bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging combined with clinical parameters in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: A novel diagnostic model
Authors: Ippolito Davide , Querques Giulia , Pecorelli Anna , Perugini Giovanna , Roscigno Marco , Da Pozzo Luigi Filippo , Maino Cesare , Sironi Sandro
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of prostate cancer, according to Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, and the usefulness of combining clinical parameters to improve patients’ risk assessment.

Methods

Overall, 201 patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging investigation with a 3‐T magnet and a 32‐channel body coil based on triplanar high‐resolution T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted and T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging before, during and after intravenous administration of paramagnetic contrast agent. Random transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy was carried out for all eligible patients. If a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System ≥3 lesion was present, a targeted biopsy with magnetic resonance imaging‐transrectal ultrasound fusion‐guided system was carried out.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System ≥3 lesions for the detection of prostate cancer were 65.1%, 54.9%, 43.1% and 75.0% respectively, with an accuracy of 64.2% (55.1–72.7%). At uni‐ and multivariate analysis, age ≥70 years and prostate‐specific antigen density ≥0.15 ng/mL/mL were significantly associated with prostate cancer. A new risk model named “modified Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System” was created considering age and prostate‐specific antigen density in addition to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score showing an improved correlation with prostate cancer compared with the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System alone (area under curve 71.4%, 95% confidence interval 62.2–80.5 vs area under curve 62.6%, 95% confidence interval 52.1–73; P ≤ 0.0001).

Conclusions

The accuracy of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System alone in the diagnosis of prostate cancer might be suboptimal, whereas a novel risk model based on the combination of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging data with clinical parameters could offer higher discrimination and improve the ability of diagnosing clinically significant disease.
The use of patient‐derived breast tissue explants to study macrophage polarization and the effects of environmental chemical exposure
Authors: Gregory Kelly J , Morin Stephanie M , Kubosiak Alex , Ser‐Dolansky Jennifer , Schalet Benjamin J , Jerry D Joseph , Schneider Sallie S
Published: July 2020

Ex vivo mammary explant systems are an excellent model to study interactions between epithelium and stromal cell types because they contain physiologically relevant heterotypic interactions in the background of genetically diverse patients. The intact human mammary tissue, termed patient‐derived explant (PDE), can be used to investigate cellular responses to a wide variety of external stimuli in situ. For this study, we examined the impact of cytokines or environmental chemicals on macrophage phenotypes. We demonstrate that we can polarize macrophages within human breast tissue PDEs toward M1 or M2 through the addition of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin (IL)‐4 + IL‐13, respectively. Elevated expression levels of M(IFNγ + LPS) markers (HLADRA and CXCL10) or M(IL‐4 + IL‐13) markers (CD209 and CCL18) were observed in cytokine‐treated tissues. We also examined the impact of the endocrine‐disrupting chemical, benzophenone‐3, on PDEs and measured significant, yet varying effects on macrophage polarization. Furthermore, a subset of the PDEs respond to IL‐4 + IL‐13 through downregulation of E‐cadherin and upregulation of vimentin which is reminiscent of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) changes. Finally, we were able to show immortalized nonmalignant breast epithelial cells can exhibit EMT characteristics when exposed to growth factors secreted by M(IL‐4 + IL‐13) macrophages. Taken together, the PDE model system is an outstanding preclinical model to study early tissue‐resident immune responses and effects on epithelial and stromal responses to stimuli found both endogenously in the breast and exogenously as a result of exposures.
AIM2 in health and disease: Inflammasome and beyond
Authors: Kumari Puja , Russo Ashley J. , Shivcharan Sonia , Rathinam Vijay A.
Published: July 2020

Nucleic acid sensing is a critical mechanism by which the immune system monitors for pathogen invasion. A set of germline‐encoded innate immune receptors detect microbial DNA in various compartments of the cell, such as endosomes, the cytosol, and the nucleus. Sensing of microbial DNA through these receptors stimulates, in most cases, interferon regulatory factor‐dependent type I IFN synthesis followed by JAK/STAT‐dependent interferon‐stimulated gene expression. In contrast, the detection of DNA in the cytosol by AIM2 assembles a macromolecular complex called the inflammasome, which unleashes the proteolytic activity of a cysteine protease caspase‐1. Caspase‐1 cleaves and activates the pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β and IL‐18 and a pore‐forming protein, gasdermin D, which triggers pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death. Research over the past decade has revealed that AIM2 plays essential roles not only in host defense against pathogens but also in inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer in inflammasome‐dependent and inflammasome‐independent manners. This review discusses the latest advancements in our understanding of AIM2 biology and its functions in health and disease.
Atrial tachycardia with multiple reconductions across the surgical incision
Authors: Nagai Takayuki , Kawakami Hiroshi , Sasaki Yasuhiro , Fujii Akira , Inoue Katsuji , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: July 2020

Incisional atrial tachycardia (AT) with multiple penetrating points on one surgical incision has not been reported yet. We present a case of incisional AT following mitral valve annuloplasty with a superior transseptal approach, in which two reconduction sites were parts of the reentrant circuit. Radiofrequency ablation at the reconduction site successfully terminated the tachycardia. A total of four penetrating points were found on the incision line, and radiofrequency ablation at these sites was completed. Detailed mapping of possible reconduction sites along the incision line should be performed to avoid further instances of AT following open heart surgery.
His‐bundle pacing: A novel treatment for left bundle branch block‐mediated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Singh Rajeev , Devabhaktuni Subodh , Ezzeddine Fatima , Simon Joel , Khaira Kavita , Dandamudi Gopi
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic left bundle branch block (LBBB) can lead to LBBB‐mediated cardiomyopathy from left ventricular dysynchrony. His‐bundle pacing (HBP) results in direct electrical synchrony using the native His‐Purkinje system, providing a novel treatment for this cardiomyopathy.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of HBP for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in LBBB‐mediated cardiomyopathy patients.

Methods

Retrospective database review was conducted on patients who underwent CRT by the HBP capable provider at Indiana University Health and Eskenazi Hospital from August 2015 to August 2017. A subset of patients who met the predefined syndrome criteria of LBBB‐mediated cardiomyopathy who underwent HBP were identified. Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic variables were extracted at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Nine patients had cardiomyopathy and LBBB. Among those two were lost to follow‐up. Seven patients were included in the analysis. The average time from device implantation to the last follow‐up was 14.5 months. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved on average from 25% to 50% (p = .0001). The left ventricular end‐systolic dimension decreased from 47 to 37 mm (p = .003) and the left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension decreased from 55 to 48 mm (p = .03). QRS duration with HBP‐CRT decreased from 152 to 115 ms. New York Heart Association classification improved from an average of 2.7–2.

Conclusion

HBP is a viable technique for pursuing CRT in patients with LBBB‐mediated cardiomyopathy.
The potential effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors on cardiovascular system in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Du Hengzhi , Wang Dao Wen , Chen Chen
Published: July 2020

With the outbreak of a new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the public healthcare systems are facing great challenges. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) could develop into severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi‐organ failure. Remarkably, in addition to the respiratory symptoms, some COVID‐19 patients also suffer from cardiovascular injuries. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) is a ubiquitous glycoprotein which could act both as a cell membrane‐bound protein and a soluble enzymatic protein after cleavage and release into the circulation. Despite angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the recently recognized receptor of SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2, which facilitated their entries into the host, DPP‐4 has been identified as the receptor of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). In the current review, we discussed the potential roles of DPP‐4 in COVID‐19 and the possible effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors on cardiovascular system in patients with COVID‐19.
The use of steel in the United Kingdom's transport sector: A stock–flow–service nexus case study
Authors: Carmona Luis Gabriel , Whiting Kai , Haberl Helmut , Sousa Tânia
Published: July 2020

Energy and material flows and material stocks are key requirements for the supply of goods and services, which in turn support societal development. However, most resource accounting methods restrict the analysis to resource flows, which fails to acknowledge the increasing role of in‐use stocks in service provision. Using the UK transport sector as a case study, we undertook a material flow analysis through the lens of the stock–flow–service (SFS) nexus. We used the latter to identify how steel consumption and accumulation in vehicles contributed to passenger mobility between 1960 and 2015. Our results show that the efficiency of the steel stock contained in cars and motorcycles decreased from 37.5 to 28.0 passenger‐km (pkm)/kg‐year. The steel service for buses decreased from 63.6 to 32.1 pkm/kg‐year, while that of the national railway increased from 23.8 to 70.3 pkm/kg‐year steel. London Underground steel stock–service efficiency improved from 31.5 to 57.0 pkm/kg‐year steel. The annual fraction of flows that maintained the steel stock varied according to vehicle category and was between 3.4% and 8.2%. In terms of the stock expansion rate, the greatest change (on average, an annual increase of 3%) was that of “cars and motorcycles.” This reflects the demographic transitions and the growing consumer demand for car‐based mobility. We discussed how the SFS nexus contributes to a more comprehensive form of resource accounting and reflect upon some of its limitations and how they might be addressed.
Stereometric and fractal analysis of granulated silver films used in thin‐film hybrid structures
Authors: ŢĂLU Ş. , SHCHERBININ D.P. , KONSHINA E.A. , GLADSKIKH I.A.
Published: July 2020

Silver nanostructures are of interest to be used in hybrid thin‐film structures with various materials. In this work, we analyse 3D AFM images of granulated silver film nanostructures prepared by thermal evaporation. The advanced AFM data study aims to understand how film thickness and postannealing affect the nanostructure morphology changes. For the first time, the evaluation of surface statistical parameters and fractal geometry were used to characterise the nanostructure morphology of Ag island films. The samples with gravimetric thickness of 2, 4 and 10 nm were analysed before and after annealing at 200°C for 10 min. The statistical processing revealed the essential variation of parameters with Ag film thickness increment and as a postannealing result. The nonmonotonic variation of surface roughness, skewness and fractal dimensions were found. It is caused by the features of the film growth process with the thickness increment and thermally activated diffusion of Ag nanoparticles during annealing.

Lay Description

Silver nanostructures are of great scientific interest due to their unique properties and wide applicability. In this work, we analyse microscopic 3D images of silver nanostructures deposited on quartz in vacuum chamber. Such thin‐film nanostructures consisted of silver nanoparticles attached to the surface of quartz substrate. We aimed at studying how effective film thickness and postannealing affect the nanostructure shapes and forms. Effective thickness is the equivalent thickness of a smooth film. For this purposes we used special parameters called statistical parameters and fractal geometry to investigate nanostructures. The samples with effective thickness of 2, 4 and 10 nm were analysed before and after annealing at 200°C for 10 min. It has been shown, that effective Ag film thickness and postannealing results in variation of nanostructures forms. We have shown that the variation of statistical parameters were nonmonotonic. It is caused by the features of the film growth process with the thickness increment and thermally activated diffusion of Ag nanoparticles during annealing.
Rheological and structural properties of oleogel base on soluble complex of egg white protein and xanthan gum
Authors: Jaberi Reza , Pedram Nia Ahmad , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Elhamirad Amir Hossein , Shafafi Zenoozian Masoud
Published: July 2020

Oleogels can be used to provide solid‐like properties without using high levels of saturated fatty acids. In this study, the edible oleogels structure developed based on egg white protein (EWP) (5%) and xanthan gum (XG) (0%, 1%, 0.5%, and 0.75% wt/wt) complex by using aerogels system as a template for oleogel preparation. The effect of pH on the EWP‐XG mixture indicated the creation of a soluble complex of EWP‐XG in pH 5.5. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between EWP and XG. The amount of absorbed oil was considerably higher in EWP‐XG aerogels. SEM showed a soft surface in EWP 5% aerogel, which can be the reason for its less oil absorption. The aerogel and oleogel including more XG concentration had a stronger network structure and created more elastic oleogels. The light microscopy images revealed by increasing of XG concentration, the structure of protein gel mesh became more compact and regular. The XRD patterns of the aerogels did not show any clear differences between crystallinity of the samples. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aerogels based on the structuring of EWP‐XG complexes have a high potential as a three‐dimensional network for the oil absorption and creating oleogel.
Alpha‐momorcharin enhances Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus infection through modulation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhu Peng‐Xiang , Xu Fei , Che Yan‐Ping , Ma Yi‐Ming , Ji Zhao‐Lin
Published: July 2020

Alpha‐momorcharin (α‐MMC), a member of the plant ribosomal inactivating proteins (RIPs) family, has been proven to exhibit important biological properties in animals, including antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumour activities. However, the mechanism by which α‐MMC increases plant resistance to viral infections remains unclear. To study the effect of α‐MMC on plant viral defence and how α‐MMC increases plant resistance to viruses, recombinant DNA and transgenic technologies were employed to investigate the role of α‐MMC in Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. Treatment with α‐MMC produced through DNA recombinant technology or overexpression of α‐MMC mediated by transgenic technology alleviated TMV‐induced oxidative damage and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during TMV‐green fluorescent protein infection of N. benthamiana. There was a significant decrease in TMV replication in the upper leaves following local α‐MMC treatment and in α‐MMC‐overexpressing plants relative to control plants. These results suggest that application or overexpression of α‐MMC in N. benthamiana increases resistance to TMV infection. Finally, our results showed that overexpression of α‐MMC up‐regulated the expression of ROS scavenging‐related genes. α‐MMC confers resistance to TMV infection by means of modulating ROS homeostasis through controlling the expression of antioxidant enzyme‐encoding genes. Overall, our study revealed a new crosstalk mechanism between α‐MMC and ROS during resistance to viral infection and provides a framework to understand the molecular mechanisms of α‐MMC in plant defence against viral pathogens.
The barriers to evidence‐based nursing implementation in mainland China: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Fu Yanfen , Wang Chunqing , Hu Yan , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: July 2020

It has been widely recognized that healthcare practices should be based on up‐to‐date high‐quality evidence; however, the implementation of evidence has been a slow process in nursing practice. It is crucial for clinical practitioners to be aware of the barriers to implementing evidence‐based nursing. The aim of this study was to describe participants' experiences and thoughts on barriers to implementing evidence‐based nursing in mainland China. Forty‐five participants came from 45 evidence‐based nursing implementation projects carried out in 16 hospitals in mainland China. Data were collected through observation and semi‐structured interviews, after which qualitative content analysis was undertaken. Then, the five themes and subthemes were extracted from the data. The five themes were evidence‐based, nurse‐related, patient‐related, setting barriers, and lack of support. In this study, a variety of barriers influencing evidence implementation in the Chinese nursing context were identified and further explored from the perspective of clarifying misunderstandings about evidence‐based nursing, the profound influence of Chinese culture on patients' preferences and attitudes, and the lack of professional knowledge of nurses.
“I just can't sit around and do nothing!”: A qualitative study of Indonesian women's experiences diagnosed with heart disease
Authors: Sutantri Sutantri , Cuthill Fiona , Holloway Aisha
Published: July 2020

Research into cardiovascular disease and its management in Indonesia, where it currently accounts for 67% of all deaths, has heavily emphasized the biomedical aspects; little is known about the individual's experience of the disease, especially for Indonesian women. This study aimed to understand how gender shapes Indonesian women's experiences of living with heart disease in their daily lives. Twenty‐six women aged 30–67 years were interviewed, and the transcriptions analyzed using a qualitative framework informed by intersectional approaches to gender and culture. Three major themes emerged: (i) the effect of cardiovascular disease on women's day‐to‐day activities, (ii) its effects on women's family relationships, and (iii) the women's coping strategies. The inability to fulfill their required social roles as mother or wife undermined the women's sense of self, a problem particularly acute in a cultural context where responsibility for maintaining harmony in the home and society is ascribed to women. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of women with cardiovascular disease, in order to deliver services that meet female patients' social, spiritual, and cultural needs.
A basic/helix–loop–helix transcription factor controls leaf shape by regulating auxin signaling in apple
Authors: Hu Da‐Gang , Wang Nian , Wang Dong‐Hui , Cheng Lailiang , Wang Yan‐Xiu , Zhao Yu‐Wen , Ding Jun‐Yi , Gu Kai‐Di , Xiao Xu , Hao Yu‐Jin
Published: July 2020

Climate‐driven phenological change across local spatial gradients leads to leaf shape variation. At higher elevations, leaves of broadleaf species tend to become narrower, but the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown.

In this study, a series of morphometric analyses and biochemical assays, combined with functional identification in apple, were performed.

We show that the decrease in apple leaf width with increasing altitude is controlled by a basic/helix–loop–helix transcription factor (bHLH TF), MdbHLH3. The MdbHLH3‐overexpressing lines have a lower transcript abundance of MdPIN1 encoding an auxin efflux carrier but a higher transcript abundance of MdGH3‐2 encoding a putative auxin amido conjugate synthase, resulting in a lower free auxin concentration; feeding the transgenic leaves with exogenous auxin partially restores leaf width. MdbHLH3 transcriptionally suppresses and activates MdPIN1 and MdGH3‐2, respectively, by specifically binding to their promoters. This alters auxin homeostasis and transport, consequently leading to changes in leaf shape.

These findings suggest that the bHLH TF MdbHLH3 directly modulates auxin signaling in controlling leaf shape in response to local spatial gradients in apple.
Genotypic‐specific responses caused by prolonged drought stress in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis): Interactions with mating systems
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad M. , Spanani Soheila , Abdollahi Bakhtiari Mostafa , Karami Zohreh , Hughes Nia
Published: July 2020

The consequences of recurrent drought events compared with a single drought, and drought's interaction with deliberate selfing compared with open‐pollination on postdrought recovery and persistence of smooth bromegrass, are not clear. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of recurrent drought stresses compared with a single drought on stress response, poststress recovery and persistence of full‐sib and half‐sib progenies of smooth bromegrass. During this study, 25 selfed (S1) and 25 open‐pollinated (OP) progenies of smooth bromegrass created in 2012 were evaluated in the field under normal and recurrent drought stress during 2013–2016. After the first harvest of above‐ground biomass in 2016, irrigation was withheld in both environments for 2 months; plants were subsequently re‐watered and evaluated. Recurrent drought stress changed the relationships between different traits. Moreover, prolonged drought stress resulted in increased plant productivity (recovery aerial biomass; RABI) of S1 and OP populations in recurrent drought stress compared with normal environment. Mandatory selfing increased persistence of smooth bromegrass genotypes but did not affect recovery after prolonged drought stress. Results revealed that, selecting among S1 families would be more effective than OP ones.
Altered thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia‐modified albumin levels in children with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Durankuş Ferit , Şenkal Evrim , Çam Sebahat , Potas Nihan , Albayrak Yakup , Nural Cemil , Erel Özcan
Published: July 2020

Background

In this study, we assessed thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) parameters and ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared with healthy children.

Methods

Fifty‐six children with IBS and 53 healthy children were included in the study after assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Plasma thiol/disulfide and IMA levels were compared between children with and without IBS.

Results

The mean values of native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide were 343.779 138.654 μmol/L, 365.398 ± 140.148 μmol/L, and 23.190 ± 4.978 μmol/L, respectively, in the IBS group and 409.908 ± 69.288 μmol/L, 433.481 ± 76.891 μmol/L, and 20.090 ± 4.252 μmol/L, respectively, in the control group. Native thiol and total thiol values were significantly reduced in the IBS group compared with the control group. The mean IMA values were 0.835 ± 0.083 (g/L) and 0.778 ± 0.072 in the IBS and control groups, respectively. The IMA value was significantly increased in the IBS group.

Conclusion

Impaired thiol/disulfide homeostasis and increased IMA levels can be considered etiological factors in children with IBS.
Near‐infrared heating of skin to delineate non‐melanoma skin cancer lesions: A pilot study
Authors: Pianosi Kiersten , Jordan Kevin , Moore Corey C
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgical excision is a mainstay of treatment for non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC); improving margin delineation can reduce the need for further monitoring/treatment. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if near‐infrared radiation (NIR) application to skin causes visible changes in normal and NMSC skin, to help delineate margins.

Materials/Methods

Eleven biopsy‐proven NMSC lesions were included. The skin was then heated under a 175W NIR heating bulb; margins were traced onto acetate film before and after heating. Lesions were then randomly assigned to excision based on pre‐ or post‐heating margins. Composite images were generated by overlaying the heat and no‐heat lesion contours. All specimens were sent for histopathology.

Results

The range of closest margins in the control group was 2.0‐3.0 mm with a median of 2.0 mm; the range in the intervention group was 4.0‐9.0 mm with a median of 5.0 mm. Composite images showed larger heat contours when the initial lesion was larger. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Overall, NIR light caused visible hyperaemia to skin, and more intense erythema to malignant skin lesions.

Conclusion

Near‐infrared light may have use in an outpatient setting for skin cancer delineation, possibly reducing the rate of positive margins.
A novel HLA‐B*52 allele, B*52:100, was identified by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Liu Li , Han Bin , Chi Xiaoyun , Jiao Shuxian
Published: July 2020

HLA‐B*52:100 differs from HLA‐B*52:01:01:01 by one nucleotide at position 858 in exon 4.
Leisure Education in Context of Informal Education
Authors: Krystoň Miroslav
Published: July 2020

The concept of lifelong and lifewide learning creates a space for different types of educational activities. In consequences of social changes and life style, we put more importance to learning activities of informal character besides formal learning. One of the informal learning typical forms is the leisure education. The thesis analyses historical bases, system characters and specific character types of leisure education.
Fictional Characters and Their Place in Lifelong Informal Learning
Authors: Krátká Jana
Published: July 2020

Audiovisual fictional stories are usually watched for the purpose of relaxation, fun or sharing experiences with characters and learning from the social situations. Our research objectives result from the need to identify the fictional characters, the viewers usually identify with. This study presents results of the research carried out within a group of more than two thousand Czech and Slovak Film Database users. A typology of fictional characters was created in accordance with qualities, the viewer identify with, based on the research results.
Attitude of Students Studying to be Nursery School Teachers Towards Study and Their Future Profession
Authors: Zormanová Lucie
Published: July 2020

This research deals with the personal characteristics and motivations of girls studying to be nursery school teachers through blended learning courses at the University of South Bohemia’s Pedagogical Faculty in České Budějovice. The exploratory research is aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge on the personalities of students studying to be teachers and identifying the motivation of their choice of study. It is further aimed at ascertaining what first-year students expect from the university faculty in regards to preparing them for their future teaching profession. The issue of what motivates students to study teaching is connected with the issue of expectations and an evaluation of the concept of professional training at our faculty; as it has been shown that these issues are closely connected. The tool used in this research was a questionnaire. It was intentionally decided to include in the research sample only those students who had not yet worked at a nursery school and who are just making the decision to pursue a career in teaching.
Social Environment and Creativity
Authors: Semrád Jiří , Škrabal Milan
Published: July 2020

The paper deals with issues connected with the motivation of high school students to participate in activities aimed at professional creative activity and, in this context, issues of environmental influences, especially from school and the family. It is responding to some of the growing efforts of neoliberalism to over individualize creative expression and activities and completely ignore social influences. It also takes into account the cultural legacy of past generations and the sources of creative power that have taken root in society and from which individuals draw and process their inspiration. Presented within are the results of an empirical probe focused on the influence of the social environment on the creative activity of teenagers. The paper follows the relations to the existing body of knowledge on the relationship between social environment and creativity, with an effort to capture the social conditionality of creative performances—to capture their roots. The results of the probe have confirmed the initial hypothesis that the creative efforts of secondary school students taking part in vocational training is based on the social background of the family and school. However, the family influence on the students’ creativity is not as significant as one would expect. It is the indirect effect of the family environment that has a larger influence.
Lifelong Learning and Constructivism
Authors: Serafín Čestmír
Published: July 2020

Changes in education, in its concept, has always changed in response to changes in society. The current trend of lifelong learning is therefore closely tied not only to societal trends, but also to education and, thus, with creatively humanist, trends whose goal is personality development and the constructivist creation of new knowledge. The primary aim of educators is the personality development of the learner, who is to be educated and consequently equipped not only with the necessary knowledgeable, but also with cognitive and social competences, and the moral and spiritual values of life.
National approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and surgeon audit in trachoma-endemic countries in Africa
Authors: Mwangi Grace , Courtright Paul , Solomon Anthony W
Published: July 2020

Background

Poor outcomes of trichiasis surgery, including postoperative trichiasis, are common in many trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. To improve outcomes, WHO recommends regular follow-up and outcome assessment of surgical cases plus audit of trichiasis surgeons.

Aims

To assess national approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and audit, and identify national targets for good surgical outcome (defined as the percentage of patients undergoing surgery for trichiasis remaining free of post-operative trichiasis for a defined interval after surgery).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018, involving all 29 known-trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. An emailed questionnaire was used to collect information on national targets for surgical outcomes, policies, monitoring and strategies to address underperformance by surgeons.

Results

All national programmes provided information; 2 of the 29 had not yet implemented trichiasis surgery as part of their trachoma elimination programme. Findings from 27 countries are therefore reported. Only four countries reported having a national policy for trichiasis surgery follow-up and outcome assessment and only two had a national policy for conducting audits of trichiasis surgeons. Only 9 of the 27 countries had a cut-off point at which poorly performing surgeons would be instructed to discontinue surgery until retraining or other interventions had been undertaken.

Discussion

To address the challenge of post-operative trichiasis and other poor outcomes, national trachoma programmes should create and implement policies and systems to follow up patients, assess surgical outcomes and monitor the performance of individual surgeons through post-surgical audits.
Assessment of conjunctival flora in eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction before and after successful dacryoendoscopic recanalisation
Authors: Hiraoka Takahiro , Hoshi Sujin , Tasaki Kuniharu , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate conjunctival bacterial flora in eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction before and after dacryoendoscopic recanalisation with lacrimal tube intubation.

Methods

One-hundred fifty eyes with lacrimal passage obstruction that were successfully treated by dacryoendoscopic recanalisation were enrolled. Conjunctival sampling was done for each eye before and 4 months after surgery. The lower fornix was rubbed by a sterile cotton swab, and the collected samples were cultured with several agar plates. Colonies were differentiated and enumerated by standard bacteriological laboratory techniques.

Results

Positive bacterial growth was detected in 42.0% of all the samples before surgery, and the positivity rate significantly decreased to 26.0% after surgery (p=0.0051). The number of strains detected also decreased from 20 before surgery to 9 after surgery, especially pathogenic microorganisms decreased. In addition, drug-resistant bacteria such as penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were detected in nine eyes before surgery but were detected only in one eye after surgery. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Corynebacterium spp., which are common in normal conjunctival flora, accounted for 46.5% of all the isolates before surgery and 80.9% after surgery, showing a significant increase in the rate after surgery (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This study showed that physiological recanalisation of lacrimal passage after dacryoendoscopic surgery significantly decreased the culture positivity rate of conjunctival sac and the number of microorganism strains detected. It also decreased the number of potentially pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria and increased the percentages of indigenous bacteria, causing the normalisation of conjunctival flora.
Prospective study to evaluate incidence and indicators for early detection of ethambutol toxicity
Authors: Mandal Sohini , Saxena Rohit , Dhiman Rebika , Mohan Anant , Padhy Srikanta Kumar , Phuljhele Swati , Sharma Pradeep , Guleria Randeep
Published: July 2020

Aims

To evaluate incidence of toxic optic neuropathy in patients receiving ethambutol (EMB) for 6 months and to identify its early indicators.

Methods

We included 50 patients on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) including EMB (HRE regimen) based on total body weight for 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (ETDRS), colour vision (Ishihara pseudo-isochromatic plates), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), Humphrey visual field analysis (HVF 30-2 SITA FAST), pattern visual evoked response (VER) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) for ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) analysis were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4 and 6 months after starting ATT.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 36.5±14.7 years with male:female ratio of 2.5:1. Mean daily dosage of EMB was 17.5±1.3 mg/kg/day. No significant change was observed in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision and mean or pattern SD on HVF at 6 months. Significant increase in VER latency of >2 SD (>125 ms) was observed in 46% eyes on follow-up indicating subclinical toxicity. Significant loss of mean RNFL (from 100.79±16.05 μm to 89.96±13.79 μm) and GCIPL thickness (from 83.1±5.60 μm to 79.85±6.45 μm) was observed at 6 months (p=0.001 for both). Patients with subclinical toxicity had significantly greater damage in temporal RNFL quadrant, supero-nasal and infero-nasal GCIPL sectors compared with others.

Conclusion

The incidence of clinical EMB optic neuropathy was <2%, though subclinical damage in the form of increase in VER latency, and decrease in RNFL and GCIPL on OCT was seen in 46% eyes.
Simulation of liquid transfer between the plate and the groove
Authors: Zhou Nan , Zhao Jiayi , Chen Shuo , Liu Yang , Zhang Kaixuan
Published: July 2020

The transfer of the liquid from groove to plate is significantly affected by the breakup process of liquid bridge, which is the core problem of gravure. In this paper, many-body dissipative particle dynamics method (MDPD) is used to simulate the behaviors of the stretching liquid cylinder between the plate and the groove, and the influence of surface wettability, stretching velocity and groove structure on the liquid cylinder rupture and the transfer rate of liquid are studied. The results show that both of the slipping velocity of the contact line on the plate and the thinning velocity of the liquid cylinder determine the breakup state of the liquid bridges and the liquid transfer rate from the groove to the plate. In the cases with the same surface wettability, at high hydrophilicity surface, the transfer rate increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of the stretching velocity. In the cases with different surface wettability of the plate and the groove, reducing the stretching velocity and the inclination angle of the groove are helpful to pull the liquid out of the groove and increase the transfer rate, and it could also be achieved by increasing the wettability of the plate and decreasing the wettability of the groove. This study provides some new insights into the effects of surface wettability, stretching velocity and groove structure on the dynamics of breakup process and liquid transfer in stretching.
Intrusion Detection Based on Dynamic Gemini Population DE-K-mediods Clustering on Hadoop Platform
Authors: Wu Wentie , Xu Shengchao
Published: July 2020

In view of the fact that the existing intrusion detection system (IDS) based on clustering algorithm cannot adapt to the large-scale growth of system logs, a K-mediods clustering intrusion detection algorithm based on differential evolution suitable for cloud computing environment is proposed. First, the differential evolution algorithm is combined with the K-mediods clustering algorithm in order to use the powerful global search capability of the differential evolution algorithm to improve the convergence efficiency of large-scale data sample clustering. Second, in order to further improve the optimization ability of clustering, a dynamic Gemini population scheme was adopted to improve the differential evolution algorithm, thereby maintaining the diversity of the population while improving the problem of being easily trapped into a local optimum. Finally, in the intrusion detection processing of big data, the optimized clustering algorithm is designed in parallel under the Hadoop Map Reduce framework. Simulation experiments were performed in the open source cloud computing framework Hadoop cluster environment. Experimental results show that the overall detection effect of the proposed algorithm is significantly better than the existing intrusion detection algorithms.
Application of Image Filtering Technique Based on Bounded Mean Oscillation Model in Studying on Rice Grain Morphology
Authors: Hua Shan
Published: July 2020

This study constructed a bounded mean oscillation (BMO) filter via the BMO algorithm and anisotropic nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) to both denoise and enhance the digital image of rice grains. The Perona–Malik PDE model was used as control filter. Based on the quantitative evaluation of the morphological characteristics of rice grains, as obtained from preprocessed images, the BMO filtering effect is discussed. The results showed that grain length, grain width, and the length–width ratio obtained from BMO filter processed images did not significantly differ from manual measurements ([Formula: see text]). Moreover, a strong positive correlation was found between the average grain area and the thousand grain weight ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The BMO filter was less disturbed by noise and the structure of the utilized algorithm was simpler compared with the Perona–Malik filter. The developed BMO filter was also superior to the Perona–Malik filter in retaining fine edge features of digital images. Moreover, its filtering effect remained stable for grain images of different rice varieties.
Design and Development of Image Recognition Toolkit Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhang Hai-Xia , Cao Qing-Jiao , Sun Sheng-Juan , Han Xuanzhe , Palaoag Thelma D.
Published: July 2020

Deep learning algorithms have shown superior performance than traditional algorithms when dealing with computationally intensive tasks in many fields. The algorithm model based on deep learning has good performance and can improve the recognition accuracy in relevant applications in the field of computer vision. TensorFlow is a flexible opensource machine learning platform proposed by Google, which can run on a variety of platforms, such as CPU, GPU, and mobile devices. TensorFlow platform can also support current popular deep learning models. In this paper, an image recognition toolkit based on TensorFlow is designed and developed to simplify the development process of more and more image recognition applications. The toolkit uses convolutional neural networks to build a training model, which consists of two convolutional layers: one batch normalization layer before each convolutional layer, and the other pooling layer after each convolutional layer. The last two layers of the model use the full connection layer to output recognition results. Batch gradient descent algorithm is adopted in the optimization algorithm, and it integrates the advantages of both the gradient descent algorithm and the stochastic gradient descent algorithm, which greatly reduces the number of convergence iterations and has little influence on the convergence effect. The total training parameters of the toolkit model reach 1.7 million. In order to prevent overfitting problems, the dropout layer before each full connection layer is added and the threshold of 0.5 is set in the design. The convolution neural network model is trained and tested by the MNIST set on TensorFlow. The experimental result shows that the toolkit achieves the recognition accuracy of 99% on the MNIST test set. The development of the toolkit provides powerful technical support for the development of various image recognition applications, reduces its difficulty, and improves the efficiency of resource utilization.
Design for Energy Storage Springs of Universal Circuit Breakers Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Dai Shuidong , Xia Kewen , Wang Li , Xie Min
Published: July 2020

To solve the imperfect springs structure parameters in the design of energy storage springs of the universal circuit breakers, and problems such as large volume of circuit breakers and low design efficiency, an approach to optimize the parameters of the energy storage springs of the circuit breakers is proposed based on the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm. First, the mathematical optimization model of energy storage springs and the constraints of the spring parameters are derived in accordance with the working principle of energy storage springs. Then combined with cloud model and cross operation, the ABC algorithm is improved, which can adjust the cross factor, accelerate the convergence speed of ABC algorithm and improve the global search ability. And the classical test-function simulations verify that the improved ABC algorithm is superior to other evolutionary algorithms. Finally, the two different types of energy storage springs optimization models of universal circuit breakers are experimentally analyzed by use of the improved ABC algorithm, and the corresponding springs’ parameters are calculated. The experiment results show that the proposed approach is effective, which can reasonably design the parameters of energy storage springs of circuit breakers and improve the design efficiency.
Determinants of Individuals’ Tacit Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Okyere-Kwakye Eugene , Nor Khalil Md. , Awang Siti Rahmah , Zaitul
Published: July 2020

Knowledge sharing (KS) is classified as the exchange of beliefs among individuals. Knowledge is seen as a critical asset of an organisation that can be useful in enhancing the efficiency of its operational processes. Based on previous studies, a model was developed to suggest a relationship between knowledge sharing and four of the individual determinants, namely, image, self-worth, self-efficacy and extrinsic motivation. A total of 105 questionnaires were used to collect data from senior high-school teachers in the new Juaben Municipality, Ghana. Partial least square (PLS) was utilised to analyse the data. The result of the study indicates that self-efficacy and self-worth have a positive significant relationship with knowledge sharing. However, the hypotheses on image and extrinsic motivation fail to be supported. The practical implications of these results are discussed.
Alias-free basis for modal sensorless adaptive optics using the second moment of intensity
Authors: Soloviev Oleg
Published: July 2020

In theory of optical aberrations, an aberrated wavefront is represented by its coefficients in some orthogonal basis, for instance by Zernike polynomials. However, many wavefront measurement techniques implicitly approximate the gradient of the wavefront by the gradients of the basis functions. For a finite number of approximation terms, the transition from a basis to its gradient might introduce an aliasing error. To simplify the measurements, another set of functions, an “optimal basis” with orthogonal gradients, is often introduced, for instance Lukosz–Braat polynomials. This paper first shows that such bases do not necessarily eliminate the aliasing error and secondly considers the problem of finding an alias-free basis on example of second-moment-based indirect wavefront sensing methods. It demonstrates that for these methods any alias-free basis should be formed by functions simultaneously orthogonal in two dot-products and be composed of the eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator. The fitness of such alias-free basis for optical applications is analyzed by means of numerical simulations on typical aberrations occurring in microscopy and astronomy.