bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the obstetrics and perinatal outcome of in vitro fertilization pregnancies at tertiary care centre
Authors: Balsarkar Geetha D. , Pol Shraddha P.
Published: May 2021

Background: Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been a boon to the unfortunate. However, the outcomes aren’t the same to all. The study has observed the outcomes in IVF conceived patients. The pregnant women were followed-up throughout their antenatal and post-natal (7 days) period and an appropriate meta-analysis was made.Methods: This is an Observational Prospective study. It was conducted at an IVF center of tertiary hospital. With valid written informed consents 96 patients were recruited and observed for18 months. Data collected by Universal sampling method, analyzed and interpreted.Results: A total 65.6% belonged above 30 years, 67.7% were primigravida and 7.3% had history of previous ectopic pregnancy. In 23.75% multifetal pregnancy was significant and 20.63% had OS tightening done. Most common reason for opting IVF was multiple failed IUI (71.6%). More than 40% were delivered by caesarean section. 91.1% of babies cried immediately after birth and 50.4% babies required NICU admission.13.4% babies had neonatal death and 3.1% were IUFD. 58.30% pregnancies were singleton. Mean birth weight was 1.87 Kg and 72.6% children were born low birth weight. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was found in between no. of foetuses delivered and preterm delivery. 56.3% birth were preterm birth. PIH and GDM complication is most common in multiple gestations observed in 10.7% of pregnancies.Conclusions: Assisted Reproductive technologies has helped the infertile couples. Outcomes could be unfruitful in few, while others may have a complicated antenatal period. Preterm deliveries are more common in multiple gestation thus complementing the lower birth weights. Comorbidities significantly affected obstetric outcome.
A study of various neonatal outcomes and complications in live-born infants among IVF pregnancies
Authors: Yadav Chetan , Yadav Charu
Published: May 2021

Background: In-vitro fertilization or Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) is the most advanced technique of infertility treatment. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped couples all over the world. However, the use of IVF has raised significant concern about the outcome of resulting pregnancies and the health of the newborns. There is a range of possible factors associated with the treatment that may contribute to potential adverse outcomes. Thus, the study was conducted to analyze the neonatal outcomes of children born by ART in the Indian context.Methods: The neonatal characteristics and complications of the live-born infants through IVF at Army Hospital R and R were analyzed in this study between March 2019 to February 2020.Results: Total 231 babies were born to the study group cases. 126 (54.54%) were singletons, 102 (44.16%) were of twin pregnancies and 1.3% were triplets. There were 65.36% term and 34.63% preterm. Of the 231 IVF neonates, 58 needed neonatal intensive care. There were 219 (94.8%) survivors, while 12 (5.2%) did not survive a week. The 16 (6.92%) survivors needed readmissions mainly due to hyperbilirubinemia. There were 106 (45.8%) babies whose weight was less than 2 kg.Conclusions: Infertility cases are usually older, and this is one reason for increased pregnancy and newborn infant complications. Neonates born through IVF appeared to be at higher risk of multiple births, prematurity, low birth weight, and other disabilities.
Chorioangioma with pre-eclampsia and IUGR: a case report
Authors: Doshi Kruti P. , Wani Reena J. , Khare Aditi A.
Published: May 2021

Chorioangioma is a non-trophoblastic benign tumour of the placenta, arising from the primitive chorionic mesenchyme with an estimated incidence of 0.6% diagnosed antenatal on ultrasound imaging. Small chorioangiomas are often asymptomatic with a frequency of about 1%, giant chorioangiomas more than >5 cm in diameter, are rare seen in 1:3500 to 1:16000 births and are associated with maternal and fetal complications. We report a case of 23-year-old, primigravida 36.4 weeks of gestation with pre-eclampsia with asymmetrical intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), ultrasound suggestive of large placental chorioangioma 8×6.8 cm. This patient despite having large tumour and being diagnosed late at 35 weeks had a favourable maternal and fetal outcome. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.
Successful medical management of uterine arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Rastogi Aparajita , Kumari Neetu , Rajbhar Sarita , Thakur Pushpawati , Majumdar Sagarika
Published: May 2021

Uterine Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is defined as abnormal communication between the uterine arteries and veins. This can be congenital or acquired. It occurs more frequently in reproductive age group women. Patient present with complain of spotting per vagina to catastrophic bleeding per vaginum. Diagnosis is based upon clinical history and findings in colour doppler of pelvis. The treatment depends upon the age of the patient, her symptoms, age, desire of future fertility and localization and size of the lesion. Uterine artery embolization is the most commonly used treatment for symptomatic uterine arteriovenous malformation. There were few case reports of successful medical management of uterine AVM with GnRH agonist. But GnRH agonist have side effects that restrict its long time use and for Uterine artery embolization, clinical skill and set up is required and it is not available at every hospital. Here is presenting a case report of successful medical management of uterine arteriovenous malformation with combined oral contraceptive pills (coc). COC are easily available everywhere and its side effects are few if compared with GnRH agonist.
Bladder hematoma as an unusual cause or consequence of obstructed labour
Authors: Para Shikha , Jain Shaveta , Sirohiwal Daya , Nanda Smiti
Published: May 2021

Bladder hematoma is a rare complication but also an unusual mechanical cause of obstructed labour, whose incidence in India is 1-2%. The most common reason for intraluminal urinary bladder hematoma is trauma, but it can occur with cystitis, pelvic malignancy and irradiation. A large hematoma may mimic a neoplastic mass on imaging. We reported a first case of bladder hematoma as a cause or result of obstructed labour in a multipara where the diagnosis was made intraoperatively. This bladder complication also became the indication for classical caesarean section, the technique which is almost obsolete nowadays, where the indication for classical caesarean section was obligatory.
Efficacy and safety of single dose of Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid intraarticular injection for knee Primary osteoarthritis: a pilot study at Midnapore Medical college in West Bengal
Authors: Gantait Kripasindhu , Molla Kalimujjaman , Elango Akshaya
Published: May 2021

Background: Hyaluronic acid is a commonly prescribed intra-articular (IA) therapy for knee primary osteoarthritis (OA). In India majority of population lives in rural areas having limited resources and socio-cultural biodiversity. Their personal, socio-cultural and occupational habits vary and need to be addressed. The primary outcome measure was pain of knee joint reduction after therapy and follow up visit. Secondary outcomes were therapy related adverse events (AEs).Methods: Population (n=20) are selected from rural areas of age range 40 to 60 years having poor economic background and daily labour by profession. Participants with diabetes and cardic illness and BMI ≥30 were excluded. All participants were having grade- 2 B/L knee OA with mild effusion and fulfill the ACR classification criteria. Each participant was assessed on Visual analog scale (VAS) pain and Composite indian functional knee assessment scale (CIFKAS) at the end of three months of therapy and statistical analysis was done.Results: Among the 20 participants 11 were female, 9 were male. The mean (mean±S.D.) of BMI and duration of disease was 23.6±2.73 and 4±2.08 respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient calculated for pain during physical activity/ pain during functional ADL activity, ability to perform physical activity/ ability to perform ADL activity and social function and emotional function score were 0.634/0.701, 0.731/0.687 and 0.566/0.607 respectively which indicates that they are highly correlated.Conclusions: A single dose of IA NASHA is effective and safe in reducing pain and functional disability in patients with primary OA of knee.
Pancreatic cancer in obstructive jaundice in unexpected age
Authors: Katay Karmen Bahnam , Khamis Reem Hamed , Al Safar Thafar Salim
Published: May 2021

Cancer of the pancreas is a highly lethal malignancy. It is considered as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and second only to colorectal cancer as a cause of digestive cancer-related death.It is hoped that detection of asymptomatic and early stage of disease is potentially curable pancreatic cancer and it will improve outcomes. Our case report is 45 years old female who presented at our primary health care centre with obstructive jaundice for only 2 weeks and no weight loss, vague abdominal pain. She had intermittent epigastric pain for past few months and diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflex. Also, she had chronic anemia and need blood transfusion in the past 3 years. No family history of pancreatic cancer and no other risk factor. Most articles reveal difficulty in diagnosing pancreatic cancer in early stage and young age group due to its resemblance to benign lesion. That’s why we prefer to do case report for documentation. Diagnosis of the tumor is important especially in early stages for improving prognosis.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of thigh: a rare case report
Authors: Shah Pinal C. , Hathilal R. N. , Sheth Sheetal , Gavit Smita S.
Published: May 2021

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) are a rare entity of soft tissue tumors that occur predominantly in soft tissue of lower extremities. Here we present a case of 45-year-old female presented with left thigh swelling. MRI finding suggested primary neoplastic lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) suggested myxoid soft tissue neoplasm/sarcoma. Morphological examination revealed typical extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma with strong immunoreactivity for vimentin and focal immunoreactivity for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA).
Rare case of primary esophageal synovial sarcoma with (x;18) translocation presenting as dysphagia
Authors: Sekaran Anuradha , Shinde Purva , Vanere Veena , Ramchandani Mohan , Reddy Duvvur N.
Published: May 2021

Synovial sarcoma (SS) in young adult mainly involves periarticular region of the extremities. Synovial sarcomas are exceedingly rare neoplasms of the digestive tract. In this report, we describe a very rare occurrence of primary SS of the esophagus in a 30-year-old female. Patient presented with dysphagia. Endoscopy showed submucosal esophageal polyp. Piecemeal polypectomy was done. Histologically, the tumor demonstrated biphasic morphology with epithelial and mesnchymal component. Tumor cells expressed pancytokeratin, bcl-2 and CD99 antigens. Differential diagnosis of synovial sarcoma and epithelial mesenchymal biphasic tumor was made. Cytogenetics was done to confirm the diagnosis of SS. It showed translocation (x;18). Synovial sarcomas are very rare tumor entities, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and are likely to be mistaken with other more common tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
An update on inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Giri Akshay Prashanth , Shanmugam Lokesh
Published: May 2021

Metabolic syndrome is an emerging global threat as a major health burden. It is widely presumed that Metabolic syndrome is associated with a low grade chronic inflammatory phenomenon. This inflammatory state is due to the imbalance between the pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Studies have been performed on various inflammatory markers in metabolic syndrome like hsCRP, TNF-alpha, Adiponectin, IL-6, IL-10. Articles were chosen from indexed journals from various search engines. Pro inflammatory cytokines like hsCRP, TNF – alpha, Interleukin -6 were found to be increased and anti-inflammatory cytokines like Interleukin – 10 were reduced in metabolic syndrome.
A comparative study between window operation and through and through suturing in pseudocyst (seroma) of pinna
Authors: G. Smitha S. , Pillai Nikitha , Raveendran Jedhin
Published: May 2021

Background: Pseudocyst of pinna is a cystic swelling formed due to collection of fluid between the auricular cartilage and perichondrium. It can occur spontaneously or after surgery or trauma. Successful treatment is challenging despite the availability of various treatment modalities because of high rate of recurrence. This study was taken up to compare the outcomes of window operation and through and through suturing.

Methods: 30 patients diagnosed with auricular pseudocyst/seroma were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 patients underwent window operation and group 2 underwent through and through suturing. Patients were followed up at the end of 10th day, 1 month and 2 months following procedures to assess and compare the outcome of each.

Results: The recurrence rate was 20% for group 1 patients. 2 patients of group 1 developed perichondritis and abscess following window operation. The percentage of cosmetic deformity was 13.3% in group 1 patients. Group 2 patients had no complications.

Conclusions: Through and through suturing is a simple and effective way for managing pseudocyst. It scores high due to its lower rate of recurrence and complications.
Contralateral sensorineural deafness in the absence of temporal bone fractures: an ignored entity in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Stephen Marie Christy Sharafine , Venugopalan Anju , Thimmasettaiah Nagaraj Bangalore
Published: May 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with temporal bone fractures causing ipsilateral hearing loss is not uncommon. But contralateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in the absence of temporal bone fractures is not frequently encountered or looked for in TBI patients. A simple bed side tuning fork test followed by a formal audiogram underscore the importance of pre-emptive assessment to prevent a permanent handicap. We report a case of a young man with no prior ear disease or comorbidities, who sustained traumatic brain injury with right parieto-temporal hemorrhagic contusion and cervical myelopathy following a two-wheeler fall. Although, there was no evidence of temporal bone fractures, he developed sudden profound deafness on the contralateral side of the brain injury. Evaluation and treatment for the same were initially delayed as the management solely focused on his neurological complaints and as the hearing loss was contralateral it was perceived to be unrelated to his brain injury. We want to highlight the importance of thorough evaluation and screening for bilateral hearing loss in patients with TBI irrespective of the presence or absence of temporal bone fractures to initiate appropriate management. We also want to add our patient to the very few such cases reported in the literature. We analyzed these cases and reviewed the possible pathophysiological mechanisms behind this entity.

 
Red meat causing delayed anaphylactic airway edema: a case report
Authors: Das Aparna , Thangavel Saranya , Das Sauradeep , Saxena Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2021

The goals of emergency management of angioedema include prevention of spontaneous eruption, maintaining and securing the airway and to stop the progression of the disease. Laryngeal edema is one of the life-threatening complications of angioedema that can be managed by endotracheal intubation or emergency tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy. Recently, delayed onset food induced anaphylactic reactions are being recognised widely due to better clinical knowledge and technology that can substantiate the diagnosis. The classical finding of anaphylaxis to only proteins have been disproved and delayed onset food allergy (i.e.) 3-6 hours after ingestion of food has been attributed to specific carbohydrate moieties in glycolipids and glycoproteins such as Galactose-α-1,3-galactose found in red meat (beef, pork and lamb). Even though it is seen rarely in the Indian population, it should be a part of the diagnostic algorithm in order to prevent fatal complications. Hereby reporting 39 years old male with undiagnosed red meat allergy presented with features of foreign body sensation throat and laryngeal oedema and managed conservatively with steroids and nebulisation.
Data transparency for building a stronger healthcare system: A case study from Argentinean administrative drug utilization data sources
Authors: Cañás Martín , Marín Gustavo H. , Urtasun Martín A. , Leal Lisiane Freitas , Salas Maribel , Elseviers Monique , Lopes Luciane Cruz
Published: May 2021

In order to compile an inventory of national data sources for drug utilization research (DUR) in Argentina and to verify publicly available data sources, we performed a cross-sectional study that sought to identify national and provincial databases of drug use. In July 2020, we searched the websites of government institutions, carried out a systematic query of bibliographic databases for “drug utilization research” conducted in Argentina, and conducted a survey with local experts. Data collected included: the institution responsible for the database, population covered, accessibility, source of the data, healthcare setting, geographic information, and whether data were individual or aggregated. Descriptive analyses were then performed. We identified 31 data sources for DUR; only one was publicly and conveniently accessible. Five published aggregated data and provide more detailed access by formal request. Only seven sources (23%) reported national data, and most (n=29) included only data from the public healthcare sector. Although data sources for DUR have been found in Argentina, limited access by researchers and policymakers is still an significant obstacle. Increasing health data transparency by making data sources publicly available for the purpose of analyzing public health information is crucial for building a stronger health system.
The Change in Psychoactive Substance Consumption in Relation to Psychological Stress During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Uruguay
Authors: Ruiz Paul , Semblat Florencia , Pautassi Ricardo
Published: May 2021

Objective: to analyze how the health crisis associated with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected psychoactive substance consumption in Uruguay. Method: An online survey was answered by 1916 Uruguayan citizens between March 26th and April 5th, 2020. They were surveyed on psychoactive substance use before and after the instauration of a recommended quarantine, and on increases in frequency and volume of use (during the quarantine) of the psychoactive substance they reported as having consumed the most in the year prior to the quarantine, and psychological distress experienced during the last month. Results: The main substances consumed during the quarantine were alcohol, tobacco, marihuana, and psychopharmaceuticals. Approximately 29.0% increased the volume (and 17.7% the frequency) of use of the substance they had consumed the most the year before the instauration of the quarantine. Moreover, 5.6% initiated the consumption of a new psychoactive substance during the quarantine, mostly marihuana and psychopharmaceuticals. Psychological distress was significantly higher in women, in participants under 30 years old and in those that increased the volume of their preferred substance or increased the volume of the second preferred psychoactive substance. Membership into the group reporting an increase in the volume of use of the preferred psychoactive substance was associated with greater psychological distress. Conclusions: These results indicate an association between the instauration of the recommended quarantine in Uruguay and greater psychoactive substance use during the period, as well as an association between increased psychoactive substance use during this period and levels of psychological stress. These results are relevant in terms of public health and public policies.

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, Uruguay, psychoactive substances
Parâmetros de qualidade e compostos bioativos antioxidantes de sucos de uva produzidos pelos sistemas orgânico e convencional.
Authors: Santos Thaynara , Arruda Oliveira Coringa Elaine
Published: May 2021

O suco de uva integral e néctares de uvas são produzidos em diversas regiões do Brasil e disponibilizados no mercado em grande quantidade de marcas, as quais podem apresentar diferentes composições e métodos de fabricação, principalmente com relação aos teores de compostos antioxidantes. Estudos têm demonstrado a associação entre o consumo de alimentos e bebidas ricos em compostos fenólicos e a prevenção de doenças. Os conteúdos de fenólicos totais e de antocianinas nas uvas variam de acordo com a espécie, variedade, maturidade, condições climáticas e cultivar. A qualidade e o valor nutricional dos produtos orgânicos, se comparados com os produtos convencionais, ainda não está bem esclarecida para todos os alimentos produzidos desta forma, entretanto, existem evidências de que pelo menos para alguns produtos, o cultivo orgânico resulta em melhor sabor e propriedades nutricionais do que o equivalente convencional. Foram analisadas amostras de suco de uva integral tinto produzidas pelo sistema convencional e orgânico com relação aos parâmetros de qualidade previstos na legislação brasileira e ao teor de compostos antioxidantes (polifenóis, flavonoides). Todas as amostras analisadas, tanto dos orgânicos como convencionais, estão dentro dos parâmetros empregados pela legislação. O teor de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes foi semelhante nos dois grupos analisados, com valor médio superior aos encontrados na literatura. Quanto aos flavonóides, um dos compostos fenólicos das frutas com capacidade antioxidante, foi maior nos sucos orgânicos.
REDES NEURAIS ARTIFICIAIS E ESPECTROSCOPIA FTIR-ATR APLICADAS EM PERFIS PEPTÍDICOS PARA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE ORIGEM DE QUEIJO COALHO
Authors: Rosa Silva Larissa Kauly , Cardim de Jesus Josane , Rodrigues Vieira Onelli Rebeca , Soares Santos Leandro , Passini Barbosa Ferrão Sibelli
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar o Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier-Reflectância Total Atenuada (FTIR-ATR) combinado com as Redes Neurais Artificiais para identificar e classificar a origem de queijos com base no perfil peptídico. Os peptídeos foram extraídos de queijos Coalho coletados de diferentes regiões da Bahia-Brasil, oriundos de sete laticínios distintos. As amostras foram analisadas no equipamento FTIR-ATR e 18 bandas principais foram observadas nos espectros obtidos. Foi aplicada a ferramenta quimiométrica RNA para análise multivariada dos dados. Foram observadas cinco principais regiões espectrais dos peptídeos referentes às amidas A, B, I, II e III, regiões que foram utilizadas para a classificação das amostras. Com a associação do FTIR-ATR ao RNA observou-se uma classificação satisfatória das amostras, principalmente dos peptídeos dos queijos oriundos do Extremo Oeste e Sul, que possuem características edafoclimáticas distintas e apresentaram maior e menor absorção espectroscópica, respectivamente, sendo obtidas taxas de classificação de até 100% na etapa de validação e RMSE=0,0048. Assim, a associação do RNA com o FTIR-ATR podem ser úteis para discriminar queijos Coalho de diferentes origens, além disso, demonstraram ser ferramentas analíticas rápidas e valiosas na diferenciação e na investigação da origem de queijos, podendo ambos serem usados como um método de triagem eficiente para autenticação destes produtos
Influência da geometria no processo de desidratação osmótica de abóbora
Authors: Demczuk Junior Bogdan , Harati Jamal Basam , Santos Maria Gabriela dos
Published: May 2021

A desidratação osmótica vem sendo utilizada como técnica de pré-tratamento para secagem por convecção com a intenção de fornecer ao consumidor um produto mais atrativo e com menores perdas causadas pelo calor. Alguns parâmetros influenciam na transferência de massa que ocorre durante a desidratação osmótica atingindo diretamente outros parâmetros como a perda de água, ganho de sólidos e perda de peso, obtendo-se a partir destes um coeficiente de desempenho. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da geometria no processo de desidratação osmótica de abóbora. Foram comparados dois tratamentos, considerando o corte da abóbora em fatias e em cubos. A desidratação osmótica ocorreu em incubadora a 30ºC com agitação de 35 rpm, por 3 horas, utilizando uma solução de cloreto de sódio (20%) e relação amostra:solução de 1:10 (m/m). Durante o tempo de processo, as amostras eram retiradas e os parâmetros de perda de peso, ganho de sólidos, perda de água e coeficiente de desempenho foram obtidos gravimetricamente. Constatou-se que para a perda de água e de peso, as maiores perdas encontradas foram nas amostras de fatias com 59% e 53% respectivamente. Os cubos apresentaram menor ganho de sólidos (6%) e menor perda de água e peso. Com relação ao coeficiente de desempenho, as fatias alcançaram o desempenho máximo em um menor período de tempo de processo, apesar do maior coeficiente (14,39) ser verificado para abóboras em cubo.
Summary
Authors: Agrogeoambiental Revista
Published: May 2021

Summary / Sumário
Features of the Scottish Governance System in the Second Half of the 18th Century
Authors: Apryshchenko Victor Yu. , Mukhin Maksim A.
Published: May 2021

The article analyses the contents and the significance of the Scottish governance system in the second half of the 18th century. The authors point out that English political elite had little interest in governing Scotland and draw attention to the role of the Scottish lobby in the Scottish governance as a tool of interaction between the centre and the periphery. The text reveals how the Scottish lobby distributed various amenities via the patronage in order to achieve political stability, as shown with the elections to the House of Commons. The article also demonstrates the role of Scottish managers as the representatives of Scottish interests in London. The authors conclude that the Scottish political system was different from the English one and note that there were no acute political crises in the second half of the 18th century, which indicates that in the midst of a rapid modernisation the Scottish governance system proved to be successful.
Christian Consciousness in the Philosophy of French Neo-Hegelianism
Authors: Zykova Iuliia A.
Published: May 2021

The French neo-Hegelianism of the 20th century is one of the essential moments of the diverse philosophical life of France. In contrast to earlier studies on the philosophy of French neo-Hegelianism, this article answers the question how French thought interprets the concept of Christian consciousness presented in the works of G. V. F. Hegel on the philosophy of religion. The purpose of this study is to analyze G. V. F. Hegel's approach to the study of Christian consciousness in its interpretation by the philosophy of French neo-Hegelianism. Achieving this goal involves the use of an interdisciplinary approach due to the fact that the evaluation of the method applied to the study of Christian consciousness is impossible without reference to Christian theology. The study allows us to conclude that the method of Hegelian philosophy used by French neo-Hegelian philosophers is important for research in the field of philosophy of religion, but is not universal for the analysis of changes in Christian consciousness. The problem presented in the article requires additional research, including, among other things, the judgments of modern thinkers in France.
Church Networks and Localisation Practice in the Pacific
Authors: Lauria Belinda , Canete Aloysius , Cochrane Rebekah
Published: May 2021

The localisation agenda is the largest humanitarian reform in decades. Global research, advocacy and adaptations of localised approaches continue to mature following the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016. The Summit produced The Charter for Faith-based Humanitarian Action, recognising the unique position and comparative advantage of local faith actors (LFAs) in humanitarian settings, owing to their presence in communities before, during, and after crises. More than 80% of the world’s population professes a religious faith, and international development and humanitarian work takes place within communities deeply influenced by faith, with local staff often themselves people of faith (cited in Fletcher 2018, p. 4). LFAs have consistently been among the top implementing partners of UN Agencies in undertaking humanitarian response (UNHCR Partnership Note on faith-based organizations, local faith communities and faith leaders 2014, p.8). Despite this recognition, little has promulgated on the role of LFAs in the localisation agenda and the primacy of LFAs' voices in contextualising the agenda for their communities. Accordingly, CAN DO (Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations) a network of Australian churchbased agencies with established relationships in the Pacific, is building an evidence base to inform international actors and affirm the significance of LFAs in localised humanitarian response within the Pacific region, thereby contributing towards the Charter for Faith-Based Humanitarian Action commitments. This paper is a critical reflection of the 2017-2018 localised response to the Monaro Volcano eruption in Vanuatu. Key learnings frame future collaborations with Pacific churches and pave the road ahead in shifting power differentials, including the advancement of LFAs' role within policy and decision-making at all levels of humanitarian response (Charter for Faith-Based Humanitarian Action 2016, p.2).
Using Bayesian Belief Networks to assess the influence of landscape connectivity on ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in urban landscapes in the UK
Authors: Karimi James , Harris Jim A. , Concorstanje Ron
Published: May 2021

Context Landscape connectivity is assumed to influence ecosystem service (ES) trade-offs and synergies. However, empirical studies of the effect of landscape connectivity on ES trade-offs and synergies are limited, especially in urban areas where the interactions between patterns and processes are complex.Objectives The objectives of this study were to use a Bayesian Belief Network approach to (1) assess whether functional connectivity drives ES trade-offs and synergies in urban areas and (2) assess the influence of connectivity on the supply of ESs.Methods We used circuit theory to model urban bird flow of P. major and C. caeruleus at a 2 m spatial resolution in Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, UK, and Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) to assess the sensitivity of ES trade-offs and synergies model outputs to landscape and patch structural characteristics (patch area, connectivity and bird species abundance).Results We found that functional connectivity was the most influential variable in determining two of three ES trade-offs and synergies. Patch area and connectivity exerted a strong influence on ES trade-offs and synergies. Low patch area and low to moderately low connectivity were associated with high levels of ES trade-offs and synergies.Conclusions This study demonstrates that landscape connectivity is an influential determinant of ES trade-offs and synergies and supports the conviction that larger and better-connected habitat patches increase ES provision. A BBN approach is proposed as a feasible method of ES trade-off and synergy prediction in complex landscapes. Our findings can prove to be informative for urban ES management.
Establishment of Standard Human Blood Vessel Model Based on Image Registration and Fitting Technology
Authors: Luo Dinghao , Wu Junxiang , Wang Ning , Wang Lei , Xie Kai , Ai Songtao , Fu Lingjie , Hao Yongqiang , Wu Wen
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The blood vessel gives key information for pathological changes in a variety of diseases. In view of the crucial role of blood vessel structure, the present study aims to establish a digital human blood vessel standard model for diagnosing blood vessel-related diseases. Methods: The present study recruited eight healthy volunteers, and reconstructed their bilateral upper extremity arteries according to CTA. The reconstructed vessels were segmented, registered, and merged into a bunch. After being cut by continuous cut planes, the dispersion of the blood vessel bunches on each cut plane were calculated. Results: The results demonstrated that the middle segment of the brachial artery, the proximal segment of the ulnar artery, and the middle and distal segments of the radial artery had a low degree of dispersion. A standard blood vessel model was finally established by the integral method using the low-dispersion segments above. The accuracy of the standard blood vessel model was also verified by an actual contralateral vessel, which revealed that the deviation between the model and the actual normal contralateral brachial artery was relatively small. Conclusion: The structure of the model was highly accordant with the real ones, which can be of great help in evaluating the blood vessel changes in blood vessel-related diseases, bone and soft-tissue tumors, and creating accurate surgical plans.
Factors affecting the health-promoting behavior of thyroid cancer survivors: Comparison by stage of cancer survivorship
Authors: Park Kyung Ah , Kim Sanghee , Oh Eui Geum , Kim Heejung , Chang Hang-Seok , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in factors affecting health-promoting behaviors according to the survival stage of thyroid cancer survivors.Methods: The factors affecting the health-promoting behavior of thyroid cancer survivors included general characteristics, social support, self-efficacy, fear of recurrence, and symptoms. There were 354 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent a related surgery, who completed the questionnaire and were included in the data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting the health-promoting behavior according to survival stage.Results: Among the sub-areas of health-promoting behavior, thyroid cancer survivors had the highest score of 2.83/4.00 in the health responsibility area and the lowest score of 2.36/4.00 in the exercise area. The factors affecting the health-promoting behavior of thyroid cancer survivors differed by survival stage. In the acute stage, the factors of health-promoting behavior were self-efficacy (t = 4.76, p < .001) and social support (t = 3.54, p < .001). In the extended stage, symptoms (t=-3.65, p < .001), social support (t = 2.61, p = .011), fear of recurrence (t = 2.18, p = .032), and receipt of radioiodine treatment (t=-2.18, p = .032) were found to be significant variables that affected health-promoting behaviors. In the permanent stage, social support (t = 2.79, p = .007), receipt of radioiodine treatment (t=-3.21, p = .002), and age (t=-2.77, p = .007) were significant variables that affected health-promoting behaviors.Conclusion: The experience of thyroid cancer survivors varies as they progress through the survival stages, thus health-promotion interventions should be tailored to each survival stage.
Anti coronavirus optimization algorithm: A socio-inspired meta-heuristic for numerical and engineering optimization problems
Authors: Emami Hojjat
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces a new swarm intelligence strategy, anti coronavirus optimization ( ACVO ) algorithm. This algorithm is a multi -agent strategy, in which each agent is a person that tries to stay healthy and slow down the spread of COVID -19 by observing the containment protocols. The algorithm composed of three main steps: social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. In the social distancing phase, the algorithm attempts to maintain a safe physical distance between people and limit close contacts. In the quarantine phase, the algorithm quarantines the suspected people to prevent the spread of disease. Some people who have not followed the health protocols and infected by the virus should be taken care of to get a full recovery. In the isolation phase, the algorithm cared for the infected people to recover their health. The algorithm iteratively applies these operators on the population to find the fittest and healthiest person. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on standard multi -variable single-objective optimization problems and compared with several counterpart algorithms. The results show the superiority of ACVO on most test problems compared with its counterparts.
Comparison of Anchor- and Distribution-Based Methods for Estimating Thresholds of Meaningful Within-Patient Change Using Simulated PROMIS PF 20a Data Under Various Joint Distribution Characteristic Conditions
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Nelson Lauren , Williams Nicole , Williams Valerie , Bender Randall , McLeod Lori
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo compare the performance of anchor-based and distribution-based methods for estimating thresholds of meaningful within-patient change of clinical outcome assessments in conditions reflecting data characteristics of small- to medium-sized clinical trials.MethodsData sets were generated from the joint distributions of the PROMIS PF 20a T-score changes and a seven-point global change anchor measure. The 108 simulation conditions (1,000 replications per condition) included combinations of three marginal distributions of T-score changes, three improvement percentages in the anchor measure, four levels of responsiveness correlations, and three sample sizes. Threshold estimation methods included mean change, median change, ROC curve, predictive modeling, half SD, and SEM. Relative bias, precision, accuracy, and measurement significance of the estimates were evaluated based on comparison with true thresholds and IRT-based individual reliable changes of PROMIS scores. Quantile regression models were applied to select and interpret effects of simulation conditions on estimation bias.ResultsWhen PROMIS T-score changes were distributed normally, the predictive modeling method performed best with 50% or more responders identified by the anchor; the mean and median methods were preferred with 30% responders. For skewed distributions, the median method and ROC method gained more advantages. Among the evaluated study conditions, the improvement percentage condition had the most obvious effects on estimation bias.ConclusionTo establish accurate and precise thresholds, clinical researchers are recommended to prioritize study designs with at least 50% anchor-defined responders and strongly responsive target endpoints with highly reliable scoring calibration and to select optimal anchor-based methods given the data characteristics.
Acromial Fracture Associated with Coracoid Fracture Not Belong to Floating Shoulder : A Case Report
Authors: Liu Hua-Yu , Hua Xiang , Li Yang , Zhao Yu-Feng , Zhou Si-Ru
Published: May 2021

Floating shoulder is no osseoligamentous connection between the humeral shoulder joint with the axial skeleton. The osseoligamentous of shoulder joint connection compose a ring, including clavicle,acromion, coracoid, glenoid fossa, surgical or anatomical scapula neck, acromioclavicular ligament and coracolclavicular ligament. This ring is known as superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC). The double disruptions of this ring are recognized to create a potentially unstable anatomical situation. Thus, floating shoulder is also characterized as double or more disruptions of SSSC. Surgical reduction and fixation for the displacement of those fractures at one or more sites is recommended in previous reports. We present 2 cases of patients with acromial and coracoid displaced fractures which belong to a type of the double disruptions of SSSC, there were still osseoligamentous connection between the humeral shoulder joint with the axial skeleton. The patient’s shoulder function after nonoperative management was satisfactory.
CUS-LightGBM-based financial distress prediction for small- and medium-sized enterprises with imbalanced data
Authors: Ruan Sumei , Zhang Jiayong , Li Wei
Published: May 2021

In this paper, by analyzing the financial data of small- and medium-sized enterprises, it is found that there is a general problem of imbalance data. Therefore, an effective financial distress prediction model based on clustering under-sampling and LightGBM model is constructed. Based on the idea of ensemble learning, this paper proposes the CUS-LightGBM (cluster-based under-sampling with LightGBM) model. First, the data are divided into minority and majority class samples. Then the K-means algorithm is used to cluster the majority class samples, and some data are selected from each cluster to form the balanced data. Finally, it is fused with the LightGBM algorithm based on decision tree to form an efficient prediction model. In addition, there are a large number of redundant features in the proposed model, which will reduce the prediction accuracy and efficiency of the model. Therefore, this paper adopts the feature selection based on ensemble strategy, and determines the main risk factors according to the principle of minority obeying majority. Finally, through the experimental analysis of real financial data, the results show that the CUS-LightGBM model can significantly improve the recognition ability of small- and medium-sized enterprises in financial distress, and the proposed model is more effective in processing financial ratio data than the benchmark model.
Solar Drying of Ivy Gourd: Influence of Various Dipping Solutions on Activation Energy and Moisture Diffusivity
Authors: Elangovan Elavarasan , Kumar Gulivindala Anil
Published: May 2021

The study is aimed to enhance the shelf life of ivy gourd through solar drying method in open, forced and natural convection mode. Ivy gourd is treated as primary agent to prepare medicines and the stems, leaves; flowers are used to cure the diseases related diabetics, ulcer, skin. The normal shelf life is 2-3 days and it can be increased up to 6 months with an effective drying process. The experiment is intended to find the best drying process among the open, natural and forced convection mode with an initial dipping method with ascorbic acid, lemon juice, sugar solution, honey solutions individually and a control sample (without dipping). A 3kg sample of ivy gourd is dipped in 10g/L of the each of the solution and it is used for the three drying process individually. The obtained results are indicating that forced convection method for ascorbic acid is best among the other drying method with highest moisture diffusivity is 7.88×10-8 m2/s and lowest activation energy 21.12 kJ/mol. It was observed that the drying kinetics of ivy gourd should be considered an indicator of efficiency for solar drying technique from environmental safety perspective. The influence of dipping solution and drying mechanisms on the functionalities of drying are discussed with suitable illustrations.
Traces of a neonicotinoid pesticide stimulates activity in honey bee colonies, but not productivity
Authors: Meikle William , Colin Théotime , Adamczyk John , Weiss Milagra , Barron Andrew
Published: May 2021

How neonicotinoid contamination effects honey bees remains controversial. Studies have yielded contradictory results, and few have examined effects on colony development. Here we report the results of a comprehensive five-year study of the effects of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on honey bee colonies. Colonies fed 5 ng/g (ppb) imidacloprid showed increased brood production, lower temperature variability, higher CO2 production and had more foragers compared to control colonies. Even so, treatment did not affect adult bee numbers or average hive temperatures, and did not increase food stores, daily food acquisition or colony survivorship. Imidacloprid contamination increased colony metabolism without improving colony productivity, which is consistent with the pharmacological action of imidacloprid as a stimulant. Our findings explain why some studies have reported no, or even positive, effects of neonicotinoids. We provide an explanation for the diverse effects of pesticide contamination on honey bees, and a thorough understanding of how colonies are impacted.
Dynamic Blood Tests Reveal Predicted Week of Death And Tricky Week For Surveillance In Severely Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Jia Liping , Altaie Alaa Muayad , Hao Quanshui , Luo Fang , Luo Ailin , Lu Jing , Yang Xian , Wang Changfeng , Wu Yaohua , Jin Zhaoxia , Zhang Hui , Zhou Fan , Zhang Yaqi , Li Shiyong , Alsaegh Mohammed Amjed , Sun Rao
Published: May 2021

Background: Blood laboratory tests are the most reliable methods for the diagnosis and assessment of vital organs’ functions and the body’s response to infection. Herein, we compared the results of dynamic blood tests between the survivor and non-survivor group of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and aimed to determine the predicted and tricky week for death and surveillance.Methods: The survivor and non-survivor groups were compared using biochemical blood tests, routine blood tests, and coagulation blood tests over four weeks of investigation.Results: Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total bile acid, neutrophil count, white blood cell count, D-dimer, fibrin and fibrinogen degradation product, and prothrombin time showed significantly higher levels in the non-survivor group than the survivor group. Only pre-albumin, eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin, and prothrombin activity tests were significantly higher in the survivor group than the non-survivor group. Generally, the third week of the non-survivor’s group could be regarded as the predicted week for death based on all tests except for creatinine, pre-albumin, total bile acid, monocyte count, white blood cell count, and prothrombin activity. The tricky week in the non-survivor group was the second week in all tests except for pre-albumin, basophil count, eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, D-dimer, and fibrin and fibrinogen degradation product.Conclusions: Based on our study, specific attention should be given to some weeks with respect to their related tests as predicted or tricky for death or surveillance, respectively.
Farmers’ Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices: the Case of Lege-lafto Watershed, Dessie Zuria District, South Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Yifru Gizachew Shewaye , Miheretu Birhan Asmame
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to assess farmers’ adoption decisions of soil and water conservation practices in Lege-Lafto Watershed, Dessie Zuria District, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 304 farmers using household survey, and through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observation. Binary Logistic regression model and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that about 64% of the farmers adopted soil and water conservation practices in their plot of land. The findings depict soil bund, stone bund, stone-faced soil bund, loose stone and brush-wood check dams, hillside terrace and bund stabilized with vegetation are the types of soil and water conservation technologies which are practiced in the study area. The analysis result revealed adoption of soil and water conservation practices in the study area is significantly and positively influenced by the perception of farmers on erosion problem and SWC practices, family labour, education level, and membership in local institutions. However, distance from residence to the nearest market and farmland, off-farm activities, and the ratio of cultivable land to family size influenced the adoption of SWC practices negatively. Therefore, improving farmers’ education status, strengthening local institutions, and empowering their members are vital for sustainable land management practices in the country.