bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of mouthrinses and repolishing on color stability of hybrid nanoceramic computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing material
Authors: Saglam Gaye , Cengiz Seda 
Published: September 2021

Aim
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different two mouthrinses and repolishing on the color stability of hybrid nanoceramic computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) material.

Materials and Methods
Thirty specimens with dimensions of 1.5 × 12 × 12 mm3 were prepared from Cerasmart CAD/CAM blocks and divided into three groups according to the immersion solutions; distilled water, Oral B, and 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) for 2 min, twice for a day. Initial, 7th day, 14th day, and following repolishing color values were measured with a dental spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system and color changes were calculated (ΔE). Data were statistically analyzed with the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results
Oral B and CHX groups showed significantly higher ΔE values than control groups (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found between Oral B and CHX in both ΔE measurements (P ≥ 0.05). There were no significant differences among the 7th day, 14th day, and after repolishing color changes in control and CHX groups (P ≥ 0.05). However, color change after repolishing was significantly less than the 14th day color change (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions
Oral B and CHX caused discoloration on the CAD/CAM restorative material in clinically acceptable limits. Repolishing could provide a significant change only after 14 days of use Oral B.
The Mechanism of Panax Notoginseng in the Treatment of Heart Failure Based on Biological Analysis
Authors: Peng Lei , Ma Lin , Jiang Qian-Qian , Tian Xue , Shao Ming-Yan , Li Chang-Xiang , Sun Xiao-Qian , Ma Xiao , Chen Xu , Li Chun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Panax notoginseng (PNS) in the treatment of heart failure (HF) based on network pharmacology analysis combined with experimental verification.

Materials and Methods:
The potential targets and key pathways of effective components of PNS in the treatment of HF were revealed using network pharmacology. The postacute myocardial infarction (MI) HF rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The rats were divided into three groups: model, PNS, and fenofibrate groups. PNS (0.75 g/kg) and fenofibrate (10 mg/kg) were administered for 28 days. The efficacy and target mechanism of PNS in the treatment of HF were verified by cardiac ultrasound, Masson staining, and western blotting (WB) techniques.

Results:
The results of network pharmacology showed that seven potentially active compounds, such as quercetin, were obtained, involving 105 targets of HF; GO function was enriched to 1240 items; and KEGG enrichment covered 1240 signal pathways. The results of echocardiography showed that EF and FS of HF rats after MI were significantly increased, while Left ventricular internal dimension diastole (LVIDd) and Left ventricular internal dimension systole (LVIDs) were significantly decreased (P < 0.001, P < 0.05). Masson staining showed that PNS could reduce the degree of myocardial fibrosis (MF) in HF. The results of WB showed that PNS could reduce the expression of the p-p38-MAPK, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and Smad3 in HF rats.

Conclusion:
PNS inhibited MF and treated HF by regulating p-p38 MAPK-TGF-β pathway, which lays a theoretical foundation for further study of its pharmacological mechanism and key target.
The use of Public-Private Partnerships in Health Supply Chain Management in Rwanda
Authors: Byomuhangi Evariste , Kayumba Pierre Claver , Umuhoza Stella Matutina 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe Government of Rwanda considers the private sector to play an important role in supporting provision of strategic national investments through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).ObjectiveThis study aims to describe the various aspects of PPPs in Health Supply Chain Management (HSCM) in Rwanda.MethodsA questionnaire was used to collect data from health professionals and individuals familiar with HSCM Public-Private Partnerships for this descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study.ResultsThe PPP interventional areas used in HSCM in Rwanda were namely supply of commodities (99%), delivered health Information Technology (IT) supplies and equipment (operate) (53%), finance (52%), and maintenance area (40%). The main challenges were limited conversation and absence of formal platforms for public and private engagement (83.7%) and complex procurement requirements for medical products and equipment by public institutions (73.3%). The strategies to improve the PPPs in HSCM were effective coordination of PPPs (93.3%) and improved dialogue and formal platforms (90.6%)ConclusionThese findings indicated that private sector through PPPs plays an important role in HSCM in Rwanda. The engagement of the private sector can increase the financial support in terms of financing HSCM activities like supply of health commodities and equipment.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 237-256
Assessment of Factors Contributing to Medicine Expiry in Rwanda: Case of the Medical Procurement and Production Division
Authors: Hakuzimana Theogene , Kayumba Pierre Claver , Hahirwa Innocent , Kabalisa Max 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundRegardless of the significant efforts used and put in place to enhance supply chain performance in Rwanda, there is still poor inventory management and big loss due to expiry of medicines at Medical Procurement and Production Division (MPPD).ObjectiveTo assess the factors that contributes to expiry of medicines at MPPD and formulate recommendations for the improvement of the current situation.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study used for 25 respondents. A questionnaire containing closed-ended questions was used focusing on factors contributing to expiries of medicines for each product category managed by MPPD from 2014-2018. Additionally, the researcher reviewed all inventory reports, including expiries for the same period under study. The study focused on targeting respondents working at MPPD as pharmacists both technical and administrative, also other non-pharmacist working in the warehouse were considered as respondents. The hard copy of questionnaire was handed over to 26 respondents and requested to provide filled questionnaire within seven days. Twenty-five respondents were able to return the filled questionnaire on time, giving 96% response rate.ResultsThe study found that in MPPD, medicines are still expiring. During five years (from 2014 up to 2018) the total expired products were valued at RWF 6,046,778,655 for all program categories: HIV commodities had the largest share 53.3%, Essential Medicines 22.5%, Malaria 13%, Maternal Child Health commodities 5.7%, Products used for Community health workers 4.5%, TB products 1% and 0.1% for Family Planning products. The study found that major contributing factors for expiry of health commodities at MPPD, are ranked as follows: Supply chain management 90%, other factors 73%, Poor storage management 68% and Excessive drug supply 67%.
ConclusionConsidering the study results, it looks like no significant effect of excessive drug supply and inventory management on the expiration of medicines at MPPD. However, the Supply Chain Management components are the most vulnerable to contribute to the expiration of medicines at MPPD. There are many changes to be done inside the institution to remedy the issue of expiration like working according to the standard operating procedures, improving the Skills of personnel in supply chain management, empowering the procurement unit with skilled personnel and improving the communication with stakeholders to facilitate the smooth and quick replenishment and distribution of the stock.
Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(2): 281-291
Assessment of Farm Households’ Vulnerability to Desertification in Rural Dry Lands of Katsina State, Nigeria
Authors: Yahaya Olanrewaju Y 
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to use a Vulnerability Index (VI) to assess farm households' vulnerability to desertification in Northern Katsina's dry land ecosystem. The specific objectives were to identify socio-economic characteristics of farm households; and determine the degree of their vulnerability to desertification. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 633 respondents from 18 rural communities across six Local Government Areas (LGAs). Data from 21 indicators for the three components of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity) were used to measure the degree of vulnerability and thus, classify households into less, moderate and highly vulnerable. The study found that households in Jibia LGA were less vulnerable, with a VI of 1.228, while Kaita, Mashi, and Mai'adua LGAs were moderately vulnerable with VI of 0.523, 0.756, and 0.685, respectively. Households in Zango and Baure LGAs were found to be highly vulnerable due to poor biophysical conditions, with indices of 1.629 and -1.405, respectively. Furthermore, while 49% of the total households sampled were moderately vulnerable to desertification, 30% were less vulnerable and 21% were found to be highly vulnerable. As a result, the study recommended that the need for vegetative cover regeneration, soil quality rehabilitation, increased irrigation use, and biomass stability that take into account the vagaries of climate be prioritized in order to support, rescue, and increase the resilience of vulnerable households.
Keywords: Adaptation; Desertification; Dry lands; Farm Households; Vulnerability Index
Effects of Hydroxyurea Treatment on Haemolysis in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Gangji Azra , Masamu Upendo , , Mgaya Josephine , Ndunguru Joyce , Jonathan Agnes , Minja Irene K , Makani Julie , Balandya Emmanuel , Ruggajo Paschal , Nkya Siana 
Published: September 2021

Tanzania is one of the countries with a high burden of sickle cell disease (SCD). Haemolytic anaemia is a clinical feature of SCD, and has been linked to major complications leading to morbidity and mortality. Treatment with hydroxyurea (HU) has shown to induce foetal haemoglobin (HbF) which in turn decreases haemolysis in patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HU on haemolysis in SCD patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania by comparing their haemolytic parameters before and after therapy. Patients meeting the criteria were initiated on HU therapy for 3 months. Two haemolytic biomarkers: unconjugated plasma bilirubin levels and absolute reticulocyte counts were measured from patients’ blood samples at baseline and after 3 months of HU therapy and compared. Both absolute reticulocyte counts and indirect plasma bilirubin levels significantly declined after HU therapy. Median (IQR) plasma unconjugated bilirubin levels dropped significantly from 20.3 (12.7–34.4) μmol/L to 14.5 (9.6–24.1) μmol/L (p < 0.001) and mean (SD) absolute reticulocyte counts dropped significantly from 0.29 (0.1) x 109/L to 0.17 (0.1) x 109/L (p < 0.001) after therapy, thus, a decline in both haemolytic biomarkers after treatment was observed. This study found a potential for use of HU therapy in managing SCD patients in our settings evidenced by improvements in their haemolytic parameters. Clinical trials with a lager sample size conducted for a longer time period would be beneficial in guiding towards the inclusion of HU in treatment protocols for the Tanzanian population.
Keywords: Sickle cell disease; hydroxyurea; haemolysis; foetal haemoglobin
High Speed Hill Climbing Algorithm for Portfolio Optimization
Authors: John Collether 
Published: September 2021

Portfolio can be defined as a collection of investments. Portfolio optimization usually is about maximizing expected return and/or minimising risk of a portfolio. The mean-variance model makes simplifying assumptions to solve portfolio optimization problem. Presence of realistic constraints leads to a significant different and complex problem. Also, the optimal solution under realistic constraints cannot always be derived from the solution for the frictionless market. The heuristic algorithms are alternative approaches to solve the extended problem. In this research, a heuristic algorithm is presented and improved for higher efficiency and speed. It is a hill climbing algorithm to tackle the extended portfolio optimization problem. The improved algorithm is Hill Climbing Simple–with Reducing Thresh-hold Percentage, named HC-S-R. It is applied in standard portfolio optimization problem and benchmarked with the quadratic programing method and the Threshold Accepting algorithm, a well-known heuristic algorithm for portfolio optimization problem. The results are also compared with its original algorithm HC-S. HC-S-R proves to be a lot faster than HC-S and TA and more effective and efficient than TA.
Keywords: Portfolio optimization; Hill climbing algorithm; Threshold percentage; Reducing sequence; Threshold Acceptance algorithm
Use of hardware and software complexes (simulators) in practical training of trainees
Authors: Palitsyn A. V. 
Published: September 2021

Educational activity in the form of practical training provides for the demonstration of practical skills, the implementation, modeling by students of certain types of work to solve practical problems related to future professional activities in conditions close to real production.Practical training in preparation for professional activity has become an integral part of the educational process and the use of simulator training makes a significant contribution to this concept, given the fact that, under the conditions of transport security, it is not always possible for students to access real production facilities. Information technologies bring additional opportunities to the educational process in the development of professional competencies. The use of training complexes is becoming widespread in the railway industry in the development of educational programs of secondary vocational education and training of qualified personnel.In accordance with the decisions of the Program of Interaction between JSC "Russian Railways" and University Complexes of Railway Transport until 2025, training of qualified specialists ofJSC "Russian Railways" in the future of the program for the development of structural divisions and the development of the material and technical base of universities, the laboratory on specialty 23.02.01 Organization of transportation and management of transport (by type), which is a hardware and software complex "Train district dispatcher / duty at a railway station". The purpose of implementing a simulator is to improve the ability of students to skillfully apply professional competencies in train work, be able to competently use the knowledge gained in emergency and non-standard situations, make optimal decisions in operational work, and implement a system of measures to prevent defects in the production process.
The role of the scientific and practical conference in the organization research activities of students
Authors: Elina L. A. 
Published: September 2021

The features of training students and teachers for participation and holding a scientific and practical conference are considered. Participation in a scientific and practical conference is the result of a great work of a student and his supervisor, which is preceded by a complex research activity. It is important to give students not only a certain set of knowledge, teach them the basic methods and algorithms of activity, but also teach them to navigate in the flow of information, the ability to pose timely and relevant questions and independently receive substantiated answers to them.The conditions for the implementation of successful research activities in college are shown, organizational and methodological work in this direction, its stages, goals, objectives and results are described. Employer surveys indicate that the requirements for the level of professional training and personal qualities of college graduates are increasing. Research activities of students, as one of the areas of work, allows us to prepare modern specialists who are able to constantly improve their professional knowledge and successfully apply them in practice. The acquisition of skills in the preparation of reports, articles on conducted research, skills of public presentation of the results obtained and their justification at conferences, contributes to the formation of a reflective culture, strengthens pedagogical cooperation between teachers and students.
Cooperation of the Educational and instructional center for railway transportation with educational organizations of Kazakhstan
Authors: Starykh O. V. 
Published: September 2021

The Educational and instructional center for railway transportation took part in the IX International Industrial Exhibition EXPO-RUSSIA KAZAKHSTAN and the VII Almaty Business Forum, which were held on June 23-25, 2021 in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.Educational and instructional center for railway transportation presented new publications on the main specialties of railway transport at the events. A number of cooperation agreements have been signed with educational institutions.
Comparison of cuffless blood pressure measurement using an electrocardiogram monitor with photoplethysmography function with measurement by the Korotkov method: a pilot study
Authors: Gogiberidze N. A. , Sagirova Z. N. , Kuznetsova N. O. , Gognieva D. G. , Chomakhidze P. Sh. , Saner H. , Kopylov P. Yu. 
Published: September 2021

The aim. To evaluate the reliability of blood pressure (BP) measurement results using a cuffless blood pressure device (CardioQVARK®) in comparison with the values obtained using the Korotkov method.Materials and methods. An observational cross-sectional study of 50 patients (25 men, mean age 60 ± 14 years) with arterial hypertension was performed. Blood pressure was measured by the Korotkov method as a standard method, and a CardioQVARK® device, made in the form of a smartphone case, was used as a new method. The device records the electrocardiogram and the photoplethysmogram. Based on the parameters of the electrocardiogram and the photoplethysmogram the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) is calculated. Correlation analysis, Student’s t-test, Bland-Altman method were used for comparing the two methods, the standard deviation of the difference and a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated.Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean values of SBP and DBP for the two methods. There was a strong direct relationship between SBP (r = 0.976, p < 0.0001) and DBP (r = 0.817, p < 0.0001), measured by two methods. Bias for SBP and DBP measured by the new method was: –0.5 mm Hg (95% CI: –1.7; 0.7) and –0.3 mmHg (95% CI: –1.4; 0.7), respectively. The difference in DBP measurements depended on the blood pressure level (r = 0.302, p = 0.03). The underestimation of DBP values was more pronounced for low blood pressure from 55 to 75 mm Hg. At the time of the study, 13 (26%) patients had an increase in blood pressure. The sensitivity of the new method in detecting arterial hypertension was 77% (95% CI: 46; 95), specificity 100% (95% CI: 91; 100), accuracy 94% (95% CI: 83; 99).Conclusion. The blood pressure measurement method based on the analysis of the electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram showed reliable blood pressure measurement results in comparison with the Korotkov method.
Follow-up and management of serologically active clinically
quiescent cases in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Capone Gabrielle , Lojacono Caroline , Al-Bayitee Fatma , Makvandi Shayan , Hennon Teresa , Wrotniak Brian , Abdul-Aziz Rabheh 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionOur aim is to identify the presence of serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) episodes in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We aim to identify serologic biomarkers associated with SACQ episodes and discuss risks and benefits of escalating treatments.Material and methodsWe evaluated 25 pediatric SLE patients, 13 of whom experienced SACQ epis­odes. Serologically active clinically quiescent was defined as two consecutive clinic visits without any clinical symptoms or clinical examination findings of a lupus flare with a clinical Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score of zero, but either elevated anti-ds-DNA antibodies or low complement (C3 and/or C4) levels.ResultsAmong the 13 patients who experienced a SACQ episode, there were a total of 24 episodes, with each patient experiencing 1–4 SACQ episodes. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was the most commonly elevated laboratory marker in a SACQ episode, followed by low hemoglobin levels, and then elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies. Of the 17 episodes treated during a SACQ episode, 15 (88%) did not progress to a clinical flare within six months, while two did. Furthermore, of the 7 patients who were not treated during their SACQ episode, 2 (29%) continued to be SACQ without flare, whereas 5 led to a clinical flare within six months.ConclusionsSerologically active clinically quiescent episodes were identified in pediatric SLE patients, suggesting that the presence of SACQ is not limited to adults with SLE. Serologic markers such as increased ESR, hemoglobin, and elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies are preliminarily associated with pediatric SACQ episodes. Treating these SACQ episodes in pediatric SLE patients was less likely to lead to a clinical flare within six months when compared to not treating (p < 0.05). More research with a larger sample size is needed to define SACQ episodes, determine the prevalence in pediatric SLE patients, and establish SACQ treatment guidelines.
Early history of sudden commencement investigation and some newly discovered historical facts
Authors: Sano Yasuharu , Nagano Hiroshi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract. The history of the research on the SC (sudden commencement) of magnetic storms before World War II is studied in this paper. Since geomagnetic research activities before World War II are still not yet fully known, this paper aims to reveal some historical facts related to SC investigation at that time. The first conclusion of this paper is the possible first discoverer of the simultaneity of SC at distant locations. We show that a Portuguese scientist had already pointed it out 16 years
earlier than believed. The second conclusion is the role and
activities of Aikitu Tanakadate as the reporter of the SC investigation committee of STME (Section of Terrestrial Magnetism and Electricity) and IATME (International Association of Terrestrial Magnetism and Electricity) in the IGGU (International Geodetic and Geophysical Union) or IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics). Very little was known about his activities as the reporter of this committee. Our investigation at the Tanakadate Aikitu Memorial Science
Museum disclosed how he acted and what he thought of SC, based on his frequent letters to and from other scientists. The third conclusion concerns SC research carried out by Japanese scientists during the period of the Second International Polar Year (1932–1933). Not only Tanakadate but also many other Japanese scientists participated in SC research during this international project. This formed a traditional basis of SC investigation in Japan, prompting a number of Japanese scientists to study SC after World War II.