bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying Tamm plasmon polaritons for determining the birefringence of a thin film
Authors: Lu Yan , Jeng Shie-Chang 
Published: December 2020

The anisotropy of a thin film can be created by a wide variety of methods and it has found many applications. Liquid crystal (LC) molecules are aligned in a specific orientation on a rubbed polyimide film for conventional LC displays (LCDs). The rubbing process on the polyimide film controls the azimuthal and polar angles of the LCs, and it can cause physicochemical anisotropy on the polyimide film and produce the birefringence

Δ
n

in the azimuthal direction. Knowing the rubbing-induced optical axis of polyimide films is crucial for achieving optimum electro-optical properties of LCDs. The rubbing-induced

Δ
n

and the resolution less than 2 deg for determining the optical axis of the rubbed polyimide are obtained by applying Tamm plasmon polaritons in this Letter.
Knowledge of prevention of COVID-19 among the general people in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study in Rajshahi district
Authors: Rana Md. Masud , Karim Md. Reazul , Wadood Md. Abdul , Kabir Md. Mahbubul , Alam Md. Mahidul , Yeasmin Farhana , Islam Md. Rafiqul 
Published: December 2020

Background
Until now, no vaccine or effective drug is available for the control, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19. Preventive measures are the only ways to be protected from the disease and knowledge of the people about the preventive measures is a vital matter.

Objectives
The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of the general people in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures.

Methodology
This cross sectional study was conducted from March 10 to April 25, 2020. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire from 436 adult respondents selected by using a mixed sampling technique. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, and logistic regression model were utilized in this study. SPSS (IBM, Version 22) was used for data analysis. 95% confidence interval and p-value = 0.05 were accepted for statistical significance.

Results
Only 21.6% of the respondents had good knowledge of the COVID-19 preventive measures. The highest 67.2% of them knew that washing hands with soap could prevent the disease, but contrarily, the highest 72.5% did not know that avoidance of touching mouth, nose, and eyes without washing hands was a preventive measure. Only 28.4% and 36.9% of the respondents knew that maintaining physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings were measures of prevention of COVID-19 respectively. The younger age (≤25 years), low family income (≤15,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT), occupation others than business and service, and nuclear family had the lower odds of having no/less knowledge about the preventive measures.

Conclusions
The knowledge level of the general people regarding prevention of COVID-19 was alarmingly low in Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh, health policy makers and donor agencies should consider the findings and take immediate steps for improving knowledge of the public about prevention of the disease.
Urinary tract infection in cancer patients and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sime Wondewosen Tseagye , Biazin Habtamu , Zeleke Tamrat Abebe , Desalegn Zelalem 
Published: December 2020

Background
Urinary tract infections are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. The emergence of multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) strains of gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection has become a serious concern in cancer patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the spectrum and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates related to urinary tract infections among cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods and materials
Hospital based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted for three months from January to March 2018 in tertiary care hospital located in the capital city of the country. Gram-negative bacteria isolated from urine specimens from hospitalized patients with cancer were characterized using standard microbiological methods. Modified Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique was applied for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in accordance with CLSI 2019 criteria.

Results
Of totally 292 urine samples tested, eighteen (6.3%) were culture positive cases, Escherichia coli (44.4%) was the highest proportion isolated uropathogen followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.2%) and Citrobacter diversus (16.7%). The antibiotic susceptibility results showed meropenem and nitrofurantoin as the most effective antibiotics for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Citrobacter diversus isolates. The rate of multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates were 33.3% (6/18), and meropenem and nitrofurantoin were the most effective antibiotic against MDR isolates.

Conclusion
The study findings showed a significant distribution of MDR gram-negative bacteria which may increase the burden of urinary tract associated infections in cancer patients. Carbapenem (meropenem) can be considered as effective agents to treat MDR cases in our region.
Maturation process and international accreditation of trauma system in a rapidly developing country
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Mekkodathil Ahammad , Asim Mohammad , Consunji Rafael , Strandvik Gustav , Peralta Ruben , Rizoli Sandro , Abdelrahman Husham , Mollazehi Monira , Parchani Ashok , Al-Thani Hassan 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAs trauma systems mature, they are expected to improve patient care, reduce in-hospital complications and optimize outcomes. Qatar has a single trauma center, at the Hamad General Hospital, which serves as the hub for the trauma system that was verified as a level 1 trauma system by the Accreditation Canada International Distinction program in 2014. We hypothesized that this international accreditation was a major step, in the maturation process of the Qatar trauma system, that has positively impacted patient care, reduced complications and improved outcomes of trauma patients in such a rapidly developing country.MethodsA retrospective analysis of data was conducted for all trauma patients who were admitted between 2010 and 2018. Data were obtained from the level 1 trauma center registry at Hamad Medical Corporation. Patients were divided into Group 1- pre-accreditation (admitted from January 2010 to October 2014) and Group 2- post-accreditation (admitted from November 2014 to December 2018). Patients’ characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed and compared. Data included patients’ demographics; injury types, mechanism and injury severity scores, interventions, hospital stay, complications and mortality (pre-hospital and in-hospital). Time series analysis for mortality was performed using expert modeler.ResultsData from a total of 15,864 patients was collected and analyzed. Group 2 patients had more severe injuries in comparison to Group 1 (p<0.05). However, Group 2, had a lower complication rate (ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)) and a shorter mean hospital length of stay (p<0.05). The overall mortality was 8%. In Group 2; the pre-hospital mortality was higher (52% vs. 41%, p = 0.001), while in-hospital mortality was lower (48% vs. 59%) compared to Group 1 (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe international recognition and accreditation of the trauma center in 2014 was the key factor in the maturation of the trauma system that improved the in-hospital outcomes. Accreditation also brought other benefits including a reduction in VAP and hospital length of stay. However, further studies are required to explore the maturation process of all individual components of the trauma system including the prehospital setting.
Efficacy and harms of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Piscoya Alejandro , Ng-Sueng Luis F. , Parra del Riego Angela , Cerna-Viacava Renato , Pasupuleti Vinay , Roman Yuani M. , Thota Priyaleela , White C. Michael , Hernandez Adrian V. 
Published: December 2020

Background
Efficacy and safety of treatments for hospitalized COVID-19 are uncertain. We systematically reviewed efficacy and safety of remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods
Studies evaluating remdesivir in adults with hospitalized COVID-19 were searched in several engines until August 21, 2020. Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, clinical improvement or recovery, need for invasive ventilation, and serious adverse events (SAEs). Inverse variance random effects meta-analyses were performed.

Results
We included four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2296) [two vs. placebo (n = 1299) and two comparing 5-day vs. 10-day regimens (n = 997)], and two case series (n = 88). Studies used intravenous remdesivir 200mg the first day and 100mg for four or nine more days. One RCT (n = 236) was stopped early due to AEs; the other three RCTs reported outcomes between 11 and 15 days. Time to recovery was decreased by 4 days with remdesivir vs. placebo in one RCT (n = 1063), and by 0.8 days with 5-days vs. 10-days of therapy in another RCT (n = 397). Clinical improvement was better for 5-days regimen vs. standard of care in one RCT (n = 600). Remdesivir did not decrease all-cause mortality (RR 0.71, 95%CI 0.39 to 1.28, I2 = 43%) and need for invasive ventilation (RR 0.57, 95%CI 0.23 to 1.42, I2 = 60%) vs. placebo at 14 days but had fewer SAEs; 5-day decreased need for invasive ventilation and SAEs vs. 10-day in one RCT (n = 397). No differences in all-cause mortality or SAEs were seen among 5-day, 10-day and standard of care. There were some concerns of bias to high risk of bias in RCTs. Heterogeneity between studies could be due to different severities of disease, days of therapy before outcome determination, and how ordinal data was analyzed.

Conclusions
There is paucity of adequately powered and fully reported RCTs evaluating effects of remdesivir in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Until stronger evidence emerges, we cannot conclude that remdesivir is efficacious for treating COVID-19.
Epidemiological profile of SARS-CoV-2 among selected regions in Ghana: A cross-sectional retrospective study
Authors: Owusu Michael , Sylverken Augustina Angelina , Ankrah Sampson Twumasi , El-Duah Philip , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Yeboah Richmond , Gorman Richmond , Asamoah Jesse , Binger Tabea , Acheampong Godfred , Bekoe Franklin Asiedu , Ohene Sally-Ann , Larsen-Reindorf Rita , Awuah Anthony Afum-Adjei , Amuasi John , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Phillips Richard Odame 
Published: December 2020

Background
Global cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, causing havoc to several economies. So far, Ghana has recorded 48,643 confirmed cases with 320 associated deaths. Although summaries of data are usually provided by the Ministry of Health, detailed epidemiological profile of cases are limited. This study sought to describe the socio-demographic features, pattern of COVID-19 spread and the viral load dynamics among subjects residing in northern, middle and part of the southern belt of Ghana.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional retrospective study that reviewed records of samples collected from February to July, 2020. Respiratory specimens such as sputum, deep-cough saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected COVID-19 subjects in 12 regions of Ghana for laboratory analysis and confirmation by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results
A total of 72,434 samples were collected during the review period, with majority of the sampled individuals being females (37,464; 51.9%). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 identified in the study population was 13.2% [95%CI: 12.9, 13.4). Males were mostly infected (4,897; 51.5%) compared to females. Individuals between the ages 21–30 years recorded the highest number of infections (3,144, 33.4%). Symptomatic subjects had higher viral loads (1479.7 copies/μl; IQR = 40.6–178919) than asymptomatic subjects (49.9; IQR = 5.5–3641.6). There was significant association between gender or age and infection with SARS-CoV-2 (p<0.05). Among all the suspected clinical presentations, anosmia was the strongest predictor of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Adj. OR (95%CI): 24.39 (20.18, 29.49). We observed an average reproductive number of 1.36 with a minimum of 1.28 and maximum of 1.43. The virus trajectory shows a gradual reduction of the virus reproductive number.

Conclusion
This study has described the epidemiological profile of COVID-19 cases in northern, middle and part of the southern belt of Ghana, with males and younger individuals at greater risk of contracting the disease. Health professionals should be conscious of individuals presenting with anosmia since this was seen as the strongest predictor of virus infection.
We need to appreciate common synanthropic plants before they become rare: Case study in Latgale (Latvia)
Authors: Prūse Baiba , Kalle Raivo , Buffa Gabriella , Simanova Andra , Mežaka Ieva , Sõukand Renata 
Published: December 2020

Local ecological knowledge holds great potential in contributing to sustainable resource management and conservation activities. For this reason, the authors choose to analyse an ethnobotanical dataset from the Baltic Sea region by exploring the relationship between plants and humans on the basis of three main categories: habitat characteristics, distribution in the wild and plant sensitivity to human impact beyond physical distance. The study provides empirical evidence of widespread usage of so-called common species which are widely distributed in the territory and benefit from human activity. When considering the data via the intensity of use, based on detailed use-reports (DUR), the main category is shown to be apophytes (1001 DUR), followed by anthropophytes (426), hemeradiophores (255) and hemerophobes (54). The authors highlight the co-dependency of plants and humans in the medicinal and wild food domains and stress the need for integrated management strategies where local community knowledge plays a part.

Keywords: Common Species; Conservation; Ethnobotany; Synanthropic Plants.
Fruits of Crataegus submollis Sarg.: morphological and anatomical study
Authors: Shaikhutdinov Ilnur Kh. , Kurkin Vladimir A. , Ryzhov Vitaly M. , Tarasenko Lubov V. , Stenyaeva Victoria V. , Zhavkina Tatyana M. , Rozno Svetlana A. 
Published: December 2020

Actuality. Fruit of Crataegus L. are successfully used in medicine in the Russian Federation as a source of cardiotonic substances. One of the sources of raw material is Crataegus submollis Sarg., which is cultivated as an edible and ornamental plant everywhere. Previous studies revealed that preparations from fruit of Crataegus submollis Sarg. show diuretic activity and antidepressant action. Therefore, we consider Crataegus submollis Sarg. to be of interest as a new source of medicinal plant raw material, its fruit can be used both fresh and dried.
Purpose. The aim of the article is to study the morphological and anatomical features of fresh fruit of Crataegus submollis Sarg.
Materials and methods. The material of the study was the fresh and frozen fruit of Crataegus submollis Sarg. collected in September October 2018 in the Botanical garden of Samara University (Samara). The research was carried out by the method of light microscopy in transmitted and reflected light in the light background.
Results. Performed analysis allowed to reveal structural characteristics of fruit of Crataegus submollis Sarg. which included cellular structure of the epidermis, lack of stomatal apparatus in epidermis, presence of cortical pores, trichome characteristics, and seed constitution.
Conclusion. Our findings allow to develop the section Microscopic Signs of the pharmacopoeial monograph Fresh Fruit of Crataegus submollis Sarg..
Analysis of orthopedic treatment of patients with stump pins inserts with artificial crown in significant destruction of the clinical dental crown: the data of archival materials of the dental clinic
Authors: Nesterov Alexander M. , Sadykov Mukatdes I. , Matrosov Vladislav V. 
Published: December 2020

The aim of the article is to analyze the orthopedic treatment of patients with a lack of clinical tooth crowns by means of stump pin inserts with an artificial crown presented in the archival materials from the dental clinic of Samara.
Research methods. Health records of dental patients and the orthopaedic work orders of the Dental Clinic No. 2 of the city of Samara over the period of 20152019 were analyzed.
Results. Of the total number of patients (142,394 people), 5370 patients underwent a stump pin insert to restore a missing tooth crown. A total of 5802 pin stump tabs were made for these patients. 524 patients (10.09%) had complications. Most complications were observed in the lateral group of patients with prosthetic teeth (62.18%). Discementation of crowns from stump pin inserts was the main complication (53.32%). Ceramic crown chipping from metal-ceramic crowns was observed in 6.46% of all complications.
GUIMARÃES, Ana Maria Agra. A Encenação do Real: A sublimação em A paixão segundo G. H. e Água Viva, de Clarice Lispector. Brasília: Editora Universidade de Brasília, 2015. 172 p.
Authors: Guerini Andréia , De Jesus Sales Antônia 
Published: December 2020

Resenha do livro A Encenação do Real: A sublimação em A paixão segundo G. H. e Água Viva, de Clarice Lispector, escrito por Ana Maria Agra Guimarães em 2015.
The revised pancreatitis etiology-based classification system TIGAR-O, version 2: adaptation for the Russian clinical practice
Authors: Bordin D. S. , Kucheryavyy Yu. A. , Kiryukova M. A. 
Published: December 2020

The discoveries in molecular genetics and breakthrough visualization techniques in the last 20 years have changed our understanding of the pancreatitis causes and biomarkers, expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiology of the disease, and promoted the development of new additional conservative treatments. From the practical perspective, the physician's comprehension of the etiology is of particular importance. It is for this reason that the activities to elaborate an etiology-based classification of pancreatitis have been already started since long ago. The first internationally acknowledged system was TIGAR-O checklist, introduced in 2001. Being innovative at the time, it structured our understanding of the etiology of chronic pancreatitis. The revised version (version 2) was published in 2019 and is less known to the Russian medical community, although from the authors' point of view, it has been substantially extended and structured to be maximally convenient and useful for physicians in routine medical practice. The review presents key provisions of the TIGAR-O, version 2 and recommendations for its adaption to the Russian clinical setting.
Kimyasal, Biyolojik, Radyasyon ve Nükleer Risklere Karşı Korunmada Farkındalık Oluşturma ve Temel İlk Yardım Eğitimi Etkinliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: GÜRLER Meryem , GÜRSOY Güney , ÇİFTÇİ Harun , SALAR Ayşe 
Published: December 2020

Eğitimin ve toplumun en önemli unsuru olan öğretmenlerimizin ani gelişen hastalık ve yaralanma durumlarında, olası KBRN tehditlerinde temel yapılacak uygulamalar konusunda bilgilendirilmesi önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Kırşehir ili merkez köy okullarında görev yapan ortaokul öğretmenlerine verilen Temel İlk Yardım ve KBRN (Kimyasal, Biyolojik, Radyasyon ve Nükleer) farkındalık eğitimi doğrultusunda, eğitim öncesi ve sonrasında öğretmenlerin bilgi düzeylerinin belirlenmesi, bilgi düzeylerinin karşılaştırılması ve eğitim etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesidir. Çalışmada veri toplama tekniği olarak anket formu kullanıldı. Veriler SPSS paket programında değerlendirildi, test verilerinin karşılaştırılması amacıyla ilişkili ölçümler için t testi ve varyans analizi kullanıldı. Çalışma grubuna katılan öğretmenlerin %66,1’i kadın, %33,9’u erkek ve yaş ortalaması 31,01 ± 2,01 olarak belirlendi. Öğretmenlerin ön testten aldıkları puan ortalaması 20,12 ± 6,53, eğitim sonrası son test puan ortalaması 37,49 ± 3,23 olup ön test ve son test bilgi düzeyleri arasında istatiksel olarak anlamlı fark olduğu saptandı (P &lt; 0,05). Köy ortaokullarında görev yapmakta olan öğretmenler de temel ilk yardım ve KBRN bilinci oluşturmak için planlanan bu çalışmada hem teorik hem uygulamalı gerçekleştirilen eğitimin anlamlı düzeyde olumlu etkisi olduğu belirlendi. Katılımcıların bilgi düzeylerinde artışın gelecekte meydana gelecek olaylara zamanında müdahele ile telafisi mümkün olmayan vakaların önüne geçeceği sonucuna varıldı. Ayrıca Temel İlk Yardım ve KBRN farkındalık eğitimlerinin toplumun her kademesine yaygınlaştırılmasının Hayat Boyu Öğrenme Süreçlerine katkı yapacağını önermekteyiz.
Conflicting Policy Perspectives on Handicrafts Industry in Post Independent India
Authors: Deb Sukamal 
Published: December 2020

Handicrafts industry comprises diversified artistic and decorative products portfolio with its large variety and contributes significantly to the national economy by way of both exports and employment generation. The decline of productions of Handicrafts items that started during the British Role continued even in the independent India for lack of adequate support and the invasion of the machine made goods even in the rural areas. The conflicting policies in Indiaâ€™s handicrafts sector can be traced well right from the beginning of the Post Independence Period, which fettered its growth causing loss to human creativity, employments, earnings and exports.Â Objectives - To investigate the historical perspective of Indian handicrafts during the Pre-British Period, the Period of Colonial Rule and the Post Independence Period.Â To assess the growth potential of handicrafts, its Problems and to find out the steps taken to promote the sector. Methodology - The present work is a diagnostic study. The sources of data are secondary sources obtained various journals, reports and websites. Data Analysis - The data obtained are processed, interpreted and analysed through numerical calculations and graphically.Â Â Conclusion-Handicrafts sector offers enormous prospects for increasing the opportunities for income and employments and plays an important role in the economic development.
Economic Growth and Negative Externalities in India
Authors: K Dhananjaya 
Published: December 2020

Of late the world has realized that the growth models that believed in growth- environment tradeoff are not sustainable. In the pursuit of increasing their GDP, countries have ignored the negative externalities of growth, which would seriously threaten the survival of the future generation. Two kinds of damage are caused by unsustainable growth. Firstly, productive base, particularly, natural capital, like forest, minerals, energy, is depleting. Secondly, environmental pollution and climate change caused by excessive CO2 emissions are threatening human lives in terms of deteriorating health conditions and increasing temperature level (OECD, 2012). In the light of these concerns, sustainable development has become an important goal of nations. This study attempts to assess the extent of negative externalities in India and analyze the relationship between negative externalities and growth of GNI. The study finds that the economic growth of India is more sustainable as compared to all income categories countries. Further, the analysis detected a bidirectional relationship between negative externalities and GNI growth in the post-1990s.
Keywords: Negative Externalities, Sustainable Development, and Genuine Saving Rate.
JEL Classification: Q560