bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA PD BPR BKK KEBUMEN DAN PT BPR DANA MITRA SEJAHTERA KEBUMEN
Authors: Damayanti Erma Reiza , Fitriani Dyah
Published: April 2021

The research aims to comparehealth of BPR in terms of financial performance. The object  of  the research  is  PD  BPR  BKK  Kebumen  and  PT  BPR Dana  Mitra  Sejahtera  for  a period of 2012,2013 and 2014.  Banking  financial  performance used  on  this  research  is on financial aspects that be measured by the ratio of the suffciency minimum obligation (CAR), the ratio of the quality of assets productive (KAP), an allowance the formation of productive assets (PPAP), the ratio return on assets (ROA) that reflect the ability of a bank in generate profit, the  ratio  of  BOPO ( the  load operational  against operational  income)  that  reflects the burden of operational compared with earnings obtained, while for liquidity measured by CR and LDR. From this research obtained the results of that overall shows the  level of  financial performance  of  a  healthy.  The  ratio  CAR  in  PD  BPR  BKK  Kebumen  shows  the  average 15,21% larger from PT BPR Dana Mitra Sejahtera that shows the average CAR 12,70% and both banks included in category of healthy. The rati of the quality of assets productive (KAP) in PD BPR BKK  Kebumen  shows the average 5,68% larger than PT Dana Mitra Sejahtera which  shows  the  average  quality  of  assets productive  5,27%  and  both  banks  included  in category  of  healthy.  The  ratio  of  PPAP  inPD  BPR  BKK  Kebumenthat  shows  the  average 100% and PT BPR Dana Mitra Sejahtera which shows the average 95,68% and both banks included  in  category  of  healthy.  The  ratio  ROA  in  PD  BPR  BKK  Kebumen  shows  the average 3,64% larger than PT BPR Dana Mitra Sejahtera which shows the the average ROA 2,24% and both banks included in category of healthy.the ratio of BOPO in PD BPR BKK Kebumen  shows  the  average  72,13%  less  than  than  funds  PT  BPR  Dana  Mitra  Sejahtera which shows the average BOPO 75,68% and both banks included in category of healthy. The ratio of CR in PD BPR BKK Kebumen shows the average 25,82% larger from PT BPR Dana Mitra  Sejahtera  thatshows  the  average  CR  21,02%  and  both  bank  included  in  category  of healthy. The ratio LDR in PD BPR BKK Kebumen shows the average 98,90% and included in  category  of  less  healthy  and  this  is  different  from  PT  BPR  Dana  Mitra  Sejahtera  that Shows the average 78,33% in categories healthy. The ratio of non performing loan (NPL) in PD BPR BKK Kebumen shows the average 3,87% and dutifully included in the category of while from PT BPR Dana MitraSejahtera which shows the average NPL 5,25% greater than that  required  in  category  5%  so  dutifully  enough.  Of  a  whole  the  assessment  of  the  level second health BPR in PT BPR Dana Mitra Sejahtera it has value 99.90 % better than PD BPR BKK kebumen in that it has value 99.05 %.
ANALISIS PENGARUH RASIO KEUANGAN TERHADAP RETURN SAHAM PADA PERUSAHAAN CONSUMER GOODS YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2012-2014
Authors: Azzahra Fitri Amalia , Sutanto Aftoni
Published: April 2021

This study is entitled Analysis of the Effect of Financial Financial Ratios on Stock Returns on Consumer Goods Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2012-2014. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the variable Current ratio (CR), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Earning per Share (EPS), and Total Asset Turn Over (TATO) affect the stock return. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression, t test, F test, and R2. T test results prove that the CR variable has no effect on stock returns with a probability value of 0.9755, the DER variable has no effect on stock returns with a probability value of 0.9442, the EPS variable has an effect on stock returns with a probability value of 0.0049, and TATO has no effect on stock returns with a probability value of 0.9809. The test results with the F test prove that the variables CR, DER, EPS, and TATO simultaneously have no effect on stock returns with a probability value of 0.050589. The R2 test result, 0.278689, shows that the dependent variable of stock returns can be explained by the independent variables CR, DER, EPS, and TATO by 27.8% while the remaining 72.2% is explained by other variables not examined in this study.
PENGARUH DIVIDEN, HUTANG, INVESTASI, DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN (Studi Kasus Sektor Aneka Industri di Bursa Efek Indonesia 2012-2014)
Authors: Indrayanti Lia , Khoirunnisa Rikha Muftia
Published: April 2021

This study aims to examine the effect of dividends, debt, investment, and profitability to firm value (case studies of various sectors industry on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2012-2014). The sample in this study is companies in various industrial sectors. Deep sampling technique. This research uses purposive sampling technique, obtained 7 samples companies in various industrial sectors. Test by using a test statistical analysis of multiple linear regression. Partially, statistical tests are used is the t test and simultaneously with the F test. Based on the results the research can be concluded that partially dividends have no effect to the value of the company in various industrial sectors, debt, investment, and profitability affects the value of the company in various industrial sectors, and simultaneously dividends, debt, investment, and profitability have an effect to the value of the company in various industrial sectors.
ANALISIS PENGARUH INFLASI, JUMLAH UANG BEREDAR, DAN PRODUK DOMESTIK BRUTO TERHADAP RETURN ON ASSET (ROA) BANK SYARIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Riyanto Ibnu Seyna , Asakdiyah Salamatun
Published: April 2021

This study aims to explain the analysis of the influence of inflation, amount of money supply and gross domestic product to return on assets (ROA) Islamic Banks in Indonesia for the period 2010-2014. Macroeconomic variables used in this research are inflation, the amount of money supply and gross domestic product. Indicators used to assess performance Islamic Bank finance in this study is Return On Assets (ROA). This research uses documentation method with secondary data obtained from the Bank Indonesia website, the Central Statistics Agency and the respective Bank's website. The sampling technique used in this study using a purposive sampling method, so the number of samples is used in this study amounted to 7 Islamic banks in Indonesia. Technique data analysis uses multiple linear regression analysis, classical assumption test and significance test. The results showed, partial inflation was not significant effect on Return On Assets (ROA). The money supply partially negative and significant effect on Return On Assets (ROA). Gross Domestic Product has a positive and significant effect on Return On Assets (ROA). Whereas simultaneously shows inflation, amount money supply and gross domestic product have a significant effect on Return On Assets (ROA).
ANALISIS PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN CELEBRITY ENDORSER SYAHRINI TERHADAP MINAT BELI MIE SEDAP DI DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Kurniawan Norman Miradi Indra , Adhilla Fitroh
Published: April 2021

This study aims to analyze the effect of television advertising on buying interest in savory noodle products that are influenced by endorsement with Syahrini as a celebrity endorser. In this study the population used was general consumers who had seen delicious noodles ads through television media in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This research is a quantitative research. Data collection using a questionnaire method (questionnaire) that has been tested for validity using CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and reliability testing using Crobach Alpha, while data analysis is performed using multiple linear regression analysis. The subjects of this study were general consumers who had seen advertisements of delicious Mie products on television media, the sampling technique used purposive sampling and incidental sampling methods, the number of samples used was 80 respondents. The results showed that (1) there was a significant influence between credibility on the interest in buying delicious noodle products, (2) there was a significant effect on the compatibility of buying interest in delicious noodle products. (3) There is a significant influence between the attractiveness of buying interest in delicious noodle products. There is a positive and significant influence between credibility, compatibility and attractiveness together to the interest in buying delicious noodle products.
ANALISIS EFISIENSI PASAR MODAL KONVENSIONAL BENTUK LEMAH DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2014-2015
Authors: Istifarida Ade Lisa , Asakdiyah Salamatun
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine efficiency in a weak form conventional capital market in Indonesia using stock price data weekly in the 2014-2015 period. Techniques in testing market efficiency forms. This weakness uses a purposive sampling technique as well as a method for data collection using the documentation method. Obtained 36 companies which is included in the LQ-45 index which is used as a research sample. Testing the hypothesis of a weak form of capital market efficiency using the run test test. The results of this study, that the conventional capital market is efficient in a weak form using stock price information for the period research. It is proven by 33 shares (91.7%) moving randomly (random) and 3 shares (8.3%) move non-randomly (not randomly). Then it can be concluded that the conventional capital market is efficient in its form weak.
PENGARUH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, KOMITMEN ORGANISASI, DAN KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL TERHADAP KESIAPAN UNTUK BERUBAH (READINESS FOR CHANGE) PADA KARYAWAN UNIVERSITAS AHMAD DAHLAN
Authors: Astuti Efi , Khoirunnisa Rikha Muftia
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of Employee Engagement, Organizational Commitment, and Transformational Leadership on Readiness for Change in employees of Ahmad Dahlan University, Yogyakarta. The population in this study is the employees of Ahmad Dahlan University of Yogyakarta, amounting to 357 people and the sample used is 103 people, the sampling technique used is purposive sampling with sample criteria are permanent employees with a minimum working period of one year and have not moved to campus 4 UAD. The data analysis tool used is multiple linear regression test. The results of this study indicate that Employee Engagement has no effect on Readiness for Change of Ahmad Dahlan University employees. Organizational Commitment affects the Readiness for Change of Ahmad Dahlan University employees. Transformational leadership does not affect the Readiness for Change of Ahmad Dahlan University employees. And employee engagement, organizational commitment, and transformational leadership simultaneously influence the readiness for change in employees of Ahmad Dahlan University Yogyakarta.
PENGARUH FAKTOR PERSONAL, FAKTOR ORGANISASIONAL, DAN FAKTOR NON ORGANISASIONAL TERHADAP KOMITMEN ORGANISASIONAL KARYAWAN PT AJB BUMI PUTRA GONDOMANAN YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Mulyono Iksan , Bidayati Utik
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the influence of personal factors, factors organizational and non-organizational factors towards organizational commitment employees at PT. AJB Bumi Putera Gondomanan Yogyakarta. This research is a survey research using a questionnaire as the instrument. The population in this study consisted of 40 employees who worked at PT. AJB Bumi Putera Gondomanan Yogyakarta. The sample in this study totaling 40 employees at PT. AJB Bumi Putera Gondomanan Yogyakarta. The population in this study were all employees of PT.AJB Bumi Putera Gondomanan Yogyakarta. Which uses the Sampling method saturation that is taking all the number of employees. The type of data used is primary data. Data is obtained directly from the source or object research is by distributing questionnaires. The results of panel data regression analysis with a significant level of 0.05 can be obtained it was concluded that the 0.173 personal factor hypothesis had no effect on organizational commitment, the second hypothesis of organizational factors 0.296 no effect on organizational commitment, the third hypothesis is non factors organizational 0,008 has a significant effect on organizational commitment, the fourth hypothesis is personal factors, organizational factors and non factors organizational significant effect simultaneously on commitment organizational value of 0.025.
ANTESEDEN PEMBENTUK KEPUASAN KONSUMEN (STUDI PADA KONSUMEN TAS RUMAH WARNA YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Nurjannah Khalifah , Adhilla Fitroh
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of the three forming factors consumer satisfaction consisting of product quality, brand image and price affect consumer satisfaction Rumah Yogyakarta bag colors both partial or simultaneous. This research is a quantitative research. Sampling with non probability sampling with purposive sampling technique that has criteria is a consumer of the Yogyakarta Color House bag female, have bought and used a Rumah Warna bag, and are> 18 years old year. Data collection in this study uses deployment questionnaire to be tested for validity and reliability, for data analysis using multiple regression analysis, t test, f test and R square. Subject this research is the consumers of Rumah Warna Yogyakarta bag already once bought and used a Rumah Color bag. The results showed that: 1) the quality of the product on the bag Rumah Warna does not have a significant effect on bag customer satisfaction Rumah Warna Yogyakarta, 2) brand image on Rumah Warna bag is influentialsignificant positive effect on customer satisfaction Rumah Warna Yogyakarta bag, 3) the price on the Rumah Warna bag has a significant positive effect on satisfaction Yogyakarta Rumah Color bag consumers, and 4) together quality product, brand image and price have a significant positive effect on satisfaction Yogyakarta Rumah Color bag consumers with an f test result of 0,000 <0.05, with a regression equation Y = 0.237 + 0.218 X1 + 0.337 X2 + 0.396 X3 + e. R Square of 0.496 or 49.6% which influences and the remaining 50.4% influenced by other variables not examined by this study.
Impact of Macroeconomic Variabel and Global Indices on Islamic Stock Index: The Case Indonesia
Authors: Sanusi Muhammad , Jihad Jihad , Mawardi Imron
Published: April 2021

Introduction to The Problem: The movement of the Islamic stock index can be influenced by changes in domestic macroeconomic conditions, not only domestic macroeconomics but also influenced by the stock markets of other countries.Purpose/Objective Study: The main objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the domestic macroeconomic and global stock indices on the Indonesian sharia stock index.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses a quantitative methodology with secondary data. The data sample method is saturated sample that all members of the population are used to be the research sample. The type of research data is monthly time series with a time period from May 2011 - July 2019, the selection of the Vactor Error Correction Model (VECM) research method based on the stationarity of the data on the first difference and the existence of cointegration models.Findings: The results showed in the short term all variables did not show a significant effect. In the long run, interest rates have a negative effect, while the exchange rate shows a positive effect on the movement of Islamic stock price indexes. Global stock indices such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange Index show a negative effect, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index shows a positive effect. While the Nikkei 225 index did not show a significant effect on the Indonesian Islamic stock index.
Sleeping soundly? The implications of the Mencap ruling
Authors: Gordon Lucy
Published: April 2021

Many care home and domiciliary care business owners will have welcomed the Mencap ruling, from a purely financial perspective. However, what effect will it have on recruitment and retention? Lucy Gordon explains
How to … develop an effective approach to care home visitation
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: April 2021

With the changes to visitation required in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of visiting older people in a care home setting and the impact of the latest guidance.
Shared leadership in voluntary sector organisations: exploring practice and theory development
Authors: Mumbi Henry , Obembe Demola
Published: April 2021

This article investigates leadership practice in voluntary sector organisations (VSOs). Drawing on stakeholder theory and evidence from a qualitative study involving UK VSOs, it explores the manifestation of shared leadership practices and proposes a framework for more inclusive practices that enhance trust, accountability and collective responsibility. We find that certain stakeholders are more detached from processes of shared leadership than leaders in formal positions. Furthermore, involvement in leadership activity varies with status, with shared practices diminishing from trustees through to employees and volunteers, as trustees and employees are mainly involved in ‘high-level activities’ of the organisation while volunteers are involved in ‘low-level activities’. Our study poses a challenge to unitary and linear leadership models that present shared leadership as equally distributed in organisations.
The recruitment of volunteers into a community programme for older people: lessons learned
Authors: Savaglio Melissa , O’Donnell Renee , Morris Heather , Skouteris Helen , Sheriff Rayan , Vicary Dave , Ayton Darshini
Published: April 2021

The recruitment of sufficient volunteers is a key challenge that many non-profit organisations face. There remains a lack of research exploring the implementation of best practice processes to recruit appropriate volunteers into relevant programmes. This paper details the processes underpinning a volunteer recruitment strategy for a community-based programme, reflects on the outcomes of recruitment, and discusses key learnings and implications for practice to guide other researchers and non-profit stakeholders to effectively recruit young adult volunteers.
Quad-channel independent wavefront encoding with dual-band multitasking metasurface
Authors: Luo Xin-Yao , Guo Wen-Long , Qu Kai , Hu Qi , Chen Ke , Tang Huaiyu , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Feng Yijun
Published: April 2021

Achieving multiple electromagnetic (EM) functionalities on a shared aperture in dual frequency bands is crucial for many applications; however, existing dual-band metasurfaces are affected by limited channels or narrow bandwidths. Herein, we propose a reflective coding metasurface that empowers four independent EM functionalities in quad-polarization channels in two wide frequency bands. By integrating quasi-I-shaped and cross-shaped metastructures, the meta-atom can feature independent phase modulation for two orthogonally linear and two decoupled circular polarizations at low and high frequencies, respectively. To validate the proposed metasurface, a multifunctional metadevice is designed that integrates beam deflection, diffuse scattering, and vortex beam generation. Both experimental and simulation results indicate distinct wavefront tailoring in each channel. The proposed multi-functional metasurface with low cross-talk and independent phase modulation depending on frequencies and polarizations may unlock the metasurfaces’ potentials for complete wavefront control in EM function integration, multiple channel communication, polarization optics, etc.
Description method with automatically configurable Gaussian radial basis function for complex freeform surface
Authors: Hao Qun , Chang Xu , Hu Yao , Tao Xin , Lv Jiahang , Ning Yan , Cheng Xuemin
Published: April 2021

The description of deformable mirror (DM) surface, which is usually a complex freeform surface, affects the measurement speed and accuracy in a real-time interferometric measurement system with a DM as the dynamic compensator. We propose an accurate and fast description method with automatically configurable Gaussian radial basis function. The distribution and shape factors of GRBFs are related to the complexity of the surface with sufficient flexibility to improve the accuracy, and the fitting results are automatically obtained using a traversal optimization algorithm, which can improve the fitting speed by reducing the number of time-consuming calculations. The feasibility is verified by numerical and practical experiment.
Optical tuning of dielectric nanoantennas for thermo-optically reconfigurable nonlinear metasurfaces
Authors: Celebrano Michele , Rocco Davide , Gandolfi Marco , Zilli Attilio , Rusconi Francesco , Tognazzi Andrea , Mazzanti Andrea , Ghirardini Lavinia , Pogna Eva A. A. , Carletti Luca , Baratto Camilla , Marino Giuseppe , Gigli Carlo , Biagioni Paolo , Duò Lamberto , Cerullo Giulio , Leo Giuseppe , Della Valle Giuseppe , Finazzi Marco , De Angelis Costantino
Published: April 2021

We demonstrate optically tunable control of second-harmonic generation in all-dielectric nanoantennas: by using a control beam that is absorbed by the nanoresonator, we thermo-optically change the refractive index of the radiating element to modulate the amplitude of the second-harmonic signal. For a moderate temperature increase of roughly 40 K, modulation of the efficiency up to 60% is demonstrated; this large tunability of the single meta-atom response paves the way to exciting avenues for reconfigurable homogeneous and heterogeneous metasurfaces.
Pathogenic missense protein variants affect different functional pathways and proteomic features than healthy population variants
Authors: Laddach Anna , Ng Joseph Chi Fung , Fraternali Franca
Published: April 2021

Missense variants are present amongst the healthy population, but some of them are causative of human diseases. A classification of variants associated with “healthy” or “diseased” states is therefore not always straightforward. A deeper understanding of the nature of missense variants in health and disease, the cellular processes they may affect, and the general molecular principles which underlie these differences is essential to offer mechanistic explanations of the true impact of pathogenic variants. Here, we have formalised a statistical framework which enables robust probabilistic quantification of variant enrichment across full-length proteins, their domains, and 3D structure-defined regions. Using this framework, we validate and extend previously reported trends of variant enrichment in different protein structural regions (surface/core/interface). By examining the association of variant enrichment with available functional pathways and transcriptomic and proteomic (protein half-life, thermal stability, abundance) data, we have mined a rich set of molecular features which distinguish between pathogenic and population variants: Pathogenic variants mainly affect proteins involved in cell proliferation and nucleotide processing and are enriched in more abundant proteins. Additionally, rare population variants display features closer to common than pathogenic variants. We validate the association between these molecular features and variant pathogenicity by comparing against existing in silico variant impact annotations. This study provides molecular details into how different proteins exhibit resilience and/or sensitivity towards missense variants and provides the rationale to prioritise variant-enriched proteins and protein domains for therapeutic targeting and development. The ZoomVar database, which we created for this study, is available at fraternalilab.kcl.ac.uk/ZoomVar. It allows users to programmatically annotate missense variants with protein structural information and to calculate variant enrichment in different protein structural regions.
Diagnostic performance of a Recombinant Polymerase Amplification Test—Lateral Flow (RPA-LF) for cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic setting of Colombia
Authors: Cossio Alexandra , Jojoa Jimena , Castro María del Mar , Castillo Ruth Mabel , Osorio Lyda , Shelite Thomas R. , Gore Saravia Nancy , Melby Peter C. , Travi Bruno L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Control of cutaneous leishmaniasis by public health systems in the Americas relies on case identification and treatment. Point-of-care diagnostics that can be performed by health workers within or near affected communities could effectively bring the health system to the resource-limited sites providing early diagnosis and treatment, reducing morbidity and the burden of disease.

Methodology/principal findings

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic test performance of Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) targeting Leishmania kinetoplast DNA, coupled with a lateral flow (LF) immunochromatographic strip, in a field setting and a laboratory reference center. Minimally invasive swab and FTA filter paper samples were obtained by community health workers and highly trained technicians from ulcerated lesions of > 2 weeks’ evolution from 118 patients’ ≥ 2 years of age in the municipality of Tumaco, Nariño. Extracted DNA was processed by RPA-LF at a reference center or in a primary health facility in the field. Evaluation was based on a composite “gold standard” that included microscopy, culture, biopsy and real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of Leishmania 18S rDNA. Standard of care routine diagnostic tests were explored as comparators.

Sensitivity and specificity of RPA-LF in the reference lab scenario were 87% (95%CI 74–94) and 86% (95%CI 74–97), respectively. In the field scenario, the sensitivity was 75% (95%CI 65–84) and specificity 89% (95%CI 78–99). Positive likelihood ratios in both scenarios were higher than 6 while negative likelihood ratios ranged to 0.2–0.3 supporting the usefulness of RPA-LF to rule-in and potentially to rule-out infection.

Conclusions/significance

The low complexity requirements of RPA-LF combined with non-invasive sampling support the feasibility of its utilization by community health workers with the goal of strengthening the diagnostic capacity for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04500873.
Evaluation of the orally administered calcium alginate aerogel on the changes of gut microbiota and hepatic and renal function of Wistar rats
Authors: Al-Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Athamneh Tamara , AbuTayeh Reem , Basheti Iman , Leopold Claudia , Gurikov Pavel , Smirnova Irina
Published: April 2021

The present study evaluates the effect of calcium alginate aerogel as a potential drug carrier, on the liver and kidney functions, and on the gut microbiota of Wistar rats. The studied alginate aerogel was prepared in the form of nanoparticles using the jet cutting technique, and they were characterized in terms of specific surface areas, outer morphology and particle size distribution. For the in vivo study, calcium alginate aerogel was administered orally, and liver and kidney functions were tested for one week and for four weeks in two distinct studies. During the short-term in vivo study, feces samples were collected for bacterial DNA extraction followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses to detect changes in gut microbiota. Results showed that the prepared alginate aerogel has an average BET-specific surface area of around 540 m2/g, with a pore volume of 7.4 cc/g, and pore width of 30–50 nm. The in vivo study revealed that the levels of the studied kidney and liver enzymes didn’t exceed the highest level of the normal range. The study of gut microbiota showed different patterns; certain groups of bacteria, such as Clostridia and Bacteriodia, increased during the aerogels regime and continued to increase after the aerogel was stopped. While other groups such as Erysipelotrichia, and Candidatus saccharibacteria increased during aerogels treatment, and then decreased again after one month. Members of the Bacilli class showed a unique trend, that is, after being the most abundant group (63%) at time 0, their relative abundance decreased dramatically until it reached < 5%; which was the case even after stopping the aerogel treatment.
Reliability of heart rate and respiration rate measurements with a wireless accelerometer in postbariatric recovery
Authors: Jacobs Fleur , Scheerhoorn Jai , Mestrom Eveline , van der Stam Jonna , Bouwman R. Arthur , Nienhuijs Simon
Published: April 2021

Recognition of early signs of deterioration in postoperative course could be improved by continuous monitoring of vital parameters. Wearable sensors could enable this by wireless transmission of vital signs. A novel accelerometer-based device, called Healthdot, has been designed to be worn on the skin to measure the two key vital parameters respiration rate (RespR) and heart rate (HeartR). The goal of this study is to assess the reliability of heart rate and respiration rate measured by the Healthdot in comparison to the gold standard, the bedside patient monitor, during the postoperative period in bariatric patients. Data were collected in a consecutive group of 30 patients who agreed to wear the device after their primary bariatric procedure. Directly after surgery, a Healthdot was attached on the patients’ left lower rib. Vital signs measured by the accelerometer based Healthdot were compared to vital signs collected with the gold standard patient monitor for the period that the patient stayed at the post-anesthesia care unit. Over all patients, a total of 22 hours of vital signs obtained by the Healthdot were recorded simultaneously with the bedside patient monitor data. 87.5% of the data met the pre-defined bias of 5 beats per minute for HeartR and 92.3% of the data met the pre-defined bias of 5 respirations per minute for RespR. The Healthdot can be used to accurately derive heart rate and respiration rate in postbariatric patients. Wireless continuous monitoring of key vital signs has the potential to contribute to earlier recognition of complications in postoperative patients. Future studies should focus on the ability to detect patient deterioration in low-care environments and at home after discharge from the hospital.
Partnering bevacizumab with irinotecan as first line-therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer improves progression free survival-A retrospective analysis
Authors: Cainap Calin , Ungur Rodica Ana , Bochis Ovidiu-Vasile , Achimas Patriciu , Vlad Catalin , Havasi Andrei , Vidrean Andreea , Farcas Anca , Tat Tiberiu , Gherman Alexandra , Piciu Andra , Bota Madalina , Constantin Anne-Marie , Pop Laura Ancuta , Maniu Dana , Crisan Ovidiu , Cioban Cosmin Vasile , Balacescu Ovidiu , Coza Ovidiu , Balacescu Loredana , Marta Monica Mihaela , Dronca Eleonora , Cainap Simona
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most frequent malignancies (third place at both genders) worldwide in the last decade, owing to significant changes in modern dietary habits. Approximately half of the patients develop metastases during the course of their disease. The available therapeutic armamentarium is constantly evolving, raising questions regarding the best approach for improving survival. Bevacizumab remains one of the most widely used therapies for treating metastatic colorectal cancer and can be used after progression. This study aimed to identify the best chemotherapy partner for bevacizumab after progression. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with bevacizumab as first- and second-line chemotherapy. Data were collected for 151 patients, 40 of whom were treated with double-dose bevacizumab after the first progression. The two standard chemotherapy regimens combined with bevacizumab were FOLFIRI/CAPIRI and FOLFOX4/CAPEOX. The initiation of first-line treatment with irinotecan-based chemotherapy improved progression-free survival and time to treatment failure but not overall survival. After the first progression, retreatment with the same regimen as that used in the induction phase was the best approach for improving overall survival (median overall survival: 46.5 vs. 27.0 months for the same vs. switched strategy, respectively). No correlations were observed between the dose intensity of irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, or bevacizumab and the overall survival, progression-free survival in the first-/second-line treatment, and time to treatment failure. Interaction between an irinotecan-based regimen as a second-line treatment and double-dose bevacizumab after progression was associated with an improved overall survival (p = 0.06). Initiating systemic treatment with an irinotecan-based regimen in combination with bevacizumab improved the progression-free survival in the first-line treatment and time to treatment failure. In terms of overall survival, bevacizumab treatment after the first progression is better partnered with the same regimen as that used in the induction phase.
Parameter variations in personalized electrophysiological models of human heart ventricles
Authors: Ushenin Konstantin , Kalinin Vitaly , Gitinova Sukaynat , Sopov Oleg , Solovyova Olga
Published: April 2021

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of personalized numerical simulations of the electrical activity in human ventricles by comparing simulated electrocardiograms (ECGs) with real patients’ ECGs and analyzing the sensitivity of the model output to variations in the model parameters. We used standard 12-lead ECGs and up to 224 unipolar body-surface ECGs to record three patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices and three patients with focal ventricular tachycardia. Patient-tailored geometrical models of the ventricles, atria, large vessels, liver, and spine were created using computed tomography data. Ten cases of focal ventricular activation were simulated using the bidomain model and the TNNP 2006 cellular model. The population-based values of electrical conductivities and other model parameters were used for accuracy analysis, and their variations were used for sensitivity analysis. The mean correlation coefficient between the simulated and real ECGs varied significantly (from r = 0.29 to r = 0.86) among the simulated cases. A strong mean correlation (r > 0.7) was found in eight of the ten model cases. The accuracy of the ECG simulation varied widely in the same patient depending on the localization of the excitation origin. The sensitivity analysis revealed that variations in the anisotropy ratio, blood conductivity, and cellular apicobasal heterogeneity had the strongest influence on transmembrane potential, while variation in lung conductivity had the greatest influence on body-surface ECGs. Futhermore, the anisotropy ratio predominantly affected the latest activation time and repolarization time dispersion, while the cellular apicobasal heterogeneity mainly affected the dispersion of action potential duration, and variation in lung conductivity mainly led to changes in the amplitudes of ECGs and cardiac electrograms. We also found that the effects of certain parameter variations had specific regional patterns on the cardiac and body surfaces. These observations are useful for further developing personalized cardiac models.
Shell density of planktonic foraminifera and pteropod species Limacina helicina in the Barents Sea: Relation to ontogeny and water chemistry
Authors: Ofstad Siri , Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Kimoto Katsunori , Chierici Melissa , Fransson Agneta , Rasmussen Tine Lander
Published: April 2021

Planktonic calcifiers, the foraminiferal species Neogloboquadrina pachyderma and Turborotalita quinqueloba, and the thecosome pteropod Limacina helicina from plankton tows and surface sediments from the northern Barents Sea were studied to assess how shell density varies with depth habitat and ontogenetic processes. The shells were measured using X-ray microcomputed tomography (XMCT) scanning and compared to the physical and chemical properties of the water column including the carbonate chemistry and calcium carbonate saturation of calcite and aragonite. Both living L. helicina and N. pachyderma increased in shell density from the surface to 300 m water depth. Turborotalita quinqueloba increased in shell density to 150–200 m water depth. Deeper than 150 m, T. quinqueloba experienced a loss of density due to internal dissolution, possibly related to gametogenesis. The shell density of recently settled (dead) specimens of planktonic foraminifera from surface sediment samples was compared to the living fauna and showed a large range of dissolution states. This dissolution was not apparent from shell-surface texture, especially for N. pachyderma, which tended to be both thicker and denser than T. quinqueloba. Dissolution lowered the shell density while the thickness of the shell remained intact. Limacina helicina also increase in shell size with water depth and thicken the shell apex with growth. This study demonstrates that the living fauna in this specific area from the Barents Sea did not suffer from dissolution effects. Dissolution occurred after death and after settling on the sea floor. The study also shows that biomonitoring is important for the understanding of the natural variability in shell density of calcifying zooplankton.
The Prognosis in Palliative care Study II (PiPS2): A prospective observational validation study of a prognostic tool with an embedded qualitative evaluation
Authors: Stone P. C. , Kalpakidou A. , Todd C. , Griffiths J. , Keeley V. , Spencer K. , Buckle P. , Finlay D. , Vickerstaff V. , Omar R. Z. ,   on behalf of the PiPS2 investigators’ group
Published: April 2021

Background

Prognosis in Palliative care Study (PiPS) models predict survival probabilities in advanced cancer. PiPS-A (clinical observations only) and PiPS-B (additionally requiring blood results) consist of 14- and 56-day models (PiPS-A14; PiPS-A56; PiPS-B14; PiPS-B56) to create survival risk categories: days, weeks, months. The primary aim was to compare PIPS-B risk categories against agreed multi-professional estimates of survival (AMPES) and to validate PiPS-A and PiPS-B. Secondary aims were to assess acceptability of PiPS to patients, caregivers and health professionals (HPs).

Methods and findings

A national, multi-centre, prospective, observational, cohort study with nested qualitative sub-study using interviews with patients, caregivers and HPs. Validation study participants were adults with incurable cancer; with or without capacity; recently referred to community, hospital and hospice palliative care services across England and Wales. Sub-study participants were patients, caregivers and HPs. 1833 participants were recruited. PiPS-B risk categories were as accurate as AMPES [PiPS-B accuracy (910/1484; 61%); AMPES (914/1484; 61%); p = 0.851]. PiPS-B14 discrimination (C-statistic 0.837) and PiPS-B56 (0.810) were excellent. PiPS-B14 predictions were too high in the 57–74% risk group (Calibration-in-the-large [CiL] -0.202; Calibration slope [CS] 0.840). PiPS-B56 was well-calibrated (CiL 0.152; CS 0.914). PiPS-A risk categories were less accurate than AMPES (p<0.001). PiPS-A14 (C-statistic 0.825; CiL -0.037; CS 0.981) and PiPS-A56 (C-statistic 0.776; CiL 0.109; CS 0.946) had excellent or reasonably good discrimination and calibration. Interviewed patients (n = 29) and caregivers (n = 20) wanted prognostic information and considered that PiPS may aid communication. HPs (n = 32) found PiPS user-friendly and considered risk categories potentially helpful for decision-making. The need for a blood test for PiPS-B was considered a limitation.

Conclusions

PiPS-B risk categories are as accurate as AMPES made by experienced doctors and nurses. PiPS-A categories are less accurate. Patients, carers and HPs regard PiPS as potentially helpful in clinical practice.

Study registration

ISRCTN13688211.
Lidar survey of ancient Maya settlement in the Puuc region of Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Ringle William M. , Gallareta Negrón Tomás , May Ciau Rossana , Seligson Kenneth E. , Fernandez-Diaz Juan C. , Ortegón Zapata David
Published: April 2021

The application of lidar remote-sensing technology has revolutionized the practice of settlement and landscape archaeology, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Maya lowlands. This contribution presents a substantial lidar dataset from the Puuc region of Yucatan, Mexico, a cultural subregion of the ancient Maya and a distinct physiographic zone within the Yucatan peninsula. Despite the high density of known sites, no large site has been fully surveyed, and little is known about intersite demography. Lidar technology allows determination of settlement distribution for the first time, showing that population was elevated but nucleated, although without any evidence of defensive features. Population estimates suggest a region among the most densely settled within the Maya lowlands, though hinterland levels are modest. Lacking natural bodies of surface water, the ancient Puuc inhabitants relied upon various storage technologies, primarilychultuns(cisterns) andaguadas(natural or modified reservoirs for potable water). Both are visible in the lidar imagery, allowing calculation ofaguadacapacities by means of GIS software. The imagery also demonstrates an intensive and widespread stone working industry. Ovens visible in the imagery were probably used for the production of lime, used for construction purposes and perhaps also as a softening agent for maize. Quarries can also be discerned, including in some cases substantial portions of entire hills. With respect to agriculture, terrain classification permits identification of patches of prime cultivable land and calculation of their extents. Lidar imagery also provides the first unequivocal evidence for terracing in the Puuc, indeed in all northern Yucatan. Finally, several types of civic architecture and architectural complexes are visible, including four large acropolises probably dating to the Middle Formative period (700–450 B.C.). Later instances of civic architecture include numerous Early Puuc Civic Complexes, suggesting a common form of civic organization at the beginning of the Late Classic demographic surge, (A.D. 600–750).
Insight into the introduction of domestic cattle and the process of Neolithization to the Spanish region Galicia by genetic evidence
Authors: Gurke Marie , Vidal-Gorosquieta Amalia , Pajimans Johanna L. A. , Wȩcek Karolina , Barlow Axel , González-Fortes Gloria , Hartmann Stefanie , Grandal-d’Anglade Aurora , Hofreiter Michael
Published: April 2021

Domestic cattle were brought to Spain by early settlers and agricultural societies. Due to missing Neolithic sites in the Spanish region of Galicia, very little is known about this process in this region. We sampled 18 cattle subfossils from different ages and different mountain caves in Galicia, of which 11 were subject to sequencing of the mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis, to provide insight into the introduction of cattle to this region. We detected high similarity between samples from different time periods and were able to compare the time frame of the first domesticated cattle in Galicia to data from the connecting region of Cantabria to show a plausible connection between the Neolithization of these two regions. Our data shows a close relationship of the early domesticated cattle of Galicia and modern cow breeds and gives a general insight into cattle phylogeny. We conclude that settlers migrated to this region of Spain from Europe and introduced common European breeds to Galicia.
The impact of community led alternative rite of passage on eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting in Kajiado County, Kenya: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Muhula Samuel , Mveyange Anthony , Oti Samuel Oji , Bande Martha , Kayiaa Hellen , Leshore Charles , Kawai David , Opanga Yvonne , Marita Enock , Karanja Sarah , Smet Eefje , Conradi Hilke
Published: April 2021

Introduction

In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is highly prevalent in specific communities such as the Maasai and Somali. With the intention of curtailing FMG/C prevalence in Maasai community, Amref Health Africa, designed and implemented a novel intervention—community-led alternative rite of passage (CLARP) in Kajiado County in Kenya since 2009. The study: a) determined the impact of the CLARP model on FGM/C, child early and forced marriages (CEFM), teenage pregnancies (TP) and years of schooling among girls and b) explored the attitude, perception and practices of community stakeholders towards FGM/C.

Methods

We utilised a mixed methods approach. A difference-in-difference approach was used to quantify the average impact of the model with Kajiado as the intervention County and Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir as control counties. The approach relied on secondary data analysis of the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2003, 2008–2009 and 2014. A qualitative approach involving focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted with various respondents and community stakeholders to document experiences, attitude and practices towards FGM/C.

Results

The CLARP has contributed to: 1) decline in FGM/C prevalence, CEFM rates and TP rates among girls by 24.2% (p<0.10), 4.9% (p<0.01) and 6.3% (p<0.01) respectively. 2) increase in girls schooling years by 2.5 years (p<0.05). Perceived CLARP benefits to girls included: reduction in teenage marriages and childbirth; increased school retention and completion; teenage pregnancies reduction and decline in FGM/C prevalence. Community stakeholders in Kajiado believe that CLARP has been embraced in the community because of its impacts in the lives of its beneficiaries and their families.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that CLARP has been positively received by the Maasai community and has played a significant role in attenuating FGM/C, CEFM and TP in Kajiado, while contributing to increasing girls’ schooling years. CLARP is replicable as it is currently being implemented in Tanzania. We recommend scaling it up for adoption by stakeholders implementing in other counties that practice FGM/C as a rite of passage in Kenya and across other sub Saharan Africa countries.
The tree cover and temperature disparity in US urbanized areas: Quantifying the association with income across 5,723 communities
Authors: McDonald Robert I. , Biswas Tanushree , Sachar Cedilla , Housman Ian , Boucher Timothy M. , Balk Deborah , Nowak David , Spotswood Erica , Stanley Charlotte K. , Leyk Stefan
Published: April 2021

Urban tree cover provides benefits to human health and well-being, but previous studies suggest that tree cover is often inequitably distributed. Here, we use National Agriculture Imagery Program digital ortho photographs to survey the tree cover inequality for Census blocks in US large urbanized areas, home to 167 million people across 5,723 municipalities and other Census-designated places. We compared tree cover to summer land surface temperature, as measured using Landsat imagery. In 92% of the urbanized areas surveyed, low-income blocks have less tree cover than high-income blocks. On average, low-income blocks have 15.2% less tree cover and are 1.5⁰C hotter than high-income blocks. The greatest difference between low- and high-income blocks was found in urbanized areas in the Northeast of the United States, where low-income blocks in some urbanized areas have 30% less tree cover and are 4.0⁰C hotter. Even after controlling for population density and built-up intensity, the positive association between income and tree cover is significant, as is the positive association between proportion non-Hispanic white and tree cover. We estimate, after controlling for population density, that low-income blocks have 62 million fewer trees than high-income blocks, equal to a compensatory value of $56 billion ($1,349/person). An investment in tree planting and natural regeneration of $17.6 billion would be needed to close the tree cover disparity, benefitting 42 million people in low-income blocks.