bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing to detect periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Yin Han , Xu Duliang , Wang Dawei
Published: March 2021

Background

We herein compared the diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing (NGS), bacterial culture, and serological biomarkers to detect periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after joint replacement.

Methods

According to the diagnostic criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society, 35 patients who underwent joint revision surgery were divided into infection (15 cases) and non-infection (20 cases) groups, and were routinely examined preoperatively for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-dimer levels. All patients underwent arthrocentesis preoperatively. Synovial fluid was used for white blood cell count, white blood cell classification, bacterial culture, and NGS. Furthermore, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for ESR, CRP, PCT, IL-6, and D-dimer. Data were assessed by comparing diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

Fourteen patients showed positive results by NGS and seven showed positive bacterial culture results in the infection group; further, 18 showed negative results by NGS in the non-infection group. The AUC of ESR, D-dimer, CRP, IL-6, and PCT was 0.667, 0.572, 0.827, 0.767, and 0.808, respectively. The accuracy of NGS, bacterial culture, CRP, IL-6, and PCT was 0.91, 0.74, 0.77, 0.74, and 0.83, respectively. When comparing NGS with CRP, IL-6, PCT, and bacterial culture, differences in overall test results and those in sensitivity were statistically significant, and compared with CRP, differences in specificity were also statistically significant. In comparison with IL-6, PCT, and bacterial culture, the specificity of NGS was statistically insignificant.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that NGS had higher accuracy and sensitivity than the bacterial culture method and commonly used serological biomarkers for diagnosing PJI.
Physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery: a retrospective analysis of workers compensation claims in Australia
Authors: Zadro Joshua R. , Lewin Adriane M. , Kharel Priti , Naylor Justine , Maher Christopher G. , Harris Ian A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Understanding how much physiotherapy people receive before lumbar spine surgery could give insight into what people and clinicians consider an adequate trial of non-operative management. The aim of this study was to investigate physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery under a workers’ compensation claim in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

Using data from the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority, we audited physiotherapy billing codes used before surgery for people who received lumbar spine surgery from 2010 to 2018. We summarised, separately for fusion and decompression, the time from initiation of physiotherapy to surgery, number of physiotherapy sessions people received before surgery, total cost of physiotherapy before surgery, and time from injury date to initiation of physiotherapy. All analyses were descriptive.

Results

We included 3070 people (800 had fusion, 2270 decompression). Mean age (standard deviation, SD) was similar between those who received fusion and decompression [42.9 (10.4) vs. 41.9 (11.6)]. Compared to people who had fusion, those who had decompression were more likely to not have any physiotherapy before surgery (28.4% vs. 15.4%), received physiotherapy for a shorter duration before surgery [median (interquartile range, IQR): 5 (3 to 11) vs. 15 (4–26) months], were less likely to have physiotherapy for ≥2 years before surgery (5.6% vs. 27.5%), had fewer physiotherapy sessions before surgery [mean (SD): 16 (21) vs. 28 (35) sessions], were less likely to have > 50 physiotherapy sessions before surgery (6.8% vs. 18.1%), and had lower total physiotherapy-related costs [mean (IQR): $1265 ($0–1808) vs. $2357 ($453–2947)]. Time from injury date to first physiotherapy session was similar between people who had fusion and decompression [median (IQR): 23 (9–66) vs.19 (7–53) days].

Conclusions

There is variation in physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery for people funded by NSW Workers’ Compensation. Some people may not be receiving an adequate trial of physiotherapy before surgery, particularly before decompression surgery. Others may be receiving an excessive amount of physiotherapy before surgery, particularly before fusion.
Standardization of three-dimensional pose of cylindrical implants from intraoral radiographs: a preliminary study
Authors: Cosola Saverio , Toti Paolo , Peñarrocha-Diago Miguel , Covani Ugo , Brevi Bruno Carlo , Peñarrocha-Oltra David
Published: March 2021

Background

To introduce a theoretical solution to a posteriori describe the pose of a cylindrical dental fixture as appearing on radiographs; to experimentally validate the method described.

Methods

The pose of a conventional dental implant was described by a triplet of angles (phi-pitch, theta-roll, and psi-yaw) which was calculated throughout vector analysis. Radiographic- and simulated-image obtained with an algorithm were compared to test effectiveness, reproducibility, and accuracy of the method. The length of the dental implant as appearing on the simulated image was calculated by the trigonometric function and then compared with real length as it appeared on a two-dimensional radiograph.

Results

Twenty radiographs were analyzed for the present in silico and retrospective study. Among 40 fittings, 37 resulted as resolved with residuals ≤ 1 mm. Similar results were obtained for radiographic and simulated implants with absolute errors of − 1.1° ± 3.9° for phi; − 0.9° ± 4.1° for theta; 0° ± 1.1° for psi. The real and simulated length of the implants appeared to be heavily correlated. Linear dependence was verified by the results of the robust linear regression: 0.9757 (slope), + 0.1344 mm (intercept), and an adjusted coefficient of determination of 0.9054.

Conclusions

The method allowed clinicians to calculate, a posteriori, a single real triplet of angles (phi, theta, psi) by analyzing a two-dimensional radiograph and to identify cases where standardization of repeated intraoral radiographies was not achieved. The a posteriori standardization of two-dimensional radiographs could allowed the clinicians to minimize the patient’s exposure to ionizing radiations for the measurement of marginal bone levels around dental implants.
Embedding an economist in regional and rural health services to add value and reduce waste by improving local-level decision-making: protocol for the ‘embedded Economist’ program and evaluation
Authors: Searles Andrew , Piper Donella , Jorm Christine , Reeves Penny , Gleeson Maree , Karnon Jonathan , Goodwin Nicholas , Lawson Kenny , Iedema Rick , Gray Jane
Published: March 2021

Background

Systematic approaches to the inclusion of economic evaluation in national healthcare decision-making are usual. It is less common for economic evaluation to be routinely undertaken at the ‘local-level’ (e.g. in a health service or hospital) despite the largest proportion of health care expenditure being determined at this service level and recognition by local health service decision makers of the need for capacity building in economic evaluation skills. This paper describes a novel program – the embedded Economist (eE) Program. The eE Program aims to increase local health service staff awareness of, and develop their capacity to access and apply, economic evaluation principles in decision making. The eE program evaluation is also described. The aim of the evaluation is to capture the contextual, procedural and relational aspects that assist and detract from the eE program aims; as well as the outcomes and impact from the specific eE projects.

Methods

The eE Program consists of a embedding a health economist in six health services and the provision of supported education in applied economic evaluation, provided via a community of practice and a university course. The embedded approach is grounded in co-production, embedded researchers and ‘slow science’. The sites, participants, and program design are described. The program evaluation includes qualitative data collection via surveys, semi-structured interviews, observations and field diaries. In order to share interim findings, data are collected and analysed prior, during and after implementation of the eE program, at each of the six health service sites. The surveys will be analysed by calculating frequencies and descriptive statistics. A thematic analysis will be conducted on interview, observation and filed diary data. The Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) is utilised to assess the overall impact of the eE Program.

Discussion

This program and evaluation will contribute to knowledge about how best to build capacity and skills in economic evaluation amongst decision-makers working in local-level health services. It will examine the extent to which participants are able to improve their ability to utilise evidence to inform decisions, avoid waste and improve the value of care delivery.
Improving Cancer MDT performance in Western Sydney – three years’ experience
Authors: Evans Lynleigh , Liu Yiren , Donovan Brendan , Kwan Terence , Byth Karen , Harnett Paul
Published: March 2021

Background

While multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are now considered an essential part of cancer care decision-making, how they perform varies widely. The authors hypothesised that a comprehensive, multipronged improvement program, and associated annual member survey, could strengthen MDT performance across a whole cancer service.

Methods

The study comprised the introduction of a structured program, the Tumour Program Strengthening Initiative (TPSI) linked with an annual survey of member’s perceptions of their performance. Three iterations of the survey have been completed (2017, 2018 and 2019). Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were used to test for a difference in the proportion of positive survey responses between 2017 and 2019 adjusted for team clustering.

Results

Twelve teams participated in TPSI. One hundred twenty-nine, 118 and 146 members completed the survey in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Of the 17 questions that were asked in all three years, nine showed significant improvement and, of these, five were highly significant. Documenting consensus, developing Terms of Reference (TORs), establishing referral criteria and referring to clinical practice guidelines showed most improvement. Questions related to patient considerations, professional development and quality improvement (QI) activities showed no significant change.

Conclusions

TPSI resulted in sustained and significant improvement. The MDT survey not only allowed MDT members to identify their strengths and weaknesses but also provided insights for management to flag priority areas for further support. Overall program improvement reflected the strengthening of the weakest teams as well as further improvement in highly performing MDTs. Importantly, the initiative has the potential to achieve behaviour change amongst clinicians.
EQ-5D-5L reference values for the German general elderly population
Authors: Marten Ole , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Background

Reference values are a helpful tool to facilitate comparisons of sampled values against a specified reference population. The aim is to describe the health profile and to provide visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) and utility reference values for the EQ-5D-5L from a normative sample of the general elderly population (65+) in Germany.

Methods

We analysed a sub-set of data from the German EQ-5D-5L valuation study using self-reported information based on EQ-5D-5L. We examined the share of respondents in each severity level per dimension as well as means, standard deviations (SD) and 95% confidence intervals for the index and EQ VAS values stratified by age groups and gender. Age was categorised in four groups (65–69, 70–74, 75–79 and > 79 years) to facilitate a more detailed examination of age-related health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

The average index and EQ VAS scores were 0.84 (SD 0.22) and 73.2 (SD 18.5), respectively. In total, 21.4% reported no problems in all dimensions. With higher age, health problems were reported more frequently, which, in turn, lead to monotonically decreasing index and EQ VAS values. Overall, men reported fewer problems than women and this difference was largest beyond the age of 80.

Conclusion

HRQoL in the oldest old appears to be less stable and differs from the young elderly. However, the conventional age categorisation of earlier population norms studies seems to mask these differences. Hence, the more detailed provision of EQ-5D-5L reference values for the elderly population seems helpful for future German studies.
Training in communication skills for self-efficacy of health professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Mata Ádala Nayana de Sousa , de Azevedo Kesley Pablo Morais , Braga Liliane Pereira , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , de Oliveira Segundo Victor Hugo , Bezerra Isaac Newton Machado , Pimenta Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes , Nicolás Ismael Martinez , Piuvezam Grasiela
Published: March 2021

Background

Communication skills are essential for health professionals to establish a positive relationship with their patients, improving their health and quality of life. In this perspective, communication skills training can be effective strategies to improve the care provided by professionals in patient care and the quality of health services.

Objective

To identify the best available evidence on training programs in communication skills to promote changes in attitude and behavior or self-efficacy of health professionals.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed in eight databases, evaluating Randomized Controlled Trials and quasi-experimental studies with a control group, focusing on training communication skills for health professionals, who assessed self-efficacy or behaviors related to these skills. The phases of study selection and data extraction were carried out by two independent researchers, and the conflicts were resolved by a third. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane method.

Results

Eight studies were included in the review. Most programs lasted between 4½ h and 2 days, involved information about communication skills and the content was applied to the health professionals’ context. Several teaching strategies were used, such as lectures, videos and dramatizations and the evaluation was carried out using different instruments. Improvements in the performance and in the self-efficacy of communication skills were observed in the trained groups. The RCT had a low risk of bias and the quasi-experimental studies had a moderate risk.

Conclusion

Training in communication skills can improve the performance and self-efficacy of health professionals. Programs that approach the conceptual issues and promote the space for experiential learning could be effective in communication skills training for professionals.

PROSPERO: CRD42019129384
PRIMASYS: a health policy and systems research approach for the assessment of country primary health care systems
Authors: Sheikh Kabir , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: March 2021

For the renewed global impetus on primary health care (PHC) to translate into action at a country level, it will be important to strengthen existing ways of understanding and assessing country PHC systems. The architecture and performance of primary care systems are widely acknowledged to be crucial determinants of the health of populations in high-income countries as well as in low- and middle-income countries. There is no one-size-fits-all model of a country-level PHC system, and countries have implemented diverse models, adapted to and conditioned by their respective social, economic and political contexts. This paper applies advances in the field of health policy and systems research (HPSR) to propose an approach to the assessment of country PHC systems, using a compendium of 70 elements of enquiry requiring mixed quantitative and qualitative assessment. The approach and elements of enquiry were developed based on a review of policy and guidance documents and literature on PHC and HPSR and were finalized as part of a consultation of experts on PHC. Key features of the approach include sensitivity to context, flexibility in allowing for in-depth enquiry where necessary, systems thinking, a learning emphasis, and complementarity with existing frameworks and efforts. Implemented in 20 countries to date, the approach is anticipated to have further utility in a single country as well as in comparative assessments of PHC systems.
Blockage of NLRP3 inflammasome activation ameliorates acute inflammatory injury and long-term cognitive impairment induced by necrotizing enterocolitis in mice
Authors: Zhu Fangxinxing , Wang Lingyu , Gong Zizhen , Wang Yanyan , Gao Yanhong , Cai Wei , Wu Jin
Published: March 2021

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease in premature neonates with high mortality and morbidity, while the underlining mechanism of intestinal injury and profound neurological dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the involvement of NLPR3 inflammasome activation in NEC-related enterocolitis and neuroinflammation, especially long-term cognitive impairment, meanwhile, explore the protective effect of NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 on NEC in mice.

Methods

NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the intestine and brain was assessed in the NEC mouse model, and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was administrated during the development of NEC. Survival rate, histopathological injury of the intestine and brain, and expression of mature IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Long-term cognitive impairment was evaluated by behavioral test.

Results

The expression of NLRP3 and mature IL-1β in the intestine and brain was greatly upregulated in NEC mice compared to the controls. MCC950 treatment efficiently improved NEC survival rate, reduced intestinal and brain inflammation, and ameliorated the severity of pathological damage in both organs. Additionally, in vivo blockage of NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 in early life of NEC pups potently protected against NEC-associated long-term cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome activation participates in NEC-induced intestinal and brain injury, and early intervention with NLRP3 inhibitor may provide beneficial therapeutic effect on NEC infants.
Research perspectives on animal health in the era of artificial intelligence
Authors: Ezanno Pauline , Picault Sébastien , Beaunée Gaël , Bailly Xavier , Muñoz Facundo , Duboz Raphaël , Monod Hervé , Guégan Jean-François
Published: March 2021

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) approaches in animal health (AH) makes it possible to address highly complex issues such as those encountered in quantitative and predictive epidemiology, animal/human precision-based medicine, or to study host × pathogen interactions. AI may contribute (i) to diagnosis and disease case detection, (ii) to more reliable predictions and reduced errors, (iii) to representing more realistically complex biological systems and rendering computing codes more readable to non-computer scientists, (iv) to speeding-up decisions and improving accuracy in risk analyses, and (v) to better targeted interventions and anticipated negative effects. In turn, challenges in AH may stimulate AI research due to specificity of AH systems, data, constraints, and analytical objectives. Based on a literature review of scientific papers at the interface between AI and AH covering the period 2009–2019, and interviews with French researchers positioned at this interface, the present study explains the main AH areas where various AI approaches are currently mobilised, how it may contribute to renew AH research issues and remove methodological or conceptual barriers. After presenting the possible obstacles and levers, we propose several recommendations to better grasp the challenge represented by the AH/AI interface. With the development of several recent concepts promoting a global and multisectoral perspective in the field of health, AI should contribute to defract the different disciplines in AH towards more transversal and integrative research.
Identification of unknown acid-resistant genes of oral microbiotas in patients with dental caries using metagenomics analysis
Authors: Cheng Xi , He Fuming , Sun Ping , Chen Qianming
Published: March 2021

Acid resistance is critical for the survival of bacteria in the dental caries oral micro-environment. However, there are few acid-resistant genes of microbiomes obtained through traditional molecular biology experimental techniques. This study aims to try macrogenomics technologies to efficiently identify acid-resistant genes in oral microbes of patients with dental caries. Total DNA was extracted from oral microbiota obtained from thirty dental caries patients and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. This data was used to build a metagenomic library, which was compared to the sequences of two Streptococcus mutant known acid-resistant genes, danK and uvrA, using a BLAST search. A total of 19 and 35 unknown gene sequences showed similarities with S. mutans uvrA and dnaK in the metagenomic library, respectively. Two unknown genes, mo-dnaK and mo-uvrA, were selected for primer design and bioinformatic analysis based on their sequences. Bioinformatics analysis predicted them encoding of a human heat-shock protein (HSP) 70 and an ATP-dependent DNA repair enzyme, respectively, closely related with the acid resistance mechanism. After cloning, these genes were transferred into competent Escherichia coli for acid resistance experiments. E. coli transformed with both genes demonstrated acid resistance, while the survival rate of E. coli transformed with mo-uvrA was significantly higher in an acidic environment (pH = 3). Through this experiment we found that identify unknown acid-resistant genes in oral microbes of patients with caries by establishing a metagenomic library is very efficient. Our results provide an insight into the mechanisms and pathogenesis of dental caries for their treatment without affecting oral probiotics.
Towards improved clustering and routing protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alharbi Mohammad Ali , Kolberg Mario , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN)-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications suffer from issues including limited battery capacity, frequent disconnections due to multi-hop communication and a shorter transmission range. Clustering and routing are treated separately in different solutions and, therefore, efficient solutions in terms of energy consumption and network lifetime could not be provided. This work focuses data collection from IoT-nodes distributed in an area and connected through WSN. We address two interlinked issues, clustering and routing, for large-scale IoT-based WSN and propose an improved clustering and routing protocol to jointly solve both of these issues. Improved clustering and routing provide area-based clustering derived from the transmission range of network nodes. During process of clustering, cluster-heads are selected in such a way that provide fail-over-proof routing. An efficient routing path is achieved by finding the minimal hop-count with the availability of alternate routing paths. The results are compared with state-of-the-art benchmark protocols. Theoretical and simulation results demonstrate reliable network topology, improved network lifetime, efficient node density management and improved overall network capacity.
Ground state solutions for Kirchhoff-type equations with general nonlinearity in low dimension
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Yiqing
Published: March 2021

This paper is dedicated to studying the following Kirchhoff-type problem: $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} -m ( \Vert \nabla u \Vert ^{2}_{L^{2}(\mathbb{R} ^{N})} )\Delta u+V(x)u=f(u), & x\in \mathbb{R} ^{N}; \\ u\in H^{1}(\mathbb{R} ^{N}), \end{cases} $$

{

−
m
(

∥
∇
u
∥

L
2

(

R
N

)

2

)
Δ
u
+
V
(
x
)
u
=
f
(
u
)
,

x
∈

R
N

;

u
∈

H
1

(

R
N

)
,

where $N=1,2$
N
=
1
,
2
, $m:[0,\infty )\rightarrow (0,\infty )$
m
:
[
0
,
∞
)
→
(
0
,
∞
)
is a continuous function, $V:\mathbb{R} ^{N}\rightarrow \mathbb{R} $
V
:

R
N

→
R
is differentiable, and $f\in \mathcal{C}(\mathbb{R} ,\mathbb{R} )$
f
∈
C
(
R
,
R
)
. We obtain the existence of a ground state solution of Nehari–Pohozaev type and the least energy solution under some assumptions on V, m, and f. Especially, the existence of nonlocal term $m(\|\nabla u\|^{2}_{L^{2}(\mathbb{R} ^{N})})$
m
(

∥
∇
u
∥

L
2

(

R
N

)

2

)
and the lack of Hardy’s inequality and Sobolev’s inequality in low dimension make the problem more complicated. To overcome the above-mentioned difficulties, some new energy inequalities and subtle analyses are introduced.
Orthogonal m-metric spaces and an application to solve integral equations
Authors: Uddin Fahim , Park Choonkil , Javed Khalil , Arshad Muhammad , Lee Jung Rye
Published: March 2021

In this article, we introduce the concept of orthogonal m-metric space and prove some fixed point theorems in this space. Furthermore, we obtain results that extend and improve certain comparable results in the existing literature. Eventually, our results lead us to the existence and uniqueness of solutions for Fredholm integral equations.
Influence of microbial priming and seeding depth on germination and growth of native wildflowers
Authors: Barrera Daniela , Luera Juan , Lavallee Kaitlynn , Soti Pushpa
Published: March 2021

Background

Using native wildflowers for restoring marginal lands has gained considerable popularity. Establishment of wildflowers can be challenging due to several environmental factors. Restoring the microbial community in degraded habitats can potentially result in the native plant performance and habitat restoration. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of native soil microbes and seeding depth on germination of south Texas native wildflowers. Two wildflower species,Ratibida columnifera(Nutt.) (Mexican Hat) andVerbesina encelioides(Cav.) (cowpen daisy), were treated with microbial wash extracted from native soils, and germination rate was recorded for 14-day period. We further analyzed the growth, biomass allocation, and root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi in these two plants growing them in a plant growth chamber for 6 weeks. To determine the impact of seeding depth, we planted the seeds of the two plant species at 2-cm, 6-cm, and 12-cm depth and monitored germination and plant growth.

Results

The two species responded differently to the seeding depth and microbial wash treatments. Microbial wash treatment resulted in higher germination rate inR. columniferacompared to control, while it did not have any impact onV. encelioidesseed germination. While microbial treatment did not influence the total biomass, it had a significant impact on the biomass allocation in both the plant species.R. columniferaseeds germinated at both 2-cm and 6-cm depth and did not germinate at 12 cm, while theV. encelioidesseeds germinated only at 2 cm and did not germinate at 6-cm or 12-cm seeding depth.

Conclusions

While our results are species specific, our results indicate that native soil microbes can potentially improve the seed germination and growth of wildflowers. Our results also indicate the importance of specific seeding depth when sowing wildflower seeds for habitat restoration.
Ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf protects against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury in male albino rats
Authors: Umenwanne Chiemeka Lynda , Ogugofor Martins Obinna , Njoku Obioma U.
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases have continued to be the leading cause of death globally. In addition, some of the drugs used in the treatment of the diseases present some adverse effects which limit the usefulness of such drugs. Thus, there is a need for novel drugs whose side effect is either minimal or non-existent. The presence of bioactive compounds in Cola hispida leaf is of great significance in the treatment and management of cardiovascular conditions. This study investigated the cardio-protective potential against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiac infarction in rats.

Results

Dox induction resulted to muscle fiber degeneration in Dox-treated rats hence revealed significant (p < 0.05) elevation in the serum level of cardio biomarker enzymes and lipid peroxidation profile while significant (p < 0.05) fall in cardiac enzymatic antioxidant levels were observed relative to the normal control. Pre-treatment with ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf expressed cardio-protective potentials against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by significantly (p < 0.05) lowering the levels of cardiac biomarker enzymes towards normal, building up the activities of subdued antioxidant enzymes and depleting its malondialdehyde level. Histopathology photomicrograph of the heart tissues expressed myxomatous degeneration but was ameliorated through the administration of the fraction.

Conclusion

In accordance with the findings from this study, the administration of ethyl acetate fraction of Cola hispida leaf is effective against Dox-induced redox imbalance due to its enriched antioxidant phytoconstituents.
Nonsparse companion Hessenberg matrices
Authors: Borobia Alberto , Canogar Roberto
Published: March 2021

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in companion matrices. Sparse companion matrices are well known: every sparse companion matrix is equivalent to a Hessenberg matrix of a particular simple type. Recently, Deaett et al. [Electron. J. Linear Algebra, 35:223--247, 2019] started the systematic study of nonsparse companion matrices. They proved that every nonsparse companion matrix is nonderogatory, although not necessarily equivalent to a Hessenberg matrix. In this paper, the nonsparse companion matrices which are unit Hessenberg are described. In a companion matrix, the variables are the coordinates of the characteristic polynomial with respect to the monomial basis. A PB-companion matrix is a generalization, in the sense that the variables are the coordinates of the characteristic polynomial with respect to a general polynomial basis. The literature provides examples with Newton basis, Chebyshev basis, and other general orthogonal bases. Here, the PB-companion matrices which are unit Hessenberg are also described.
Application of TOPSIS for multi response optimization of Process Parameters in dry hard turning of AISI 52100 steel
Authors: UMAMAHESWARRAO P. , RANGARAJU D. , SUMAN K. N. S. , RAVISANKAR B.
Published: March 2021

In the present work by employing the Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) machining parameters optimization is performed with polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) tools while AISI 52100 steel hard turning (HT). Based on the CCD of RSM, 32 experimental runs were performed by varying cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, nose radius, and negative rake angle to identify the optimal level of the process parameters. In this study, the multiple performance characteristics measured are machining force, surface roughness, and workpiece surface temperature. To ascertain the impact of cutting parameters on responses, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was deployed. An optimum combination of input process parameters for the multiple performance characteristics should be as follows: speed 200 rpm, feed 0.1 mm/rev, depth of cut 0.8 mm, nose radius 1.2 mm, and negative rake angle 45º leading to the value of optimum response variables machining force 561.163 N, Surface roughness 0.507μm and workpiece surface temperature 84.38°C.
Experimental Prediction of Lean Blowout Limits for 3kW Micro Gas Turbine Combustor fuelled with LPG
Authors: KIRUBAKARAN V. , BHATT David
Published: March 2021

The Lean Blowout Limit of the combustor is one of the important performance parameters for a gas turbine combustor design. This study aims to predict the total pressure loss and Lean Blowout (LBO) limits of an in-house designed swirl stabilized 3kW can-type micro gas turbine combustor. The experimental prediction of total pressure loss and LBO limits was performed on a designed combustor fuelled with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for the combustor inlet velocity ranging from 1.70 m/s to 11 m/s. The results show that the predicted total pressure drop increases with increasing combustor inlet velocity, whereas the LBO equivalence ratio decreases gradually with an increase in combustor inlet velocity. The combustor total pressure drop was found to be negligible; being in the range of 0.002 % to 0.065 % for the measured inlet velocity conditions. These LBO limits predictions will be used to fix the operating boundary conditions of the gas turbine combustor.
Impact of human-robot interaction on user satisfaction with humanoid-based healthcare
Authors: Kwon Ohbyung , Kim Jeonghun , Jin Yoonsun , Lee Namyeon
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: The advent of self-service technology (SST) (e.g.,kiosks and Automatic Response System), has made it possible for service providersto make use of non-face-to-face channels to meet users’needs and decrease users’costs and time. On the other hand, however, more complex technology and/or services inhibit users’ satisfaction and,consequently,the intention to adopt SST, because such SST can instill fear in users. Nevertheless, at present, patients and other people who are interested in their own health and well-being are paying great attention to healthcare robots (as a form of SST)and,consequently, it has become crucial to investigate how these healthcare robots can positively influence users’ satisfaction with them. Hence, this study aims to empirically investigate the factors that affect users’ satisfaction with healthcare robots, especially in regard to human-robot interaction (HRI).Methods/Statistical analysis: We focused on the theory of heterophily and applied a series of factors identified in previous robot-adoption studies.Uniquely, this study focuses on users’ heterophily with healthcare robots, examining heterophily through three fundamental elements, empathy, professionalism, and personality, which we considered to be suitable fordetermining user satisfaction with HRI-based communication.To prove the validity of our hypotheses, we conducted an empirical testthat involved participants receiving a short health assessment from a robot.Findings: The findings of our empirical test supported our hypothesis that the lower the difference in empathy between a user and robot, the higher the level of user satisfaction with the humanoid-style healthcare service. Further, our results also suggest that heterogeneity between a user and healthcare robot is positively associated with user satisfaction.Improvements/Applications: First, to increase user satisfaction,robots must be provided with the ability to somehow recognizea user’s personality and adjust their own accordingly before beginning the robot-based healthcare service. Secondly, users’ behavior patterns should be analyzed by the healthcare robot. Overall, our study empirically shows the importance of ensuring thatprofessionalism is present in healthcare-domain-related HRI.
A study on problem diagnosis and maintenance guideline of small scale PV system
Authors: Chul Kim Hee
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: Research and development of low-cost, high-efficiency devices that can be installed without replacing existing power generation equipment is promoted early. It is aimed to prevent the damage of property and human life by detecting the fire of PV system. Therefore, it is possible to easily install the device without replacing the solar module The aim is to minimize the damage to people.Methods/Statistical analysis: In order to prepare for the safety accidents of the photovoltaic power generation facilities due to fire and blast, the monitoring system should have the following functions as essential. Measures and analyzes the voltage and current of power generated in each string in the connection board in real time. An alarm is triggered when an abnormality of a specific string is detected or when an abnormal temperature change is detected in the connection panel internal temperature sensor.If the smoke sensor inside the connection panel detects smoke generation and an abnormality such as a fire is caught, the monitoring system immediately generates an alarm.Findings: It provides services such as checking the status of customer power plants, improving power generation efficiency, and recovering quickly in case of a disaster through a monitoring system that supports stable operation of the PV plant and profit generation. By using the existing connection box function as it is, the company minimized the additional cost, and promoted and promoted a low-cost, high-efficiency system.Improvements/Applications: H/W module using temperature and smoke sensor is interlocked with existing connection semi-control system to develop efficient connection monitoring device. In order to link the sensor value with the monitoring system, messages are added and supplemented. For the application of the fail-safe solution, we developed a monitoring device to prevent the escape of the solar module and developed the H / W module using the vibration and loosening sensor. We will develop the solar monitoring system based on cloud type IoT platform by linking the fault recognition and alarm generation function by adding / supplementing the sensor value to link with the monitoring system.As a power station management for cloud type (ASP) service, adoption of oneM2M standard based IoT platform can expand acceptance by monitoring web and mobile based monitoring as well as real time monitoring and fault monitoring of solar power plant.
Distribution and Abundance of the Onchidiidae of the Coastal Mangroves of Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: A Sabri N , R  Singh H
Published: March 2021

The Onchidiidae family is ideal for studying the biodiversity of marine invertebrate species from sea to wetland environments. However, biodiversity studies of Onchidiidae species are rare. This study aimed to determine the distribution and abundance of the Onchidiidae from the coastal mangroves of the Selangor, west coast of Peninsular Malaysia by utilising the quadrat sampling method.Â  A total of 647 specimens from six taxa (Family: Onchidiidae) were recorded from eight fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor coast. The most abundant taxa was Platevindex coriaceum (35.08%), followed by Peronina alta (28.13%), Platevindex luteum (16.85%), Platevindex sp. (14.68%), Onchidium tumidum (3.71%), and Onchidium typhae (1.55%). P. alta was most abundant within <10 m distance from the water body (18.75%), Platevindex sp. (5.86%) within 10 â€“ 20 m, P. coriaceum (10.16%) and O. typhae (1.76%) was highly distributed within 20 â€“ 30 m, while P. luteum was most concentrated within 40 â€“ 50 m from the water body. Onchidiidae was mostly abundant within <0.2 m from the mangrove floor where they were usually found on the mud, debris, mangrove tree roots and dead logs. The mean density for Onchidiidae at the fringing coastal mangroves in Selangor was 0.18 Â± 0.03 no/m2 and P. alta recorded the highest density (mean = 0.47 Â± 0.14 no/m2, total = 0.93 no/m2). The principal components analysis (PCA) showed that four geomorphological parameters (mud floor, debris floor, tree, and dead logs) and five physicochemical parameters (temperature, humidity, precipitation, salinity, and pH) determined the distribution of six Onchidiidae taxa in the Selangor coastal area.Â Â
Detection of Porcine Adulteration in Cosmetic Cream Formulation via TaqMan Probe Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Authors: S Abd-Gani S , Mustafa S , N Mohd Desa M , F Khairil Mokhtar N , K Hanapi U , Zakaria Z , Yahaya N , M A Wan Sulaiman W
Published: March 2021

The identification ofÂ  lard adulterated in cosmetic cream using TaqMan probe real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction was developed in this research. The laboratory prepared cream was formulated with oil in water (o/w) emulsion with the adulteration of 1%, 3% and 5% of lard (w/w). The total DNA from lard-adulterated cosmetic cream was successfully extracted. The detection assay targeting different gene; universal 18S rRNA and porcine-specific multiple porcine repetitive element (MPRE) which employed with the TaqMan probe. This study targeting 187 bp of amplicons for 18S rRNA while 99 bp of amplicons for Porcine-specific probes. A comparison of quantification cycle (Cq) with prior to percentage of adulteration were detected. Lard-adulterated cream was amplified for 18S rRNA while no detection was detected for Porcine-specific probes. The Cq value obtained might be vary as proposed by the hypothesis depending on the total recovery of extracted DNA from the lard-adulterated cream.Â Â
Analysis of Bovine Spermatozoa CSP-Gene Expression using qPCR and Relative Quantification Method as Biodiagnostic Tool for Fertilizing Capacity
Authors: H Ismail N , F Syed Mohamad S , H F Jaafar F , Osman K , Z Mohd Yusof F , F Ibrahim S
Published: March 2021

Gene expression studies enable for real-time relative quantification of expressed genes. However, the incorporation of a primary discerning tool before amplification for specific sequences of genes of interest is yet to be implemented. The amplification of gene sequences from discriminate sample groups further enhances the results following qPCR and provides an absolute exclusive measurement for the defined sample. Cryopreserved spermatozoa have characteristics of compromised sperm quality as the cells are exposed to a rapid temperature downshift not normally encountered by such cells in vivo. Thus, the use of a separation system before cryopreservation produces a refined outcome in gene expression studies. The proliferation of Cold Shock Protein (CSP) can relatively be quantified by conducting qPCR following sperm selection and cryopreservation. CSPs are indicators of cells adapting to the decrease in temperature and indirectly acts as an intracellular protective mechanism for the cell. The current study compares the effects of sperm selection system in isolating a homogeneous population of spermatozoa for cryopreservation followed by quantification of CSP gene. Method of molecular assessment involved quantifying the amplified sequences via qPCR and gene expression following sperm isolation was significant in increasing spermatozoa viability by 26.2% (P< 0.05). The relative fold expression of CSP gene for treatment group increased from 1.00 fold to 1.38 fold. The Cq values for treatment group had recorded an earlier point of amplification (Cq= 24.87) as compared to control Cq= 25.83. Our findings suggest that the use of a sperm isolation system before cryopreservation would increase the probability of obtaining higher amplifications of CSP genes that would confer protection against extremely low temperatures during cryopreservation. This would increase the likelihood of in vitro fertilization using cryopreserved spermatozoa by implementing qPCR as a potential biomolecular diagnostic tool to ascertain the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa.Â Â
Aromatization of Heavy Naphtha using Modified Zeolite Supported Catalyst
Authors: Fakruldin A , Ramli A , I. Abdul Mutalib M
Published: March 2021

Growing population has increased the dependency toward sustainable energy sources. Research industries have groomed their facilities to find alternative sources of energy. Heavy naphtha can be converted to value added fuel such as gasoline via catalytic conversion. Modified zeolite supported catalyst was employed for aromatization of heavy naphtha to gasoline like liquid. The catalyst was impregnated with 3 wt.% Fe via wet impregnation method. The catalysts prepared were send for characterization using BET, FESEM-EDX and TPD. Catalytic activity was performed at 430-480 Â°C, LHSV 1 hr-1 and 14 bar in a fixed-bed continuous reactor. The result revealed that the by adding Fe onto the zeolite supported catalyst provides slight improvement of yield.Â
In-Vitro Î±-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Muntingia Calabura Linn.
Authors: I.I. Nor Azman N , Hashim N , Ahmad R
Published: March 2021

Muntingia calabura Linn. also known locally as â€œceri kampungâ€ is a plant of the family Elaeocarpaceae. The plant has been reported to possess several medicinal properties including reducing high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol level and controlling Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is usually related to postprandial hyperglycemia, which is related to the rise of blood sugar level after a meal. This condition can be controlled by Î±-glucosidase inhibitors which inhibit the enzyme from catalyzing the liberation of glucose from carbohydrates in the digestive tract. Despite many biological studies reported for the plant, its antidiabetic potential has not been widely explored. Thus the aim of this study was to find potential Î±-glucosidase inhibitors from 16 extracts of M. calabura as a therapeutic approach in decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia. The hexane (Hx), ethyl acetate (Ea), 75% ethanol (Et) and aqueous (Aq) extracts of four parts (fruit, leaf, stem and root) of M. calabura (collected from Bangi, Selangor) were screened for their a-glucosidase inhibitory activities at 50.00, 25.00, 12.50, 6.25, 3.13, 1.56 and 0.78 ppm prepared via two-fold serial dilution against the positive control, acarbose. The aqueous leaf (AqL) and root extracts (AqR) exhibited very strong activities with IC50 values of 0.15 and 0.41 Âµg/mlÂ  while the other extracts showed strong to moderately strong activities with IC50 values ranging from 1.83-11.66Â  Âµg/ml against acarbose (4.3 Âµg/ml).Â
Optimization of Polystyrene Biodegradation using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Measured by Simple Colorimetric Method
Authors: K. Meng T. , Y.Y. Beng D. , S. Mohd Kassim A. , H. A. Razak A. , A. Mohd Fauzi N.
Published: March 2021

Nearly 280 kilotons of polystyrene (PS) waste being discarded yearly in Malaysia. Banning usage of PS food packaging aims to minimize this “white pollution”. However, the existing PS waste volume remains the same despite the termination of PS production. Therefore, this study has investigated the optimization of biodegradation of PS using isolated strain Bacillus aryabhattai as an alternative solution to the biodegradation of recalcitrant plastic. The effect of pH and temperature as independent variables were studied at three levels each (pH: 6, 7.5 and 9, temperature: 25 °C, 35 °C and 45 °C) under the designation by three level-factorial and analysed using response surface methodology (RSM) by Design Expert Version 10.0. The biodegradation activity of Bacillus aryabhattai was quantified using simple colorimetric method. Bacillus aryabhattai was inoculated on the dye PS-film and incubated under designed conditions. As a result of biodegradation, the entrapped methylene blue dye was released and measured photometrically. Optimum conditions for the highest reading of blue dye absorbance were obtained at pH 9 and temperature of 25ºC with the desirability of 75.9%. This study provides significant information on the biodegradation activity of Bacillus aryabhattai for future research that can be applied in waste management.