bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Morphohistometric Changes of Placenta in Gestational Diabetes- A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Atoofa Jaleel  , Ravinder M
Published: October 2020

Introduction:The placenta is a complex fetal organ that fulfills pleotrophic roles during fetal growth. Placenta is the most accurate record of the infant’s prenatal experience. Gestational diabetes is much common than preexisting diabetes .i.e. it complicates 2% to 5% of pregnancies. It seems reasonable to expect that biochemical changes occurring in the pregnant women with diabetes should be reflected in the placental structure. Aim & objectives: In the present study an attempt is made to know the morphological changes of placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus.Subjects and Methods:In this study totally 60 placentae were studied, of which 30 were nondiabetic placentae and 30 from Gestational Diabetic mothers were studied macroscopically. Morphologically the shape, site of attachment of umbilical cord, central thickness of placenta was noted. Birth weight of the neonate and the placental ratio were also recorded. By using routine staining techniques and direct microscopy tissues of Gestational Diabetic placenta were studied qualitatively and compared them with normal placenta.Results:Our study demonstrates that there is a significant increase in weight and central thickness of placenta. Neonatal weight and placental ratio were also increased; there was no change in shape and site of attachment of umbilical cord in case of diabetic placenta when compared to normal. Conclusion:On the basis of results of present study it is concluded that diabetic placentae showed increase in weight and central thickness. Neonatal weight and placental ratio were also increased. These findings indicate that control of hyperglycemia only partially prevents the development of placental abnormalities.
A Study on Distribution and Mode of Origin of Median Nerve and its Relation to the Flexor Retinaculum
Authors: Atoofa Jaleel  , Ravinder M
Published: October 2020

Introduction:The precise knowledge of level of origin of muscular branches of median nerve are essential in free muscular transfers to restore the mobility of fingers after trauma and to understand the various presentations of nerve entrapment. The anatomical knowledge and variations of recurrent nerve is important to prevent the complications during the release of transverse carpal ligament.Aim & Objectives: To study the points of origin of muscular branches with respect to IEL and number of branches to muscles of forearm and also learn the mode of origin of recurrent nerve and its relation to the flexor retinaculum.Subjects and Methods:Dissection 40 upper limbs procured from embalmed cadavers of Dr. VRK Women’s Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, for the study.Results:The mean of point of origin of NPT was 1.21 cm proximal and 1.20 cm distal to IEL whereas for NFCR, NPL, NFDS and AIN nerve it was 2.12 cm, cm, 4.54 cm and 3.29 cm distal to IEL respectively. The number of branches to muscles of forearm varied from 1 to 3. The recurrent nerve was arising from lateral and intermediate branches of median nerve in 39 (97.5%) and 1 specimens (6%) respectively. Its relationship with flexor retinaculum was extra ligamentous in 33 specimens (82.5%) and transligamentous in 7 specimens (17.5%). It innervated APB, FPB and OP in 19 specimens (47.5%), only APB, FPB in 16 specimens (45%) and only APB, OP in 3 specimens (7.5%).Conclusion:All the muscular branches of median nerve were arising predominantly distal to IEL except nerve to pronator teres. The number of branches varied from 1 to 3. In majority of the specimens, the recurrent nerve was arising from the lateral terminal branch of median nerve and its relation with flexor retinaculum was extraligamentous.
Leveraging Mobile Communication App to Enable off Classroom Learning-Anatomy
Authors: Kate Deepali R
Published: October 2020

Introduction:The study of Medicine is one of the primarily taxing and tedious disciplines of study. Aassimilation of intense knowledge and acuminating various skills in a short tenure is one of the challenges faced by students making learning more by rote, short-term and exam oriented. This study intended to explore an alternative innovative method for ensuring off classroom teaching-learning process. Aim and objectives: To study response of students towards learning with the aid of mobile communication app. To analyse both the impact of this teaching mode on self-directed learning and academic performance. To compare the academic performance of Blended Learning group with Traditional Learners.Subjects and Methods:Single observer interventional study was carried out among First year MBBS students. Group I students received traditional teaching (TL group n=80) while Group II students included Blended learners (BL group n=120) who received Traditional teaching and Mobile teaching. Both the groups were evaluated at periodic intervals by same assessment methods, mean of their academic scores were compared using t- test. In addition BL group was also administered an online questionnaire using five-point Likert scale to assess their perception with regards to the mobile teaching-learning process.Results:BL group students agreed that this mode of teaching-learning was beneficial encouraged them to read more than their regular also helped in developing their analytic skills. The academic results of the BL group though higher than TL group did not show statistical significant difference.Conclusion:This innovative method can be adapted in teaching other subjects at different levels of medicine curriculum.
Design Heat Exchanger: Optimization and Efficiency
Authors: El-Sadi Haifa , Aitken Joe , Ganley Jason , Ruyffelaert David , Sweeney Cam
Published: October 2020

Modern commercial and residential buildings procure HVAC systems, to provide heating and cooling for designed open and enclosed spaces to dissipate throughout the accustomed zones. HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems have become a required industry standard for the construction of new buildings. The objective is the optimization of a heat exchanger model by resolving common system concerns; efficiency, fouling, leakage, dead zones, and vibration. These issues are prevalent in the HVAC industry, which are critical to the under-performing heat exchangers. The heat exchanger was tested at only three different wind speeds (20, 40%, 60%) to take the temperature readings every 5 minutes to allow for maximal heat transfer. The efficiency of heat exchanger at the specified speeds was determined to be .7413 at 20%, .6463 at 40% and .6351 at 60%.
Modulation induced transport signatures in correlated electron waveguides
Authors: Shavit Gal , Oreg Yuval
Published: October 2020

Recent transport experiments in spatially modulated quasi-1D
structures created on top of LaAlO_33/SrTiO_33
interfaces have revealed some interesting features, including phenomena
conspicuously absent without the modulation. In this work, we focus on
two of these remarkable features and provide theoretical analysis
allowing their interpretation. The first one is the appearance of
two-terminal conductance plateaus at rational fractions of
e^2/he2/h.
We explain how this phenomenon, previously believed to be possible only
in systems with strong repulsive interactions, can be stabilized in a
system with attraction in the presence of the modulation. Using our
theoretical framework we find the plateau amplitude and shape, and
characterize the correlated phase which develops in the system due to
the partial gap, namely a Luttinger liquid of electronic trions. The
second observation is a sharp conductance dip below a conductance of
1\times e^2/h1×e2/h,
which changes its value over a wide range when tuning the system. We
theorize that it is due to resonant backscattering caused by a periodic
spin-orbit field. The behavior of this dip can be reliably accounted for
by considering the finite length of the electronic waveguides, as well
as the interactions therein. The phenomena discussed in this work
exemplify the intricate interplay of strong interactions and spatial
modulations, and reveal the potential for novel strongly correlated
phases of matter in systems which prominently feature both.
Germinación y bioestimulación en Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby para la remoción de As, Cd y Zn de lodos residuales por extracción de gas shale en Tamaulipas
Authors: Sánchez-Puente Zaida Carymar , Chacón-Hernández Julio César , Alarcón Alejandro , Rocandio-Rodríguez Mario , Mora-Ravelo Sandra Grisell
Published: October 2020

Introducción: En la actualidad, existe una creciente demanda de hidrocarburos, lo que ha provocado el empleo de tecnologías no convencionales como la fracturación hidráulica. Sin embargo, esta técnica ocasiona daños ambientales a los ecosistemas por la generación de lodos residuales, como es el caso del matorral espinoso tamaulipeco que se encuentra dentro de la Cuenca de Burgos, zona de relevancia económica para la explotación de gas convencional. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la germinación de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby y su uso potencial con bioestimulación, en la remoción de As, Cd y Zn en lodos residuales provenientes de la extracción de gas shale. Método: Se colectaron semillas de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby en el ejido El Zaus, municipio de Hidalgo, Tamaulipas. Se evaluó el índice de germinación (IG) de acuerdo con Zucconi. Los tratamientos fueron 23, considerando los sustratos (dos tipos de lodo, suelo y una mezcla de ambos sustratos), las dos especies de plántulas (Acacia y Ebenopsis) y la bioestimulación donde se utilizó una solución de urea al 46 %. Se utilizaron macetas de tres kilogramos como unidades experimentales, donde se sembraron tres plántulas con tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Se realizó un muestreo final de cada tratamiento para las determinaciones correspondientes de As, Cd, Zn, P y K, las cuales se realizaron por extracción de (DTPA), y posteriormente se llevaron a espectroscopia de emisión atómica de inducción por plasma (ICP-OES Varian modelo 725-ES, Agilent Mulgrave, Australia). El Nitrógeno total, en plántulas y sustratos, se realizó por el método micro Kjeldahl, y la materia orgánica (MO) por Walkely Black.Resultados: Se observaron diferencias en IG (P = 0.02374). Los resultados indican que las características estructurales (tamaño) y fisiológicas (viabilidad del embrión) de las semillas están relacionadas con la capacidad de germinación de estas especies en sustratos contaminados. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la concentración de As, Cd, y Zn, a través del tratamiento (P < 0.0001). La acumulación de As, Cd y Zn, fue determinada por la estructura de la planta (raíz > tallo >hoja).Conclusión: El índice de germinación de Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd y Ebenopsis ebano (Berl.) Barneby, en sustratos acuosos de lodos residuales provenientes de la extracción de gas shale, se sustenta en las características estructurales y fisiológicas de cada especie. La remoción de As, Cd y Zn, estuvo influenciada por la especie, el sustrato, la bioestimulación con la urea y la presencia de MO que confiere el efecto tapón que controló la alcalinidad de los sustratos y, por ende, la movilidad de los metales.
Web platform to develop collective intelligence in logistics for Latin American SMEs: the case of SmartLogistiX3.com
Authors: Cedillo-Campos Miguel Gastón
Published: October 2020

Even though technological development is rapidly increasing in supply chains, logistics performance in any kind of organizations remains strongly related to a set of human-based skills and competencies. The aim of this article is to expose the design process and implementation of a web platform to develop collective intelligence in logistics for Latin American SMEs. Based on the case study method, it exposes the structure and processes used when programming the web-based platform to develop collective intelligence in logistics. This article presents conclusions that expand the panorama to develop this type de tools in Latin America. Indeed, since the region lacks a satisfactory critical mass of “world class” logistic skills, the IT platforms can play an interesting role for developing a “spot market” of collective intelligence in logistics. This is a first step to improve the value of logistics knowledge in the region, but also to stimulate the movement of logistics knowledge flux beyond the companies’ bounds. Similarly, potential future research lines are presented.
Relación entre autoeficacia, apoyo social, adherencia al tratamiento y HbA1C por nivel de percepción de amenaza en pacientes con DM2
Authors: Sánchez Arellano Anastacia Alhelí , Navarro-Contreras Gabriela , Padrós Blázquez Ferrán , Cruz Torres Christian Enrique
Published: October 2020

Introducción: El principal problema de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2) es la falta de adherencia a los tratamientos médicos (OMS, 2004). Estos son complejos y exigen realizar modificaciones en el estilo de vida y hábitos de salud. Por esto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la relación entre autoeficacia, apoyo social para la adherencia al tratamiento y la hemoglobina glucosilada, en función del nivel de percepción de amenaza en pacientes con DM2.Método: El diseño fue transeccional correlacional con un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, con 166 participantes con DM2 que acuden a atención médica en la Secretaría de Salud y el ISSSTE en Michoacán, México. Se aplicaron instrumentos para evaluar Autoeficacia al Tratamiento en DM2, Apoyo Social en la DM2, las subescalas de severidad y de susceptibilidad percibida de la ECS-DM2/PG y la Escala de adherencia al tratamiento de la DM2.Resultados: Al dividir la muestra por niveles de percepción de amenaza se puede observar un claro papel mediador de la percepción de susceptibilidad y severidad en el resto de las variables bajo estudio. Manteniendo como variables dependientes la adherencia al tratamiento y la hemoglobina glucosilada, se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal múltiple con el método por pasos para identificar el efecto conjunto de las variables independientes. Los niveles más altos de predicción, tanto para la adherencia al tratamiento como para los niveles de hemoglobina glucosilada se ubican en el grupo con niveles medios de susceptibilidad, donde el 46 % de la varianza de la adherencia al tratamiento se explica con base en la única variable independiente apoyo social percibido. Para los niveles de hemoglobina glucosilada, la predicción de un 33 % de la varianza en el grupo medio está dado por los factores higiene, autocuidado y dieta como componentes de la adherencia al tratamiento.Discusión o Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos parecen señalar que la relación entre la amenaza percibida y la adherencia no es lineal, de modo que el impacto que tiene la amenaza percibida, cuando el paciente percibe un nivel muy elevado susceptibilidad y severidad parece observarse una tendencia al abandono y al no seguimiento de las indicaciones médicas, al igual que cuando los niveles son muy bajos. También resulta importante tomar en cuenta la percepción de apoyo social, el nivel de apoyo social y la autoeficacia para incrementar la adherencia al tratamiento en los pacientes con DM2.
Estrategias de regulación y procesos de escritura colaborativa en línea para el aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Niño Carrasco Shamaly , Castellanos Ramírez Juan
Published: October 2020

Introducción: La utilización de procesadores de texto en línea dentro de la enseñanza superior se ha implementado con la intención de que los estudiantes desarrollen habilidades para la regulación compartida y la construcción colaborativa de textos académicos. En esta investigación, se destaca el carácter multidimensional de la escritura colaborativa en línea que implica, por un lado, el proceso de escritura in situ en el que se desarrollan acciones concretas sobre el procesador de texto y, por otro lado, un dominio metacognitivo en el que los estudiantes movilizan una serie de estrategias regulatorias para coordinar el proceso de escritura.Método: Se realizó un estudio de casos, en el que participaron 32 estudiantes universitarios que, conformados en equipos de cuatro participantes, trabajaron de manera colaborativa en la redacción de un protocolo de investigación. Durante seis semanas, los equipos utilizaron un procesador de texto en línea para la elaboración del protocolo y, a la par, un foro de comunicación asíncrona para coordinar sus actividades. Se recogieron los registros de actividad de los estudiantes en ambos espacios, por lo que se codificaron tanto las acciones realizadas por los estudiantes en el procesador de texto como el contenido de las contribuciones realizadas en los foros.Resultados: Los resultados destacan una diversidad de estrategias regulatorias utilizadas por los estudiantes para planificar, monitorear y evaluar el proceso de escritura; estas estrategias se activaron con mayor recurrencia en las primeras tres semanas de trabajo colaborativo. Los resultados también ponen de manifiesto la presencia de diferentes patrones de colaboración en los grupos: I) Regulación previa al ejercicio de escritura; II) Regulación correctiva del texto; III) Regulación para la profundización de ideas escritas; y IV) Operación exclusiva sobre el procesador de texto.Discusión o Conclusión: La escritura colaborativa en línea va más allá del simple hecho de que los miembros de un grupo incorporen información, de manera desarticulada, sobre el procesador de texto. Las conclusiones apuntan, por un lado, que la regulación compartida del proceso de escritura contribuye, en algunos casos, a una mejora en la elaboración de textos y, por otro lado, refuerzan el interés en integrar procedimientos e instrumentos que permitan evidenciar la incidencia de la calidad de las participaciones individuales sobre el trabajo colaborativo y la propia elaboración del texto.
Przydatność badania PET/CT w diagnostyce chłoniaka Hodgkina
Authors: Zając Roksana , Pietrzak Agata Karolina , Cholewiński Witold
Published: October 2020

Chłoniak Hodgkina (z ang. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, HL) to jeden z najczęściej występujących nowotworów złośliwych u młodych dorosłych. Metodą z wyboru w wykrywaniu i ocenie stopnia zaawansowania HL jest pozytonowa tomografia emisyjna/tomografia komputerowa z zastosowaniem radiofarmaceutyku 18F-flurodeoksyglukozy (18F-FDG PET/CT). Badanie 18F-FDG PET/CT służy ponadto ocenie skuteczności leczenia w trakcie i po zakończonej terapii, której celem jest doprowadzenie do całkowitego wyleczenia choroby przy jednoczesnym ograniczeniu toksyczności terapii.
Agricultural fertiliser from brewery effluent – the recovery of nutrients from the biomass of activated sludge and high rate algal pond treatment systems
Authors: Taylor Richard P. , Jones Clifford L. W. , Laubscher Richard K.
Published: October 2020

The disposal of waste biomass generated from biological wastewater treatment plants is a costly process and poses environmental threats to the receiving environment. This study aimed to determine the suitability of algae and waste activated sludge (WAS) produced from a brewery effluent treatment system as a fertiliser in agriculture. The change in soil characteristics and the growth of a crop fertilised with algae or WAS was compared with a conventional inorganic fertiliser. Swiss chard plants (Beta vulgaris) fertilised with anaerobically digested (AD) algae or WAS had a significantly higher mean biweekly yield (5.08 ± 0.73 kg/m2) when compared with the inorganic fertiliser control (3.45 ± 0.89 kg/m2; p < 0.0001). No difference was observed in the soil's physical fertility when algae or WAS were applied to the soil (p > 0.05). The nitrogen applied to the soil from algae and WAS biomass appeared to leach out of the soil less than the nitrogen supplied by inorganic fertilisers. The application of WAS or algae on soil increased the soil's sodium concentration and sodium absorption ratio from 774.80 ± 13.66 mg/kg to 952.17 ± 34.89 mg/kg and 2.91 ± 0.04 to 3.53 ± 0.13, respectively. Regulations on the application of algae or WAS on agricultural soils should be altered to consider the limit values for sodium.
Performance analyses of existing sanitary sewers with the selection of household water-saving schemes
Authors: Basupi Innocent
Published: October 2020

The widespread uptake of household water-saving systems (i.e. appliances, fittings, rainwater harvesting tanks, etc.) usually aims to reduce the gap between water demand and supply without considering the performances of downstream sanitary sewers (SSs). This paper presents an analysis approach that examines the lifespan interaction of water-saving schemes (WSSs) and operation of existing SSs. Examined are three probable ways of using (or not using) these water systems, including the conventional (baseline), full application and optimal selection of efficient WSSs. For optimality, a method that maximises the WSS potential efficiency (overall) and minimises the cost of WSSs including the associated savings across the entire existing SS subject to constraints at the end of the planning horizon has been formulated. The problem is solved using a non-dominated genetic algorithm to obtain optimal solutions. Decision variables include various water use (or saving) capacities of water-saving schemes at different inflow nodes (locations). The method was demonstrated on the subsystem of the Tsholofelo Extension SS. The results indicate impactful and revealing interactions between water use efficiency, instantaneous hydraulic performances and existing SS upgrade requirements due to different applications of WSSs. The impacts and revelations observed would inform decisions during lifespan operations and management of SSs.
Research Progresses of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Qiting , Wang Ning , Liu Ziqi , Zhang Bin , Zhao Yufen
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors
worldwide, with nearly one million new cases and deaths every year. Owing to the complex
pathogenesis, hidden early symptoms, rapidly developing processes, and poor prognosis, the
morbidity and mortality of HCC are increasing yearly. With the progress being made in modern
medicine, the treatment of HCC is no longer limited to traditional methods. Targeted therapy
and immunotherapy have emerged to treat advanced and metastatic HCC in recent years.
Since Sorafenib is the first molecular targeting drug against angiogenesis, targeted drugs for
HCC are continually emerging. Moreover, immunotherapy plays a vital role in clinical trials.
In particular, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have received increasing
attention in the field of cancer treatment, is a possible research path. Interestingly, these two
therapies generally complement each other at some stages of HCC, bringing new hope for patients
with advanced HCC. In this paper, we discuss the research progress of targeted therapy
and immunotherapy for HCC in recent years, which will provide a reference for the further
development of drugs for HCC.
From Allenes to Spirobifluorenes: On the Way to Device-compatible Chiroptical Systems
Authors: Ozcelik Ani , Pereira-Cameselle Raquel , Alonso-Gómez José Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

The last decade has seen a huge growth in the construction of chiral systems to
expand the scope of chiroptical applications. Dependence of chiroptical response on molecular
conformation typically leads to low chiroptical intensities of chiral systems that feature
several conformations in solution. In this respect, allenes were employed for the preparation
of open and cyclic oligomers as well as molecular cages, presenting remarkable chiroptical
responses in solution. Their molecular chirality was also transferred to metal surfaces, yet
photoisomerization of allenes limited their further exploration. In search of a more robust
chiral axis, theoretical and experimental studies confirmed that spirobifluorenes could give
rise to stable systems with tailored optical and chiroptical properties. Additionally, incorporating
a conformational lock into spirobifluorene cyclic architectures served as an efficient
strategy towards the generation of distinct helical molecular orbitals. This review article outlines our results on developing
device-compatible chiroptical systems through axially chiral allenes and spirobifluorenes. The contribution
from other research groups is presented briefly.
Engineered Probiotic and Prebiotic Nutraceutical Supplementations in Combating Non-communicable Disorders: A Review
Authors: Kerry Rout George , Das Gitishree , Golla Upendarrao , del Pilar Rodriguez-Torres Maria , Shin Han-Seung , Patra Jayanta Kumar
Published: October 2020

Nutritional supplementations are a form of nutrition sources that may help in improving the health complexities of a person throughout his or her life span. Being also categorized as food supplementations, nutraceuticals are products that are extracted from edible sources with medical benefits as well as primary nutritional values. Nutraceuticals can be considered as functional foods. There are evidences that nutraceutical supplementations can alter the commensal gut microbiota and help to prevent or fight against chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases in adults, including neurological disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder [ASD], Parkinson’s disease [PD], Multiple sclerosis [MS]) and metabolic disorders (Type-II diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). They can even lessen the complexities of preterm babies like extra-uterine growth restriction, necrotizing enterocolitis, infant eczema and allergy (during pregnancy) as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Molecular perception of inflammatory and apoptotic modulators regulating the pathogenesis of these health risks, their control and management by probiotics and prebiotics could further emphasize the scientific overview of their utility. In this study, the pivotal role of nutraceutical supplementations in regulating or modulating molecular pathways in the above non-communicable diseases is briefly described. This work also gives an overall introduction of the sophisticated genome-editing techniques and advanced delivery systems in therapeutic activities applicable under these health risks.
Screening and Preponderance of Peptic Ulcer and its Contributing Risk Factors Among Basrah City Residents in Iraq
Authors: Jaccob Ausama Ayob , Kadhim Sheima Nadim , Hassan Amal Malik , Mohsin Ali Adnan , Muslim Salah Kadhim
Published: October 2020

Background:

With the recent widespread use of over-the-counter drugs, there has been
a noticeable increase in the occurrence of gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcer disease. However,
peptic ulcer is a highly complex disorder resulting from an imbalance between gastric destructive
and protective factors.

Objectives:

To identifyrisk factors of peptic ulcer disease.

Methods:

This study was organized at Al-Basra teaching hospital and Al Sader teaching hospital in
Basrah city, Iraq. Medical records and questionnaires were filled by patients undergoing diagnostic
and therapeutic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies following their gastric discomfort complaints.
Information related to patients, disease history, and medication history for six months prior to endoscopy
procedures was collected.

Results:

A total of 476 patients were identified, including 246 (51.7%) patients with endoscopically
diagnosed peptic ulcers and 230 (48.3%) patients without peptic ulcers. The population was predominately
male and there were significant differences between age groups. Smoking correlated
with high relative risk; however, alcohol drinking had no significant role as a causative factor. The
most extensively used drugs by patients who complained of peptic ulcers include NSAIDs, iron
supplements, corticosteroids, and anti-platelet agents. A small number of patients were treated for
hypertension and diabetes, which were correlated with peptic ulcer risks. The presence of H-pylori
infections was significantly associated with peptic ulcer diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The risk of peptic ulcer disease appeared to increase with chronic medication use and
smoking, which aggravate the contributing risk by H-pylori infections.
Diversity of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in a tropical deciduous forest of central Mexico
Authors: Bello-Morales Frida Alejandra , Sandoval-Ruiz César Antonio , Estrada Alejandro
Published: October 2020

Robber flies are an important group in ecosystems, because of their ecological role as predators, thus contributing to maintain a balance in insect populations. Nevertheless, little is known about their diversity and ecological interactions in Mexico. In this study, we analyzed the structure of a community of robber flies collected during three years in a tropical deciduous forest of central Mexico. In this type of vegetation, the dry and rainy seasons are contrasting and generate drastic biotic and abiotic changes that could impact on robber fly populations. Therefore, we compared the structure of the robber fly community across three seasons: cold, dry, and rainy. We collected a total of 191 individuals which included eight species and 21 morphospecies. The rainy season presented higher species richness and diversity, as well as a species composition that differed from that of the cold and dry seasons. However, abundance did not vary significantly across seasons. We also record 14 genera and ten species previously unregistered in the state of Puebla.
Weekly versus fortnightly Allied Health early intervention for children with diagnosed/suspected developmental delay
Authors: Varvounis Nicolette , Frost Jessica , Stott Jessica , Ward Emily , Lefmann Sophie , Boyle Terry , Boshoff Kobie
Published: October 2020

Aim and background: Reviewing service provision is prudent for early childhood development teams to ensure efficient and high quality service delivery. The context of this study is an outpatient, clinic-based, Allied Health Early Intervention service, for children, aged 1-4years with diagnosed/suspected developmental delay and their families, which is currently provided fortnightly over 10-weeks. This study aimed to compare the impact on carer and clinician preferences, client outcomes and efficiencies such as attendance rates, of weekly versus fortnightly clinics. Methods: A prospective multi-informant, group comparison design was conducted comparing fortnightly interventions over 10-weeks and weekly interventions over 5-weeks. Intervention outcome data (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure), attendance rates and questionnaire data completed by clinicians and carers, were compared between the two frequency periods. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between both models for overall attendance rates or outcome measures (n=25 fortnightly, n=29 weekly). Carers’ (n=97) and clinicians’ (n=36) perceptions showed a variety of preferences. Carers suggested weekly was preferable for children who function well with routine, have shorter term goals and homework and for rapport building. Concerns for vulnerable families regarding a shorter contact period of 5-weeks with the weekly service, compared to 10-weeks (for fortnightly service), were identified by clinicians. Consistent feedback from carers was weekly over 10-weeks as the best option. Clinician themes included perception of increased workload with weekly and additional time needed to observe change for some children. Carers for both models articulated practical attendance barriers.

Conclusions: A flexible model of service frequency is recommended, to suit the needs of children and carers, aligning with clinicians’ clinical reasoning. Decision making considerations should include condition, type of therapy (need for intensity/longer period/routine/relationship building), family practicalities, family vulnerability and benefits of service contact time.
App-Based Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: Cross-Sectional Study of App User Self-Ratings (Preprint)
Authors: Church Dawson , Stapleton Peta , Sabot Debbie
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The burgeoning area of mobile health (mHealth) has experienced rapid growth in mobile apps designed to address mental health issues. Although abundant apps offer strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and stress, information regarding their efficacy is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effect of an mHealth app on user self-ratings of psychological distress in a sample of 270,461 app users. The Tapping Solution App guides users through the therapeutic protocols of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based psychophysiological intervention that combines acupressure with elements of cognitive and exposure therapies.

METHODS

App users provided self-ratings of emotional intensity before and after app sessions (termed “tapping meditations”) using an 11-point Subjective Units of Distress scale. App user data for 23 tapping meditations, which addressed psychological symptoms of anxiety and stress, were gathered between October 2018 and October 2019, totaling 380,034 completed app sessions.

RESULTS

Across 12 anxiety-tapping meditations, the difference in emotional intensity ratings from presession (mean 6.66, SD 0.25) to postsession (mean 3.75, SD 0.30) was statistically significant (P<.001; 95% CI −2.92 to −2.91). Across 11 stress-tapping meditations, a statistically significant difference was also found from presession (mean 6.91, SD 0.48) to postsession (mean 3.83, SD 0.54; P<.001; 95% CI −3.08 to −3.07). The results are consistent with the literature on the efficacy of Clinical EFT for anxiety and stress when offered in conventional therapeutic formats.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness of the mHealth app in the immediate reduction of self-rated psychological distress. As an adjunct to professional mental health care, the app promises accessible and convenient therapeutic benefits.
Public Opinion About E-Cigarettes on Chinese Social Media: A Combined Study of Text Mining Analysis and Correspondence Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Di , Lyu Joanne Chen , Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular. China has accelerated its legislation on e-cigarettes in recent years by issuing two policies to regulate their use: the first on August 26, 2018, and the second on November 1, 2019. Social media provide an efficient platform to access information on the public opinion of e-cigarettes.

OBJECTIVE

To gain insight into how policies have influenced the reaction of the Chinese public to e-cigarettes, this study aims to understand what the Chinese public say about e-cigarettes and how the focus of discussion might have changed in the context of policy implementation.

METHODS

This study uses a combination of text mining and correspondence analysis to content analyze 1160 e-cigarette–related questions and their corresponding answers from Zhihu, China’s largest question-and-answer platform and one of the country’s most trustworthy social media sources. From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, Python was used to text mine the most frequently used words and phrases in public e-cigarette discussions on Zhihu. The correspondence analysis was used to examine the similarities and differences between high-frequency words and phrases across 3 periods (ie, January 1, 2017, to August 27, 2018; August 28, 2018, to October 31, 2019; and November 1, 2019, to January 1, 2020).

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that the consistent themes across time were comparisons with traditional cigarettes, health concerns, and how to choose e-cigarette products. The issuance of government policies on e-cigarettes led to a change in the focus of public discussion. The discussion of e-cigarettes in period 1 mainly focused on the use and experience of e-cigarettes. In period 2, the public’s attention was not only on the substances related to e-cigarettes but also on the smoking cessation functions of e-cigarettes. In period 3, the public shifted their attention to the e-cigarette industry and government policy on the banning of e-cigarette sales to minors.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media are an informative source, which can help policy makers and public health professionals understand the public’s concerns over and understanding of e-cigarettes. When there was little regulation, public discussion was greatly influenced by industry claims about e-cigarettes; however, once e-cigarette policies were issued, these policies, to a large extent, set the agenda for public discussion. In addition, media reporting of these policies might have greatly influenced the way e-cigarette policies were discussed. Therefore, monitoring e-cigarette discussions on social media and responding to them in a timely manner will both help improve the public’s e-cigarette literacy and facilitate the implementation of e-cigarette–related policies.
How Data Analytics and Big Data Can Help Scientists in Managing COVID-19 Diffusion: Modeling Study to Predict the COVID-19 Diffusion in Italy and the Lombardy Region (Preprint)
Authors: Tosi Davide , Campi Alessandro
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is the most widely discussed topic worldwide in 2020, and at the beginning of the Italian epidemic, scientists tried to understand the virus diffusion and the epidemic curve of positive cases with controversial findings and numbers.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, a data analytics study on the diffusion of COVID-19 in Italy and the Lombardy Region is developed to define a predictive model tailored to forecast the evolution of the diffusion over time.

METHODS

Starting with all available official data collected worldwide about the diffusion of COVID-19, we defined a predictive model at the beginning of March 2020 for the Italian country.

RESULTS

This paper aims at showing how this predictive model was able to forecast the behavior of the COVID-19 diffusion and how it predicted the total number of positive cases in Italy over time. The predictive model forecasted, for the Italian country, the end of the COVID-19 first wave by the beginning of June.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper shows that big data and data analytics can help medical experts and epidemiologists in promptly designing accurate and generalized models to predict the different COVID-19 evolutionary phases in other countries and regions, and for second and third possible epidemic waves.
Mental Health Among Medical Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eight European Countries: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hummel Svenja , Oetjen Neele , Du Junfeng , Posenato Elisabetta , Resende de Almeida Rosa Maria , Losada Raquel , Ribeiro Oscar , Frisardi Vincenza , Hopper Louise , Rashid Asarnusch , Nasser Habib , König Alexandra , Rudofsky Gottfried , Weidt Steffi , Zafar Ali , Gronewold Nadine , Mayer Gwendolyn , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The death toll of COVID-19 topped 170,000 in Europe by the end of May 2020. COVID-19 has caused an immense psychological burden on the population, especially among doctors and nurses who are faced with high infection risks and increased workload.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the mental health of medical professionals with nonmedical professionals in different European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that medical professionals, particularly those exposed to COVID-19 at work, would have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. We also aimed to determine their main stressors and most frequently used coping strategies during the crisis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during peak COVID-19 months in 8 European countries. The questionnaire included demographic data and inquired whether the participants were exposed to COVID-19 at work or not. Mental health was assessed via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales32 (23.53)–21 (DASS-21). A 12-item checklist on preferred coping strategies and another 23-item questionnaire on major stressors were completed by medical professionals.

RESULTS

The sample (N=609) consisted of 189 doctors, 165 nurses, and 255 nonmedical professionals. Participants from France and the United Kingdom reported experiencing severe/extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress more often compared to those from the other countries. Nonmedical professionals had significantly higher scores for depression and anxiety. Among medical professionals, no significant link was reported between direct contact with patients with COVID-19 at work and anxiety, depression, or stress. “Uncertainty about when the epidemic will be under control” caused the most amount of stress for health care professionals while “taking protective measures” was the most frequently used coping strategy among all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 poses a major challenge to the mental health of working professionals as a considerable proportion of our participants showed high values for depression, anxiety, and stress. Even though medical professionals exhibited less mental stress than nonmedical professionals, sufficient help should be offered to all occupational groups with an emphasis on effective coping strategies.
The Iraqi EFL Learners’ Ability to Use Speech Acts in MA and Ph.D. Theses Defense
Authors: Betti Mohammed Jasim , Hasan Ahmed Abd
Published: October 2020

The present study investigates the Iraqi EFL (IEFL) learners’ ability to use Speech Acts (SAs) in MA and Ph.D. theses defense. It aims at analyzing utterances (Us) made by the MA and Ph.D. IEFL learners in terms of SAs, the class to which those SAs belong, the type of tone the learners use, and the errors committed by the learners and their types. It is hypothesized that the learners use the SA of stating more than the other types of SAs in their MA and Ph.D. defence, the learners use directives more than other SA categories, the EFL learners use the falling tone more than the other types of tones. The researchers record the defense of six IEFL learners: four MA and two Ph.D. during the Academic year 2019-2020. They put the recorded data into an orthographic form showing the tone type for each tone unit, and check each recorded utterance (U) for the SA used, the SA category to which the SA belongs, the type of tone used and if any, the types of errors the participants commit. The study concludes that the MA IEFL learners use more SAs than the Ph.D. ones, the most frequently used SA is the SA of asserting, the most frequently used category of SAs is the representative one, and the learners use the falling tone more than the other types of tones.
Ruido ambiental en áreas verdes urbanas y periurbanas de una microcuenca en Heredia, Costa Rica
Authors: Alfaro Rojas Danny , Portuguez Brenes Ian , Perdomo Velázquez Héctor , Vargas Masís Roberto
Published: October 2020

Introducción: Una manifestación de los impactos ambientales provocados por la urbanización es la contaminación acústica, relacionada con la presencia de niveles sonoros no deseados provocados por actividades humanas. Estos afectan a la vida silvestre con incomodidad, estrés y otros efectos dañinos, e incluso pueden incluir daño físico. Objetivo: Analizar el ruido presente en áreas verdes periurbanas y urbanas adyacentes a la microcuenca del río Bermúdez, en Heredia, Costa Rica. Métodos: Instalamos equipos de grabación automatizados Audiomoth en seis sitios de muestreo a lo largo de la microcuenca. Se establecieron tres sitios de estudio en el área periurbana y tres en el área urbana. Los dispositivos se programaron para registrar 1 minuto cada 10 minutos durante 24 horas durante 6 días continuos, dos veces por sitio. El índice de ruido (SPL1) se utilizó para evaluar los sonidos grabados a través de medidas de presión sonora. Resultados: Los niveles de ruido promedio en el área urbana fueron significativamente más altos que en el área periurbana (V=3 383 238, p<0,001). Encontramos diferencias significativas en los seis sitios de muestreo (F = 3 773,65, p<0,001). Los niveles de ruido fueron diferentes tanto de día como de noche (F= 5 578,21, p<0,001 y F= 1 472,09, p<0,001, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los niveles de ruido más altos se dan en áreas con mayor incidencia antrópica, básicamente de urbanización, industria, construcción y transporte, con potencial de afectar la vida silvestre local
En egen trykkpresse
Authors: Ane Thon Knutsen
Published: October 2020

A Printing Press of One’s Own (En egen trykkpresse) is a practical examination of the relationship between art and technique, hand and spirit, thought and printing ink. The project came out of an interest in the printed medium in a digital age. Book printing has been the dominant technology for setting and mass reproducing of the printed word from when Gutenberg popularized the technique in the 1450s, and until well into the 20th century. Thon Knutsen set out to search for a professional position which allowed her to combine an artistic approach to typography and graphic form with her technical insight and historical knowledge of book printing. She found Virginia Woolf. The canonised modernist author and the feminist icon worked in parallel with both her writing as artistic practice and as typesetter and printer in her own private printing press. Through in-depth close reading of Woolf's authorship, seen through the first-hand experience as typesetter and printer, Thon Knutsen has found new ways to read Woolf, and a direction for her own artistic and research-based practice. Thon Knutsen has recreated the short story that Woolf printed in her debut, The Mark on the Wall, in its whole, but with a new aesthetic appearance. She has done this with a method that Thon Knutsen claims must have been used by Woolf; the thought and the writing must have been influenced by the experience of setting and printing as a pendulum between the spirit that writes and the hand that sets.
Reclamation : Exposing Coal Seams and Appalachian Fatalism with Digital Apparatuses
Authors: Ernie Roby-Tomic
Published: October 2020

The mountainous geography of Appalachia has been shaped by the coal industry since the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era of the United States. Mountaintop Removal (MTR) is a controversial and highly destructive surface-mining method flattening the mountains of Appalachian since the 1970s. The rise in massive energy consumption correlated to consumer electronics, automation, and technocratic neoliberalism have irrevocably flattened the surface and culture of Appalachia.

Reclamation is the final act in MTR mining in which the mine operator is obligated to ecologically restore the land. Where MTR sites were once hidden away, and even photographing them is considered an act of trespassing, today I can bear witness to the destruction of the mountain topology by connecting to Google's Earth (not to be confused with earth-Earth). Despite the remote locations and inaccessibility of the sites, the data is particularly rich due to the economical advantages of mapping the region for the coal industry.

In this exposition, I make my own reclamation as one in the generation born after the boom of coal production and its inevitable decline. I am reclaiming the 3D geospatial data of MTR and mining disaster sites, extracted from the servers of Google Earth. I recontextualize these geospatial assets to compose a visual prosopography of those surfaces.