bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENETAPAN RENDEMEN EKSTRAK DAUN JAMBU MAWAR (Syzygium jambos L. Alston) BERDASARKAN VARIASI KONSENTRASI ETANOL DENGAN METODE MASERASI
Authors: Syamsul Eka Siswanto , Anugerah Olanda , Supriningrum Risa
Published: September 2020

Syzygium jambos is a medicinal plant. This study aims to determine the effect of variations in ethanol concentration on yield of guava leaf extract by maceration method. The research conducted was experimental research. The research phase includes sample collection, determination, manufacture of simplicia, extraction by maceration with variations in ethanol concentration, determination of yield, phytochemical screening and determination of drying losses. Phytochemical screening results showed that 50% of ethanol extracts of positive rose guava contained flavonoids, tannins, saponins and steroids / terpenoids, 70% ethanol and 90% positives contained flavonoids, tannins and steroids / terpenoids. The yield of rose guava ethanol extract was 50% (23.01% ± 0.372), 70% ethanol (21.96% ± 1.181) and 90% ethanol (16.57% ± 0.384). LSD test results showed a significant difference (p <0.05) between the 90% to 50% and 70% groups.
IDENTIFIKASI KOMPONEN GUI PADA PROTOTIPE APLIKASI MOBILE
Authors: Caesaria Aura Kanza , Mungki Astiningrum  , Syulistyo Arie Rachmad
Published: September 2020

OS Android merupakan OS Mobile terpopuler sejumlah 71,6% disusul IOS, dll. Hal ini menjadi peluang besar untuk menjadi android developer. Langkah awal yang harus dipersiapkan adalah memiliki pengetahuan dasar Java dan XML. Proses yang harus disiapkan pertama kali adalah pembuatan User Interface aplikasi. Namun, sebagai pemula sering kali kebingungan dalam menentukan komponen yang harus digunakan dalam pembuatan interface. Oleh karena itu diperlukan sebuah sistem yang dapat mengenali komponen yang akan digunakan.

Perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi pengolahan citra digital memungkinkan untuk mengklasifikasi komponen GUI secara otomatis dengan bantuan aplikasi pengolahan citra. Dalam pengenalan komponen ini digunakan metode Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Metode ini dapat mengenali komponen pada sebuah image. Dengan adanya aplikasi ini dapat membantu pengguna dalam menentukan komponen yang akan digunakanan untuk membuat tampilan suatu aplikasi. Tingkat keberhasilan klasifikasi komponen GUI yang didapatkan menggunakan metode Convolutional Neural Network adalah 85.32%. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa identifikasi komponen GUI pada prototipe aplikasi mobile sudah sesuai.
IMPLEMENTASI ALGORITMA CAMELLIA UNTUK KEAMANAN CITRA MEDIS PADA SISTEM RADIOLOGI BERBASIS WEB
Authors: Wibowo Zaenury Dhany , Adam Ipam Fuaddina , Saputra Wahyu Andi
Published: September 2020

Dalam bidang radiologi, citra medis dikategorikan sebagai data yang sensitif dan privasi untuk pasien rumah sakit. Citra Medis yang digunakan untuk keperluan radiologi melalui jaringan internet yang disetujui aman. Penelitian ini menawarkan algoritma Camellia sebagai alternatif keamanan citra pada sistem radiologi berbasis web. Cara penggunaan operasi pada blok chiper adalah prosedur yang diperlukan untuk memproses blok agar menjadi lebih aman. Mode operasi yang dapat digunakan di dalam algoritma Camellia adalah ECB, CBC, CFB, dan OFB. Implementasi Camellia dengan mode operasi tersebut, memiliki hasil yang berbeda. Untuk evaluasi, beberapa parameter analisis keamanan enkripsi yang dilakukan adalah visual, histogram, dan entropi. Sementara kualitas gambar dekripsi diperlukan melalui Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). Selain itu, implementasi algoritma Camellia dalam mode pengoperasian disetujui. Eksperimen dilakukan terhadap data citra medis berformat jpg. Pengujian sistem menggunakan blackbox, di mana hasil pengujian sistem radiologi dapat berjalan dengan baik. Hasil Pengukuran menunjukkan mode Operasi ECB dan OFB memiliki kualitas citra yang lebih baik. Sedangkan mode operasi waktu rumit ECB lebih cepat dari tiga mode operasi lainnya. Namun, untuk hasil enkripsi enkripsi dengan keamanan yang baik, perlu dihindari mode operasi ECB. Hasil Pengukuran menunjukkan mode Operasi ECB dan OFB memiliki kualitas citra yang lebih baik. Sedangkan mode operasi waktu rumit ECB lebih cepat dari tiga mode operasi lainnya. Namun, untuk hasil enkripsi enkripsi dengan keamanan yang baik, perlu dihindari mode operasi ECB. Hasil Pengukuran menunjukkan mode Operasi ECB dan OFB memiliki kualitas citra yang lebih baik. Sedangkan mode operasi waktu rumit ECB lebih cepat dari tiga mode operasi lainnya. Namun, untuk hasil enkripsi enkripsi dengan keamanan yang baik, perlu dihindari mode operasi ECB.
Adjustment Problems, Depression and Academic Achievement: The Mediating Role of Resilience
Authors: Kazmi Umm E Rubab , Muazzam Amina
Published: September 2020

Entering college is a challenging phase as students have to experience adjustment problems which in turns significantly influence psychological wellbeing and educational attainment. The study intended to explore the mediational function of resilience within adjustment problems, academic achievement and depression. Sample (N = 880) was selected with age ranged from 16-26 years through purposive sampling from four universities of Lahore. Adjustment Problems Scale (Kazmi & Muazzam, 2017), Psychological Resilience Scale (Jawahir, 2013) and Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale (Siddiqui & Shah, 1992) were used to assess major constructs of the study. Results demonstrated a positive relation between adjustment problems and depression while inverse relation existed between adjustment problems and academic achievement. Likewise, depression positively predicted adjustment problems while adjustment problems inversely predicted academic achievement. Additionally, resilience mediated the relationship between adjustment problems and depression as well as between adjustment problems and academic achievement. The present findings would be useful for clinical psychologists/ counselors for the initial screening and managing adjustment problems in students.
Aircraft Pilots Workload Analysis: Heart Rate Variability Objective Measures and NASA-Task Load Index Subjective Evaluation
Authors: Alaimo Andrea , Esposito Antonio , Orlando Calogero , Simoncini Andre
Published: September 2020

Workload and fatigue of aircraft pilots represent an argument of great interest in the framework of human factors and a pivotal point to be considered in aviation safety. 75% of aircraft accidents are related to human errors that, in most cases, are due to high level of mental workload and fatigue. There exist several subjective or objective metrics to quantify the pilots’ workload level, with both linear and nonlinear relationships reported in the literature. The main research objective of the present work is to analyze the relationships between objective and subjective workload measurements by looking for a correlation between metrics belonging to the subjective and biometric rating methods. More particularly, the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is used for the objective analysis, whereas the NASA-TLX questionnaire is the tool chosen for the subjective evaluation of the workload. Two different flight scenarios were considered for the studies: the take-off phase with the initial climb and the final approach phase with the landing. A Maneuver Error Index (MEI) is also introduced to evaluate the pilot flight performance according to mission requirements. Both qualitative and quantitative correlation analyses were performed among the MEI, subjective and objective measurements. Monotonic relationships were found within the HRV indexes, and a nonlinear relationship is proposed among NASA-TLX and HRV indexes. These findings suggest that the relationship between workload, biometric data, and performance indexes are characterized by intricate patterns of nonlinear relationships.
Synthesis, ADMET Properties, and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of 5-Nitro-2-thiophenecarbaldehyde N-((E)-(5-Nitrothienyl)methylidene)hydrazone (KTU-286) against Staphylococcus aureus with Defined Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Kavaliauskas Povilas , Grybaite Birute , Mickevicius Vytautas , Petraitiene Ruta , Grigaleviciute Ramune , Planciuniene Rita , Gialanella Philip , Pockevicius Alius , Petraitis Vidmantas
Published: September 2020

The emergence of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. New therapeutic options are needed to fight the increasing antimicrobial resistance among S. aureus in the clinical setting. We, therefore, characterized the in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) and in vitro antimicrobial activity of 5-nitro-2-thiophenecarbaldehyde N-((E)-(5-nitrothienyl)methylidene)hydrazone (KTU-286) against drug-resistant S. aureus strains with genetically defined resistance mechanisms. The antimicrobial activity of KTU-286 was determined by CLSI recommendations. The ADMET properties were estimated by using in silico modeling. The activity on biofilm integrity was examined by crystal violet assay. KTU-286 demonstrated low estimated toxicity and low skin permeability. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed among pan-susceptible (Pan-S) S. aureus (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.5–2.0 µg/mL, IC50 = 0.460 µg/mL), followed by vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) (MIC 4.0 µg/mL, IC50 = 1.697 µg/mL) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (MIC 1.0–16.0 µg/mL, IC50 = 2.282 µg/mL). KTU-286 resulted in significant (p < 0.05) loss of S. aureus biofilm integrity in vitro. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of safety, synergistic relationship, and therapeutic potency of KTU-286.
The Existence and Uniqueness of an Entropy Solution to Unilateral Orlicz Anisotropic Equations in an Unbounded Domain
Authors: Benslimane Omar , Aberqi Ahmed , Bennouna Jaouad
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work is to prove the existence and uniqueness of a class of nonlinear unilateral elliptic problem (P) in an arbitrary domain, managed by a low-order term and non-polynomial growth described by an N-uplet of N-function satisfying the Δ2-condition. The source term is merely integrable.
Classifying Lung Neuroendocrine Neoplasms through MicroRNA Sequence Data Mining
Authors: Wong Justin J. M. , Ginter Paula S. , Tyryshkin Kathrin , Yang Xiaojing , Nanayakkara Jina , Zhou Zier , Tuschl Thomas , Chen Yao-Tseng , Renwick Neil
Published: September 2020

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) can be challenging to classify due to subtle histologic differences between pathological types. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that are valuable markers in many neoplastic diseases. To evaluate miRNAs as classificatory markers for lung NENs, we generated comprehensive miRNA expression profiles from 14 typical carcinoid (TC), 15 atypical carcinoid (AC), 11 small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), and 15 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) samples, through barcoded small RNA sequencing. Following sequence annotation and data preprocessing, we randomly assigned these profiles to discovery and validation sets. Through high expression analyses, we found that miR-21 and -375 are abundant in all lung NENs, and that miR-21/miR-375 expression ratios are significantly lower in carcinoids (TC and AC) than in neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs; SCLC and LCNEC). Subsequently, we ranked and selected miRNAs for use in miRNA-based classification, to discriminate carcinoids from NECs. Using miR-18a and -155 expression, our classifier discriminated these groups in discovery and validation sets, with 93% and 100% accuracy. We also identified miR-17, -103, and -127, and miR-301a, -106b, and -25, as candidate markers for discriminating TC from AC, and SCLC from LCNEC, respectively. However, these promising findings require external validation due to sample size.
Comparison of Blood Pressure and Kidney Markers between Adolescent Former Preterm Infants and Term Controls
Authors: Staub Eveline , Urfer-Maurer Natalie , Lemola Sakari , Risch Lorenz , Evers Katrina S. , Welzel Tatjana , Pfister Marc
Published: September 2020

Background: Preterm infants are at an increased risk of developing hypertension and chronic kidney disease later in life. No recommendations exist for blood pressure (BP) and renal follow up for these patients. Aim: To compare BP and serum and urinary kidney markers between preterm-born adolescents and term-born controls. Methods: BP measurements in 51 preterm-born (≤32 weeks gestational age) and 82 term-born adolescents at the age of 10–15 years were conducted. Stepwise regression analysis explored the association between BP and participant characteristics. Kidney markers measured in the serum and urine were creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and uromodulin. Kidney markers measured in the serum were cystatin C, beta-2 microglobulin, and beta trace protein. Results: Systolic BP was significantly higher in preterm boys compared with term boys, but not in girls, and low birth weight was associated with higher BP in boys. In the preterm group, maternal hypertension/preeclampsia and adolescent height were associated with higher systolic BP. Serum creatinine and NGAL were significantly higher in the preterm group. Conclusions: Our study confirms an inverse sex-dependant relationship between birth weight and BP at adolescent age. The higher serum creatinine and NGAL in the preterm group may indicate that premature birth affects kidney function in the long term.
Damping Behavior of Layered Aluminium and Aluminide Coatings on AISI 316 Austenitic Steel
Authors: Bonetti Ennio , Campari Enrico Gianfranco , Casagrande Angelo , Catania Giuseppe , Garzoni Andrea
Published: September 2020

Several coating configurations on AISI 316 steel were obtained by a hot dipping process followed by isothermal interdiffusion. Six different kind of multilayered specimens were produced and characterized. These coatings, typically employed as bond coat in thermal barrier coating (TBC), can also be effective as vibration reduction elements at intermediate and high temperatures. This preliminary work was focused on the microstructural design and processing effects of the coatings. The damping of the produced specimens was measured up to 450 °C and compared with that of the steel substrate. The most performing coatings contain an Al-Si layer and exhibit a steep damping increase above 200 °C, reasonably due to dislocation movements by plastic straining of soft alloy layer and to the interface sliding between layers with different elastic moduli.
Bryan’s Maximum Entropy Method—Diagnosis of a Flawed Argument and Its Remedy
Authors: Rothkopf Alexander
Published: September 2020

The Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) is a popular data analysis technique based on Bayesian inference, which has found various applications in the research literature. While the MEM itself is well-grounded in statistics, I argue that its state-of-the-art implementation, suggested originally by Bryan, artificially restricts its solution space. This restriction leads to a systematic error often unaccounted for in contemporary MEM studies. The goal of this paper is to carefully revisit Bryan’s train of thought, point out its flaw in applying linear algebra arguments to an inherently nonlinear problem, and suggest possible ways to overcome it.
Analysis of the Energy Balance of Constructions Based on Wood during Their Use in Connection with CO2 Emissions
Authors: Švajlenka Jozef , Kozlovská Mária
Published: September 2020

In the construction industry, it is the material production phase and the use phase of buildings’ life cycles that represent the greatest environmental burden. The presented research focused on wood constructions during their use phase. The primary objective of the research was to determine the amount of CO2 produced during the operation of specific wood constructions in connection with the energy demand for their heating. A correlation analysis of selected parameters revealed a statistically significant correlation between heating medium type and energy demand for heating (p = −0.5773) and between heating medium type and amount of CO2 produced (p = 0.4796). A more detailed analysis showed that, in terms of the average energy demand for heating, the column constructions were the most efficient among the compared construction systems, regardless of the energy standard. Similar findings were obtained for annual CO2 production in connection with the average energy demand for heating. The only difference was that the panel and log constructions exhibited almost identical parameters, which came as a surprise to some extent. The column constructions turned out to be the most efficient again, regardless of their energy standard. The analysis that focused on the heating medium type revealed statistically significant differences among the heating medium types in energy demand for heating (p < 0.0001). The constructions that used electricity for heating were the most energy-efficient. When the individual characteristics of the different heating media in relation to CO2 production were taken into account, the constructions that were heated using biomass were the least polluting. The constructions heated using electricity and gas showed a significantly greater deviation.
Impact of Nonlinear Lighting Loads on the Neutral Conductor Current of Low Voltage Residential Grids
Authors: Hernández Jairo , Romero Andrés A. , Meyer Jan , Blanco Ana María
Published: September 2020

In the last decade, mainly due to political incentives towards energy efficiency, the share of lamps with power electronic interfaces, like Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps, has significantly increased in the residential sector. Their massive use might have a substantial impact on harmonic currents and, consequently, on the current flowing in the neutral conductor. This paper analyzes the impact of modern energy-efficient lighting technologies on the neutral conductor current by using a synthetic Low Voltage residential grid. Different load scenarios reflecting the transition from incandescent lamps, via CFL, to LED lamps are compared concerning the neutral conductor current at different points in the network. The inherent randomness related to the use of lighting devices by each residential customer is considered employing a Monte Carlo simulation. Obtained results show that the use of CFL has a greater impact on the neutral conductor current of Low Voltage (LV) residential grids and that, with increasing use of LED lamps, a decreasing impact can be expected in the future.
A Theory for Power Extraction from Passive Accelerators and Confined Flows
Authors: Freda Robert , Knight Bradford , Pannir Siddharth
Published: September 2020

No accepted fluid theory exists for power extraction from unpressurized confined flow. The absence of a valid model to determine baseline uniform power extraction in confined flows creates difficulties in characterizing the coefficient of power. Currently, the primary body of research has been limited to Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbines (DAWTs) and passive fluid accelerators. Fluid power is proportional to the cube of velocity; therefore, passive acceleration is a promising path to effective renewable energy. Hypothetical models and experiments for passive accelerators yield low ideal power limits and poor performance, respectively. We show that these results derive from the misapplication of Betz’s Law and lack of a general theory for confined flow extraction. Experimental performance is due to the low efficiency of DAWTs and prior hypotheses exhibit high predictive error and continuity violations. A fluid model that accurately predicts available data and new experimental data, showing disk specific maximum CP for the confined channel at 38% of power available to disk, is presented. This is significantly lower than the 59% Betz freestream limit yielded by hypothetical models when the area ratio equals one. Experiments and their results are presented with non-DAWT accelerators, where new experimental results exceed CP limits predicted previously and correlate with the proposed predictive model.
Assessment of Multiple Anaerobic Co-Digestions and Related Microbial Community of Molasses with Rice-Alcohol Wastewater
Authors: Khan Sohail , Lu Fuzhi , Jiang Qiong , Jiang Chengjian , Kashif Muhammad , Shen Peihong
Published: September 2020

Molasses is a highly dense and refined byproduct produced in the sugarcane industry, and it contains high amounts of degradable compounds. Through bioconversion, these compounds can be transformed into renewable products. However, the involved biological process is negatively influenced by the high chemical oxygen demand (COD) of molasses and ion concentration. The co-digestion of molasses with rice-alcohol wastewater (RAW) was compared with its mono-digestion at an increasing organic loading rate (OLR). Both processes were assessed by detecting the COD removal rate, the methane contents of biogas, and the structure and composition of microbial communities at different stages. Results showed that the co-digestion is stable up to a maximum OLR of 16 g COD L−1 d−1, whereas after the acclimatization phase, the mono-digestion process was disturbed two times, which occurred at a maximum OLR of 9 and 10 g COD L−1 d−1. The volatile fatty acids (VFAs) observed were 2059.66 mg/L and 1896.9 mg/L, which in mono-digestion causes the inhibition at maximum OLRs. In the co-digestion process, the concomitant COD removal rates and methane content recorded was 90.72 ± 0.63% 64.47% ± 0.59% correspondingly. While in the mono-digestion process, high COD removal rate and methane contents observed were 89.29 ± 0.094% and 61.37 ± 1.06% respectively. From the analysis of microbial communities, it has been observed that both the bacterial and archaeal communities respond differently at unlike stages. However, in both processes, Propionibacteriaceae was the most abundant family in the bacterial communities, whereas Methanosaetaceae was abundant in the archaeal communities. From the current study, it has been concluded that that rice-alcohol wastewater could be a good co-substrate for the anaerobic digestion of molasses in terms of COD removal rate and methane contents production, that could integrate molasses into progressive biogas production with high OLR.
An Empirical Recommendation Framework to Support Location-Based Services
Authors: Roy Animesh Chandra , Arefin Mohammad Shamsul , Kayes A. S. M. , Hammoudeh Mohammad , Ahmed Khandakar
Published: September 2020

The rapid growth of Global Positioning System (GPS) and availability of real-time Geo-located data allow the mobile devices to provide information which leads towards the Location Based Services (LBS). The need for providing suggestions to personals about the activities of their interests, the LBS contributing more effectively to this purpose. Recommendation system (RS) is one of the most effective and efficient features that has been initiated by the LBS. Our proposed system is intended to design a recommendation system that will provide suggestions to the user and also find a suitable place for a group of users and it is according to their preferred type of places. In our work, we propose the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm for clustering the check-in spots of the user’s and user-based Collaborative Filtering (CF) to find similar users as we are considering constructing an interest profile for each user. We also introduced a grid-based structure to present the Point of Interest (POI) into a map. Finally, similarity calculation is done to make the recommendations. We evaluated our system on real world users and acquired the F-measure score on average 0.962 and 0.964 for a single user and for a group of user respectively. We also observed that our system provides effective recommendations for a single user as well as for a group of users.
Monitoring Viscosity and Total Solids Content of Milk Protein Concentrate Using an Inline Acoustic Flowmeter at Laboratory Scale
Authors: Bista Archana , Tobin John T. , O’Donnell Colm P. , O’Shea Norah
Published: September 2020

Control of milk concentrate viscosity and total solids (TS) content prior to spray drying can improve dairy ingredient manufacture. However, the availability of hygienic and appropriately pressure rated process viscometers for inline monitoring of viscosity is limited. An acoustic flowmeter (FLOWave) is an inline process analytical technology (PAT) tool that measures changes in acoustic signals in response to changes in liquid properties (i.e., acoustic transmission (AT), acoustic impedance (AI), temperature and volume flowrate). In this study, an acoustic flowmeter is evaluated as an inline PAT tool for monitoring viscosity of milk protein concentrate (MPC85), protein and TS content of (MPC85), and standardised MPC (sMPC). Laboratory scale experiments were carried out at 45 °C for five different concentrations (4–21%) of MPC85 and sMPC. Results showed that AT decreased with an increase in MPC85 viscosity (e.g., AT was 98.79 ± 0.04% and 86.65 ± 0.17% for 4% and 21% TS content, respectively). Non-linear regression was carried out to develop a relationship between AT and offline viscosity (R2 (coefficient of determination) value = 0.97 and standard error of prediction = 1.86 mPa·s). AI was observed to increase at higher protein and TS content which was dependent on protein to total solid ratio (P_TSR). Multiple linear regression was carried out to develop the relationship between AI, protein content, TS content and P_TSR. Results demonstrated that AI could be used to monitor the protein and TS content of milk protein concentrate (R2 > 0.96). Overall this study demonstrated the potential of an inline acoustic flowmeter for monitoring process viscosity, protein and TS during dairy concentrate processing.
Comparison of the Effects of Visual and Auditory Distractions on Fistula Cannulation Pain among Older Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Aghbolagh Mina Ghadimi , Bahrami Tahereh , Rejeh Nahid , Heravi-Karimooi Majideh , Tadrisi Seyed Davood , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: September 2020

Pain associated with fistula cannulation is a challenge for nurses who provide care to older patients undergoing hemodialysis. Several non-pharmacological methods have been suggested for relieving fistula cannulation pain, but the benefits of visual and auditory distraction methods among older patients undergoing hemodialysis have not been investigated yet. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of visual and auditory distractions on fistula cannulation pain among older patients undergoing hemodialysis. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 120 older patients undergoing hemodialysis. They were randomly assigned to three groups of visual distraction, auditory distraction, and the control (n = 40 in each group) using a simple random assignment method. The distraction interventions continued for three consecutive sessions and the numeric rating scale of pain severity was used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis using SPSS. It was found that pain severity significantly reduced after the distraction interventions in either the auditory or visual distraction groups and also after all three distraction sessions (p = 0.001). However, visual distraction had a better effect on the reduction of pain severity. Therefore, while both visual and auditory distractions reduced pain severity in older patients undergoing hemodialysis, visual distraction was more effective. Nurses are encouraged to incorporate visual distraction as a safe and non-pharmacologic technique into routine nursing care for reducing older patients’ suffering and improving their wellbeing when fistula cannulation is performed.
Bayesian Estimation of Correlation between Measures of Blood Pressure Indices, Aerobic Capacity and Resting Heart Rate Variability Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo Simulation and 95% High Density Interval in Female School Teachers
Authors: Shalfawi Shaher A. I.
Published: September 2020

Background: Several explanations regarding the disparity observed in the literature with regard to heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with performance parameters have been proposed: the time of day when the recording was conducted, the condition (i.e., rest, active, post activity) and the mathematical and physiological relationships that could have influenced the results. A notable observation about early studies is that they all followed the frequentist approach to data analyses. Therefore, in an attempt to explain the disparity observed in the literature, the primary purpose of this study was to estimate the association between measures of HRV indices, aerobic performance parameters and blood pressure indices using the Bayesian estimation of correlation on simulated data using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and the equal probability of the 95% high density interval (95% HDI). Methods: The within-subjects with a one-group pretest experimental design was chosen to investigate the relationship between baseline measures of HRV (rest; independent variable), myocardial work (rate–pressure product (RPP)), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and aerobic performance parameters. The study participants were eight local female schoolteachers aged 54.1 ± 6.5 years (mean ± SD), with a body mass of 70.6 ± 11.5 kg and a height of 164.5 ± 6.5 cm. Their HRV data were analyzed in R package, and the Bayesian estimation of correlation was calculated employing the Bayesian hierarchical model that uses MCMC simulation integrated in the JAGS package. Results: The Bayesian estimation of correlation using MCMC simulation reproduced and supported the findings reported regarding norms and the within-HRV-indices associations. The results of the Bayesian estimation showed a possible association (regardless of the strength) between pNN50% and MAP (rho = 0.671; 95% HDI = 0.928–0.004), MeanRR (ms) and RPP (rho = −0.68; 95% HDI = −0.064–−0.935), SDNN (ms) and RPP (rho = 0.672; 95% HDI = 0.918–0.001), LF (ms2) and RPP (rho = 0.733; 95% HDI = 0.935–0.118) and SD2 and RPP (rho = 0.692; 95% HDI = 0.939–0.055). Conclusions: The Bayesian estimation of correlation with 95% HDI on MCMC simulated data is a new technique for data analysis in sport science and seems to provide a more robust approach to allocating credibility through a meaningful mathematical model. However, the 95% HDI found in this study, accompanied by the theoretical explanations regarding the dynamics between the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system in relation to different recording conditions (supine, reactivation, rest), recording systems, time of day (morning, evening, sleep etc.) and age of participants, suggests that the association between measures of HRV indices and aerobic performance parameters has yet to be explicated.
Improvement of the Quality of Life in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration by Using Filters
Authors: Caballe-Fontanet Daniel , Alvarez-Peregrina Cristina , Busquet-Duran Neus , Pedemonte-Sarrias Eduard , Sanchez-Tena Miguel Angel
Published: September 2020

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease with an increasing incidence due to the general aging of the population that decreases the patient’s quality of life. This work aims to study whether selective cut optical filters improve the AMD patient’s quality of life. Methods: Prospective and longitudinal study in 79 patients. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and the line differences in the Colenbrander test were measured. Patients answered The National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), which measures the quality of life related to vision before and after using cut optical filters. Results: There was an improvement of 5.99 points (3.7–8.3) in NEI VFQ-25 after wearing filters. This improvement was 4.0 points for 450-nm filters and 12.7 points for 511-nm filters. For patients with visual acuity (VA) < 0.25, results of NEI VFQ-25 increased by 10.11 points (1.19–19.02) and for patients with late AMDs, results increased by 5.33 points (1.31–9.35). Conclusions: Selective filters improve the quality of life of patients with AMD. The success rate in the fitting of filters is better for those with VA lower than 0.25 and those with late or advanced AMD.
Disordered Eating Attitudes, Anxiety, Self-Esteem and Perfectionism in Young Athletes and Non-Athletes
Authors: Petisco-Rodríguez Cristina , Sánchez-Sánchez Laura C. , Fernández-García Rubén , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , García-Montes José Manuel
Published: September 2020

Eating disorders are associated with short and long-term consequences that can affect sports performance. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether female athletes, particularly gymnasts and footballers, exhibit more eating problems compared to female non-athletes, and to identify individual personality characteristics including anxiety, self-esteem, and perfectionism as possible contributors to eating disorder risk. In a sample of 120 participants, 80 adolescent female athletes were compared to a control condition of 40 non-athletes (mean age 17.2 ± 2.82). Participants responded to a questionnaire package to investigate the presence of disordered eating (SCOFF) and psychological variables in relation to disordered eating symptoms or eating disorder status. Subsequently, anthropometric measures were obtained individually by trained staff. There were statistically significant differences between conditions. One of the most important results was the score in SCOFF (Mann–Whitney = 604, p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.52, r = 0.25), being higher in control than in the gymnast condition. These results suggest that non-athlete female adolescents show more disturbed eating behaviours and thoughts than female adolescents from aesthetic sport modalities and, therefore, may have an enhanced risk of developing clinical eating disorders.
Latent Profiles of Burnout, Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptomatology among Teachers
Authors: Méndez Inmaculada , Martínez-Ramón Juan Pedro , Ruiz-Esteban Cecilia , García-Fernández José Manuel
Published: September 2020

Burnout is a reality in the teaching profession. Specifically, teaching staff usually have higher burnout rates. The present study aims to analyze the different burnout profiles and to verify if there were differences between burnout profiles in depressive symptomatology and in the self-esteem of the teachers at school. The total number of participants was 210 teachers from 30 to 65 years. The first scale was the Maslach burnout inventory, the second scale was the Self-Rating depression scale and the third scale was the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The latent class analysis identified three burnout profiles: the first group with a high level of emotional exhaustion, low personal accomplishment and depersonalization (high burnout); the second group with low emotional exhaustion, low depersonalization and high personal accomplishment (low burnout) and the third group with low depersonalization, low emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment (moderate burnout). The results revealed that there were differences in depressive symptomatology (group 1 obtained higher scores than group 2 and group 3) and self-esteem (group 2 obtained higher scores than group 1). The psychological balance and health of teachers depend on preventing the factors that have been associated with this syndrome.
The Age Distribution among Children Seeking Medical Treatment for Precocious Puberty in Taiwan
Authors: Su Pen-Hua , Huang Jing-Yang , Li Cho-Shun , Chang Hua-Pin
Published: September 2020

Objective: Children with precocious puberty (PP) may have increased physiological and psychological problems. In this study, we aimed to explore the trend of parents seeking medical care for their children with precocious puberty. Methods: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset (NHIRD) was used to estimate the prevalence (2000–2013) and incidence (2002–2013) of PP (ICD-9 code: 259.1) among boys aged 0–11 years and girls aged 0–10 years. The proportions of PP management within 1 year from the date of first diagnosis were also compared between two periods (2002–2007 and 2008–2012). The trends of PP prevalence or incidence were determined by join-point regression. Results: In 2000, 309 boys and 2706 girls had at least one visit for PP, the crude prevalence rates (per 10,000 persons) were 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.87–1.14) and 13.56 (95% CI 13.01–14.13) in boys and girls, respectively. In 2013, the crude prevalence rates increased to 7.01 (95% CI 6.56–7.84) and 110.95 (95% CI 108.97–112.96) in boys and girls, respectively. A total of 2584 girls and 207 boys with incident PP cases were identified in 2002, and 7498 girls and 739 boys were identified in 2013. For girls, the incidence rates (per 10,000 person-years) were 16.17 (95% CI 15.55–16.80) and 70.23 (95% CI 68.65–71.83) in 2002 and 2013, respectively. For boys, the incidence rates were 1.09 (95% CI 0.95–1.24) and 5.72 (95% CI 5.32–6.15) in 2002 and 2013, respectively. The sex ratio (F:M) of the incidence of PP cases was 14.89 in 2002 and 12.28 in 2013. Conclusion: In this study, from 2000 to 2013, the frequency of visiting pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics for precocious puberty increased in both genders. We advocate that it is important to pay increased attention to children’s health, environmental hormones, and diet. Researchers should consider how to survey precocious puberty and offer parents more education to avoid the waste of medical resources or delays in seeking medical care.
Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region
Authors: Masekameni Masilu Daniel , Moyo Dingani , Khoza Norman , Chamdimba Chimwemwe
Published: September 2020

Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OHS in these facilities might increase efficiency in preventing occupational diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries aiming at assessing the availability of OHS at PHC facilities and the organization of OHS. We conducted a literature review to assess the provision and organization of OHS services. In addition to the review, a total of 23 doctors from Zambia were interviewed using questionnaires in order to determine the availability of OHS and training. Consultations with heads of ministries were done in four SADC countries. Results showed that in the SADC region, OHS are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach. In addition, out of 23 PHC facilities, only two (13%) provided occupational health and PHC. However, OHS provided at PHC facilities were limited to TB screening and audiometric testing. Our study showed a huge inadequacy of trained occupational health practitioners. This study supports the World Health Organization’s advocacy to integrate OHS at the PHC level.
Perception of Dating Violence in Teenage Couples: A Cross Validation Study in Spain and Colombia
Authors: Martínez-Dorado Ana , Privado Jesús , Useche Sergio A. , Velasco Lilian , García-Dauder Dau , Alfaro Elisa
Published: September 2020

Background: dating violence, or violence in teenage couples, is a socially interesting topic, due to its prevalence and its possible use in predicting violence in adult couples. The perception of violence, or the detection of abusive behaviors by teenagers and young people (which can be considered as equivalent concepts), is essential to prevent violence itself. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to determine which behaviors are identified as abusive by teenagers and young people, and the severity that they attribute to them—meaning how they perceive them. Moreover, we will be able to determine whether there are differences between boys and girls in two countries: Spain and Colombia. Methods: for this study, we used two samples from both countries, with a total of 389 teenagers (50.9% females and 49.1% males) who were, on average, 16.56 years old (SD = 1.94 years). We analyzed the factorial invariance depending on sex and country of the sample and the different profiles of violence perception. Results: we found evidence of the internal validity of the questionnaire for what concerns the perception of inter-partner violence. The results point out that the perception of violence in the relationship is composed of two factors related to each other (Multiple and Emotional Abuse), which are invariant depending of sex and country of origin of the sample. The internal consistency of the test is adequate (>0.90). The analysis of the violence perception profiles indicates that Spanish teenagers have a higher perception of it, and, also, that girls hold a higher perception than boys. Conclusions: the results of this research have shown how dating violence (or violence in teenage couples) is differentially perceived not only between genders, but also across cultural contexts. Moreover, these outcomes may enhance the development of possible evidence-based interventions approaching the social problem generated by violence in teenage couples.
Neonatal Lead (Pb) Exposure and DNA Methylation Profiles in Dried Bloodspots
Authors: Montrose Luke , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Morishita Masako , Kochmanski Joseph , Klaver Zachary , Cavalcante Raymond , Lumeng Julie C. , Peterson Karen E. , Dolinoy Dana C.
Published: September 2020

Lead (Pb) exposure remains a major concern in the United States (US) and around the world, even following the removal of Pb from gasoline and other products. Environmental Pb exposures from aging infrastructure and housing stock are of particular concern to pregnant women, children, and other vulnerable populations. Exposures during sensitive periods of development are known to influence epigenetic modifications which are thought to be one mechanism of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm. To gain insights into early life Pb exposure-induced health risks, we leveraged neonatal dried bloodspots in a cohort of children from Michigan, US to examine associations between blood Pb levels and concomitant DNA methylation profiles (n = 96). DNA methylation analysis was conducted via the Infinium MethylationEPIC array and Pb levels were assessed via high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). While at-birth Pb exposure levels were relatively low (average 0.78 µg/dL, maximum of 5.27 ug/dL), we identified associations between DNA methylation and Pb at 33 CpG sites, with the majority (82%) exhibiting reduced methylation with increasing Pb exposure (q < 0.2). Biological pathways related to development and neurological function were enriched amongst top differentially methylated genes by p-value. In addition to increases/decreases in methylation, we also demonstrate that Pb exposure is related to increased variability in DNA methylation at 16 CpG sites. More work is needed to assess the accuracy and precision of metals assessment using bloodspots, but this study highlights the utility of this unique resource to enhance environmental epigenetics research around the world.
Psoriasis and Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Takahashi Toshiya , Yamasaki Kenshi
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by crosstalk between various cells such as T cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and keratinocytes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as β-defensin, S100, and cathelicidin are secreted from these cells and activate the innate immune system through various mechanisms to induce inflammation, thus participating in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In particular, these antimicrobial peptides enhance the binding of damage-associated molecular patterns such as self-DNA and self-RNA to their receptors and promote the secretion of interferon from activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells and keratinocytes to promote inflammation in psoriasis. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), complexes of self-DNA and proteins including LL-37 released from neutrophils in psoriatic skin, induce Th17. Activated myeloid dendritic cells secrete a mass of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-23 in psoriasis, which is indispensable for the proliferation and survival of T cells that produce IL-17. AMPs enhance the production of some of Th17 and Th1 cytokines and modulate receptors and cellular signaling in psoriasis. Inflammation induced by DAMPs, including self-DNA and RNA released due to microinjuries or scratches, and the enhanced recognition of DAMPs by AMPs, may be involved in the mechanism underlying the Köbner phenomenon in psoriasis.
Role of Glutaredoxin-1 and Glutathionylation in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Burns Mannix , Rizvi Syed Husain Mustafa , Tsukahara Yuko , Pimentel David R. , Luptak Ivan , Hamburg Naomi M. , Matsui Reiko , Bachschmid Markus M.
Published: September 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and as rates continue to increase, discovering mechanisms and therapeutic targets become increasingly important. An underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases is believed to be excess reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Glutathione, the most abundant cellular antioxidant, plays an important role in the body’s reaction to oxidative stress by forming reversible disulfide bridges with a variety of proteins, termed glutathionylation (GSylation). GSylation can alter the activity, function, and structure of proteins, making it a major regulator of cellular processes. Glutathione-protein mixed disulfide bonds are regulated by glutaredoxins (Glrxs), thioltransferase members of the thioredoxin family. Glrxs reduce GSylated proteins and make them available for another redox signaling cycle. Glrxs and GSylation play an important role in cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, cardiac hypertrophy, peripheral arterial disease, and atherosclerosis. This review primarily concerns the role of GSylation and Glrxs, particularly glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx), in cardiovascular diseases and the potential of Glrx as therapeutic agents.
Antimicrobial Peptides with Enhanced Salt Resistance and Antiendotoxin Properties
Authors: Chu Hung-Lun , Chih Ya-Han , Peng Kuang-Li , Wu Chih-Lung , Yu Hui-Yuan , Cheng Doris , Chou Yu-Ting , Cheng Jya-Wei
Published: September 2020

A strategy was described to design antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with enhanced salt resistance and antiendotoxin activities by linking two helical AMPs with the Ala-Gly-Pro (AGP) hinge. Among the designed peptides, KR12AGPWR6 demonstrated the best antimicrobial activities even in high salt conditions (NaCl ~300 mM) and possessed the strongest antiendotoxin activities. These activities may be related to hydrophobicity, membrane-permeability, and α-helical content of the peptide. Amino acids of the C-terminal helices were found to affect the peptide-induced permeabilization of LUVs, the α-helicity of the designed peptides under various LUVs, and the LPS aggregation and size alternation. A possible model was proposed to explain the mechanism of LPS neutralization by the designed peptides. These findings could provide a new approach for designing AMPs with enhanced salt resistance and antiendotoxin activities for potential therapeutic applications.