bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain Platform for Real-Time Payments: A Less Costly and More Secure Alternative to ACH
Authors: Arshadi Nasser
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the historical development of banking and automated clearing house legacy systems and offers blockchain platform for real-time payments as an alternative. Institutions with legacy systems resist disruptive change unless there are demands by businesses and customers
and an opportunity for new products at reduced costs and additional revenues. Although the Automated Clearing House (ACH) in the U. S. has phased in a twice-a-day clearing and settlement system, it is still behind real-time models in use in several other countries. ACH uses individual clearance
and settlements for large payments and batches for smaller transactions. Using ACH data, this paper calculates the annual opportunity cost of using a real-time model such as blockchain versus ACH's discrete, twice-a-day clearance and settlement procedure. For 2016, the real-time protocol would
have resulted in benefits for businesses and customers of $10 billion.
What Might We Do to Encourage More Women to Write Patents?
Authors: Hazelwood Vikki , Carpenter-Smith Erica , Continisio Morgan , DeAngelo Valerie , Mugurusa Rosemary , Gray Marissa , Hassler Cynthia , Wos Jessie
Published: November 2019

The gender gap in invention has been well studied, and the data speaks loudly, suggesting that women are under-represented in patent-intensive fields of study, especially engineering. Clearly, then, an increase in women engineering graduates might improve the probability of more women
becoming patent authors. The question remains, however, "What else might we do to land more women in patent-intensive job tasks?" To answer that question, a panel discussion on this topic was held, in which the panel consisted of the authors. Discussion topics were developed and presented
by the moderating professor, while women alumni provided comments and observations that were presented collectively. A summary was then prepared, and recommendations to encourage more women to write patents have been suggested.
Estimating Outcomes and Impacts from Innovation Programs: The Case of Air Force and Navy SBIR/STTR Programs
Authors: Gaster Robin , Swearingen Will , Peterson Jeffrey , Wallner Michael
Published: November 2019

The Air Force and Navy recently commissioned economic impact studies of their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which provide funding to U.S. small businesses to promote technological innovation. The studies focused on
Phase II contracts completed during the 2000 to 2013 period. These were the first comprehensive economic impact surveys of any federal agency SBIR/STTR programs. The studies provided conclusive information on the outcomes of well over 90% of the Phase II contracts. IMPLAN software was applied
to company survey results to estimate overall impacts on the U.S. economy. Analysis revealed that both programs have had impressive national economic impacts. However, these studies significantly understate their contribution to the national economy because a substantial portion of the total
economic outcomes will occur in the future. This paper demonstrates a conservative, statistically based methodology for estimating the future sales that can be expected from already-funded Air Force and Navy SBIR/STTR projects after the date of the company surveys. Application of this methodology
shows that, for projects that have not yet generated product sales, an estimated additional 10% will eventually result in commercial products. For projects with products that have already reached the marketplace, total product sales will eventually be 83% greater than the totals reported at
the time of the surveys. With the addition of the missing future sales, the total economic impact from the Air Force and Navy programs will ultimately be 51% greater than was reported. The new analysis estimates that every dollar invested in Air Force and Navy SBIR/STTR Phase II projects will
eventually return $22 in economic activity.
Enhancing the Academic Innovation Culture by Incorporation of Customer-Centric Practices
Authors: Rowlinson Sarah C. , Burg Timothy C. , Bridges William C. , Burg Karen J.L.
Published: November 2019

The traditional siloed academic environment and its attendant flow of information from "experts" to "novices" hinder the development of students' and faculty's asking and listening skills, which are an important part of turning ideas into impactful innovations. This manuscript describes
the National Science Foundation/American Society for Engineering Education Innovation Corps for Learning (I-Corps® L) program and its associated evidence-based entrepreneurship methodology, which includes listening, asking, and updating valuation of a specific idea in response
to learning the customer needs and pains. We provide a case study of our experience in the I-Corps L program and connect lessons learned to the proposed use of "customers" as a means to transform the academic environment. This customer-centric approach could shift how engineering students
are taught about design and the pursuit of intellectual property (IP). For example, training would be redirected from focusing solely on the technical steps of writing a patent to emphasizing the process needed to protect an idea as part of creating impactful business activities. Students
would obtain a "real-world relevant" understanding of IP by identifying who would use an idea and in what form, i.e., who will pay for the idea in a specific embodiment. Similarly, researchers are traditionally taught to defend ideas and question challenges rather than humbly learning the
value of an idea by asking the potential customers. Asking and questioning are different skills, and asking without biasing the response with preconceived answers is necessary to understand the translational landscape of an idea. By making the customer the center of our teaching and research,
we can all benefit from the use of evidence-based entrepreneurship to translate our clever ideas into impactful innovations.
Soil Erosion Impact Assessment using USLE/GIS Approaches to Identify High Erosion Risk Areas in the Lowland Agricultural Watershed of Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Kidist , Addis Hailu Kendie , Hassen Ebrahim Esa
Published: November 2019

Erosion map of a watershed offers a wealth of knowledge and can be crucial for implementing site-specific management interventions. Thus, watershed-based soil erosion assessment was conducted to recognize erosion hotspot areas, while aiming to roughly calculate the average annual soil loss in Genda-wuha watershed, with a total area of 154,548.5 ha located in the northwest lowland of Blue Nile basin Ethiopia using USLE/GIS approach. Sixteen years of rainfall data, 53 soil sample data, a 30m by 30m digital elevation model (DEM), a land-use/land-cover map, and support practice factor were used to determine high erosion risk areas. The USLE parameters were integrated and analyzed using a raster calculator in the ArcGIS platform to predict and map the mean annual soil loss of Genda-wuha watershed. The result showed that the annual soil loss of the watershed extends from none in the lower and middle part of the watershed to 75.36 Megagram (Mg) ha-1yr-1 in the steeper parts of the watershed with a mean annual soil loss of 7.9 Mg ha-1yr-1. Most of the soil erosion affected areas are spatially situated in the upper steep slope parts of Genda-wuha watershed, which could be as a result of an increased slope gradient and length in the specified location. However, the majority of the watershed (82.62%) was estimated to be low erosion rates varying from 0 to 5 Mg ha–1 yr–1 and these areas correspond primarily to nearly flat landscapes of the watershed.
A Comparison of the Effects of Solar Radiation on Sandy-Loam and Clay-Loam Soils with Convective Boundary Condition
Authors: Akinpelu Folake Oyedigba , Olaleye Olalekan Ayodeji , Alabison Raimi Marcus
Published: November 2019

A comparison of the effects of solar radiation on sandy-loam and clay-loam soils with convective boundary condition was made. The dimensional governing equations (the continuity, momentum and energy equations) were converted to non-dimensional form using some set of dimensionless quantities, which resulted to a pair of partial differential equations of second order. With the use of perturbation method, these equations were reduced to ordinary differential equation and then solved analytically. Using the numerical values of the thermal conductivities of sandy-loam and clay-loam soils, a good comparison was made between the effects of the solar radiation parameter and internal heat generation parameter on the two soil samples. These results were worked out with the use of Matlab R2009b and visibly displayed on graphs for clearer illustration. For a rise in the intensity of solar radiation and mounting internal heat, the temperature of the soils increased generally. However, the proportion of moisture content influenced the level and the rate at which the temperature is boosted in both soil samples.
Comparative Studies on the Proximate Composition of Three Tubers of Dioscorea Species in Anyigba, Kogi State
Authors: Adeniji Adegboyeda , Taiga Apovughaye , Ayodele M S
Published: November 2019

The third world countries are not just suffering from food shortage, they are also plagued by malnutrition which stems from poverty coupled with inadequate informations about the nutritional contents of foods consume by most of her populace. Yam is a stable food consume by millions of Nigerians and the decision of which species to consume is often based on palatability and availability. Proximate analysis was carried out on D. rotundata., D. cayenensis and D. alata to compare their protein, carbohydrate, moisture, crude fibre, fat and ash content. The result reveals that Carbohydrate content of D. cayenensis (50.60%) was higher when compared to D. rotundata (48.8%) and D. alata (36.02%).  Also, the crude fibre of D. alata (5.26%) was significantly higher compared to D. cayenensis (4.86%) and D. rotundata (4.75%), similar result was obtained for the protein content of D. alata; which was 3.46% compared to D. cayanensis (2.13%) and D. rotundata (1.61%) respectively. This research concludes that the proximate composition of the Dioscorea species studied varied significantly. Yam consumers and nutritionist are advised to select their yam species in view of the various proximate constituents to achieve a well balance diet in terms of food and composite flour. The cultivation of the D. alata species should be encouraged because of its low Carbohydrate and high protein contents, thus making it suitable for diabetic patients or people suffering from related illnesses.
Comparative Studies on the Susceptibility of Three Tubers of Dioscorea Species to Dry Rot in Anyigba, Kogi State
Authors: Adeniji Adegboyega , Taiga Apovughaye , Ayodele M S
Published: November 2019

Various yam species are cultivated but white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.), water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) and yellow yam (Dioscorea cayenensis Lam.) are among the most cultivated in Nigeria. The Susceptibility of three tubers of Dioscorea species (D. rotundata, D. alata and D. cayenensis) to dry rot pathogens was investigated. Isolation was made from rotted tuber tissues, followed by pathogenicity test and identification of isolates; two fungal species Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated and identified as the major fungi causing yam tuber dry rot in the study area. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the susceptibility of the various Dioscorea tuber species studied to rot caused by Aspergillus niger [D. rotundata (20mm), D. alata (11mm) and D. cayenensis (3.5mm)] and  Rhizopus  stolonifer [ D. rotundata (17.5mm), D. alata (10mm) and D. cayenensis (2mm)]. The phytochemical contents of the three tubers of Dioscorea species examined also varied significantly, with the bioactive substances of D. cayenensis and D. alata relatively higher when compared to D. rotundata. Therefore, this research reveals that three metabolites; Saponin, Flavonoid and Tanin constitute the major trait for resistant ability of D. cayanesis and D. alata to dry rot causing pathogen.  Therefore, it is necessary that the differences in susceptibility be considered when developing yam barns. Also, researchers should work on genetically improving the susceptible white yam (D. rotundata) which is commonly eaten by millions of Nigerians with a possibility of increasing the quantities of the deficient phytochemicals.
Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Related to Drought Tolerance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Using F2 Population from (KATB1 Î§ GLP2)
Authors: Langat Charles Kipkoech , Ombori Omwoyo , Cheruiyot Richard , Gathaara Moses , Karanja David , Leley Philip
Published: November 2019

Many of the common bean growing regions around the world are prone to drought stress, making drought the major challenge to production and yield stability in rainfed environments. Mapping of yield-associated loci under drought stress will offer a better understanding of the genetics of drought tolerance to the plant breeders and therefore, will accelerate the selection of drought tolerant crop varieties through marker assisted selection (MAS).The current study reports identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to physiological, phenological, yield and yield related traits using 120 F2 population derived from a cross between two common bean genotypes, KAT B1 (drought tolerant) and GLP2 (drought susceptible) evaluated under drought stress and well-watered conditions. The research was conducted at the Agricultural and Mechanization Institute, Machakos, Kenya. The F2 population showed significant variation in traits under drought stress.  From the 374 polymorphic SNP markers surveyed, 20 genomic regions were identified for various traits under drought stress, individually explaining 2.6 to 21.3% of phenotypic variation. The number of QTLs identified per trait were: 2-grain/seed yield (GY); 1-number of branches (NBP); 2-stem biomass (SB); 1-leaf biomass (LB); 1-pod biomass (PB); 3-days to flowering; 2-days to maturity (DM); 4- number of pods per plant (NPP); 1-seed weight (SW); 2-stomatal conductance (SMTL) and 1-leaf water potential (LWP). QTLs for number of pods per plant, number of grains/seeds per pod, days to flowering, leaf biomass and stem biomass were found co-locating with QTLs for grain yield on chromosome Pv02 under drought stress treatment. The cumulative effects of these QTLs on chromosomes 2 resulted in higher grain/seed yield. This study has provided information on QTLs in common bean that could be used in selection purpose for grain yield under drought conditions.
Processing of Yam Paste (Amala): A Product of Fermented Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Flour
Authors: Ojokoh Anthony Okhonlaye , Adeleke Bartholomew Saanu
Published: November 2019

This study was designed to evaluate the processing of yam paste (amala): A product of fermented yam (Discorea rotundata) flour. The sliced yam samples were fermented for 72 hours. The microorganisms were isolated and identified. The pH, TTA, temperature, proximate, anti-nutrient, mineral composition and sensory analyses of the sample were determined. The microbial loads increased with fermentation time. The isolates identified were Pseudomonas aureginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactococcus lactis, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium oxysporium, and Candida tropicalis. pH decreased from 6.4 to 4.9 while TTA and temperature increased from 0.16 to 4.24% and 28oC to 34oC. The crude protein (2.46%) and moisture contents (12.32%) increased in the fermented sample with a decrease in ash (0.70%), fat (0.19%) and carbohydrate contents (80.76%). The saponin and phytate decreased from 31.29 to 11.45mg/g and 11.12 to 5.77mg/g. The fermented sample showed an overall acceptability. Improvement in the nutritional and reduction in antinutritional contents of the fermented sample suggests its usefulness as a food source for humans. The microorganisms associated with fermented yam tubers, processing of yam tubers into flour to produce amala and determining the nutritional and antinutrient content of both unfermented and fermented yam. The fermentation process improving the quality and nutrient content of the yam tubers suggested the method as more promising in producing food for humans.
Experimental Study on Rational Water Injection Rate in Continental Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Yang Manping , Jiang Lu , Guo Shuxiang , Zheng Liming , Meng Ling
Published: November 2019

Objective:

In this paper, an experimental model of water flooding was designed and manufactured, and experiments on high permeability and low permeability models were carried out.

Methods:

The relationship between injection rate, injection pore volume multiple and oil displacement efficiency, injection rate, injection pore volume multiple and water content in two kinds of permeability was analyzed.

Results:

There is a certain relationship between oil displacement efficiency and water injection speed. There is a reasonable water injection speed, which can achieve the highest oil displacement efficiency. The lower the permeability the lower will be the reasonable injection rate . In the reasonable range of water injection rate, the injection rate increases gradually, and the best oil displacement effect can be obtained.

Conclusion:

Through analysis, it was concluded that the oil displacement efficiency of artificial rocks with various water injection rates was different even in the same permeability experimental model. It was indicated that the water flooding recovery of the reservoir can be improved by using the method of strong injection and strong production in the middle and later stage of development.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Tectona grandis Against CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats
Authors: Deswal Geeta , Guarve Kumar , Kriplani Priyanka , Dhingra Ashwani K. , Chopra Bhawna , Sidana Jaspreet
Published: November 2019

Background:

Literature reports numerous causes for liver damage, which mainly include viral hepatitis (most commonly hepatitis B), cirrhosis, cell stress, hepatic damage by NSAIDs or alcohol. In the present study, methanolic extracts ofTectona grandisleaves were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against CCl4induced liver damage in rats.

Methods:

Hepatic injury in rats was carried out using the CCl4-induced hepatotoxic model. Methanolic extracts ofTectona grandiswere administered orally at two different doses (200mg/kg & 400mg/kg) daily. The biochemical parameters (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and serum bilirubin) were estimated using Reitman and Frankel's method in addition Kind King’s method.

Results:

The preliminary phytochemical studies confirmed the existence of saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, and flavonoids. CCl4treated group boost the concentrations of Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and serum bilirubin as compared to control group (rats treated with vehicle). The methanolic extract of plant (200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg) and standard drug silymarin (100 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in raised levels of these enzymes as compared to control.

Conclusion:

The results clearly indicate thatTectona grandisleaves have notable hepatoprotective activity in rats hepatic damage induced by CCl4.
Review of The Cement-Based Composite Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)
Authors: Sidodikromo Edwin Paul , Chen Zhijun , Habib Muhammad
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is an advanced type of concrete in the Civil Engineering industry. It is a cement-based composite which exhibits improved mechanical and durable properties showing a high compressive strength of not less than 150 MPa and high tensile strength of not less than 7 MPa.

Objective:

In this article, a review of the use of a different type of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) including fibers is made for obtaining the desired UHPC.

Discussion and Conclusion:

For this, it is vital to understand the principles of UHPC. UHPC has several advantages over normal strength concrete (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC) with some commercially ready UHPC’s available, but the use of it is restricted due to the limited design codes. The influence of the curing type also plays a vital role in the overall performance of UHPC.
Porous Titanium Granules for Sinus Floor Augmentation: A Case Series Study
Authors: Arab Hamid Reza , Boostani Hamid Reza , Moeintaghavi Amir , Shiezadeh Farid
Published: November 2019

Background:

Sinus grafting with autogenous bone and other bone substitutes has been shown to be a safe technique with high predictability of success, but it has not been determined which of these materials provide better osteogenic potential. The aim of the present study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate the use of Natix™ grafting material in maxillary sinus elevation procedures with simultaneous implant placement in humans.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients (6 women and 9 men) requiring augmentation of the maxillary sinus before implant placement were voluntarily enrolled in this study. After the sinus graft procedure, a bone augmentation material of porous titanium granules (Natix™, TigranTecnologies, Malmö, Sweden) was placed into the sinus cavity. The primary stability of the fixtures was measured at baseline and 6 months following the implantation. Panoramic x-rays for objective measurements of bone height at the floor of sinus were repeated at 18 months, and 36 months postoperatively.

Results:

The 15 patients had in total 20 implants installed. Panoramic radiographs made 6 months post-insertion showed a radio-opaque area around the implants.Also at 6 months post-placement, all 18 implants were clinically stable and abutments were connected. Bone biopsies were taken from 1 grafted site in 1 patient. Excluding the one implant failing to achieve primary stability at baseline, the cumulative implant survival rate in this pilot study was 94.7%.

Conclusion:

The results of the study showed that maxillary sinus augmentation with porous titanium granules provided predictable survival of implants in 36 months.
Validation of Modified Dental Anxiety Scale for Dental Extraction Procedure (MDAS-DEP)
Authors: Maulina Tantry , Nadiyah Ridho Salma , Asnely Putri Farah
Published: November 2019

Background:

Dental anxiety remains a common problem encountered amongst those who are going to have a dental extraction procedure.

Objective:

The objective of the current study was to test the validity and reliability of the modified dental anxiety scale for dental extraction procedure (MDAS-DEP).

Methods:

The current study was conducted by using a cross-sectional survey method on one hundred and thirty-two (69 female; 63 male) participants who were about to go through the dental extraction procedure. A modified version of the MDAS was used in the current study. The questions of the original MDAS were replaced by specific questions about the dental extraction procedure, accompanied by five Likert-type answers. Reliability was measured by referring to the Cronbach’s alpha value whilst construct validity was measured by using Pearson’s correlation.

Results:

The analysis of the current study showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.822 Whilst the Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that all questions were proven to be valid, with the highest r value gained by question number 5 (r = 0.817, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The current scale was proven to be valid and reliable to be used as a specific scale to measure dental anxiety due to dental extraction.
Evaluation of In-office Vital Tooth Whitening Combined with Different Concentrations of At-home Peroxides: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Féliz-Matos Leandro , Abreu-Placeres Ninoska , Hernandez Luis Miguel , Ruiz-Matuk Carlos , Grau-Grullón Patricia
Published: November 2019

Background:

The clinical evidence relate the effect of associating the in-office and at home vital tooth whitening, describing positive effects on tooth color change and reduction of dental sensitivity.

Objective:

The purpose of this randomized double-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect on the shortened application of in-office vital tooth whitening combined with different concentrations of at-home peroxides in the final tooth color change and dental sensitivity.

Methods:

Randomized double-blind clinical trial with 120 participants between 18-65 years, allocated in four tooth whitening treatment groups: G1= Carbamide Peroxide 10% + Hydrogen Peroxide 40%, G2= Carbamide Peroxide 15% + Hydrogen Peroxide 40%, G3= Carbamide Peroxide 20% + Hydrogen Peroxide 40%, G4= Hydrogen Peroxide 10% + Hydrogen Peroxide 40% was conducted. Tooth color was measured at baseline and dental sensitivity and tooth color change during and after treatment.

Results:

No statistical significant differences were found in tooth color change (superior arch p= 0.183 / inferior arch p= 0.374), and in dental sensitivity (p=0.268).

Conclusion:

Reducing the application time of in-office whitening, combined with in-home products was effective in improving the color. All groups resulted in identical final color change and dental sensitivity.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02682329 Available from:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02682329?term=hydrogen+peroxide.
Interaction between Urinary 11 Dehydrothromboxane B2 and Some Other Risk Factors in the Occurrence of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Lingling Wang , Guixin Chen , Wei Li , Hua Sun
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study is to analyze the interaction between the urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-DH-TXB2) content and the smoking, drinking, hypertension or diabetes history of patients with cerebral infarction, and to determine the value of 11-DH-TXB2 in the occurrence and prevention of cerebral infarction.

Methods:

117 patients with cerebral infarction and 50 healthy controls were selected. Their general information, including smoking, drinking, hypertension and diabetes history, was analyzed, and their urinary11-DH-TXB2 contents were measured. The difference in the urinary 11-DH-TXB2 content between the two groups, and the additive model of the interaction between the urinary 11-DH-TXB2 content and other risk factors of cerebrovascular diseases were statistically analyzed.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the general information between the two groups (P> 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the urinary 11-DH-TXB2 content, and the smoking, diabetes and hypertension history between the two groups, while there was no significant difference in the drinking history between the two groups. The analysis of the interaction additive model showed that the OR value was 1, the synergy index (S) of increased 11-DH-TXB2 and smoking history was 1.219, the S of increased 11-DHTXB2 and hypertension history was 5.578 and that of increased 11-DH-TXB2 and the diabetes history was 4.604.

Conclusion:

There is a correlation between the urinary 11-DH-TXB2 content and the occurrence of cerebral infarction, and there is a synergistic interaction between the urinary DH-TXB2 content and the smoking, hypertension or diabetes history of patients with cerebral infarction. The increased 11-DH-TXB2 may be a risk factor for cerebral infarction and the urinary 11-DHTXB2 content can be used as an index to predict the occurrence and progression of cerebral infarction.
Sero Prevalence of Virus-neutralizing Antibodies for Rabies in Street Dogs of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Rimal Shikha , Ojha Krishna C. , Shah Yogendra , Pant Dhan K.
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral zoonotic disease that remains a serious global public health concern. Rabies vaccination with adequate coverage of the canine population has been shown to control rabies outbreaks among canines and to prevent the transmission of rabies from dogs to humans. As vaccination is the primary control measure for rabies, it is important to determine the level of anti-rabies antibodies in animals in order to determine the effectiveness of the control measures being implemented.

Materials & Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 50 street dogs (August 2016 to December 2016) in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts. Rabies sero-conversion on the separated serum was quantified using PlateliaTM Rabies II Kit (Bio-Rad, China) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Results:

Eighty percent (40/50) of the serum samples surpassed the requested level of rabies antibodies, suggesting good coverage of vaccination among street dogs.

Conclusion:

However, an active dog surveillance system with a dog registration process before and after vaccination campaigns, and a multi-dimensional approach including all stakeholders, are necessary to eradicate rabies from the canine population in Nepal.
Dietary Fatty Acids and Cancer
Authors: Glauert Howard P.
Published: November 2019

In this review, the influence of dietary fat on the development of cancer is discussed. In epidemiological studies, a relationship between dietary fat and breast cancer has been found in correlational studies, but prospective studies do not support a role for dietary fat. Prospective epidemiological studies examining the role of dietary fat in the development of colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers have produced conflicting results. The Women’s Health Initiative intervention studies did not show any statistically significant effects of dietary fat on the development of either colon or breast cancer in women. In experimental studies, dietary fat generally enhances chemically-induced skin, liver, pancreatic, and mammary carcinogenesis, whereas conflicting results have been observed in colon carcinogenesis. Dietary fat appears to act primarily during the promotional stage of carcinogenesis in all of these models except the liver, where the effect of dietary fat is primarily on initiation.
A Randomized Controlled Study of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Sampathkumar Krishnaswamy , Saravanan Ratchagan
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning (RIPC) is a technique which applies brief periods of reversible ischemia and reperfusion to limbs provoking adaptive protective responses to distant organs like Heart, Kidneys and Brain.

Methods:

Its efficacy in the prevention of Contrast Nephropathy was tested in our open-label, randomized and sham- controlled study. 100 patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3a requiring Contrast agent for Percutaneous Coronary Interventions were included. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Remote Ischemic Preconditioning (RIPC) or sham preconditioning.

Results & Discussion:

Both groups were treated with Intravenous saline therapy before contrast exposure. The primary end point was contrast-Induced AKI. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean GFR in ml/min was similar in both groups (RIPC 54.8+/- 9 ml/min; Control 54.8+/- 9 ml/min) . Contrast-induced AKI occurred in 19/50 patients in control group and 6/50 in IPC group (p = 0.005).Hemodialysis was required only in control group (4/50) (p = 0.058). 30 day rehospitalization was more in control group (8 / 50) than RIPC group (1/50) (p = 0.01). RIPC was well- tolerated without adverse effects.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, remote ischemic preconditioning applied before contrast exposure prevents contrast-induced acute kidney injury in CKD 3a. This simple procedure can be added to intravenous saline therapy for nephroprotection.
Growth, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake of Sorghum Plants as Affected by Green Manuring with Pea or Faba Bean Shell Pod Wastes Using 15N
Authors: Al-Chammaa Mohammed , Al-Ain Farid , Kurdali Fawaz
Published: November 2019

Background:

During the freezing or canning preparation process of green grain leguminous, large amounts of shell pods are considered as agricultural organic wastes, which may be used as Green Manure (GM) for plant growth enhancement.

Objective:

Evaluation of the effectiveness of soil amended with shell pod wastes of pea (PGM) or faba bean (FGM) as GM on growth, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in sorghum plants.

Methods:

Determination of the impact of adding four rates of nitrogen (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha-1) in the form of pea (PGM) or faba bean (FGM) shell pod wastes as GM on the performance of sorghum using the indirect 15N isotopic dilution technique.

Results:

Sorghum plants responded positively and differently to the soil amendments with either GMs used, particularly, the PGM. In comparison with the control (N0), soil amendment with an equivalent rate of 3.5 t ha-1 of PGM (PGM100) or with 6.5 t ha-1 of FGM (FGM150) almost doubled dry weight, N and P uptake in different plant parts of sorghum. Regardless of the GM used, estimated values of %Ndfgm in sorghum plants ranged from 35% to 55% indicating that the use of pod shells as GM provided substantial portions and amounts of N requirements for sorghum. Moreover, nitrogen recoveries of added GM (%NUEgm) ranged from 29 to 45% indicating that N in both of GM forms were used effectively. Accordingly, equivalent amounts to 17 - 48 kg N ha-1 of inorganic fertilizer may be saved. The beneficial effect of incorporating pod shells in soil on sorghum N was mainly attributed to their N availability, besides to their effects on the improvement of soil N uptake, particularly when using PGM.

Conclusion:

The agricultural by-products of faba bean and pea pod shells could be used as GM for sorghum growth improvement by enhancing N and P uptake from soil and from the organic source.
Narrative and Narrativization of A Journey: Differences between Personal and Fictional Narratives
Authors: Fioretti Chiara , Pascuzzi Debora , Smorti Andrea
Published: November 2019

Background:

Scholars depict a deep connection between the way children remember their personal past and imagine the present and the future (Vygotskji, 2004; Brockmeier, 2015). Nevertheless, several studies indicate that children are prone to relate well-formed stories about past personal events but report difficulties in constructing narratives from fictional events.

Objective:

The present study aims to investigate the differences between school-aged children’s personal and fictional narratives about a journey, considering different types of stories they structured.

Methods:

220. 8 to 10-year old children randomly divided into three groups, performed a narrative on a journey: 70 narrated a memory on a journey, 92 narrated an ideal trip and 58 narrated a fictional story from a given orientation. The presence and the type of complicating action were assessed to investigate children's ability to present well-structured narratives.

Results:

The results showed that children were more able to construct stories with complicating action when they narrated personal events and when they were scaffolded by an incipit. Furthermore, in fictional narratives with incipit, children narrated multiple Complicating action creating a continuous violation of canonicity.

Conclusions:

The authors discuss the results considering the difference between narrative and narrativization of personal and fictional events and the importance of scaffolding children’s narrative skills.
Use of Radiofrequency Diathermy for the Treatment of Chronic Corneal Neovascularization with Lipid Keratopathy
Authors: Kymionis George D. , Voulgari Nafsika , Grentzelos Michael A. , Aliferis Konstantinos , Hashemi Kate , Mikropoulos Dimitrios
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To present the use of radiofrequency diathermy for the management of chronic resistant corneal neovascularization with lipid keratopathy.

Methods:

Two post keratitis patients with chronic corneal neovascularization and lipid keratopathy refractory to conventional treatment underwent radiofrequency diathermy. (Klöti, Oertli ®, Switzerland) on an outpatient basis under topical anesthesia at the slit lamp biomicroscope.

Results:

No intra- or postoperative complications were encountered. After the procedure, significant regression of neovascularization with decrease in lipid deposition and improvement in corneal opacification was observed in both patients during the 12-month follow-up. Corrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/200 preoperatively to 20/80 postoperatively in the first case while remained stable at 20/20 in the second case. Significant symptomatic improvement regarding photophobia and discomfort was noted in both patients.

Conclusions:

Radiofrequency diathermy seems to represent an effective and safe minimally invasive treatment for chronic resistant corneal neovascularization with lipid keratopathy.
Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Training on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Parkinson's Women
Authors: Yaghoobi Hamideh , Mohammadi Sahar , Sardashti Samaneh , Abbaspour Seddigheh , Hossein-Abadi Tahere Sarboozi
Published: November 2019

Background:

People with low-mobility are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) are less interested in participating in exercise activities due to the nature of the disease. Regular exercise and physical activity can play protective roles against heart disease by reducing risk factors. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in women with PD.

Materials and Methods:

This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 45 women with PD who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: aerobic, resistance groups, and control group. Before and after training sessions, variables of weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), heart rate at rest state, maximum oxygen consumption, blood pressure, and lipid profiles of participants were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and Paired Sample t-test, ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. A significant level of P≤0.05 was considered.

Results:

Demographics of physiological characteristics of subjects was congruent in all three groups in the baseline. After aerobic and resistance training, levels of triglyceride, LDL, total cholesterol, fat percentage, resting heart rate, weight, BMI and systolic blood pressure were significantly decreased (p<0.05). This change was more pronounced in the aerobic group; in contrast, variables of maximum oxygen consumption and HDL were meaningfully increased in participants of both experimental groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The results showed that both types of aerobic and resistance training can reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease in women with PD, while the effect of aerobic training on reducing risk factors was more than resistance training.
How Rapidly Do The Road Fatality Rates of 37 Countries Converge Over Time?
Authors: Chang Yu Sang , Jo Sung Jun
Published: November 2019

Background:

Road crashes kill about 1.3 million people worldwide every year and severely injure an estimated 50 million. This paper examined two associated questions of convergence as to whether countries with initially high fatality rates tend to improve faster catch-up. Also, it was examined whether dispersion of road fatality rates among countries decreased over time.

Methods:

Using γ convergence and σ convergence, a total of 37 countries with reliable fatality data from 1994 to 2015 were analyzed. Common measures of dispersion include the standard deviation or coefficient of variation. For σ convergence, coefficient of variation was selected.

Results:

Results indicate that statistically valid patterns of convergence toward both catch-up effect and reduction of dispersion exist for the total group of countries. However, a wide variation in the pattern and speed of convergence was discovered for the subgroups of countries categorized by income level and regions.

Conclusion:

Convergence method helps to identify the most appropriate reference group for a given country in planning future goals for improving road fatality rate and catch-up speed. The findings from this research indicate that the speed of catch-up among different subgroups of countries varied.
Morningness-Eveningness Chronotypes, Sleep Quality, and Sleepiness Among Nurses
Authors: Hajaghazadeh Mohammad , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Ghofrani Marjan , Orujlu Samira
Published: November 2019

Background:

Poor sleep quality and sleepiness is a common problem in nurses. The morningness-eveningness preference of nurses may affect their sleep quality.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were (1) to describe the quality of sleep in a group of hospital nurses and (2) to analyze the effect of shift work and morningness-eveningness on the sleep quality of nurses.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 120 nurses completed the survey in a university hospital in Iran. The study tools were Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Nurses with PSQI>5 and ESS≥10 were considered having poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Nurses were subdivided into morning-, intermediate- and evening-types according to MEQ. Data were analyzed by chi-square, Mann–Whitney U-test, logistic regression, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests.

Results:

The mean (±SD) of PSQI and ESS was 6.88(2.18) and 9.5(±3.9), respectively. About 74% of nurses reported poor sleep quality, and near 40% of the nurses had excessive daytime sleepiness. Sixty percent of nurses were intermediate-type, and the remaining was morning (24.2%) and evening (15.8%) types. The sleep quality and daytime sleepiness had a significant relation with shift work. The mean PSQI was significantly different between shift work and non-shift work nurses. The mean PSQI of three main chronotypes was statistically different.

Conclusion:

Poor sleep quality was prevalent in the nurses and was significantly associated with shift work and chronotype. The sleep preference of nurses would be considered as an important factor in the assignment of shift work by hospital managers.
The Relationship Between The Perception of Elderly’s Health Status and Health Behaviors in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand
Authors: Watcharanat Prapada , Tanpichai Prasong , Sajjasophon Ravee
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

This research aims to study the relationship between perception of elderly’s health and health behaviors in Nakhon Nayok province, Thailand

Methods:

This research was a cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was used to collect the data. This research was conducted in Nakhon Nayok province. The sample size was 270 which applied Taro Yamane's formula at a significant level 0.05. The descriptive statistics was implemented to describe the variables by presenting the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was applied to analyze the relationship between perception of elderly’s health and health behaviors. The statistical significance was considered to reject Hypothesis-null at < 0.05.

Results:

From a total of 270 people, more than 58.22% of the elderly perceived that they had moderate health conditions. Most elderly had congenital diseases (62.2%). The multiple regression analysis results showed that health status perception and health status perception when compared to their cohort related significantly to health behavior.

Conclusion:

The government should support the elderly on participation, trust, engagement, and cultural concern of the people in the community, which can contribute to promoting the physical, mental and social condition of the elderly.
Listen to the Midwives in Limpopo Province South Africa: An Exploratory Study on Maternal Care
Authors: Mothiba T.M , Skaal L. , Berggren V.
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim:

South Africa is a middle-income country that did not reach the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 5 by 2015, because maternal mortality ratio increased between 1990 and 2015. Limpopo is a rural province, and its institutional maternal mortality ratio is higher than the national average. Studies reported that there is a shortage of midwives and medical equipment in the province. This study is part of a broader research program focusing on strengthening health systems for maternal care in Limpopo province, and it was aimed at exploring the experiences of Midwives prior to debriefing and training sessions conducted.

Methods:

Qualitative research was used whereby five focus group interviews were conducted with midwives from five districts to share experiences during the provision of maternal healthcare and to propose solutions thereof. Tesch’s open coding qualitative data analysis was used.

Results:

The findings revealed that there is a lack of resources, feelings of isolation, problems related to logistical issues, staffing issues, demographic characteristics of the population, interinstitutional communication, and lack of administrative support.

Conclusion:

Hospital managers must revise how they allocate resources, improve inter-institutional cooperation, and change of management attitude. This study concludes that the midwives identified numerous challenges that originate from a lack of resources. Revision for resource allocation is hoped that it will solve logistical problems, increased inter-institutional cooperation in terms of capacity building and patient assessment suggested with the hope to minimize the challenges of communication and staffing.
A Simple Acoustic Sensor Test Platform for Respiratory and Cardiac Acoustical Monitoring
Authors: Doyle D. John
Published: November 2019

The properties of various acoustic interfaces (stethoscopes) for respiratory monitoring and phonocardiography are compared using a special-purpose custom-built electronic vibration platform that can be driven by an electronic test signal. Sample sensitivity data for various stethoscope designs are presented in this study.
Secondary metabolites in plants: main classes, phytochemical analysis and pharmacological activities
Authors: González Mera Irina Francesca , González Falconí Daniela Estefanía , Morera Córdova Vivian
Published: November 2019

Plants are an essential source of chemical compounds with different biological properties that man can use to his advantage. These substances are mainly produced as a result of chemical conversions of secondary metabolism. This article reviews the main classes of secondary metabolites that synthesize plants as well as their characteristics and their biological functions. Examples are provided for each of the classes. Emphasis is placed on the methods of extracting secondary metabolites and phytochemical screening, as well as on the main pharmacological activities described for the MS.
Therapeutics and prospects of Interleukin 2
Authors: Lovato Nicole , Santiago Padilla Leandro
Published: November 2019

Interleukin-2 was discovered back in 1983 as an autocrine growth factor for cultured T cells and was the first biological product created through the use of recombinant DNA. IL-2 tumor immunotherapy performed the first historical clinical demonstration of the possibility to cause an effective anticancer immune reaction, mediated by cytotoxic lymphocytes activated from IL-2 stimulation. The Interleukin 2 receptor is a heterotrimeric protein that is composed of three peptide chains: the alpha chain, the beta chain and the gamma chain of the common cytokine receptor. There are 3 majors’ ways of interfering with the IL-2/IL-2R to use it as treatments: Antibodies, Aptamers, and punctual mutagenesis. Recent studies have shown, that Il-2 therapies for cancer, specifically targets restoring the individual’s natural antitumor immune response. HIV directed treatments have demonstrated the necessity of introducing the IL-2 complemented with the patient’s antiretroviral therapy.