bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hacia una literatura sin ficción. Juan José Millás, Javier Cercas y Antonio Muñoz Molina
Authors: Kłosińska-Nachin Agnieszka
Published: October 2019

El artículo se propone reflexionar en torno a la llamada literatura sin ficción a partir de opiniones (especialmente las expresadas en la prensa diaria) de Juan José Millás (1946), Javier Cercas (1962) y Antonio Muñoz Molina (1956). La predilección por este tipo de literatura, así como una intensa actividad periodística de estos autores, dan lugar a una reflexión más general sobre el papel de la literatura y del escritor en la actualidad, frente a los cambios poco favorables a las humanidades.
Scena dell’incontro tra il poeta e la Musa nel poemetto Urania di Alessandro Manzoni alla luce della tradizione classica. Analisi strutturale
Authors: Raczyńska Alicja
Published: October 2019

Il poemetto Urania è l’ultimo lavoro neoclassico di Alessandro Manzoni, uno degli esponenti del Romanticismo italiano. L’obiettivo del mio articolo è l’analisi della scena dell’incontro fra il poeta Pindaro e la Musa Urania. Le mie ricerche mirano a riconoscere le relazioni tra la scena del poemetto e la tradizione classica dell’incontro di un poeta con una divinità ispiratrice. Le mie analisi sono ispirate alle ricerche di Tomasz Mojsik, storico e filologo classico polacco, sul ruolo delle Muse nella cultura della Grecia antica.
Un exemple des limites du calque latin dans la description du nom : la théorie des cas au XVIIIe siècle
Authors: Dagnet Sévrine
Published: October 2019

Au moment de décrire les parties d’oraison du français, les grammairiens des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles se tournent, comme leurs prédécesseurs, vers le latin, perçu comme un modèle d’excellence. Plus spécifiquement en ce qui concerne le nom, cette imitation les conduit à décréter que cette occurrence varie comme son homologue antique en genre, en nombre et en cas. La difficulté liée à l’absence de morphème casuel du substantif français, loin de constituer un frein, est contournée : en français la déclinaison du nom serait surtout celle de l’article, occurrence antéposée qui tout en précisant la référence opérée par l’élément nominal, varie au gré de la fonction grammaticale occupée par le groupe nominal. Ainsi, l’occurrence la femme (sujet ou complément d’objet) correspondrait au nominatif et à l’accusatif, tandis que l’occurrence à la femme (complément d’attribution) équivaudrait à un datif. Cette théorie, déjà en péril aux XVIe et XVIIe siècles, est très largement remise en cause au XVIIIe siècle. La controverse ne décourage pas Régnier-Desmarais (1706) et Vallart (1744), qui défendent la thèse d’une variation en cas et établissent des paradigmes de déclinaisons, longuement explicités et justifiés (première partie). Leurs argumentations étayées se heurtent aux exposés de Girard (1744) et de Du Marsais (1769), qui perçoivent le calque du latin comme un contresens syntaxique et une méconnaissance des caractéristiques de l’article, classe de mots en mal de statut (deuxième partie). Beauzée (1767) réconcilie les deux tendances en affirmant que si le nom ne possède pas de déclinaison, le français reste une langue casuelle en ce qui concerne le pronom. Rétablissant ainsi la légitimité du cas tout en le limitant à un type de mots précis, il s’interroge plus globalement sur le rôle de cette catégorie grammaticale (troisième partie).
Approcci interdisciplinari: letteratura e cartografia. Tra immagini e parole
Authors: Di Pasquale Fabrizio
Published: October 2019

Nell’ultimo ventennio, un numero importante di lavori sono stati consacrati allo studio della rappresentazione dello spazio nei testi letterari. Tale interesse sembra inscriversi sia nell’evoluzione dei generi, caratterizzati da una spazializzazione crescente delle forme narrative, sia nello sviluppo di pratiche artistiche legate alla creazione di carte letterarie. In seguito all’affermarsi dello spatial turn negli studi letterari e culturali, parte della critica ha focalizzato la sua attenzione sulla relazione che intercorre tra spazio immaginario, spazio referenziale e pratica cartografica. Quest’ultimo aspetto costituisce uno dei temi più interessanti della metodologia geocritica. Il presente articolo mira a studiare questa “convergenza” tra la letteratura e la cartografia, con l’intento di esaminare la testualità delle carte letterarie e, in particolare, la loro dimensione retorica. Le carte letterarie sono in grado di rappresentare i luoghi in cui si svolge l’azione di un romanzo, o di più romanzi, permettendo allo scrittore di costruire un mondo immaginario che i lettori esplorano assieme ai personaggi.
Féminisation dans les textes administratifs écrits en français : le cas de l’Algérie
Authors: Pleško Martin , Holeš Jan
Published: October 2019

L’article traite de la féminisation des textes administratifs écrits en français en Algérie sur la base d’une analyse des formulaires officiels délivrés par diverses autorités publiques algériennes. Après une introduction générale portant sur la situation linguistique et la féminisation linguistique en Algérie, les auteurs présentent ensuite la méthodologie utilisée. Les résultats sont résumés, commentés et quantifiés en tenant compte des procédés appliqués (ou non) visant à rendre les femmes visibles dans ce type de documents.
The Historical Development and Adaptation of Open Universities in Turkish Context
Authors: Bozkurt Aras
Published: October 2019

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has a long history, one marked by the emergence of open universities, which was a critical development in the ecology of openness. Open universities have taken on significant local and global roles within the framework of meeting the needs of their respective regions of influence, and as such, their roles have evolved over time. Against this background, the purpose of this research is to explore the open university phenomenon by examining the case of Anadolu University in Turkey, a mega university that has transformed into what is now a giga university. More specifically, the research first looks at openness in education and how the concept itself has led to the emergence of open universities, before turning attention to Anadolu University, which is a dual-mode, state university with around 3 million enrolled students. Other issues that are addressed as part of this research include the rise of ODL and how it positioned itself within Turkish higher education; the historical development of Anadolu University and its massiveness, in terms of student numbers and services provided; local and global ODL practices; learner profiles, learning materials and spaces; exams and assessment and evaluation processes; learner support services, and Anadolu University’s contribution, as an open university, to the field of ODL. The research shows that as an open university, Anadolu University has narrowed the information gap and digital divide, has enhanced equality of opportunity in education, and has provided lifelong learning opportunities. More importantly, as an institution that has gone beyond the conventional understanding of an open university, Anadolu University serves as a catalyst of change and innovation in its emergence as a role model for other higher education institutions. The following recommendations were able to be developed from the examinations of this study: (1) develop a definition of “openness” based on the changing paradigms of the 21st century and online learning, (2) enter into national and international collaborations between open universities, (3) adopt culturally relevant open pedagogies, (4) develop and design heutagogy-based curricula, and (5) unbundle ODL services in mega and giga universities.
The Toxic Effect of Ametryn on Behaviour and Histopathological Changes of Freshwater Eel (Monopterus Albus)
[Pengaruh Toksik Ametryn terhadap Perilaku dan Perubahan Histopatologis Belut AirTawar (Monopterus Albus)]

Authors: Hasan Marina , Shah Norhan Nor Azri , Wahab Wahidah , Nagi Melad Anur Abdalah , Kismiyati Kismiyati , Hisam Abd Aziz Mohd Fazrul , Mohd Husin Norainy , Zakariah Mohd Ihwan
Published: October 2019

AbstractA study on the toxicity of herbicides was investigated with emphasis on behaviour and histopathological effects. Ametryn commonly used to control weeds in the paddy field. The effect of ametryn on fish especially Monopterus albus was unknown. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity of ametryn and its effects on the behaviour of the eels. The adult M. albus were exposed to 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0mg/L of ametryn for 96 hours under laboratory conditions. The eels showed symptoms of abnormal behaviour responses during the exposure which are agitated behaviour, respiratory distress, and abnormal nervous behaviour. Mortality was increased by increasing the concentration of ametryn. This present study showed the effect of ametryn on kidney tissue changes. Hemorrhage and distribution of hemosiderin, hydropic degeneration, granular degeneration, tubular necrosis, narrowing tubular lumen and necrosis were major histopathological effects that occurred during the exposure to ametryn. In conclusion, ametryn is very sensitive to Monopterus albus. In lower concentration, they showed changes in behaviour and effect their organs. AbstrakStudi tentang toksisitas herbisida yang diamati dengan penekanan pada perilaku dan dampak histopatologis. Ametryn biasanya digunakan untuk mengawal rumpai di sawah padi. Kesan ametryn pada ikan terutama belut tidak diketahui. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan toksisitas akut ametryn dan dampaknya terhadap perilaku belut. M. albus dewasa terpapar pada 0, 0.75, 1,5 dan 3,0mg / L ametryn selama 96 jam pada kondisi laboratorium. Belut menunjukkan gejala respons perilaku abnormal selama paparan yaitu gelisah, gangguan pernapasan, dan perilaku saraf abnormal. Kematian meningkat seiring meningkatnya konsentrasi ametryn. Penelitian ini menunjukkan dampak ametryn pada perubahan jaringan ginjal. Perdarahan dan distribusi hemosiderin, degenerasi hidropik, degenerasi granular, nekrosis tubular, penyempitan lumen tubular dan nekrosis adalah dampak histopatologis utama yang terjadi selama paparan ametryn. Kesimpulannya, ametryn sangat sensitif terhadap Monopterus albus. Dalam konsentrasi rendah, belut menunjukkan perubahan perilaku dan kesan pada organ.
Uang dan ruang yang berkelanjutan dalam pembentukan Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes)
Authors: Huruta Andrian Dolfriandra , Sasongko Gatot
Published: October 2019

Money and space were elements that continually contested. This article aimed to described the role of money and space to support development activity, using the case study of Mbatakapidu. “Money” in this article was referred to fund assistance from external parties such as government (central, province or regency), non-governmental organization (NGOs), and internal side such as self-supporting (local resources), while “space” that referred in this article was local institution called BUMDes (Badan Usaha Milik Desa). This research applied qualitative approach by conducting a case study. Data were gathered through in-depth interview to 5 purposively-selected informants. Secondary data from previous research was used as complement to primary data. Researchers also held a focus group discussion to gain more accurate explanation about the phenomena. The case study shows that fund which entered the village was not yet accompanied by the presence of BUMDes, due to the absence of  supporting regulations such as regional regulation (Perda) and village regulation (Perdes) about BUMDes East Sumba regency, especially in Mbatakapidu. BUMDes as an instrument to develop village’s economics must followed by the presence of regulation as a legal basis, driven by local value which guide knowledge, attitude and practice of indigenous people.
Free education as superstructure: Phenomenological study of free private education
Authors: Wijayanti Marhaeni Mega , Budirahayu Tuti , Susan Novri
Published: October 2019

As a manifestation of functionalism, free education becomes a way to eradicate economic disparity by opening access to school for all people. This method is standard in many developing countries as it could foster development. However, the most fundamental problem of this disparity, oppression, and class domination are understudied. To make things worse, studies that do discuss these topics suffer from class bias conceptualization of free education. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate how free education takes part in a capitalistic society as a superstructure through the correspondence thesis. Subsequently, this study identifies essential elements in (capitalistic) free education. Phenomenological-based qualitative method is used to describe experiences of 21 informants in Selamat Pagi Indonesia (SPI) Senior High School. Data gathered from observation, interview, and secondary sources, and then analyzed phenomenologically. We found that free education, instead of bringing people to equality and freedom from disparity, entraps students deep into modern capitalism through 1) normalization to serve, and 2) giving up power to the capitalist. This condition would benefit many corporations from taking part in aiding the school foundation and perpetuate the domination of the bourgeoisie over the working class. Thus, this study suggests that the capitalistic feature of free education is disrupting its conventional conceptualization.
Development of community participation based on behaviour in managing participative programs
Authors: Hermawan Dedy , Hutagalung Simon Sumanjoyo
Published: October 2019

The government uses the participation approach in the efforts to overcome the socio-economic problem capacity within the community since it was able to increase community empowerment indirectly, even though to the probability of fake participation in the program implementation still exist. The purpose of this research is to find out the participation form that raised by the government programs, by looking at the community behaviour factors that determine the success of participation and a behaviour-based model of community participation to overcome the participation problem. The research type is descriptive with a qualitative approach through the application of several methods of data collection, in-depth interviews, secondary data studies and observations. The informants of this study were 20 people from local government, program implementers and target groups. The analysis data is using the qualitative technique. The results identified the typology of participation that emerged in the management of community participation programs in Lampung Province in the area of non-participation, delegation of authority and partnerships. The conditions of participation that occur driven by community behaviour factors. Consist of three factors, namely: 1) Trust or opportunity to participate; 2) Ability to participate, and 3) Willingness to participate in each activity determined by the presence or absence of the interests concerned. In the end, a behaviour-based participation management model built by adopting the concept of community engagement and personal engagement.
Scaffolding Self-direction with the ACRL Framework: A Reflection-Based Approach
Authors: Cameron Andrea
Published: October 2019

This case study reports on the information literacy component of a pilot first-yearexperience course, U1X, at Concordia University. Based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, the information literacy component of U1X was designed to encourage self-direction.

Through exploring the university’s larger research mission, the module aimed to shift the emphasis from “how to do research correctly” to viewing research as a personal endeavour in which the researcher cultivates the skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution. It encouraged students to reflect on what they could contribute and the skills they would need to do so.

The design of this module aligned with the U1X syllabus, which included as learning outcomes that students gain an understanding “of the University’s research mission at its highest level” and “of the relationship between research and citizenship.” The module took a similarly “big picture” approach, while also looking at students’ personal development through reflection. This paper will explore the challenges and opportunities of this approach.
Searching the Grey Literature: A Handbook for Searching Reports, Working Papers, and Other Unpublished Research (Book Review)
Authors: Thomson Ashley
Published: October 2019

n/a
Research of heat-exchange processes in a casting form with reinforcing phase
Authors: Shalevskaya I. A.
Published: October 2019

The method of lost foam casting with the reinforcing phase installed inside the polystyrene foam model is considered as a basic technological process. In The new multicomponent systems for the theory of foundry processes will be created in this case: «metal–model–implant–mold» and «metal–reinforcing phase–mold». The influence of the installed macroreinforcing elements in the form of steel rods on the heat and mass transfer was researched, solidification and hydrodynamics is investigated. The process was modeled using the ProCast program by evaluating the solidification conditions in the sand casting mold of cast samples from copper alloys and the reinforcing phase from carbon steel. To compare the results, the process of solidification of cast specimens with a size of 10×200 mm without a reinforcing phase and with a reinforcing phase in the form of rods occupying 20 and 50% of its cross section area was modeled. The research results are presented in the form of graphical curves of the cooling temperature and time. It has been established that the use of a reinforcing phase in a casting mold has a significant impact on the removal of metal overheating due to the consumption of a certain amount of heat for heating the reinforcing phase, increases the rate of alloy hardening and casting cooling.
Modern formula of quality. Foundry production and metallurgy
Authors: Yurchenko S. V.
Published: October 2019

The article describes the development of the open joint stock company «Belarusian Steel Works» – Management Company of Holding «Belarusian Metallurgical Company» (BMC) in the field of modern approaches and methods in quality management. The efficiency of their implementation at the BSW is evaluated.

The activities of BSW in this field in 2019 are given. The result of the participation of BSW in the program of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the platform EсoVadis is shown.. Examples of application of methods by scientists with a world name and successful businessmen are given.

The need described in use and the development of modern management methods at the state level in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Belarus and the «Complex of measures for 2016–2020 to encourage the introduction in the economy of advanced techniques and modern international systems of quality management in the economy» is shown.
Incidence of seriously injured road users in a Swedish region, 2003–2014, from the perspective of a national road safety policy
Authors: Värnild Astrid , Belin Matts-Åke , Larm Peter , Tillgren Per
Published: October 2019

Background: Since 1997 Sweden has a policy for road safety called Vision Zero. Given that Vision Zero is mainly used to reduce fatalities among car occupants, the question has been raised by the research community whether a Vision Zero approach promotes health for all road traffic users. The objective is to measure target fulfilment of the national road safety policy for a Swedish region by examining incidence of serious injury during 2003–2014 in rural and urban road spaces with or without implemented measures.
Methods: Data on seriously injured road users, defined as ISS>8 (Injury Severity Scale), were retrieved from STRADA (Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition) together with data from NVDB (National Road Database). These data are used to describe where road users are seriously injured in relation to implemented national policy and using a conceptual model of a road space comprising roads, pavements and tracks for walking and cycling. Seriously injured road users in single and multiple crashes with and without vehicles are included. The development of the incidence is analysed for different road users and places in the road space.
Results: Despite implemented road safety measures in the region, the incidence of seriously injured road users per 100,000 inhabitants in rural areas increased from 7.8 in 2003 to 9.3 in 2014 but doubled in urban areas from 8.0 in to 16.3 respectively. In areas not transformed by Vision Zero, only 36% were injured in rural areas while 64% were injured in urban areas. In contrast, in transformed areas 61% of injuries occurred in rural areas, whereas 39% occurred in urban areas. While the incidence decreased for car occupants on transformed national roads in rural areas, the incidence of serious injuries increased among unprotected road users in urban areas, in particular on pavements and tracks for cycling and walking than on the roads where Vision Zero had been implemented.
Conclusion: The reduction in the incidence for car occupants in the region may not be adequate to contribute to fulfilling the national target. More needs to be done, especially in the urban areas, where more active mobility is desired.
The Influence Of The Infusion Of Ephedrine And Phenylephrine On The Hemodynamic Stability After Subarachnoid Anesthesia In Senior Adults - A Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Žunić Miodrag Vojislav , Škvarč Nevenka Krčevski , Kamenik Mirt
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT Study objective: We studied the influence of ephedrine or phenylephrine infusion given immediately after spinal anesthesia (SA) on hemodynamics in elderly orthopedic patients. Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Intervention: After subarachnoid injection of 15 mg of levobupivacaine the participants received either an infusion of ephedrine 20 mg (E group), phenylephrine 250 mcg (P group) or saline (C group) within 30 minutes. For 15 minutes before and and 30 minutes after SA we measured blood pressure, cardiac index (CI) and heart rate (HR). Results 70 patients were included in the final analysis. At the end of measurements mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after SA in comparison to baseline in the C group but was maintained in the P and the E group, with no significant differences between the groups. CI decreased after SA in the C group was maintained in the P group and increased significantly in the E group, with significant differences between the C and the E group (p=0.049) and between the P and the E (p=0.01) group at the end of measurements. HR decreased significantly after SA in the C and the P group and was maintained in the E group, with significant differences between the P and the E group (p=0.033) at the end of measurements. Conclusions Hemodynamic changes after SA in elderly orthopedic patients can be prevented by an immediate infusion of phenylephrine or ephedrine. In addition to maintaining blood pressure the ephedrine infusion also maintains HR and increases CI after spinal anaesthesia. Key words: spinal anesthesia, hemodynamic stability, phenylephrine, ephedrine Trial registration: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN44377602. Registered on 15 June 2017.
β2AR-HIF-1α-CXCL12 signaling of osteoblasts activated by isoproterenol promotes migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells
Authors: Huang Zhibin , Li Guihuan , Zhang Zhishuai , Gu Ruonan , Wang Wenyang , Lai Xiaoju , Cui Zhongkai , Zeng Fangyin , Xu Shiyuan , Deng Fan
Published: October 2019

Background: Chronic stress is well known to promote tumor progression, however, little is known on whether neurotransmitters released after chronic stress induced sympathetic activation regulate the function of osteoblasts to affect migration and invasion of metastatic cancer cells.
Methods: First, the changes in migration and invasion ability of prostate cancer cell lines PC-3 and DU145 were assessed by transwell migration assay. PC-3 and DU145 cells proliferation ability were detected by CCK-8, and HIF-1α expression of osteoblasts and the momentous proteins of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC-3 and DU145 cells were examined by Western blot. Then, an analysis of the main cytokines associated with bone metastasis in osteoblasts and EMT-related biomarkers in PC-3 and DU145 cells was performed by qRT-PCR. Finally, rescue experiment was performed by using HIF-1α siRNA and inhibitor, HIF-1α overexpression plasmid, β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) inhibitor, CXCR4 siRNA and inhibitor.
Results: In this study, isoproterenol (ISO), a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) agonist, used as a pharmacological surrogate of sympathetic nerve activation induced by chronic stress, exhibited no direct effect on migration and invasion of PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Whereas, osteoblasts pretreated with ISO promoted EMT and migration as well as invasion of PC-3 and DU145 cells, which was independent of promoting cell proliferation and could be inhibited by β2AR inhibitor. Mechanistically, ISO increased the secretion of CXCL12 via the β2AR-HIF-1α signaling in osteoblasts. Moreover, overexpression of HIF-1α osteoblasts promoted migration and invasion of PC-3 and DU145 cells, which was inhibited by addition of recombinant knockdown of CXCR4 in PC-3 and DU145 cells, and inhibiting CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling with LY2510924 blunted the effects of osteoblasts in response to ISO on EMT and migration as well as invasion of PC-3 and DU145 cells.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that β2AR-HIF-1α-CXCL12 signaling in osteoblasts facilitates migration and invasion as well as EMT of prostate cancer cells, and may play a potential role in affecting bone metastasis of prostate cancer.
Willingness to adopt wearable devices with behavioral and economic incentives by health insurance wellness programs: results of a US cross-sectional survey with multiple consumer health vignettes
Authors: Soliño-Fermández Diego , Ding Alexander , Bayro-Kaiser Esteban , Ding Eric L.
Published: October 2019

Background: The number of health-related wearable devices is growing but it is not clear if Americans are willing to adopt health insurance wellness programs based on wearables and the incentives with which they would be more willing to adopt.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study we used a survey methodology, usage vignettes and a dichotomous scale to examine U.S. residents’ willingness to adopt wearables (WTAW) in six use-cases where it was mandatory to use a wearable device and share the resulting data with a health insurance company. Each use-case was tested also for the influence of additional economic incentives on WTAW.

Results: A total of 997 Americans across 46 states participated in the study. Most of them were 25 to 34 years old (40.22%), 57.27% were female, and 74.52% were white. On average, 69.5% of the respondents were willing to adopt health-insurance use-cases based on wearable devices, though 77.8% of them were concerned about issues related to economic benefits, data privacy and to a lesser extent, technological accuracy. WTAW was 11-18% higher among consumers in use-cases involving health promotion and disease prevention. Furthermore, additional economic incentives combined with wearables increased WTAW overall. Notably, financial incentives involving providing healthcare credits, insurance premium discount, and/or wellness product discounts had particularly greater effectiveness for increasing WTAW in the consumer use-cases involving participation: for health promotion (RR=1.06 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11; P=0.018); for personalized products and services (RR=1.11 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21; P=0.018); and for automated underwriting discount at annual renewal (RR=1.28 for financial incentive, 95% CI: 1.20-1.37; P<0.001).

Conclusions:
Under the adequate economic, data privacy and technical conditions, 2 out of 3 Americans would be willing to adopt health insurance wellness programs based on wearable devices, particularly if they have benefits related to health promotion and disease prevention, and particularly with financial incentives.
Neonatal Mortality and Its Determinates in Public Hospitals of Gamo and Gofa Zones, Southern Ethiopia: Prospective Follow up Study
Authors: Mersha Abera , Bante Agegnehu , Shibiru Shitaye
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for child survival. The declines in the neonatal mortality rate have been slower than the post-neonatal under-five mortality rate in the majority of countries. This trend is also similar in Ethiopia, that neonatal mortality was high as compared to the post-neonatal mortality rate. A large proportion of neonatal deaths occur during the 48 hours after delivery. Different studies were conducted in assessing determinates for neonatal mortality but there is a need to assess the immediate postnatal (within two days following delivery) cause of neonatal mortality that the majority of deaths occurred at that time. So, this study is to fill those gaps of the aforementioned studies, in assessing the determinate factors affecting neonatal mortality in public hospitals of Gamo and Gofa Zones, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A prospective follow up study was conducted among 6,986 study participants from April 5, 2018, to March 5, 2019. All live births at the hospitals during the study period were included in this study. Data on causes of neonatal death were collected by using a structured verbal autopsy questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 15 for analysis. Crude and adjusted estimate β with 95%CI was calculated in the binary logistic regression model. The goodness of fit was tested by a log-likelihood ratio (LR). In this study P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare a result as a statistically significant association.
Results: In this study, neonatal mortality incidence ratio was 9.6 (95%CI: 7.5, 12.2) per 1000 live births. Age of the mother, number of antenatal care, hemorrhage, sex of the neonate, presentation, gestational age and birth weight were identified as the significant determinates for neonatal mortality. Prematurity, infection, and birth asphyxia were the most common causes of neonatal mortality cases.
Conclusions: This study indicated that a significant number of neonates died during the neonatal period. Both maternal and neonatal factors were identified. Therefore, early identification of obstetric complications and immediate interventions, strengthening the provision of quality antenatal and postnatal care services are recommended.
Keywords: Neonatal Mortality; Neonatal Deaths
The Use of Data Science to Analyse Physiology of Oxygen Delivery in the Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Lukaszewski Marceli , Lukaszewski Rafal , Kosiorowska Kinga , Jasinski Marek
Published: October 2019

Background Recent scientific reports brought into light a new concept of goal-directed perfusion (GDP) that aims to recreate physiological conditions in which the risk of end-organ malperfusion is minimalized. The aim of our study was to analyse patient’s interim physiology while on cardiopulmonary bypass based on the haemodynamic and tissue oxygen delivery measurements. We also aimed to create a universal formula that may help in the further implementation of the GDP concept. Methods We retrospectively analysed patients operated at Wroclaw University Hospital between June 2017 and December 2018. Since our observations provided a huge amount of data, including the patient's demographics, surgery details, and the perfusion-related data, the Data Science methodology was applied. Results A total of 272 (mean age 62.5±12.4, 74% male) cardiac surgery patients were included in the study. To study the relationship between haemodynamic and tissue oxygen parameters, the data for three different values of DO2i (280 ml/min/m2, 330 ml/min/m2 and 380ml/min/m2), were evaluated. Each set of those lines showed a descending function of CI in Hb concentration for the set DO2i. Conclusions Modern calculation tools make it possible to create a common data platform from a very large database. Using that methodology, we created models of haemodynamic compounds describing tissue oxygen delivery. The obtained unique patterns may both allow the adaptation of the flow in relation to the patient’s unique morphology that changes in time and contributes to the wider and safer implementation of tailored to individual patient’s needs perfusion strategy.
Phytoremediation effect of Medicago sativa colonized by Piriformospora indica in the phenanthrene and cadmium co-contaminated soil
Authors: Li Liang , Zhu Pengyue , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: October 2019

Background:Coexistence of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals deleteriously threatens the quality of environmental health. Few reports uncover the mechanism of inoculation plants with Piriformospora indica for remediating PAH-metal co-contaminated soil by analyzing the chemical speciations of contaminants. This study investigated the influence of inoculation Medicago sativa with Piriformospora indica to remediate phenanthrene (kind of PAHs), and cadmium (one of heavy metals) co-contaminated soil by analyzing the plant growth, physiological parameters and chemical speciation in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere.

Results:The presence of P. indica significantly increased plants tolerance, Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry and electron transport rate values in phenanthrene and/or cadmium contaminated soil. P. indica inoculation in Medicago sativa root increased fluorescein diacetate activities in phenanthrene, cadmium and both of that co-contaminated soil, especially in non-rhizosphere. The presence of phenanthrene hindered the inoculated plant from accumulating cadmium to some extent; Whereas the presence of cadmium did not hinder the degradation of phenanthrene in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere after P. indica colonization. Although the poor bioavailability of cadmium in rhizosphere restricted the transportation into stem, P. indica colonization in plant efficiently increased cadmium accumulation in root in cadmium and phenanthrene co-contaminated soil.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the work provides the theoretical basis that Piriformospora indica combined with Medicago sativa contributed to the remediation of PAH-Metal co-contaminated soil.
Perceptions of pregnant women on reasons for late initiation of antenatal care: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Warri Denis , George Asha
Published: October 2019

Background: Antenatal care serves as a key entry point for a pregnant woman to receive a broad range of services and should be initiated at the onset of pregnancy. The aim of the study was to understand the reasons for late initiation of antenatal by pregnant women in Nkwen Baptist Health Center, Cameroon. Methods: The study applied purposive sampling to recruit eighteen pregnant women and three key informants for data collection through individual interviews. Pregnant women who initiated antenatal care after the first trimester were recruited during antenatal care clinics and interviewed in a room at the antenatal care unit. Key informants were midwives working at the antenatal care unit. Participation in the study was voluntary. Participants were explained the purpose of the study and signed a consent form if they were willing to participate in the research. Data was collected using an audio tape and analyzed using Thematic Coding Analysis. Results: Pregnant women place low value on early antenatal care due to the fact that they perceive pregnancy as a normal health condition or not a serious issue that requires seeking health care. Furthermore previous pregnancy outcomes that were positive regardless of accessing care made them less motivated to initiate antenatal care early. The booking system is perceived as user-unfriendly with overcrowded conditions, long waiting times and rudeness of some service providers. Cost of services and distance to health facilities with uncomfortable transport and poor road network were identified as perceived barriers. The absence of effective community health programmes, perceived lack of support from parents and spouses, fear of bewitchment and stigma due to cultural beliefs about early initiation of antenatal care were also identified as variables influencing late initiation. Conclusion: Pregnant women lack information on the purpose of early antenatal care. Health facility barriers as well as socio cultural beliefs also have significant influence on timing of antenatal care initiation. The government of Cameroon should strengthen the health system and implement activities that engage communities to improve timing of care seeking for antenatal care and thereby improve the maternal health status of women.
Application value of tissue tuberculosis antigen combined with Xpert MTB/RIF detection in differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease
Authors: fei baoying , zhou lin , zhang yu , Luo Linhe , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of Xpert MTB/RIF detection and tuberculosis antigen detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in intestinal tissues for differentiating intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) from Crohn’s disease (CD).
Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patients who were clinically diagnosed with CD or ITB were monitored. Several specimens of intestinal tissue from endoscopic biopsy or surgical excision were used for MTB culture and Xpert MTB/RIF detection, respectively. Four antigens (38KDa, ESAT-6, MPT64, Ag85 complex) of MTB in intestinal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: A total of 42 cases of intestinal tuberculosis and 46 cases of CD were included in the experimental analysis. Perianal lesions and longitudinal ulcers were more common in CD patients (p < 0.05), while caseous granuloma and annular ulcers were more common in ITB patients (P < 0.05). The positive rate of M. tuberculosis detected by Xpert MTB/RIF in intestinal tissue samples of ITB patients was 33.33%, which was significantly higher compared to CD patients (p < 0.05) and compared to acid-fast staining smears (9.52%) (p < 0.05). The positive MPT64 expression rate in patients with intestinal tuberculosis was 40.48%, which was significantly higher than that observed in CD patients, which was 19.56% (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The detection of Xpert MTB/RIF in intestinal tissue was conducive to the quick and early diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis. Xpert MTB/RIF and MPT64 antigen in intestinal tissues had certain value in the differential diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease. The combination of these two methods could improve detection sensitivity.
MRI-based Radiomics of Rectal Cancer: Preoperative Assessment of the Pathological Features
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Shen Fu , Jia Yan , Xia Yuwei , Li Qihua , Lu Jianping
Published: October 2019

[EXSCINDED]

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to evaluate the significance of MRI-based radiomics model derived from high-resolution T2-weighted images (T2WIs) in predicting tumor pathological features of rectal cancer.Methods

A total of 152 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery without any neoadjuvant therapy between March 2017 and September 2018 were included retrospectively. The patients were scanned using a 3-tesla magnetic resonance imaging, and high-resolution T2WIs were obtained. Lesions were delineated, and 1029 radiomics features were extracted. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used to select features, and multilayer perceptron (MLP), logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, random forest (RF), and K-nearest neighbor were trained using fivefold cross-validation to build a prediction model. The diagnostic performance of the prediction models was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curves.Results

A total of 1029 features were extracted, and 15, 11, and 11 features were selected to predict the degree of differentiation, T stage, and N stage, respectively. The best performance of the radiomics model for the degree of differentiation, T stage, and N stage was obtained by SVM [area under the curve (AUC), 0.862; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.750–0.967; sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 85.0%], MLP (AUC, 0.809; 95% CI, 0.690–0.905; sensitivity, 76.2%; specificity, 74.1%), and RF (AUC, 0.809; 95% CI, 0.690–0.905; sensitivity, 76.2%; specificity, 74.1%).Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the high-resolution T2WI–based radiomics model could serve as pretreatment biomarkers in predicting pathological features of rectal cancer.
Factors associated with depression of the parents who lost their only child in western China city
Authors: Author) Chao Rong(Former Corresponding , Zheng Wei-Jun , Liu Tian-Li , Shen Shu-Hua , Fan Hong , Shen Wei-Wei , Author) Hui-Ling Yuan(New Corresponding
Published: October 2019

Background : The number of families who lost their only child is estimated to be 10 million by 2035. The parents who lost their only child are forced to endure psychological suffering and cope with elderly care problems alone. Long-term poor mental health can affect physical health and reduce the quality of life and well-being. Methods : 130 participants were selected using the method of combining stratified sampling with cluster sampling. The study used Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and adopted a generalized linear regression model to investigate the parents who lost their only child in Anshun city, Guizhou province, China, to comprehensively and systematically explore the depression status and it's influencing factors of the parents. Results : The parents who lost their only child of different self-rated health status ( P =0.004) and the number of chronic diseases ( P =0.001) had different GDS scores. European quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score( P =0.019) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) score ( P <0.001) were significantly associated with the depression of the parents who lost their only child. Conclusion : The parents who lost their only child is a high-risk group of depression, and targeted interventions should be carried out for them. The family doctor team should increase the frequency and content of serving them, and promptly manage their health. A diverse social support system should be built and consolidated for these parents.
Adolescent Lipid Screening and Associations with Socioeconomic Variables
Authors: Hudson Stephen E , Feigenbaum Matthew S. , Patil Nirav , Ding Elan , Ewing Alex , Trilk Jennifer L.
Published: October 2019

Background and Objective
The Southern region of the United States is home to substantial populations with obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, while also housing a large percentage of America’s minority, rural, and low socioeconomic status (SES) peoples. Adult-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) research may be informed by investigating associations(s) between late adolescent demographic variables and lipid values. Our objective was to investigate lipid parameter associations with college-age socioeconomic status, which may improve age-specific screening algorithms for management or prevention of adult-onset CVD.
Methods
Using an Analysis of Variance test and a general linear model, associations between gender, race/ethnicity, SES, and athletic participation on lipid parameters (VLDL-C, LDL-C, TG, TC, and HDL-C) were analyzed in 4423 private liberal arts college students enrolled in freshman-level wellness courses at Furman University in Greenville, SC. Comparative data were collected from an age-matched sample (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: NHANES 2003-2016). Our main outcomes were statistically significant relationships between any lipid values (TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG) and any demographic variables (gender, SES, ethnicity, athlete status).
Results
Males demonstrated lower TC and LDL-C, and higher HDL-C values. HDL-C was highest in athletes. African-American students demonstrated healthier VLDL-C, TG, and HDL-C values. With similar distributions, the age-matched NHANES comparison group showed unhealthier values in nearly all categories.
Conclusions
College students may have better lipid health than the general population. African-Americans may have seemingly healthier lipid values than age-matched individuals independent of athletic or college enrollment which has already been demonstrated in other studies. Future research should include SES relationships in lipid screening paradigms along with other appropriate risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Based on our comparative data, pediatric health providers and researchers may consider education as a potential protective factor against poor lipid health when considering lipid screening protocols for students.
Factors influencing adoption of facility-assisted delivery - a qualitative study of women and other stakeholders in a Maasai community in Ngorongoro District, Tanzania
Authors: Mosley Paul D , Saruni Kisiaya , Lenga Bernadetha
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND: Tanzania’s One Plan II health sector program aims to increase facility deliveries from 50% to 80% from 2015-2020. Success is uneven among certain Maasai pastoralist women in Northern Tanzania who resist going to a facility for birth even after completing 4+ ANC visits. Ebiotishu Oondomonok Ongera (EbOO) is a program in Nainokanoka ward to promote facility-births through a care-group model using trained traditional birth attendants (TBAs) as facilitators. Results to date are promising but show a consistent gap between women completing ANC and those going to a facility for delivery. A qualitative study was conducted to understand psychosocial preferences, agency for decision-making, and access barriers that influence where a woman in the ward will deliver.
METHODS: In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key-informant interviews were conducted with 24 pregnant and/or parous women, 24 TBAs, 3 nurse midwives at 3 health facilities, and 24 married men, living in Nainokanoka ward. Interviews and discussions were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically using a grounded theory approach.
RESULTS: Most women interviewed expressed preference for a home delivery with a TBA and even those who expressed agency and preference for a facility delivery usually had their last delivery at home attributed to unexpected labor. TBAs are engaged by husbands and play a significant influential role in deciding place of delivery. TBAs claim to support facility deliveries but in practice use them as a last resort and reported a significant trust gap based on a bad experience at a facility where women in labor were turned away.
CONCLUSIONS: EbOO project data and study results show a slow but steady change in norms around delivery preference in Nainokanoka ward. Gaps between expressed intention and practice, especially around ‘unexpected labor’ present opportunities to accelerate this process by promoting birth plans and perhaps constructing a maternity waiting house in the ward. Rebuilding trust between facility midwives, TBAs, and the community on the availability of health facility services, and increased sensitivity to women’s cultural preferences, could also close the gap between the number of women who are currently using facilities for ANC and those returning for delivery.