registration: PACTR201809544276357. Retrospectively registered on 14, Sept 2018.
Putting RFMix and ADMIXTURE to the test in a complex admixed population
Authors: Uren Caitlin , Hoal Eileen G. , Möller Marlo
Published: March 2020

Background Global and local ancestry inference in admixed human populations can be performed using computational tools implementing distinct algorithms. The development and resulting accuracy of these tools has been tested largely on populations with relatively straightforward admixture histories but little is known about how well they perform in more complex admixture scenarios. Results Using simulations, we show that RFMix outperforms ADMIXTURE in determining global ancestry proportions even in a complex 5-way admixed population, in addition to assigning local ancestry with an accuracy of 89%. The ability of RFMix to determine global and local ancestry to a high degree of accuracy, particularly in admixed populations provides the opportunity for more accurate association analyses. Conclusion This study highlights the utility of the extension of computational tools to become more compatible to genetically structured populations, as well as the need to expand the sampling of diverse world-wide populations. This is particularly noteworthy as modern-day societies are becoming increasingly genetically complex and some genetic tools and commonly used ancestral populations are less appropriate. Based on these caveats and the results presented here, we suggest that RFMix be used for both global and local ancestry estimation in world-wide complex admixture scenarios particularly when including these estimates in association studies.
Database combinations to retrieve systematic reviews in Overviews of reviews: A methodological study
Authors: Goossen Käthe , Hess Simone , Lunny Carole , Pieper Dawid
Published: March 2020

Background When conducting an Overviews of Reviews on health-related topics, it is unclear which combination of bibliographic databases authors should use for searching for SRs. Our goal was to determine which databases included the most systematic reviews and identify an optimal database combination for searching systematic reviews. Methods A set of 86 Overviews of Reviews with 1219 included systematic reviews was extracted from a previous study. Inclusion of the systematic reviews was assessed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Epistemonikos, PsycINFO, and TRIP. The mean inclusion rate (% of included systematic reviews) and corresponding 95% confidence interval were calculated for each database individually, as well as for combinations of MEDLINE with each other database and reference checking. Results Inclusion of systematic reviews was higher in MEDLINE than in any other single database (mean inclusion rate 89.7%; 95% confidence interval [89.0–90.3%]). Combined with reference checking, this value increased to 93.7% [93.2–94.2%]. The best combination of two databases plus reference checking consisted of MEDLINE and Epistemonikos (99.2% [99.0–99.3%]). Stratification by Health Technology Assessment reports (97.7% [96.5–98.9%]) vs. Cochrane Overviews (100.0%) vs. non-Cochrane Overviews (99.3% [99.1–99.4%]) showed that inclusion was only slightly lower for Health Technology Assessment reports. However, MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, and reference checking remained the best combination. Among the 10/1219 systematic reviews not identified by this combination, five were published as websites rather than journals, two were included in CINAHL and Embase, and one was included in the database ERIC. Conclusions MEDLINE and Epistemonikos, complemented by reference checking of included studies, is the best database combination to identify systematic reviews on health-related topics.
The Efficacy of Antipyretic Analgesics Administration Intravenously for Preventing Rocuronium-Associated Pain/Withdrawal Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jia , Cui Yu , Liu Bin , Chen Jianfeng
Published: March 2020

Background: Rocuronium-associated injection pain/withdrawal response (RAIPWR) was non-ideal but occurred frequently when injection intravenously during anesthesia induction. Many studies had reported that pretreating with antipyretic analgesics (AAs) could reduce the occurrence of RAIPWR, but there was no consensus yet. Therefore, this meta-analysis was designed to systematically evaluate the benefits of AAs on RAIPWR in patients.
Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, EMbase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data were searched by January 1 st 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applying AAs to alleviate RAIPWR in patients underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia. Two investigators assessed quality of RCTs and extracted data respectively and the meta-analysis was carried on Revman 5.3 software. Moreover, we compared AAs in pros and cons directly with lidocaine, the most reported medicine to prevent RAIPWR.
Results: Data were analyzed from 9 RCTs totaling 819 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared to the control group, pretreating with AAs could prevent the total occurrence of RAIPWR [Risk ratio (RR), 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42 to 0.66; P < 0.0001], and took effect on moderate (RR, 0.56; 95%CI, 0.43 to 0.73; P<0.0001) and severe RAIPWR (RR=0.14; 95%CI, 0.08 to 0.24; P<0.00001). When compared to lidocaine, the preventive effect was not so excellent as the latter but injection pain induced by prophylactic occurred less.
Conclusion: The currently available evidence suggested that pretreating with AAs intravenously could alleviate RAIPWR.
Low red/far-red ratio as a signal promotes carbon assimilation of soybean seedlings by increasing the photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Yang Feng , Liu Qinlin , Cheng Yajiao , Feng Lingyang , Wu Xiaoling , Fan Yuanfang , Raza Muhammad Ali , Wang Xiaochun , Yong Taiwen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Jiang , Du Junbo , Shu Kai , Yang Wenyu
Published: March 2020

Background: Shading includes low light intensity and varying quality. However, a low red/far-red (R/Fr) ratio of light is a signal that affects plant growth in intercropping and close- planting systems. Thus, the low R/Fr ratio uncoupling from shading conditions was assessed to identify the effect of light quality on photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation. Soybean plants were grown in a growth chamber with natural solar radiation under four treatments, that is, normal (N, sunlight), N+Fr, Low (L) +Fr, and L light. Results: Low R/Fr ratio significantly increased the total biomass, leaf area, starch and sucrose contents, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and quantum efficiency of the photosystem II compared with normal R/Fr ratio under the same light level (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis of soybean leaves under different treatments was performed to quantify the changes in photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation in the chloroplast. Among the 7834 proteins quantified, 12 showed a > 1.3-fold change in abundance, of which 1 was related to porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, 2 were involved in photosystem I (PS I), 4 were associated with PS II, 3 proteins participated in photosynthetic electron transport, and 2 were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. The dynamic change in these proteins indicates that photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation were maintained in the L treatment by up-regulating the component protein levels compared with those in N treatment. Although low R/Fr ratio increased the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation parameters, the differences in most protein expression levels in N+Fr and L+Fr treatments compared with those in N treatment were insignificant. Similar trends were found in gene expression through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction excluding the gene expression of sucrose synthase possible because light environment is one of the factors affecting carbon assimilation. Conclusions: Low R/Fr ratio (high Fr light) can increase the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in the same light intensity by improving the photosynthetic efficiency of the photosystems.
Identification of miRNA-mRNA associations in hepatocellular carcinoma using hierarchical integrative model
Authors: Varghese Rency S. , Zhou Yuan , Barefoot Megan , Chen Yifan , Poto Cristina Di , Balla Abdalla Kara , Oliver Everett , Sherif Zaki A. , Kumar Deepak , Kroemer Alexander H. , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Ressom Habtom
Published: March 2020

Background: The established role miRNA-mRNA regulation of gene expression has in oncogenesis highlights the importance of integrating miRNA with downstream mRNA targets. These findings call for investigations aimed at identifying disease-associated miRNA-mRNA pairs. Hierarchical integrative models (HIM) offer the opportunity to uncover the relationships between disease and the levels of different molecules measured in multiple omic studies. Methods: The HIM model we formulated for analysis of mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq data can be specified with two levels: (1) a mechanistic submodel relating mRNAs to miRNAs, and (2) a clinical submodel relating disease status to mRNA and miRNA, while accounting for the mechanistic relationships in the first level. Results: mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq data were acquired by analysis of tumor and normal liver tissues from 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyzed the data using HIM and identified 157 significant miRNA-mRNA pairs in HCC. The majority of these molecules have already been independently identified as being either diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic biomarker candidates for HCC. These pairs appear to be involved in processes contributing to the pathogenesis of HCC involving inflammation, regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism. For further evaluation of our method, we analyzed miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq data from TCGA network. While some of the miRNA-mRNA pairs we identified by analyzing both our and TCGA data are previously reported in the literature and overlap in regulation and function, new pairs have been identified that may contribute to the discovery of novel targets. Conclusion: The results strongly support the hypothesis that miRNAs are important regulators of mRNAs in HCC. Furthermore, these results emphasize the biological relevance of studying miRNA-mRNA pairs.
Building collective power in citizen-led initiatives for health accountability in Guatemala: The role of networks
Authors: Hernandez Alison , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Goicolea Isabel , Sebastian Miguel San , Jerez Fernando , Hernandez-Rodriguez Francisco , Flores Walter
Published: March 2020

Background :Citizen-led accountability initiatives are a critical strategy for redressing the causes of health inequalities and promoting better health system governance. A growing body of evidence points to the need for putting power relations at the forefront of understanding and operationalizing citizen-led accountability, rather than technical tools and best practices. In this study, we apply a network lens to the question of how initiatives build collective power to redress health system failures affecting marginalized communities in three municipalities in Guatemala. Methods: Network mapping and interpretive discussions were used to examine relational qualities of citizen-led initiatives’ networks and explore the resources they offer for mobilizing action and influencing health accountability. Participants in the municipal-level initiatives responded to a social network analysis questionnaire focused on their ties of communication and collaboration with other initiative participants and their interactions with authorities regarding health system problems. Discussions with participants about the maps generated enriched our view of what the ties represented and their history of collective action and also provided space for planning action to strengthen their networks. Results: Our findings indicate that network qualities like cohesiveness and centralization reflected the initiative participants’ agency in adapting to their sociopolitical context, and participants’ social positions were a key resource in providing connection to a broad base of support for mobilizing collective action to document health service deficiencies and advocate for solutions. Their legitimacy as “representatives of the people” enabled them to engage with authorities from a bolstered position of power, and their iterative interactions with authorities further contributed to develop their advocacy capabilities and resulted in accountability gains. Conclusions: Our study provided evidence to counter the tendency to underestimate the assets and capabilities that marginalized citizens have for building power, and affirmed the idea that best-fit, with-the-grain approaches are well-suited for highly unequal settings characterized by weak governance. Efforts to support and understand change processes in citizen-led initiatives should include focus on adaptive network building to enable contextually-embedded approaches that leverage the collective power of the users of health services and grassroots leaders on the frontlines of accountability.
Where do we go from here? - Opportunities and barriers to the career development of Trial Managers: a survey of UK-based trial management professionals
Authors: Mitchell Eleanor Jane , Goodman Kirsteen , Hartley Suzanne , Hickey Helen , McDonald Alison , Meadows Helen , Rhodes Shelley , Taylor Jodi , Wakefield Natalie , Farrell Barbara
Published: March 2020

Background
Clinical trials commonly have a dedicated trial manager and effective trial management is essential to the successful delivery of high quality trials. Trial managers have diverse experience and currently there is no standardised structured career pathway. The UK Trial Managers’ Network (UKTMN) surveyed its members to understand what is important to them with respect to career development, since this would be important in the development of any initiative intended to develop a skilled workforce.
Methods
We conducted an online survey of UKTMN members, who are trial management professionals, working on academic-led trials in the UK. Members were asked what they perceive as opportunities and barriers to career development. Two reminders were sent to facilitate completion of the survey and responders were offered the opportunity to enter a prize draw for waived fees at the UKTMN annual meeting. Data was analysed descriptively using Stata (version 15.1) and free-text responses were reviewed for themes.
Results
The survey was sent to 819 UKTMN members; 433 responses were received, though 13 were from non-UKTMN members, thus 420 respondents’ data were included in analyses. Respondents were representative of UKTMN membership, however more responses were received by trial managers based in registered Clinical Trials Units (CTUs). The top three opportunities for career development were: i) training, ii) helping design trials, iii) undertake relevant qualifications. The top three barriers were: i) funding, ii) few opportunities to get involved in development activities aside from managing a trial and iii) unclear organisational career pathway. Almost all respondents (401/420, 95.4%) considered career development either very or quite important. Although all respondents had a day-to-day role in managing trials, there was huge disparity between job titles.
Conclusion
Career development is important to trial managers yet there is a lack of a structured pathway. The enablers and disablers to career development for trial managers should be clearly considered by the clinical trial community and, in particular, employers, sponsors and funders in order to develop a highly skilled workforce of trial managers, who are key to the delivery of trials.
Measurement and calibration of the nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio to increase the accuracy of finite element analysis
Authors: Li Jingchi , Xi Zhipeng , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Shenglu , Xie Lin , Liu Yang
Published: March 2020

Background: As a widely used biomechanical research method, finite element analysis (FEA) is an important tool for investigating the pathogenesis of disc degenerative diseases and optimizing spine surgical methods. However, the definitions of the relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio do not conform to a uniform standard, thus affecting the accuracy (ACC) of the FEA. Hence, this study aimed to determine a precise definition of the relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio to increase the ACC of the following FEA studies. Methods: The lumbar relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio were measured from magnetic resonance imaging data and then calibrated and validated via FEA. Imaging data from patients without disc degeneration were used. The L4-L5 nucleus and disc cross-sectional areas and the distances between the edges of the annulus and nucleus were measured; the ratios between these values were calculated as P1 and P2, respectively. The FEA model was constructed using these measured values, and the relative nucleus position was calibrated by estimating the differences in the range of motion (ROM) between the model, wherein the ligaments, facet joints and nucleus were suppressed, and that of an in vitro study. Then, the ACC was re-estimated in the model with all non-bony structures by comparing the ROM, the intradiscal pressure (IDP), the facet contact force (FCF) and the disc compression (DC) under different sizes and directions of moments magnitudes to validate the measured and calibrated indicators. Results: The interobserver homogeneity was acceptable, and the measured P1 and P2 values were 1.22 and 38%, respectively. Furthermore, an ACC of up to 99% was attained for the model under flexion–extension conditions when the calibrated P1 value (1.62) was used, with a model validation of greater than 90% attained under al most all of the loading conditions considering the different indicators and moment magnitude s. Conclusion: The measured and calibrated relative nucleus position and its cross-sectional area ratio increase the ACC of the FEA model and can therefore be used in subsequent studies.
Comparison of pathological clotting using haematological, functional and morphological investigations in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Jackson Brandon S , Goncalves Julien Nunes , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: March 2020

Background Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more prone to systemic inflammation and pathological clotting, and many may develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a result of this dysregulated inflammatory profile. Coagulation tests are not routinely performed unless there is a specific reason. Methods We recruited ten healthy control subjects, 35 HIV negative patients with deep vein thrombosis (HIV negative-DVT), and 13 HIV patients with DVT (HIV positive-DVT) on the primary antiretroviral therapy (ARV) regimen- emtricitabine, tenofovir and efavirenz. Serum inflammatory markers, haematological results, viscoelastic properties using thromboelastography (TEG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of whole blood (WB) were used to compare the groups. Results The DVT patients (HIV positive and HIV negative) have raised inflammatory markers. The HIV positive-DVT group has anaemia in keeping with anaemia of chronic disorders. DVT patients have a hypercoagulable profile on the TEG but no significant difference between HIV negative-DVT and HIV positive-DVT groups. The TEG analysis compared well and supported our ultrastructural results. Scanning electron microscopy of DVT patient’s red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets demonstrates inflammatory changes including abnormal cell shapes, irregular membranes and microparticle formation. All the ultrastructural changes were more prominent in the HIV positive-DVT patients. Conclusions Although there were trends that HIV-positive patients were more hypercoagulable on functional tests (viscoelastic profile) compared to HIV-negative patients, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. The sample size was, however, small in number. Morphologically there were inflammatory changes in patients with DVT. These ultrastructural changes, specifically with regard to platelets, appear more pronounced in HIV-positive patients which may contribute to increased risk for hypercoagulability and deep vein thrombosis.