bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae) against Two Standard Isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Makinia Wekesa Euginia , Ojunga Michaiah , Ayayo Z. Ngalo Otieno- 
Published: July 2020

Aim: A study was carried out to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of root and bark of Securidaca longipedunculata against two standard isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae NO.0296 and WHO- K.
Materials and Methods: Plant materials were collected and dried at room temperature, followed by ethanol extraction using a rotary pump. Antibacterial activity was done on the isolates using agar disc-diffusion method with Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control and ceftriaxone as a positive control. Zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters. Minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract was determined using different concentrations of the extract then plated on Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) medium and a standard protocol was used to determine the presence of phytochemical compounds.
Results and Discussion: The results obtained showed that both the root and bark extracts of S. longipedunculata have antibacterial activity against the two bacterial strains with a zone of inhibition of ≥ 10mm and a bactericidal activity at 0.01µg-ml of 10% crude extract. Comparison of susceptibility on tetracycline, penicillin and ciprofloxacin with the root and bark extract showed higher susceptibility to the extracts. The extracts showed presence of saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes, alkanoids, phenolics and tanins. The demonstrated antibacterial activity of S. longipedunculata against N. gonorrhoeae provides a scientific basis for the traditional use in treating venereal diseases in western Kenya.
Conclusion: This investigation and further studies will pave the way for use of this plant in antibacterial drug development for alleviating human suffering. We recommend further studies to identify the specific compound(s) responsible for the antibacterial activity.
Discrete Artificial Dragonflies Algorithm in Agent Based Modelling for Exact Boolean kSatisfiability Problem
Authors: Abubakar Hamza , M. Sagir Abdu , Yusuf Surajo , Abdurrahman Yusuf 
Published: July 2020

The development of metaheuristics and Boolean Satisfiability representation plays an important part in a neural network (NN) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) communities. In this paper, a new hybrid discrete version of the artificial dragonfly algorithm (DADA) applying a minimum objective function in agent-based modelling (ABM) obeying a specified procedure to optimize the states of neurons, for optimal Boolean Exact Satisfiability representation on NETLOGO as a dynamic platform. We combined the artificial dragonfly algorithm for its random searching ability that encourages diverse solutions and formation of static swarm’s mechanism to stimulus computational problems to converge to the best global optimal search space. The global performance of the proposed DADA was compared with genetic algorithm (GA) that are available in the literature based on the global minimum ratio (gM), Local Minimum Ratio (yM), Computational time (CPU) and Hamming distance (HD). The final results showed good agreement between the proposed DADA and discrete version of GA to efficiently optimize the Exact-kSAT problem. It found that DADA-ABM has high potentiality for optimizing or modelling a network that is very hard or often impossible to capture by exact or traditional optimization modelling techniques such as Boolean satisfiability problem is better than existing methods in the literature.
Perineal Rectosigmoidectomy Associated with Low Colorectal Anastomosis for Complete Rectal Prolapse Correction – Altemeier’s Procedure
Authors: Gutierrez Marcel , Martinez Anne , Boratto Sandra Di Felice 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Rectal prolapse constitutes in rectal protrusion through anal orifice. It’s more frequent in elderly women and the correction is exclusively surgical and fundamental, given the condition’s social relevance. We intend to describe a perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier) for correction of prolapse in multi-morbidity elder patient.
Case Report: Female patient, 78 years old, evaluated by proctology ward of CHSBC. She Came in with complaint of anal region bulge for past 2 years. Proctological examination showed 15 cm rectal procidentia Rectal prolapse’s diagnosis came from colonoscopy. A perineal rectosigmoidectomy associated with colorectal anastomosis was done (Altemeier’s Procedure). There was appropriate postoperative evolution, discharge with good wound healing and ambulatorial follow up with good general healing.
Discussion: Rectal prolapse is a result of anatomical alterations due to factors such as age and multiparity. Clinical presentation: abdominal discomfort, constipation, feces and gases release. It leads to life quality loss, thus surgical interventions become essential. Corrective surgeries seek to give back fecal continence. Currently, procedures branch out into abdominal and perineal. Altemeier consists in complete rectal removal via perineum. It’s appropriate for high surgical risk elders, since it has the lowest complications rate.
Positioning the Nigerian Construction Industry and Desiderata for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century
Authors: Okolie K. C. , Ezeokoli F. O. , Fadumo D. O. 
Published: July 2020

The research evaluates the drivers toward positioning Nigerian construction industry for global competitiveness in the 21st century. Being a survey research, questionnaires containing information relating to issues and drivers on global competitiveness were administered to selected construction practitioners in Anambra State, Nigeria. Accordingly, a total of 84 questionnaires were administered out of which 80 copies were completed, returned and found useful. This corresponds to a response rate of 95%. Data collected were analyzed and presented using mean score, percentages, relative importance index (RII) and tables. The study found that the identified twelve (12) drivers of global competitiveness were all significant in the study area. However, the most perceived significant drivers for global competitiveness in the study area is labour market efficiency. Also, the study observed that the Nigerian construction industry operates at the level of factor-driven economy. Therefore, the study concluded by recommending that construction firms must find appropriate strategies that would help to improve and strengthen their digital innovation, institutional, technological and infrastructural needs. This will place them in good standing for global competitiveness in the future.
Effect of Human Capital and Dynamic Capabilities on Competitive Advantage: Mediating Analysis
Authors: Sachitra Vilani 
Published: July 2020

Aim: A better understanding of farm-level competitiveness of agribusiness sector provides the necessary framework for agribusiness farms to compete at domestic and global markets. This study aims to determine the relationships of human capital, dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage in the minor export crop sector in Sri Lanka.
Study Design: Minor export crop farm owners involved in the commercial cultivation of cinnamon, pepper and clove in Sri Lanka were surveyed using a personally-administered, structured questionnaire. The regression-based path analysis was used to test the model.
Results: The results indicate significant relationships between human capital and capabilities of learning and relationship building as well as between human capital and competitive advantage.
Implications: The findings provide useful insights where an understanding of the link between human capital, as a resource, in dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage which allows human capital to be configured appropriately and deployed effectively and efficiently based on dynamic capabilities of the minor export crop farms to achieve competitive advantage.
Original: The study has extended our understanding of the importance of human capital for in relation to dynamic capabilities.
Twin study of laboratory‐induced aggression
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Smederevac Snežana , Sadiković Selka , Oljača Milan , Vučinić Nataša , Prinz Mechthild , Budimlija Zoran 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore genetic and environmental contributions to laboratory‐induced aggressive behavior. On a sample of 478 adult twins (316 monozygotic), the Competitive Reaction Time Task was used for aggression induction. The results showed that the initial, basic level of aggression could be explained by both shared (45%) and nonshared environmental factors (55%), while only nonshared environmental factors (100%) had a significant influence on changes in aggression as provocation increased. Genetic factors had no influence on laboratory‐induced aggression. The results highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping situation‐specific aggressive responses to provocation.
Increasing iterative reconstruction strength at low tube voltage in coronary CT angiography protocols using 3D‐printed and Catphan® 500 phantoms
Authors: Abdullah Kamarul A. , McEntee Mark F. , Reed Warren M. , Kench Peter L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of increasing iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithm strength at different tube voltages in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) protocols using a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed and Catphan® 500 phantoms.MethodsA 3D‐printed cardiac insert and Catphan 500 phantoms were scanned using CCTA protocols at 120 and 100 kVp tube voltages. All CT acquisitions were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) algorithm at 40% and 60% strengths. Image quality characteristics such as image noise, signal–noise ratio (SNR), contrast–noise ratio (CNR), high spatial resolution, and low contrast resolution were analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between 120 and 100 kVp measures for image noise for FBP vs ASIR 60% (16.6 ± 3.8 vs 16.7 ± 4.8), SNR of ASIR 40% vs ASIR 60% (27.3 ± 5.4 vs 26.4 ± 4.8), and CNR of FBP vs ASIR 40% (31.3 ± 3.9 vs 30.1 ± 4.3), respectively. Based on the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) analysis, there was a minimal change of image quality for each tube voltage but increases when higher strengths of ASIR were used. The best measure of low contrast detectability was observed at ASIR 60% at 120 kVp.ConclusionsChanging the IR strength has yielded different image quality noise characteristics. In this study, the use of 100 kVp and ASIR 60% yielded comparable image quality noise characteristics to the standard CCTA protocols using 120 kVp of ASIR 40%. A combination of 3D‐printed and Catphan® 500 phantoms could be used to perform CT dose optimization protocols.
Reconfigurable and Spatially Programmable Chameleon Skin‐Like Material Utilizing Light Responsive Covalent Adaptable Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Martinez Alina M. , McBride Matthew K. , White Timothy J. , Bowman Christopher N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA mechanochromic, programmable, cholesteric liquid crystalline elastomer (CLCE) is fabricated, and after straining, resulting in a blue shift through the visible spectrum, is returned to its initial shape and color upon heating through its isotropic phase transition. Light initiated, radical‐mediated, addition fragmentation chain transfer (AFT), facilitate permanent programming or erasure of thermoreversible shape and color by relaxing stress imparted on the strained network through reversible bond exchange. Thermoreversible strain is coupled with reversible color change and can be made permanent at any desired strain by light exposure and corresponding AFT activation, temporarily restoring nearly initial shape and color upon heating. The optical characteristics and photonic structure, inherently linked to the network, are measured as a function of strain, to confirm the reflection notch narrowing indicating that prepolymerization alignment via shearing is poor thereby causing a broad spectrum of reflected light that narrows when the material is stretched. Beyond programming a new shape and color, the reflection notch is erased and separately, photopatterned to achieve dynamic color schemes that are toggled with heating and cooling, similar to that of a chameleon's camouflaging technique that has the ability to manipulate multiple colors in a single material, also with use for strain mapping.
Silicon‐Based Terahertz Meta‐Devices for Electrical Modulation of Fano Resonance and Transmission Amplitude
Authors: Lou Jing , Liang Jiangang , Yu Ying , Ma Hua , Yang Ruisheng , Fan Yuancheng , Wang Guangming , Cai Tong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSeeking active and effective control over electromagnetic waves has always been an important focus in optics. Fano resonances occur in planar terahertz (THz) metamaterials by introducing a weak asymmetry in a two‐gap split ring resonator. Without extra layers of photoactive materials and microelectromechanical structures, a novel and economical scheme based on silicon‐integrated THz asymmetric metallic split ring metamaterial is proposed to control Fano resonance and transmission amplitude via electrical excitation. The results show that Fano resonance and transmission amplitude abate drastically with the increase of current bias, due to the loading of electrically formed silicon carrier layer. As the current bias is increased, both the thickness and conductivity of silicon carrier layer are modulated simultaneously. The depth range of modulated silicon carrier layer could reach 250 µm. Besides, a THz transmission amplitude modulator with a modulation depth of 93% is also demonstrated. This work significantly expands the function of silicon‐based metamaterials and opens up opportunities for the realization of switchable sensors, filters, and nonlinear devices.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Intramolecular Annulations to Construct Benzo‐Fused Pyranones with Quaternary Stereocenter
Authors: Dzieszkowski Krzysztof , Rafiński Zbigniew 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA highly enantioselective intramolecular NHC‐catalyzed approach for the synthesis of benzo‐fused pyranones bearing quaternary stereocenter is described. The developed methodology is based on annulation reaction between acyl anion intermediates and β,β‐disubstituted Michael acceptors. The reaction offers streamlined and effective access to target products in a highly stereoselective manner.magnified image
Learning Experience Design in Health Professions Education: A Conceptual Review of Evidence for Educators
Authors: Pan Joann , Sheu Jessica , Massimo Lauren , Scott Kevin R , Phillips Andrew W 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectives
The increasing use of online resources in emergency medicine (EM) education has driven demand for higher quality resources. Learning experience design (LED) is the study of how electronic user interfaces impact learner outcomes. We sought to summarize the evidence for LED principles to inform creation of EM educational resources.
Methods
We performed scripted searches of MeSH terms, PubMed keywords, and hand tracings. Inclusion criteria were controlled studies using light‐emitting diode or liquid crystal display monitors with Latin‐based languages. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors were excluded because of the user experience confounders.
Results
Thirty‐two articles met inclusion criteria. Overall, 14‐point size significantly improved legibility compared to smaller font sizes. Similarly, Verdana and Arial typefaces significantly improved legibility compared to Times New Roman typeface. Verdana also significantly decreased subjective mental workload and visibility difficulty ratings and required the least eye movement of any typefaces tested. Positive polarity (dark text on light background) significantly improved reading outcomes across many measurements over negative polarity. There was higher character identification accuracy with higher luminance. Text effects (e.g., italics), interword and interletter spacing, and page presentation are among variables with mixed or minimal evidence.
Conclusion
Learning experience design principles significantly impacted reading and learning outcomes in laboratory settings. No studies evaluated classroom outcomes. Recommendations for electronic learning environments are 14‐point font with Verdana or Arial typeface with positive polarity (dark letters on light background). We recommend increasing screen brightness slightly. EM educators may significantly improve the speed and accuracy of learning written material by espousing evidence‐based LED principles.
Impact of total body irradiation‐ vs chemotherapy‐based myeloablative conditioning on outcomes of haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Labopin Myriam , Angelucci Emanuele , Ciceri Fabio , Diez‐Martin Jose L. , Bruno Benedetto , Sica Simona , Koc Yener , Gülbas Zafer , Schmid Christoph , Blaise Didier , Carella Angelo Michele , Visani Guiseppe , Savani Bipin N. , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe optimal myeloablative conditioning (MAC) for patients undergoing haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT) is unknown. We studied the outcomes of total body irradiation (TBI) vs chemotherapy (CT) based MAC regimens in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The study included 1008 patients who underwent first haplo‐HCT with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide, following TBI (N = 89, 9%) or CT (n = 919, 91%) based MAC. Patients in the TBI cohort were younger (median age, 38 vs 47 years, P < .01) and more likely to receive BM graft (57% vs 43%, P = .01). Two‐year overall chronic GVHD (cGVHD) incidence was 42% vs 27% (P < .01) and extensive cGVHD incidence was 9% vs 12% (P = .33) in TBI and CT cohorts, respectively. Graft failure was reported in two (2%) TBI‐ and 65 (7%) CT‐MAC recipients (P = .08). Death from veno‐occlusive disease was reported in one (3%) TBI and 11 (3%) CT patients who died during the study period. In the multivariate analysis, TBI was associated with increased risk for overall cGVHD (hazard ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval:1.2‐3.1, P < .01) compared to CT‐based MAC. The choice of conditioning regimen did not impact relapse incidence, leukemia‐free survival, non‐relapse mortality, overall survival or GVHD‐relapse‐free survival in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, major transplant outcomes were not statistically different between TBI‐based MAC and CT‐based MAC in patients with AML after haplo‐HCT/PTCy.
A novel intronic variant in UBE3A identified by genome sequencing in a patient with an atypical presentation of Angelman syndrome
Authors: Curtis Meredith , Baribeau Danielle , Walker Susan , Carter Melissa , Costain Gregory , Lamoureux Sylvia , Liston Eriskay , Marshall Christian R. , Reuter Miriam S. , Snell Meaghan , Summers Jane , Vorstman Jacob , Jobling Rebekah K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAngelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss or deficient expression of UBE3A on the maternally inherited allele. In 10–15% of individuals with a clinical diagnosis of AS, a molecular diagnosis cannot be established with conventional testing. We describe a 13‐year‐old male with an atypical presentation of AS, who was found to have a novel, maternally inherited, intronic variant in UBE3A (c.3‐12T>A) using genome sequencing (GS). Targeted sequencing of RNA isolated from blood confirmed the creation of a new acceptor splice site. These GS results ended a six‐year diagnostic odyssey and revealed a 50% recurrence risk for the unaffected parents. This case illustrates a previously unreported splicing variant causing AS. Intronic variants identifiable by GS may account for a proportion of individuals who are suspected of having well‐known genetic disorders despite negative prior genetic testing.
Review of indoor aerosol generation, transport, and control in the context of COVID‐19
Authors: Kohanski Michael A. , Lo L. James , Waring Michael S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has heightened the awareness of aerosol generation by human expiratory events and their potential role in viral respiratory disease transmission. Concerns over high severe acute respiratory syndrome‒coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viral burden of mucosal surfaces has raised questions about the aerosol‐generating potential and dangers of many otorhinolaryngologic procedures. However, the risks of aerosol generation and associated viral transmission by droplet or airborne routes for many otorhinolaryngology procedures are largely unknown. Indoor aerosol and droplet viral respiratory transmission risk is influenced by 4 factors: (1) aerosol or droplet properties; (2) indoor airflow; (3) virus‐specific factors; and (4) host‐specific factors. Herein we elaborate on known aerosol vs droplet properties, indoor airflow, and aerosol‐generating events to provide context for risks of aerosol infectious transmission. We also provide simple but typically effective measures for mitigating the spread and inhalation of viral aerosols in indoor settings. Understanding principles of infectious transmission, aerosol and droplet generation, as well as concepts of indoor airflow, will assist in the integration of new data on SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission and activities that can generate aerosol to best inform on the need for escalation or de‐escalation from current societal and institutional guidelines for protection during aerosol‐generating procedures.
Spherical Supramolecular Structures Constructed via Chemically Symmetric Perylene Bisimides: Beyond Columnar Assembly
Authors: Huang Jiahao , Su Zebin , Huang Mingjun , Zhang Rongchun , Wang Jian , Feng Xueyan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Ruimeng , Shan Wenpeng , Yan Xiao‐Yun , Guo Qing‐Yun , Liu Tong , Liu Yuchu , Cui Yunpeng , Li Xiaopeng , Shi An‐Chang , Cheng Stephen Z. D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLike other discotic molecules, self‐assembled supramolecular structures of perylene bisimides (PBIs) are commonly limited to columnar or lamellar structures due to their distinct π‐conjugated scaffolds and unique rectangular shape of perylene cores. The discovery of PBIs with supramolecular structures beyond layers and columns may expand the scope of PBI‐based materials. A series of unconventional spherical packing phases in PBIs, including A15 phase, σ phase, dodecagonal quasicrystalline (DQC) phase, and body‐centered cubic (BCC) phase, is reported. A strategy involving functionalization of perylene core with several polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cages achieved spherical assemblies of PBIs, instead of columnar assemblies, due to the significantly increased steric hindrance at the periphery. This strategy may also be employed for the discovery of unconventional spherical assemblies in other related discotic molecules by the introduction of similar bulky functional groups at their periphery. An unusual inverse phase transition sequence from a BCC phase to a σ phase was observed by increasing annealing temperature.