bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between echocardiographic manifestations and bacterial species in patients with infective endocarditis: a cohort study
Authors: Damlin Anna , Westling Katarina , Maret Eva , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby , Caidahl Kenneth , Eriksson Maria J
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background

The diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) is based on microbiological analyses and diagnostic imaging of cardiac manifestations. Echocardiography (ECHO) is preferred for visualization of IE-induced cardiac manifestations. We investigated correlations between bacterial infections and IE manifestations diagnosed by ECHO.

Methods

In this cohort study, data from patients aged 18 years or above, with definite IE admitted at the Karolinska University Hospital between 2008 and 2017 were obtained from Swedish National Registry of Endocarditis. Bacteria registered as pathogen were primarily selected from positive blood culture and for patients with negative blood culture, bacteria found in culture or PCR from postoperative material was registered as pathogen. Patients with negative results from culture or PCR, and patients who did not undergo ECHO during hospital stay, were excluded. IE manifestations diagnosed by ECHO were obtained from the registry. Chi-squared test and two-sided Fisher’s exact test was used for comparisons between categorical variables, and student’s t test was used for continuous numerical variables. Multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression. Secular trend analyses were performed using linear regression. Associations and the strength between the variables were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The most common bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 239, 49%) and viridans group streptococci (n = 102, 21%). The most common manifestations were vegetation in the mitral (n = 195, 40%), aortic (n = 190, 39%), and tricuspid valves (n = 108, 22%). Correlations were seen between aortic valve vegetations and Enterococcus faecalis among patients with native aortic valves, between mitral valve vegetations and streptococci of group B or viridans group, between tricuspid valve vegetations and S. aureus among patients with intravenous drug abuse, and between perivalvular abscesses as well as cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED)-associated IE and coagulase negative staphylococci (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Correlations were found between certain bacterial species and specific ECHO manifestations. Our study contributes to a better understanding of IE manifestations and their underlying bacterial etiology, which pathogens can cause severe infections and might require close follow-up and surgical treatment.
Adverse events associated with continuous interscalene block administered using the catheter-over-needle method: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Tanizima Meishu , Takechi Kenichi , Nakanishi Kazuo , Yorozuya Toshihiro
Published: October 2019

Background: Continuous interscalene block is widely used for pain management in shoulder surgery. However, continuous interscalene block performed using the catheter-through-needle method is reportedly associated with adverse events such as pericatheter leakage of the local anesthetic, phrenic nerve paralysis, and hoarseness. Because we expected that the catheter-over-needle method would reduce these adverse events, we examined cases in which continuous interscalene block was performed using the catheter-over-needle method to determine what adverse events occurred and when.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the anesthesia and medical records of adult patients who underwent catheter insertion to receive a continuous interscalene block performed using the catheter-over-needle method at our hospital from July 2015 to July 2017.
Results: During the surveillance period, 122 adult patients underwent catheter insertion to receive a continuous interscalene block administered using the catheter-over-needle method. No case of pericatheter local anesthetic leakage was observed. Adverse events, such as dyspnea, hoarseness, insufficient anesthetic effect, dizziness, cough reflex during drinking, or ptosis, were observed in 42 patients (34.4%; 95% confidence interval 26–42.7). Most of the adverse events occurred on postoperative day 2. The median time between surgery and the onset of adverse events was 28.5 h.
Conclusions: The catheter-over-needle method may prevent the pericatheter leakage of the local anesthetic. However, adverse events occurred in more than one-third of the patients. During continuous interscalene block, patients must be carefully observed for adverse events, especially on postoperative day 2.
Trial registration: This study was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry on August 13th, 2019 (UMIN000037673).
Development & Validation of Knowledge regarding diet & nutrition scale- Kuwaiti version
Authors: ALMughamis Nouf S , Alayoub Abdullah A. , Meraj Hafsa , Waqas Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Objective This study aims to report the developmental processes and validation of Knowledge regarding diet & nutrition scale (Kuwaiti version).Results A total of 173 (response rate= 86.93%) participants responded to the survey. There was a total of 92 (53.2%) nutritionists and 81(46.8%) doctors/surgeons. The Kuwaiti Diet and Nutrition Scale was found to have an acceptable validity and reliability. The first subscale named “Factual knowledge about nutrition” comprised of nine items. It yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.78. The second subscale “knowledge about nutrition in morbidities” comprised of seven items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.71. The third subscale “counselling of patients” comprised of 11 items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.68. The fourth subscale comprising nine items yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.64 and was named, “Dietary programs and supplementation”.
Transcriptome analysis reveals normalization effect of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium on breast muscles of broilers under high stocking density
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Wang Youli , Yin Dafei , Mahmood Tahir , Yuan Jianmin
Published: October 2019

Background In recent years, increased attention has been focused on breast muscle yield and meat quality in poultry production. Supplementation with nicotinamide and butyrate sodium can improve the meat quality of broilers. However, the potential molecular mechanism is not clear yet. This study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation with a combination of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium on breast muscle transcriptome of broilers under high stocking density. Methods A total of 300 21-d-old Cobb broilers were randomly allocated into 3 groups based on stocking density: low stocking density control group (L; 14 birds/m 2 ), high stocking density control group (H; 18 birds/m 2 ), and high stocking density group provided with a combination of 50 mg/kg nicotinamide and 500 mg/kg butyrate sodium (COMB; 18 birds/m 2 ), raised to 42 days of age.Results The H group significantly increased cooking losses, pH decline and activity of lactate dehydrogenase in breast muscle while COMB showed a significant decrease in these indices ( P < 0.05). The transcriptome results showed that key genes involved in glycolysis, proteolysis and immune stress were up-regulated whereas those relating to muscle development, cell adhesion, cell matrix and collagen were down-regulated in the H group. In contrast, genes related to muscle development, hyaluronic acid, mitochondrial function, and redox pathways were up-regulated while those associated with inflammatory response, acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycolysis pathway were down-regulated in the COMB group.Conclusions The combination of nicotinamide and butyrate sodium may improve muscle quality by enhancing mitochondrial function and antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory response and glycolysis, and promoting muscle development and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
Systematic characterization of branch point binding protein, splicing factor 1, gene family in plant development and stress responses
Authors: Zhang Kai-Lu , Feng Zhen , Yang Jing-Fang , Yuan Tian , Zhang Di , Song Yu-Chen , Shen Cong-Cong , Hao Ge-Fei , Yang Guang-Fu , Fang Yan-Ming , Zhang Jianhua , Wu Caie , Chen Mo-Xian , Zhu Fuyuan
Published: October 2019

Background: Among eukaryotic organisms, the splicing of nuclear precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is a process of introns excision and sequentially joining of exons, leading multi-exonic genes to generate multiple splicing isoforms at transcription level. This process is carried out by a super-protein complex defined as spliceosome. Specifically, splicing factor 1/branchpoint binding protein (SF1/BBP) is a single protein that can bind to the intronic branchpoint sequence (BPS), connecting 5’ and 3’ splice site binding complexes during early spliceosome assembly. The molecular function of this protein has been extensively investigated in yeast, metazoan and mammals. However, their counterparts in plants are seldomly reported.
Results: Here, we conducted a systematic characterization of SF1 gene family across plant lineage. In this work, a total of 92 sequences from 59 plant species were identified. Phylogenetic relationships of these sequences were constructed and subsequent bioinformatic analysis suggested that this family is likely originated from an ancient gene transposition duplication event. Most plant species were shown to maintain a single copy of this gene. Furthermore, an additional RNA binding motif (RRM) existed in most members of this gene family in comparison to their animal and yeast counterparts, indicating their potential role conserved in plant lineage.
Conclusion: Our comprehensive analysis presents general feature of gene and protein structure of this splicing factor family and will provide fundamental information for further functional studies in plants.
Power and medical knowledge: a qualitative study of attitudes regarding co-occurring depression and chronic diseases in Malawi
Authors: Akiba Christopher , Zimba Chifundo C , Thom Annie , Matewere Maureen , Go Vivian , Pence Brian , Gaynes Bradley Neil , Masiye Jones
Published: October 2019

Background : Globally, depression is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are also increasing in LMICs, the conditions frequently co-occur and exacerbate NCD outcomes. Depression interventions alone are not effective at improving NCD outcomes resulting in wide-reaching calls for integrated services. Integrated services are in a nascent phase in LMICs in general and in Malawi in particular. This manuscript serves to clarify Malawian patients’ and providers’ attitudes towards depression integration into routine NCD services. Methods : Ten District Hospitals were selected for data collection. Thirty-nine participants were interviewed. An iterative approach to concept-driven coding was applied to facilitate the formation of similarities, differences, and connections between codes. Results : While patients infrequently described moderate depression as a medical condition, and held various attitudes regarding treatments, they agreed on the appropriateness of integrated services. Patients’ respect for their providers led them to support integration. Patients discussed how medical knowledge is highly regarded, revealing a power dynamic with their providers. Both patients and providers further acknowledged the power of a provider’s communication in shaping a patient’s feelings about depression. Conclusions : Training and interventions that facilitate providers abilities to effectively transfer their medical knowledge, use strategies to channel their power, and engage patients in a collaborative relationship will be key to successfully integrating depression treatment into Malawian NCD clinics and other integrative care settings in the region. Trial Registration : This work served as part of formative data collection for National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Trail NCT03711786 registered on 10 th October, 2018
Compliance with spectacle use in children with refractive errors- a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dhirar Nonita , Dudeja Sankalp , Duggal Mona , Gupta Parul Chawla , Jaiswal Nishant , Singh Meenu , Ram Jagat
Published: October 2019

Background Primary objective of this review was to measure compliance with spectacle use in children with refractive errors. Secondary objective was to understand the reasons for non-compliance.Methods The databases searched were Ovid, EMBASE, CINAHL and Pubmed. All studies up to March, 2018 were included. The search terms were- ((((((Compliance [Title/Abstract]) OR Adherence[Title/Abstract]) OR Compliant[Title/Abstract]) OR Adherent[Title/Abstract])) AND (((Spectacle[Title/Abstract]) OR Spectacles[Title/Abstract]) OR Eye Glasses[Title/Abstract])) AND ((((Child[Title/Abstract]) OR Children[Title/Abstract]) OR Adolescent[Title/Abstract]) OR Adolescents[Title/Abstract]). Two researchers independently searched the databases and initial screening obtained 33 articles. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting and writing the systematic review. Two reviewers assessed data quality independently using the Quality Assessment tool for systematic reviews of observational studies (QATSO). Poor quality studies were those, which had a score of less than 33% on the QATSO tool. Sensitivity analysis was done to determine if poor quality studies effected compliance. Galbraith plot was used to investigate statistical heterogeneity amongst studies. A random effects model was used to pool compliance.Results Twenty-three studies were included in the review, of which 20 were included in the quantitative analysis. All the studies were cross sectional. The overall compliance with spectacle use was 40.14% (95% CI- 32.78-47.50). The compliance varied from 9.84% (95% CI=2.36-17.31) to 78.57% (95% CI=68.96-88.18). The compliance derived in sensitivity analysis was 40.09%. Reasons for non-compliance were broken/lost spectacles, forgetfulness, and parental disapproval.Conclusion Appropriate remedial measures such as health education and strengthening vision care services will be required to address poor compliance with spectacle use among children.
Efficacy of single high-molecular-weight versus triple low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection among knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Ebrahimpour Adel , Bahrami Mohammad Hasan , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Cheraghi Mohsen , Rahimi-Dehgolan Shahram
Published: October 2019

Purpose To compare intra-articular (IA) knee injections of a cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) with a linear low-molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) in terms of pain and functional improvement among knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients.Methods In this single-blinded RCT, the patients were randomly divided into two groups for HA injections. The first group received an HMW-HA (Arthromac) injection, while the other received three weekly LMW-HA (Hyalgan) injections. Pain and function were assessed using the outcome measures including WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS indices, once prior to injection, as well as 2 and 6 months after injections.Results A total of 90 patients were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics including age and sex between the two groups. Our analysis showed that total WOMAC, Lequesne and VAS mean scores remarkably improved at both follow-up time-points compared to the baseline measurements (p<0.001). There was no significant superiority between the two therapeutic protocols according to our outcome measures at any time-point of follow-up. The only except was about the improvement in WOMAC stiffness subscale that was significantly higher in LMW-HA group compared to HMW-HA (p=0.021). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in minor complications and injection-induced pain scores between the two groups.Conclusion This study proved that a single HMW-HA injection is as effective as multiple injections of LMW-HA counterparts in periods of 2 and 6 months follow-up.
First record of Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium species in the Himalayan Goral {Naemorhedus goral (Hardwicke, 1825)} from Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Jagannath , Adhikari Roshan Babu , Bhattarai Bishnu Prasad , Thapa Tej Bahadur , Ghimire Tirth Raj
Published: October 2019

Objectives: This study was carried out to detect the various gastrointestinal parasites in the fecal samples of the Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral (Hardwicke, 1825) from a forest patch of Rumsi area, the Seti River basin, Tanahun district, Nepal. Results: A total of 17 fecal samples (89.47%) were positive for different parasites in which the prevalence of protozoa was 52.63%, and that of helminths was 73.68%. The positive rates of different parasites showed the following orders as Entamoeba spp. (52.63%), Spirocerca spp. (52.63%), Angiostrongylus (36.84%), Cryptosporidium (26.31%), Cyclospora (26.31%), Strongyle (26.31%), Eimeria (10.52%), Trichostrongylus (10.52%), Muellerius capillaris (10.52%), and Blastocystis (5.26%). Although all of the above parasites are firstly reported from the fecal samples of goral in Nepal, the presence of Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium species suggests that these coccidia may directly affect the survival of the Himalayan goral. Further molecular evidences of causal association with Cyclosporiasis and Cryptosporidiosis should be established in these animals.
"We are all here to learn": A qualitative study on private well stewardship within a rural, agricultural Latino community
Authors: VanDerGeest Kori , Ko Linda K. , Karr Catherine , Torres Elizabeth , Drury Dennise , Austin Elena
Published: October 2019

Background: Nitrate contamination in groundwater disproportionately impacts agricultural Latino communities, creating a significant hazard for Latinos that rely on private wells. Private well users must conduct water testing and other well stewardship behaviors to ensure their well water is safe to drink. This study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators of private well water testing in rural, agricultural Latino communities. Methods: We conducted four focus groups with private well users, two in Spanish and two in English. We recruited 37 participants from the Lower Yakima Valley, Washington State, a rural, agricultural community with a large Latino population and elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwater. A semi-structured interview guide was developed to capture testing barriers and facilitators guided by the Risk, Attitudes, Norms, Ability, and Self-Regulation (RANAS) model. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted by two coders to identify common themes. Results: Themes emerged around barriers and facilitators to well stewardship behaviors, including well testing, treatment, and maintenance. Barriers included limited actionable information, economic limitations, lack of technical support, and challenges related to landlords and neighbors. Facilitators of well stewardship included concerns about well water contamination, knowledge of agricultural sources of contamination, do-it-yourself (DIY) home repair experience, and responsibility to protect family. Conclusions: Well stewardship programs in rural, agricultural Latino communities may want to prioritize communication that provides actionable information on well water testing, treatment, and maintenance and emphasizes the responsibility to protect family in its messaging. Additionally, programs that provide financial and technical assistance and well maintenance education that builds on DIY home repair experience may be effective in these communities.
Early warning score validation methodologies and performance metrics: A systematic review
Authors: Fang Hao Sen Andrew , Lim Wan Tin , Tharmmambal Balakrishnan
Published: October 2019

Background Early warning scores (EWS) have been developed as clinical prognostication tools to identify acutely deteriorating patients. With recent advancements in machine learning, there has been a proliferation of studies that describe the development and validation of novel EWS. Systematic reviews of published studies which focus on evaluating performance of both well-established and novel EWS have shown conflicting conclusions. A possible reason for this is the lack of consistency in the validation methods used. In this review, we aim to examine the methodologies and performance metrics used in studies which describe EWS validation.Methods A systematic review of all eligible studies in the MEDLINE database from inception to 22-Feb-2019 was performed. Studies were eligible if they performed validation on at least one EWS and reported associations between EWS scores and mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, or cardiac arrest (CA) of adults within the inpatient setting. Two reviewers independently did a full-text review and performed data abstraction by using standardized data-worksheet based on the TRIPOD (Transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis) checklist. Meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity.Results The key differences in validation methodologies identified were (1) validation population characteristics, (2) outcomes of interest, (3) case definition, intended time of use and aggregation methods, and (4) handling of missing values in the validation dataset. In terms of case definition, among the 34 eligible studies, 22 used the patient episode case definition while 10 used the observation set case definition, and 2 did the validation using both case definitions. Of those that used the patient episode case definition, 11 studies used a single point of time score to validate the EWS, most of which used the first recorded observation. There were also more than 10 different performance metrics reported among the studies.Conclusions Methodologies and performance metrics used in studies performing validation on EWS were not consistent hence making it difficult to interpret and compare EWS performance. Standardizing EWS validation methodology and reporting can potentially address this issue.
Neonatal hypothermia and its associated factors in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beletew Biruk Abate , Kasie Ayelign Mengesha , Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Reta Melese Abate
Published: October 2019

Background : Neonatal hypothermia is a global health problem and a major contributing factor for neonatal morbidity, mortality, and for new-born survival, especially in low and middle-income countries. High prevalence of hypothermia has been reported from countries with the highest burden of neonatal mortality. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of neonatal hypothermia and its associated factors in Eastern Africa. Methods: Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal hypothermia from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I 2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Result: A total of 12 potential studies with 20,911 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in East Africa was found to be 57.22% (95%CI; 39.48–74.95).Delay in initiation of breastfeeding (AOR=2.83; 95%CI: 1.398-4.259; I 2 = 49.2%; P=0.097), having neonatal health problem (AOR=2.68; 95%CI: 1.21-4.15; I 2 = 0.0%; P=0.98), being low birth weight (AOR =2.16; 95%CI: 1.03-3.29; I 2 =3.3%; P=0.005), being preterm(AOR=4.01; 95%CI: 3.02-5.00; I 2 = 0.0%; P=0.457), and night time delivery (AOR=4.01; 95%CI:3.02-5.00; I 2 =0.0%; P=0.457) were identified associated factors which significantly increase the risk of neonatal hypothermia. Conclusions : The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in Eastern Africa remains high. Delay in initiation of breastfeeding, having neonatal health problem, being low birth weight, preterm, and nighttime delivery were identified associated factors which significantly increase the risk of neonatal hypothermia. It is recommended that early initiation of breast feeding should be promoted and emphasis should be given towards low birth weight, preterm and neonates with neonatal problems to prevent burdens of hypothermia in East Africa.
Does potentially inappropriate prescribing predict an increased risk of admission to hospital and mortality? A longitudinal study of the ‘oldest old’.
Authors: Cardwell Karen , Kerse Ngaire , Hughes Carmel M. , Teh Ruth , Moyes Simon A. , Menzies Oliver , Rolleston Anna , Broad Joanna B. , Ryan Cristín
Published: October 2019

Background Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) is associated with negative health outcomes, including hospitalisation and mortality. Using data from Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ), we reported the prevalence of PIP in Māori, the indigenous population of New Zealand, and non-Māori octogenarians and determined the association with hospitalisations and mortality prospectively over a 2-year time period.Methods PIP, from pharmacist applied criteria, was reported as potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs). The association between PIP, and continuous PIP (i.e. PIP at baseline and 24-months) and hospitalisations and mortality was determined throughout a series of 12-month follow-ups using binary logistic (hospitalisations) and Cox (mortality) regression analysis, reported as odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs), respectively, and the corresponding confidence intervals (CIs).Results Data were included from 510 and 403 participants at 12-months and 24-months respectively. Māori participants were 83.2 (±2.6) and non-Māori were 85.5 (±0.5) years at 12-months. The mean number of medicines prescribed was 5.4 ±3.6 (Māori) and 5.3 ±3.3 (non-Māori) at 12-months and at 24-months was 5.7 ±3.5 (Māori) and 5.6 ±3.3 (non-Māori). Total prevalence of ≥1 PIM was 36.7% and 38.0%, of ≥1 PPO was 61.4% and 62.5%, and of any PIP (i.e. ≥1 PIM and/or PPO) was 72.2% and 73.0% at 12-months and 24-months, respectively. At 24-months, the overall prevalence of ≥1 continuous PIM, ≥1 continuous PPO and ≥1 continuous PIM and/or PPO was 18.7%, 37.9% and 51.8%, respectively. In Māori: PIMs were associated with a four-fold increase in hospitalisations; PPOs were associated with a two to three-fold increase in hospitalisations; continuous PIMs were associated with a four-fold increase in hospitalisations. In non-Māori: PIMs were associated with a double risk of hospitalisations; continuous PIMs were associated with a double risk of mortality.Conclusions PIP was associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality in this cohort. Omissions appear more important for Māori in predicting hospitalisations, whereas PIMs were associated with hospitalisations and mortality for non-Māori. These results suggest understanding prescribing outcomes across and between population groups is needed and emphasises prescribing quality assessment is useful.
Development of Block Cipher Cryptography Based on Denok Deblong Dance Pattern
Authors: Sambadha Yuana Sambadha
Published: October 2019

The popularity of cybercrime caused unsafe information. Infrastructure IT made an effort to take in hand the problem, i.e. manipulating information. Cryptography existed as knowledge to protect information. To improve the security level, cryptography needs to be developed. Block Cipher Cryptography based on Dance Denok Deblong is designed to create a new cryptography. This cryptography is designed by using 4 process and 20 rounds. In fourth procesis transformed with S-BOX to get a more random ciphertext. Testing is also done using Avalanche Effect and Correlation value where the character change reaches 49,844%, so it can be used as an alternative in securing data
Enhancing the Flame Retardancy of UV Curable Polyurethane Acrylate Coated Films with Alumina Trihydrate Filling
Authors: KALAV Berdan , ISMAR Ezgi , KARAGÜZEL KAYAOĞLU Burçak
Published: October 2019

In this study, the flame retardancy of ultra violet (UV) curable polyurethane acrylate (PU) coated films were enhanced. For this aim, alumina trihydrate (ATH) filling material was mixed with the pastes including a photoinitiator and a UV curable PU. ATH filling ratio was preciously adjusted to obtain a uniform coating. The coated films were cured with a UV curing system equipped with gallium (Ga) and mercury (Hg) lamps. The chemical changes and the curing degree of the UV cured films were examined by a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) and a pendulum hardness tester. The thermal properties of the UV cured films were evaluated using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Moreover, vertical flammability and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements were conducted in order to determine the burning behavior of the UV cured films. The successful curing of the films was evidenced by means of FTIR results. The addition of ATH slightly increased the hardness values of the films. DSC results showed that ATH addition not only increased the enthalpy values but also enhanced the flame retardant property of the coated films and maximum LOI was achieved as 31.5%.  
Sıkıştırma ile Ateşlemeli Bir Motora Hidrojen İlavesinin Egzoz Emisyonlarına Etkisi
Authors: AKÇAY Mehmet , YILMAZ İlker Turgut , FEYZİOĞLU Ahmet , ÖZER Salih
Published: October 2019

Bu çalışmada, hidrojen miktarının hidrojen-dizel yakıtlı sıkıştırma ile ateşlemeli (CI) motorun üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Hidrojen, sürekli olarak bir karıştırma odasına gönderilmiştir. Dizel yakıt, Common Rail yakıt enjeksiyon sistemi ile silindirlere gönderilmiştir. Deneysel çalışmada; dört silindirli, dört zamanlı, su soğutmalı, 1,461-L ve turbo şarjlı CI motoru kullanılmıştır. Egzoz emisyonları, 1750 d/d sabit hızda 40 Nm, 60 Nm ve 80 Nm motor yükleri altında incelenmiştir. Hidrojen debileri; 10 l/d, 20 l/d ve 30 l/d olarak seçilmiş ve H10, H20 ve H30 olarak isimlendirilmiştir. Sonuçlara göre, NOx ve CO2 emisyonlarında iyileşmeler olurken, HC ve is emisyonları artış meydana gelmiştir. Hidrojen katkısının O2 emisyonu üzerine etkisinin oldukça düşük olduğu görülmüştür. 
Hayvan Gübresinden Biyogaz Üretim Potansiyelinin Belirlenmesi: Adana İli Örnek Hesaplama
Authors: YAĞLI Hüseyin , KOÇ Yıldız
Published: October 2019

Bu çalışmada, Adana İli için biyogaz üretimi ve üretilen bu biyogazın kullanımı ile elde edilebilecek güç miktarının tespiti yapılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında öncelikle Adana ilinde bulunan tüm hayvan sayıları (kanatlı, büyük ve küçük baş) elde edilerek bu hayvanların günlük gübre miktarları bulunmuştur. Bulunan gübre miktarı ve hayvan türüne göre gübre içerikleri dikkate alınarak üretilebilecek biyogaz miktarı hesaplanmıştır. Son olarak, üretilebilecek biyogaz miktarına bağlı olarak elde edilecek güç miktarı bulunmuştur. Hesaplamalar sonucunda Adana ilindeki hayvanlardan elde edilen gübrenin oksijensiz ortamda çürütülmesi ile yıllık ortalama biyogaz üretimi 88.367,417 m3-CH4/yıl olarak ve bu biyogazın kullanımı ile yıllık yaklaşık elektrik enerjisi üretimi 309,286 MWhe/yıl olarak hesaplanmıştır. 
Eğitim Yapılarında Sürdürülebilir Aydınlatma Tasarımı Yaklaşımı
Authors: ÇELİK Kasım , ÜNVER F. Rengin
Published: October 2019

Bir okul tasarlanırken yalnızca mekan büyüklükleri ve derslik sayıları özelinde kalınmamalı, okulun tüm bileşenleri dikkate alınmalı, aydınlatma başta olmak üzere fiziki konfor koşulları göz önünde tutulmalıdır. Bu çalışmada eğitim yapılarında yer alan mekanların aydınlatma sistemlerinin sürdürülebilirlik çerçevesinde kurgulanması ve yeterlilik durumunun geliştirilen yöntemlerle belirlenmesi, iş akış şemaları ve aydınlatma önerileriyle tasarlanacak veya iyileştirilecek aydınlatma sistemleri açısından tasarımcılara yol gösterecek kılavuz bir çalışma oluşturulması hedeflenmiştir. Çalışmadan elde edilen sonuçlar, sürdürülebilir aydınlatma yaklaşımının tasarım ve değerlendirme süreçlerinde yarar sağladığını ortaya koymuştur. Yaklaşımda sunulan iş akış şemaları, kullanılan yöntemler ve hazırlanan değerlendirme araçları ile yeni tasarlanacak ve mevcut eğitim yapılarında sürdürülebilirlik çerçevesinde aydınlatma tasarımı gerçekleştirmenin ve değerlendirmenin olanaklı olduğu ortaya konulmuştur. 
Continuous hydrogen and methane production from the treatment of herbal medicines wastewater in the two-phase ‘UASBH-ICM’ system
Authors: Sun Caiyu , Liu Fang , Song Zhiwei , Li Lixin , Pan Yu , Sheng Tao , Ren Guangmeng
Published: October 2019

A two-phase anaerobic system comprised of upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor for hydrogen production and internal circulation reactor (IC) for methane production was proposed and investigated at laboratory scale and mesophilic temperature (35 °C). Hydrogen was efficiently produced from the UASB with the highest production rate of 3.00 ± 0.04 L · L−1reactor · d−1 at optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 h and in the IC, methane was also produced from residual organic matter and soluble metabolite products (SMP) with a production rate of 2.54 ± 0.04 L · L−1reactor · d−1 at optimum HRT of 15 h. Finally, system HRT of 21 h was determined to be the optimum HRT at which energy conversion efficiency increased from 9.6 ± 0.1% (hydrogen only production) to 72.4 ± 2.5% (hydrogen and methane coproduction) and system chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal reached up to the high level of 90.1 ± 2.1%.
Sexualidade infantil, gênero e uma educação a contrapelo
Authors: Schindhelm Virginia Georg , Evangelista Marcia Nico
Published: October 2019

O artigo dialoga com o desafio de trabalhar os temas gênero e sexualidade na educação da infância como construções sociais polêmicas pela multiplicidade de visões, crenças, tabus, interditos e valores dos que convivem na escola. Assim, buscamos: (1) dialogar com Benjamin e estudiosos da infância, gênero e sexualidade; (2) participar do cotidiano de duas escolas fluminenses, onde os sujeitos das histórias narram suas experiências; (3) registrar e construir dados empíricos para a pesquisa de doutoramento. Os resultados (1) desvelaram ocultamentos e silenciamentos sobre as temáticas; (2) expuseram experiências inusitadas do(a)s educadore(a)s e decisões com incertezas, singularidades e conflito de valores; (3) evidenciaram falas marcadas por angústias e constrangimentos sobre o sexual; (4) revelaram (des)conhecimentos da equipe pedagógica sobre gênero e sexualidade infantil.
Qualidade na educação infantil em instituições brasileiras: contributos de pesquisas acadêmicas para o debate
Authors: Oliveira Daniele Ramos de , Guimarães Célia Maria , Lima Elieuza Ap. de
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo apresenta elementos que compõem a qualidade da educação na faixa etária de zero a cinco anos, oferecida por instituições de Educação Infantil no Brasil, com base nos resultados de pesquisa disseminados em teses e dissertações que enfocam essa temática. Foi utilizado o procedimento metodológico delineado como mapeamento bibliográfico das pesquisas acadêmicas brasileiras vinculadas aos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação, os quais focalizam a questão no período entre 1996 e 2012. Os resultados dos estudos fornecem elementos sobre financiamento, formação de professores, família, qualidade do atendimento em redes de ensino, avaliação institucional, percepções sobre qualidade e práticas educativas que permitem discutir sobre a qualidade da Educação Infantil oferecida nas instituições brasileiras. Além disso, considera-se que não convém tomar o conceito de qualidade da Educação Infantil como universal, visto que este se vincula ao contexto, às concepções sobre criança e à sua educação.
Lei nº 6, de 30 de maio de 1892
Authors: Araujo Marta Maria
Published: October 2019

A reforma da educação pública primária, secundária e profissional, em suas bases normativas, e segundo os princípios estabelecidos pela Constituição do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte de 1892, foi aprovada pelo Congresso Legislativo (Lei n° 5, de 24 de maio de 1892), sendo autorizada pelo governador Pedro Velho de Albuquerque Maranhão (1892-1896) a sua efetivação em seus indispensáveis condicionantes.
Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives as Versatile Scaffolds for GSK-3β Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Francisco Carla S. , Javarini Clara L. , de S. Barcelos Iatahanderson , Morais Pedro A.B. , de Paula Heberth , de S. Borges Warley , Neto Álvaro Cunha , Lacerda Valdemar
Published: October 2019

Background:

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is involved in the phosphorylation and
inactivation of glycogen synthase. GSK-3 inhibitors have been associated with a variety of diseases, including
Alzheimer´s disease (AD), diabetes type II, neurologic disorders, and cancer. The inhibition of
GSK-3β isoforms is likely to represent an effective strategy against AD.

Objective:

The present work aimed to design and synthesize coumarin derivatives to explore their potential
as GSK-3β kinase inhibitors.

Method:

The through different synthetic methods were used to prepare coumarin derivatives. The
GSK-3β activity was measured through the ADP-Glo™ Kinase Assay, which quantifies the kinasedependent
enzymatic production of ADP from ATP, using a coupled-luminescence-based reaction. A
docking study was performed by using the crystallographic structure of the staurosporine/GSK-3β complex
[Protein Data Bank (PDB) code: 1Q3D].

Results:

The eleven coumarin derivatives were obtained and evaluated as potential GSK-3β inhibitors.
Additionally, in silico studies were performed. The results revealed that the compounds 5c, 5d, and 6b
inhibited GSK-3β enzymatic activity by 38.97–49.62% at 1 mM. The other coumarin derivatives were
tested at 1 mM, 1 µM, and 1 nM concentrations and were shown to be inhibitor candidates, with significant
IC50 (1.224–6.875 µM) values, except for compound 7c (IC50 = 10.809 µM). Docking simulations
showed polar interactions between compound 5b and Lys85 and Ser203, clarifying the mechanism of the
most potent activity.

Conclusion:

The coumarin derivatives 3a and 5b, developed in this study, showed remarkable activity
as GSK-3β inhibitors.
Network Selection in Wireless Heterogeneous Environment Based on Available Bandwidth Estimation
Authors: Ahuja Kiran , Singh Brahmjit , Khanna Rajesh
Published: October 2019

Background:

With the availability of multiple options in wireless network simultaneously,
Always Best Connected (ABC) requires dynamic selection of the best network and access technologies.

Objective:

In this paper, a novel dynamic access network selection algorithm based on the real time
is proposed. The Available BandWidth (ABW) of each network is required to be estimated to solve
the network selection problem.

Methods:

Proposed algorithm estimates available bandwidth by taking averages, peaks, low points
and bootstrap approximation for network selection. It monitors real-time internet connection and resolves
the selection issue in internet connection. The proposed algorithm is capable of adapting to
prevailing network conditions in heterogeneous environment of 2G, 3G and WLAN networks without
user intervention. It is implemented in temporal and spatial domains to check its robustness. Estimation
error, overhead, estimation time with the varying size of traffic and reliability are used as
the performance metrics.

Results:

Through numerical results, it is shown that the proposed algorithm’s ABW estimation
based on bootstrap approximation gives improved performance in terms of estimation error (less
than 20%), overhead (varies from 0.03% to 83%) and reliability (approx. 99%) with respect to existing
techniques.

Conclusion:

Our proposed methodology of network selection criterion estimates the available
bandwidth by taking averages, peaks, and low points and bootstrap approximation method (standard
deviation) for the selection of network in the wireless heterogeneous environment. It monitors realtime
internet connection and resolves internet connections selection issue. All the real-time usage
and test results demonstrate the productivity and adequacy of available bandwidth estimation with
bootstrap approximation as a practical solution for consistent correspondence among heterogeneous
wireless networks by precise network selection for multimedia services.
Wrist-Worn Wearables for Monitoring Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure While Sitting or Performing Light-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Düking Peter , Giessing Laura , Frenkel Marie Ottilie , Koehler Karsten , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Sperlich Billy
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Physical activity reduces the incidences of noncommunicable diseases, obesity, and mortality, but an inactive lifestyle is becoming increasingly common. Innovative approaches to monitor and promote physical activity are warranted. While individual monitoring of physical activity aids in the design of effective interventions to enhance physical activity, a basic prerequisite is that the monitoring devices exhibit high validity.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to assess the validity of monitoring heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) while sitting or performing light-to-vigorous physical activity with 4 popular wrist-worn wearables (Apple Watch Series 4, Polar Vantage V, Garmin Fenix 5, and Fitbit Versa).

METHODS

While wearing the 4 different wearables, 25 individuals performed 5 minutes each of sitting, walking, and running at different velocities (ie, 1.1 m/s, 1.9 m/s, 2.7 m/s, 3.6 m/s, and 4.1 m/s), as well as intermittent sprints. HR and EE were compared to common criterion measures: Polar-H7 chest belt for HR and indirect calorimetry for EE.

RESULTS

While monitoring HR at different exercise intensities, the standardized typical errors of the estimates were 0.09-0.62, 0.13-0.88, 0.62-1.24, and 0.47-1.94 for the Apple Watch Series 4, Polar Vantage V, Garmin Fenix 5, and Fitbit Versa, respectively. Depending on exercise intensity, the corresponding coefficients of variation were 0.9%-4.3%, 2.2%-6.7%, 2.9%-9.2%, and 4.1%-19.1%, respectively, for the 4 wearables. While monitoring EE at different exercise intensities, the standardized typical errors of the estimates were 0.34-1.84, 0.32-1.33, 0.46-4.86, and 0.41-1.65 for the Apple Watch Series 4, Polar Vantage V, Garmin Fenix 5, and Fitbit Versa, respectively. Depending on exercise intensity, the corresponding coefficients of variation were 13.5%-27.1%, 16.3%-28.0%, 15.9%-34.5%, and 8.0%-32.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Apple Watch Series 4 provides the highest validity (ie, smallest error rates) when measuring HR while sitting or performing light-to-vigorous physical activity, followed by the Polar Vantage V, Garmin Fenix 5, and Fitbit Versa, in that order. The Apple Watch Series 4 and Polar Vantage V are suitable for valid HR measurements at the intensities tested, but HR data provided by the Garmin Fenix 5 and Fitbit Versa should be interpreted with caution due to higher error rates at certain intensities. None of the 4 wrist-worn wearables should be employed to monitor EE at the intensities and durations tested.
An App for Detecting Bullying of Nurses Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Web-Based Computerized Adaptive Testing: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ma Shu-Ching , Chou Willy , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chow Julie Chi , Yeh Yu-Tsen , Chou Po-Hsin , Lee Huan-Fang
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Workplace bullying has been measured in many studies to investigate its effects on mental health issues. However, none have used web-based computerized adaptive testing (CAT) with bully classifications and convolutional neural networks (CNN) for reporting the extent of individual bullying in the workplace.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to build a model using CNN to develop an app for automatic detection and classification of nurse bullying-levels, incorporated with online Rasch computerized adaptive testing, to help assess nurse bullying at an earlier stage.

METHODS

We recruited 960 nurses working in a Taiwan Ch-Mei hospital group to fill out the 22-item Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) in August 2012. The k-mean and the CNN were used as unsupervised and supervised learnings, respectively, for: (1) dividing nurses into three classes (n=918, 29, and 13 with suspicious mild, moderate, and severe extent of being bullied, respectively); and (2) building a bully prediction model to estimate 69 different parameters. Finally, data were separated into training and testing sets in a proportion of 70:30, where the former was used to predict the latter. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve [AUC]), along with the accuracy across studies for comparison. An app predicting the respondent bullying-level was developed, involving the model’s 69 estimated parameters and the online Rasch CAT module as a website assessment.

RESULTS

We observed that: (1) the 22-item model yields higher accuracy rates for three categories, with an accuracy of 94% for the total 960 cases, and accuracies of 99% (AUC 0.99; 95% CI 0.99-1.00) and 83% (AUC 0.94; 95% CI 0.82-0.99) for the lower and upper groups (cutoff points at 49 and 66 points) based on the 947 cases and 42 cases, respectively; and (2) the 700-case training set, with 95% accuracy, predicts the 260-case testing set reaching an accuracy of 97. Thus, a NAQ-R app for nurses that predicts bullying-level was successfully developed and demonstrated in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The 22-item CNN model, combined with the Rasch online CAT, is recommended for improving the accuracy of the nurse NAQ-R assessment. An app developed for helping nurses self-assess workplace bullying at an early stage is required for application in the future.
Toward the Development of Data Governance Standards for Using Clinical Free-Text Data in Health Research: Position Paper (Preprint)
Authors: Jones Kerina H , Ford Elizabeth M , Lea Nathan , Griffiths Lucy J , Hassan Lamiece , Heys Sharon , Squires Emma , Nenadic Goran
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Clinical free-text data (eg, outpatient letters or nursing notes) represent a vast, untapped source of rich information that, if more accessible for research, would clarify and supplement information coded in structured data fields. Data usually need to be deidentified or anonymized before they can be reused for research, but there is a lack of established guidelines to govern effective deidentification and use of free-text information and avoid damaging data utility as a by-product.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop recommendations for the creation of data governance standards to integrate with existing frameworks for personal data use, to enable free-text data to be used safely for research for patient and public benefit.

METHODS

We outlined data protection legislation and regulations relating to the United Kingdom for context and conducted a rapid literature review and UK-based case studies to explore data governance models used in working with free-text data. We also engaged with stakeholders, including text-mining researchers and the general public, to explore perceived barriers and solutions in working with clinical free-text.

RESULTS

We proposed a set of recommendations, including the need for authoritative guidance on data governance for the reuse of free-text data, to ensure public transparency in data flows and uses, to treat deidentified free-text data as potentially identifiable with use limited to accredited data safe havens, and to commit to a culture of continuous improvement to understand the relationships between the efficacy of deidentification and reidentification risks, so this can be communicated to all stakeholders.

CONCLUSIONS

By drawing together the findings of a combination of activities, we present a position paper to contribute to the development of data governance standards for the reuse of clinical free-text data for secondary purposes. While working in accordance with existing data governance frameworks, there is a need for further work to take forward the recommendations we have proposed, with commitment and investment, to assure and expand the safe reuse of clinical free-text data for public benefit.