bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Severe Asthma: Changes in Patient Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes over a Period of 20 Years (1997 to 2017), Insights from Cub-Réa Network.
Authors: Younan Romy , Augy Jean Loup , Hermann Bertrand , Guidet Bertrand , Aegerter Philippe , Guerot Emmanuel , Novara Ana , Hauw-Berlemont Caroline , Hamdan Amer , Bailleul Clotilde , Santi Francesca , Diehl Jean-Luc , Peron Nicolas , Aissaoui Nadia
Published: September 2021

Background: While acute severe asthma (ASA) is the leading cause of emergency department visits and the third cause of hospitalization in children younger than 18 years old, there is a lack of data regarding adult patients admitted in intensive care units (ICU) for ASA. We aimed to describe the evolutions in epidemiology, management, and outcomes of ASA in adult patients, over a period of twenty years in the Greater Paris area ICUs (CUB-Réa Database). Methods: Demographics, severity and supportive treatments were collected from the CUB-Réa Database. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of ASA by periods of 5 years. The secondary endpoints were in-ICU survival, in-hospital survival, use of mechanical ventilation including non-invasive and invasive and catecholamine. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess correlating factors of ICU Mortality. Results: Of the 475 357 ICU admissions from January 1997 to January 2016, 7049 were admitted for ASA with a decreasing prevalence over time, respectively 2.8%, 1.7%, 1.1%, and 1.1% of total ICU admissions (p <0.001). The median age was 46 years old [IQR: 25%-75%: 32-59], 3906 (55%) were female, the median SAPS II was 20 [IQR: 13-28], and 1501 (21%) had mechanical ventilation. Over time, age, the SAPSII and the Charlson Comorbidity Index tended to increase. The use of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation increased (p < 0.001), whereas the use of catecholamine decreased (p <0.001). The in-ICU survival rate improved from 97% to 99% (p=0.008). In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with in-ICU mortality were SAPSII (p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), catecholamine (p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (p < 0.001), pneumothorax (p < 0.001), ARDS (p < 0.001), sepsis (p < 0.001) and IMV (p < 0.001). Conclusion: ICU admission for ASA remains uncommon and decreases over time. Despite an increasing severity of patients and the use of mechanical ventilation, the use of catecholamine decreases with high in-ICU survival rate which could be related to a better management of mechanical ventilation.
Evaluating Field Performance of Highly Sensitive Malaria RDT: Detection of Infection Among Febrile Patients, Asymptomatic Pregnant Women and Household Contacts in Mpigi, Uganda
Authors: Kyabayinze Daniel , Kajungu Dan , Nambuya Proscovia M. , Okiira Christopher , Ndawula Bbaale , Kawooya Moses , Ssewanyana Isaac , Amutuhaire Maureen , Rutazaana Damian , Opigo Jimmy , Nabadda Susan.N.
Published: September 2021

BackgroundWorld Health Organisation recommends that malaria case management be based on parasite-based diagnosis in all cases, but currently available tools for clinical use have limitations, including the inability to detect low-level infections. Currently, next-generation highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (hsRDT) for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are commercially available, but require field-based validation. This study evaluated the performance of the highly sensitive NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Pf (NxTek) diagnostic test in health facilities and community settings in Mpigi district, Uganda in comparison to the conventional rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs).MethodsBetween April and December 2019, symptomatic and asymptomatic participants were randomly enrolled from the Outpatient Department (OPD), Antenatal Care (ANC), and community settings. The participants were tested with both cRDTs and an hsRDT to detect Plasmodium falciparum HRP2 antigen and quality assured results with PCR as a reference. Geo-coded real time data were transmitted by health facility and community-based providers using a smartphone with custom designed software.ResultsAt the OPD, the parasite positivity rate was 13.3% for HS-RDT, compared to 6.4% with cRDT. The HS-RDT detected twice the number of positives compared to cRDT. At ANC, 11% (384/3,490) of the pregnant women were malaria parasite positive. HS-RDT detected more positive cases (10.4%) than cRDT (7.0%). At the community setting, 79.7% (2,397/3,009) of the under-five age group were positive for malaria parasites. Index clients in households resulted in a detection of 21.1% (1,877) asymptomatic positive especially among school going children. Health workers were able to learn how to effectively perform the HS-RDT, from a one-day training session. The additional support supervision was provided for VHTs to enable all to transmit results through the android phones. ConclusionUse of HS-RDTs increased case findings of low parasite density infections compared to cRDTs in study populations and provides the opportunity to eliminate malaria reservoirs through treatments. There were minimal additional training requirements when the HS-RDT kits were introduced. The observed increased positivity rates among school-age children call for integrating targeted interventions into school health programs.
Absolute Eosinophil Count May be an Optimal Peripheral Blood Marker to Identify Risk of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Advanced Malignant Tumors Treated with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: A Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: Ma Yan , Ma Xiao , Wang Jingting , Wu Shanshan Shan , Wang Jing , Cao Bangwei
Published: September 2021

Background This study aimed to investigate the predictive values of serum biomarkers including absolute eosinophil count (AEC), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with respect to immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment in patients with advanced malignant tumors.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 95 patients with advanced cancer who were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors from January 1, 2017 to May 1, 2020, in our cancer center. We then analyzed associations between irAEs and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor responses and evaluated the predictive values of serum biomarkers with respect to risk of irAEs.Results The incidence of irAEs was 55.8%. There were no statistically significant differences between the irAEs and no-irAEs groups in objective response rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR). However, landmark analysis showed that the irAEs group had better survival after 120 days following the initiation of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment, compared with the no-irAEs group. The incidences of irAEs were greater in the high-AEC and low-NLR groups than in the low-AEC and high-NLR groups. Univariate logistic analysis showed that low NLR, ECOG performance status (0–1), and high AEC were risk factors for irAEs. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that high AEC and good ECOG performance status were independent predictors for irAEs.Conclusions irAEs may be associated with a survival benefit. Baseline AEC is a strong predictor of irAEs in patients undergoing treatment with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Incongruence of neurophysiological manifestations as reflection of disturbances in synaptic pruning of the cortex in paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Arkhipov Andrei Yurevich , Nurbekov Malik Kubanichbekovich , Strelets Valeria Borisovna
Published: September 2021

Current study provides a comprehensive analysis of neurophysiological and molecular genetic data concerning the etiology of hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome in schizophrenia. The level of cortical excitation and inhibition was determined by analysis of event-related potential (ERP) parameters: latency and amplitude of intermediate (P200) and late (P300, N400) ERP components. The results showed the impossibility to determine the level of different cortical areas activation during perceiving stimuli of different significance in patients with hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome due to unidirectional shift of both ERP parameters to significant stimuli. The observed simultaneous increase of both amplitude and latency of these components in frontal regions is associated with an excessive number of aberrant synapses, and a decrease in the central regions is associated with synaptic deficit, this is due to disturbances in synaptic pruning of the cortex. Thus, the inhomogeneity of number and quality of synapses in central and frontal cortical areas was revealed, caused by inhomogeneity of their elimination process, which may be an essential condition for hallucinatory-paranoid syndrome emergence. An epigenetic analysis was also performed to assess the methylation level of gene expressing an extracellular matrix protein and playing a key role in neural connections distribution in ontogenesis. The detected epigenetic disorders in form of demethylation of RELN gene cause pathological synaptic pruning and elimination diversity in different brain areas.
Comparison of Robot-assisted versus Conventional Laparoscope on Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium for Patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Hu Gangjun , Shao Weidong , Li Bixi , Rotem Naftalovich , Mia Castiglione , Ming Xiong , Xu Bo
Published: September 2021

Background

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy ( RALRP) has better effects than conventional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). However, limited data is available regarding the incidence and risk factors for developing postoperative delirium in patients undergoing these two procedures. This study aimed to assess the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing RALRP and LRP, and evaluated the risk factors for developing postoperative delirium
Methods

From June 2013 to December 2019, 81 cases of RALRP patients and 71 cases of LRP patients were included in this study. The unpaired Student t tests, repetitive measure analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare several different parameters. The binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the independent risk factors of postoperative delirium .
Results

The incidences of postoperative delirium in group RALRP and LRP were (17.3% VS 32.4%, P = 0.03), IAP was (12.72 ± 1.87 VS 13.37 ± 1.12 mmHg; P = 0.01), PaCO2 at post-pneumoperitoneum and after loosening pneumoperitoneum were (47.89 ± 10.89 VS 38.65 ± 16.32 mmHg; P < 0.001; 40.77 ± 5.34 VS 43.57 ± 4.54 mmHg; P = 0.001), the overall cost was (8.29 ± 5.55 VS 5.18 ± 1.51 Ten thousand RMB, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative delirium increased 1.17 times, 1.13 times, and 1.66 times for each unit increase recovery time (Tr), post-pneumoperitoneum PaCO2 and IAP.
Conclusion

The RALRP group had a lower IAP, lower incidence of postoperative delirium and shorter recovery time compared with the LRP group, but the overall cost was higher. IAP was the main factor affecting the incidence of postoperative delirium.
A Study Depicting Histomorphology of Third Trimester Placenta in SARS-Cov-2 Positive Women
Authors: Jain Neelanjali , Malik Reeni , Balani Sharda
Published: September 2021

Background: This study aims to detect association of SARS-COV-2 infection in terms of histopathological changes in the third trimester placenta.

Methods: SARS COV 2 positive placenta cases received in Department of Pathology, Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. 7 cases were sent for histopathological examination. Clinical details, history, details of relevant investigation like D-dimer, blood reports etc. was taken from the electronic medical records and requisition form received in the Department of Pathology. Histopathological findings were analyzed and recorded.

Result: This is a case series depicting various histopathological changes in term placenta of 7 SARS Corona Virus 2 (COV-2) positive women in the age group of 20 years to 35 years exhibiting symptoms ranging from mild to severe degree. The major histopathological finding noticed   is under perfusion of placenta of maternal side in greater extent as compared to fetal side under perfusion followed by signs of inflammation of membranes viz chorionitis and chorioamnionitis. Hence, through the study, we want to highlight micro vasculopathy as one of the pathophysiological features of SARS Corona Virus 2 (COV-2) which might be leading to these histopathological findings and its correlation with elevated levels of D – Dimer.

Conclusion: Covid 19 positive women with third trimester of placenta do not express any specific histomorphological findings.  Our study shows only signs of maternal and fetal vascular under perfusion with mild acute chorionitis which might have a relationship to a microvascular disease induced by SARS COVID 19 virus, yet this cannot be ruled out consistently proven several associated factors.
Fungal Infection of Paranasal Sinus After COVID-19 Infection: A Tale of Two Fungi
Authors: Jangla Sunayana Mukesh , Wadawkar Atul Shivaji , Randive Aniruddha Jayavant , Sakpal Sandip Sakharam
Published: September 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many twists and turns have occurred regarding its various aspects since the time it was first detected especially medical management. The COVID-19 symptom array has been ever expanding and recently secondary fungal infection has emerged as a top-up to the trouble. Post COVID-19 secondary fungal infections caused by Mucor have recently emerged as a cause of concern. However, infection caused by a combination of two fungal moulds from a site barring the lungs as a sequalae to the coronavirus disease comes as a surprise.
2020 survey of Australian orthodontists’ procedures
Authors: Miles Peter , Freer Elissa , Ong Desmond
Published: September 2021

Aim

This second survey of Australian Society of Orthodontists members was conducted to assess their treatment preferences and compare with the results of the 2013 survey.

Methods

Invitations to participate in an online survey were sent to a total of 481 members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) and 142 replies were received (29.5% response).

Results

There is an average of one ASO member orthodontist per approximately 48,653 people in Australia. The average age of orthodontists is decreasing (median age = 49) but there is an increasing proportion of female orthodontists (25% up from 16%). Although practitioners preferred to wait and treat later for Class II cases, the Twin Block remained the most popular appliance for early intervention. TAD supported distalisers showed the biggest increase in popularity of Class II correction appliances although TAD use in general had declined slightly. The median extraction rate decreased from 23% in 2013 to 20% in this survey. Clear aligners were being used in a median 10% of cases (range 0% – 97%) with 18% of respondents producing in-house fabricated aligners. The most common clinical research question ASO members would like examined related to clear aligners.

Conclusion

Orthodontics in Australia has evolved since 2013 with an increase in the use of clear aligners and associated technology.
An in vivo spectrophotometric evaluation of Vivera® and Essix® clear thermoplastic retainer discolouration
Authors: Zafeiriadis Anastasios A , Karamouzos Andreas , Athanasiou Athanasios E , Eliades Theodore , Palaghias George
Published: September 2021

Aim

To assess the in vivo colour alterations of two different clear thermoplastic retainers.

Methods

Thirty patients were randomly allocated into two Groups (N = 15) following the completion of active orthodontic treatment. Group 1 received Vivera® and Group 2 Essix® C+ thermoplastic retainers. Each patient was provided with two fabricated retainers (one for use and the other to serve as a control). The CIELAB parameters of the patients’ upper central incisors were measured with a SpectroShade™ spectrophotometer immediately after retainer placement (T0) and again after 15 days (T1), one month (T2) and three months (T3). The measurements were also performed on teeth without the retainer in place. ΔE differences were calculated.

Methods

ΔE changes from T0 to Tp T2 or T3 showed no statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 within any combination of measurements or teeth. ΔEļŢ3-Ţ0ļ changes for used retainers were 1.55 times higher than control appliances (p = 0.002) and 1.44 times higher than for teeth-only (p = 0.004). For used retainers, changes between T3 and T0 were 1.56 times higher than between T and T0 and 1.47 higher than between T2 and T0 (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in ΔE between teeth 11 and 21.

Results

Used retainers exhibited greater colour change than control appliances or teeth-only readings, and increased commensurate with the duration of use. Vivera® and Essix® retainers exhibited similar colour stability. All differences observed were considered clinically acceptable (ΔE < 3.7), although prolonged use could cause clinically significant colour changes.
Temperature: a driving factor for Meloidogyne floridensis migration toward different hosts
Authors: Leitão Diego A. H. S. , Pedrosa Elvira M. R. , Dickson Donald W. , Oliveira Ana Karina S. , Rolim Mario Monteiro
Published: September 2021

The peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis, is an emerging species and may become a threat to peach growers if contamination and spread are not avoided. The influence of temperature and two plants – tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and French marigold (Tagete patula) – on the vertical migration of second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. floridensis was studied using 14-cm long segmented soil columns. Plants were transplanted into cups attached to the top of each column. Nylon meshes were placed between cups and columns to prevent downward root growth. About 1,000 freshly hatched J2 were injected into the base of the columns and then the columns were transferred to growth chambers at 20 and 26°C under a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The number of J2 in each ring of the columns as well as inside tomato or marigold roots was recorded at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after injection (DAI). Nematode data were subjected to a repeated measures MANOVA. The presence of plants did not improve J2 migration as compared to control. M. floridensis migration was best at 20°C at first, with J2 migrating more than 13 cm as soon as 3 DAI, while it took 9 DAI for J2 to migrate long distances at 26°C. The distribution of J2 along the columns was similar at both temperatures at 12 DAI. Temperature had no influence on J2 penetration. French marigold did not hinder J2 migration, but fewer J2 penetrated its roots.
Processed Food And Food Additives In The Context Of Dysbiosis And Its Health Consequences
Authors: Szynal Kamila , Polaniak Renata , Górski Michał , Grajek Mateusz , Ciechowska Karolina , Grochowska-Niedworok Elżbieta
Published: September 2021

The intestinal microbiota has many important functions in the human body. Many factors influence its composition, including diet. It is well known that an unhealthy diet and processed food are not indifferent to health. Processed food is the subject of much research, most often in the context of the development of obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Food additives are widely used to improve the taste, texture or attractiveness of food. Due to the proven occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis in many diseases, various types of food additives and their impact on the intestinal microbiome should be tested. Some food additives have been proven to have adverse effects on the composition and quantity of the intestinal microbiota in animals, despite the doses used being in the ADI range.
CLIMA ORGANIZACIONAL PARA LA MEJORA DE UNA EMPRESA DE SISTEMAS DE RIEGO EN EL SURESTE DE MEXICO
Authors:   PhD in Administration Sciences, Academic researcher, Faculty of Accountancy and Administration, Autonomous University of Campeche., Manuel Patron Cortes Roger , Alberto Quijano Garcia Roman ,   PhD in Strategic Management and Development Policies, Academic researcher, Faculty of Accountancy and Administration, Autonomous University of Campeche., Fernando Medina Blum M.A.D. ,   Master in Senior Management an PhD Candidate, Academic researcher, Faculty of Accountancy and Administration, Autonomous University of Campeche., Alberto Perez Canul Carlos ,   PhD in Administration Sciences, Academic researcher, Faculty of Accountancy and Administration, Autonomous University of Campeche., Monserrat Llanes Chiquini Dra. Charlotte ,   PhD in Administration Sciences, Academic researcher, Faculty of Accountancy and Administration, Autonomous University of Campeche.
Published: September 2021

This research aims to measure the degree of openness of the organizational climate of an irrigation systems company in southeastern Mexico. This study is exploratory, descriptive, and with a quantitative approach. The results indicate that the company has an average degree of openness, which means that it is in time to implement corrective improvement strategies. Therefore, it is suggested that managers contribute to creating an open climate in which they provide greater support. Likewise, it is proposed that bosses promote strategies of greater participation, because when collaborators participate actively, they are motivated and committed. Regarding authoritarianism, it is suggested to review the management style that is being applied to employees, for modify the leadership style according to the activity carried out in the company, since the ideal is that it contributes to generating an open climate conducive to business improvement and growth.
A REVIEW ON IMPORTANCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PARKINSONS DISEASE & ITS FUTURE OUTCOMES FOR PARKINSONS DISEASE
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Shree Dhanvantary Pharmacy College, Kim, Gujarat., Minesh Patel
Published: September 2021

Over the centurys, increasingly sophisticated tools have been developed to serve humanity. In many ways, digital computers are just another tool. You can perform the same number and symbol operations as ordinary people, but it is faster and more reliable. This article provides an overview of artificial intelligence algorithms used in computer programs and applications. It includes knowledge-based systems the computational intelligence that leads to artificial intelligence is the science of imitating human intelligence on computers. This will help doctors perform dissections when making a medical diagnosis. Use a data-driven final data approach to determine the existence molecule, Machine Learning and natural sources of Parkinsons disease (PD) subtypes. There are two large groups of independently newly diagnosed patients. Parkinsons disease (PD) causes difficulty in hand movement, which has been treated in multiple studies. The methods are used at the same time. The treatment of Parkinsons disease is an evolving field, indicating new treatments and improvements over old methods. Pharmacology, surgery and treatment methods. Specific patient problems that arise.
Development of the insurance market in Ukraine and forecasting its crises
Authors: Babenko-Levada Viktoriia
Published: September 2021

Insurance market is an important part of the financial market, the functioning of which helps to protect individuals and legal entities from the negative and stressful effects of today’s unstable economic environment. The purpose of this study is to determine trends in the insurance market in Ukraine and its potential crises.The study found that Ukraine’s insurance market constantly grows, but is volatile and in a state of concentration. The dynamics of most indicators are cyclical, with a cycle length from 4,66 quarters to 14 quarters. The randomized R/S-analysis confirmed the stability of the dynamics of Ukraine’s insurance market and its fractal similarity. Fractal similarity was proved for six out of ten analyzed indicators of the insurance market. In addition, it was confirmed that at the moment of transition from one fractal to another, a trend break occurs. Thus, the emergence of crises on the insurance market of Ukraine is associated with the self-similarity of the dynamics and the coincidence of the moments of bifurcation of certain indicators in its development. A partial crisis on the Ukrainian insurance market at the beginning of 2019 coincided with the bifurcation of the number of concluded insurance contracts, determined based on the results of fractal analysis.Calculations made it possible to conclude that potentially crisis periods for the insurance market of Ukraine fall on Q1-2 2017, Q1 2019, Q1 2020, of which only one was realized (Q1 2019). The nearest potential moments of crises on the insurance market of Ukraine may be the following periods: Q1 2023 and Q1 2026.
The Effect of Phytochemical Extracts on Cytokine Gene Expression
Authors: Mashkina Elena V. , Alkhaddour Aziz
Published: September 2021

Background:

In the last century, nutritional supplements have shown a wide spectrum of biochemical effects, most notably about immunomodulation and countering inflammation.

Objective:

This study investigates the impact of phytochemical compounds that are present in different quantities of pomegranate, grape seeds and garlic extracts on the expression of inflammatory (IL1β and IL6) and anti-inflammatory (IL10) genes, the effects of polymorphisms in these genes on this response.

Methods:

Human peripheral blood leukocyte cultures were treated with pomegranate (1.2% or 2.4%), garlic (0.5% or 1.2%), or grape seed (1.2% or 2.4%) extracts. Gene expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Polymorphisms of the cytokine genes were analyzed using allele-specific PCR.

Results:

Pomegranate extract (2.4%) reduced the transcription of IL1β by 16-fold in comparison to control. The expression of IL6 relative to the control after the addition of grape seed extract (1.2%) was reduced by 100-fold. The grape seeds extract (1.2%) showed the effect of increasing transcription for IL10 compared to the control. The level of IL1β transcription in culture with garlic extract depends on the genotype of the cell for -31T>C polymorphism (r = 0.67 p = 0.03). There is correlation between polymorphism -174G>C and level gene expression IL6 (r=-0.66, p = 0.04) after adding grape seeds extract.

Conclusion:

The phytochemical compounds in pomegranate extracts and grape seed extracts play the role of anti-inflammatory by decreasing the gene expression of IL1β, IL6 and increasing the transcription of IL10.
Risk Factors of Dengue Fever in Urban Areas of Rawalpindi District in Pakistan During 2017: A Case Control Study
Authors: Awan Najma Javed , Chaudhry Ambreen , Hussain Zakir , Baig Zeeshan Iqbal , Baig Mirza Amir , Asghar Rana Jawad , Khader Yousef , Ikram Aamer
Published: September 2021

Background

During August 2017, increased numbers of suspected dengue fever cases were reported in the hospitals of Rawalpindi district. A case control study was conducted to determine the risk factors among urban areas, dengue serotype, and recommend preventive measures.

Objective

The objective of the investigation was to determine the risk factors among urban areas, dengue serotype, and recommend preventive measures.

Methods

A case was defined as having acute febrile illness with one or more of the following symptoms: retro-orbital pain, headache, rash, myalgia, arthralgia, and hemorrhage. The cases were residents of Rawalpindi and were confirmed for dengue fever from August 30, 2017, to October 30, 2017. All NS1 confirmed cases from urban areas of Rawalpindi were recruited from tertiary care hospitals. Age- and sex-matched controls were selected from the same community with a 1:1 ratio. Frequency, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed at 95% CI with P<.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Totally 373 cases were recruited. The mean age was 36 (SD 2.9) years (range 10-69 years), and 280 cases (75%) were male. The most affected age group was 21-30 years (n=151, attack rate [AR] 40%), followed by 31-40 years (n=66, AR 23%). Further, 2 deaths were reported (case fatality rate of 0.53%). The most frequent signs or symptoms were fever (n=373, 100%), myalgia and headache (n=320, 86%), and retro-orbital pain (n=272, 73%). Serotype identification was carried out in 322 cases, and DEN-2 was the dominant serotype (n=126, 34%). Contact with a confirmed dengue case (odds ratio [OR] 4.27; 95% CI 3.14-5.81; P<.001), stored water in open containers at home (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.53-2.73; P<.001), and travel to a dengue outbreak area (OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.12-3.92; P<.001) were the main reasons for the outbreak, whereas use of mosquito repellents (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.09-0.18; P<.001) and regular water supply at home (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.02-0.04; P<.001) showed protective effects. The geographical distribution of cases was limited to densely populated areas and all the 5 randomly collected water samples tested positive for dengue larvae.

Conclusions

Stored water in containers inside houses and subsequent mosquito breeding were the most probable causes of this outbreak. Based on the study findings, undertaking activities to improve the use of mosquito repellents and removing sources of breeding (uncovered water stored indoors) are some recommendations for preventing dengue outbreaks.
Curriculum Implementation Challenges and Private Education in Nigeria
Authors: Tukurah Haruna Audu
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Nigeria’s population is over 180 million by estimation. It is not out of place to assume that she is one of the fastest growing populations in the world. In as much as she celebrates her status as the giant of Africa, her place as ‘a giant’ calls for a reflective thought at the rate with which her educational curriculum operates mainly in paper forms. On the issue of the private education, many challenges such as; shortage of qualified teachers without in-service training, structures and infrastructures, interaction with the government for gaining approval, extortion of illegal school tax from proprietors, lack of formal school management procedures like business plans, records and accountability etcetera. The culmination of the above issues is enormous. However, this paper seeks to argue on the negative effects of the 3Rs (rote learning approach) on the Nigerian learners that is promoting poverty and operation. The paper does that using a historical study to suggest for a curriculum that will liberate the Nigerian child, encourage problem solving (critical thinking skills), looks at the implication of the goodwill of a centralized educational curriculum that Nigerian early educational elites partly proposed with the oil boom in mind, the alternative way forward now that the oil has gone low. The paper goes forward to touch on the need to decentralize the educational system and give autonomy for each state to define her community context and design a curriculum that will address her context using the child’s mother tongue for contextualized knowledge that will not sever the child from his/her moral/cultural norms considering how fast they are disappearing. Keywords: Curriculum, Implementation, Context, Mother Tongue, Private Education.
Contextual Image Illustrator: A Review
Authors: Sharma Kanika
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Any story or any other literary content is best understood and advertised with the help of pictures. Images are used to arouse reader’s interest and comprehension in the content. The contextual image illustrator will take any content description and will output the ranked images related to that content. The text can be any blog, newspaper article, any story or any other content. The image retrieval process that has been used for this purpose is Text based Image Retrieval, i.e., TBIR. Semantic keywords are extricated from the story; images are looked through an annotated database. Thereafter, an image ranking scheme will determine the relevance of each image. Then the user can choose among the images displayed. A score along with each image will also be displayed representing its relevance to the query. The keywords stemming and stop word removal has been explained in the document. Also, the algorithm that has been designed to determine the score and hence the image’s significance has been calculated. Testing consisting of both unit testing and module testing of the project are explained. Keywords: Keyword Extraction, Image Search, Stemming, Stop word Removal, URL Score, URL Ranking
The Function of Aβ in the Healthy Brain: Beta Amyloid as an Antimicrobial Protein
Authors: Iacobelli Peter
Published: September 2021

Abstract: There is no question as to whether or not the beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide plays a role in the exacerbation and onset of AD. There are very evident correlations between the volume of Aβ deposition in the AD brain and the severity of the symptoms of AD-typical neurodegeneration. There are certainly many factors involved in the progression of AD, of which the aggregation of Aβ peptides is only one. While many have ruminated on the mechanism by which Aβ serves to impair synaptic function and contribute to neurodegeneration, the role of this protein has yet to be fully uncovered, not just in the AD brain, but in the normally functioning brain as well. Recent research has shed light on the role of Aβ in the normal brain, offering evidence for the fact that beta amyloid functions as an antimicrobial protein, with its primary objective being to serve an immunoresponsive purpose. This text will highlight some of the critical studies on the topic, and illuminate the role that Aβ most likely plays in the functioning of the normal brain, and how this influences its pathological deposition in the AD brain.
Re-thinking Curriculum Design and Development for Optimizing Change in Education
Authors: Tukurah Haruna Audu
Published: September 2021

Abstract: A developing world like Africa inherited an educational system that laid high emphasis on what is known as the 3Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic). This teaching/learning method was perhaps relevant then, due to the enlightenment gap that existed between learners and their instructors (Missionaries/Colonial masters). The 3Rs known as rote learning regurgitation of facts is teacher-centered that subjects learners to memorization of information for the expansion of knowledge. This learning principle mostly evaluate learners through the use of tests and examinations to ascertain their learning levels. However, as good as the 3Rs learning method is, it only prepares learners for job acquisition, not problem-solving. This paper will argue for a paradigm shift, to key in with the developed world like America and start wrestling with an educational curriculum that is learners focused; a curriculum that is concerned with the ‘how’ to think in learning than the ‘what to think.’ Urbanization, globalization, complex factories/technologies in this dispensation are calling for learning principles that can guide learners on how to move from learning assumptions to the application of daily realities of life using both the cognitive, affective and the psychomotor domains. The paper attempt to define the ‘how’ approach using. the perspective of applying critical thinking skills before drawing a conclusion. Keywords: Curriculum design, the 3Rs and the 4Cs, critical thinking, instructors and learners, reflective teaching.
Evolution of Furnaces
Authors: C D Kavya
Published: September 2021

Abstract: A new generation of industrial melting furnaces has been developed during the last 25 years. Present practices followed in Furnaces are discussed in this paper. Through a literature review account of various practices presently being followed in industries using Furnaces has been carried out with a view to gather principal of working. Apart from this a pilot study has also been carried out in few industries in India. We provide some recommendations for the productivity improvement. Due to lack of proper instruments the effect of the ill practices cannot be precisely judged. If this is properly measured, the percentage of productivity improvement in steel melting Furnace can be calculated. The review is carried out from the literature in the various journals and manuals. The first controlled use of fire in metallurgy dates from the eighth millennium ВС, when native copper was deliberately heated to form artifacts. Problems how to distinguish between native copper and smelted copper are addressed, especially what concerns the role of iron in copper. kilns. Metallurgy is an independent development. The decisive factor was the introduction of charcoal that was important to produce reducing conditions during firing. The earliest stages in metallurgy are represented by a non-slagging process. Reduction of ores was carried out in crucibles as exemplified by finds from Anatolia, Iran, Jordan, and the Iberian Peninsula. Special attention is paid to the putative early stages of metallurgy claimed to exist at that age. The is called Neolithic and Chalcolithic copper smelting there is critically prooved in the light of radio carbon data. Wind-powered furnaces played a major role in Early Bronze Age copper metallurgy, as exemplified by sites in the Feinan-area, in Wadi Dara, Egypt, and at numerous sites in the Aegean. Later, artificial air supply by bellows and tuyeres was introduced.
Performance Analysis of 3kW Residential Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System with Microinverter Topology using System Advisor Model
Authors: Tiwari Shubham
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Grid connected rooftop PV systems are the most common form of solar energy utilization that helps home owners to reduce carbon footprint and save money in utility bills. This project focuses on the design and modelling of a 3KW residential PV system connected to a 240V single phase grid. The purpose of this study was to conduct an independent experiment on a photovoltaic system with microinverters, to determine their performance characteristics in shaded and unshaded conditions. The systems have fixed tilt angle and fixed azimuth angle. In order to analyse the performance of the systems, the Energy Yield, Performance Ratio, Capacity factor and Annual Energy have been used. This allowed to obtain reliable metrics even with different Irradiance values and different Peak Powers. In the conventional central inverters, several strings of PV modules are combined in order to achieve the power required from the inverter to operate. Strings are connected in parallel and then these strings are led to the inverter after running several meters of DC cables. These cables are often very thick and as a result are very expensive while at the same time, they add losses to the overall system. On the other hand, AC cables are much less expensive and they have fewer losses. A residential system was designed in SAM using specific weather data. The simulation results supported the fact that micro inverters perform well in both shaded and non-shaded conditions. A significant advantage of Micro Inverters is the avoidance of shading losses and mismatch among different PV technologies which consists a great challenge on PV installations. The String Inverter system produced an annual energy of 4763 kWh in the first year with no shading and 4286 kWh in the first year with shading losses. Keywords: Inverters, Photovoltaic cells, Photovoltaic systems, Solar energy, Solar panels.
Analysis of Thermal Energy Storage to a Combined Heat and Power Plant
Authors: Nisar Shahim
Published: September 2021

Abstract: Thermal energy storage (TES) is a technology that stocks thermal energy by heating or cooling a storage medium so that the stored energy can be used at a later time for heating and cooling applications and power generation. TES systems are used particularly in buildings and in industrial processes. This paper is focused on TES technologies that provide a way of valorizing solar heat and reducing the energy demand of buildings. The principles of several energy storage methods and calculation of storage capacities are described. Sensible heat storage technologies, including water tank, underground and packed-bed storage methods, are briefly reviewed. Additionally, latent-heat storage systems associated with phase-change materials for use in solar heating/cooling of buildings, solar water heating, heat-pump systems, and concentrating solar power plants as well as thermo-chemical storage are discussed. Finally, cool thermal energy storage is also briefly reviewed and outstanding information on the performance and costs of TES systems are included.
Using X-Road to Implement Open Data in Electrical Systems and Promote the Integration with Smart City and Open Governance Strategies
Authors: Gil Santiago , Zapata-Madrigal Germán D. , García-Sierra Rodolfo
Published: September 2021

The electrical industry is undergoing a deep digital transformation towards the consolidation of smart grids, which requires a high demand of data and information systems involved in the processes. Open data initiatives, which have been focused on open governance to a great extent, generate positive impacts on society and the economy in terms of easy access to public resources, agility, and transparency. These initiatives can also be adopted in the electrical industry (i.e., power, electrical, and energy systems) for customer engagement, collaboration with other industries, and reaching consensus. This study proposes the implementation of an open data solution for the electrical industry through the deployment of a data hub that offers digital services for smart city applications and the integration of the X-Road system to improve the security and interoperability of open data. This initiative aims to promote a wider adoption of open data in the electrical industry and prepare the latter for fully connected and collaborative digital ecosystems in smart cities, industries, and governments. This study also proposes an open data architecture for the interoperability of the electrical industry with other digital industries (through a Smart City Hub and the adoption of 5G technology), and it reports some relevant results and major findings in this regard. This paper highlights the benefits of promoting open data and technological strategies for digitized electrical systems while considering humans an essential factor. Finally, it discusses the pros and cons of the integration of X-Road with the electrical industry under the concept of smart grids for data exchange and potential applications.
Braucht die Demokratie mehr städtische Autonomie?
Authors: Frick Verena
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Artikel nimmt die im Kontext einer vielfach diagnostizierten Renaissance der Stadt erhobene Forderung nach mehr städtischer Autonomie zum Ausgangspunkt, um aus demokratietheoretischer Perspektive der Frage nachzugehen, welche rechtfertigenden Gründe für eine größere städtische Autonomie angeführt werden können. Zu diesem Zweck rekonstruiert der Beitrag normative Leitbilder der demokratischen Stadt, die zugleich Lücken einer allein staatlich verstandenen Demokratiekonzeption verdeutlichen. Es handelt sich bei diesen Leitbildern um das Bild der Stadt als Schule der Demokratie, als urbane Kosmopolis sowie als urbane Allmende. Die untersuchungsleitende These lautet, dass die Stadt ein eigenständiger politischer Handlungsraum ist, an den spezifische demokratische Versprechen geknüpft sind und der spezifische Potenziale für die Verwirklichung einer demokratischen Praxis bietet. Das Erkenntnisinteresse ist zweigeteilt: Einerseits sollen in begrifflicher Perspektive die Leitbilder auf einen spezifisch urbanen Demokratiebegriff hin befragt werden und andererseits gilt es in systematischer Perspektive die zugrundeliegenden Vorstellungen von Gemeinschaft, Partizipation und Mitgliedschaft zu beleuchten und auf ihre demokratietheoretische Anschlussfähigkeit hin zu prüfen.
Grenzen in Bewegung
Authors: Nail Thomas
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Beitrag schlägt einen neuen, bewegungsorientierten grenztheoretischen Ansatz vor. Gegen politikphilosophische Konzeptionen, die Grenzen als statisch und unpassierbar fassen, wird unter Verweis auf historische und empirische Studien gezeigt, dass und inwiefern Grenzen dehnbar, fluktuierend und beweglich sind. Auf dieser Grundlage wird im folgenden Abschnitt argumentiert, dass sich dynamische Prozesse der Grenzziehung am angemessensten in Sinne von Zirkulation begreifen lassen: Anstatt Mobilität zu verhindern und stabile Formen von Ein- bzw. Ausschluss zu etablieren, stellen Grenzen Regime sozialer Zirkulation dar, welche Menschen, deren Arbeitskraft und Steuern im Interesse der Schaffung gesellschaftlicher Ordnung und wirtschaftlichen Mehrwerts regulieren. Unter Rückgriff auf Marx’ Konzept der ursprünglichen Akkumulation präsentiere ich anschließend eine Neubeschreibung von Grenzen als beweglichen Instrumenten ökonomischer und sozialer Aneignung – ich bringe dies auf den Begriff „Ausdehnung durch Ausschließung“. Im abschließenden Abschnitt untersuche ich, welche Gestalt „Ausdehnung durch (territoriale, politische, rechtliche und wirtschaftliche) Ausschließung“ unter den Bedingungen von Klimawandel annimmt und inwiefern dabei Bevölkerungsgruppen produziert werden, die in höchstem Maße verletzlich und ausbeutbar sind.
Freunde aufgrund des Lebens:
Authors: Machek David
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung: Freundschaft (philia) ist ein wichtiges Thema der aristotelischen Moraltheorie. Aristoteles versteht unter Freundschaft die optimale Form der Beziehung, in der sich die Beteiligten gegenseitig schätzen und Wohltaten leisten. Im Rahmen seiner Freundschaftstheorie hat Aristoteles auch eine Auffassung der Freundschaft zwischen Eltern und Kindern entworfen. Im Vergleich zu seiner allge-meinen Freundschaftstheorie haben seine Ansätze zur Freundschaft zwischen Eltern und Kindern sowohl in der historischen als auch in der systematischen Forschung wenig Aufmerksamkeit gefunden. Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, die Auffassung dieser speziellen Beziehung im Kontext seiner Moral- und Freundschaftstheorie darzustellen, zu interpretieren, aber auch weiterzuentwickeln bzw. zu vervollständi-gen. Zudem wird eine kritische Beurteilung sowie Korrektur einiger Aspekte dieser Theorie, insbesondere der Gläubiger-Schuldner-Auffassung der Eltern-Kinder-Beziehung, vorgenommen. Diese Auseinandersetzung mit Aristoteles’ Theorie führt zu einer klareren, systematischeren, aber auch attraktiveren und angemesseneren aristotelischen Theorie der Eltern-Kinder-Freundschaft, als sie in den Schriften des Aristoteles vorliegt.
PIVC Best Practices: A Path to Performance Improvement
Authors: Davidson Erin , Arora Prachi
Published: September 2021

Highlights

Background: Insertion of peripheral vascular access devices (PIVC) is fundamental to patient care and may affect patient outcomes. Baseline data of PIVC insertions at a large medical center revealed that catheters required multiple insertion attempts, catheter hubs were manipulated to place extension sets, increasing the risk of complications, dwell times did not meet current standards, nurses experienced blood-exposure risk, and overall compliance with the hospital documentation policy was suboptimal. A 3-phase quality improvement project was conducted to address these concerns.

Methods: In Phase 1, an assessment of the current state of PIVC insertions and care was conducted using a mixed-methods approach consisting of an observational audit of insertion and maintenance practices, and retrospective chart reviews. In Phase 2, PIVC policies and practices were updated to reflect current standards. A new advanced design PIVC device was adopted, and education was provided to all staff. In Phase 3, the impact of these changes on key PIVC measures was assessed 1 year later.

Results: The analysis of the data found several improvements following implementation of an integrated IV catheter system: first-stick success rate increased from 73% to 84%, staff blood exposure was reduced from 46.67% to 0% (P = .01), improper securement of PIVC catheters was reduced from 11% to 0% (P = .002), and documentation compliance rate increased from 68% to 80%. The median PIVC dwell time doubled (from 2 days to 4 days).

Conclusion: Changes to policy, practices, and products plus education can improve the PIVC first-stick success, dwell time, documentation, and staff safety.