bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Efficiency of Two Novel Guided Bone Regeneration Devices in the Rabbit Calvarial Model
Authors: Zakaria Osama
Published: November 2020

Background. Creating a secluded large space using guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a novel osteogenesis technique used in the prevention of premature membrane exposure complications. However, this technique is not considered clinically feasible. Objectives. This study aimed to compare the outcome of the insertion of two novel GBR devices in a rabbit calvarial model in terms of mode of action, simplicity, and amount of new space and bone gained. Materials and Methods. The expansible GBR (EGBR) device, composed mainly of a titanium plate, silicone membrane, and activation screw, was inserted beneath the periosteum in the calvarial area of eight rabbits. The smart GBR (SGBR) device, composed of silicone sheets and Nitinol strips, were inserted beneath the periosteum in the calvarial area of another 10 rabbits. Half of each group was sacrificed 2 months after surgery, and the other half was sacrificed after 4 months. Results. Histological and microradiographical analysis showed that, at 2 months, the EGBR device achieved a mean space gain of 207.2 mm3, a mean bone volume of 68.2 mm3, and a mean maximum bone height of 1.9 mm. Values for the same parameters at 4 months were 202.1 mm3, 70.3 mm3, and 1.6 mm, respectively. The SGBR device had significantly higher

P
<
0.05

mean space gain (238.2 mm3; 239.5 mm3), bone volume (112.9 mm3, 107.7 mm3), and bone height (2.7 mm; 2.6 mm) than the EGBR device at 2 and 4 months, respectively. Conclusion. Both devices proved to be effective in augmenting bone vertically through the application of GBR and soft tissue expansion processes. However, the SGBR device was more efficient in terms of mode of action, simplicity, and amount of bone created in the new space.
Implementation of Camshift Target Tracking Algorithm Based on Hybrid Filtering and Multifeature Fusion
Authors: Du Sijie , Xu Hongxin , Li Tianping
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the Mean shift algorithm has extensive applications in the field of video tracking. It has some advantages of low cost, small memory, and good tracking effect. However, there are some shortcomings in the existing algorithm; for example, it cannot produce adaptive changes as the target size changes. And when there are similar objects, it is prone to target positioning errors and tracking failures caused by occlusion. In this paper, an improved method of continuous adaptive change Mean shift (Camshift) for high-precision positioning and tracking is proposed. The traditional Camshift method only uses hue components in HSV to extract features. This paper uses the combination of H and S components in HSV space to build a two-dimensional color feature histogram and with the image’s LBP feature histogram to increase tracking accuracy. Meanwhile, for the sake of target occlusion and nonlinear changes in the tracking process, this paper introduces a Gaussian-Hermit particle filter that is updated by the Kalman filter. Experimental result demonstrates that the real-time performance of the proposal in this paper is better than Mean shift, Camshift, simple particle filter, and Kalman filter.
Blood Donation Practice and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Getie Addisu , Wondmieneh Adam , Bimerew Melaku , Gedefaw Getnet , Demis Asmamaw
Published: November 2020

Background. Blood donation is a novel act to save the lives of people who face serious medical and surgical conditions. Since the demand for blood supply is too high, there is a shortage of blood which causes significant morbidity and mortality. To increase blood supply and maintain adequate quantity of blood, regular and volunteer blood donation practice is needed, which meets the increased demand for blood. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis was aimed at assessing the prevalence of blood donation practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Method. PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and published and unpublished articles from the Ethiopian University repository were searched to find articles. Cochrane I2 statistics and Egger’s test with funnel plots were done to check heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. Subgroup analysis by region, study subjects, study setting, and sample size was done due to heterogeneity, as well as sensitivity analysis. Result. Twenty studies from different regions with a total study subject of 8546 were included in the final review. The pooled prevalence of blood donation practice in Ethiopia was 25.82% (95% CI: 21.45‐30.19). Having good knowledge of blood donation (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.33‐3.48) and favorable attitude (AOR = 4.35; 95% CI: 2.93‐6.45) were factors associated with blood donation practice in Ethiopia. Conclusion. The pooled prevalence of blood donation practices in Ethiopia was short of the demand for blood due to the increase in serious medical conditions and road traffic accidents. Knowledge and attitude towards blood donation were significantly associated with blood donation practice. Therefore, awareness creation and health education programs targeting blood donation practice should be strengthened.
Modelling the Mass Transfer Kinetics of Battered and Breaded Fish Nuggets during Deep-Fat Frying at Different Frying Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Jiwang , Yue Yi , Zhu Zhenzhou , Liao E , Xia Wenshui
Published: November 2020

Battered and breaded fish nuggets (BBFNs) were fried at three different temperatures (160, 170, and 180°C) for 30–180 s to study the mass transfer kinetics of moisture loss and fat absorption. The mass transfer mechanism was investigated through an analysis of microstructure, surface oil (SO), and penetrated surface oil (PSO) contents of fried BBFNs. The results showed that Fick’s second law of diffusion and the first-order kinetic model could well describe the kinetics of moisture loss and fat absorption of the crust, respectively. Transfer coefficients of the two mass transports significantly increased with an increase in the frying temperature (

P
<
0.05

). With the increase in the frying temperature, pore size of the crust increased. The PSO content of the crust also increased with elevated frying temperature. These results suggest that frying temperature affects the moisture loss and fat absorption kinetics of the crust by changing its microstructure.
Dexmedetomidine Protects against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Cell Apoptosis through the Trx1‐Dependent Akt Pathway
Authors: Wu Zhi-lin , Davis Jacques Robert Jeppe , Zhu Yi
Published: November 2020

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) was reported to reduce oxidative stress and protect against myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the molecular mechanism involved in its antioxidant property is not fully elucidated. The present study was aimed at investigating whether the Trx1/Akt pathway participated in the cardioprotective effect of Dex. In the present study, I/R‐induced myocardial injury in isolated rat hearts and OGD/R‐induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were established. Our findings suggested that Dex ameliorated myocardial I/R injury by improving cardiac function, reducing myocardial apoptosis and oxidative stress, which was manifested by increased GSH and SOD contents, decreased ROS level, and MDA generation in both the isolated rat hearts and OGD/R‐treated H9C2 cells. More importantly, it was found that the level of Trx1 was preserved, and Akt phosphorylation was significantly upregulated by Dex treatment. However, these effects of Dex were abolished by PX‐12 (a specific Trx1 inhibitor) administration. Taken together, this study suggests that Dex plays a protective role in myocardial I/R injury, improves cardiac function, and relieves oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, our results present a novel signaling mechanism that the cardioprotective effect of Dex is at least partly achieved through the Trx1‐dependent Akt pathway.
Predicting Subjective Recovery from Lower Limb Surgery Using Consumer Wearables
Authors: Karas Marta , Marinsek Nikki , Goldhahn Jörg , Foschini Luca , Ramirez Ernesto , Clay Ieuan
Published: November 2020

Introduction: A major challenge in the monitoring of rehabilitation is the lack of long-term individual baseline data which would enable accurate and objective assessment of functional recovery. Consumer-grade wearable devices enable the tracking of individual everyday functioning prior to illness or other medical events which necessitate the monitoring of recovery trajectories. Methods: For 1,324 individuals who underwent surgery on a lower limb, we collected their Fitbit device data of steps, heart rate, and sleep from 26 weeks before to 26 weeks after the self-reported surgery date. We identified subgroups of individuals who self-reported surgeries for bone fracture repair (n = 355), tendon or ligament repair/reconstruction (n = 773), and knee or hip joint replacement (n = 196). We used linear mixed models to estimate the average effect of time relative to surgery on daily activity measurements while adjusting for gender, age, and the participant-specific activity baseline. We used a sub-cohort of 127 individuals with dense wearable data who underwent tendon/ligament surgery and employed XGBoost to predict the self-reported recovery time. Results: The 1,324 study individuals were all US residents, predominantly female (84%), white or Caucasian (85%), and young to middle-aged (mean age 36.2 years). We showed that 12 weeks pre- and 26 weeks post-surgery trajectories of daily behavioral measurements (steps sum, heart rate, sleep efficiency score) can capture activity changes relative to an individual’s baseline. We demonstrated that the trajectories differ across surgery types, recapitulate the documented effect of age on functional recovery, and highlight differences in relative activity change across self-reported recovery time groups. Finally, using a sub-cohort of 127 individuals, we showed that long-term recovery can be accurately predicted, on an individual level, only 1 month after surgery (AUROC 0.734, AUPRC 0.8). Furthermore, we showed that predictions are most accurate when long-term, individual baseline data are available. Discussion: Leveraging long-term, passively collected wearable data promises to enable relative assessment of individual recovery and is a first step towards data-driven intervention for individuals.
Interplay between Vitamin D, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Factors in a Multiethnic Adult Cohort
Authors: Mohammed Khalid Mansoor Khadeeja , Iqbal Sumaiya , Nowshad Nowfala , Abdelmannan Dima
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity have been classified as pandemic issues worldwide with high prevalence of both the risk factors in the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, obesity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency, but very few studies have been published about the correlation between them in the UAE population. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study designed to find a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and obesity along with other metabolic factors. Data were collected from electronic medical records of 300 subjects ranging from 15 to 85 years of age of various ethnic origins residing in Dubai. Results: The study showed a high prevalence of obesity (44.9%) and vitamin D deficiency (40.1) in our study population. There is no evidence of a relation between vitamin D level and the obesity; 40.1% of the subjects were vitamin D deficient, out of which 46.7% were obese. However, a statistically significant relationship was found between cholesterol levels and vitamin D levels. Similarly, a significant relation was found between decreasing Vitamin D levels and increasing age but no relationship was detected with gender. Conclusions: The present study revealed an alarming prevalence of obesity and vitamin D deficiency. Further steps need to be taken to tackle this growing problem.
Successful Unilateral Surgical Approach to Internal Globus Pallidus and Ventral Intermediate Nucleus of the Thalamus in 3 Cases of Myoclonus-Dystonia Syndrome
Authors: Mercado-Pimentel Rodrigo , Piedimonte Fabian , Micheli Federico , Montilla-Uzcátegui Verónica , Barbosa Nicolás , Ramírez-Gómez Carolina , Zúñiga-Ramírez Carlos
Published: November 2020

Surgical approaches of internal globus pallidus (GPi) and ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (Vim) have been used to treat different movement disorders. Three subjects with myoclonus-dystonia syndrome were surgically treated, one of them with GPi and Vim stimulation, while radiofrequency ablation of these structures was performed in the other 2 subjects. Surgical approach of both targets was performed simultaneously on each subject. Mean follow-up was of 33.3 months (22–48 months), the Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale action myoclonus (AM), functional tests (FT), patient questionnaire (PQ) sub-scores, and the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS) were used during assessments. Improvement in all scales were seen 6 months after surgery (AM: 74%, FT: 60%, PQ: 63%, UDRS: 65%), and this benefit persisted throughout follow-up (AM: 61%, FT:62%, PQ: 65%, UDRS: 86%). No adverse events were noticed. Simultaneous unilateral procedures of GPi and Vim by either stimulation or ablation techniques improve both motor and functional scores in myoclonus-dystonia syndrome.
“It’s Not as Simple as Just Looking at One Chart”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Clinician’s Opinions on Various Visualisation Strategies to Represent Longitudinal Actigraphy Data
Authors: Keogh Alison , Johnston William , Ashton Mitchell , Sett Niladri , Mullan Ronan , Donnelly Seamas , Dorn Jonas F. , Calvo Francesc , Mac Namee Brian , Caulfield Brian
Published: November 2020

Background: Data derived from wearable activity trackers may provide important clinical insights into disease progression and response to intervention, but only if clinicians can interpret it in a meaningful manner. Longitudinal activity data can be visually presented in multiple ways, but research has failed to explore how clinicians interact with and interpret these visualisations. In response, this study developed a variety of visualisations to understand whether alternative data presentation strategies can provide clinicians with meaningful insights into patient’s physical activity patterns. Objective: To explore clinicians’ opinions on different visualisations of actigraphy data. Methods: Four visualisations (stacked bar chart, clustered bar chart, linear heatmap and radial heatmap) were created using Matplotlib and Seaborn Python libraries. A focus group was conducted with 14 clinicians across 2 hospitals. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes were identified: (1) the importance of context, (2) interpreting the visualisations and (3) applying visualisations to clinical practice. Although clinicians saw the potential value in the visualisations, they expressed a need for further contextual information to gain clinical benefits from them. Allied health professionals preferred more granular, temporal information compared to doctors. Specifically, physiotherapists favoured heatmaps, whereas the remaining members of the team favoured stacked bar charts. Overall, heatmaps were considered more difficult to interpret. Conclusion: The current lack of contextual data provided by wearables hampers their use in clinical practice. Clinicians favour data presented in a familiar format and yet desire multi-faceted filtering. Future research should implement user-centred design processes to identify ways in which all clinical needs can be met, potentially using an interactive system that caters for multiple levels of granularity. Irrespective of how data is displayed, unless clinicians can apply it in a manner that best supports their role, the potential of this data cannot be fully realised.
Sex Disparities in COVID-19 Severity and Outcome: Are Men Weaker or Women Stronger?
Authors: Pivonello Rosario , Auriemma Renata S. , Pivonello Claudia , Isidori Andrea M. , Corona Giovanni , Colao Annamaria , Millar Robert P.
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global public health issue which has profound effects on most aspects of societal well-being, including physical and mental health. A plethora of studies globally have suggested the existence of a sex disparity in the severity and outcome of COVID-19 patients, mainly due to mechanisms of virus infection, immune response to the virus, development of systemic inflammation, and consequent systemic complications, particularly thromboembolism. Epidemiological data report a sex difference in the severity of COVID-19, with a more favorable course of the disease in women compared to men regardless of age, although the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be similar in both sexes. Sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens, may not only impact virus entry and load, but also shape the clinical manifestations, complications, and ultimately the outcome of the disease. The current review comprehensively summarizes the current literature on sex disparities in susceptibility and outcome of COVID-19 as well as the literature underpinning the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms, which may provide a rationale to a sex disparity. These mechanisms include sex hormone influence on factors that facilitate virus entry and priming, immune and inflammatory response, as well as coagulation and thrombosis diathesis. Based on present evidence, women appear to be relatively protected from COVID-19 because of a more effective immune response and a less pronounced systemic inflammation, with consequent moderate clinical manifestations of the disease, together with a lesser predisposition to thromboembolism. Conversely, men appear to be particularly susceptible to COVID-19 because of a less effective immune response with consequent severe clinical manifestations of the disease, together with a greater predisposition to thromboembolism. In the elderly, generally characterized by the phenomenon of inflammaging, sex disparities in overall mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection are even more palpable as elderly men appear to be more prone to severe COVID-19 because of a greater predisposition to infections, a weaker immune defense, and an enhanced thrombotic state compared to women. The information revealed from the review highlights potential novel therapeutic approaches employing the administration of hormonal or antihormonal therapy in combination with antiviral drugs in COVID-19 patients.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕБІГУ ВАГІТНОСТІ У ЖІНОК ІЗ НЕПЛІДДЯМ НА ТЛІ ВНУТРІШНЬОПЕЧІНКОВОГО ХОЛЕСТАЗУ
Authors: Boichuk O. H. , Nsan Ekom Nsed E. , Dubetskyi B. I.
Published: November 2020

Мета дослідження – з’ясувати роль порушень гепатобіліарної системи у виникненні акушерських і перинатальних ускладнень у жінок з вагітністю після застосування допоміжних репродуктивних технологій (ДРТ).

Матеріали та методи. Проаналізовано 260 амбулаторних карт жінок, які звернулись із приводу лікування безпліддя і яким було призначено та проведено застосування програми ДРТ (запліднення in vitro). Із 260 розпочатих циклів вагітність настала у 56 (21,8 %) жінок (основна група). 30 жінок, вагітність у яких настала без застосування ДРТ, склали контрольну групу.

Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. Захворювання печінки та жовчовивідних шляхів займають важливе місце серед екстрагенітальної патології у вагітних і досить часто сприяють розвитку акушерської патології. Вагітність, що настала після використання допоміжних репродуктивних технологій на фоні масивної гормональної підтримки, може призвести до тяжких необоротних змін гепатобіліарної системи. Проведений ретроспективний аналіз встановив, що вагітність після ДРТ у жінок із внутрішньопечінковим холестазом має свої особливості: суттєво вища частота викиднів та завмерлих вагітностей, загрози передчасних пологів, ранніх гестозів, прееклампсії тяжкого ступеня та затримки росту плода. Майже 40 % дітей народились у стані асфіксії, причому в 11,1 % відмічено тяжкий її ступінь, третина цих дітей була недоношеною, і 40,0 % мали ознаки гіпотрофії, а у 66,7 % дітей був порушений перебіг ранньої неонатальної адаптації. Вищою була і перинатальна смертність.

Висновки. Вагітність після ДРТ у жінок з внутрішньопечінковим холестазом має свої особливості: суттєво вища частота викиднів та завмерлих вагітностей, загрози передчасних пологів, ранніх гестозів, прееклампсії тяжкого ступеня та затримки росту плода, що потребують детальнішого дослідження для розробки патогенетично обґрунтованої системи лікувально-профілактичних заходів.
Профілактика розвитку стриктури відхідника при гемороїдектомії
Authors: Shevchuk I. M. , Novytsky O. V. , Shapoval A. L. , Sadovyi I. YA.
Published: November 2020

Мета роботи: вивчити ефективність та оцінити застосування розпрацьованої методики гемороїдектомії із застосуванням технічних прийомів профілактики розвитку стриктури відхідника у хворих на хронічний геморой ІІІ–ІV ступеня.

Матеріали і методи. Проаналізовано результати хірургічного лікування 55 хворих на хронічний геморой ІІІ–ІV ступеня.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. У 2 (7,14 %) із 28 хворих групи порівняння виникла компенсована післяопераційна стриктура відхідника, яка була підтверджена ізольованою рентгенографією і ліквідована консервативними заходами. У дослідній групі хворих через 2 місяці та 1 рік після проведеного операційного втручання за розпрацьованою методикою при проктологічному обстеженні та за результатами ізольованого рентгеноконтрастного дослідження відхідника даних за післяопераційну стриктуру не встановлено.
Компартмент-синдром кінцівок та черевної порожнини
Authors: Podpryatov S. E. , Korchak V. P. , Belouso I. O. , Podpriatov S. S. , Satsiuk I. V. , Slobodianiuk I. M.
Published: November 2020

Мета роботи: оцінити власний досвід діагностики та лікування компартмент-синдрому (КС) кінцівок та черевної порожнини.

Матеріали і методи. Проведений аналіз клінічного перебігу, діагностики та лікування КС у 5 пацієнтів.

 Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. КС верхньої кінцівки спостерігали у 2 хворих, нижньої – в одного. У всіх пацієнтів ознаки КС виникли через 3 тижні після первинного ураження. В одному спостереженні після укусу собаки спостерігали значне підвищення активності трансаміназ. Виконання декомпресії фасціальних футлярів та проведення антиклостридіальної антибактеріальної терапії впродовж 23 діб дозволило досягти повного одужання пацієнта. В другому спостереженні травма плеча на тлі приймання варфарину супроводжувалась наростанням підфасціальної гематоми. Застосування іншого препарату антикоагулянтної дії та здійснення фасціотомії сприяло одужанню. В обох пацієнтів за даним ультразвукового дослідження виявлено втрату структурності та набряк м’язів. Патогномонічність цих ознак слід перевірити в подальших дослідженнях. У третього пацієнта з КС, тотальною підшкірною та міжм’язовою флегмоною гомілки та стегна на тлі лімфостазу виконано ампутацію кінцівки на рівні верхньої третини стегна.

Інтраабдомінальну гіпертензію (ІАГ) на рівні 20 мм рт. ст. і вище в перші 3 доби після внутрішньочеревного операційного втручання спостерігали у 12 пацієнтів. Завдяки інтенсивній терапії у 9 пацієнтів нормалізувались гемодинаміка, дихання та показники метаболізму та внутрішньочеревний тиск. У 3 пацієнтів хірургічні ускладнення зумовили виконання релапаротомії.

Абдомінальний компартмент-синдром (АКС) спостерігали у 2 хворих. Стан одного хворого був помилково оцінений як неадекватне поповнення водно-електролітного балансу. Продовжено інтенсивну терапію з позитивним балансом 3200 мл. В подальшому виникли ниркова недостатність та рецидивуючий сепсис, лікування яких впродовж 27 діб виявилось неефективним. Ще у одного хворого своєчасна діагностика АКС і проведення адекватної терапії супроводжувались швидким одужанням.

Компартмент-синдром кінцівок та черевної порожнини є небезпечним для життя ускладненням, яке має особливі прояви і потребує спеціального лікування.
ДОСВІД ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ПРАКТИЧНО ОРІЄНТОВАНОЇ МЕТОДИКИ ВИКЛАДАННЯ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ «ПЕРША МЕДИЧНА ДОПОМОГА З ОЗНАЙОМЧОЮ МЕДИЧНОЮ ПРАКТИКОЮ» ДЛЯ СТУДЕНТІВ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНОГО ФАКУЛЬТЕТУ
Authors: Andryushchenko V. P. , Vashchuk V. V. , Kyryk T. P. , Kushnirchuk M. I.
Published: November 2020

Рання серцево-легенева реанімація та швидка дефібриляція забезпечують виживання пацієнтів при раптовій зупинці кровообігу, а значна частина потерпілих, що потребує невідкладної медичної допомоги, гине через її несвоєчасність або неадекватність. Відомим є факт, що відсутність допомоги постраждалим протягом першої години після отримання травми збільшує кількість смертельних вислідів на 30 %, а затримка допомоги понад 3 год завершується летальністю понад 60 % потерпілих. Саме своєчасність та якість першої долікарської допомоги при різних захворюваннях, травматичних ушкодженнях, нещасних випадках, отруєннях тощо є визначальними для збереження здоров’я і життя потерпілого. Як свідчать результати численних досліджень, проведених під патронатом Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я, близько 20 % загиблих внаслідок травм та нещасних випадків у мирний час могли б бути врятованими за умови вчасного та якісного надання першої долікарської допомоги. Існуюче законодавство в Україні передбачає кримінальне переслідування медичного працівника за ненадання допомоги потерпілому, що перебуває в небезпечному для життя стані. У звʼязку з цим базова серцево-легенева реанімація – одна з основних практичних навичок, яку повинен опанувати студент, що здобуває освіту за спеціальністю «Фармація», під час вивчення навчальної дисципліни «Перша долікарська допомога з ознайомчою медичною практикою», підготовки фахівців магістерського рівня. Кожний студент зобов’язаний вміти надавати невідкладну медичну допомогу хворому незалежно від причини виникнення термінального стану, на основі сучасних стандартів та міжнародних протоколів. На сьогодні в царині реанімато­логії існує вагома доказова база щодо проведення серцево-легеневої реанімації, на яку, безумовно, необхідно спиратися в процесі навчання студентів фармацевтичного факультету.
Gastrointestinal helminth and protozoan infections of wild mammals in four major national parks in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sepalage Chandima Sarani , Rajakaruna Rupika Subashini
Published: November 2020

A cross-sectional, coprological survey of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of wild mammals in four major National Parks in Sri Lanka: Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Wasgamuwa, and Horton Plains was carried out during November 2016 to August 2017.  Fresh fecal samples were collected and analyzed using sedimentation technique, iodine & saline smears, and Sheather’s sucrose flotation for morphological identification parasite eggs, cysts, and larvae.  A modified salt flotation was carried out for egg counts.  Seventy samples from 10 mammal species: Asian Elephant, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Sambar, Indian Hare, Asian Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Grey Langur, Leopard, and four unknown mammals (two carnivores, one herbivore and one omnivore) were analyzed.  Most were infected (94.3%) with more than one GI parasites.  The highest prevalence of infection was recorded in Horton Plains (100%), followed by Wasgamuwa (92.8%), Wilpattu (90.4%) and Udawalawe (75.0%) with a significant difference among four parks (Chi square test; χ2=35.435; df=3; p<0.001).  Nineteen species of GI parasites were recorded, of which Entamoeba, Isospora, Balantidium, Fasciola, Moniezia, Dipylidium, strongyles, Toxocara, Trichiurus and hookworms were the most common.  Strongyles (62.1%) and Entamoeba (80.3%) were the most prevalent helminth and protozoan infections, respectively.  Overall, there was no difference in the prevalence of protozoans (84.3%) and helminths (87.1%; χ2=1.0; df=1; p=0.317).  In carnivores, Entamoeba, Balantidium, Moniezia, strongyles and Strongyloides were common and in herbivores, Entamoeba, strongyles, Strongyloides and Toxocara were common.  The quantitative analysis showed strongyles (17.639 EPG) and Isospora (18,743 OPG) having the highest infection intensity among helminthes and protozoans, respectively.  This study provides baseline information of GI parasites and their distribution in wild mammals in the four national parks.  Although the prevalence of GI infections was high, their intensity shows that they could be incidental infections.  When the prevalence of an infection is high but the intensity is low, it is unlikely to be a major health problem leading to the endangerment of a species.  Parasitic diseases can not only affect conservation efforts, but they are also natural selection agents and drive biological diversification, through influencing host reproductive isolation and speciation.
Avian congregation sites in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India
Authors: Joshi JIgar D. , Munjpara Sandeep B. , Joshi Kinjal , Salvi Harshad , Kamboj R.D.
Published: November 2020

he present study deals with the congregation of avifauna at various locations in Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), Gujarat, India.  The study was conducted between 2011 and 2014.  A total of 14 sites were identified in Gulf of Kachchh which had regular and remarkable congregation of mono-species or multi-species of waterbirds.  The observations were made through line transects and point count sampling methods.  The largest congregation sites were Bhaidar and Pirotan Islands with more than 5,000 individuals of waterbirds.  Khijadiya wetland was also recorded with a remarkable number of birds in the congregation, i.e., more than 4,000 individuals.  The identified congregation sites were found to be distributed throughout the southern part of GoK.  Such sites were intertidal areas, freshwater bodies, saltpans etc.  The bird congregations comprised resident and migratory waterbirds and coastal birds.
Fish diversity in streams/rivers of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: K. Kannan  , Johnson J.A.
Published: November 2020

This article describes fish diversity in streams and rivers of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), Tamil Nadu.  Fifty species of fishes belonging to 10 orders, 15 families, and 32 genera are recorded.  Seven species, Garra joshuai, G. kalakadensis, Haludaria kannikattiensis, Hypselobarbus tamiraparaniei Mesonemachilus tambraparniensis, Neolissochilus tamiraparaniensis, and Dawkinsia tambraparniei are strictly endemic to this protected area.  The minnows, Devario aequipinnatus, Garra mullya, and G. kalakadensis are widely distributed in KMTR streams.  High species diversity (H’=2.81) was recorded in Gadana River, whereas low species diversity (H’=0.61) was registered in Poonkulam area.  Bray-Curtis similarity analysis showed that sites along the headwater streams have similar faunal assemblage.  Result of regression analysis revealed that there is a significant pattern explained between stream order and species richness (r2=0.86; p<0.05).  Among 50 species, four (Garra kalakadensis, G. joshuai, Dawkinsia tambraparniei, and Tor malabaricus) are listed in threatened categories of IUCN Red List.  Important threats faced by endemic species and their management strategies are discussed.
Regionalization without Vernacularization: The Place of Persian in Eighteenth-Century Sindh
Authors: Rajani Shayan
Published: November 2020

This article examines a turn towards the region in two genres related to Persian poetry in eighteenth-century Sindh, the bayāẓ or poetic anthology and taẕkira or biographical dictionary. I argue that poets in Sindh’s premier city, Thatta, established Sindh as an organizing principle for poetry and the poetic community, initiating a process of regionalization in Persian after the end of Mughal rule. Notably, this was done without the patronage or encouragement of the regional successors to the Mughals in Sindh. These poets neither sought out vernaculars, nor predicated regionalization upon cultural difference. Rather, regionalization without vernacularization was the basis for their participation in the transregional enterprise of Persian poetry in a milieu where the Mughals and their officials were no longer sources of patronage or of poetic standards. The case of Persian poetry in Sindh calls for rethinking the function and status of Persian beyond its role as a language of power and for considering the role of Persian poets in bringing the region to renewed cultural salience in eighteenth-century Sindh.
Facile preparation of hierarchical porous 2MgO · B2O3 · 2H2O nanostructure with ultra-high adsorption performance for triphenylmethane dyes removal
Authors: Guo Rui-Feng , Ma Wen-Ru , Wang Ming-Zhen , Liu Zhi-Hong
Published: November 2020

The fan-like 2MgO · B2O3 · 2H2O porous nanostructures were prepared by a solvothermal approach. FT-IR, XRD, TG-DTA, SEM, and TEM were used to characterize the obtained sample, which was constructed by nanobelts with 20 nm in width, about
5 nm in thickness and 2 μm in length. Its specific surface area was measured as 118.94 m2/g. It exhibited ultra-high removal of triphenylmethane dyes for AF, MG and BF from aqueous solution, in which the maximum adsorption capacities are much higher than those of most
reported adsorbents. The higher absorption for triphenylmethane dyes can be attributed to the positive surface charge, the main existing mesopores and macropores, and larger specific surface area of the prepared 2MgO · B2O3 · 2H2O sample, which
make the absorbent and anionic dye molecules existing both the stronger electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonds of N–H· · · O and O–H· · · N. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm were found to conform to pseudo-second-order model and
Langmuir model. The competitive adsorption for BF and MG and the adsorption mechanism were also investigated. The as-prepared sample is of larger adsorption capacity and good reusability, which makes it valuable in potential wastewater treatment application.
DNA methyltransferase 3 beta regulates ras related domain family 1 methylation leading to enhanced proliferation and migration in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Li Haiwen , Li Jingwei , Li Jinquan , Zhong Jiaying , Xie Yiming , Zou Huaying , Guo Shaoju , Ling Yunzhi
Published: November 2020

Silencing expression of RASSF1A, which is induced by DNA hypermethylation, contributes to proliferation and migration in gastric cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of this process remain unclear. In order to investigate the effect and mechanisms of RASSF1A methylation on proliferation
and migration of gastric cancer, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (5-AZA-CdR) were used to interfere with expression of DNMT3B and RASSF1A in gastric cancer AGS cells. Fe3O4–SiO2 nanoparticles were used to extract mRNA for RT-qPCR, and RT-qPCR and western
blotting were used to measure the effect of RASSF1A expression on the expression of Caspase 3, Bcl-2, and Bax in AGS cells. MTT and cell scratch assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of AGS cells. Our findings show that DNA methyltransferase inhibitors inhibit expression
of DNMT3B, which leads to an increase in the expression of RASSF1A, Caspase3, and Bax at both the mRNA and protein levels, and inhibits the expression of Bcl-2. Thus, inhibiting the expression of DNMT3B and altering levels of DNA methylation can promote the expression of RASSF1A, regulate
the expression of apoptosis-related genes, and inhibit proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. It is helpful to explore the pathological mechanism of endometrial cancer and provide theoretical basis for RASSF1A as a potential therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
Upconversion Fluorescence in Naturally Occurring Calcium Fluoride
Authors: Moffatt Jillian Elizabeth , Payten Thomas Bede , Tsiminis Georgios , de Prinse Thomas Jacob , Da Silva Teixeira Lewis , Klantsataya Elizaveta , Ottaway David John , Smith Barnaby Whitmore , Spooner Nigel Antony
Published: November 2020

Fluorine can negatively interfere with leach and smelting processes during mineral processing. Real-time knowledge of the concentration and mineral hosts of fluorine in a mineral processing ore stream is important to protect process line equipment and product. Currently only offline methods of detection are available. Online sensors that determine specific fluorine-bearing mineral concentration in real-time would enable improved efficiency in processing decisions during mine production. Common excitation wavelengths used for fluorescence studies in minerals frequently provide signals that are not clearly host-specific, and hence of limited utility for mineral identification. We show that upconversion fluorescence, a process in which two or more photons are absorbed and one higher-energy photon is emitted, provides a more host-specific fluorescence output, minimizing spurious signals in complex environments and therefore greatly improving detection thresholds. Natural samples of fluorite (CaF2), a major fluorine host at many mine sites, have been analyzed by near-infrared excitation and have revealed upconversion fluorescence from rare earth inclusions. Upconversion fluorescence was detected in samples with rare earth concentrations as low as one part per million and is therefore considered a potential new sensing modality for real-time fluorite monitoring.
Applying a Sustainable Business Model Lens to Mutual Value Creation With Base of the Pyramid Suppliers
Authors: Dembek Krzysztof , York Jodi
Published: November 2020

Base of the pyramid (BoP) ventures seek to create “mutual value” for themselves and poor communities, but often use business models unadapted for the BoP context, and have been less successful than hoped. Sustainable business models’ (SBMs) multi-stakeholder lens offers a promising alternative path to mutual value, but BoP-based SBM studies are scarce. This single case study explores whether and how SBM characteristics manifest in the business model and value outcomes of Habi, a Manila footwear company successfully creating mutual value with BoP suppliers. We find SBM characteristics underpin Habi’s dual-structure business model (value chain/shop) and success in four ways: viewing profits as a tool for community development resulted in designing both product and business model around community strengths; understanding communities as systems helped Habi address the complexities of poverty; balancing short-term business needs with a long-term, slow-growth approach led to their choice of investors; and implementing community value capture mechanisms ensured enduring community benefit.
Misclassification in Construction: The Original Gig Economy
Authors: Erlich Mark
Published: November 2020

The misclassification of employees as independent contractors has been the focus of recent attention as a result of the implementation of that employment model by ride-share and other gig employers. But the practice long predates the emergence of the gig economy, particularly in the construction industry. This article traces the history of misclassification in construction and the subsequent emergence of a cash-based underground system of compensation, which have lowered standards and been among the major causes of the decline of union density in the industry. In addition, the author examines the regulatory environment at the federal level, which has largely enabled misclassification as well as attempts by state agencies to adopt more aggressive enforcement policies.
Coordinated control of active front steering and active disturbance rejection sliding mode-based DYC for 4WID-EV
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Yunpeng , Li Qing
Published: November 2020

The four-wheel independent driven electric vehicle (4WID-EV) can easily realize the four-wheel independent drive, which is convenient for the development and design of the direct yaw moment control system (DYC). Based on the theory of ADRC and the sliding mode control, a new type of DYC controller coordinated with the AFS controller using PID method is designed for the 4WID-EV in this paper. The coordinated control work area is divided according to the tire lateral force linear area. An improved particle swarm optimization algorithm which introduces linear decreasing inertia weight and annealing strategy is adopted to obtain the coordination work weight. The effectiveness of the DYC controller is verified by the Simulink simulation. It also shows that the performance is further improved after the coordinated control.
Hikikomori Risk Inventory (HRI-24): A new instrument for evaluating Hikikomori in both Eastern and Western countries
Authors: Loscalzo Yura , Nannicini Cristian , Huai-Ching Liu I-Ting , Giannini Marco
Published: November 2020

Background:

Hikikomori, a clinical condition widely studied in Japan, is receiving increasing attention in Western Countries.

Aims:

This study aimed to create a new instrument for evaluating the risk of Hikikomori in both Eastern and Western countries.

Methods:

Through two studies on Italian adolescents, youths, and adults ( n = 1,285) and a study on Japanese youths and adults ( n = 392), we analyzed the psychometric properties of the Hikikomori Risk Inventory (HRI-24).

Results:

We found support, in both the Italian and Japanese samples, for the good and stable factor structure of the scale (CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.057 for both the adult samples), as well as for its convergent and divergent validity.

Conclusions:

The HRI-24 might be used in future studies in both Western and Eastern countries to shed light on the features of this clinical disorder in different cultures. This will allow the development of culture-sensitive preventive and clinical interventions.
College Readiness: Differences Between First-Year Undergraduates With and Without ADHD
Authors: Canu Will H. , Stevens Anne E. , Ranson Loren , Lefler Elizabeth K. , LaCount Patrick , Serrano Judah W. , Willcutt Erik , Hartung Cynthia M.
Published: November 2020

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors. Impairment in individuals diagnosed with ADHD is significant; one such domain of impairment is achieving a college education. College students with ADHD tend to have lower grade point averages, take longer to graduate, and have higher dropout rates than individuals without ADHD. Those with ADHD may be inadequately prepared for college. College readiness can be broken into self-determination, academic skills, and daily living skills, all of which are possible areas of deficit for individuals with ADHD, given their common characteristics. In the current study, we examined differences in college readiness in undergraduates with and without ADHD. In general, students with ADHD were found to be less prepared for college than those without ADHD, and specific areas of unpreparedness were identified. The findings support the need for intervention for students with ADHD before or early in their college careers. Further research on specific skill deficits and ameliorative steps is needed.
Secular justifications of the world. A neo-Weberian typology of cosmodicies
Authors: Schaefer Robert
Published: November 2020

This article asks how secular societies cope with suffering and fortune perceived as unjust and undeserved. It investigates secular forms of dealing with the originally religious problem of theodicy. According to Weber’s work, Western societies have solved this problem with the meritocratic ideal based on the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, which gave rise to the capitalistic work ethics. Current sociological diagnoses observe a crisis of these ethics, which begs the question of whether this also indicates a crisis of meritocratism. The article addresses this question from the perspective of sociology of religion and translates Weber’s typology of religious theodicies into a typology of secular cosmodicies. The typology serves as an analytical tool, allowing for systematic comparisons of justifications in different empirical cases.
Preparing Teacher Candidates for Trauma-Informed Practices
Authors: Brown Emily C. , Freedle Agata , Hurless Nicole L. , Miller Rebecca D. , Martin Claire , Paul Zori A.
Published: November 2020

Children who experience trauma may experience negative health and educational outcomes. Teachers are critical stakeholders in trauma-informed schools and are tasked with recognizing and responding to the needs of students who experience trauma. However, teachers face barriers to implementing trauma-informed practices, including high levels of stress and lack of preparation. This article describes training embedded in an urban teacher preparation program aimed at increasing the trauma knowledge and skills confidence of teacher candidates. Findings suggest the training helped teacher candidates increase knowledge and skills and met stated needs. Recommendations for future research and implications for teachers and teacher educators are discussed.
Measuring Intrapersonal Psychological Empowerment and Ethnic Identity: Highlighting Strengths of Urban Black Girls
Authors: Opara Ijeoma , Lardier David T. , Garcia-Reid Pauline , Reid Robert J.
Published: November 2020

Limited research has examined intrapersonal psychological empowerment (PE) among Black girls solely. This study aims to fill a gap in empowerment literature by examining the factor structure of the Sociopolitical Control Scale for Youth (SPCS-Y) among Black girls ( N = 377) between the ages of 14–17 years old. We also examine the association with ethnic identity as a conceptually related variable. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the factorial validity of the abbreviated, eight-item SPCS-Y among Black girls. Results support the two-dimensional factor structure of the abbreviated SPCS-Y among Black girls, as well as the association intrapersonal PE has with ethnic identity. Findings provide preliminary support for the empirical and theoretical relationship between intrapersonal PE and ethnic identity among Black girls.
Why do Victims become Perpetrators of Peer Bullying? Moral Disengagement in the Cycle of Violence
Authors: Falla Daniel , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario , Runions Kevin , Romera Eva M.
Published: November 2020

Previous studies have shown that there is overlap between victimization and the perpetration of bullying, and social and motivational variables are known to mediate this relationship. However, the effects of different moral disengagement strategies have not been studied, despite the fact that they exert a major influence on aggressive behavior. This hypothesis and the moderating role of gender were tested through a longitudinal study ( N = 2,066) administered in three waves at 6-month intervals. The results indicated that cognitive restructuring influenced the association between victimization and subsequent bullying. In high victimization scores, boys had higher scores in bullying perpetration compared to girls. The conclusion underlines the importance of the role of morals and ethics in peer relations and in the cycle of violence.