bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that affect social health insurance enrollment and retention of the informal sector in the Philippines: a qualitative study
Authors: Sales Reneepearl Kim , Reyes Gladys Kaye , Ting Timothy , Salvador Dante
Published: January 2020

Background. The primary goal of providing social protection to informal sector workers is to guarantee a minimum level of income and dignity that allows for better protection against income shocks and other vulnerabilities. With the passage of the Universal Health Care Act in the Philippines, the determination of factors affecting enrollment and retention into social health insurance among informal sector workers in the Philippines is crucial to design appropriate policies and programs fit to their needs. Methods. This study aimed to identify factors that affect social health insurance enrollment and retention of the informal sector in the Philippines through qualitative research methods of face-to-face, semi-structured focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Results. The analysis identified five broad themes that affect informal sector enrollment and retention in social health insurance: 1) overlaps in categorization, 2) insufficient or inappropriate social health insurance initiatives for the informal sector, 3) awareness and understanding of social health insurance, 4) supply side factors, and 5) convenience and amount of premium payment. Conclusion. Informal workers are individuals who are not covered by protective labor laws and tend to not belong or contribute to a national health insurance scheme. In the case of the Philippines, the diversity of informal work and dynamic nature of the sector works against an ideal one-size-fits-all solution to increasing informal sector enrollment and retention to social health insurance.
Geospatial-Temporal, Explanatory, Demand, and Financial Models for Heart Failure
Authors: Kruse Clemens Scott , Beauvais Bradley M. , Brooks Matthew S. , Mileski Michael , Fulton Lawrence
Published: January 2020

Background About 5.7 million individuals in the United States have heart failure, and the disease was estimated to cost about $42.9 billion in 2020. This research provides geospatial-temporal incidence models of this disease in the U.S. and explanatory models to account for hospitals’ number of heart failure DRGs using technical, workload, financial, and geospatial-temporal variables. The research also provides updated financial and demand estimates based on inflationary pressures and disease rate increases. Understanding patterns is important to both policymakers and health administrators alike for cost control and planning. Methods Geographical Information Systems maps of heart failure diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) from 2016 through 2018 depicted areas of high incidence as well as changes. Simple expenditure forecasts were calculated for 2016 through 2018. Linear, lasso, ridge, and Elastic Net models as well as ensembled tree regressors including were built on an 80% training set and evaluated on a 20% test set. Results The incidence of heart failure has increased over time with highest intensities in the East and center of the country; however, several Northern states (e.g., Minnesota) have seen large increases in rates from 2016. The best traditional regression model explained 75% of the variability in the number of DRGs experienced by hospital using a small subset of variables including discharges, DRG type, percent Medicare reimbursement, hospital type, and medical school affiliation. The best ensembled tree models achieved R2 over .97 on the blinded test set and identified discharges, percent Medicare reimbursement, hospital acute days, affiliated physicians, staffed beds, employees, hospital type, emergency room visits, medical school affiliation, geographical location, and the number of surgeries as highly important predictors. Conclusions Overall, the total cost of the three DRGs in the study has increased approximately $61 billion from 2016 through 2018 (average of two estimates). The increase in the more expensive DRG (DRG 291) has outpaced others with an associated increase of $92 billion in expenditures. With the increase in demand (linked to obesity and other factors) as well as the relatively steady-state supply of cardiologists over time, the costs are likely to balloon over the next decade.
Dynamic Conversion of Cell Sorting Patterns in Aggregates of Embryonic Stem Cells with Differential Adhesive Affinity
Authors: Tse Jeffrey D , Moore Robert , Meng Yue , Tao Wensi , Smith Elizabetg R , Xu Mike Xiang-Xi
Published: January 2020

Background Mammalian early development comprises the proliferation, differentiation, and self-assembly of the embryonic cells. The classic experiment undertaken by Townes and Holtfreter demonstrated the ability of dissociated embryonic cells to sort and self-organize spontaneously into the original tissue patterns. Here, we further explored the principles and mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of spontaneous tissue organization by studying aggregation and sorting of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with differential adhesive affinity in culture. Results As observed previously, in aggregates of wild-type and E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, the cell assemblies exhibited an initial sorting pattern showing wild-type cells engulfed by less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, which fits the pattern predicted by the differential adhesive hypothesis proposed by Malcom Steinberg. However, in further study of more mature cell aggregates, the initial sorting pattern reversed, with the highly adhesive wild-type ES cells forming an outer shell enveloping the less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient cells, contradicting Steinberg’s sorting principle. The outer wild-type cells of the more mature aggregates did not differentiate into endoderm, which is known to be able to sort to the exterior from previous studies. In contrast to the naive aggregates, the mature aggregates presented polarized highly adhesive cells at the outer layer. The surface polarity was observed as an actin cap contiguously spanning across apical surface of multiple adjacent cells, though independent of the formation of tight junctions. Conclusions Our experimental findings suggest that the force of differential adhesive affinity can be overcome by even subtle polarity generated from strong bilateral ligation of highly adhesive cells in determining cell sorting patterns.
Transcriptome analysis reveals ethylene-mediated defense responses to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum infection in Cucumis sativus
Authors: Dong Jingping , Wang Yuean , Xian Qianqian , Chen Xuehao , Xu Jun
Published: January 2020

Background: Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc), is a severe disease affecting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production worldwide, but the molecular mechanisms underlying Fusarium wilt resistance in cucumber remain unknown. To gain an improved understanding of the defense mechanisms elicited in response to Foc inoculation, RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling of responses of the Fusarium wilt-resistant cucumber line ‘Rijiecheng’ at 0, 24, 48, 96, and 192 h after Foc inoculation was performed.Results: We identified 4116 genes that were differentially expressed between 0 h and other time points after inoculation. All ethylene-related and pathogenesis-related genes from among the differentially expressed genes were filtered out. Real-time PCR analysis showed that ethylene-related genes were induced in response to Foc infection. Importantly, after Foc infection and exogenous application of ethephon, a donor of ethylene, these genes were highly expressed. In response to exogenous ethephon treatment in conjunction with Foc inoculation, the infection resistance of cucumber seedlings was enhanced and endogenous ethylene biosynthesis increased dramatically. Conclusion: Collectively, ethylene signaling pathways play a positive role in regulating the defense response of cucumber to Foc infection. The results provide insight into the cucumber Fusarium wilt defense mechanisms and provide valuable information for breeding new cucumber cultivars with enhanced Fusarium wilt tolerance.
Cytokine profile and nitric oxide levels in peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice exposed to Fucose-Mannose Ligand of Leishmania infantum combined with Glycyrrhizin
Authors: Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad , shafiei reza , Reza Hatam Gholam , Reza Zolfaghari Emameh , Ashok Aspatwar
Published: January 2020

Background: The Fucose-Mannose Ligand (FML) of Leishmania infantum is a complex glycoprotein which does not elicit adequate immunogenicity in human. In recent years, adjuvant compounds derived from plants have been used for improving the immunogenicity of the vaccines. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a natural triterpenoid saponin that has known immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a co-treatment with FML and GL on the production of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages, in vitro. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with FML (5 μg/ml) of Leishmania infantum and various concentrations of GL (1 μg/ml, or 10 μg/ml or 20 μg/ml). After 48h of treatment, cell culture supernatants were recovered and the levels of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IP-10 were measured by sandwich ELISA and NO concentration by Griess reaction. Results: Our results indicated that the treatment of activated macrophages with FML plus GL leads to enhanced production of NO, TNF-α, IL-12p70, and reduction of IL-10 levels in comparison with FML treatment alone. Conclusions: We, therefore, concluded that GL can improve the immunostimulatory effect of FML on macrophages and leads to polarization of them toward an M1-like phenotype.
RNA-seq screening of cuticle protein genes in Culex pipiens pallens among cypermethrin-resistant populations
Authors: Shi Qiqi , Cheng Peng , Zhang Chongxing , Liu Lijuan , Song Xiao , Guo Xiuxia , Wang Haifang , Wang Yang , Liu Hongmei , Wang Huaiwei , Gong Maoqing
Published: January 2020

Background A long-lasting overdependence on insecticides has led to the rapid spread of pyrethroid resistance in mosquito vectors, which poses a great risk to the general public. Although there are many studies on metabolic resistance and target resistance, few have investigated cuticle resistance and behaviour resistance. The cuticle of mosquitoes has been hypothesized to play a role in insecticide resistance by reducing penetration or sequestering insecticides.Methods We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyse the transcriptome of cypermethrin-resistant and cypermethrin-susceptible strains of Culex pipiens pallens. We sequenced 6 samples using an Illumina HiSeq platform and generated approximately 6.66 Gb bases from each sample on average. Mapping the sequenced reads to a reference genome and reconstructing the transcripts via gene expression analysis, we detected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the samples. Followed Gene Ontology (GO) classification and functional enrichment. Finally, we screened the genes of cuticle proteins associated with drug resistance throughout the genome, selected the significant DEGs with a log2 fold change > 3.0 and Padj < 0.05, and applied real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to verify the DEGs. Results We obtained 13,517 novel transcripts, of which 8,653 were previously unknown splicing events for known genes, 665 were novel coding transcripts without any known features, and 4,199 were long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). A total of 1035, 944, and 657 genes were upregulated in comparisons between the samples, and 2680, 1215, and 975 genes were downregulated in comparisons between the samples. Finally, among all samples, 167 genes were upregulated and 145 genes were downregulated. The GO classification and functional enrichment of DEGs were as follows: molecular function, 224 genes; cellular component, 149 genes; and biological process, 272 genes. The expression of XM_001863852 and XM_001845881 in resistant strains of Culex pipiens pallens was lower than that in the laboratory sensitive strain, with 0.177 and 0.548-fold change in expression, respectively; the expression of the XM_001845883.1 in the resistant strain was higher than that in the susceptible strain, with a 2.281-fold change in expression.Conclusions Our results provide a reference for resistance mechanisms via the mosquito cuticle as well as a new perspective for disease vector control.
Budget segment of the PD market in Russia: results for 9 months of 2019
Authors: Prozherina Yu.
Published: January 2020

The budget segment of the market plays a key role in the system of medical supply of hospital institutions and in the implementation of PD within the framework of preferential drug provision (PDP) and regional preferential provision (RPP) programmes. The key trends of this segment for 9 months of 2019 are considered in this review.
International approaches to the formation of the quality system of the pharmaceutical inspectorate
Authors: Nikolenko N. S. , Beregovykh V. V.
Published: January 2020

In most countries  pharmaceutical market is regulated by the state in order to provide the population  with high-quality, safe and effective medicines.

Pharmaceutical inspection  for compliance  with the requirements  of any good practice  in the field of drug circulation is one of the main components  of national regulatory  system.

Modern organization of pharmaceutical inspectorate involves presence of a quality system. Development and operation of such a system is not an easy task.

In the review, the authors  analyzed  main international  approaches  and directions of normative  regulation  of the quality system for pharmaceutical inspectorate,  examined  the requirements  of ISO  9000  standard  for creating  quality management systems  in organizations, and proposed a model of the quality system of pharmaceutical inspectorate based on the process  approach.
Variability of the hepatic α-amilase activities in the liver of fish species from the Sevastopol bays, Black Sea
Authors: Kuzminova Natalya
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the results of a study of α-amylase activity in liver of widely represented species of twelve Black sea fish. Comparative analysis of interspecies differences showed that the medium level of enzyme activity is very high only in liver of annular seabream and horse mackerel. The Black Sea predators (scorpion fish, stargazer, shore rockling, whiting) have low values of the medium level of enzyme activity (range from 0,02 to 62,79 mg / s / g of protein). Enzyme activity did not depend on fish sex, their age and location. Research has established lack of any link between activity of enzyme and age for both the scorpion fish and high body pickarel. While studying the effects of seasonal features on enzyme activity in the liver of two dominant species in the coastal zone, it was concluded that enzyme activity is lower in winter than in other seasons.
Methane emission and methanotrophic activity in groundwater-fed drinking water treatment plants
Authors: Maksimavičius Edmundas , Roslev Peter
Published: January 2020

Groundwater for drinking water production may contain dissolved methane (CH4) at variable concentrations. Most of this important greenhouse gas is often vented to the atmosphere during primary aeration and gas stripping processes at drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). However, limited information exists regarding emission and fate of methane at many groundwater-fed DWTPs. This study estimates emission of methane from 1,004 DWTPs in Denmark and includes data from 3,068 groundwater wells. The fate of methane and occurrence of methane oxidizing bacteria in DWTPs was examined, including the potential role in ammonia removal. Methane emission from Danish DWTPs was estimated to be 1.38–2.95 × 10−4 Tg CH4/y which corresponds to 0.05–0.11% of the national anthropogenic methane emission. Trace levels of methane remained in the drinking water after primary aeration and entered the sand filters as a potential microbial substrate. Methanotrophic bacteria and active methane oxidation was always detected in the sand filters at groundwater-fed DWTPs. Methanotrophic consortia isolated from DWTP sandfilters were inoculated into laboratory-scale sand filters and the activity confirmed that methanotrophic consortia can play a role in the removal of ammonia via assimilation and co-oxidation. This suggests a potential for facilitating the removal of inorganic constituents from drinking water using methane as a co-substrate.
Disinfection behavior of a UV-treated wastewater system using constructed wetlands and the rate of reactivation of pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: González Yenifer , Salgado Pablo , Vidal Gladys
Published: January 2020

The use of constructed wetlands as a wastewater treatment system is a feasible solution for rural areas. However, these systems do not efficiently eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it is necessary to implement disinfection systems such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems in constructed wetlands. To evaluate the behavior of a UV system, a pilot system of artificial wetlands connected to one such disinfection system was operated. The results show that when the total suspended solids (TSS) of the influent (already treated by the system of constructed wetlands) reached values of 26.7 mg/L, a reduction of 2.03 uLog in fecal coliforms was obtained. However, when the TSS increased to 34.7 mg/L, the reduction was only 0.33 uLog. In addition to the influence of the TSS on the fecal coliform reduction efficiency, there is a direct relationship between the transmittance and the sizes of the particles present in the influent. After UV treatment, the microorganisms showed a peak in photoreactivation of 27.8% at 4 h after irradiation with visible radiation, while under conditions of darkness, no reactivation was observed.
Isolation and selection of growth medium for freshwater microalgae Asterarcys quadricellulare for maximum biomass production
Authors: Sangapillai Karthikeyan , Marimuthu Thirumarimurugan
Published: January 2020

The use of microalgae biomass as a suitable alternative feedstock for biofuel production has been promoted in the field of green biotechnology. In this present study, the microalgae were isolated from freshwater samples. The predominant strain was screened from the samples and grown in four different growth media, including modified Bold's Basal Medium (BBM), modified CFTRI medium, BG11 medium and CHU medium, to find the suitable growth medium to enrich biomass production. In total three microalgae colonies were identified based on their colony morphology microscopically by using a light microscope. The predominant strain was confirmed as Asterarcys quadricellulare using 18S rRNA sequencing. The growth of microalgae was investigated based on parameters like dry weight, pigment composition such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid and lipid content in the microalgae. Among the four different media, modified BBM medium showed maximum dry weight (1.44 ± 0.015 g/L), chlorophyll a (23.07 ± 0.049 mg/L), chlorophyll b (16.76 ± 0.010 mg/L), carotenoid (8.92 ± 0.031 mg/L) and lipid content (375 ± 0.020 mg/L) on the 25th day of culture. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis showed the presence of major fatty acids stearic acid, palmitic acid and oleyl alcohol in the microalgae. Therefore the high lipid content and fatty acid profiles of Asterarcys quadricellulare are becoming a promising suitable strain for biofuel production with modified BBM medium.
Formulations Based on Natural Ingredients for the Treatment of Nail Diseases
Authors: Tampucci Silvia , Terreni Eleonora , Zucchetti Erica , Burgalassi Susi , Chetoni Patrizia , Monti Daniela
Published: January 2020

Nail is a strong and resistant structure, characterized by a low permeability to foreign molecules. Nails
can be subjected to many diseases, among which fungal infections (e.g. onchomycosis) are the most common and
responsible for nail structure alteration. Many formulations have been produced for the delivery of active ingredients
to treat nail disorders, based on newly synthesized active molecules or containing chemical enhancers or
chemically-modified polymers able to improve the drug transungual penetration. To avoid permanent alterations
of the nail structure due to the use of chemical compounds or organic solvent-based formulation, researchers have
developed novel formulations focusing on the use of new natural-based compounds. The purpose of this review is
to provide information on the outcoming of natural ingredients-based formulations that have been developed in
the last years as potential alternative to chemical-based formulations.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease versus Alcohol-related Liver Disease: Is it Really so Different?
Authors: Craciun Ana , Lackner Caroline , Cortez-Pinto Helena
Published: January 2020

:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease together, compose the majority of
cases of liver disease and cirrhosis worldwide. Although in the last years, there has been much interest in the
differentiation between the two entities, it is increasingly recognized that a large overlap exists between them.
The main pathophysiological aspects are very similar, with the exceptions of mechanisms directly related to alcohol,
acting as an added factor in the presence of metabolic risk factors. Genetic factors so far identified are also
very similar. In both cases, the disease is more prevalent in males, the difference being more significant in the
ALD group, having to do with harmful alcohol consumption, which is more frequent in males. NAFLD advanced
stages usually present in older age than ALD.

:

Regarding laboratory features, the ratio AST/ALT < 1 is more frequent in NAFLD than ALD, in the absence of
cirrhosis. Histological aspects of both situations are very similar, but some are specific for ALD, such as alcoholic
foamy degeneration or cholestasis, or fibroobliterative venous lesions. Regarding treatment, several drugs now
included in clinical trials in NAFLD, could also be assayed in ALD, since similar mechanisms of action, are
potentially acting in ALD. In summary, similarities seem to outnumber differences, and since so large overlap
between risk factors exist, the use of a common designation such as Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) or Metabolic Fatty
Liver disease (MEFLD), could better serve the field.
Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) Promotes Lactate Metabolism in Mouse Hepatocytes through Cholic Acid (CA) - Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Pathway
Authors: Wang Lu , He Huai-Wu , Zhou Xiang , Long Yun
Published: January 2020

Background:

Persistent hyperlactatemia is associated with greater mortality in shock. Liver is the main site of lactate metabolism.

Methods:

In the first part, freshly isolated hepatocytes were incubated in 10% fetal bovine serum William's E medium supplemented with 10 mM lactate. Cells were then exposed to 100 μM ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), or no addition (control) for 2, 4, 6, 8 h. In the second part, hepatocytes were treated with Silencer select siRNA targeting FXR or scramble siRNA. The siRNA treatment was repeated twenty four hours later, and the cells used in experiments twenty four hours after the second treatment. Then hepatocytes were incubated in 10% fetal bovine serum William`s E medium supplemented with 10 mM lactate. Cells were then exposed to 100 μM UDCA for 2, 4, 6, 8 h. Lactate concentration was determined by ABL80 automatic blood gas analyzer.

Results:

UDCA increased ability of hepatocytes to remove lactate. After knockdown of FXR, effects caused by UDCA were weakened.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that UDCA promotes lactate metabolism in mouse hepatocytes through CA-FXR pathway.
Current Development on Chitosan-based Antimicrobial Drug Formulations for the Wound Healing
Authors: Roy Harekrishna , Rahaman Shaik A. , Kumar Theendra V. , Nandi Sisir
Published: January 2020

Background::

Derived from polyose, chitosan is an outstanding natural linear polysaccharide comprised of random arrangement of β-(1-4)-linked D-Glucosamine and N-acetyl-DGlucosamine units.

Objective:

Researchers have been using chitosan as a network forming or gelling agent with economically available, present polyose, low immunogenicity, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability, protects against secretion from irritation and don’t suffer the danger of transmission animal infective agent.

Methods:

Furthermore, recent studies gear up the chitosan used in the development of various biopharmaceutical formulations, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, implants, films, fibers, etc.

Results:

These formulations produce potential activities as antimicrobials, cancer treatment, medical aid, and wound healing, controlled unleash device or drug trigger retarding device and 3DBiomedical sponge, etc.

Conclusion:

The present article discusses the development of various drug formulations utilizing chitosan as biopolymers for the repairing of broken tissues and healing in case of wound infection.
A Review of Nutritional Screening Tools for Hospitalized Children
Authors: Öztürk Meryem E. , Ayhan Nurcan Y.
Published: January 2020

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized children and it is associated with severe
morbidity and mortality outcomes. In addition malnutrition increases duration of hospitalization and
hospital costs. Because of these reasons, so as to prevent the malnutrition several nutritional screening
tools have been developed for hospitalized children in the last years. There are nine screening
tools available in the literature. The screening tools should be valid and reliable. Beside this it is important
that screening tools should be simple and take less time. Currently, there is no standardized
nutritional screening tool for pediatric inpatients like adult inpatients. Tools should be revised and reevaluated
with using anthropometric measurements, according to WHO growth charts. Besides, the
accuracy of screening tools may improve if screening tools are standardized for certain diseases
(cancer, kidney failure etc.), certain states (intensive care unit patients) or age groups.
Mechanisms of Nickel-Induced Cell Damage in Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Nutritional Intervention Strategies
Authors: Filatova Dana , Cherpak Christine
Published: January 2020

Background:

Hypersensitivity to nickel is a very common cause of allergic contact dermatitis
since this metal is largely present in industrial and consumer products as well as in some commonly
consumed foods, air, soil, and water. In nickel-sensitized individuals, a cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity
response results in contact to dermatitis due to mucous membranes coming in long-term
contact with nickel-containing objects. This process involves the generation of reactive oxidative species
and lipid peroxidation-induced oxidative damage. Immunologically, the involvement of T helper
(h)-1 and Th-2 cells, as well as the reduced function of T regulatory cells, are of importance. The toxicity,
mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of nickel are attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species
and induction of oxidative damage via lipid peroxidation, which results in DNA damage.

Objective:

The aim of this research is to identify nutritionally actionable interventions that can intercept
nickel-induced cell damage due to their antioxidant capacities.

Conclusion:

Nutritional interventions may be used to modulate immune dysregulation, thereby intercepting
nickel-induced cellular damage. Among these nutritional interventions are a low-nickel diet
and an antioxidant-rich diet that is sufficient in iron needed to minimize nickel absorption. These dietary
approaches not only reduce the likelihood of nickel toxicity by minimizing nickel exposure but
also help prevent oxidative damage by supplying the body with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.
Effect of Mobility Conditions on the Throughput of the Wireless Body Area Network
Authors: Shinde Shilpa , Sonavane Santosh
Published: January 2020

Background and objective:

In the Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN), sensors are
placed on the human body, which has various mobility patterns like seating, walking, standing and
running. This mobility typically assisted with hand and leg movements on which most of the sensors
are mounted. Previous studies were largely focused on simulations of WBAN mobility without focusing
much on hand and leg movements. Thus for realistic studies on the performance of the
WBAN, it is important to consider hand and leg movements. Thus, objective of this paper is to investigate
an effect of the mobility patterns with hand movements on the throughput of the WBAN.

Method:

The IEEE 802.15.6 requirements are considered for WBAN design. The WBAN with
star topology is used to connect three sensors and a hub. Three types of mobility viz. standing,
walking and running with backward and forward hand movements is designed for simulation purpose.
The throughput analysis is carried out with the three sets of simulations with standing, walking
and running conditions with the speed of 0 m/s, 0.5 m/s and 3 m/s, respectively. The data rate
was increased from 250 Kb to 10000 Kb with AODV protocol. It is intended to investigate the effect
of the hand movements and the mobility conditions on the throughput. Simulation results are
analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics. A comparative analysis between the simulated model
and a mathematical model is also introduced to get more insight into the data.

Results:

Simulation studies showed that as the data rate is increased, throughput is also increased
for all mobility conditions; however, this increasing trend was discontinuous. In the standing (static)
position, the throughput is found to be higher than the mobility (dynamic) condition. It is found
that the throughput is better in the running condition than the walking condition. The average values
of the throughput, in case of the standing condition, were more than that of the dynamic conditions.
To validate these results, a mathematical model is created. In the mathematical model, the
same trend is observed.

Conclusion:

Overall, it is concluded that the throughput is decreased due to the mobility of the
WBAN. It is understood that mathematical models have given more insight into the simulation data
and confirmed the negative effect of the mobility conditions on throughput. In the future, it is
proposed to investigate the effect of interference on the designed network and compare the results.
Recent Advances on GERT Method Based on Bayesian Networks
Authors: Hongyan Dui , Shuanshuan Chen , Chi Zhang , Chunyan Li
Published: January 2020

Background:

Identification of key processes and key paths plays an important role in
project management and control. Therefore, in order to reduce the expected time of the project,
some analysis methods other than engineering technology must be adopted. The Graphical Evaluation
and Review Technique (GERT) is a useful tool in system analysis and design. The GERT can
process the relationships in network diagrams, which is a network with feedback function and has
been applied in many fields.

Methods:

In this paper, based on Bayesian network model and GERT network, a new method for
analyzing project process has been studied. Firstly, all the variable nodes of the GERT network are
determined. Secondly, the variable nodes in the GERT network are divided into tandem nodes, aggregation
nodes, distributed nodes, and self-loop nodes in the Bayesian network. Third, the GERT
network parsing method is used to calculate the expected time of the partial variable node. Then the
network structure of the Bayesian network is constructed by connecting the nodes with the directed
edges.

Results:

Thus, a GERT Bayesian model is established. Based on the posterior probability of Bayesian network, we have determined the key process, improved the key process and shortened the processing time.

Conclusion:

Finally, this method is used to analyze an ERP project activity flow chart with self-loop structure, identify the key processes and key paths, and determine the time period. Therefore, the validity and reliability of the method in project process management are verified.
Withdrawal Notice: BotGuard: Clustering and correlation of network traffic for Botnet detection
Authors: Vyas Abhilasha , Batra Usha
Published: January 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor of the journal Recent Advances in Computer Science
and Communications.;

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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Using Digital Media to Empower Adolescents in Smoking Prevention: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Park Eunhee , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a critical need for effective health education methods for adolescent smoking prevention. The coproduction of antismoking videos shows promising results for adolescent health education.

Objective

This study explored the feasibility of a smoking prevention program using the coproduction of antismoking videos in order to empower adolescents in smoking prevention and tobacco control. A smoking prevention program based on coproduction of antismoking videos over eight sessions was implemented in a low-income neighborhood.

Methods

A mixed methods design with a concurrent embedded approach was used. In total, 23 adolescents participated in the program. During the prevention program, small groups of participants used video cameras and laptops to produce video clips containing antismoking messages. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to examine changes in participants’ psychological empowerment levels between pre- and postintervention; qualitative interview data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Pre- and postcomparison data revealed that participants’ psychological empowerment levels were significantly enhanced for all three domains—intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral—of psychological empowerment (P<.05). Interviews confirmed that the coproduction of antismoking videos is feasible in empowering participants, by supporting nonsmoking behaviors and providing them with an opportunity to help build a smoke-free community.

Conclusions

Both quantitative and qualitative data supported the feasibility of the coproduction of antismoking videos in empowering adolescents in smoking prevention. Coproduction of antismoking videos with adolescents was a beneficial health education method.
Massive Open Online Course Evaluation Methods: Systematic Review
Authors: Alturkistani Abrar , Lam Ching , Foley Kimberley , Stenfors Terese , Blum Elizabeth R , Van Velthoven Michelle Helena , Meinert Edward
Published: January 2020

Background

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have the potential to make a broader educational impact because many learners undertake these courses. Despite their reach, there is a lack of knowledge about which methods are used for evaluating these courses.

Objective

The aim of this review was to identify current MOOC evaluation methods to inform future study designs.

Methods

We systematically searched the following databases for studies published from January 2008 to October 2018: (1) Scopus, (2) Education Resources Information Center, (3) IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) Xplore, (4) PubMed, (5) Web of Science, (6) British Education Index, and (7) Google Scholar search engine. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and titles of the studies. Published studies in the English language that evaluated MOOCs were included. The study design of the evaluations, the underlying motivation for the evaluation studies, data collection, and data analysis methods were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the National Institutes of Health—National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort observational studies and for before-after (pre-post) studies with no control group.

Results

The initial search resulted in 3275 studies, and 33 eligible studies were included in this review. In total, 16 studies used a quantitative study design, 11 used a qualitative design, and 6 used a mixed methods study design. In all, 16 studies evaluated learner characteristics and behavior, and 20 studies evaluated learning outcomes and experiences. A total of 12 studies used 1 data source, 11 used 2 data sources, 7 used 3 data sources, 4 used 2 data sources, and 1 used 5 data sources. Overall, 3 studies used more than 3 data sources in their evaluation. In terms of the data analysis methods, quantitative methods were most prominent with descriptive and inferential statistics, which were the top 2 preferred methods. In all, 26 studies with a cross-sectional design had a low-quality assessment, whereas RCTs and quasi-experimental studies received a high-quality assessment.

Conclusions

The MOOC evaluation data collection and data analysis methods should be determined carefully on the basis of the aim of the evaluation. The MOOC evaluations are subject to bias, which could be reduced using pre-MOOC measures for comparison or by controlling for confounding variables. Future MOOC evaluations should consider using more diverse data sources and data analysis methods.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/12087
El impacto económico en la industria maquiladora y en la región fronteriza del norte de México debido al alza de 100% del salario mínimo
Authors: Fuentes Noé Arón , Brugués Rodríguez Alejandro , González König Gabriel , Carrillo Viveros Jorge
Published: January 2020

El objetivo del estudio es medir el efecto en la economía de la región fronteriza del incremento del salario mínimo a partir de la declaración de la zona libre de la frontera a principios de 2019. La medición se basa en un enfoque de precios del modelo de insumo-producto siguiendo la propuesta de Park (2006) y en una estimación propia de la matriz de insumo-producto para la región. La evaluación consideró el alza de 100% del salario mínimo que favoreció alrededor de 631 mil de trabajadores ―146 mil de la industria maquiladora y 485 mil en el resto de los sectores―. Los resultados del modelo muestran un incremento de 2.9% sobre la inflación, y asociado a ello se espera un ajuste a la baja de la producción de 1%, del personal ocupado de 1.7% y del valor agregado de 1.1%. En particular, la industria maquiladora es menos sensible a estas variables clave, ya que el salario medio pagado por ellas era más cercano al salario mínimo establecido. Adicionalmente, hay un impacto positivo en el ingreso de los trabajadores de salario mínimo en la industria maquiladora, pues ahora ganan 6.8% más, y del resto de los sectores, ya que ahora ganan 9.7% más. Si se toma en cuenta lo anterior, se puede establecer que la política laboral regional es una medida de bajos efectos inflacionarios y de contracción, aunque ligera, en la actividad económica, pero que mejora el poder adquisitivo de los que menos ganan.
Violencia escolar en México por identidades y sexualidades no normativas: una mirada desde la interseccionalidad
Authors: Zurita Rivera Ursula
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se analiza la violencia hacia las y los alumnos de escuelas mexicanas del tramo educativo obligatorio, que poseen identidades y sexualidades no normativas. La violencia escolar es mayor y más compleja hacia estos individuos y grupos pero, como se observa, no se limita al binario heterosexualidad/ homosexualidad. También está vinculada estrechamente con las particulares formas en que se expresa la discriminación, la exclusión y opresión hacia personas cuyas identidades están conformadas por la permanente intersección dinámica de diversas categorías tales como género, edad, etnicidad, condición migratoria, clase social, religión, entre otras. Aquí se retoman planteamientos del enfoque de la interseccionalidad para examinar la violencia escolar desde la complejidad que hoy caracteriza a este problema social. Esta razón se debe a que la interseccionalidad enfatiza en las formas particulares en que se interconectan diferentes categorías sociales en las dimensiones interpersonales, culturales, disciplinarias y estructurales que explican algunas expresiones concretas de la violencia escolar hacia ciertos grupos identitarios, cuya configuración obedece a otros fenómenos contemporáneos de injusticia social vinculados con la discriminación, la exclusión y la opresión.
Procesos identitarios y prácticas culturales, como formas de exclusión social en el pueblo de Santiago Zapotitlán
Authors: Ramírez Chavarría Aaron , Pineda López Edwin Héctor
Published: January 2020

En el presente artículo se aborda la relación entre identidad y modernidad expresada en el pueblo de Santiago Zapotitlán, que por su ubicación geográfica a estado expuesto a modificaciones importantes tanto en la infraestructura (servicios y transporte) como su organización festiva patronal, lo que deriva en una intersección entre reafirmación y exclusión identitaria. Para dar cuenta de esto utilizamos entrevistas a profundidad con habitantes originarios y no originarios del espacio mencionado. En ésta investigación se ofrece un panorama de la dinámica en las relaciones en pueblos originarios que se enfrentan a la modernidad.
Un problema en las tesis fundamentales del derecho que supone el positivismo jurídico estilo Hart
Authors: Gallegos Mendoza Bernardo Andrés
Published: January 2020

En este artículo defenderé la tesis de que el positivismo jurídico estilo Hart aún no cuenta con una formulación adecuada de las tesis fundamentales del derecho. Consideraré, al menos, tres formulaciones de tesis fundamentales del derecho proporcionadas por algunos positivistas jurídicos y concluiré que ninguna es correcta, ya que ellas están enfocadas en las proposiciones sobre el derecho sin ofrecer explicación alguna de cuáles son los casos que podrían estar indeterminados. Este problema es patente cuando distinguimos entre proposiciones sobre el derecho y, lo que llamaré, proposiciones jurídicas ordinarias. Analizaré dos posibles enmiendas a las tesis fundamentales del derecho que un positivista jurídico podría ofrecer, pero ninguna será satisfactoria. Finalmente, apuntaré que una tesis muy plausible de la lógica de la verdad muestra que no sólo las tesis fundamentales del derecho, sino incluso los fundamentos del derecho del positivismo jurídico estilo Hart requieren una corrección.
El derecho de libertad en Eduardo García Máynez
Authors: Fernández Suárez Jesús Aquilino
Published: January 2020

En este trabajo, se hace un análisis del derecho de libertad en el pensamiento de Eduardo García Máynez. La distinción entre la libertad como derecho y como poder, la definición positiva del derecho de libertad y su conexión y relación con otros conceptos afines. Una vez delimitado el derecho de libertad, se aborda el debate entre Carlos Cossio y Eduardo García Máynez a propósito del mismo, y por último se realiza un balance de los aspectos más significativos de esa discusión.
Identidad y picardía mexicana
Authors: Orozco López Gabriela
Published: January 2020

En este trabajo se analiza el derecho a la identidad con base en el uso popular mexicano en comparación con la semántica de la palabra identidad, destacando la imprecisión que brincó del ámbito cultural, al jurídico. En México, el derecho a la identidad se aplica de manera muy diferente a aquellos países precursores de su doctrina. Esta reconstrucción no debe representar un obstáculo para la protección de los derechos de la persona; sin embargo, puesto que la palabra identidad tiene una naturaleza polisémica, aunado al gusto del mexicano por las frases con doble o múltiple sentido, resulta pertinente tener claro cuáles son los elementos y la finalidad del derecho a la identidad. Así, revisaremos la legislación, las tesis y las jurisprudencias mexicanas relativas al derecho a la identidad personal y grupal, para observar la proximidad existente entre la finalidad y la aplicación del derecho, apreciando si en la práctica se consigue la protección de este último.
La Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos como autoridad responsable para efectos del juicio de amparo
Authors: Cervera Torres Verónica , Torres Caballero Sylvia
Published: January 2020

La Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos (CNDH) ha sufrido importantes transformaciones a lo largo de su vida institucional que la han dotado de mayores facultades y autonomía, sin embargo, ha sido poco explorado si la CNDH puede ser considerada como autoridad responsable para efectos de procedencia del juicio de amparo y por ende, susceptible de cometer violaciones a derechos humanos cuando paradójicamente su objetivo principal es velar por la protección no jurisdiccional de los mismos. El presente artículo expondrá brevemente el origen y evolución en el diseño constitucional de esta institución a lo largo de sus 29 años de existencia y revisará diversos criterios jurisdiccionales que dan cuenta del cambio de visión, particularmente a partir de las reformas en materia de amparo y derechos humanos del año 2011, que conllevan a considerar a la CNDH como autoridad responsable para efectos del juicio de amparo.
Retos y perspectivas de la guardia nacional en México
Authors: Uvalle Aguilera Ricardo Alexis
Published: January 2020

A principios de 2019 fue aprobada en México una reforma constitucional para crear la llamada Guardia Nacional. Además de generar un gran debate mediático y dar lugar a puntos de vista sobre su pertinencia e idoneidad y ser motivo de análisis y críticas, su vigencia enfrenta grandes desafíos de cara a su implementación. Esto es así porque aunado a las dudas sobre su convencionalidad, en el marco del Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos, la forma en que plantea los requisitos de ingreso y permanencia requieren ser estudiados con todo cuidado desde una perspectiva histórica y jurídica. En este sentido, el propósito del presente trabajo es analizar las particularidades y características del diseño institucional de la Guardia, considerando la perspectiva internacional de los derechos humanos y proponer una serie de recomendaciones de cara a su implementación.
Componentes del derecho a la privacidad
Authors: Kubli-García Fausto
Published: January 2020

A pesar de las extensas fuentes documentales que existen en materia de derecho a la privacidad, en este trabajo pretendemos hacer algunas aproximaciones metodológicas al contenido y alcance de esta rama compuesta del Derecho. En la propuesta sostenemos que se deben tomar en cuenta tres dimensiones para su entendimiento: la mínima injerencia del poder público tanto en la dinámica como en las relaciones de las personas en la órbita privada; el marco jurídico sobre protección de los datos personales; y la garantía y respeto al libre desarrollo de la personalidad. En esta trilogía podríamos incorporar todas las instituciones que derivan del orden jurídico que de alguna manera regulan o atienden a la privacidad de las personas, enmarcando o proponiendo un concepto objetivo de derecho a la privacidad al que podríamos agregar una idea subjetiva de derecho a la privacidad. También destacamos la importancia que reviste definir el contexto en el que las relaciones transgreden la privacidad, las cuales pueden ser entre el poder público y los particulares o entre particulares.