bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and psychometric evaluation of a scale on nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment (PHCE) in China
Authors: Cheng Li , Liu Yilan , Wang Wenru 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Caring is a basic tenet of nursing and an essential trait a competent nurse. In China, nursing students spend 8-12 months on clinical rotation in hospitals after the completion of theoretical component of the program in their fourth year. The hospital then becomes the focus of nursing clinical education. However, there is no culturally-specific tool to assess nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment (PHCE). The aim of this study was to develop a valid assessment tool to measure nursing students’ perceptions of hospital caring environment. Methods: A two-phase study was conducted to develop a PHCE scale and to test its psychometric properties. In phase one, the items of the PHCE scale were developed from a qualitative study, a literature review and expert validation. The second phase tested the factor structure, construct validity and reliability through a convenience sample of 383 final year nursing students recruited from two teaching hospitals in China (response rate 95.75%). Results: The final PHCE scale consists of 41 items, was internally consistent (Cronbach’s α = 0.98) and had satisfactory test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.87). The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the scale contained four subscales, accounting for 63.69% variance. Conclusions: The 41-item NSPHCE is a reliable tool to assess the Chinese nursing students’ perceptions of the hospital caring environment in China.
Improving the quality of dementia care through establishing a quality improvement collaborative of Agents of Change: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Laver Kate , Cations Monica , Radisic Gorjana , Perrelle Lenore de la , Woodman Richard , Fitzgerald Janna Anneke , Kurrle Susan , Cameron Ian D , Whitehead Craig , Thompson Jane , Kaambwa Billingsley , Hayes Kate , Crotty Maria 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Non-pharmacological interventions including physical activity programs, occupational therapy and caregiver education programs have been shown to lead to better outcomes for people with dementia and their care partners. Yet, there are gaps between what is recommended in guidelines and what happens in practice. The aim of this study was to bring together clinicians working in dementia care and establish a quality improvement collaborative. The aim of the quality improvement collaborative was to increase guideline adherence to three guideline recommendations. Methods: We recruited health professionals from community, hospital and aged care settings across Australia to join the collaborative. Members of the collaborative participated in a start-up meeting, completed an online learning course with clinical and quality improvement content, formed a quality improvement plan which was reviewed by a team of experts, received feedback following an audit of their current practice and were able to share experiences with their peers. The primary outcome was adherence to their guideline recommendation of interest which was measured using checklists. Data were collected monthly over a period of 18 months and the study used an interrupted time series design to evaluate changes in adherence. Results: A total of 45 health professionals (78% therapists) from different sites joined the collaborative and 28 completed all requirements. Data from 1717 checklists were included in the analyses. Over the duration of the project there was a significant increase in clinician adherence to guideline recommendations with a 42.1% immediate increase in adherence (Incidence Rate Ratio =1.42; 95% Confidence Interval =1.08-1.87; p=0.012). Conclusion: Health professionals working with people with dementia are interested and willing in joining a quality improvement collaborative with the goal of improving non-pharmacological aspects of care. Participation in the collaborative improved the quality of care for people with dementia as measured through adherence to guideline recommendations. Although there are challenges in implementation of guideline recommendations within dementia care the quality improvement collaborative method was well suited as it equipped and empowered clinicians to lead improvement activities and allowed for heterogeneity in terms of service and setting.
A Spasticity Assessment Method for Voluntary Movement using Data Fusion and Machine Learning
Authors: chen yan , Yu Song , Cai Qing , Huang Shuangyuan , Ma Ke , Zheng Haiqing , Xie Longhan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Spasticity is a common complication of stroke. Effective spasticity management can improve patients' recovery efficiency and reduce patients' pain. The present clinical spasticity rating scale exhibits subjectivity and a ceiling effect, which makes it difficult to evaluate spasm objectively and to clinically analyze the pathological mechanism of spasticity. The sensor-based quantitative evaluation method is an effective substitute for the clinical spasm rating scale, but currently, it mainly focuses on the spasm evaluation of passive motion. The study of spasmodic state under active exercise can provide a basis for treatment and rehabilitation training, but the evaluation method of spasmodic state under active exercise has not yet been established. Therefore, we combine inertial measurement unit (IMU) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to test the feasibility of assessing spasticity patterns in stroke patients during voluntary movement. Methods: Nine stroke patients with varying degrees of spasticity and four healthy subjects performed isometric elbow exercises. sEMG and kinematics signals were recorded for all participants. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm and double threshold algorithms were used to separate sEMG of involuntary muscle activation from voluntary activation. Then, feature extraction and feature fusion were performed. Four common machine learning algorithms are used to monitor and evaluate spasticity patterns. The validity of the proposed method is verified by comparing the classification accuracy of four machine learning models. Results: Cross-validation yielded high classification accuracies (F1-score>0.88) for all four machine learning classifiers in assessing spasticity patterns. The highest detection performance was obtained using the Random Forest algorithm (average accuracy = 0.979; macro-F1 = 0.976). Conclusions: We present a novel method for assessing post-stroke spasticity based on voluntary movement and machine learning. Good classification performance verifies the feasibility of evaluating spasticity patterns by our method. Reliable classification accuracy achieved by the machine learning algorithms indicated the potential to evaluate spasticity patterns using IMU and sEMG when stroke survivors perform voluntary movements.
Provision of Adaptive Guard Band in Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Monteiro Neclyeux Sousa , Fontinele Alexandre Cardoso , Campelo Divanilson Rodrigo de Sousa , Soares André Castelo Branco 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Elastic optical networks are a network infrastructure capable of withstanding the high demand for data traffic from high-speed networks. One of the problems that must be solved to ensure the smooth functioning of the network is called Routing, Modulation Level and Spectrum Assignment (RMLSA). This work aims to propose a new approach to this problem with an algorithm to select the guard band in a adaptive way. Two algorithms for the adaptive selection of the guard band, called Guard Band according to Use of the Network (GBUN) and Guard Band by OSNR Margin (GBOM), are presented. The GBUN algorithm performs the guard band selection based on the usage level of network. On the other hand the GBOM algorithm uses an Optical Signal to Noise Ratio (OSNR) margin for the selection of the guard band. The performances of the proposed algorithms are compared with algorithms that use fixed guard band values and the adaptive proposal AGBA. The results showed that the GBOM algorithm presented a better performance in terms of bandwidth blocking probability for the studied scenarios.
The prognosis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Anqiang , Ao Sheng , Chen Jiahui , Ji Ke , He Qifei , Ji Xin , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Li Zhongwu , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate whether there is a distinct difference in prognosis between hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) and non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (non-HAS) and whether HAS can benefit from radical surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 722 patients with non-HAS and 75 patients with HAS who underwent radical gastrectomy between 3 November 2009 and 17 December 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to eliminate the bias among the patients in our study. First, univariate analysis, including the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, was used to investigate the relationship between all included clinical indicators and dependent variables, and some clinical indicators that might be meaningless were excluded. Then, clinical indicators with statistical and clinical significance were included in the logistic regression analysis to obtain more reliable results. The relationships between gastric cancer types and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models. Results Our data demonstrate that there is no statistically significant difference in the OS between HAS and non-HAS {K-M, P=log rank (Mantel-Cox), (before PSM P=0.490); (1:1 PSM P=0.345); (1:2 PSM P=0.195)}. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, or 3-year survival rates between patients with non-HAS and patients with HAS (before propensity matching, after 1:1 propensity matching, and after 1:2 propensity matching). Conclusion HAS is generally considered to be an aggressive gastric neoplasm, but its prognosis may not be as unsatisfactory as previously believed.
Cerebral palsy treatment with autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate challenges for the future
Authors: Maric Dusan Milenko , Radomir Mihajlo , Milankov Zoran , Papic Vladimir , Vojvodic Danilo , Stanojevic Ivan , Sokolovac Ivana , Milosavljevic Kristina , Maric Dusica Lazar , Abazovic Dzihan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of conditions that results in permanent motor disability. Recent studies have suggested that cellular transplantation may have functional efficacy in the treatment of CP. We conducted a pilot study of the intrathecal transplantation of autologous bone marrow aspirate (BMAC) concentrate in children with CP to assess the safety of the procedure as well as its potential efficacy in motor and cognitive functions. Materials and methods Twenty-four patients with CP received BMAC and were evaluated 12 months. The treatment procedure involves three intrathecal BMAC applications along with neurorehabilitation. We assessed potential efficacy by using Gross motor functional classification system, Ashworth scale, Learning accomplishment profile-diagnostic scale, brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram. Results The study enrolled 24 CP patients with chronological age from 1-12 years but the current developmental age was from 6 -10 months. After BMAC therapy, immediate improvements were noted within first 7 days, decreased muscle tone, and decreased involuntary limb movements, better head control and decreased salivation. After treatment, 83% patients developed relaxation of the extremities. The cognitive function assessment also revealed significant improvement in 40% patients. The average developmental age of the CP patients after the intervention was 22 months in the field of cognition and, 20 months in the field of locomotor skills, 21 months in the field of speech skills. Conclusion Autologous BMAC transplantation seems to be safe and feasible, and can help reduce the degree of impairment of CP patients and, improve the quality of life. The combination of cell therapy and neurorehabilitation can lead to functional restoration that reduces disability in CP.
Bioeffectors as biotechnological tools of the innate immunity: signal transduction pathways involved
Authors: Martin-Rivilla Helena , Garcia-Villaraco Ana , Ramos-Solano Beatriz , Gutierrez-Mañero Francisco Javier , Lucas Jose Antonio 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Unravel the complex functioning of plant immune system is essential and something in which great effort is being made since its performance is not entirely clear yet. Knowing plant immune system allows strengthening it and therefore developing a more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture, avoiding the massive use of agrochemicals and making plants the main protagonist in the defense against pathogens.The use of beneficial rhizobacteria (bioeffectors) and its derived metabolic elicitors are biotechnological alternatives in plant immune system elicitation. The present work aimed to check the ability of 25 bacterial strains selected from a group of 175, isolated from the rhizosphere of Nicotiana glauca, to trigger the innate immune system of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. A study of the signal transduction pathways involved in plant response was made.Results The selected 25 strains were chosen because of their biochemical traits and avoiding phylogenetic redundancy. The 5 strains, of the previous 25, more effective in the prevention of pathogen infection were used to elucidate signal transduction pathways involved in the plant immune response, studying the differential expression of Salicylic acid and Jasmonic acid/Ethylene pathway marker genes. Some strains stimulated the two pathways with no inhibitory effects between them, while others stimulated either one or the other. Metabolic elicitors of two strains, chosen for their taxonomic affiliation and for the results obtained in the differential expression of the genes studied, were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, and their capacity to mimic bacterial effect to trigger the immune system of the plant was studied. N-hexane and ethyl acetate were the most effective fractions against the pathogen in both strains, achieving similar protection rates although gene expression responses were different from that obtained by the bacteria. Conclusions Beneficial rhizobacteria and its metabolic elicitors have great potential as biotechnological tools since they are able to improve plant immune system through the triggering of either Salicylic acid or Jasmonic acid/Ethylene pathway or both pathways simultaneously. These results open a huge amount of biotechnological possibilities to develop biological products for agriculture in different situations and plant species.
Impact of nephron sparing surgery on survival in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients stratified by tumor characteristics
Authors: Jin Liang , Zhai Ting-shuai , Zhou Zhen , Liu Xiang , Zhang Jia-xin , Nie Xiao-cui , Liu Hui-qing , Yao Xu-dong , Yue Feng , Ye Lin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : We aimed to evaluate the impact of nephron sparing surgery (NSS) on survival in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients stratified by tumor grade and stage compared to radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or no surgery. Methods : Overall, 10319 UTUC patients between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the SEER database. Patients were divided into no surgery group, NSS group and RNU group. Kaplan-Meier plots illustrated survival rates according to surgical method. Multivariable Cox regression analyses assessed the effect of different surgical methods on survival rates. Result : Among the 10319 UTUC patients. Kaplan-Meier plots showed that NSS was associated with a higher overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ and AJCC stage Ⅳ patients (all p <0.05). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, NSS was prone to a higher OS or CSS in grade Ⅲ ( p > 0.05). Moreover, NSS predisposed to a higher OS only in AJCC stage Ⅳ ( p <0.05). Conclusion : The beneficial effect of NSS was evident in grade Ⅲ or AJCC stage Ⅳ. NSS can be considered in grade Ⅲ or stage Ⅳ, for other grades or stages remains to be seen, both of which will be verified by further prospective research.
Preferences of People of Advanced and Gerontic Age in Diet Formation
Authors: Ruban Natalya , Reznichenko Irina 
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Currently, the food market is replenished with new types of specialized food products intended for nutrition of certain population categories. Gerodietetic products are important in forming the diet for senior citizens. Therefore, gerodietetic foods are a factor of healthy lifestyle and active longevity. Functional food products should be based on age-related issues and consumer preferences. Aging weakens assimilative processes in organs and tissues, slows down the rate of redox reactions, and restructures the system of metabolism and body functions. Thus, people of advanced and gerontic age need to consume appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, as their deficiency plays a decisive role in the development of age-related diseases. As a result, scientific justification and development of functional food products for this category is extremely important. The research objective was to study consumer preferences in relation to gerodietetic food products by collecting, processing, and analyzing marketing data.
Study objects and methods. The research featured statistical data, as well as information obtained from consumers aged 60–77, residents of the Kemerovo region. The study involved methods of analysis, systematization of statistical and scientific information, comparison and generalization, as well as a marketing survey method.
Results and discussion. The research started with an analysis of the structure and dynamics of the age-sex composition of the population in 2017–2019. The number of the elderly increased by 5% compared to 2017. The analysis also showed a stable quantitative prevalence of female population, i.e. 64.9% in 2017 and 64.8% in 2019. The daily diet of most survey participants included cereals, dairy products, and vegetables. The survey helped to identify the purchase factors. Price proved to be the main factor when choosing dairy products (72%). Most respondents (47%) consume dairy products daily.
Conclusion. The marketing research defined the purchase factors for people of advanced and gerontic age in choosing food products. The obtained data can help to improve the gerodietetic products on the consumer market of Kemerovo.
Ultrasound Drying of Rose Hips: a Process Study
Authors: Verboloz Elena , Ivanova Marina , Demchenko Vera , Fartukov Sergey , Evona Nikita 
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Rose hips are rich in macro- and micronutrients. Unfortunately, heat treatment destroys most nutrients. Ultrasonic technologies make it possible to reduce the drying time and lower the temperature regime. The research objective was to adjust ultrasound technology to rose hip production in order to reduce the loss of vitamins and improve the quality indicators of the dried product.
Study objects and methods. The research featured rose hips of the Rosa canina species collected in the south of Kazakhstan. This subspecies of wild rose is poor in vitamin C. Nevertheless, this shrub is extremely common in Russia and other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The raw material was dried according to standard methods. One group of samples was treated with ultrasound, while the other served as control. Both groups underwent a sensory evaluation and were tested for moisture and vitamin C.
Results and discussion. The rose hips were dried in a combination steam oven with a built-in ultrasonic wave generator. The research revealed the following optimal parameters of the ultrasound drying process: frequency of ultrasonic vibrations – 22 kHz, processing time – 2.5 h, temperature in the combination steam oven – +56°C, initial moisture content – 30%. The resulting product met the requirements of State Standard. The loss of moisture was 57%. According to State Standard 1994-93, the initial moisture content should be 15% or less. Time decreased from 360 min to 160 min, and the initial moisture was 13%. The experiment confirmed the initial hypothesis that ultrasonic treatment improves the drying process by improving quality indicators and preserving vitamin C in raw materials using.
Conclusion. Ultrasound treatment during moisture removal from rose hips provides a resource-saving technology that fulfills an economically and socially important function.
El comportamiento innovador en empresas: una visión desde la autonomía y la disponibilidad de tiempo de los empleados de una empresa del sector transporte en Tamaulipas
Authors: Galván Vela Esthela , Sánchez Tovar Yesenia , Sánchez Limón Mónica Lorena 
Published: March 2020

Introducción: Las condiciones dinámicas de los mercados demandan el estudio de la innovación empresarial. Con base en el estudio de la literatura de gestión, se ha propuesto que existe una influencia de los factores organizacionales de autonomía y disponibilidad de tiempo otorgado a los empleados en el nivel de innovación en la empresa.Método: Para probar esta suposición, se aplicó un instrumento cuantitativo elaborado a partir de la escala CEAI y la medida ENTRESCALE, considerando 144 observaciones en una empresa de servicios de transporte de pasajeros en el norte de México. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio para verificar la validez de los constructos: el alfa de Cronbach para identificar su nivel de confiabilidad; y la técnica de regresión lineal múltiple, a fin de verificar el efecto de las variables independientes sobre la innovación.Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio y la medida del alfa de Cronbach respaldan la validez de constructo y la confiabilidad de los ítems que componen el instrumento de medida. Los resultados de la técnica de regresión lineal múltiple demuestran que solo la autonomía tiene un efecto con el nivel de innovación en el sector, por lo que se descarta que la disponibilidad de tiempo libre se relacione con la conducta innovadora. Discusión o Conclusión: Los resultados contribuyen al desarrollo teórico de los constructos, e invitan a la reflexión sobre mejores prácticas empresariales que deriven en el desarrollo de una conducta innovadora en la empresa.