bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengenalan Karakter Jawi Tulisan Tangan Menggunakan Fitur Sudut
Authors: Safrizal Safrizal
Published: April 2020

Abstrak— Karakter Jawi salah satu varian karakter Arab adalah karakter Jawi. Karakter tersebut mengakomodasi penulisan bahasa Melayu. Karakter Jawi banyak digunakan oleh kerajaan Islam di Nusantara sehingga banyak dokumen menggunakan karakter tersebut. Untuk menjaga kelestarian dokumen tersebut maka karakter Jawi tersebut harus di rubah kedalam format digital, salah satu caranya adalah dengan metode Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Salah satu metode OCR dalam mengekstraksi fitur adalah menggunakan sudut yang dibentuk dari bagian utama karakter. Fitur yang dihasilkan dari sudut tersebut digunakan oleh SVM untuk di klasifikasi kedalam karakter Jawi. Dengan menggunakan fitur tersebut, SVM mampu mengklasifikasi karakter Jawi dengan tingkat akurasi rata-rata sebesar 78,86%.  Abstract— The Jawi character is one variant of Arabic characters that adopts Malay language writing. The character of Jawi is widely used by the Islamic kingdom in the Archipelago. Many document written using these characters. To preserve the history and the book, the Jawi character need to be converted into digital form, one way is by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) method. One method of OCR in extracting features is to use angles formed by main part of the character. The features generated are used by SVM to be classified into Jawi characters. By using these features, SVM is able to classify Jawi characters with an average level of accuracy of 78.86%.
A MODEL FOR BUSINESS PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT: A CASE OF THE POSTAL COMPANY
Authors: Lazarević Dragan , Dobrodolac Momčilo , Švadlenka Libor , Stanivuković Bojan
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to propose a management model which would assess the state of the business and indicate the improvement points, as well as to demonstrate the applicability of the model in a case of the postal company. An A’BA model is proposed which represents a combined application of Analytic Hierarchy Process – AHP method as a multi-criteria decision making tool and theory of business areas. The research consists of two parts. To define the most important influencing factor on business performance, the experts are interviewed. A new concept is proposed and applied in the process of aggregating experts’ assessments based on their mapping in a plane. This creates the appropriate surface, and the position of its centroid in relation to the Saaty’s scale defines the final score of pairwise comparison - an indicator of the relationship between two elements that are compared. In the second part, additional experts from the determined area are involved to define an approach for detailed analysis of the most important factor. In this case, the approach included a survey of employees based on the specialized questionnaire. The guidelines for business performance improvement are obtained.The aim of this paper is to propose a management model which would assess the state of the business and indicate the improvement points, as well as to demonstrate the applicability of the model in a case of the postal company. An A’BA model is proposed which represents a combined application of Analytic Hierarchy Process – AHP method as a multi-criteria decision making tool and theory of business areas. The research consists of two parts. To define the most important influencing factor on business performance, the experts are interviewed. A new concept is proposed and applied in the process of aggregating experts’ assessments based on their mapping in a plane. This creates the appropriate surface, and the position of its centroid in relation to the Saaty’s scale defines the final score of pairwise comparison - an indicator of the relationship between two elements that are compared. In the second part, additional experts from the determined area are involved to define an approach for detailed analysis of the most important factor. In this case, the approach included a survey of employees based on the specialized questionnaire. The guidelines for business performance improvement are obtained.
ASSESSING THE VISIBILITY OF RAISED PAVEMENT MARKERS AND ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF DELINEATION
Authors: Bullough John D. , Liu Xiang
Published: April 2020

Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs) are used by a number of transportation agencies with the objective of improving roadway safety,
especially in complex roadway geometries and along wet roads. Because of maintenance and cost issues, many transportation agencies are exploring
alternatives to RPMs such as wet reflective pavement tape and barrier-mounted reflective delineators. In order to assess the relative potential of
these devices to contribute to nighttime driving safety, the luminances of new and used RPM samples from different manufacturers and having different
colors and of several alternative delineation devices were measured in the laboratory using a range of geometric conditions relevant to the driving task.
From these data, Luminances under representative low-beam headlight illumination were determined and these quantities were used to estimate driver visual
performance. Large variations in luminance yielded relatively small differences in visual performance for a viewing distance of 100 m, primarily because
of the plateau characteristic of visual performance. Differences in threshold visibility distances were greater, with distances at identification threshold
for the devices measured ranging approximately from 150 to 400 m. Used RPMs had luminances 20…30% lower than new RPMs but similar visibility characteristics
as new devices. The analysis method in this study may be useful for practitioners seeking to characterize the visual effectiveness of RPMs and other roadway
delineation devices and systems.
Molecular diagnostics in South Africa and challenges in the establishment of a molecular laboratory in developing countries
Authors: Singh-Moodley Ashika , Ismail Husna , Perovic Olga
Published: April 2020

The laboratory plays a significant role in public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and infection prevention and control strategies. Microbiology laboratories are moving towards incorporating molecular biology techniques for the surveillance and identification of pathogens causing infectious diseases as well as the genotypic characterisation of these organisms. These methods are accurate, rapid, reliable, and provide a wealth of information that are not available using conventional phenotypic methods. However, establishing such a laboratory can be challenging in developing countries due to poor infrastructure, the lack of funding and the required expertise. This manuscript discusses the essential issues that need to be addressed when establishing a molecular microbiology laboratory and the usefulness of molecular techniques in public health surveillance and outbreaks in developing countries. Molecular data on South African findings obtained from surveillance and outbreak studies are also presented in this manuscript.
Upper socioeconomic status is associated with lower Helicobacter pylori infection rate among patients undergoing gastroscopy
Authors: Attila Tan , Zeybel Mujdat , Yigit Yesim Esen , Baran Bulent , Ahishali Emel , Alper Emrah , Aslan Fatih , Ergonul Onder , Mungan Zeynel
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Socioeconomic factors play an important role in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. The aim of this study is to investigate HP prevalence among symptomatic patients in the upper socioeconomic segment of the population undergoing gastroscopy in an endemic urban region.

Methodology: Over a 12-month period, data were collected from the first consecutive 1000 patients (500 from university hospital, 500 from community hospital) who had gastroscopy and HP evaluation.

Results: Overall, 211/1000 patients (21.1 %) were found to have HP in gastric biopsies. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of rapid urease test were 87.5%, 99.7%, 99%, 96.5%, and 96.9% respectively. Atrophic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers were significantly more common in HP positive patients. Age based distribution of HP prevalence: > 6 decades (15.5%), 3rd-5th decades (26.1%), < 3rd decades (10.4%).

Conclusion: In an HP endemic country, the prevalence of HP infection among symptomatic patients belonging to the upper socioeconomic segment of the population appears to be markedly lower. The lowest prevalence in young patients is expected to result in future decrease in HP prevalence.
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) clones from Paraguayan children
Authors: Rodriguez Fátima , Salinas Claudia , Fernandez Silvina , Haim Sol , Mollerach Marta , Basualdo Wilma , Castro Hector , Quiñónez Beatriz , Arguello Rocio , Rodriguez Monica , Grau Lorena , Espínola Carmen , Velázquez Gladys , Samudio Gloria , Gomez Gloria , Campuzano Ana , Ortellado Juana , Almada Patricia , Guillén Rosa
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the most important human pathogens, and its levels of resistance to methicillin have increased even in strains isolated from people without nosocomial risk factors. Molecular analysis is essential for understanding the patterns of dissemination. The objective of this study was to identify community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) clones that infected Paraguayan children patients in two periods of time.

Methodology: An observational, descriptive study was designed to determine the genetic variability of 115 isolates of CA-MRSA recovered from children who attended four reference centers in Paraguay between 2009-2010 and 2012-2013.

Results: The combined use of Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), Multi-Locus Sequencing Typing, Multi-Locus Variable Analysis (MLVA) and Spa typing techniques allowed the identification of two dominant clones: ST30-IV-t019 (77%) and ST5-IV-t311 (10%), and the establishment of the former as the leading cause of CA-MRSA infections in children during the study period.

Conclusions: This is the first study that provides epidemiological information as well as microbiological and molecular characteristics of CA-MRSA isolates recovered from children from Asunción and the Central Department of Paraguay.
Surveillance of surgical-site infections and antimicrobial resistance patterns in a tertiary hospital in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Raouf May , Ghazal Thoraya , Kassem Mohamed , Agamya Abdelfattah , Amer Amira
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Surveillance and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring are fundamental to Health care associated infections control. Limited data are available from developing countries for both. This study aimed to evaluate incidence and risk factors of surgical site infections (SSIs), etiological pathogens and AMR patterns identification.

Methodology: A prospective active surveillance study was implemented over a 24- month period at a 110-bed multispecialty non-teaching tertiary hospital. Follow up data were collected for 30-90 days. SSI was diagnosed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) criteria. The SSI isolates were identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF/MS). Antibiotics susceptibility test was performed according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST).

Results: Out of a total of 3,642 patients, 70% had complete follow-up. SSI was detected in 57 cases (2.3%), 61.4% of which were detected post discharge. Factors significantly associated with increased SSI risk included smoking, diabetes, ASA score 5/E, ICU admission, previous admission and increased hospital stay. Sixty-five isolates were obtained; 70.8% were GNB while 24.6% were GPC and 4.6% were Candida albicans. Regarding AMR, 58.7% of isolates were extended spectrum β lactamase (ESBL) producers while 45.7% were Carbapenem resistant. Multi drug resistant (MDR) was detected in 13% of isolates, 54.3% were extended drug resistant (XDR) and 10.9% were pan drug resistant (PDR). Eighty-six percent of Staphylococci isolates were methicillin-resistant.

Conclusion: Despite low SSI rates detected, the high incidence of AMR identified is alarming.
A new Stamnodes from the southwestern United States (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae)
Authors: Matson Tanner A. , Wagner David L.
Published: April 2020

Stamnodes fergusonisp. nov. occurs from extreme southeastern Arizona through southern New Mexico east into western Texas, USA. Identity of the new species can be reliably determined by external features, genitalic characters, and COI haplotypes. Larvae are believed to be specialists on Salvia pinguifolia and S. ballotiflora. The adult and larval stages and male and female genitalia are illustrated, available DNA barcode data that support the recognition of the new Stamnodes are reviewed, and its life history briefly characterized.
Two freshwater shrimp species of the genus Caridina (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae) from Dawanshan Island, Guangdong, China, with the description of a new species
Authors: Chen Qing-Hua , Chen Wen-Jian , Zheng Xiao-Zhuang , Guo Zhao-Liang
Published: April 2020

A faunistic and ecological survey was conducted to document the diversity of freshwater atyid shrimps of Dawanshan Island. Two species of Caridina that occur on this island were documented and discussed. One of these, Caridina tetrazonasp. nov. is described and illustrated as new to science. It can be easily distinguished from its congeners based on a combination of characters, which includes a short rostrum, the shape of the endopod of the male first pleopod, the segmental ratios of antennular peduncle and third maxilliped, the slender scaphocerite, and the absence of a median projection on the posterior margin. Live individuals of the new species display a unique coloration pattern with four dark blue transverse bands on the body, and can be easily recognized in the field. So far, despite considerable surveying efforts made on neighboring islands, this species has only been found from a small stream on Dawanshan Island, which suggests that it may have a very limited range, probably endemic to Dawanshan Island. Molecular characteristics of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) demonstrate that this species shows sufficient interspecific divergence from its congeners, including C. serrata Stimpson, 1860, which was found in four streams on Dawanshan Island, and has been previously reported on the neighboring islands of Hong Kong, Dong’ao, Wailingding, and Guishan.
High Burden of Burnout on Rheumatology Practitioners
Authors: Tiwari Vivekanand , Kavanaugh Arthur , Martin George , Bergman Martin
Published: April 2020

Objective

Burnout among physicians is common and has important implications. We assessed the extent of burnout among rheumatology practitioners and its associations.

Methods.

One hundred twenty-eight attendees at the 2019 Rheumatology Winter Clinical Symposium were surveyed using the Maslach Burnout Index (MBI) and a demographics questionnaire. Scores for emotional exhaustion (EE) ≥ 27, depersonalization (DP) ≥ 10, and personal accomplishment (PA) ≤ 33 were considered positive for burnout. Data regarding practitioner characteristics including age, sex, years in practice, and other demographics of interest were also collected. These data were used to determine prevalence and interactions of interest between practitioner characteristics and the risk of burnout.

Results.

Of the 128 respondents, 50.8% demonstrated burnout in at least 1 MBI domain. Dissatisfaction with electronic health records was associated with a 2.86-times increased likelihood of burnout (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.23–6.65, P = 0.015). Similar results were found for lack of exercise (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.3–18.5, P = 0.016) and work hours > 60 per week (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.16–5.6, P = 0.019). Practitioners in group practice were 57% less likely to burn out (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.92, P = 0.029), as were those who spend > 20% of their time in personally satisfying work (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15–0.71, P = 0.005).

Conclusion.

In what we believe to be one of the largest studies regarding burnout among rheumatology practitioners, we found a substantial prevalence of burnout, with 51% of all respondents meeting criteria in at least 1 domain defined by the MBI and 54% of physicians meeting these same criteria.
The Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials in High-impact Rheumatology Journals, 1998–2018
Authors: Putman Michael S. , Harrison Ragle Ashley , Ruderman Eric M.
Published: April 2020

Objective.

Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) mitigate bias and confounding, but previous evaluations of rheumatology trials found high rates of methodological flaws. Outside of rheumatoid arthritis, no studies in the modern era have assessed the quality of rheumatology RCT over time or regarding industry funding.

Methods.

We identified all RCT published in 3 high-impact rheumatology journals from 1998, 2008, and 2018. Quality metrics derived from a modified Jadad scale were analyzed by year of publication and by funding source.

Results.

Ninety-six publications met inclusion criteria; 82 of these described the primary analysis of an RCT. Over time (1998–2008–2018), trials were less likely to adequately report dropouts and withdrawals (100% vs 82% vs 60%; p < 0.01) or include an active comparator (44% vs 12% vs 13%; p = 0.01). Later trials were more likely to evaluate biologic therapy (11% vs 38% vs 83%; p < 0.01) and report adequate randomization procedures (39% vs 29% vs 60%; p = 0.04). Seventy-nine percent of trials received industry funding. Industry-funded trials were more likely to report double-blinding (86% vs 53%; p < 0.01), patient-reported outcome measures (77% vs 41%; p < 0.01), and intention-to-treat analyses (86% vs 65%; p = 0.04).

Conclusion.

Industry-funded trials comprise the majority of RCT published in high-impact rheumatology journals and more frequently report metrics associated with RCT quality. RCT assessing active comparators and nonbiologic therapies have become less common in high-impact rheumatology journals.
Azathioprine-Induced Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Park Min-Kyu , Lee Jae-Kwang , Kim Hyun-Soo , Chung Yun-Jin , Park Chang-Keun , Jung Jae-Kwon , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: April 2020

Thiopurine-based drugs such as azathioprine and 6-MP are among the most common immunosuppressants used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune hepatitis, various autoimmune diseases, and patients undergoing organ transplantation. The drugs are associated with various complications, of which one of the most serious is hepatotoxicity that may trigger non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. We report a case with this side-effect in a patient taking azathioprine to treat Crohn’s disease.
Sullu, mesa y lógica social aymara
Authors: Fernández Juárez Gerardo
Published: April 2020

Las sociedades aymaras del altiplano boliviano establecen un vínculo de reciprocidad culinaria con los seres tutelares que pueblan su entorno geográfico . Hombres y «dioses» precisan de sus respectivas atenciones para subsistir; los aymaras alimentan a sus dioses con el sacrificio de ofrendas complejas especialmente consideradas por aquellos: las mesas. A su vez, los seres sobrenaturales altiplánicos ejercen la tutela sobre los homhres y sobre su bienestar, de forma que la producción agrícola, la multiplicación de las especies animales, la enfermedad y la aflicción son susceptibles de ser negociadas en los términos culinarios que la mesa permite. No todos los comensales sagrados comen lo mismo; cada uno tiene su mesa predilecta, en razón de la articulación de los ingredientes que componen las ofrendas, así como de los atributos sensibles que presentan. La caracterización sedal de dichos atributos y el perfil específico de los fetos empleados aluden a la configuración propia de la compleja sociedad, objeto de seducción entre los comensales sagrados, en que los aymaras contemporáneos se ven forzados a integrarse.
Un milagro de San Isidro relacionado con ritos de protección del grano durante la siembra
Authors: Mingote Calderón José Luis
Published: April 2020

En este artículo se analiza un milagro realizado por San Isidro que se halla en textos cultos a partir del siglo XVII. La explicación que en él se da del ofrecimiento a los pájaros y las hormigas de una parte del grano destinado a la siembra, debe ser considerada como una interpretación católica de un ritual asociado a la siembra del primer puñado de grano. Esta costumbre aparece claramente documentada en los estudios etnográficos españoles, así como en los de ámbitos próximos: Europa occidental y norte de África.
Fatigue Life and Stress Retro Estimation of 30CrMnSiA in Laboratory Environment
Authors: Zhang Wei Fang , Gao Xing Yu , Liu Xiao Peng , Liu Xue Rong
Published: April 2020

The fatigue life and fatigue stress of 30CrMnSiA material are studied by fracture retro estimation under experimental conditions. With the help of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fatigue crack can be observed. By Paris law, the fatigue life and fatigue stress of 30CrMnSiA material can be estimated by fatigue striation under the experimental environment. The method is simple and feasible, and the relative error is lower.
Relationship Between Delirium and Ventilatory Outcomes in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kerber Kathleen , Zangmeister Jessica , McNett Molly
Published: April 2020

Background

Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric diagnosis in intensive care units and often leads to extended hospital stays and an increased rate of complications. Delirium can be classified as hypoactive, hyperactive, or mixed. Hyperactive delirium is often accompanied by agitation, which is a predictive factor for unplanned extubation. Hypoactive delirium does not include outward agitation; its incidence and relationship to ventilatory outcomes, specifically unplanned extubation and duration of mechanical ventilation, are relatively unexplored.

Objective

To determine the occurrence rate of each delirium type in the first 7 days after intensive care unit admission and explore the relationship between delirium type and ventilatory outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that enrolled adult patients consecutively admitted to a medical intensive care unit over 12 months. Data were abstracted on patient demographic variables, daily clinical variables (morning and evening delirium, coma, and sedation scores), and outcome variables (unplanned extubation, length of stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation).

Results

We enrolled 171 patients in the study. Hypoactive delirium occurred in up to 44% of patients. Of 25 instances of unplanned extubation, up to 74% of patients had hypoactive delirium. Delirium was not a predictor of unplanned extubation; smoking history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and failed breathing trials best predicted unplanned extubation (odds ratios = 3.2, 5.2, and 12.6, respectively; P < .05).

Conclusions

Hypoactive delirium is common among intensive care unit patients and may precede unplanned extubation. Patient history and comorbidities remain the strongest predictors of unplanned extubation.
Hazard perception and possibility of simplifying food safety management systems in small businesses in Piedmont region, Italy
Authors: Ceballos Leonardo A. , Vercellino Davide , D'Errico Valeria , Barzanti Paola , Decastelli Lucia , Nicolandi Luca , Negro Mauro , Ru Giuseppe
Published: April 2020

Small food businesses, because of their limited resources, are hard pressed to comply with the requirements of a conventional food safety management system (FSMS). To overcome it, the European legislation provides some flexibility in the application of FSMS. With this study, we evaluated the change in the perception and awareness of hazards in food production and in the attitudes of food business operators (FBOs) after a regional regulation was introduced to allow flexibility and a campaign of training activities on the FSMS simplification opportunities. Training activities targeting various stakeholders have been carried out in Piedmont region since 2014. A total of 283 FBOs from the dairy and the meat supply chains were recruited for a two-round survey. Overall, the majority of the FBOs believed that application of an FSMS helps to overcome official controls, to produce healthy foods, to better manage the production process, and for staff training; its usefulness for enhancing customer trust was judged of limited value. FBO knowledge on the possibility of simplifying the FSMS activities increased significantly between surveys, suggesting the success of the information campaigns. Over time, simplification increased in the meat but not in the dairy supply chain, where it involved nearly 70% of FBOs. The cost of FSMS (mainly due to microbiological analysis) and the time it takes were the main reasons for FBO resistance to its application. Simplification of FSMS procedures were welcomed by the vast majority (>90%) of FBOs. The perception of hazards was low and generic, suggesting the need for targeted training activities.
Ultrasonic decontamination in smoked salmon experimentally contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes: Preliminary results
Authors: Pennisi Luca , Di Clerico Daniele , Costantini Luigi , Festino Anna Rita , Vergara Alberto
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound (sonication) and their combination with temperature (thermosonication) on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in smoked salmon. The trial was conducted on smoked salmon samples experimentally contaminated with a cocktail of 4 strains of Listeria monocytogenes (LM ATCC 19114, LM ATCC 15313, LM ATCC 19111 and LM ATCC 7644) at a final concentration of 8 log cfu/g and kept at 4°C until its use. Thermosonication treatments between 40°C and 50°C for 5, 10 and 15 minutes proved to be more effective without altering the sensory characteristics of the food.
Occurrence of antibiotic residues in Apulian honey: potential risk of environmental pollution by antibiotics
Authors: Savarino Alessandra Emilia , Terio Valentina , Barrasso Roberta , Ceci Edmondo , Panseri Sara , Chiesa Luca Maria , Bonerba Elisabetta
Published: April 2020

The presence of antibiotic residues in honey is widely documented and is attributed almost exclusively to improper beekeeping practices, due to the frequent use of drugs for the treatment of beehive diseases. Therefore, the aim of our research was to evaluate the presence of antibiotics in honeycomb using the Anti-Microbial Array II (AM II) and IV (AM IV) method and to assess the relationship between environmental context and antibiotic residues in honey. The results show the presence of antibiotic residues in 26/50 honey from brood nests samples, confirming the impact of environmental contamination on the health quality of this food product. In addition, subsequent analyses conducted on positive samples reveal the instability over time of antimicrobial molecules in honey. These results highlight the need for further studies in order to understand all likely sources of contamination and to implement a comprehensive safety management plan for honey.
New hips for old: Total prosthetic replacement of the hip
Authors: Sacks Sidney
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
Physiotherapy following total hip replacement: The Mckee-Farrar prosthesis
Authors: Walker Joan , Von Britzke M.
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
A brief general outline of some of the neurophysiology which is the basis of facilitatory techniques
Authors: Lennard N.
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
Receptors in muscle
Authors: Matthews B. C.
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
A gynaecologist's viewpoint
Authors: Uys Beorn
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
Spina bifida and myelomeningocoele
Authors: Katzen Michael
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
How to read a published clinical trial: a practical guide for clinicians
Authors: Sonbol Mohamad B , Firwana Belal M , Hilal Talal , Murad Mohammad Hassan
Published: April 2020

Over the last 5 years, there have been more than 140 new drug approvals in the field of Oncology alone, all based on newly published clinical trials. These approvals have led to an ongoing change in clinical practice, offering new therapeutic options for patients. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to be able to appraise a clinical trial and determine its validity, understand its results, and be able to apply such results to their patients. In this guide, we provide a simplified approach tailored to practicing clinicians and trainees. The same concepts and principles apply to other medical specialties.
Droughts in the area of Poland in recent centuries in the light of multi-proxy data
Authors: Przybylak Rajmund , Oliński Piotr , Koprowski Marcin , Filipiak Janusz , Pospieszyńska Aleksandra , Chorążyczewski Waldemar , Puchałka Radosław , Dąbrowski Henryk Paweł
Published: April 2020

Abstract. The history of drought occurrence in Poland in the last millennium is poorly known. To improve this knowledge we have conducted a comprehensive analysis using both proxy data (documentary and dendrochronological) and instrumental measurements of precipitation. The paper presents the main features of droughts in Poland in recent centuries, including their frequency of occurrence, coverage, duration, and intensity. The reconstructions of droughts based on all the mentioned sources of data covered the period 996–2015. Examples of megadroughts were also chosen
using documentary evidence, and some of them were described. Various documentary sources have been used to identify droughts in the area
of Poland in the period 1451–1800 and to estimate their intensity, spatial
coverage, and duration. Twenty-two local chronologies of trees (pine, oak,
and fir) from Poland were taken into account for detecting negative pointer
years (exceptionally narrow rings). The delimitation of droughts based on
instrumental data (eight long-term precipitation series) was conducted using two independent approaches (Standard Precipitation Index, SPI, calculated for 1-, 3-, and 24-month timescales, and a new method proposed by authors). For delimitation of droughts (dry months), the criteria used were those proposed by McKee et al. (1993) and modified for the climate conditions of Poland by Łabędzki (2007). More than 100 droughts were found in documentary sources in the period
1451–1800, including 17 megadroughts. A greater than average number of
droughts were observed in the second halves of the 17th century and the 18th century in particular. Dendrochronological data confirmed this general tendency in the mentioned period. Analysis of SPI (including its lowest values, i.e. droughts) showed that the long-term frequency of droughts in Poland has been stable in the last two or three centuries. Extreme and severe droughts were most frequent in the coastal part of Poland and in Silesia. Most droughts had a duration of 2 months (about 60 %–70 %) or 3–4 months (10 %–20 %). Frequencies of droughts with a duration of 5-or-more months were lower than 10 %. The frequency of droughts of all categories in Poland in the instrumental period 1722–2015 was greatest in winter, while in the documentary evidence (1451–1800) droughts in this season are rarely mentioned. The occurrence of negative pointer years (a good proxy for droughts) was
compared with droughts delimited based on documentary and instrumental data. A good correspondence was found between the timing of occurrence of droughts identified using all three kinds of data (sources).
Intensification of the hydrological cycle expected in West Africa over the 21st century
Authors: Todzo Stella , Bichet Adeline , Diedhiou Arona
Published: April 2020

Abstract. This study uses the high-resolution outputs of the recent
CORDEX-Africa climate projections to investigate the future changes in
different aspects of the hydrological cycle over West Africa. Over the
twenty-first century, temperatures in West Africa are expected to increase
at a faster rate (+0.5 ∘C per decade) than the global average
(+0.3 ∘C per decade), and mean precipitation is expected to
increase over the Guinea Coast (+0.03 mm d−1 per decade) but decrease
over the Sahel (−0.005 mm d−1 per decade). In addition, precipitation is
expected to become more intense (+0.2 mm d−1 per decade) and less
frequent (−1.5 d per decade) over all of West Africa as a result of
increasing regional temperature (precipitation intensity increases on
average by +0.35 mm d−1 ∘C−1 and precipitation frequency
decreases on average by −2.2 d ∘C−1). Over the Sahel, the
average length of dry spells is also expected to increase with temperature
(+4 % d ∘C−1), which increases the likelihood for
droughts with warming in this subregion. Hence, the hydrological cycle is
expected to increase throughout the twenty-first century over all of
West Africa, on average by +11 % ∘C−1 over the Sahel as a
result of increasing precipitation intensity and lengthening of dry spells,
and on average by +3 % ∘C−1 over the Guinea Coast as a
result of increasing precipitation intensity only.
The non-hydrostatic global atmospheric model for CMIP6 HighResMIP simulations (NICAM16-S): Experimental design, model description, and sensitivity experiments
Authors: Kodama Chihiro , Ohno Tomoki , Seiki Tatsuya , Yashiro Hisashi , Noda Akita T. , Nakano Masuo , Yamada Yohei , Roh Woosub , Satoh Masaki , Nitta Tomoko , Goto Daisuke , Miura Hiroaki , Nasuno Tomoe , Miyakawa Tomoki , Chen Ying-Wen , Sugi Masato
Published: April 2020

Abstract. NICAM, a nonhydrostatic global atmospheric model with an icosahedral grid system, has been developed for nearly two decades. This paper describes NICAM16-S, the latest stable version of NICAM (NICAM.16) modified for Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Major updates from NICAM.12, a previous version used for climate simulations, include updates of a cloud microphysics scheme and a land model, an introduction of natural and anthropogenic aerosols and a subgrid-scale orographic gravity wave drag, and improvement of coupling between cloud microphysics and radiation schemes. External forcings were updated to follow a protocol of CMIP6 High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP). A series of short-term sensitivity experiments were performed to check and understand impacts of the model updates on the simulated mean states. Improvements in the ice water content, the high cloud amounts, the surface air temperature over the Arctic region, the location and the strength of zonal mean subtropical jet, and shortwave radiation over the Africa and the South Asia were found in the NICAM16-S simulations. Some long-standing biases such as the double intertropical convergence zone and smaller low cloud amounts still exist or even worsen in some cases, suggesting further necessity for understanding their mechanisms and upgrading schemes and/or their parameter settings as well as for enhancing horizontal and vertical resolutions.
Linking groundwater travel times to stream chemistry, isotopic composition and catchment characteristics
Authors: Jutebring Sterte Elin , Lidman Fredrik , Lindborg Emma , Sjöberg Ylva , Laudon Hjalmar
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Understanding travel times of rain and snowmelt inputs transported through the subsurface environment to recipient surface waters is critical in many hydrological and biogeochemical investigations. In this study, a particle tracking model approach in Mike SHE was used to investigating the travel time of stream groundwater input to 14 partly nested, long-term monitored boreal sub-catchments. Based on previous studies in the area, we hypothesized that the main factor controlling groundwater travel times was catchment size. The modeled mean travel time (MTT) in the different sub-catchments ranged between 0.5 years and 3.6 years. Estimated MTTs were tested against the observed long-term winter isotopic signature (δ2H, δ18O) and chemistry (base cation concentration and pH) of the stream water. The underlying assumption was that older water would have an isotopic signature that resembles the long-term average precipitation input, while seasonal variations would be more apparent in catchments with younger water. Similarly, it was assumed that older water would be more affected by weathering, resulting in higher concentrations of base cations and higher pH. 10-year average winter values for stream chemistry were used for each sub-catchment. We found significant correlations between the estimated travel times and average water isotope signature (r = 0.80, p
COVID-19: An International Public Health Concern
Authors: Ayenigbara Israel Oluwasegun
Published: April 2020

This review presents a synopsis on the current COVID-19 pandemic, with focus on preventive measures. COVID-19 is a new viral infection, and is in form of a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA Coronavirus which belongs to an expanded group of viruses which were identified six decades ago. Importantly, the new COVID-19 belongs to the group of SARS-CoV, and it originated in bats but infected humans through smuggled pangolins. At first, the mode of transmission of infection was animal-to-person, but person-to-person and community transmission of the virus has been confirmed in many parts of the world. With an incubation period of between two-fourteen days, signs and symptoms of infection are mild to high respiratory illness; characterized with cough, breathing problems (shortness of breath), high temperature (Fever), tiredness (Fatigue) and nausea. Presently, no vaccines or specific treatment is available for COVID-19, in light of the aforementioned; prevention is the only substantial and less expensive option. With the envisaged explosive community transmission of COVID-19 in the coming weeks in places with limited daily testing, especially in African countries, it is recommended among many that social distancing which includes avoiding any form of contact with people; either through greetings, hugging or shaking of hands and large gatherings, avoid contact with animal items, dead or alive animals, sick and dead people from areas experiencing COVID-19 epidemic, and basic hygienic practices like thorough washing of hands with clean water and antiseptic soap for the duration of at least twenty seconds should be practiced always. However, in the absence of the aforementioned, an alcohol-based hand gel should be used on the hands frequently. Furthermore, health care workers should adhere strictly to the standard preventive measures in areas of heightened COVID-19 epidemic.
Academic health sciences libraries and affiliated hospitals: a conversation about licensing electronic resources
Authors: Allison Amy E. , Bryan Bonita , Franklin Sandra G. , Schick Leslie C.
Published: April 2020

Objective: Libraries in academic health centers may license electronic resources for their affiliated hospitals, as well as for their academic institutions. This study examined the current practices of member libraries of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) that provide affiliated hospitals with access to electronic information resources and described the challenges that the libraries experienced in providing access to the affiliated hospitals.Methods: In September 2016, AAHSL library directors received an email with a link to an online survey.Results: By December 2016, representatives from 60 AAHSL libraries responded. Two-thirds of the responding libraries supplied online information resources to more than 1 hospital, and 75% of these libraries provided the hospitals with access both on site and remotely. Most (69%) libraries licensed the same resource for both the academic institution and the hospitals. Cost, license negotiation, and communication with hospital stakeholders were commonly reported challenges.Conclusion: Academic health sciences libraries with affiliated hospitals continue to grapple with licensing and cost issues. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.
Grey literature citations in top nursing journals: a bibliometric study
Authors: Woods Stephen , Phillips Kathleen , Dudash Andrew
Published: April 2020

Objective: As access to information grows in tandem with the growth of the Internet, access to grey literature also increases. Because little is known about the use of grey literature in nursing journals, the authors investigated the prevalence and types of grey literature citations in top nursing journals.Methods: We analyzed all citations (n=52,116) from articles published in 2011 in 6 top nursing journals selected from the Medical Library Association’s Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section’s 2012 “Selected List of Nursing Journals.” Grey literature citations were identified and categorized by type.Results: Grey literature accounted for 10.4% of citations across all 6 journals. Publications from governments (54.3%) and corporate organizations (26.8%) were the most common types of grey literature.Conclusion: The substantial citation of grey literature in nursing journals shows that nursing scholars seek and use this category of information. These findings have implications for teaching and learning among nursing researchers and the information professionals who serve the nursing research community.
Collection practices for nontraditional online resources among academic health sciences libraries
Authors: Shultz Mary , Berryman Donna R.
Published: April 2020

Objective: In recent years, individuals and small organizations have developed new online learning and information resources that are often marketed directly to students. In this study, these nontraditional online resources are defined as apps or other online resources that are not available through large and well-known publishers. The purposes of this study are to determine if academic health sciences libraries are licensing nontraditional online resources and to provide a snapshot of current collections practices in this area.Methods: An online survey was designed and distributed to the email lists of the Collection Development Section of the Medical Library Association and Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries directors. Follow-up phone interviews were conducted with survey participants who volunteered to be contacted.Results: Of the 58 survey respondents, 21 (36.2%) reported that their libraries currently licensed at least 1 nontraditional online resource, and 45 (77.6%) reported receiving requests for these types of resources. The resources listed by respondents included 50 unique titles. Of the 37 (63.8%) respondents whose library did not license nontraditional online resources, major barriers that were noted included a lack of Internet protocol (IP) authentication, licenses that charge per user, and affordable institutional pricing.Conclusions: Evaluation criteria for nontraditional online resources should be developed and refined, and these resources should be examined over time to determine their potential and actual use by students. There is a growing demand for many of these resources among students, but the lack of financial and access models that serve libraries’ needs is an obstacle to institutional licensing.
Librarian integration into health care conferences: a case report
Authors: Price Carrie , Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Sharma Basyal Pragyashree , Nelliot Archana , Smith Madison , Friedman Michael , Needham Dale M.
Published: April 2020

Background: Health care continuing education conferences are important educational events that present opportunities for structured learning, interactive sharing, and professional networking. Conference presenters frequently cite published literature, such as clinical trials, to supply an evidence-based foundation, with presenters’ slides often shared with conference attendees. By using social media, these conferences can have greater impact, assist in supporting evidence-based clinical practice, and increase stakeholder engagement.Case Presentation: The authors present a case of embedding a health sciences librarian into the Annual Johns Hopkins Critical Care Rehabilitation Conference. The librarian served multiple roles, including social media ambassador, conference exhibitor, and presenter. We explore how these roles contributed to the field of early rehabilitation research through information dissemination and education. We also address best practices for librarian support of the conference, with a discussion of tools, platforms, and work flows that were beneficial.Conclusions: Librarian integration facilitated education about bibliographic literature database content, database searching, critical appraisal, and reporting of search methodology. Additionally, the librarian contributed to real-time distribution of scholarly literature through proficiency with web platforms, citation management programs, and social media. Librarians’ expertise in information organization and dissemination, as well as various technology platforms, make them a valuable addition to health care conferences. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program.
Improving the translation of search strategies using the Polyglot Search Translator: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Clark Justin Michael , Sanders Sharon , Carter Matthew , Honeyman David , Cleo Gina , Auld Yvonne , Booth Debbie , Condron Patrick , Dalais Christine , Bateup Sarah , Linthwaite Bronwyn , May Nikki , Munn Jo , Ramsay Lindy , Rickett Kirsty , Rutter Cameron , Smith Angela , Sondergeld Peter , Wallin Margie , Jones Mark , Beller Elaine
Published: April 2020

Background: Searching for studies to include in a systematic review (SR) is a time- and labor-intensive process with searches of multiple databases recommended. To reduce the time spent translating search strings across databases, a tool called the Polyglot Search Translator (PST) was developed. The authors evaluated whether using the PST as a search translation aid reduces the time required to translate search strings without increasing errors.Methods: In a randomized trial, twenty participants were randomly allocated ten database search strings and then randomly assigned to translate five with the assistance of the PST (PST-A method) and five without the assistance of the PST (manual method). We compared the time taken to translate search strings, the number of errors made, and how close the number of references retrieved by a translated search was to the number retrieved by a reference standard translation.Results: Sixteen participants performed 174 translations using the PST-A method and 192 translations using the manual method. The mean time taken to translate a search string with the PST-A method was 31 minutes versus 45 minutes by the manual method (mean difference: 14 minutes). The mean number of errors made per translation by the PST-A method was 8.6 versus 14.6 by the manual method. Large variation in the number of references retrieved makes results for this outcome unreliable, although the number of references retrieved by the PST-A method was closer to the reference standard translation than the manual method.Conclusion: When used to assist with translating search strings across databases, the PST can increase the speed of translation without increasing errors. Errors in search translations can still be a problem, and search specialists should be aware of this.