bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variability of the parameters of soil-water characteristic curves in gravel-mulched fields
Authors: Zhao Wenju , Cao Taohong , Li Zongli , Su Yu , Bao Zhiwei
Published: October 2019

Knowledge of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) and its spatial variability is essential for many agricultural, environmental, and engineering applications. We analyzed the spatial variability of the parameters of SWCC in gravel-mulched fields using classical statistics and geostatistical methods. Soil samples were collected from the layer in 64 evenly distributed 1 × 1 m quadrats 4 m apart, center to center. SWCC in the gravel-mulched fields could be fitted well by both the van Genuchten and Brooks–Corey models, but the fit was better with the van Genuchten model. The type of fitting three parameters was tested. The model parameters θs and n of each type of soil were weakly variable, and α was moderately variable. The results indicate that the gravel-mulched field has better water retention, and the water retention effect of the new gravel-mulched fields is most obvious. The spatial variation of the parameters in SWCC can therefore be used to infer soil hydraulic properties, which is important for simplifying the calculation of SWCC and quantitatively determining the retention of soil water and for managing the capacity of soil to retain water in gravel-mulched fields in arid regions.
Pollutant removal and growth dynamics of macrophyte species for faecal sludge treatment with constructed wetland technology
Authors: Osei Agyemang Richard , Konate Yacouba , Abagale Felix Kofi
Published: October 2019

Constructed wetland technology is an innovative engineering technique for faecal sludge (FS) management. The presence of emergent macrophytes enhances the important processes of evapotranspiration, sludge mineralisation, and contaminant reduction. Consequently, selecting a species that can withstand the difficult sludge contaminated conditions within a local context is vital. This study monitored the pollutant removal potentials and growth dynamics of Bambusa vulgaris and Cymbopogon nardus as promising macrophytes for the constructed wetland technology in the Sudano-Sahelian context. The experiment, at pilot scale, consisted of plastic reactors (27 litre) filled with filter media of sand and fine gravels at the base, and planted with the selected species. Pollutant removal efficiencies were evaluated based on differences between influent and effluent concentrations, and physiological growth parameters of plant height, number of leaves and number of plants were monitored monthly. Total annual sludge loading rate of 31.4 and 103.4 kg TS/(m2·yr) (TS: total solids) were determined for FS + wastewater (acclimatisation phase) and FS load respectively. Both species recorded appreciable pollutant removal efficiency >80% for the organic (chemical oxygen demand), nutrients (PO43_P and NH4-N) and solid (total suspended solids and total volatile solids) contents. The species thus demonstrated satisfactory performance of resistance for faecal polluted wetland conditions.
Involute the reactivity of persulfate with zero-valent iron for enhanced removal of arsenic (V) in aspect involvement of Fe2+ or Fe3+
Authors: Wang Yue , Chang Tianying , Zhang Zhengchao , Pei Kaijie , Fu Jie , Liu Tingyi
Published: October 2019

Being a fundamental issue regarding sewage treatment, heavy metals removal from industrial effluents has been subject to intense scrutiny in both the academic and practical worlds. The removal of pentavalent arsenic (As(V)), one of the most poisonous pollutants, was investigated using a sodium persulfate and iron powder system activated by ferrous ions (Fe2+-ZVI-PS). As(V) could be effectively removed by an Fe2+-ZVI-PS system in a timely fashion (minute scale) with high removal rates (more than 90.0%) over a wide range of pH (1–9) and concentration (20–100 mg/L). The removal of As(V) by the Fe2+-ZVI-PS system integrated favorably with the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. Researches on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrated that the Fe2+-ZVI-PS system enables the removal of As(V) through the process of co-precipitation and adsorption. Our findings thus emphasized that the Fe2+-ZVI-PS system should be an effective trigger to purifying arsenic from the environment. Our results indicated that the Fe2+-ZVI-PS system could be an effective candidate for remediation of arsenic in the environment.
A farm-scale grass biorefinery concept for combined pig feed and biogas production
Authors: Tampio Elina , Winquist Erika , Luostarinen Sari , Rinne Marketta
Published: October 2019

This study assessed the nutrient flows and the economic viability of a farm-scale grass biorefinery concept for a pig farm. Grass silage was separated into liquid and solid fractions; the liquid fraction was used as pig feed and the solid fraction was directed to biogas production together with pig slurry. The addition of grass to the farm's crop rotation and its use in feed and biogas production slightly increased the share of nitrogen (N) circulating within the farm (by 2%), thus decreasing phosphorus circulation by 3%. Despite the positive effect on N balance, the economy of the farm-scale concept had challenges. However, upgrading biogas to vehicle fuel and selling it on farm was more economically viable than combined heat and power production. The proposed concept could be economically viable with a slight increase in the price of vehicle fuel, a moderate increase in the price of the grass liquid fraction, or better optimization of the system, starting with grass cultivation and processing. Moreover, profitable production could also be reached by increasing the scale of production by increasing farm size or by two or more farms working together.
Os personagens na teoria de Bakhtin
Authors: Wall Anthony , Witt Mendonça Junior Jorge
Published: October 2019

Um foco em comum em muitas teorias modernas da literatura é a reavaliação da perspectiva tradicional do personagem em um texto narrativo. A posição que este artigo defende é que uma concepção revisada é necessária para um entendimento dos meios pelos quais o dialogismo se diz funcionar no discurso romanesco. Revisar a noção de dialogismo, no entanto, não envolve descartá-la por completo, como teorias recentes do assunto nos fariam descartar. Também não podemos simplesmente anulá-la em relação a todo conteúdo “psicológico” como sugerido por muitas propostas estruturalistas. Para manter o conceito de Bakhtin da noção de personagem, nós devemos entender o termo “psicológico” no contexto do seu livro sobre Freud. Ao combinar artificialmente as observações isoladas de Bakhtin sobre o personagem literário, chegamos à perspectiva que postula fontes vocais textualizadas no romance. Em tal esquema, uma máxima variabilidade e liberdade é proporcionada para cada fonte separadamente. No entanto, devemos usar o termo “separadamente” com extremo cuidado, pois, nos escritos de Bakhtin, todos aqueles seres que poderíamos considerar como entidades separadas estão, de fato, intrincadamente entrelaçados e inseparáveis. Considerar algo como absolutamente separado implica conhecer intimamente todos os seus limites e possibilidades. Esta é certamente uma capacidade que Bakhtin nos negaria quando se trata de figuras humanas em textos.
Novel Treatment for the Most Resistant Schizophrenia: Dual Activation of NMDA Receptor and Antioxidant
Authors: Lin Chieh-Hsin , Chen Yu-Ming , Lane Hsien-Yuan
Published: October 2019

:

Clozapine has been regarded as the last-line antipsychotic agent for patients with refractory
schizophrenia. However, many patients remain unresponsive to clozapine, referred to as “clozapineresistant”,
“ultra-treatment-resistant”, or remain in incurable state. There has been no convincing evidence
for augmentation on clozapine so far. Novel treatments including numerous N-methyl-Daspartate
(NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) enhancers, such as glycine, D-serine, D-cycloserine, and Nmethylglycine
(sarcosine) failed in clinical trials.

:

Earlier, the inhibition of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) that may metabolize D-amino acids and activate
NMDAR has been reported to be beneficial for patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotics
except for clozapine. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial found
that add-on sodium benzoate, a DAAO inhibitor, improved the clinical symptoms in patients with clozapine-
resistant schizophrenia, possibly through DAAO inhibition (and thereby NMDAR activation)
and antioxidation as well; additionally, sodium benzoate showed no obvious side effects, indicating
that the treatment is safe at doses up to 2 g per day for 6 weeks. More studies are warranted to elucidate
the mechanisms of sodium benzoate for the treatment of schizophrenia and the etiology of this
severe brain disease. If the finding can be reconfirmed, this approach may bring new hope for the
treatment of the most refractory schizophrenia.

:

This review summarizes the current status of clinical trials and related mechanisms for treatmentresistant,
especially, clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. The importance of understanding the molecular circuit
switches is also highlighted which can restore brain function in patients with schizophrenia. Future
directions in developing better treatments for the most difficult to cure schizophrenia are also discussed.
A Series of New Hydrazone Derivatives: Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Anticholinesterase Activity Studies
Authors: Bozbey İrem , Özdemir Zeynep , Uslu Harun , Özçelik Azime Berna , Şenol Fatma Sezer , Orhan İlkay Erdoğan , Uysal Mehtap
Published: October 2019

Background:

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) are known to
be serine hydrolase enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh), which is a significant
neurotransmitter for regulation of cognition in animals. Inhibition of cholinesterases is an effective
method to curb Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and fatal neurological disorder.

Objective:

In this study, 30 new hydrazone derivatives were synthesized. Then we evaluated their anticholinesterase
activity of compounds. We also tried to get insights into binding interactions of the synthesized
compounds in the active site of both enzymes by using molecular docking approach.

Methods:

The compounds were synthesized by the reaction of various substituted/nonsubstituted benzaldehydes
with 6-(substitute/nonsubstituephenyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone-2-yl propiyohydrazide. Anticholinesterase
activity of the compounds was determined using Ellman’s method. Molecular docking
studies were done by using the ADT package version 1.5.6rc3 and showed by Maestro. RMSD values
were obtained using Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm and scoring function of AutoDock 4.2 release
4.2.5.1 software.

Results:

The activities of the compounds were compared with galantamine as cholinesterase enzyme
inhibitor, where some of the compounds showed higher BChE inhibitory activity than galantamine.
Compound F111 was shown to be the best BChE inhibitor effective in 50 μM dose, providing 89.43%
inhibition of BChE (IC50=4.27±0.36 μM).

Conclusion:

This study supports that novel hydrazone derivates may be used for the development of
new BChE inhibitory agents.
Recent Progress of Oridonin and Its Derivatives for the Treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Hu Xu , Wang Yan , Gao Xiang , Xu Shengtao , Zang Linghe , Xiao Yan , Li Zhanlin , Hua Huiming , Xu Jinyi , Li Dahong
Published: October 2019

First stage human clinical trial (CTR20150246) for HAO472, the L-alanine-(14-oridonin)
ester trifluoroacetate, was conducted by a Chinese company, Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd, to develop
a new treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia. Two patents, WO2015180549A1 and
CN201410047904.X, covered the development of the I-type crystal, stability experiment, conversion
rate research, bioavailability experiment, safety assessment, and solubility study. HAO472 hewed out
new avenues to explore the therapeutic properties of oridonin derivatives and develop promising
treatment of cancer originated from naturally derived drug candidates. Herein, we sought to overview
recent progress of the synthetic, physiological, and pharmacological investigations of oridonin and its
derivatives, aiming to disclose the therapeutic potentials and broaden the platform for the discovery of
new anticancer drugs.
Assessment of Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Organic Environmental Pollutants in Liver and Adipose Tissue of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Age-matched Controls
Authors: Manivannan Bhagyashree , Yegambaram Manivannan , Supowit Samuel , Beach Thomas G. , Halden Rolf U.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Lifetime exposure to environmental (neuro) toxicants may contribute to the
pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Since many contaminants do not cross the blood-brain
barrier, brain tissue alone cannot serve to assess the spectrum of environmental exposures.

Methods:

We used liquid and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to monitor, in postmortem
liver and adipose tissues of AD patients and age-matched controls, the occurrence and
concentrations of 11 environmental contaminants.

Results:

Seven toxicants were detected at 100% frequency: p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, triclosan,
methylparaben, bisphenol A, fipronil and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Intra-individual, tissuedependent
differences were detected for triclosan, methylparaben, fipronil and TBBPA. High
concentrations of p,p’-DDE and dieldrin were observed in adipose tissue when compared to liver values
for both AD cases and controls.

Conclusion:

This study provides vital data on organ-specific human body burdens to select analytes and
demonstrate the feasibility of analyzing small sample quantities for toxicants suspected to constitute AD
risk factors.
Insights into the Structural Aspects of the mGlu Receptor Orthosteric Binding Site
Authors: Hao Junliang , Chen Qi
Published: October 2019

The amino terminal domain (ATD) of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors contains
the orthosteric glutamate recognition site, which is highly conserved across the eight mGlu receptor subtypes.
In total, 29 X-ray crystal structures of the mGlu ATD proteins have been reported to date. These
structures span across 3 subgroups and 6 subtypes, and include apo, agonist- and antagonist-bound structures.
We will discuss the insights gained from the analysis of these structures with the focus on the interactions
contributing to the observed group and subtype selectivity for select agonists. Furthermore,
we will define the full expanded orthosteric ligand binding pocket (LBP) of the mGlu receptors, and discuss
the macroscopic features of the mGlu ATD proteins.
NMDAR PAMs: Multiple Chemotypes for Multiple Binding Sites
Authors: Goldsmith Paul J.
Published: October 2019

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a member of the ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) family that plays a crucial role in brain signalling and development. NMDARs are nonselective cation channels that are involved with the propagation of excitatory neurotransmission signals with important effects on synaptic plasticity. NMDARs are functionally and structurally complex receptors, they exist as a family of subtypes each with its own unique pharmacological properties. Their implication in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions means they have been a focus of research for many decades. Disruption of NMDAR-related signalling is known to adversely affect higherorder cognitive functions (e.g. learning and memory) and the search for molecules that can recover (or even enhance) receptor output is a current strategy for CNS drug discovery. A number of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) that specifically attempt to overcome NMDAR hypofunction have been discovered. They include various chemotypes that have been found to bind to several different binding sites within the receptor. The heterogeneity of chemotype, binding site and NMDAR subtype provide a broad landscape of ongoing opportunities to uncover new features of NMDAR pharmacology. Research on NMDARs continues to provide novel mechanistic insights into receptor activation and this review will provide a high-level overview of the research area and discuss the various chemical classes of PAMs discovered so far.
A Mechanistic Rationale for PDE-4 Inhibitors to Treat Residual Cognitive Deficits in Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Schreiber Rudy , Hollands Romain , Blokland Arjan
Published: October 2019

Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) suffer from cognitive deficits that interfere significantly with their daily lives. These deficits are long-lasting and no treatment options are available. A better understanding of the mechanistic basis for these cognitive deficits is needed to develop novel treatments. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels are decreased in ABI. Herein, we focus on augmentation of cAMP by PDE4 inhibitors and the potentially synergistic mechanisms in traumatic brain injury. A major acute pathophysiological event in ABI is the breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Intracellular cAMP pathways are involved in the subsequent emergence of edema, inflammation and hyperexcitability. We propose that PDE4 inhibitors such as roflumilast can improve cognition by modulation of the activity in the cAMPPhosphokinase A-Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (RAC1) inflammation pathway. In addition, PDE4 inhibitors can also directly enhance network plasticity and attenuate degenerative processes and cognitive dysfunction by increasing activity of the canonical cAMP/phosphokinase- A/cAMP Responsive Element Binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB) plasticity pathway. Doublecourtin and microtubule-associated protein 2 are generated following activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway and are decreased or even absent after injury. Both proteins are involved in neuronal plasticity and may consist of viable markers to track these processes. It is concluded that PDE4 inhibitors may consist of a novel class of drugs for the treatment of residual symptoms in ABI attenuating the pathophysiological consequences of a BBB breakdown by their anti-inflammatory actions via the cAMP/PKA/RAC1 pathway and by increasing synaptic plasticity via the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Roflumilast improves cognition in young and elderly humans and would be an excellent candidate for a proof of concept study in ABI patients.
Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Review
Authors: Talaei Ali , Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: October 2019

Background:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling mental
disorder encountered in neurologic practice. In spite of the several classes of drugs that are
available for the treatment of OCD, full remission remains challenging. Research on herbal remedies
has grown over the last decade.

Objective:

This present review article provides information regarding the plants that exhibited
protective effects on OCD.

Methods:

To retrieve articles related to the study, Web of Science, PubMed (NLM), Open Access
Journals, LISTA (EBSCO), and Google Scholar, with keywords including Medicinal plants, Psychiatric
disorders, Obsessive-compulsive disorder and Phytomedicine were used.

Results:

The plants which are used for the treatment of OCD are: Citrus aurantium, Crocus sativus,
Benincasa hispida, Withania somnifera, Colocasia esculenta, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana
officinalis, Lagenaria siceraria and Echium amoenum.

Conclusion:

This review suggests that some medicinal plants can be potential drug candidates for
the treatment of OCD. Aside from this, the future focus should be on the standardization of herbal
extracts, and further research is required to be performed on the concept of mechanism. Clinical
research in this area is in its infancy and warrants further clinical research.
Development of the Modified Ocimum gratissimum Seeds for Orally Disintegrating Tablets
Authors: Dang Yen N.T. , Tran Phuong H.L. , Tran Thao T.D.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Natural materials have been encouraged in controlled drug release and improved
drug bioavailability.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a modification process for the use of a natural material,
Ocimum gratissimum seeds (OGS), in Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs).

Methods:

The OGS was investigated with four different modification processes including only milling,
swelling, swelling/milling, and swelling/milling/incubation. The ODTs containing the modified OGS
as a disintegrant were prepared by the wet granulation method. Furthermore, an evaluation to assess
parameters of tablets, such as weight variation, hardness, friability, wetting time, disintegration time,
drug content, and dissolution studies, was performed.

Results:

The modification of OGS using the swelling/ milling process resulted in a completion of OGS
modification, leading to an ideal wetting time, disintegrating time, and dissolution rate. The OGS concentrations
also affected the wetting and disintegrating time with the optimal range of ODTs from 15%
to 20%. On the other hand, the modification with the incubation processes varied by temperature and
time increased the wetting time and disintegrating time.

Conclusions:

The modified OGS demonstrated that it is a potential material with the advantages of
cost-effectiveness, non-toxicity and easy manufacture in the preparation of ODTs.
Understanding and Addressing Variation in Health Care–Associated Infections After Durable Ventricular Assist Device Therapy: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Chandanabhumma P Paul , Fetters Michael D , Pagani Francis D , Malani Preeti N , Hollingsworth John M , Funk Russell J , Aaronson Keith D , Zhang Min , Kormos Robert L , Chenoweth Carol E , Shore Supriya , Watt Tessa M F , Cabrera Lourdes , Likosky Donald S
Published: October 2019

Background

Durable ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy is reserved for patients with advanced heart failure who have a poor estimated 1-year survival. However, despite highly protocolized management processes, patients are at a unique risk for developing a health care–associated infection (HAI). Few studies have examined optimal strategies for HAI prevention after durable VAD implantation, despite variability in rates across centers and their impact on short- and long-term outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop recommendations for preventing the most significant HAIs after durable VAD implantation. The study has 3 specific aims: (1) identify determinants of center-level variability in HAI rates, (2) develop comprehensive understanding of barriers and facilitators for achieving low center-level HAI rates, and (3) develop and disseminate a best practices toolkit for preventing HAIs that accommodates various center contexts.

Methods

This is a sequential mixed methods study starting with a cross-sectional assessment of current practices. To address aim 1, we will conduct (1) a systematic review of HAI prevention studies and (2) in-depth quantitative analyses using administrative claims, in-depth clinical data, and organizational surveys of VAD centers. For aim 2, we will apply a mixed methods patient tracer assessment framework to conduct semistructured interviews, field observations, and document analysis informed by findings from aim 1 at 5 high-performing (ie, low HAIs) and 5 low-performing (ie, high HAI) centers, which will be examined using a mixed methods case series analysis. For aim 3, we will build upon the findings from the previous aims to develop and field test an HAI preventive toolkit, acquire stakeholder input at an annual cardiac surgical conference, disseminate the final version to VAD centers nationwide, and conduct follow-up surveys to assess the toolkit’s adoption.

Results

The project was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in 2018 and enrollment for the overall project is ongoing. Data analysis is currently under way and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2019.

Conclusions

This mixed methods study seeks to quantitatively assess the determinants of HAIs across clinical centers and qualitatively identify the context-specific facilitators and barriers for attaining low HAI rates. The mixed data findings will be used to develop and disseminate a stakeholder-acceptable toolkit of evidence-based HAI prevention recommendations that will accommodate the specific contexts and needs of VAD centers.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/14701
A Collaborative Initiative to Strengthen Sustainable Public Health Capacity for Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization Activities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Preprint)
Authors: Al Gunaid Magid , Lami Faris , Jarour Najwa
Published: October 2019

UNSTRUCTURED

The many challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean region put the involved countries at risk of polio transmission and affect their ability to meet progress targets in eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases. The Global Health Development (GHD) and Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) are working together on the project “Strengthening sustainable public health capacity in the Eastern Mediterranean region for polio eradication and routine immunization activities” with an overall goal of improving routine immunization, eradicating poliovirus, and controlling/eliminating or eradicating other vaccine-preventable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the project and the achievements of GHD/EMPHNET over the last 3 years (2016-2018) to build effective surveillance and immunization systems in the Eastern Mediterranean region through the development of a sustainable and competent public health system to eradicate polio and control/eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases. This project assists the targeted Eastern Mediterranean region countries to build effective surveillance and immunization systems in an effort to expand their capacities to eradicate polio and control/eliminate other vaccine-preventable diseases. The project is streamlined with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Strategic Framework for Global Immunization 2016-2020, and the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018. The project also supports the Global Health Security Agenda by focusing on efforts to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats. Project activities were designed to respond to countries’ needs and assist them in building their institutional and workforce capacity to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate activities to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization activities. The project activities covered a set of areas including surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis and other vaccine-preventable diseases, family and community engagement, workforce capacity building, improvement of data quality, management and use of information systems, use of polio assets to control/eliminate other vaccine-preventable diseases, support of countries to develop national strategies, piloting of innovative initiatives, program evaluation and accountability, and immunization strengthening. The project adopts the Global Polio Eradication Initiative strategies for assisting countries to strengthen routine immunization services, maintain highly sensitive acute flaccid paralysis surveillance, and sustain polio eradication functions.
Deploying Patient-Facing Application Programming Interfaces: Thematic Analysis of Health System Experiences (Preprint)
Authors: Neinstein Aaron , Thao Crishyashi , Savage Mark , Adler-Milstein Julia
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Health systems have recently started to activate patient-facing application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate patient access to health data and other interactions.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to ascertain health systems’ understanding, strategies, governance, and organizational infrastructure around patient-facing APIs, as well as their business drivers and barriers, to facilitate national learning, policy, and progress toward adoption.

METHODS

We performed a content analysis of semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of 10 health systems known to be leading adopters of health technology, having either implemented or planning to implement patient-facing APIs.

RESULTS

Of the 10 health systems, eight had operational patient-facing APIs, with organizational strategy driven most by federal policy, the emergence of Health Records on iPhone, and feelings of ethical obligation. The two priority use cases identified were enablement of a patient’s longitudinal health record and digital interactions with the health system. The themes most frequently cited as barriers to the increased use of patient-facing APIs were security concerns, an immature app ecosystem that does not currently offer superior functionality compared with widely adopted electronic health record (EHR)–tethered portals, a lack of business drivers, EHR vendor hesitation toward data sharing, and immature technology and standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal heterogeneity in health system understanding and approaches to the implementation and use of patient-facing APIs. Ongoing study, targeted policy interventions, and sharing of best practices appear necessary to achieve successful national implementation.
Prevalence of anaemia and it's associated risk factors among under five children at Mukinge Missions Hospital in Kasempa District: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sampa Lloyd
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a worldwide major problem known to affect people throughout the world. It has an adverse effect on both the social and economic development. The worldwide prevalence of anemia is 9% in developed nations. The global estimate indicates that 293.1 million of children under five years, approximately 43%, are anaemic worldwide and 28.5% of these children are found in sub Saharan Africa. In Zambia specifically Kasempa, no documented studies on prevalence have been done. Despite iron supplementation being given to pregnant women and the availability of blood transfusion. The burden of the disease remains high as determined by high mortality and morbidity. This study aims at determining the prevalence of anemia and the associated risk factors among under-five children at Mukinge Mission Hospital in Kasempa District. Knowledge of prevalence and the associated risk factors of anaemia will enhance early detection and timely management.

OBJECTIVE

1.To determine the hemoglobin status of anaemia by its severity among anaemic under-five children admitted at Mukinge Mission Hospital.
2.To assess the association of anaemia with Malaria among under-five children admitted at Mukinge Mission Hospital.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study review of under-five children that were diagnosed and managed of Anemia at Mukinge Missions Hospital, over the period of period of 2015, 2017 and 2018. .Data of the variables of interest was extracted and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

A sample population of 52 children was included in our study. The majority of the children were females 28 (53.8 %) and 24 (46.2 %) were Males. It was found that moderate and severe anaemia was 17.3% and 82.7 % respectively. Additionally, Majority of the anaemic children (75%) had Normocytic anaemia. The Pearson Chi square test revealed no statistical relationship between the variables; Malaria (p=0.58), Age (P=0.82), Gender (P=0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our study, 39 (75%) had normal mean corpuscular volume which could suggest chronic diseases and sickle cell anemia. 11 (21.2%) had a low mean corpuscular volume indicating Microcytic anemia which could suggest diseases such as iron deficiency and thalassemia among many other causes. However, we were unable to determine the specific cause of anemia.
Open Loop Recycling of Recycled Polypropylene for Motorcycle Saddle Application
Authors: Wattanachai Piyachat , Buasathain Benjawan , Antonio Christian , Roces Susan
Published: October 2019

This research investigated the possibility of using polymer blends of virgin andrecycled polypropylene (PP) for a motorcycle saddle application. Three differentrecycled PPs obtained from different sources contained carbon black (CB). Specimenswere prepared by injection molding for mechanical property testing and colorcharacterization whereas scraps from runners were used for thermal property testing. Itwas found that tensile and flexural properties of recycled PPs were better than those ofvirgin PP due to the fact that recycled PPs contained CB which is a reinforcing material.These properties were improved as the amount of recycled PP added increased. Sincerecycled PPs are strong materials, they are hence brittle resulting in lowering impactstrength and percent elongation. The recycled PP sources and compatibility betweenvirgin and recycled PPs strongly influence the blends' properties. The melt flow index ofthe blends increased as the amount of the recycled PP increased because of the shortpolymer chains of recycled PP resulting from earlier processing. Blending virgin PP withrecycled PP not only improves its properties, but also reduces raw material costs in therange of 5-13%. The advantage of open loop recycling is a wider recycled plasticmarket.
Effects of Cassava Chips Fermentation Conditions on The Produced Flour Properties
Authors: Meitha Angina , Bindar Yazid , Kresnowati M.T.A.P.
Published: October 2019

A fermentation process to produce soft-texture and low cyanogenic content cassava flour had been studied, in particular the effects of temperature, circulation of the fermentation media, and chips size, on fermented cassava flour (fercaf) properties. Fermentation was shown to affect properties of cassava flour: reducing the cyanogenic content, swelling power, as well as solubility, whereas on the other hand increasing the amylose content and correspondingly the measured DE. Further, the properties of the produced flour were affected by the implemented fermentation operation conditions. Fermentation temperature was found to significantly affect amylose content. Media circulation was found to significantly affect the measured Dextrose Equivalent. On the other hand, the size of cassava chips significantly affected the cyanogenic content and solubility of the flour
A Morphology Studies On Effect Of A Coagulation Bath Mediums As The Phase Inversion Parameter For Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) (Pvdf) Membranes
Authors: Izzati A.R. Nurul , Hatim M.D. Irfan , Hasbullah H , Rashid Adil Hatem
Published: October 2019

In recent years there has been a considerable interest in modifying the PVDF membrane properties to suit with a wide range of applications. However, due to the multivariate nature in membrane fabrication steps, the fabrication techniques remain the key issue. In this article, the uses of different concentration of ethanol in the coagulation bath were investigated as it can improve the hydrophobicity of PVDF membrane and the membrane porous microstructure, i.e. finger-like microstructure. In addition, the coagulation mediums play an important role in determining extended of liquid-liquid demixing/crystallization via an immersion precipitation process. In this study, the effects of coagulation bath mediums on the morphology of PVDF membrane were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to characterize the membrane microstructure. Octanol was used as a medium to estimate porosity of the membrane by determining the weight of liquid occupied within the membrane pores. The concentration of ethanol in the coagulation bath was varied at 0% until 75% with different evaporation time of 0 and 2 min. The SEM results indicate that the membrane surface porosity changes as ethanol concentration increases. Interestingly, at 0 to 25% ethanol, an asymmetric structure which consists of a dense skin layer accompanied by finger-like structure was formed during membrane casting. The more porous finger-like region which extends towards the skin layer is beneficial for membrane fuctionalization.
The Optimization of Ozonolysis Reaction For Synthesis of Biopolyol From Used Palm Cooking Oil
Authors: Purwanto Edy , Riadi Lieke , Tamara I. Nathania , Ika K. Mellisha
Published: October 2019

Biopolyol is a raw material for synthesis of polyurethanes which is used as thermoset and thermoplastic materials, adhesives, rigid or non-rigid foams and also for coating. The utilization of waste edible oil as feedstock for synthesis of biopolyol has attracted some researchers. However, there is little attention focused on the application of ozone technology for synthesis of biopolyol from used cooking oil through ozonolysis reaction. Response surface methodology was performed to determine the optimal operating condition in the synthesis of biopolyol using ozone and sorbitol as a hydroxyl group source. The influence of input variables such as temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of oil to sorbitol and ozone concentration on hydroxyl value quantified was studied. The optimal condition was determined by high amount of hydroxyl value resulted from response surface method which used the experimental data. The ozonolysis reaction was conducted in a batch reactor equipped with agitator, tube sparger, thermocouple, reflux condenser and potassium iodide trap. Central composite design with four independent variables and one response variable was performed to determine the influence of independent variables on output variable of hydroxyl value of biopolyol. The hydroxyl value of polyol is a quadratic function of molar ratio of oil to methanol and a linear function of reaction temperature. The optimal operating condition was achieved at a temperature of 25℃, a reaction time of 5 hours, molar ratio of used cooking oil to sorbitol is 1:7 and ozone concentration about 4.8%.Keywords: Ozonolysis; Biopolyol; Hydroxyl value; Used cooking oil; Palm oil
Thermomechanical Properties of KevlarTM Reinforced Benzoxazine-Urethane Alloys
Authors: Rimdusit S Rimdusit S , Kasemsiri P. Kasemsiri P. , Okhawilai M. Okhawilai M.
Published: October 2019

Ballistic armor is one of an important application which required high performance of fiber-reinforced polymer due to its outstanding specific mechanical properties. Therefore, KevlarTM reinforced benzoxazine-urethane alloys as ballistic impact resistance composites were developed in this research. The polybenzoxazine alloy composites were fabricated by compression molding at 200ºC and 5 MPa by a compression molder. The amount of urethane fraction in the alloy matrix was ranging from 0-40wt% while the fiber content was kept constant at 80wt%. The mechanical properties of the matrix alloys and their KevlarTM fiber composites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis and universal testing machine. The results revealed that storage modulus at room temperature of the composites was reduced from 16.82 GPa when using the neat polybenzoxazine as a matrix to the value of 11.89 GPa at 40wt% of urethane content in the alloy matrix. Moreover, the more urethane in the alloy matrix resulted in lower flexural modulus of the KevlarTM composites i.e. 22 GPa when using the neat polybenzoxazine as a matrix to the value of 12 GPa when using 40wt% of urethane in the alloy matrix. Interestingly, glass transition temperature (Tg) obtained from the maximum peak of the loss modulus was observed to be in the range of 187-247ºC, which was significantly higher than those of the two parent polymers. Furthermore, the activation energy of the alloys was found to increase with increasing urethane content, which corresponded to the observed Tg value enhancement. The observed synergism in Tg of KevlarTM reinforced benzoxazine-urethane was an outstanding characteristic for a wide range of applications, which requires high thermal stability.
Characteristics of Flame Shapes and Map For LPG and Hydrogen Inverse Confined Diffusion Flames at High Level of Fuel Excess
Authors: Bindar Yazid , Irawan Anton
Published: October 2019

A combustion flame can be generated by locating the air jet supply inside the fuel jet supply. This flame is referred as an inverse diffusion flame. The size and structure of inverse diffusion flame were studied experimentally. The experiment was conducted for LPG and Hydrogen fuels. The inlet fuel and air flow rates are supplied at high level of fuel excess for its combustion reaction. These two fuels generated the flame shape having two parts. At lower part, the flame is wider and serves as a base of the flame. The upper part is longer and acts as a flame tower. The base flame was a weak flame resulted by a rich fuel-air mixture. The tower flame is formed by mixing between the entrained fuel and the air. The flame length decreases with the increase on the momentum ration between fuel and air. The flame height correlates to the fuel and air Reynold number ratio, Refu/Rea. The development of the flame shapes from continues to strong base-tower flame shape is mapped by air and fuel inlet momentum rate. Very low fuel and air momentum rates result laminar flame and continuous shapes. The turbulent flames having base-tower shape are formed at high air momentum rate. The oxygen profiles shows that the oxygen concentration decays from the burner tip, vanishes at some distance from the burner tip and increase again after this distance. The hydrogen is completely consumed before the flame tip is reached
Thermo-Physical Properties And Mathematical Modeling Of Thin-Layer Drying Kinetics Of Medium And Long Grain Parboiled Rice
Authors: Bualuang Oraporn , Tirawanichakul Supawan , Tirawanichakul Yutthana
Published: October 2019

This research was to investigate some thermo-physical properties and to determine a mathematical model for describing drying kinetics for medium and long grain parboiled rice varieties. The thermo-physical properties in terms of equilibrium moisture content (EMC), apparent density, void fraction, specific heat capacity at moisture content ranging from 30 to 58% dry-basis (d.b.) for both Leb Nok Pattani (LNP) and Suphanburi 1 (SP 1) rice varieties were determined by conventional standard techniques.The evaluated results showed that EMC values for both rice varieties predicted by the GAB’s model yielded the best fitting with experimental data. To determine thermo-physical properties, the results stated that apparent density and specific heat capacity of parboiled LNP and SP1 rice varieties were linearly dependent on moisture content. In contrast, percentage of void fraction of medium grain LNP and long grain SP1 rice variety was inversely proportional to moisture content. For employing empirical thin-layer drying models, the Two terms model was the best fitting model to describe the experimental data for both rice varieties.
An Overview of Difficulties in Controlling Intensified Process
Authors: Barzin Reza , Shukor Syamsul Rizal Abd , Ahmad Abdul Latif
Published: October 2019

Process intensification (PI) is currently one of the most significant trends in chemical engineering and process technology. PI is a strategy of making dramatic reductions in the size of unit operations within chemical plants, in order to achieve production objectives. PI technology is able to change dramatically the whole chemical engineering industry pathway to a faster, cleaner and safer industry. Nonetheless, PI technology will be handicapped if such system is not properly controlled. There are some foreseeable problems in order to control such processes for instance, dynamic interaction between components that make up a control loop, response time of the instrumentations, availability of proper sensor and etc. This paper offers an overview and discussion on identifying potential problems of controlling intensified systems.
Development of Crack-Free Alumina Sol-gel/Poly(vinyl Alcohol) Membranes for Glucose Oxidase Immobilization
Authors: Wong Fui Ling , Aziz Azila Abdul
Published: October 2019

A simple procedure to incorporate PVA into alumina sol-gel membrane was investigated as a suitable support material for glucose oxidase. The alumina sol was prepared using aluminum iso-propoxide via the sol-gel process. PVA was employed as the organic binder to enhance the mechanical strength of the fragile sol-gel membranes. The ability of the hybrid membrane to retain glucose oxidase and the apparent enzyme activities were studied. The resulting composite membranes were found to be crack-free, stable, and still very active after 60 days. However, the enzyme leakage period was observed to be quite long. The enzyme was still leaking from the membrane after more than 10 days albeit at a very low level.
Base Case Simulation of a Semi-Batch Emulsion Copolymerization Process
Authors: Harsono Iwan , Hindarso Herman , Indraswati Nani
Published: October 2019

It has been long recognized that emulsion polymerization is a complex heterogeneous process involving transport of monomers and other species and free radicals between aqueous phase and organic phases. Though there are a number of models available in the literature, most of them deal only with specific aspects in emulsion polymerization and are far from being general. To simulate this complicated process and to achieve an adequate level of understanding, a Polymer Plus' software from Aspen Technology, Inc. has been used. The objective of this work is to illustrate the principle use of Polymers Plus' and to simulate and analysis the free-radical seeded emulsion copolymerization of styrene-butadiene process model in a semi-batch reactor. The base case simulation can be used to gain process understanding by analyzing how process variables and operating conditions during the course of a semi-batch reactor affect product quality.
Yield Study of Tea Tree Essential Oil Using Microwave-Assisted Process
Authors: Saoud Amer Ali , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Aziz Ramlan Abd.
Published: October 2019

There have been developments on the use of microwave to accelerate the digestion of solid materials, the heating of materials, and, more recently, the extraction of solute from solids via solvent as extracting medium. Microwave-assisted process (MAP) was used to accelerate the extraction of target compounds. It can be used for the extraction of compounds from various plant and animal tissues or of undesirable components from raw materials. Tea tree leaves were used in this study to investigate the applicability of microwave irradiation for essential oil extraction. The microwave parameters studied were tea tree leaves/ethanol ratio as well as required dose of microwave and time of irradiation. Different ratios of tea tree leaves/ethanol had been examined in order to obtain the optimal feed/solvent ratio that would give the highest yield of extracted essential oil. The required number of microwave doses that provided an accomplished extraction process had been ascertained. The optimal time of microwave exposure was found to be at 3 min. The measurements of extracted tea tree essential oil constituents (Le., cineole, a-pinene, and y-terpinene) that represent the major constituents were performed using gas chromatography (GC) analysis to estimate the yield of extracted tea tree essential oil.
Ranking of Waste Management Options Under Conditions of Possibilistic Uncertainty Using Fuzzy SAW
Authors: R. Tan Raymond Girard
Published: October 2019

Integrated waste management involves the use of appropriate techniques ranging from pollution prevention/cleaner production (P2/CP) to conventional end-of-pipe controls. Design or retrofit of process plants usually entails selection of an optimal waste management measure from a number of alternatives. The selection process involves consideration of multiple criteria and data uncertainty, the latter being arguably possibilistic (fuzzy) rather than probabilistic (random) in nature. A fuzzy simple additive weighting (SAW) algorithm is proposed for such problems and demonstrated on a case study. The principal feature of the techniques shown is the retention of fuzzy confidence levels during the assessment of different technological options. Keywords:Cleaner production, fuzzynumbers, pollutioncontrol, pollution prevention, and possibility theory.