bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Kurikulum Berbasis Adiwiyata di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan
Authors: Hariyanto Moh. Arief
Published: December 2019

Pada masa ini, peran strategis dalam pengembangan kurikulum di dunia pendidikan adalah menciptakan sekolah yang berkualitas dan berkuantitas. Salah satu program adiwiyata dalam mengembangkan kurikulum pada dasarnya adalah sekolah yang memiliki pengaruh sangat besar terhadap kelestarian lingkungan dan juga siswa yang akan mendapatkan pengetahuan tentang lingkungan. Kompetensi pendidik dan staf kependidikan memiliki peran aktif dalam mengembangkan pembelajaran yang terintegrasi dengan lingkungan. Kegiatan pembelajaran yang dilakukan oleh siswa adalah menghasilkan karya nyata yang berkaitan dengan lingkungan dan mengkomunikasikan hasil belajar melalui berbagai media. Implikasi dari kurikulum berbasis adiwiyata adalah keterlibatan pemangku kepentingan, fasilitas dan lingkungan sekolah sekitarnya yang semuanya merupakan faktor pendukung untuk program adiwiyata. Sedangkan faktor penghambat termasuk dana terbatas, sarana dan prasarana, sikap dan perilaku warga sekolah, pola pikir guru dan wali murid.
A Systematic Literature Review of Animal Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II):Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks
Authors: Holder Timothy , Gruen Margaret , Roberts David , Somers Tamara , Bozkurt Alper
Published: December 2019

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are a unique class of complementary medical treatments that can improve a patient’s quality of life, both physically and psychologically. Part I of this two-paper systematic literature review series focused on the study methods and quantitative results of researchers in this field. We continue this in-depth review here in Part II by discussing the common theories associated with AAI in the context of cancer. Of all the factors at work in human-animal interactions, researchers explicitly cite compatible animal personality, physical touch, physical movement, distraction/entertainment, and increased human interaction as the mechanisms responsible for the positive clinical outcomes observed in AAI. In various combinations, these mechanisms group under broader theoretical frameworks that attempt to fully explain the AAI context as it relates to cancer care. The social support hypothesis and the conception of a human-animal bond are the most referenced overarching frameworks. The cognitive activation theory of stress, the science of unitary human beings, and the self-object hypothesis are also referenced. We briefly consider other relevant theories commonly noted in the human-animal interactions literature that have the potential to clarify aspects of cancer-related AAI. We also discuss the neurobiological transduction mechanisms needed to connect theoretical frameworks and their mechanisms directly to the observed clinical outcomes. To advance the field, researchers should consider overarching theories with testable hypotheses when designing studies, and use consistent terminology when reporting results. This review lays a foundation for progress towards a unified theoretical framework and for effective treatment of the whole cancer patient.
Development of a Peristaltic-Movement Duct-Cleaning Robot for Application to Actual Environment - Examination of Brush Type and Installation Method to Improve Cleaning Efficiency –
Authors: Ito Fumio , Kawaguchi Takahiko , Yamada Yasuyuki , Nakamura Taro ,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chuo University 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan,   Faculty of Engineering and Design, Hosei University 2-33 Ichigayatamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0843, Japan,   Faclty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
Published: December 2019

This paper describes a method to increase both the cleaning performance and speed of a peristaltic duct-cleaning robot, besides the cleaning of a real house duct. Duct piping ventilation is an important component for safeguarding indoor human health. However, dust accumulates inside such ducts during long-term use of ventilation systems. This dust leads to the generation of bacteria, dispersal of which can cause serious human health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to clean such ducts. The ducts used in factories, for example, have a large cross-sectional area and so are easy to clean by conventional duct-cleaning methods. However, as housing ducts have a small cross-sectional area and many curves, they are difficult to clean via the passive method of inserting a cleaning tool through the duct ports. For this reason, the authors attempted to develop a method of duct cleaning using a robot that imitates the peristaltic movement of earthworms. Herein, the authors examine the type and mounting position of the cleaning brush that produces the optimum cleaning efficiency. From this, we confirmed the duct cleanability of the peristaltic robot.
Islamic Prudential Banking Concept to Reduce Non Performing Financing: Literature Review
Authors: Asiyah Binti Nur , Nasir M. Ridlwan , Ahsan Muhamad
Published: December 2019

Purpose - This paper aims to develop the concept of prudential banking based on sharia principles to minimize non-performing financing in Indonesia.

 

Methode - This desk research was based on many relevant studies advanced in the literature.  The review was particularly focus on  Sharia Banking Law, Indonesian Banking Regulations, and Financial Services Authority Regulations. A secondary data published by the Indonesian Central Bank on Sharia Banking Statistics for 2014-2018 was used to  sharpen the analysis. In addition, many previous studies on Sharia Banking conducted in other countries (e.g.  Malaysia, Pakistan and other European countries) were discussed in order to widen the importance of Sharia banking in those countries.

 

Findings - The findings of this study include as follows. First, the development of the concept of Islamic prudential banking in the operations of Islamic banks need  to give attention towards business risk and the certainty of the implementation of Islamic principles. Second, the operational of Islamic banks need to consider the important of  sharia human resources, sharia product, sharia process (marketing, management, and standard operational procedure (SOP)) as well.

 

Research limitation- This research limitation article requires follow-up to explore the potential of applying Islamic prudential banking in depth to Islamic banks in Indonesia and apply it to every operational standard procedure from banks.

 

Practical implications – The Practical implication is that Islamic prudential banking should be implemented in accordance with the Islamic concept in its operations so that it is truly able to minimize non performing financing. This study can also be used for policy instruments to improve Islamic Prudential Banking in Indonesia which is not yet available. Also, it can be implemented by other stakeholders of Islamic Banking .

 

Social implication- The social implication of this study  to increase work motivation and raises honesty in work, in accordance with the objectives of Islamic banks.

 

Originality/Value - The originality of this study is due to the facts that studies on Islamic Prudential Banking have little examination. For this reason, this review study can be used as the important input to develop  Islamic prudential banking and to be implemented by the banking and the regulators

 
Analysis of Millennial Generation Behavior in Consuming Halal Products: Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) Method
Authors: Arifin Ahmad Zaenal , Salam Annisa Nur
Published: December 2019

 The elevated demand of Muslim consumers for halal products is a business opportunity for producers or companies. So that attention to consumer behavior of halal products is part of market valuation that is important for achieving success in the halal industry. Meanwhile, the millennial generation will have an influence in determining the trend of product use especially since entering the digital era. So it is important to conduct further studies on the behavior of the millennial generation in consuming halal products. This research was conducted by collecting data through distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents classified as millennial generation. Then the data collected is processed with Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) and gives conclusion that the interest of millennial generation in buying halal products is influenced by Islamic branding and individual religiosity factors. While the satisfaction of the millennial generation in consuming halal products is influenced by the price factor of these products, Islamic branding and religiosity factors. Furthermore, Islamic branding indirectly influences the buying interest and satisfaction of the millennial generation in consuming halal products through a variable mediating religiosity. Therefore, Islamic branding is an urgent matter that must be fulfilled for companies that have a focus on the development of halal industrial. 
Area-Wide Traffic-Calming Zone 30 Policy of Japan and Incidence of Road Traffic Injuries Among Cyclists and Pedestrians
Authors: Inada Haruhiko , Tomio Jun , Nakahara Shinji , Ichikawa Masao
Published: December 2019

Objectives. To quantify the impact of the “Zone 30” policy introduced in September 2011 on the incidence of cyclist and pedestrian injuries in Japan.

Methods. This was an interrupted time-series study. We used the data of cyclist and pedestrian injuries recorded by the Japanese police between 2005 and 2016. We evaluated the monthly number of deaths and serious injuries per person-time on narrow roads (width < 5.5 m, subjected to the policy) compared with that on wide roads (≥ 5.5 m) to control for secular trends. We regressed the injury rate ratio on 2 predictors: the numbers of months after January 2005 and after September 2011. Using the regression results, we estimated the number of deaths and serious injuries prevented.

Results. There were 266 939 deaths and serious injuries. By 2016, the cumulative changes in the rate ratio spanned from −0.26 to −0.046, depending on sex and age, and an estimated number of 1704 (95% confidence interval = 1293, 2198) injuries were prevented.

Conclusions. The policy had a large preventive impact on cyclist and pedestrian deaths and serious injuries at the national level.
A Pornography Literacy Program for Adolescents
Authors: Rothman Emily F. , Daley Nicole , Alder Jess
Published: December 2019

In 2016, in response to concern about the impact of pornography on adolescents, the Boston Public Health Commission partnered with a university researcher to develop a nine-session media literacy curriculum on pornography for adolescents. The curriculum was pilot-tested with five small classes of adolescents between 2016 and 2019 (n = 31). Many adult teachers of sex education also expressed interest in being trained to use the curriculum, so our team has now trained 300 adults to use it.
Enunciados possíveis: um exercício sobre minorias e ethos discursivo
Authors: Ferreira Ana Elisa Sobral Caetano da Silva
Published: December 2019

Tendo a Análise de Discurso (AD) Francesa como campo teórico-metodológico, analisaremos o breve corpus deste exercício, composto por enunciados que apresentam marcas da construção de um ethos visado, no posicionamento do sujeito discursivo e como esse processo se relaciona com a cristalização do sintagma lugar de fala (SALGADO; GATTI, 2018). Propomos uma reflexão sobre a validação dos discursos que circulam dentro de determinadas comunidades discursivas (MAINGUENEAU, 2008a) entendidas como minorias e aparentemente amalgamadas. Para tanto, mobilizaremos conceitos fundamentais da AD, tais como, memória discursiva e interdiscurso (PECHÊUX, 2016) na manutenção do imaginário de homogeneização dessas comunidades.
Análise da prosódia afetiva na esquizofrenia a partir do aplicativo Exprosodia
Authors: Jorge Ana Cristina Aparecida
Published: December 2019

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar uma análise da entoação de voz de pacientes com esquizofrenia para, a partir de parâmetros acústicos advindos de variáveis linguísticas, examinar dados que caracterizem a prosódia como um possível indicativo diagnóstico. Para a realização dessa pesquisa, 16 pessoas diagnosticadas com esquizofrenia, de acordo com os critérios do DSM V (SECMs), e mais 16 indivíduos sem histórico médico anterior de transtorno mental (SCs), concordaram em realizar um diálogo gravado. Esse procedimento se dividiu em quatro etapas: entrevista de anamnese; relato empírico; descrição de uma imagem; e, por fim, a leitura de um trecho de uma história infantil. A análise dos dados coletados foi realizada pela rotina ExProsodia (FERREIRA-NETTO, 2016). Os resultados apresentados indicam a possibilidade de diferenciar pacientes acometidos pela esquizofrenia de sujeitos sem histórico anterior de transtornos psíquicos ou doenças mentais, baseada na análise de parâmetros acústicos de voz.
Representações da leitura em documentos oficiais: discursos sobre a leitura no ensino de Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Luterman Luana Alves
Published: December 2019

Esta pesquisa objetiva analisar e depreender quais são as representações da prática de leitura privilegiadas institucionalmente, ao verificar como se concebe a leitura no ensino de língua materna/portuguesa em documentos oficiais como a LDBen (1996), as Orientações Curriculares para o Ensino Médio – OCEM (BRASIL, 2006) e a Base Nacional Comum Curricular – BNCC (BRASIL, 2018). Será considerada a dimensão discursiva que engendra os documentos oficiais para verificar que projeções de operacionalização das práticas de ensino de língua portuguesa fomentam, orientam, regulam e interditam práticas de leitura. A metodologia baseia-se numa pesquisa quantitativa e qualitativa, apoiada em princípios da Análise do Discurso francesa (FOUCAULT, 2008a; 2008b; 1999a; 1999b; CHARTIER, 2002; COURTINE, 2009) com corpus de enunciados coletado via arquivo digital e/ou impresso, proveniente de sites diversos, do governo federal, constituídos dos documentos citados.
A interculturalidade no ensino de PLE: metodologias ativas e políticas linguísticas
Authors: Franco Gabriele
Published: December 2019

A formação de professores de português como língua estrangeira (PLE) possui um papel importante no ensino e na aprendizagem como um todo, sobretudo no ensino intercultural. O PLE, em seus diferentes contextos educacionais, lida com um público-alvo diverso e tem o desafio de desenvolver as condições necessárias para a compreensão de uma nova língua e cultura. No entanto, além de capacitar professores de PLE, é preciso oferecer uma formação intercultural que deve ser evidenciada por políticas linguísticas que viabilizem a elaboração de documentos norteadores e de metodologias para a atuação docente. Por isso, o presente trabalho reflete sobre a abordagem que as políticas linguísticas e os documentos orientadores como a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases (LDB), o Plano Nacional da Educação (PNE), o Parâmetro Curricular Nacional (PCN), as Orientações Curriculares para o Ensino Médio (OCEM), as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais da Educação Básica (DCN), a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) e as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para os cursos de graduação propõem para um ensino intercultural. Além disso, apresenta-se uma proposta para uma educação intercultural no ensino de português como língua estrangeira por meio da metodologia de Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos (ABP).
A mobilização da memória discursiva no movimento ciberfeminista: análise da hashtag #metoo
Authors: Costa Julia Lourenço
Published: December 2019

O assédio, que faz parte das temáticas específicas abordadas pelo movimento social feminista (HIRATA et al., 2009), será discursivamente analisado neste artigo a partir da irrupção e circulação da hashtag #metoo #eutambém, que tomou as redes sociais no final de 2017. Ancorados na Análise do discurso francesa, mobilizaremos as noções de memória e des-memória discursivas (PAVEAU, 2013a, 2013b, 2015, 2017) procurando depreender como essas noções contribuem para instauração da polêmica como interincompreensão (MAINGUENEAU, 2008), isto é, gerando uma espécie de dissenso, manifestado a partir de diversas posições enunciativas. O movimento feminista tem ganhado cada vez mais força no ciberespaço, onde o chamado ciberfeminismo (LALONDE, 2012) vem se apropriando das ferramentas virtuais disponíveis. A hashtag, enquanto tecnopalavra (PAVEAU, 2017), participa da argumentação ciberativista como ponto de ancoragem do debate público acerca de determinada temática; portanto a hashtag é encarada, neste artigo, como sintetizadora de questões político-ideológicas.
A escrita fora da escola: tecendo um imaginário discursivo
Authors: Silva Aldimeres Ferraz da , Ruiz Eliana Donaio
Published: December 2019

Este artigo se configura como recorte de uma pesquisa maior, na qual buscamos responder a seguinte pergunta: qual é o imaginário discursivo acerca da escrita na contemporaneidade? Fundamentando-nos na Análise de Discurso de orientação francesa, lançamos mão de entrevistas semiestruturadas para analisarmos dizeres de sujeitos inseridos nas formações sociais escolar (professores e alunos de vários níveis) e extraescolar (jornalistas, escritores e publicitários). No presente trabalho, especificamente, focalizamos os dados obtidos junto ao universo extraescolar, num cruzamento interdiscursivo de sujeitos em diferentes posições enunciativas. Nosso gesto interpretativo analítico revelou a recorrência das seguintes representações acerca da escrita: prática que pressupõe conhecimento via leitura; objeto de valor utilitário; instrumento de poder; prática dependente do leitor e modalidade de língua veiculada pela internet.
A linguagem dirigida à criança em uma sala da Educação Infantil bilíngue inglês-português
Authors: De Santis Ananda Brasolotto , Del Ré Alessandra
Published: December 2019

Devido a um complexo panorama que envolve questões socioeconômicas e político-linguísticas, o Brasil apresenta, hoje, uma diversidade de contextos escolares envolvendo o bilinguismo, que carecem de estudos que nos ajudem a melhor compreender os processos de aquisição de linguagem das crianças que os frequentam. Diante disso, esta pesquisa traz uma reflexão sobre a linguagem do educador dirigida à criança (LDC), em uma sala da Educação Infantil de uma escola particular bilíngue português-inglês do estado de São Paulo, e as implicações dessa linguagem para as crianças. Para isso, foram realizadas análises de 11 sessões de vídeos de cerca de 40 minutos, coletados durante um ano nessa escola, focalizando a interação dos educadores e das observadoras-pesquisadoras com três crianças (A., F. e L., entre 2 e 3 anos de idade), em uma sala de aula. Foram observadas características da LDC familiar que se repetem na escola, o que não significa que as crianças adquiram linguagem da mesma forma nesses dois ambientes distintos.
Os desdobramentos da paisagem no romance "Canaã", de Graça Aranha
Authors: Alves Regina Célia dos Santos
Published: December 2019

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo o estudo dos desdobramentos da paisagem no romance Canaã, de Graça Aranha, a partir de discussões contemporâneas em torno do conceito de paisagem. No romance, é na discussão acerca da imigração alemã assentada no então selvagem e ainda quase intocado estado do Espírito Santo, construindo seu enredo em torno especialmente da personagem Milkau, um imigrante alemão, que questões ligadas ao ser do Brasil vão se desenhando pelas páginas do romance. Dessa maneira, interessa-nos, para este trabalho, abordar o movimento de paisagens que transitam por Canaã, em especial, a partir da perspectiva de Milkau, nas quais se inscrevem não apenas a materialidade de um lugar, a concretude de suas formas, cores, texturas e sons, mas uma ideia sobre o Brasil e a projeção de um imaginário utópico para o país, encerrado no emblemático título do romance, Canaã.
Apresentação
Authors: Zavaglia Claudia
Published: December 2019

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ANÁLISE GEO-HISTÓRICA DA OCUPAÇÃO HUMANA E IMPACTO AMBIENTAL NO IGARAPÉ GRANDE, EM BOA VISTA-RR / Geo-historical analysis of human occupation and environmental impact on igarapé Grande, in Boa Vista-RR
Authors: Galdino Lúcio Keury Almeida , Silva Adriano Lucena da , Luz Gilcimar Maysonnave da , De Paula Gean Guilherme Ferreira
Published: December 2019

Na sociedade roraimense são percebidas as transformações no espaço urbano que refletem na presença do homem, na mudança de sua forma, provocando ocupações desordenadas/irregulares nas margens dos corpos hídricos. Em Boa Vista-RR, o igarapé Grande é um dos maiores corpos hídricos e seu percurso encontra-se na mancha urbana. Partindo desta premissa, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo estudar as consequências da ocupação antrópica analisada pelo viés Geo-histórico, bem como avaliar o processo de urbanização nas margens do referido igarapé. Na metodologia foram utilizadas técnicas de sensoriamento remoto com o processo de análise, vetorização e interpretação das imagens de satélite - Landsat 8, disponível no site do Serviço Geológico Norte Americano (USGS), Google Earth Pro, ainda utilizou-se do software Qgis 2.18 para elaboração/tratamento das cartas imagens. No que tange a pesquisa (in loco) foram analisadas as mudanças da biota, decorrentes do uso e ocupação do solo levando a crer que o processo de urbanização está afetando a dinâmica natural do corpo hídrico, em estudo. 
Palavras-chave: igarapé Grande; urbanização; impactos ambientais; Roraima.
CAPACIDADE DE USO E APTIDÃO AGRÍCOLA DE UMA FAZENDA EM SÃO DOMINGOS DO ARAGUAIA (PA)/ Capacity of use and agricultural aptitude of a farm in São Domingos do Araguaia (PA)
Authors: Da França Bruno Barbosa , Lima Jimmy Johmsom Mesquita , Sousa Kattyely Araújo , Lima Lucas Felipe Araújo , Dos Santos Matheus Alves , Do Carmo Sérgio Soares , Ramos Michele Ribeiro
Published: December 2019

A crescente utilização das terras, sem considerar suas potencialidades e limitações, acarreta à degradação ao solo. Para tanto se faz necessário que o uso da terra seja adequado às condições propiciadas pelos elementos físicos da paisagem. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar e classificar os solos da fazenda Cristalina no Município de São Domingos do Araguaia, PA, através da apresentação do mapeamento da Capacidade de Uso e da Aptidão Agrícola das Terras. Para isso foram construídos mapas, através do software ArcGIS, que espacializa as principais restrições nos dois sistemas de classificação de terras. A classificação das terras da fazenda Cristalina, PA para uso agrícola sofreu consideráveis limitações, a primeira se justifica pela própria localidade da propriedade. Esta fazenda se encontra em pleno Bioma Amazônia, por isto amparado por leis, precauções acerca de uso agrícola deverão ser tomadas respeitando-se o conceito da Amazônia Legal.
PUBLICAÇÃO DE DADOS CONECTADOS PARA MODELOS DE USO E COBERTURA DA TERRA/ Linked data publication for land change models
Authors: Garcia Deyvison Aguiar , Costa Sérgio Souza , Moreira Evaldinolia Gilbertoni
Published: December 2019

Os modelos de mudanças de uso e cobertura da terra utilizam um grande volume de dados. Esse artigo apresenta a integração de diferentes ferramentas e conceitos em uma metodologia que permite o reuso e recriação de bases de dados entre diferentes ambientes computacionais. A metodologia foi aplicada na construção e na publicação de uma base de dados para a Amazônia Brasileira. Nesse artigo usou-se um pequeno número de variáveis, mas a metodologia pode ser aplicada independentemente da quantidade de variáveis. O sistema de informação geográfica QGIS foi usado para demonstrar a metodologia. Porém, diferentes sistemas computacionais poderão ser usados com pequenas adequações. Todos os dados e códigos utilizados, estão publicados para permitir replicação dos experimentos descritos aqui.
Psychometric Evaluation of Two Short Versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale
Authors: Klaufus Leonie , Verlinden Eva , Wal Marcel van der , Kösters Mia , Cuijpers Pim , Chinapaw Mai
Published: December 2019

Background
Anxiety and depression are common in children and adolescents, which can be detected via self-report questionnaires in non-clinical settings like the school environment. Two short versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (i.e., RCADS-25 and RCADS-20) seem to be feasible for administering at schools. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 used as screening instruments for anxiety and depression in a general population of schoolchildren and adolescents.
Methods
The RCADS-25 was completed by 69,487 schoolchildren and adolescents age 8 to 18 years. The RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 broad anxiety scales are equal (15 items), but there are two versions of the major depressive disorder (MDD) scale: the RCADS-25 MDD scale (10 items) and the RCADS-20 MDD scale (5 items). The three scales were assessed on structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and hypotheses about construct validity.
Results
The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03, SRMR = 0.03), internal consistency (alpha = 0.82), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73), criterion validity (AUC = 0.79), and all four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The RCADS-25 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient test-retest reliability (ICC=0.70), and three out of four hypotheses testing construct validity were confirmed. Its structural validity was suspect (CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.09, SRMR = 0.06). The RCADS-20 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.04) and internal consistency (alpha = 0.72). Two out of four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.60) was insufficient. Since both MDD scales showed shortcomings, the shortening of the RCADS-25 MDD scale was re-examined post hoc by principal component and reliability analyses. The result was an MDD scale with seven items.
Conclusions
The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale is valid and reliable for screening schoolchildren and adolescents, but the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 MDD scales showed shortcomings. An MDD scale of seven items showed acceptable psychometric properties.
Discontinuing statins or not in the elderly? Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bonnet Fabrice , Bénard Antoine , Poulizac Pierre , Afonso Mélanie , Maillard Aline , Salvo Francesco , Berdaï Driss , Salles Nathalie , Rousselot Nicolas , Marchi Sébastien , Hayes Nathalie , Joseph Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2019

Background The risk/benefit ratio of using statins for cardiovascular (CV) primary prevention in elderly people has not been established. The main objectives of the present study are to assess the cost-effectiveness of statin cessation and to examine the non-inferiority of statin cessation in terms of mortality in patients aged 75 and over treated with statins for primary prevention. Methods The Statins In The Elderly (SITE) Study is an ongoing 3-year follow-up, open-label comparative multi-centre randomised clinical trial that is being conducted in two parallel groups in outpatient primary care offices. Participants meeting the following criteria are being included: people aged 75 years and older being treated with statins as primary prevention for CV events who provide informed consent. After randomisation, patients in the statin-cessation strategy are instructed to withdraw their treatment. In the comparison strategy, patients continue their statin treatment at the usual dosage. The cost-effectiveness of the statin-cessation strategy compared to continuing statins will be estimated through the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained at 36 months based on the perspective of the French healthcare system. Overall mortality will be the primary clinical endpoint. We assumed that the mortality rate at 3 years will be 15%. The sample size was computed to achieve 90% power in showing the non-inferiority of statin cessation, assuming a non-inferiority margin of 5% of the between-group difference in overall mortality. In total, the SITE study will include 2,430 individuals. Discussion There is some debate regarding the value of statins in people over 75 years old, especially for primary prevention, due to a lack of evidence of their efficacy in this population, potential compliance-related events, drug-drug interactions and side effects that could impair quality of life. Data from clinical trials guide the initiation of medication therapy for primary or secondary prevention of CV disease but do not define the timing, safety, or risks of discontinuing the agents. The SITE study is one of the first to examine whether treatment cessation is a cost-effective strategy that has no adverse effects on the prognosis of people over 75 years old formerly treated with statins. Trial registration This research has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov under number NCT02547883, 11 September 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02547883
Biomechanical Changes of Degenerated Adjacent Segment and Intact lumbar Spine after lumbosacral Topping-off surgery: A Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Cao Liangliang , Liu Yumei , Mei Wei , Xu Jian-guang , Zhan Shi
Published: December 2019

Background : Previous studies have revealed positive effect of Topping-off technique on upper adjacent segment after fusion surgery, while for the cases with fusion surgery on L5-S1 segment, owning maximal range of motion, and preexisting degenerated upper adjacent disc, it is necessary to clarify the superiority of Topping-ff technique and the effect exerted on the lumbar spine. Methods: A young healthy male volunteer was selected for thin-slice CT scanning. Then the image information was imported into the computer to establish the whole lumbar spine model as the health model. The medium degeneration model of intervertebral disc was established by changing the material properties of L4-S1 disc on the basis of the health model, and the fusion model and Topping-off model were respectively established on the basis of the degenerated model. The variation trend of ROM of L2-L5 and the stress changes of L4-L5 intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus and facet joints were calculated respectively. Results: The L4-L5 ROM of fusion model increased significantly but the ROM of L2-L3 and L3-L4 segments did not change significantly. Compared with the degenerated model, L4-L5 activity of the Topping-off model decreased, and ROM of the L2-L3 and L3-L4 increased to some extent in the flexion and extension positions. the stress on the disc, nucleus pulposus and facet joint of the fusion model L4-L5 increased in four positions of flexion, extension, rotation and bending compared with the degenerated model, while the fiber stress on the Topping-off model decreased significantly in all four positions. Conclusion: Topping-off technology can decrease the stress and ROM of the adjacent upper degenerated segment, and increase the ROM of other upper segments, thereby protecting the degenerated upper adjacent segments and compensating the lumbar spine mobility.
Multi-drug resistance of blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site nosocomial infections of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Motbinor Hilina , Mulu Wondemagegn , Bereded Fetlework
Published: December 2019

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are major causes of nosocomial infections globally. They are the current World Health Organization critical priority pathogens for resistance, AMR surveillance and discovery of new antibiotics. However, there is paucity of data on nosocomial infections (NIs) caused by such superbugs in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the magnitude and profile of nosocomial MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections among patients hospitalized at Felegehiwot referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Felegehiwot referral hospital from April 1 to July 31, 2018. A total of 238 patients with blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site NIs were enrolled conveniently. Either blood, urine and wound swab specimens were collected and processed using standard bacteriological procedures.A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard bacteriological techniques and confirmed by automated Vitek2 Compact. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing on isolates was performed using the disk diffusion technique.The results interpreted as per the standard zone sizes of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Chi-square test was done to determine associations among variables. P.value < 0.05 was considered statistical significant. Results:The median age of participants was 29 years. Overall, 20 (8.4%) of patients had nosocomial MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections.The proportion of nosocomial MDR blood stream, urinary tract and surgical site infections were 13 (8.9%), 5 (8.3%) and 2 (6.3%), respectively. Patients with NI has lower mean age (24.9 years) (P=0.035). All isolates of NIs were from patients with intravenous catheterization. The frequency of NI was 9(3.8 %) for MDR A.baumannii and 11 (4.6%) for MDR P.aeruginosa. A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa isolates were 100% MDR.All isolates of A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa were 100% resistant to ampecillin and piperacillin. A.baumannii isolates were 33.3% and 44.5% resistance against meropenem and ciprofloxacin, respectively while P.aeruginosa isolates revealed 36.4% and 45.5% resistance against ciprofloxacin and meropenem, respectively. Conclusions: Health care associated MDR A.baumannii and P.aeruginosa infections are critical problems in the study area. Therefore, urgent focused interventions required to contain the spreading of MDR NIs. Treatment of NIs for patients on health care should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Effects of medical and surgical treatment on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in Asian women with endometriosis
Authors: Chiang Hsin-Ju , Lan Kuo-Chung , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chiang John Y. , Kung Fu-Tsai , Huang Fu-Jen , Lin Yu-Ju , Su Yu-Ting , Sung Pei-Hsun
Published: December 2019

Background: Endometriosis is linked to major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). However, whether this finding can be applied to the Asian population remained unanswered. Additionally, results are still inconsistent for the impact of endometriosis treatment on incidental MACCE. Thus, we intended to investigate the association between endometriosis and MACCE, and study the effect of endometriosis therapies on the risk of MACCE among Asian women.
Methods: The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was used for this retrospective population-based cohort study from 1997 to 2013. A total of 17 543 patients with endometriosis aged between 18 and 50 years were identified from a general population of 1 million after excluding diagnoses of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) prior to endometriosis. The comparison group (n = 70 172) without endometriosis was selected by matching the study cohort with age, sex, and income and urbanization levels in a 4:1 ratio. Demographic data and the frequency of comorbidities between groups were compared using the independent t test and chi-square test. The incidence and risk of MACCE were analyzed using the log-rank test and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.
Results: During a median follow-up period of 9.2 years, Asian women with endometriosis had a significantly higher frequency of comorbidities, medical and surgical treatment, and MACCE than did their non-endometriosis counterparts (2.76% vs 2.18%, P < .001). After adjustment for comorbidities, patients with endometriosis had an approximately 1.2-fold increased risk of MACCE (95% CI 1.05-1.29; P = .005) and a higher cumulative incidence of MACCE compared with the normal population. Among women with endometriosis, neither medical nor surgical treatment increased the risk of MACCE, including major CVD and CVA. Furthermore, medical treatment for endometriosis appeared to be protective against MACCE in the endometriosis females.
Conclusion: Asian women with endometriosis not only had a higher frequency of comorbidities but also an increased risk of MACCE compared with the general population. In addition, the safety concern about medical or surgical treatment of endometriosis on the risk of MACCE was not evident in this study.
Positive deviance for dual-method promotion among women in Uganda: Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kosugi Hodaka , Shibanuma Akira , Kiriya Junko , Ong Ken Ing Cherng , Mucunguzi Stephen , Muzoora Conrad , Jimba Masamine
Published: December 2019

Background Dual-method use is known as the most reliable protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. However, it is not commonly used in sub-Sharan Africa, especially among women using highly effective contraceptives. This article describes a protocol to evaluate the effect of an intervention formulated under the positive deviance approach for promoting dual-method use in Uganda.Methods One hundred women will be interviewed using a structured questionnaire to find those practicing dual-method use. Then, in-depth interviews will be conducted with all women using dual-method and ten women using only highly effective contraceptives to identify their unique practice. Then, a cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted to examine the effect of an intervention formulated under the positive deviance approach on dual-method uptake and adherence. Twenty health facilities will be randomized to an intervention or control arm, and 480 women will be enrolled in each group. The participants will be followed up for eight months.Discussion This trial focuses on women who already adapted dual-method use and identifies their unique solutions to promote dual-method use. This trial could tackle barriers for dual-method use, which expert outsiders may fail to recognize, by analyzing and promulgating their unique behaviors. This study could provide evidence that the positive deviance approach can address unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections as well as other health problems which usual approaches have failed to address.
Alvarado Score System, how useful is in Emergency Department? Some consideration about it.
Authors: Dogjani Agron , Haxhirexha Kastriot , Gjata Arben , Dogjani Sabina , Bendo Hysni
Published: December 2019

Background; “Acute Appendicitis” is one of the most usual causes of emergency hospital admissions and appendectomy is one of the most common emergency procedures performed in the contemporary medicine. This study aims to identify the Alvarado Score System as a simplified tool for the emergency doctor in the abdominal emergency in general and for the Acute Appendicitis in particular. Materials and methods; The study is of retrospective character and includes 130 cases presented with abdominal Pain in University Hospital Centre” Mother Theresa” Tirana, Albania, in the period 1 April 2019 - 30 May 2019 from which 100 allegedly suspected with “Appendicitis Acute”. Results; Gender distribution has a slight male predominance. The predominant age group was 14-21 years old. The most frequent clinical data has been the tenderness in right iliac fossa. In our study 3% of cases belonged to the group 1-4 Alvarado points, 17% of the cases belonged to the group 5-6 Alvarado points and 80% of the cases belonged to the group 7-10 Alvarado points. Conclusions; In underdeveloped or developing countries where the decision to operate depends on clinical judgment, the Alvarado Score can serve as a precise and consistent tool to exclude Acute Appendicitis. Alvarado Score can also serve the emergency doctor as a tool with predictive value in the abdominal emergency. Key Words: Acute Appendicitis, appendectomy, Alvarado Score
Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium parvum in neonatal calves in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Kuankuan , Wu Yayun , Wei Zilin , Zhang Ying , Jing Bo , Cui Zhaohui , Li Dongfang , Chen Yuancai , Qi Meng , Zhang Longxian
Published: December 2019

Background The Cryptosporidium causes infection in wide spectrum of vertebrate hosts and is well known for leading to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illness. To assess Cryptosporidium genetic diversity in neonatal calves and probe the cause for diarrhea of them, a total of 232 fecal samples from neonatal calves in 12 farms in Xinjiang were characterized for the presence of Cryptosporidium .Results The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 38.4% (89/232), and three species were detected with SSU rRNA gene, including C. parvum (n = 88), C. ryanae (n = 9), and C. bovis (n = 1). Prevalence of C . parvum neonatal calves with diarrhea (52.6%, 51/97) was significantly higher than calves without diarrhea (28.1%, 38/135). All the C . parvum -positive samples were analyzed based on gp60 gene, IIdA15G1 (n = 35), IIdA20G1 (n = 21), IIdA14G1 (n = 17), and IIdA19G1 (n = 13) were successfully subtyped in this study.Conclusions These data indicated that C . parvum was a major contributor in diarrheal disease in neonatal calves, and C . parvum subtypes from neonatal calves in Xinjiang were high genetic diversity. Additionally, our findings implicating neonatal calves could be a potential source of human Cryptosporidium infection and provide further evidence for the uniqueness of C . parvum IId subtypes in cattle in China.
A standardised method of marking male mosquitoes for a small-scale release
Authors: Culbert Nicole J , Kaiser Maria , Venter Nelius , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Gilles Jeremie R. L. , Bouyer Jérémy
Published: December 2019

Background Prior to a major release campaign of sterile insects, including the sterile insect technique, male mosquitoes must be marked and released (small scale) to determine key parameters including wild population abundance, dispersal and survival. Marking insects has been routinely carried out for over 100 years, however, there is no gold standard regarding the marking of specific disease-transmitting mosquitoes including Anopheles arabiensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . The research presented offers a novel dusting technique and optimal dust colour and quantities, suitable for small-scale releases, such as mark-release-recapture studies.Methods We sought to establish a suitable dust colour and quantity for batches of 100 male An. arabiensis , that was visible both by eye and under UV light, long lasting and did not negatively impact longevity. A set of lower dust weights were selected to conduct longevity experiments with both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to underpin the optimal dust weight. A further study assessed the potential of marked male An. arabiensis to transfer their mark to undusted males and females.Results The longevity of male An. arabiensis marked with various dust colours was not significantly reduced when compared to unmarked controls. Furthermore, the chosen dust quantity (5 mg) did not negatively impact longevity ( P = 0.717) and provided a long-lasting mark. Dust transfer was found to occur from marked An. arabiensis males to unmarked males and females when left in close proximity. However, this was only noticeable when examining individuals under a stereomicroscope and thus deemed negligible. Overall, male Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus displayed a greater sensitivity to dusting. Only the lowest dust weight (0.5 mg) did not significantly reduce longevity ( P = 0.888) in Ae. aegypti, whilst the lowest two dust weights (0.5 and 0.75 mg) had no significant impact on longevity ( P = 0.951 and 0.166) respectively in Ae. albopictus .Conclusion We have devised a fast, inexpensive and simple marking method and provided recommended dust quantities for several major species of disease-causing mosquitoes. The novel technique provides an evenly distributed, long-lasting mark which is non-detrimental. Our results will be useful for future MRR studies, prior to a major release campaign.
Associations between serum vitamins and serum lipids in healthy Northeast China adults
Authors: Li Wenjie , Xia Yang , Wu Qijun , Chang Qing , Zhao Yuhong , Ou Fengrong
Published: December 2019

Objective In previous studies, serum vitamins were shown associated with lipid levels. However, evidence regarding the associations between various serum vitamins and serum lipids is limited. Therefore, the associations between serum vitamins and serum lipids were investigated in this cross-sectional study.Methods The study population included 131 adults (42 males and 89 females) ≥ 18 years of age who lived more than three years in Shenyang, Liaoning province, China. Serum lipids included total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Analysis of covariance was used to explore the associations between serum vitamins and serum lipids.Results After multiple adjustments, vitamin A and vitamin C concentrations were positively associated with LDL-C level ( P for trend < 0.05). Vitamin A, vitamin B5, and vitamin C concentrations were positively associated with TG level ( P for trend < 0.05). However, vitamin B1 concentration was negatively associated with TG level ( P for trend = 0.04). Vitamin E concentration was positively associated with HDL-C level ( P for trend = 0.02). No association was observed between vitamin concentrations and TC level.Conclusion The results in the present study indicate that serum vitamin concentrations are associated with serum lipid levels. Vitamin B1 and vitamin E concentrations were associated with a better status of lipid profiles. However, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B5 concentrations were associated with a worse status of lipid profiles.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined with Entecavir to Reduce the Off-therapy Recurrence Riks in HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: a Multi-center, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial in China
Authors: Li Xiaoke , Ye Yong'an , Du Hongbo , Zhang Ludan , Qiu Mei , Huang Yi , Xiao Huanming , Lu Bingjiu , Jiang Yuyong , Long Fuli , Lin Hui , He Jinyu , Wu Qikai , Zhang Mingxiang , Wang Li , Zhu Xiaoning , Gong Man , Sun Xuehua , Sun Jianguang , Sun Fengxia , Lu Wei , Li Zhiguo , Gan Danan , Yang Xianzhao
Published: December 2019

Background: Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are the first-line options against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). NAs produce a potent suppression of viral replication but are associated with tiny opportunity of HBsAg seroclearance and high risks of virological relapse after discontinuation. The combined therapy of NAs plus traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely accepted and has been recognized as a prospective alternative approach in China. Based on preliminary works, this study is designed to observe the therapeutic effect of TCM plus entecavir (ETV) against HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with respect to reducing the recurrence risk after NAs withdrawal.Methods/design: The study is a nationwide, multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a designed duration of 120 weeks. A total of 18 hospitals and 490 eligible Chinese HBeAg-positive CHB patients will be enrolled and randomly allocated into the Experimental group and Control group in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the experimental group will be prescribed with TCM formulae (Tiao-Gan-Jian-Pi-Jie-Du granule) plus ETV 0.5mg per day for consolidation therapy of 96 weeks. Patients in the control group will be prescribed with TCM granule placebo plus ETV 0.5mg per day for the same course. After the consolidation therapy, all patients will discontinue their trial drugs and closely monitored in the next 24 weeks. Once clinical recurrence (CR) occurs, ETV treatment will be restarted. The primary outcome is the accumulative rate of CR at the end of this trial.Conclusion: This study is the first of its kind to observe therapeutic effects in respect of reducing recurrence after drug withdrawals after a unified integrative consolidation therapy in CHB population.