bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on prevalence of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus and high level Gentamicin resistance among Enterococcus isolates in a Pediatric tertiary care hospital
Authors: Bhavana J , S Kaarthiga , Mahantesh  , S Yadukul
Published: October 2020

Vancomycin resistance and high level aminoglycoside resistance in Enterococci has limited its treatment, as Enterococci are susceptible to only narrow spectrum of antibiotics. VRE is known to cause hospital acquired infections. This study was aimed to determine prevalence of vancomycin resistance and HLG resistance among Enterococci in a Pediatric hospital. 310 spp was isolated between Jan 2018- May 2020 from pediatric patients from various samples. Among them 206 (66.5%) isolates were , 104 (33.5%) isolates were spp including . Most of the isolates were from urine (68%). High Level Gentamicin (HLG) resistance was seen in 69% of the isolates. Vancomycin resistance (VRE) was seen in 29 (9.4%) isolates. HLG resistance among VRE was 79% (23/29), all of them were sensitive to Linezolid. 17 of the VRE isolates were from urine sample and 15 (88%) of these isolates were sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. 90% (26/29) of the VRE isolates were isolated from nosocomial infections. 58% of VRE isolates were
Assessment of the probability of human error occurring in the process of appendectomy operation using SPAR-H method
Authors: Taherzadeh Chenani KH , Jahangiri M , Jafari Nodoushan R , Madadizadeh F , Fallah H
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The irreparable consequences of human error in the health care sector have made patient safety an important principle in medical professions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the probability of human error in operating room personnel in the process of appendectomy operations.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed to identify and evaluate the probability of human error in operating room personnel's tasks in the process of appendectomy in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd. Initially, by interviewing personnel and studying the process and procedures of the work, the job duties of the personnel were analyzed using HTA method. Finally, the probability of error was calculated using SPAR-H method for different tasks.
Results: The average human error probability for all tasks was 0.173. Also, the highest mean of error was related to anesthesiologist duties (0.23) and the least related to scrub duties (0.101).
Conclusion: The SPAR-H method can be used to analyze and quantify the probability of human error in the operating room. To reduce the likelihood of human error, we can reduce dependency by performing different tasks with different people and if possible with long time between them. Also, stress, complexity and procedures were identified as the most important factors affecting the probability of error.
The role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes of tile factory workers (A Case Study)
Authors: Dashti khavidaki MH , Minaeifar AA , Rassekh F , Baghiani A
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Inhalation of dust particles is prone to chronic diseases, and regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves blood variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on blood factors, lipid profile, and liver enzymes in tile factory workers.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. 70 workers who were eligible to participate in the study were selected based on the sampling method available at the workplace. According to the Beck questionnaire, 15 people were included in each active and inactive groups. After 12 hours of worker's last meal, 10 ml of venous blood was used to evaluate biochemical variables of Blood factors (RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, WBC), lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride). Liver enzyme (ALT, AST, ALP) tests of both groups were performed in the occupational medicine laboratory of Meybod city, and SPSS Ver.23 software was used for analysis.
Results: The results showed that red blood cells (p = 0.003) and hemoglobin (p = 0.034) in the active group were significantly higher than the inactive group. Also triglyceride (p = 0.025) and cholesterol (p = 0.042) of liver enzymes, (p = 0.011) ALT and AST (p = 0.047) were significantly lower.
Conclusion: It seems that physical activity can have a positive effect; it can improve blood factors, liver enzymes, and fat profile in workers. According to the results, tile factory workers can achieve the desired blood factors with minimal physical activity.
Pragmatıc Dıscourse of Pagaralamnese Imperatıve Polıteness And Its Englısh Meanıng Based Translatıon
Authors: RONI RUSMAN
Published: October 2020

The  current study is focused on the imperative politeness used by Pagaralamnese.The objective of this study was to find out  the categories of imperative politeness in Pagaralamnese  and its cultural translation into  English. The method  usedwas  a qualitative ethnography of communication and  the instruments utilyzed  were wdct( written discourse completion task) and  an  interview. There  were five respondents of Pagaralamnese. The interactive model was used in analyzing the data. The findings showed that there were six types of taboo words in Pagaralamnesenamely imperative politeness of warning, request, order, prohibition, suggestion., expectation.This article deals with discourses of imperative politeness found in various places in Indonesia. By using data collected from five respondents from Pagaralam city with socio pragmatic approach.  Thoughsomereseachers claim that politenese expressions  were translated in a certain lexicon withouth  context ,  the fact that politeness expressions should be translated in a context or  in a pragmatic way. In addition, it is strongly recommended to translate politeness expressions in a cultural context
Nature Of Media Diplomacy In Influencing Foreign Policy Decision Making Process In Kenya
Authors: Aduol Odiemo Festus , Godfrey Okoth Prof. Pontian
Published: October 2020

The media's diplomatic function has been studied in relation to the advanced communication technologies that have led to the allocation of a more far- reaching role to the media in the conduct of diplomacy. The main research gap that this study aims at covering lies in the actual media diplomacy influence on the foreign policy decision making process at implementation phase. Despite the attention given to the media's potential to affect foreign policy decisions, their involvement is still confined to a largely instrumental  role and more importantly, one that influences  the process of decision making, rather than the decision outcomes. This study analysed media diplomacy influence on foreign policy decision making process in Kenya at implementation phase. The objective of this study was to examine the nature of media diplomacy in influencing foreign policy decision making process in Kenya. It is established that media plays a complementary role to diplomacy in foreign policy implementation and hence shapes the outcome of foreign policy in Kenya. The article concludes that media diplomacy can play a significant role in the foreign policy implementation. The study hence recommends that Kenya should establish a strong regional media network, an effective diplomatic strategy to bridge the gaps in foreign policy process and train diplomats on effective media relations.
The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on the Cognitive Ability of Patients with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Liu Kuo
Published: October 2020

Deep Brain Stimulation, especially STN-DBS, is one of the most prevalent treatments for the Parkinson’s Disease. Previous researches already showed its positive effects on the general conditions of the patients but lack evaluation of its influence on the cognitive ability of the patients. A comparison in the effect of DBS and surgical lesioning procedures can determine DBS’s influence on the quality of life and confirm whether it is the most optimal treatment. This proposal reviewed previous researches about the influence of STN-DBS and proposed a study on its influence of patients’ cognitive ability.
ÁFRICA: das diferenças, dos limites e os avanços das ações de resistência
Authors: MELO RENATO DA SILVA
Published: October 2020

Neste trabalho discutirei como se processaram as estratégias colonialistas e os debates que se seguiram. Desde o final do século XIX, a África sofreu uma série de políticas intervencionistas, resultando numa era de catástrofe. As reações enquadravam-se entre três soluções: a submissão, a aliança e o confronto. Devemos observar que a resistência sob a ótica do político, da economia e da religião precisa ser reconsiderada. Para isso, trouxe os exemplos de Kimpa Vita e de Rainha Jinga, no período pré-colonial, para nos ajudar a compreender o fenômeno da resistência na longa duração. Descreverei a resistência de Menelik II contra a empreitada italiana na Etiópia e a ocupação da Namíbia pelas forças alemãs, caracterizada como a primeira grande experiência de campo de concentração e extermínio. Concluirei com a resistência em Moçâmedes, lugar de confronto entre portugueses e nativos liderados pelos sobas.
Palavras-chave: África. Colonização. Resistência.
O ESTADO DO PIAUÍ NA EXPOSIÇÃO NACIONAL DE 1908
Authors: SILVA LAILA PEDROSA DA
Published: October 2020

No início do século XX, as exposições foram percebidas como importantes instrumentos de modernização nacional, bem como de identificação dos recursos naturais do país, a fim de apontar suas possíveis possibilidades de uso. As elites políticas, econômicas e intelectuais piauienses passaram a defender o comparecimento do Piauí nas mostras expositivas, acreditando que traria inúmeros benefícios para a região, tais como investimentos de capitais estrangeiros e melhoramentos nas suas indústrias econômicas. Dessa forma, a proposta deste artigo é descrever e analisar a participação do Piauí na Exposição Nacional de 1908, realizada em comemoração ao primeiro centenário da abertura dos portos às nações amigas. A partir de periódicos locais, mensagens governamentais e catálogos dos produtos expostos, percebemos que a exposição foi oportuna para divulgação das potencialidades econômicas do estado que, desde a segunda metade do século XIX, se via na fronteira do progresso e reclamava maior atenção das autoridades governamentais.
 Palavras-chave: Piauí. Exposição. Integração.
AS SEMANAS RURALISTAS DO BRASIL: Igreja Católica e Desenvolvimento
Authors: SOUZA RAMON FELIPHE
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo, analisamos as semanas ruralistas como projeto de extensão rural desenvolvido no Brasil no século XX. Esses eventos ocorreram em diversos pontos do país e tinham como objetivo discutir aspectos relativos à condição de vida das populações rurais brasileiras. As primeiras semanas foram realizadas nos anos 1930 e foram promovidas por organizações privadas. Não obstante, entre 1940 e 1950, outras organizações passaram a promovê-las. Foi com a colaboração da Igreja, a partir dos anos 1950, que a realização desses eventos aumentou exponencialmente. Por meio de periódicos nacionais, relatórios do Serviço de Informação Agrícola (SIA) e revisão bibliográfica, verificamos como ocorreu o processo de consolidação das semanas no país, dando ênfase à cooperação da Igreja. As paróquias católicas foram utilizadas pelo Estado em seu projeto de modernizar e integrar as áreas rurais brasileiras, e se tornaram espaços de fomento de conhecimento técnico e científico em agricultura e saúde.
Palavras-chave: Igreja Católica. Semana Ruralista. Desenvolvimento.
Métodos de aprendizaje automático en los estudios prospectivos desde un ejemplo de la financiación de la innovación en Colombia
Authors: Padilla-Ospina Ana Milena , Medina-Vásquez Javier Enrique , Ospina-Holguín Javier Humberto
Published: October 2020

El propósito de este artículo es hacer una breve introducción a cinco métodos avanzados de predicción de aprendizaje automático, que pueden ser de utilidad para el desarrollo de estudios prospectivos: la regresión logística, las máquinas de vectores de soporte, las máquinas de gradiente potenciado, los bosques aleatorios y las redes neuronales. Además, se explica qué metodología se puede llevar a cabo para asegurar la robustez y validar dichos modelos de predicción. A manera de ejemplo, se presenta cómo el uso de estos métodos permitió identificar las variables financieras más importantes para predecir el desarrollo de actividades de innovación en pymes colombianas. Los resultados del uso de estos métodos pueden permitir la generación de pronósticos al corto y mediano plazo, que sirvan para la realización de estudios prospectivos con métodos más amplios, como la construcción de escenarios, con el propósito de generar propuestas basadas en la evidencia, como hoja de ruta para la planeación y política pública al largo plazo.
La gastronomía como medio para el desarrollo de innovaciones sociales
Authors: Mejía-Rivas Mariana , Maldonado-Pérez Luz Guiomar
Published: October 2020

El objetivo del trabajo fue el comprender las características de la innovación social, a partir de la gastronomía. La investigación tuvo un enfoque cualitativo y un diseño comprensivo. Se tuvo como unidad de análisis, las características de las innovaciones sociales dadas desde la gastronomía, y como unidad de comprensión: el concepto, método y validación de la innovación social realizada desde la gastronomía. Se realizó la selección de un corpus textual de 21 artículos, los cuales debían referirse a casos colombianos y trabajar en procesos de innovación social que incluyeran la gastronomía. La herramienta para el análisis de información fue Atlas.ti. Los resultados indican que, desde la gastronomía, pueden promoverse procesos de innovación social, y que las características atribuidas a la innovación social pueden ser también atribuidas a la innovación social desde la gastronomía. Se concluye que la gastronomía es una herramienta o medio para el desarrollo de innovaciones sociales, que puede generar cambios en las costumbres alimentarias de una comunidad; a la vez que una herramienta para un problema actual y relevante, como es la seguridad alimentaria.
Desafíos de los centros de gestión de la investigación para promover la investigación colaborativa
Authors: Quitian-Feliciano Iván Darío , Rodríguez-González Gina Liseth , Morales-Rubiano María Eugenia
Published: October 2020

El objetivo es identificar los desafíos de los centros de investigación de la Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, para realizar investigación colaborativa. La Investigación tuvo un enfoque mixto, realizando 19 encuestas a líderes de los grupos de investigación y 8 entrevistas a directores de los centros de investigación. Para el 95% de los encuestados, fue importante que la Universidad haya promovido la investigación colaborativa, porque es enriquecedora para su actividad como investigadores. Sin embargo, los requisitos en relación con el tipo de investigador externo con el que deben realizar la investigación colaborativa, son muy altos, estando el 83% de los encuestados en desacuerdo con ellos. Entre los desafíos a los que se enfrentan los directores de los centros de investigación, están: la necesidad de fomentar las redes científicas, la rigidez y el exceso de trámites administrativos internos, el perfil profesional de los investigadores y la falta de incentivos. Se concluye con la necesidad de flexibilizar los requisitos para hacer investigación colaborativa por parte de la universidad, de modo que se promueva una mayor participación de los investigadores en estas actividades.
Evaluación de un tapón de caucho nitrilo como sistema de envase-cierre del inmunógeno Gavac®
Authors: Pérez-Sánchez Amaury , Alfaro-Martínez Arlenis , Segura-Silva Rutdali María , Zamora-Sánchez Jesús , Pérez-González Eikel , Martínez-Armas Lidiana , Salinas-Rodríguez Diasmarys , Moreira-Rubio Alain
Published: October 2020

Los sistemas de envase-cierre escogidos, tienen que ser compatibles con el preparado para el cual se aplican a lo largo de su período de validez. En el presente trabajo se realizó la evaluación del tapón de caucho nitrilo (RL8-9-105/0) en sustitución del tapón de caucho acrilonitrilo (FM84/5) como sistema de envase-cierre del inmunógeno Gavac®. Se empleó el software estadístico Statgraphics® Plus 5.1, para el procesamiento de los datos. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de la gestión de riesgo mediante un diagrama de causa y efecto, se determinó la conformidad de este tapón con las especificaciones de calidad referidas en el NP 1078, se compararon las características físico-químicas de ambos tapones según las características de calidad del fabricante, se determinó el efecto del placebo sobre las propiedades físicas del tapón y se evaluó el sistema envase-cierre utilizando el tapón de caucho nitrilo mediante un ensayo de hermeticidad y una prueba de esterilidad. Se concluyó que el tapón de caucho nitrilo RL8-9-105/0 puede ser empleado como sistema de envase-cierre del inmunógeno Gavac®, sin que se afecten sus principales parámetros de calidad.
Influencia del tiempo de residencia en la conversión del dióxido de carbono en un sistema de descargas de barrera dieléctrica
Authors: Mora-Mendoza Eduin Yesid , Sarmiento-Santos Armando , Casallas-Caicedo Francy Mayoli
Published: October 2020

Se presenta un estudio sobre la importancia del tiempo de residencia, también llamado de permanencia, de un gas dentro de un gap de descarga de barrera de dieléctrico, para el tratamiento del dióxido de carbono CO2, el cual es un gas contaminante. Junto al CO2, se adicionó hidrógeno H2 para conformar la atmósfera de reacción de la descarga. Se estudió el comportamiento de la potencia entregada al sistema en función de la tensión de operación, utilizando alúmina y cuarzo como dieléctricos. También se estudió la conversión del CO2 en función del tiempo de residencia para tres diferentes composiciones de la mezcla CO2 + H2, para tres diferentes valores de potencia eléctrica activa suministrada al sistema y para tres diferentes valores de frecuencia de operación, utilizando alúmina como dieléctrico. El porcentaje de conversión del CO2 en las condiciones de trabajo fijadas, se incrementó al aumentar el tiempo de residencia, independientemente de la composición de la mezcla de los dos gases, de la potencia eléctrica y de la frecuencia de operación, encontrando los valores más altos para la menor cantidad de CO2 en la mezcla, para la mayor potencia suministrada y para la menor frecuencia de operación.
KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN ORGANOLPETIK PEMPEK LENJER KECIL KERING DENGAN PERLAKUAN KONSENTRASI CaCl2
Authors: Alhanannasir Alhanannasir , Murtado Asep Dodo
Published: October 2020

As an authentic food of Palembang people in South Sumatera Province, pempek is famous local food caused of unique color (yellowish-white color), flavor (fishy flavor), and chewy texture. Pempek as semi-wet food that can be dried to decrease water content and increase the shelf life. Dried pempek has a lighter and smaller volume material and making it easier to distribute and expand marketing. Pempek can be prepared from ground fish (cork fish), tapioca flour, salt, and water. These ingredients are mixed to form a dough. Pempek dough can be formed into a small pempek, such as lenjer, pastel, otak-otak, adaan, keriting, and kapal selam. Pempek is generally has a wet form. Wet pempek has a high water content of 50-60%, so it had shelf life about 3-4 days. Therefore, wet pempek must be dried to make it long shelf life. The aim of the research was to know about small dried pempek lenjer characteristic based on various addition of CaCl2. The treatment of various CaCl2 concentrations has a very significant effect on water content and protein content (chemical value) and significantly influence the organoleptic properties (aroma, color, and taste) of the dried pempek lenjer. The 1.5% concentration of CaCl2 (C3) treatment has the highest average level of likeness on aroma 3.75, color 3.90, and taste 3.95 with preferred criteria on a dried pempek lenjer.

Keywords: chemical, organoleptic, small dried pempek lenjer
ANALISIS POST-HARVEST LOSS PADA OKRA DENGAN METODE OBJECTIVE MATRIX (OMAX) DI PT MITRATANI DUA TUJUH JEMBER
Authors: Suryaningrat Ida Bagus , Prabowo Ferry Julio , Amilia Winda
Published: October 2020

Post-harvest loss is a process of the loss or the broken material from production in the field to the food being ready to be consumed. Losses in agricultural or horticultural produce are a major problem in the post-harvest process. Therefore, it was needed to identify the criteria based on the post-harvesting process to know the performance level of each criterion provided. This study was aimed to know the post-harvest loss source in the occurrence of the post-harvest process of okra. This research used Objective Matrix method (OMAX) to evaluate the performance level of each criterion provided. AHP method was also implemented in this research by using the pairwise comparison technique to measure the weight on OMAX and fishbone diagram and to identify causes factors of the okra loss. The research result showed that the picking and weighing process during post-harvest okra have lower performance level and it was not meet the expected target of the company (PT Mitratani Dua Tujuh). Other result of okra loss level was also still far from the expected target of the company. The improvement recommendations were needed to reduce post-harvest okra loss, i.e. increasing supervision by the manager, making removal plot during okra harvesting, and briefing every morning with the okra picker.

Keywords: AHP, fishbone diagram, OMAX, post-harvest loss
HAKÇALIK DUYARLILIĞI AÇISINDAN PSİKOLOJİK SÖZLEŞME İHLALLERİ VE ÖRGÜTSEL ADALETSİZLİĞE VERİLEN TEPKİLER
Authors: KESKİN Seçil , HOVARDAOĞLU Selim
Published: October 2020

Psikolojik sözleşme ihlali, örgütsel adalet algıları ve işyerindeki problemlere verilen tepkiler çalışanların tutum, karar ve davranışlarının yanı sıra örgütsel sonuçlarla da yakından ilgili olduğu için son yıllarda araştırmacılar tarafından oldukça ilgi görmektedir. Bu araştırmanın bir amacı işyerindeki problemlere verilen tepkilerin hakçalık duyarlılığı ve cinsiyet açısından farklarının belirlenmesidir. Bu araştırmanın bir diğer amacı da psikolojik sözleşme ihlali ve algılanan örgütsel adaletin işyerindeki problemlere verilen tepkileri yordama gücü ve bu tepkileri hakçalık duyarlılığı açısından incelemektir. Bu amaçla özel sektörde çalışan 276 katılımcıya Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Psikolojik Sözleşme İhlali Ölçeği, Örgütsel Adalet Algısı Ölçeği, Hakçalık Duyarlılığı Ölçeği ve İşyerindeki Problemlere Verilen Tepkiler Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Katılımcıların yaş aralığı 18-55 arasındadır. Araştırma sonucunda, tüm değişkenler üzerinde cinsiyet ve hakçalık duyarlılığı açısından bazı farklar olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra iş yerindeki problemlere verilen tepkileri psikolojik sözleşme ihlallerinin ve örgütsel adalet algısının yordadığı görülmüştür.
Improvement of Sickle Cell Disease Morbimortality in Children: Experience in a Remote Area of an African Country
Authors: Mbiya Benoît Mukinayi , Kalombo Didier Kalenda , Mukendi Yannick Nkesu , Daubie Valery , Mpoyi John Kalenda , Biboyi Parola Mukendi , Disashi Ghislain Tumba , Gulbis Béatrice
Published: October 2020

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While reference sickle cell centers have been implemented in capital cities of African countries and have proven to be beneficial for SCD patients, they have never been set up in rural areas for families with very low sources of income. Method: A cohort of 143 children with SCD aged 10 years old (IQR (interquartile range): 6–15 years) (sex ratio male/female = 1.3) were clinically followed for 12 months without any specific intervention aside from the management of acute events, and then for 12 months with a monthly medical visit, biological follow-up, and regular prophylaxis. Results: The median age of patients at the diagnosis of SCD was 2 years (IQR: 1–5). The implementation of standardized and regular follow-ups in a new sickle cell referral center in a remote city showed an increase in the annual mean hemoglobin level from 50 to 70 g/L (p = 0.001), and a decrease in the lymphocyte count and spleen size (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the average annual number of hospitalizations and episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, blood transfusions, infections, and acute chest syndromes were also observed. Conclusions: Creation of a sickle cell referral center and the regular follow-up of children with SCD are possible and applicable in the context of a remote city of an African country and represent simple and accessible measures that can reduce the morbimortality of children with sickle cell disease.
Performance Evaluation of Drainage System in Shire Endaslasse Town, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyohannes Hadush , Degu Ahmed
Published: October 2020

The stormwater drainage problem is one of the major challenges facing in Shire Endaslasse town, Ethiopia. In a town, Street flooding and overtopping drainage system problems are occurring during the rainy season. This causes ponding which poses difficulties in ease of transportation and it hinders the day-to-day activity of the people. So, the study focuses on the performance of the stormwater drainage system in Shire Endaslasse town using Arc GIS and SWMM5.1. For this study, the primary data were collected by field surveys and interviews with the council body. Simulation results for storm events show that in some of the drainage systems in different regions of Shire Endaslasse town have flooded. During the field observation, the drainage structures are filled with solid wastes, inadequate inlet and outlet structures and some of the top element of the manhole have been broken this may cause a problem of aesthetic and healthy at large it may increase flood risk. The flooding risk in the drainage systems is very high due to the drainage system is undersized to cope with the current rainfall rates, but also is very limited to face the upcoming predicted rainfall.
Reward Omissions Variably Augment Racial Bias along Political Ideology
Authors: Amd Micah
Published: October 2020

Humans tend to become angry whenever a reward they were expecting is 'unfairly' taken away. We presently tested whether situational anger induced by unfair reward omissions may influence (pre-existing) racial biases across self-identified Liberals (n = 119) and Conservatives (n = 115). In the study, participants were exposed to a frustration induction task (or a control variant), followed by implicit and explicit evaluations of White and Black male targets. Frustrated Conservatives were more likely to exhibit implicit anti-Black bias relative to non-frustrated Conservatives, but not significantly so (p's > .2). Frustrated Liberals became significantly anti-White relative to both non-frustrated Liberals and Frustrated Conservatives (p's < .006). Both Liberals and Conservatives became equally angered following reward omissions, but only the former became significantly anti-White. The present work highlights Liberals are more likely to exhibit frustration-augmented racial bias relative to Conservatives.
Performance Investigation of a Two Link Manipulator Stability in the Presence of Torque Disturbance Using Optimal Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Degefa Reta
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a two-link manipulator system stability performance is designed and analyzed using Optimal control technique. The manipulator system is highly nonlinear and unstable. The system is modelled using Lagrangian equation and linearized in upward unstable position. The closed loop system is designed using optimal sliding mode controller. The system is compared with a known PID controller with an impulse applied and disturbance torques and a promising results has been obtained.
Exploring Biogenic Dispersion Inside Star Clusters with System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Burgos Javier , Sierra Carolina
Published: October 2020

The discovery of a growing number of exoplanets and even extrasolar systems supports the scientific consensus that it is possible to find other signs of life in the universe. The present work proposes for the first time, an explicit mechanism inspired by the dynamics of biological dispersion, widely used in ecology and epidemiology, to study the dispersion of biogenic units, interpreted as complex organic molecules, between rocky or water exoplanets (habitats) located inside star clusters. The results of the dynamic simulation suggest that for clusters with populations lower than 4 M+/ly3 it is not possible to obtain biogenic worlds after 5 Gyr. Above this population size, biogenic dispersion seems to follow a power law, the larger the density of worlds lesser will be the impact rate (β ) value to obtain at least one viable biogenic Carrier habitat after 5 Gyr. Finally, when we investigate scenarios by varying β, a well-defined set of density intervals can be defined in accordance to its characteristic β value, suggesting that biogenic dispersion has a behavior of “minimal infective dose” of “minimal biogenic effective” events by interval i.e. once this dose has been achieved, doesn’t matter if additional biogenic impact events occur on the habitat.
Enhanced Protection Against Influenza Virus Infection with Dispersion Controlled Lactic Acid Bacteria Powder
Authors: Watanabe Takumi , Hayashi Kyoko , Takahashi Isao , Ohwaki Makoto , Kan Tatsuhiko , Kawahara Toshio
Published: October 2020

We evaluated the change in water dispersibility of lactic acid bacteria (LAB, Enterococcus faecalis KH2) upon powderization and its influence on their efficacy. When cultured LAB are washed, heat-killed, and powdered, adhesion between LAB occurs and they form aggregation (non-treated LAB, n-LAB). However, a dispersed LAB (d-LAB) powder with less aggregates can be prepared by treating them with a high-pressure homogenizer and adding an excipient during powdering. n-LAB or d-LAB was administered to mice and the Peyer's patches in the small intestine were observed. n-LAB administration showed a high amount of aggregated LAB drifting in the intestinal mucosa, whereas d-LAB reached the Peyer's patches and was taken up into the Peyer's patches. Evaluation in a mouse influenza virus infection model showed that d-LAB was more effective than n-LAB in influenza yield of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) on day 3 post-infection, neutralizing antibody titers of sera and influenza virus-specific IgA in the feces on day 14 post-infection. Thus, the physical properties of LAB affect their efficacy; controlling their water dispersibility can improve their effectiveness.
Early Treatment of Interleukin-33 Can Attenuate Lupus Development in Young NZB/W F1 Mice
Authors: Mohd Jaya Fatin Nurizzati , Liu Zhongyi , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung
Published: October 2020

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1 cytokine family has been recently associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. IL-33 is an alarmin and a pleiotropic cytokine that affects various types of immune cells via binding to its receptor, ST2. In this study, we determine the impact of intraperitoneal IL-33 treatments in young lupus, NZB/W F1 mice. Mice were treated from the age of 6 to 11 weeks. We then assessed the proteinuria level, renal damage, survival rate, and anti-dsDNA antibodies. The induction of regulatory B (Breg) cells and changes in gene expression were also examined. In comparison to the control group, young NZB/W F1 mice administered with IL-33 had a better survival rate as well as reduced proteinuria level and lupus nephritis. IL-33 treatments significantly induced IgM anti-dsDNA antibody, IL-10 expressing Breg cells, and alternatively induced M2 macrophage gene signatures. These results imply that IL-33 exhibit regulatory roles during lupus onset via the expansion of protective IgM anti-dsDNA as well as regulatory cells such as Bregs and M2 macrophages.
Leishmaniases and Schistosomiasis Comorbidity Potential in Kenya: The Need for Follow Up Studies
Authors: Khayeka-Wandabwa Christopher , Anjili Christopher O. , Nyambati Venny C.S. , Kutima Lydiah H. , Choge Joseph K. , Karani Lucy K. , Kemei William. Kipchirchir
Published: October 2020

There are potential overlapping distributions of the protozoan parasite Leishmania and the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni in eastern Africa most notably in endemic regions in the Sudan and Kenya. In murine model studies, the Th1-Th2 model of CD4+ T helper cell differentiation is a well-established paradigm for understanding the basis of protective versus pathogenic immune responses in the concomitance state that result in enhanced pathological changes and impaired parasite resolution. In complementation to the experimental studies, the concern for presages of human leishmaniases and schistosomiasis co-infections occurring is increased by their chronicity, displacement of people between endemic areas owing to conflict, climatic changes due to human activities, the spread through irrigation, pisciculture, water conservation schemes and human mobility in pursuit of economic dynamics and resources. Based on diseases prevalence, epidemiology and analyzing the associated risk factors undercurrents, several portents of comorbidity in Kenya are pinpointed. Taking into consideration the limited local resources and diminished surveillance of the areas affected by the two neglected tropical diseases, the discourse concludes that elimination of the diseases is still a challenge. There is need for pilot studies and/or elaborate field surveillance of concomitance and development strategies to mitigate the impending defy in Kenya and beyond.
Regional Variations in the Dynamics of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US
Authors: Almogy Gal
Published: October 2020

Since identified as the pathogen responsible for an outbreak of severe respiratory distress in Wuhan, China, the 2019-nCoV coronavirus has caused over 30M cases and 1M deaths globally. Sporadic cases were identified in several states in the US from early January, and large-scale community transmission is believed to have started in late February, leading to a first spike in COVID-19 deaths and overall mortality in late April, and a second spike later in the summer. I show here that the dynamics of the pandemic were different in different regions of the US, showing a north-south pattern, with a first pandemic wave mainly in northern regions, followed by a second wave mainly in southern regions. Analysis of overall mortality data shows that the increase in mortality correlates well with COVID-19 incidence in most regions, and that from April through August COVID-19 deaths accounted for a substantial proportion of all deaths in all parts of the US.
Predictors of Successful Treatment 1 Year After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy
Authors:   Cleveland Clinic Sports Health1
Published: October 2020

Background:

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures. Understanding factors that predict better patient-reported outcomes is important for guiding patient and clinician decision-making. The purpose of this study was to evaluate predictors of pain and function after APM in a large, multisite, academic health system cohort.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 665 patients who were ≥40 years of age and who had APM without any concomitant ligament or cartilage-resurfacing procedures. There were 486 subjects (73%) who completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires including demographic variables (age, sex, body mass index [BMI], education level), surgical findings (meniscal tear type, articular cartilage grade), and patient-reported outcomes (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] Pain, Physical Function Short Form [PS], and knee-related Quality of Life [QOL]; and Veterans RAND 12-Item [VR-12] Mental Component Score [MCS] and Physical Component Score [PCS]). We constructed multivariable statistical models to assess predictors of improvement in patient-reported outcomes, as well as a model to assess predictors of a successful improvement of at least 10 points in either KOOS Pain or KOOS-PS.

Results:

The mean age was 55 years, 46% of patients were female, and the mean BMI was 30 kg/m2. There were clinically important and significant improvements (p < 0.001) in all patient-reported outcomes from baseline to the 1-year follow-up. The following factors predicted less improvement in at least 1 patient-reported outcome: higher baseline score, higher BMI, older age, less education, current smoking, lower VR-12 MCS, prior ipsilateral surgical procedure, bipolar medial compartment cartilage lesions, and a lateral meniscal tear. Eighty-three percent of subjects had a successful improvement of 10 points in either KOOS Pain or KOOS-PS. The odds of successful improvement were lower in patients with a medial meniscal root tear, a lateral meniscal tear, or higher baseline KOOS Pain score.

Conclusions:

Eighty-three percent of patients improved by at least 10 points in pain and function after APM. Patients with a medial meniscal root tear or a lateral meniscal tear had decreased odds of a clinically important improvement in pain or function after APM. Increased BMI, smoking, and worse VR-12 MCS are potentially modifiable risk factors that predict less improvement after APM and warrant further study.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
An Adaptive Maximum Power Output Sustaining System for a Photovoltaic Power Plant Based on a Robust Predictive Control Approach
Authors: Elzein I. , Petrenko Yu. N.
Published: October 2020

Photovoltaic power plants have non-linear voltage-current characteristic, with specific maximum power point, which depends on operating conditions, viz. irradiation and temperature. In targeting the maximum power, it is by far known that the photovoltaic arrays have to operate at the maximum power point despite unpredicted weather changes. For this reason the controllers of all photovoltaic power electronic converters employ some method for maximum power point tracking. This paper makes an emphasis on model predictive controller as a control method for controlling the maximum power point tracking through the utilization of the well-known algorithm namely the Perturb and Observe technique. Further, during the advanced stages of this research study, the model will compare the results obtained for tracking the maximum power point from model predictive controller and a PID-controller as they are integrated Perturb and Observe algorithm. The obtained results will verify that the adaptive PID-controller Perturb and Observe algorithm has limitation for tracking the precise MPP during the transient insulation conditions. As compared to the proposed adaptive/modified model predictive controller for Perturb and Observe algorithm we illustrate that by adopting this method we will get to establish more accurate and efficient results of the obtained power in any dynamic environmental conditions: advantages as on regulation time (six times under the accepted experimental conditions) and by the number of fluctuations.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of the Use of Borehole Jet Pumps
Authors: Panevny D. A. , Panevny A. V.
Published: October 2020

The article presents rationales for choosing the depth of installation of an oil jet pump in the borehole that which ensures maximum efficiency of its operation. The operating parameters of the ejection system are determined by the joint solution of the characteristic equations of the high-pressure jet pump and the hydraulic system. In the process of solving the system of equations, the method of successive approximations, the Delphi software environment and PTC Mathcad resources were used. The equation of the characteristics of the jet pump hydraulic system was obtained by determining the pressures in its distinctive cross-sections and then presenting their values as the relative (dimensionless) head of the ejection system. Alteration the installation depth of the jet pump changes the characteristics of its hydraulic system, the parameters of the operating point of the pumping unit and its efficiency. In this case, the minimum permissible installation depth of the jet pump is determined by the value of the minimum pressure in the elements of the ejection system, which must exceed the value of the elastic pressure of saturated vapors of the oil and gas flow and ensure its operation in pre-cavitation mode. The probability of operation of a jet pump in cavitation mode was studied using the Bernoulli, Darcy – Weisbach and flow continity equations. The inversely dependence of the ejection coefficient and efficiency of the jet pump on the depth of its installation in the borehole has been revealed. If the jet pump is installed in the borehole at the optimal depth, its efficiency is increased by 30 %.
Availability of Essential Commodities and Related Bottlenecks for Community Health System: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pradhan Ami , Bogue Erin , Schreiber Benjamin , Dini Hannah Sarah , Hurkchand Hitesh , Briggs Jane , Ballard Madeleine
Published: October 2020

Background: This paper explores the extent of community-level stock-out of essential and program commodities for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and identifies the underlying bottlenecks leading to such stock-outs.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted of published and grey literature. 48 studies containing information on the number or percentage of CHWs or health facilities (HFs) stocked-out, or reasons for stock-outs at these levels, were included. In addition, interviews were conducted with domain experts from different organizations working on community health to identify primary reasons for stock-outs. The qualitative data regarding reasons for stock-outs were categorized under different themes, using a content analysis method.

Results: 48.09% [CI 95%: 39.28 - 56.90] of the Community Health Workers and 54.76 % [CI 95%: 43.54 - 65.98] of the health facilities in SSA countries included in this study experienced stock-outs of essential commodities. A hypothesis test showed no significant difference in stock-out rates between CHWs and HFs. The most frequently cited reason for CHW stock-outs was a lack of financial resources, leading to inadequate national level stocks, affecting supply available at the last mile. Moreover, issues at HF and CHW levels in the following areas contributed to stock-outs: transportation, data and estimation of needs, human resources, and stock management and storage. These significant bottlenecks hinder the ability of CHWs to save lives.

Conclusion: Stock-outs of health commodities impact almost half of CHWs, preventing effective service delivery. Many factors contribute to stock-outs, which occur at all levels of the health supply chain. A system strengthening approach is necessary to reduce CHW stock-outs. Sparse data, differing definitions of stock-outs, and inconsistent reporting metrics posed significant challenges to analyzing results from reviewed studies. Therefore, a set of standard metrics to measure the rate, period, and frequency of stock-outs in future studies is recommended.
Student Perspective of Classroom and Distance Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic in the Undergraduate Dental Study Program Universitas Indonesia
Authors: Amir Lisa , Tanti Ira , Maharani Diah Ayu , Wimardhani Yuniardini , Julia Vera , Sulijaya Benso , Puspitawati Ria
Published: October 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health issue and has had a major impact on education. Consequently, half way through the second semester of the academic year 2019/2020, learning methods were delivered through distance learning (DL). We aimed to evaluate the student perspective of DL compared to classroom learning (CL) in the undergraduate dentistry study program at the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent at the end of the semester. A total of 301 students participated in the study. Results: Duration of study influenced student preference. Higher number of first-year students preferred DL compared to their seniors ( p <0.001). Students preferred CL for group discussion, as DL resulted in more difficult communication and gave less learning satisfaction. Only 44.2% students preferred DL over CL, although they agreed that DL gave a more efficient learning method (52.6%), it provided more time to study (87.9%) and to review study materials (87.3%). Challenges during DL included external factors such as unstable internet connection, extra financial burden for the internet quota and internal factors such as time management and difficulty to focus while learning online for a longer period of time. Conclusion: Despite some challenges, dental students could adapt to the new learning methods of full DL and the majorities agreed blended learning that combined classroom and distance learning can be implemented henceforth. This current COVID-19 pandemic, changes not only the utilization of technology in education but the pedagogy strategies in the future.
Does estradiol orally and vaginally administered together impact live birth and neonatal outcomes in artificial frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yang Yixia , Sun Jian , Zhou Xinting , Hu Yanmei , Wu Yu
Published: October 2020

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that newborns from fresh embryo transfer have higher risk of small for gestation (SGA) rate than those from frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). It is suggested that supraphysiologic serum estradiol in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is one of reasons. Our study aims to investigate whether exogenous estradiol delivered regimens have an impact on live birth rate and neonatal outcomes in hormone replacement (HRT)-FET cycles. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving patients undergoing their first FET with HRT endometrium preparation followed by the transfer of two cleavage-staged embryos, comparing estradiol administered orally and vaginally (OVE group) versus estradiol administered orally (OE group) from January 2015 to December 2018 at our center. A total of 792 patients fulfilled the criteria, including 228 live birth singletons. The live birth rate was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included clinical pregnancy rate, singleton birthweight, large for gestational age (LGA) rate, SGA rate, preterm delivery rate. Results: Patients in OVE group achieved higher serum estradiol level with more days of estradiol treatment. No difference in live birth (Adjusted OR 1.327; 95%CI 0.982, 1.794, p = 0.066) and clinical pregnancy rate (Adjusted OR 1.278; 95%CI 0.937, 1.743, p = 0.121) was found between OVE and OE groups. Estradiol route did not affect singletons birth weight (β = -30.962, SE = 68.723, p = 0.653), the odds of LGA (Adjusted OR 1.165; 95%CI 0.545, 2.490, p = 0.694), the odds of SGA (Adjusted OR 0.569; 95%CI 0.096, 3.369, p = 0.535) or the preterm delivery (Adjusted OR 0.969; 95%CI 0.292, 3.214, p = 0.959). Conclusion: Estrogen taken orally and vaginally together did not change live birth rate and singleton neonatal outcomes compared to estrogen taken orally, but was accompanied with relative higher serum E2 level and potential maternal undesirable risks.