bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of small photon field on dose distribution in transverse magnetic field: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Fu Jiaqi , Ni Cheng , Liu Yanfang , Zhou Jingjie , Fu Jie
Published: March 2020

Background: To investigate the effect of small photon field on dose distribution in transverse magnetic field by simulating the dose distribution on homogenous and heterogenous phantoms.Methods: EGsnrc simulation was used to calculate the dose distribution of four phantoms irradiated by small photon field in transverse magnetic field B=0T, B=0.35T and B=1.5T. The photon beams were based on the phase space file of Varian Clinac_iX 6MV from the IAEA’s online accelerator phase space database. The size of beams was 0.5cm0.5cm, 1cm1cm, 2cm2cm and 4cm4cm, respectively. Results: In homogenous water phantom and 1.5T magnetic field, the distance of the dose build-up region decreased by 4mm compared with that without magnetic field. At the edge of the water phantom, the dose of central axis changed a 1.7% decrease in the field of 0.5cm0.5cm to a 27% increase in the field of 4cm4cm.The lateral profiles shifted by 1-3mm and the dose penumbra had asymmetry. In 0.35T magnetic field, the effect of magnetic field was insignificant.In water-air and water-lung phantom, the dose at the water-air and water-lung interface increased by 24.2%, 30.9%, respectively. However, at the air-water and lung-water interface, it decreased by 10.9% and 29.9% in the field of 2cm2cm. In 0.35 T magnetic field, there was no significant change in the dose at the interface. In water-bone phantom, the dose at the water-bone interface increased.Conclusions: In 1.5T magnetic field, when the field was small, the shift of lateral profile was obvious and the dose penumbra had asymmetry. At the interface of different tissue, the dose change depends on the size of the field, the strength of magnetic field and the change of tissue density. The effect of the magnetic field on the dose distribution needs to be considered during optimizing a treatment plan, to avoid dose hotspots at normal tissues.
Effectiveness comparison of Zero-profile interbody fusion implant and anterior cervical plate interbody fusion device: a clinical and radiological study
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tang Xiangyu , Xiong Wei , Wu Hua , Liu Chaoxu , Li Feng
Published: March 2020

Purpose This study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic parameters, and complications of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with a Zero-profile implant (Zero-P) and traditional plate and cage. Methods There were 68 patients received ACDF of single level, 35 patients with Zero-profile implant (Zero-p group) and 33 patients with traditional plate and cage (Cage group), from C3–C7 during 2014 to 2016. Collecting and analyzing of clinical and radiological data were performed. Patients were followed-up at least 1 year after surgery. The operation time, blood loss, Japan Department of Orthopedics Association (JOA) score, pain Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) score and dysphagia score were recorded. Additionally, changes in cervical lordosis, fusion rate and adjacent segment degeneration were analyzed as well. Results For neurologic outcomes, the JOA, VAS and NDI were statistically equivalent between the two groups (P>0.05). For radiographic outcomes, there were no significant differences in the C2-7 Cobb angles, segmental Cobb angle and incidence of subsidence at the final follow-up (P>0.05). No degenerative changes was found in the Zero-p group, whereas 5 patients in the Cage group developed degeneration in adjacent segments (P<0.05). Also, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia is higher in Cage group than in Zero-p group at 3 months and 12 months (P<0.05). Conclusions Both Zero-profile implant and anterior cervical plate interbody fusion device were demonstrated to be effective and safe strategies in this study. Considering the lower incidences of dysphagia and degenerative changes, the Zero-profile implant is a good succedaneum.
Prolongation of acid-fast bacilli sputum smear positivity in patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Mvo Sidwell , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin , Vasaikar Sandeep D. , Apalata Teke
Published: March 2020

Background The study sought to determine factors associated with prolonged smear positivity in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients following an appropriate management.Methods Newly diagnosed patients [(100 MDR-TB and 100 drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB)] were enrolled between June 2017 and May 2018. Clinical and radiological findings were recorded. Sputum samples were collected for Xpert® MTB/RIF and line probe assays (LiPA). Microscopic tests, including smear grading, were performed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post anti-TB therapy. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed using SPSS v23 with ρ set at ≤ 0.05.Results Of the 200 patients (median age of 34.8 years), 114 (57%) were HIV positive. After 12 weeks of treatment, there was a significant microscopy conversion rate among DS-TB patients [43/45 (95.6%)] as compared to MDR-TB patients [54/69 (78.3%)] (ρ = 0.009), all co-infected with HIV. Similarly, among HIV negative patients, a significant microscopy conversion rate was noted among DS-TB patients [48/55(69.6%)] as compared to MDR-TB patients [21/31(30.4%)] (ρ = 0.03). Time to microscopy conversion was 4.58 ± 2.97 weeks and 5.69 ± 3.25 weeks for HIV positive patients aged ≥35 years and <35 years, respectively whilst among HIV negative patients, time to conversion was 5.00 ± 2.83 weeks and 6.86± 3.59 weeks for those aged ≥35 years and <35 years, respectively (ρ = 0.003). There was a significant association between CD4+ T cell counts at initiation of TB treatment and smear microscopy conversion rates after 12 weeks (ρ = 0.010). At 8 weeks of anti-TB therapy, all MDR-TB patients whose baseline smear microscopy score ranged from scanty to 1+ converted negative whilst 25% of patients with score ≥2+ at baseline remained positive at the end of 12 weeks of treatment (ρ = 0.014). Multivariate Cox regression showed that only baseline smear microscopy grade was independently associated with prolonged smear positivity in MDR-TB patients at 12 weeks (ρ = 0.014).Conclusion Baseline microscopy score ≥2+ is key determinant for prolonged MDR-TB smear positivity beyond 12 weeks of anti-TB therapy. This indicator, though less sensitive than culture, can be used in poor resource settings.
Islet β-Cell Function Following 4.4-Year Insulin Injection in Chinese Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ling Wei , Yi HUANG , Yan-Hua XIAO , Yan-Mei HUANG , Yang-Fu OU , Xue-Zhi HONG , Hai-Lu ZHAO
Published: March 2020

Background The aim of this study was to scrutinize changes of islet β-cell function in Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after insulin versus oral anti-diabetic (OAD) treatments. Methods In this prospective study, islet β-cell function was determined by oral glucose tolerance test-derived fasting C-peptide, maximal C-peptide, C-peptide area under the curve (AUC c-pep ) and fasting c-pep /fasting glu , maximal c-pep /maximal glu , AUC c-pep /AUC glu . Differences in β-cell function indices between baseline and follow-up were compared among insulin monotherapy, OAD monotherapy and combined therapies. Results From 2009 to 2017, 419 elderly patients (men: 51.1%) with T2DM (insulin monotherapy, n=105; OAD monotherapy, n=172; insulin + OAD, n=142) had undergone baseline and follow-up β-cell function assessment after a mean observation of 4.4 (range, 3.0 - 7.2) years. Overall, islet β-cell function indices were decreased in all the three groups: insulin (fasting C-peptide: p=0.002; maximal C-peptide: p=0.005; fasting c-pep /fasting glu : p=0.015; maximal c-pep /maximal glu : p=0.031), OAD (fasting C-peptide: p=0.026; maximal C-peptide: p=0.013; fasting c-pep /fasting glu : p=0.025; maximal c-pep /maximal glu : p=0.029), insulin + OAD (fasting C-peptide: p<0.001; maximal C-peptide: p<0.001; fasting c-pep /fasting glu : p=0.015; maximal c-pep /maximal glu : p=0.019). No significant differences of reduction were observed among the three groups regarding the fasting C-peptide (p=0.437), fastingc-pep/fastingglu (p=0.598), maximalc-pep/maximalglu (p=0.756), AUCc-pep (p=0.856) and AUCc-pep/AUCglu (p=0.912). However, the OAD treatment group had showed a less reduction level over insulin or insulin + OAD treatment. Conclusions In Chinese elderly patients with T2DM, islet β-cell function indices progressively decline regardless of insulin supplement or insulin plus OAD treatments. However, patients with OAD monotherapy may provide better β-cell function preservation than the insulin treatments.
Machine learning approach for the binary classification of biomedical literature
Authors: Price Anna , Mort Matthew , Cooper David N. , Ashelford Kevin E.
Published: March 2020

Background: We have applied machine learning techniques to automate the screening of biomedical literature prior to the manual curation of clinical databases such as performed by the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). Methods: We have developed two machine learning models, one based on title and abstract data only, the other on the full text of the article. The models were built using a Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipeline and a logistic regression classifier. Our pipelines are implemented in Python and can be run using Docker. They are made available to the wider community via GitHub (https://github.com/annacprice/nlp-bio-tools) and Docker Hub. Results: During testing, both models performed well, correctly predicting HGMD relevant articles more than 93% of the time and correctly discarding irrelevant articles more than 96% of the time, with Matthews Correlation Coefficients (MCC's) of over 0.89. Evaluation of the finalised model using an unseen validation dataset demonstrated that the full text model correctly predicted HGMD-relevant articles more than 97% of the time, an accuracy 9.5% higher than that obtained with the title/abstract model. Conclusions: Through this work we have demonstrated that machine learning models can act as an effective pre-screen of biomedical literature, with the results indicating that a full text approach to screening biomedical literature is preferable to using just the title/abstract data.
WITHDRAWN: The utilization of paranasal sinus coronal tomography scans as a predictor for the anterior ethmoidal artery course.
Authors: Al-Balas Hasan , Nuseir Amjad , Alzoubi Firas , Alomari Ahmad , Al-Balas Bayan , Aleshawi Abdelwahab
Published: March 2020

Background. This study aims to identify radiological features on paranasal sinus coronal tomography images that can guide the surgeon to localize and determine the course of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA). These features include the visualization of anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) and anterior ethmoidal sulcus (AES) as well as the supraorbital pneumatization (SOP). Methods. This retrospective study includes 182 of the paranasal sinuses coronal tomography (CT) for patients who attended the clinic from January 2019 to August 2019 in King Abdullah University Hospital. We excluded the following images from our study: patients younger than twelve years old, patients with a sinus surgery record or trauma, patients with sinus malignancies, congenital anomalies of the face, images with fibro-osseous lesions that impaired the visualization of ethmoid roof, and images with opacified frontal recess region and/or the ethmoidal cells.Results. Both AEF and AES are prominent features on the coronal CT scan that are used to localize the AEA canal and predict its course in the ethmoid labyrinth. It was found that both radiological landmarks are presented in 100% and 93.4 % of our cases; respectively. Moreover, the presence of SOP is significant with the existence of AEA canal on coronal CT scan images.Conclusion. The preoperative evaluation of a coronal CT scan to localize the AEA can be precisely determined by visualization of both the AEF and AES. On the other hand, the presence of SOP is considered a significant sign on the CT scan were AEA can be identified.
MiR-218 inhibits malignant phenotypes of glioma by targeting TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 feedback signaling loop
Authors: Dang Siwen , Zhang Rui , Tian Sijia , Ruan Banjun , Hou Peng , Li Gang , Ji Meiju
Published: March 2020

Background: Gliomas are the most common and malignant tumors in the brain of humans, and the prognosis of glioma patient is very poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in different types of cancer by regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional levels. Although miR-218 has been reported to be downregulated in gliomas, its role in gliomas still remains largely unknown. Methods: MiR-218 expression in gliomas and normal brain tissues (control subjects) were analyzed using TCGA dataset. The biological roles of miR-218 in glioma cells were determined by a series of in vitro and in vivo studies. The dual-luciferase reporter system was performed to identify potential targets of miR-218. The regulatory effect of miR-218 on TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 pathway was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter system and western blot.Results: We demonstrated miR-218 was significantly downregulated in gliomas compared to control subjects, and exerted a potent tumor suppressor in glioma cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, as well as inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.Mechanistically, miR-218 inhibited malignant phenotypes of glioma cells by binding to the 3’ UTR of its target TNC and subsequently repressing its expression. As a result, it could reduce AKT phosphorylation and subsequently inhibit transcriptional activity of AP-1 by reducing JNK phosphorylation, downregulating the expression of TGFβ1, while TGFβ1 is able to, in turn, activate the TNC/AKT/AP-1 signaling axis.Conclusions: Our data uncover a previously unknown tumor suppressor role of miR-218 in glioma by blocking the TNC/AKT/AP-1/TGFβ1 positive feedback loop.
Magnitude and determinants of newborn mortality in neonatal intensive care unit hospitals in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Tadele , Birhanu Tesega Mengistu , Seid Abdurahaman , Workneh Mahteme Haile , Getie Dareskedar , Abebe Tenagnework Antefe , Mulat Ambanesh Necho , Tadege Taye Zeru , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke
Published: March 2020

Background: In Ethiopia, the neonatal mortality rate has not shown significant changes over time and is among the highest in the world. Exploring the magnitude and the causes of neonatal mortality in the hospital where neonatal intensive care unit is functioning could be supremely important to step towards improving the quality of neonatal care services. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the pooled magnitude and determinates of neonatal mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods : The research team retrieved global peer-reviewed journal articles available as electronic databases including PubMed, Popline, and Scopus databases. Google Scholar, institutional repositories, and Google were used to retrieve grey literature. Random-effects meta-analysis model was used to pool the estimates of the magnitude of mortality among studies. The results were presented as the pooled estimates (odds ratio and proportion) with 95% confidence intervals, at less than 0.05 significant levels. Results: In this review, 10 studies were included with a total of 8,729 neonates. Of these, 1,779 (20.4%) neonates died in the neonatal intensive care unit. The pooled neonatal mortality rate was 19.0% (95% CI: 14.0-25.0). The neonatal mortality is three times higher among early age (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.45-5.40) and preterm newborns (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 2.12-5.07) than their counterparts. Early age of the newborn, prematurity, low birth weight, perinatal asphyxia, mode of delivery, hypothermia, late initiation of breastfeeding, and having antenatal care visits were the main determinants for neonatal mortality. Likewise, perinatal asphyxia, hyaline membrane disease, respiratory distress syndrome, and prematurity were identified as the most determinant and statistically associated with the death of premature neonates admitted to intensive care units. Conclusion: Neonatal mortality in the intensive care unit is high. It is unacceptably high amongst early and preterm neonates. Special care for preterm and early age newborns, timely initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate mode of delivery, essential obstetric and newborn care, and promoting antenatal visits are recommended to reduce neonatal mortality. Protocol registration: The protocol was registered at the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number CRD42019123195.
Assessment of a novel pretreatment techniques for enhancing the enzymatic saccharification of sugarcane baggase: Structural and chemical analysis
Authors: Tiwari Soni , Yadav Janardan , Gaur Rajeeva , Yadav Jay Shanker
Published: March 2020

Background Enhancement of cellulase and xylanase production and improvement of more proficient lignocellulose-degrading enzymes are essential in order to decrease the price of enzymes required in the biomass-to-bioethanol production. Results The effectiveness of different concentration of alkali and acid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse for improving the enzymatic saccharification of cellulose has been evaluated. The sugarcane bagasse was characterized to contain 39.52% cellulose, 25.63% hemicelluloses, 30.36% lignin, 1.44% ash and 2.90% other extractives. Afterthat, The sugarcane bagasse was pretreated with two different concentrations (5% and 10%) of H 2 SO 4 and NaOH at 121°C for 60 min. Among them, the best result was obtained when sugarcane bagasse was pretreated with 10% NaOH solution followed by 10% H 2 SO 4 , 5% NaOH and 5% H 2 SO 4 solution. The highest cellulose saccharification was 489.5 mg/g from 10% NaOH pretreatment followed by 322.75mg/g, 301.25 mg/g and 276.6 mg/g from 10% H 2 SO 4 , 5% NaOH and 5% H 2 SO 4 , respectively, which were 55.1, 32.0, 27.1 and 20.6 times higher than the control. Moreover, the FTIR, XRD and SEM analysis showed significant molecule and surface structure changes of the sugarcane bagasse after different pretreatments. Cellulase and xylanase produced by Pseudomonas sp. CVB-10 [MK443365] and Bacillus paramycoides T4 [MN370035] was used to hydrolyze the pretreated sugarcane bagasse and the optimal condition was determined to be 30 h of enzymatic reaction with 3:1 ration of enzymes under the temperature of 55°C, pH 5.5, substrate concentration of 3% and Tween-20 0.5%. Conclusion Enzyme supernatants produced by the mixed culture of Pseudomonas sp. CVB-10 [MK443365] and Bacillus paramycoides T4 [MN370035] on various pretreated sugarcane baggase have good cellulase and xylanase activities, leading to celluloses and Hemicelluloses conversion in the enzymatic hydrolysis/saccharification that is more proficient.
A certain concentration of vecuronium and pipecuronium can inhibit the expression of neutrophils CD11b in human isolated venous blood
Authors: Liu Zunyuan
Published: March 2020

Background Perioperative medicines can affect the body's immune response, according to data reported a variety of anesthetic drugs can directly or indirectly affect the immune response, this study aims to preliminarily common muscle relaxant presence of anti-inflammatory effects. Methods To collect peripheral blood of healthy adults, and designed the following treatment groups: [A] blank group; [B] static and unstimulated drug groups: the group contained two concentrations of both pipecuronium and vecuronium respectively (0.5/0.1g•ml-1); [L] simple lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group; [C] under stimulated drug groups: two concentrations (0.5/0.1g•ml-1) muscle relaxants were added with lipopolysaccharide in each group. Detection of average fluorescence emphasized expression of CD11b on neutrophils by flow cytometry. Results Compared with the blank control group [A], the expression of CD11b in each group was significantly increased in the LPS group [L] and the stimulus drug groups [C](p<0.001). Compared with the blank control group [A], low concentration of vecuronium and pipecuronium could inhibit the expression of CD11b on the surface of neutrophils (vecuronium 95% CI: 20.47 to 37.28, p<0.001),(pipecuronium 95% CI: 18.63 to 50.22, p<0.001). High concentrations of vecuronium and pipecuronium to CD11b expression differences had no statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions The concentration of vecuronium and pipecuronium that approximates clinical maintenance dose has effect of inhibiting the CD11b expression of human neutrophil in venous blood in vitro. The results of this study can provide the reference for muscle relaxant immunological research and clinical rational use .
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects of Synbiotics against Multidrug-Resistant bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Laal-Kargar Niki , Dolatabadi Samaneh , Mohtashami Mahnaz
Published: March 2020

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterocoocus faecalis increase their resistance against antibiotic by producing biofilm. Antibiotic resistance has become a massive public health threat that require novel effective antibacterial and antibiofilm alternatives. The use of probiotics is interested to prevent and control certain infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm property of probiotics and synbiotics against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and E. faecalis. Methods: The antimicrobial and the antibiofilm activities of cell- free supernatants of four strains of Lactobacillus against 20 clinical multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterocoocus faecalis were determined in the presence of 0.3% of sorbitol, raffinose, citrate, trehalose, inulin, and riboflavin using well diffusion agar and micro-dilution method. Results: The cell- free supernatant of L. rhamnosus with citrate and trehalose showed the best antibacterial activity against MDR A. baumannii (28.8±2.1mm, 1.128 μL/mL), and L. rhamnosus with all of prebiotics against MDR E. faecalis (29.8±0 mm, 1.128 μL/mL) compare to probiotic alone. The prebiotics could improve the inhibitory effect of probiotics against the Gram-negative A. baumannii higher than Gram-positive E. faecalis. Biofilm formation was reduced in both pathogens in presence of synbiotics. L. plantarum with riboflavin and L. rhamnosus with or without inulin potently inhibits E. faecalis (50±0.86%) and A. baumannii (75±6.5%) biofilm formation, respectively. Conclusions: The results of current study support the antibiofilm activity of metabolites produced by synbiotics, and suggest their use as suitable adjuvants as well as biocontrol agents for treatment.
Prediction of Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditures in Rwanda using Machine Learning approaches
Authors: Muremyi Roger
Published: March 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Insulin Resistance Diagnosed by HOMA-IR may be Overestimated in Adults with Greater Fat-Free Mass: The ELSA-Brasil Study
Authors: Zaniqueli Divanei , Alvim Rafael de Oliveira , Griep Rosane Harter , Benseñor Isabela Martins , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Mill José Geraldo
Published: March 2020

Background Conflicting results have been reported on the association of fat-free mass (FFM) and insulin resistance (IR). The way of indexing FFM may be a bias. This study sought to test the association of FFM and IR after indexing FFM to avoid collinearity. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 11,284 volunteers, ages 38-79 years. Body composition was assessed by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance. FFM indexed to body surface area (FFMbsa) was calculated. Excess body fat was assigned to individuals with percent body fat ≥ 85th percentile for age and sex. Fasting insulin and glucose, and 2h glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test were obtained. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) > 3.0 was set as the cut-off for IR.Results Percent body fat decreased from the 1st to the 5th quintile of FFMbsa in both women (Eta 2 = 0.166) and men (Eta 2 = 0.133). In women, fasting insulin (Eta 2 = 0.002), glucose (Eta 2 = 0.006), and HOMA-IR (Eta 2 = 0.007) increased slightly, whereas 2h glucose did not change towards the highest quintile of FFMbsa. In men, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were similar across the quintiles of FFMbsa, whereas fasting glucose increased slightly (Eta 2 = 0.002) and 2h glucose decreased (Eta 2 = 0.005) towards the highest quintile of FFMbsa. Greater FFMbsa explained 1.8% of the odds of IR among women and 0.9% among men.Conclusion The lack of association of FFM and 2h glucose contrasted with greater odds of IR (by HOMA-IR) associated with greater FFM. The association of greater FFM and IR may be overestimated when the diagnosis is provided by HOMA-IR.
Boron removal from water by adsorption onto activated carbon prepared from palm bark: kinetic, isotherms, optimisation and breakthrough curves modeling
Authors: Melliti Abir , Kheriji Jamel , Bessaies Hanen , Hamrouni Béchir
Published: March 2020

The occurrence of boron in water and its inefficient removal are the key issue in desalination and water treatment. Adsorption by fixed-bed column is usually used to remove mineral and organic contaminants from the aqueous phase. The adsorption of the boron onto activated carbon, prepared from palm bark, is studied. Batch adsorption experiments are developed to determine the equilibrium time and the best isotherm model. The kinetic adsorption data can be described by the second-order equation. Among the adsorption isotherm models, Langmuir and Sips models give better fit of the equilibrium data. The calculated thermodynamic parameters show that the boron adsorption is exothermic in nature. The effects of inlet boron concentration, feed flow rate and weight of activated carbon on the fixed-bed adsorption are determined by two-level factorial experimental design. Breakthrough and saturation times are higher at high adsorbent weight and low flow rates. The increase of boron initial concentration decreases breakthrough and saturation times. The volume treated per gram of activated carbon is higher at lower initial concentrations and at higher adsorbent weight. Compared to other models, the Yan model fits better the experimental data of the breakthrough curves with R2 of 0.993.
SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION ACROSS THE BRICS
Authors: Astakhova M.
Published: March 2020

The creation of the BRICS as a non-traditional international organization in the status of a global forum brings new meaning to the norm-setting of international organizations, including in the field of scientific cooperation. This paper aims to identify and analyze the up-to-date and complete normative framework of scientific cooperation across the BRICS which is a result of the BRICS norm-setting. The achievement of the stated aim is pursued through the identification of the distinctive features of the BRICS norm-setting by comparison with the norm-setting of traditional international intergovernmental organizations and by analysis of the BRICS regulations dealing with issues of scientific cooperation. Within the process of researching this subject the author analyzed the BRICS regulations of different levels from the Joint Statements of the BRICS Countries’ Leaders and the Summits Declarations to the BRICS working papers as aframework program. The main finding of the research is that the normative framework of scientific cooperation across the BRICS is a set of non-legally binding norms contained in the regulations adopted at the various meetings of national officials within the BRICS. This finding can contribute to a better understanding of the application of the BRICS norms.
A Perspective on Candidate Neural Underpinnings of Binge Eating Disorder: Reward and Homeostatic Systems
Authors: Romei Amelia , Voigt Katharina , Verdejo-Garcia Antonio
Published: March 2020

People with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) exhibit heightened sensitivity to rewarding stimuli and elevated activity in reward-related brain regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), ventral striatum (VS) and insula, during food-cue exposure. BED has also been associated with altered patterns of functional connectivity during resting-state. Investigating neural connectivity in the absence of task stimuli provides knowledge about baseline communication patterns that may influence the behavioural and cognitive manifestation of BED. Elevated resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between reward-related brain regions may contribute to uncontrolled eating bouts observed in BED, through heightened food-cue sensitivity and food-craving. The impact of homeostatic state on rsFC of the reward system has not yet been investigated in people with BED. Homeostatic dysfunction is a key driver of excessive food consumption in obesity, whereby rsFC between rewardrelated brain regions does not attenuate during satiety. Future studies should investigate BED related differences in rsFC within the reward system during hunger and satiety, in order to determine whether individuals with BED display an abnormal neural response to changes in homeostatic state. This knowledge would further enhance current understandings of the mechanisms contributing to BED, potentially implicating both reward and homeostatic dysfunctions as drivers of BED.
Bio-organometallic Peptide Conjugates: Recent Advances in Their Synthesis and Prospects for Biomedical Application
Authors: Gómez Johana , Sierra Diego , Cárdenas Constanza , Guzmán Fanny
Published: March 2020

One area of organometallic chemistry that has attracted great interest in recent
years is the syntheses, characterization and study of organometallic complexes conjugated
to biomolecules with different steric and electronic properties as potential therapeutic
agents against cancer and malaria, as antibiotics and as radiopharmaceuticals. This minireview
focuses on the unique structural diversity that has recently been discovered in α-
amino acids and the reactions of metallocene complexes with peptides having different
chemical behavior and potential medical applications. Replacing α-amino acids with metallocene
fragments is an effective way of selectively influencing the physicochemical,
structural, electrochemical and biological properties of the peptides. Consequently, research
in the field of bioorganometallic chemistry offers the opportunity to develop bioactive
metal compounds as an innovative and promising approach in the search for pharmacological control of
different diseases.
Research on Household Charging Optimization of Electric Vehicles Based on Smart Load
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Ma Gang , Lyu Jie , Wu Xuehong , Zheng Mei
Published: March 2020

Background:

With the tremendous changes in the world’s fuel structure, the Electric Vehicle
(EV) has become a powerful means of mitigating energy and environmental issues.

Objective:

However, when an electric vehicle is connected to home, it will cause load fluctuation,
which threatens the safe and smooth operation of the user's electricity.

Methods:

Therefore, in order to solve the problem of power instability when the electric vehicle is
connected to home, this paper proposes an optimization strategy for household charging based on
Smart Load (SL).

Results:

After the daily load fluctuation model of electric vehicle family charging is constructed, the
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is combined to establish the electric vehicle family
charging optimization model.

Conclusion:

The analysis of the example shows that the proposed method can stabilize the household
power, which can effectively solve the adverse effects caused by excessive fluctuation of daily
load in the family.
Through the Eyes of Medical Tourism: Service Culture in Malaysia and Thailand
Authors: Yusof Norzayana , Rosnan Herwina , Shamsuddin Sofian
Published: March 2020

Despite the progressive revenue trend, service providers in the Malaysian medical tourism have been receiving numerous complaints. Hence, this article sets to illustrate the behaviour of the service providers by describing whether they met the expectations of medical tourists. This study conducted twelve in-depth interviews with private hospitals, doctors and healthcare facilitators. Through Atlas.ti version 8, this study unveils that Malaysia lacks behind Thailand in providing patient-centric hospital services. Due to the 'doctor shopping' behaviour and word-of-mouth between patients, the present situation may hamper the growth of this industry as patients could easily opt for alternative options for their treatments.
Approaches for the identification of chronic kidney disease in CPRD–HES-linked studies
Authors: Ramagopalan Sreeram , Leahy Thomas P , Stamp Elaine , Sammon Cormac
Published: March 2020

Aim:
There are different methods to identify chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD)-Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).
Methods:
Using CPRD-HES, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients were classified according to CKD category.
Results:
Using glomerular filtration rate/estimated glomerular filtration rate tests only to identify patients with CKD resulted in 3.5% stage 2, 2.7% stage 3, 0.3% stage 4 and 0.03% stage 5. Using data from diagnostic codes to identify patients with CKD resulted in 1.4% stage 3, 0.4% stage 4 and 0.3% stage 5. Using test records and codes resulted in 3.5% stage 2, 4.0% stage 3, 0.6% stage 4 and 0.4% stage 5.
Conclusion:
To identify CKD status in CPRD-HES, a combination of test records and codes should be used. Using diagnostic codes only significantly underestimates CKD prevalence.
Joyful Number Talks in Kindergarten
Authors: Pecaski McLennan Deanna Marie
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the use of number talks to engage kindergarten children in regular joyful math opportunities in the classroom. As an educator of four- and five-year-old students in a full day kindergarten (FDK) program in Ontario, Canada, I embrace inquiry-based learning to guide children’s activities. Inspired by the childcare centres in Reggio Emilia, Italy, I continually support and scaffold the expressed interests of children in the form of projects. This means that children are engaged in and discover answers to self-directed questions on a regular basis. I have always compared kindergarten to a dance; sometimes I lead and other times I follow.
Estudio de factibilidad para el diseño de un sistema automatizado para producción avícola alimentado con energía solar
Authors: Bojacá Garavito Edgar A , Hilarión Novoa Francisco J , Bojacá Bojacá Diana M
Published: March 2020

Los avicultores de la región del Guavio se han dedicado por décadas a la crianza y engorde de pollos, dicho proceso se ha visto fallido por la ausencia de flujo constante de energía eléctrica, necesaria en la generación de temperatura e iluminación, y, para esto se han generado procesos alternos como la generación de calor a través de fogatas, lo que trae como consecuencia contaminación por humo y deforestación entre otros.  Por lo anterior, se ha realizado un estudio de factibilidad como fase inicial de este proceso de investigación, generando un proceso interdisciplinar entre electrónica, telecomunicaciones, redes y según lo requiera el estudio incluir estudiantes zootecnistas, lo anterior para establecer la viabilidad del diseño de un prototipo que permitirá garantizar el proceso de crianza y engorde las 24 horas, mitigando el riesgo de pérdida por ausencia de control de variables. Se analiza las variables de temperatura, humedad, incidencia solar y ventilación como factores determinantes en el proceso de producción avícola en el municipio de Gachetá.
Pemilihan Alternatif Investasi Dana Haji dalam Mendorong Pertumbuhan Ekonomi: Pendekatan Analytic Network Process (ANP)
Authors: Ghofar Abdul , Firdaus Achmad , Rulindo Ronald
Published: March 2020

This study aims to analyze the criteria for investing in Hajj funds and alternative investments that provide benefits to Muslims so that they have an impact on economic growth. By using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach, alternative investments offered are Infrastructure, Property, Financial Sector, and Real Sector. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of pairwise comparisons between groups and their assessment indicators. A total of 7 (seven) expert speakers (experts) who became respondents successfully collected and processed using the ANP method. The results showed that investment in infrastructure and the real sector provides benefits to Muslims economically, so as to improve the welfare of Muslims which in turn can encourage economic growth.
Incidence of volatile phenols in Montenegrin red wines: Vranac, Kratosija and Cabernet sauvignon
Authors: Radonjic Sanja , Prosen Helena , Maras Vesna , Demsar Lea , Kosmerl Tatjana
Published: March 2020

The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of three different commercial yeasts and two lactic acid bacteria, as well as the use of oak (chips and staves) on the volatile phenol (VP) formation in Montenegrin aged red wines (Vranac, Kratosija and Cabernet Sauvignon) of the 2013 vintage. Standard chemical parameters of the wines were determined in order to establish relationship with VP. After three years of bottle aging, chemical parameters of wines (alcohol content, residual sugars (RS), pH, free and total SO2, anthocyanins) and VP (4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol) were determined. Volatile phenols were found in 18 samples of Kratosija and 5 samples of Vranac. Volatile phenols were not detected in Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Kratosija as a grape variety from the Montenegrin terroir during 2013 vintage had the highest potential for the VP formation, while the highest content of 4-ethylphenol (2.84 mg/L) and 4-ethylguaiacol (0.52 mg/L) was determined in Vranac wine. It was demonstrated that VP would be formed in wines even with high alcohol content (>12.50 vol.%), low pH (<3.30) and with free SO2 concentrations at bottling of 30-35 mg/L.
Simulation and operation control strategy of ground source thermal energy management system by cold and heat auxiliary technology
Authors: Xiong Shengtao , Liu Zhenxing , Li Qunqiao , Chen Yuan , Cai Xiaoyan , Hu Na , Yu Qiuyue
Published: March 2020

To explore the performance of the ground source thermal energy management system under the cold and heat sources, based on the cold and heat auxiliary technology, a ground source thermal energy composite management system is constructed and simulated. The constructed ground source heat pump-refrigeration unit-hybrid heating management system of urban heating networks, as well as the simple system, are analyzed and investigated in terms of power consumption and underground temperature control. The research results show that the constructed ground source heat pump-refrigeration unit-hybrid heating management system of the urban heating network has lower power and energy consumption than a simple system during the same period, which meets the economic requirements and guarantees the system with relatively low energy consumption. For underground temperature control, the constructed system is more stable than a simple system without excessive temperature fluctuations. The operation control strategy of the constructed system is mainly for chiller units, heat pump units, cooling towers, source side, and side circulation water pump modules. In summary, the constructed ground source heat pump-refrigeration unit-hybrid heating management system of an urban heating network based on the ground source heat pump meets the requirements for energy consumption and temperature control and can operate the control strategy normally. The results are significant for subsequent researches on the ground source thermal energy management system based on cold and heat auxiliary technology.
Optimisation of Biodiesel Synthesis from Waste Cooking Oil in the Reactive Distillation Column Using Taguchi Methodology
Authors: ÇAĞATAY Mehmet , ÇAĞATAY Şeyda , KARACAN Suleyman
Published: March 2020

Traditional biodiesel methods have disadvantages of excessive alcohol demand, short catalyst life, high manufacturing cost. Reactive distillation (RD) simplifies operations by combining reaction and separation. In literature, there was a few experimental study on continuous–flow biodiesel in RD column with heterogeneous catalyst. So, it was aimed to develop economical continuous process for producing fatty acid methyl esters from low price waste cooking oil (WCO) in RD column packed with cheaper basic heterogeneous calcium oxide. Taguchi orthogonal arrays were used as experimental design to reduce number of experiments significantly. Conversions and steady state times were obtained in range of (72.99–99.52 )% and (1.67–6.25) hour, respectively. Effects of four parameters were analyzed by statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) and numerical optimization was performed by programs embedded in Design–Expert 6.0. Optimum conditions at the maximum conversion of 99.48% and steady state time of 1.69 hour were determined as WCO flow rate of 2.90 ml/min, methanol/oil molar ratio of 8.19 and reboiler heat duty of 0.419 kW by numerical optimization. Considering results were quite compatible with literature, it was understood Taguchi, ANOVA and numerical optimization were carried out successfully. Consequently, it was deduced high conversion and economically feasible biodiesel could be probable by using this methodology.
EFEKTIVITAS PENERAPAN MODE LPEMBELAJARAN RECIPROCAL TEACHING TERHADAP MOTIVASI BELAJAR DAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA
Authors: Abbas Baharuddin , Mania Sitti , Raoda Wirda , Rasyid Muhammad Rusydi , Tayeb Thamrin
Published: March 2020

AbstrakTujuan dari penelitian ini adalah meningkatkan motivasi belajar dan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa dengan menerapkan model pembelajaran reciprocal teaching. Data motivasi belajar dikumpulkan melalui angket dan data pemahaman konsep matematika dikumpulkan melalui tes.Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah statistik deskriptif dan statistik infrensial. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji independent samplet T-test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa setelah diterapkan model reciprocal teaching motivasi belajar siswa yang sebelumnya 35% berada pada kategori tinggi kemudian meningkat menjadi 95%, dapat pula dilihat peningkatannya dari rata-rata motivasi belajar awal siswa yaitu 68,35 kemudian meningkat menjadi 84,00. Pemahaman konsep matematika siswa juga meningkat setelah diterapkannya model reciprocal teaching yang sebelumnya 15% berada pada kategori tinggi meningkat menjadi 55%, dengan peningkatan rata-rata pemahaman konsep awal yaitu 46,50 meningkat menjadi 80,05. Dengan demikian penerapan model pembelajaran reciprocal teaching efektif terhadap peningkatan motivasi belajar dan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa.AbstractThe aims of this study were to improve the students' learning motivation and understanding mathematical concept by applying reciprocal teaching learning model. Data of learning motivation was collected through questionnaire and data of understanding mathematical concept was collected through tests. Data analysis techniques used were descriptive and infrential statistics. Hypothesis testing used was Independent Samplet Test. The findings showed that after the implementation of reciprocal teaching model, the students' motivation in learning improve from 35% to 95%. It could also be seen that the average of the students' initial learning motivation increased from 68.35 to 84.00. The understanding of the students' mathematical concept also improve after the implementation of reciprocal teaching model which previously was 15% in the high category increased to 55%, with an increase in the average of initial concept understanding from 46.50 to 80.05.  Thus, the application of reciprocal teaching learning model is effective to improve the students' learning motivation and understanding mathematical concept.
STRATEGI GURU DALAM MENGATASI KESULITAN BELAJAR DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Chan Faizal , Pamela Issaura Sherly , Sinaga Irma Sari , Mesariani Mesariani , Oktarina Rica , Julianti Melsa
Published: March 2020

AbstrakTujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jenis-jenis kesulitan belajar yang dialami peserta didik dan strategi guru dalam menghadapi peserta didik yang mengalami kesulitan belajar di SD Negeri 80/I Muara Bulian. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dan jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian fenomenologi. Teknik sampling yang digunakan purposive sampling. Sumber data utama pada penelitian ini adalah guru. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini merupakan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan terdiri dari reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada beberapa peserta didik yang mengalami kesulitan belajar, yaitu kesulitan belajar membaca, kesulitan belajar menulis, dan kesulitan belajar berhitung. Untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, guru harus memilih strategi, pendekatan, metode, dan teknik belajar mengajar yang dianggap tepat dan efektif sehingga dapat dijadikan pedoman oleh guru dalam melaksanakan kegiatan pembelajaran.Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the types of learning difficulties faced by the students and the teachers’ strategies to overcome the students’ learning difficulties in SD Negeri 80/I Muara Bulian. The research method used was qualitative descriptive method along with the phenomenological research type. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The main data source in this study was the teacher. Data collection techniques were through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis technique used was the theory of Miles and Huberman which consisted of data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The results of this study indicated that there were several students faced learning difficulties including reading, writing, and counting difficulties. To solve those problems, the teachers should determine approppriate strategies, approaches, methods, and techniques as the teachers’ guide of teaching and learning process.
A Educação na Constituição de 1988
Authors: Soethe Ana Elisa Paes Decomain , Oliveira Sueli Terezinha de
Published: March 2020

Trata-se de artigo que possui a finalidade de analisar as disposições sobre Educação constantes da Constituição da República Federativa do Brasil, promulgada em 05 de outubro de 1998. Primeiramente, um conceito de Constituição será apresentado. Logo em seguida, um resgate histórico da educação nas Constituições Brasileiras será realizado, partindo da Constituição de 1824. Finalmente, os aspectos relevantes da Educação Brasileira, previstos na atual Constituição Federal, serão estudados.
Gestão feminina: a presença das mulheres na liderança de empresas
Authors: Metz Eduardo Silva
Published: March 2020

A presença da mulher no mercado de trabalho é um fator de atualização das empresas na atualidade. Por isso, torna-se interessante investigar quais as características da mulher nos cargos de liderança. A busca pela manutenção das mulheres nas empresas é constante, mas questões sobre o acesso a cargos de gestão ainda devem ser discutidas. Estudaram-se as dificuldades da manutenção da mulher em ambientes culturalmente preenchidos pelo público masculino, principalmente em cargos de gestão, pois existem barreiras tanto externas quanto internas, ou seja, obstáculos criados pelas empresas e pelas próprias mulheres. Concluiu-se que as empresas devem ser mais flexíveis, a fim de aproveitar os benefícios da liderança feminina, como o relacionamento colaborativo e a tendência a inovação. Mas também deve partir delas o desejo de ser líder.