bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative determination of energy potential of refuse derived fuel from the waste recovered from Indian landfill
Authors: Cheela V R Sankar , John Michele , Dubey Brajesh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Landfills are urban stocks and resource reservoirs for potential energy recovery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amount of energy that could be recovered from aged waste (around 5 - 20 years old) recovered from landfills. Investigations were conducted on the physical and chemical properties of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) prepared from recovered landfill waste (RLW) in Andhra Pradesh, India. Waste characterization studies included determination of waste composition, proximity analysis, ultimate analysis, and energy content. The moisture content ranged between 25.70 to 31.30%, however, no trend was observed with age. In the ultimate analysis, the percentage of carbon increased from 42.94% to 71.66% with the age of the samples, this is due to an increase in the plastic content over time. The calorific value of the recovered landfill waste ranged from 10.35 MJ/kg to 21.83 MJ/kg. From the findings, it can be summarized that the RDF can potentially be utilized as a feedstock for the recovery of energy from RLW. The results from this study will assist policy makers and local authorities in designing and developing strategies for resource and energy recovery from landfills in different urban cites across the globe.
Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude extracts and solvent fractions of methanol extract of leaves of Ricinus communis Linn (Euphorbiaceae) against selected pathogens
Authors: Kebede Bedaso , Shibeshi Workineh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Impacts of infectious diseases are reduced due to development of antimicrobial agents. However, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agents is reduced over time because of the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.To overcome these problems scholars have been searching for alternative medicines, particularly focusing on traditionally used medicinal plants. Ricinus communis Linn is used as a traditional treatment for bovine mastitis, wound infection, and other medicinal purposes. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Ricinus communis Linn leaf at crude extract level has been confirmed against human originated pathogens in the previous studies. The objective of the present study was to further evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Ricinus communis Linn leaf extracts and fractions. The Ricinus communis Linn leaves were macerated in absolute methanol and acetone solvents. The methanol crude extract was shown best antimicrobial activity and exposed to further fractionation via increasing polarity of solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous). Test microorganisms included in the study were six laboratory reference bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus, S. agalactiae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. Pyogenes), two clinical isolate bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was employed to determine antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC) were determined through broth microdilution method. Results The results indicated that the best antimicrobial activity(based on zone of inhibition) for ethyl acetate fraction ranging from 14.67 mm (clinical E. coli) to 20.33 mm (S. aureus) at 400mg/ml however, n-hexane exhibited lowest antimicrobial activity. Among tested fractions, ethyl acetate fraction was produced lowest MIC values ranging from 1.5625mg/ml (S. aureus) to 16.67 mg/ml (Candida albicans). The ethyl acetate fraction showed bactericidal activity against all tested microorganisms. Conclusion Methanol extract of Ricinus communis Linn leaf exhibited better antimicrobial activity than acetone extract. Hence, ethyl acetate fraction of crude methanol extract exhibited best antimicrobial activity indicating its potential for development of antimicrobial products.
Quality Improvement Questionnaires – Nursing Homes (QIQ-NH): validation of questionnaires for measuring quality of care in nursing homes from various perspectives
Authors: Triemstra Mattanja , Menting Juliane , Berg Bellis van den 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

This study aims to describe the validation and optimization of a new instrument specifically designed to measure and improve the quality of care in nursing homes; the Quality Improvement Questionnaires for Nursing Homes (QIQ-NH). This instrument comprises several questionnaires on the perceived quality of care for various perspectives (e.g. clients, family and professional caregivers) and covers eight themes of the national quality framework for nursing home care in the Netherlands.
Methods

Data was collected in six nursing homes between September 2017 and June 2018, among 359 residents, 48 family caregivers and 648 professional caregivers who completed a subgroup-specific questionnaire of the QIQ-NH. The construct and criterion validity of the three questionnaires were tested with item- and scale analyses. The content validity of the questionnaires was tested in cognitive interviews with 20 participants (7 residents, 5 family caregivers, 8 professional caregivers).
Results

Psychometric analyses confirmed the multidimensionality and reliability of the three questionnaires, and the cognitive interviews showed various possibilities for further optimization of the instruments. The construct, criterion and content validity of the three questionnaires ranged from acceptable to good. Cronbach’s alphas were > .70 for almost all scales. More than half of the items were candidate for optimization according to the cognitive interviews, mainly due to clarity or knowledge problems, and the questionnaires of the QIQ-NH were optimized accordingly.
Conclusions

The Quality Improvement Questionnaires for Nursing Homes (QIQ-NH) provides a solid basis to continuously measure and improve the quality of nursing home care, by covering the national quality themes and by integrating the various perspectives of all parties involved. With real-time feedback, the instrument enables the management and care teams to select possibilities or areas for improvement and to implement and continuously monitor the effects of quality improvement strategies in nursing homes.
The miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways
Authors: Zhou You , Liu Siyu , Wang Wei , Sun Qiang , Lv Mengzhu , Yang Shude , Tong Shuang , Guo Shu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are stem cells with the potential to differentiate in multiple directions. MiR-204-5p is expressed at low levels during the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs, and its specific regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the function and possible molecular mechanism of miR-204-5p in the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs.Methods: The expression patterns of miR-204-5p, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) and growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7) in hADSCs during osteogenesis were detected by qRT-PCR. Then, ALP and alizarin red staining (ARS) were used to detect osteoblast activitie and mineral deposition. Western blotting was conducted to confirm the protein levels. The regulatory relationship among miR-204-5p, FOXC1 and GDF7 was verified by dual-luciferase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.Results: MiR-204-5p expression was downregulated in hADSC osteogenesis, and overexpression of miR-204-5p suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the levels of FOXC1 and GDF7 were decreased in the miR-204-5p mimics group, which indicates that miR-204-5p overexpression suppresses the expression of FOXC1 and GDF7 by binding to their 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Overexpression of FOXC1 or GDF7 improved the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs induced by the miR-204-5p mimics. Moreover, FOXC1 was found to bind to the promoter of miR-204-5p and GDF7, promote the deacetylation of miR-204-5p and reduce the expression of miR-204-5p, thus promoting the expression of GDF7 during osteogenic differentiation. GDF7 induced hADSC osteogenesis differentiation by activating the AKT and P38 signalling pathways.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the miR-204-5p/FOXC1/GDF7 axis regulates the osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs via the AKT and p38 signalling pathways. This study further revealed the regulatory mechanism of hADSC differentiation from the perspective of miRNA regulation.
Symbol analysis of intangible heritage Miao paintings in Xiangxi of China
Authors: Liu Yifeng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Intangible heritage Miao Paintings in Xiangxi is a Chinese symbol with great ethnic characteristics and a Chinese memory and living cultural gene worthy of further analysis. Its material form is a living manifestation of the Miao folk culture, and its material surface contains a narration of the national spirit. Its image symbols have magical powers of good fortune, awe, and imitation of natural objects and show the deepest spiritual core of the primitive Miao people. The construction of its symbolic system and the expression of its image show its direct transcendence of fatalism over the cycle of human life and death. The daily functions of Xiangxi Miao paintings have been gradually marginalized. Simultaneously, their additional functions (aesthetic and symbolic functions) have become increasingly prominent and show a vague value. This appearance from prosperity to decline represents the historical fate of the end of the agricultural era.
The use of artificial teeth in a pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core undergraduate teaching program
Authors: Dudley James 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background

The use of artificial teeth in pre-clinical simulation clinic teaching of post-core techniques has clear educational benefits for students and staff. This study explored the reasons for selection and direct student experiences with artificial teeth in a recently conducted pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics post-core technique teaching program.
Methods

An online anonymous survey was delivered to fourth year undergraduate dental students who had completed the fixed prosthodontics pre-clinical program seeking information on the choice of artificial or natural teeth and direct experiences. Quantitative data was summarised and qualitative data was clustered into topics.
Results

A 100% response rate was received. 36% of 70 respondents chose to use one or more artificial teeth for the post-core exercises which was predominantly driven by difficulty in sourcing appropriate natural teeth (59%) rather than educational benefit (13%). 45 (64%) chose not to use artificial teeth largely due to the cost of the teeth (49%).
Conclusions

Direct student experiences in using the artificial teeth for post-core exercises were positive. In the choice to select artificial or natural teeth for post-core exercises, teaching staff may focus on educational benefits while students focus on the practicalities of sourcing teeth, associated costs and ease of use. As the first known research of its kind, within the limitations of this study artificial teeth provided an appropriate and realistic simulation compared to extracted natural teeth and were easier to source for the post-core exercises of the pre-clinical fixed prosthodontics program. More widespread use of artificial teeth was limited by cost.
Deep Learning Without Neural Networks: Fractal-nets for Rare Event Modeling
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ishanu , Huang Yi , Evans James 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Complex phenomena of societal interest such as weather, seismic activity and urban crime, are often punctuated by rare and extreme events, which are difficult to model and predict. Evidence of long-range persistence of such events has underscored the need to learn deep stochastic structures in data for effective forecasts. Recently neural networks (NN) have emerged as a defacto standard for deep learning. However, key problems remain with NN inference, including a high sample complexity, a general lack of transparency, and a limited ability to directly model stochastic phenomena. In this study we suggest that deep learning and the NN paradigm are conceptually distinct -- and that it is possible to learn ``deep' associations without invoking the ubiquitous NN strategy of global optimization via back-propagation. We show that deep learning of stochastic phenomena is related to uncovering the emergent self-similarities in data, which avoids the NN pitfalls offering crucial insights into underlying mechanisms. Using the Fractal Net (FN) architecture introduced here, we actionably forecast various categories of rare weather and seismic events, and property and violent crimes in major US cities. Compared to carefully tuned NNs, we boost recall at 90% precision by 161.9% for extreme weather events, 191.3% for light-to-severe seismic events with magnitudes above the local third quartile, and 50.8% - 404.9% for urban crime, demonstrating applicability in diverse systems of societal interest. This study opens the door to precise prediction of rare events in spatio-temporal phenomena, adding a new tool to the data science revolution.
Higher perceived risk of COVID-19 pandemic, higher concern for climate change: evidence from a longitudinal study in China
Authors: Gong Yuanchao , Sun Yan 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 is raging globally taking a huge toll on public health. Although there seems to be a silver lining regarding mitigation of climate change given decreased emission of greenhouse gases during the pandemic, climate disruption actually constantly keeps apace. Therefore, it is important for the public to maintain alert to climate change amid the devastating pandemic. The current longitudinal study made a preliminary exploration of the relationship between public risk perception of the pandemic and climate change and we examined two possibly competing mediators which might lead to opposite effects—negative emotions and limited cognitive resources. The results show that pandemic risk perception has positive predictive effect on climate change concern mediated by negative emotions, but public attention to climate change is not impaired by increased concern for the pandemic. We discuss the value of our results and offer inspiring advice to better address climate change during COVID-19 outbreak.
A suspected case of SARS-CoV-2 persistence with reactivation
Authors: Molina Derly Andrade , Fernández-Cadena Juan , Fernández-Cadena Telmo , Consortium Paúl Cárdenas & USFQ-COVID , Morey-León Gabriel , Armas-Gonzales Rubén , Amaya-Márquez Darlyn , Sacheri-Viteri Katheryn , Falconi Ketty Cordova , Fuentes Fernando Espinoza , Barberán Jose , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Soto-Rifo Ricardo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Reinfections with SARS-CoV-2 have been verified by the presence of phylogenetically distant viruses in each episode. Here, we report a suspected case of SARS-CoV-2 persistence with reactivation in a 35-years old patient presenting positive RT-PCR on April 7th and August 7th, each episode characterized by mild and severe symptoms, respectively. Sequencing of viral genomes identified only two SNPs indicating the presence of genetically linked viruses for the first time. Subsequently to hospital discharge, the patient presented a positive diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 in stool, urine and semen samples.
Generation of even and odd high harmonics in resonant metasurfaces using single and multiple ultra-intense laser pulses
Authors: Shcherbakov Maxim , Zhang Haizhong , Tripepi Michael , Sartorello Giovanni , Talisa Noah , AlShafey Abdallah , Fan Zhiyuan , Twardowski Justin , Krivitsky Leonid , Kuznetsov Arseniy , Chowdhury Enam , Shvets Gennady 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
High harmonic generation (HHG) opens a window on the fundamental science of strong-field light-mater interaction and serves as a key building block for attosecond optics and metrology. Resonantly enhanced HHG from hot spots in nanostructures is an attractive route to overcoming the well-known limitations of gases and bulk solids. We demonstrate a nanoscale platform for highly efficient HHG driven by strong mid-infrared laser pulses: an ultra-thin resonant gallium phosphide (GaP) metasurface. The wide bandgap and the lack of inversion symmetry of the GaP crystal enable the generation of even and odd harmonics covering a wide range of photon energies between 1.3 and 3 eV with minimal reabsorption. The resonantly enhanced conversion efficiency facilitates single-shot measurements that avoid material damage and pave the way to controllable transition between perturbative and non-perturbative regimes of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Adverse Neonatal Birth Outcomes Among Adolescent Pregnancies in Kampala, Uganda Between 2015 –2018
Authors: Serunjogi Robert , Barlow-Mosha Linda , Mumpe-Mwanja Daniel , Williamson Dhelia , Valencia Diana , Tinker Sarah C. , Adler Michelle R. , Namale-Matovu Joyce , Kalibbala Dennis , Nankunda Jolly , Nabunya Evelyn , Birabwa-Male Doreen , Byamugisha Josaphat , Musoke Philippa 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Uganda has one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared the risk of adverse birth outcomes between adolescents (age 12-19 years) and older mothers (age 20-34 years) in four urban hospitals.Methods: Maternal demographics, HIV status, and birth outcomes of all live births, stillbirths, and spontaneous abortions delivered from August 2015 to December 2018 were extracted from a hospital-based birth defects surveillance database. Differences in the distributions of maternal and infant characteristics by maternal age groups were tested with Pearson’s chi-square. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression to compare the prevalence of adverse birth outcomes among adolescents to older mothers.Results: A total of 100,189 births were analyzed, with 11.1% among adolescent mothers and 89.0% among older mothers. Adolescent mothers had an increased risk of preterm delivery (aOR: 1.14; CI: 1.06-1.23), low birth weight (aOR: 1.46; CI: 1.34-1.59), and early neonatal deaths (aOR: 1.58; CI: 1.23-2.02). Newborns of adolescent mothers had an increased risk of major external birth defects (aOR: 1.33; CI: 1.02-1.76), specifically, gastroschisis (aOR: 3.20; CI: 1.12-9.13) compared to older mothers. The difference between the prevalence of gastroschisis among adolescent mothers (7.3 per 10,000 births; 95% CI: 3.7-14.3) was statistically significant when compared to older mothers (1.6 per 10,000 births; 95% CI: 0.9-2.6).Conclusions: This study found that adolescent mothers had an increased risk for several adverse birth outcomes compared to older mothers, similar to findings in the region and globally. Interventions are needed to improve birth outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Psychosocial Antecedents of Knowledge Sharing in Healthcare Research Centers: A Mixed Methods Approach.
Authors: Gonçalves Tiago Rodrigues , Curado Carla , Balle Andrea 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Knowledge sharing is a complex psychosocial phenomenon related to organizational performance and innovation. While considered knowledge intensive environments, healthcare organizations rely heavily on knowledge as a resource. However, effective knowledge management policies and research in healthcare organizations is still scarce, being of extreme shortage in specific environments, such as healthcare research centers. This study addresses this gap by using the Theory of Reasoned Action to investigate the impact of psychosocial factors as antecedents of knowledge sharing between healthcare research peers in such environments.Methods We follow a mixed-methods design using a sample of 150 healthcare researchers to study the relation between perceptions of social network, shared goals, social trust, and knowledge sharing. A quantitative approach uses a structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the links in an original model and the mediation effect of the intention to share knowledge on knowledge sharing behavior. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) identifies alternative configurations that lead knowledge sharing intention and its absence as well as the knowledge sharing behavior and its absence considering additional sample characteristics. Results Findings show evidence of the proposed antecedents of the effect on knowledge sharing, namely social network and social trust (p<0.001). Shared Goals, while addressed in the literature, seem to be unrelated to knowledge sharing intention and behavioral output in research centers. While knowledge sharing intention is directly related to knowledge sharing behavior, additional configurations of causal conditions that lead to the presence or absence of the intention and knowledge sharing behavior are discussed, with emphasis on both psychosocial antecedent configuration and sample characteristics to enlarge potential theoretical and practical outcomes. Conclusions This study identifies the influence of both psychosocial and team characteristic aspects leading to knowledge sharing behavior between healthcare researchers. The importance of a rich social network lying on trust is vital for a sharing environment inside research environments. Given the complex nature of behavioral intentionality, additional findings allow an articulation between individual characteristics based on gender, age, experience and seniority and the psychosocial antecedents – therefore substantiating the proposition of complex configurations between antecedents that hints for team configuration strategies and managerial practices in healthcare research teams.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles enhance glioma radiosensitivity via inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Mao Jinning , Jiang Meng , Dai Xingliang , Liu Guodong , Zhuang Zhixiang , Dong Jun 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aim: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is a widely used biomedical material for imaging and targeting drug delivery. We synthesized SPIONs and tested their effects on the radiosensitization of glioma.Methods: Acetylated 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTS)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal approach and the surface was chemically modified with acetic anhydride to generate surface charge-neutralized NPs. NPs were characterized by TEM and ICP-AES. Radiosensitivity of U87MG glioma cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis in glioma cells were examined by flow cytometry. Results: APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs had a spherical or quasi-spherical shape with average size of 10.5±1.1 nm. NPs had excellent biocompatibility and intracellular uptake of NPs reached the peak 24 hours after treatment. U87 cell viability decreased significantly after treatment with both X-ray and NPs compared to X-ray treatment alone. Compared to X-ray treatment alone, the percentage of cells in G2/M phase (31.83%) significantly increased in APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs plus X-ray treated group (P<0.05). In addition, the percentage of apoptotic cells was significant higher in APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs plus X-ray treated group than in X-ray treatment alone group (P<0.05). Conclusion: APTS-coated Fe3O4 NPs achieved excellent biocompatibility and increased radiosensitivity for glioma cells.