bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Algorithm Based Effective Light Trail Creation in an Optical Networks
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Rattan Munish 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
With the overwhelming use of the Internet, the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks have become the major mode of communication for wide applications. Hence, the routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) for a given traffic in WDM networks is the chief challenge in optical networks. This paper presents the RWA problem in WDM networks using the hybrid algorithm of flower pollination (FP) and simulated annealing (SA) algorithm (FA+SA) with and without wavelength conversion capability at the nodes of the network. Comparative analysis with techniques presented in literature is also carried out, i. e. differential evolution algorithm (DEA), firefly algorithm (FA), particle swarm optimization with less number of informers (Psolbest), SA and genetic algorithm (GA). The results prove that hybrid algorithm of FP and SA is potentially more efficient than algorithms present in literature for the light path establishment in an optical network.
Long-Term Conservation of Ohnologs Through Partial Tetrasomy Following Whole-Genome Duplication in Salmonidae
Authors: Campbell Matthew A , Hale Matthew C , McKinney Garrett J , Nichols Krista M , Pearse Devon E 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWhole-genome duplications (WGDs) have occurred repeatedly and broadly throughout the evolutionary history of eukaryotes. However, the effects of WGD on genome function and evolution remain unclear. The salmonid WGD that occurred approximately 88 million years ago presents an excellent opportunity for studying the effects of WGD as ∼10–15% of each salmonid genome still exhibits tetrasomic inheritance. Herein, we utilized the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) genome assembly and brain transcriptome data to examine the fate of gene pairs (ohnologs) following the salmonid whole-genome duplication. We find higher sequence identity between ohnologs located within known tetrasomic regions than between ohnologs found in disomic regions, and that tetrasomically inherited ohnologs showed greater similarity in patterns of gene expression and per ohnolog were lower expressed, than disomically inherited ohnologs. Enrichment testing for Gene Ontology terms identified 49 over-represented terms in tetrasomically inherited ohnologs compared to disomic ohnologs. However, why these ohnologs are retained as tetrasomic is difficult to answer. It could be that we have identified salmonid specific “dangerous duplicates”, that is, genes that cannot take on new roles following WGD. Alternatively, there may be adaptive advantages for retaining genes as functional duplicates in tetrasomic regions, as presumably, movement of these genes into disomic regions would affect both their sequence identity and their gene expression patterns.
An overview of the common methods used to measure treatment adherence
Authors: Anghel Laura Alexandra , Farcas Andreea Maria , Oprean Radu Nicolae 
Published: April 2019

Background and aims. The success of a treatment depends on the effectiveness of the medication regimen, provided that patients take the medicines as prescribed. A low rate of adherence in chronic conditions is associated with poor outcome and decreased quality of life, which constitutes an additional burden for the healthcare systems. To correctly identify the dimension of this problem may be a challenge, as there are numerous methods, definitions, patient settings and factors, each with their specific roles. Our aim was to give an appropriate overview of the most common validated methods that can be used to identify non-adherent patients.
Methods. This overview is based on an online search of PubMed database and includes the relevant articles in this field.
Results. We included both direct and indirect methods for measuring treatment adherence and presented concise information that can help researchers and clinicians when choosing an appropriate method. Both subjective and objective methods have advantages and disadvantages that should be fully understood and taken into consideration.
Conclusions. Choosing a simple, accurate and inexpensive method that can give supplementary information about the patterns, beliefs and barriers of adherence would be desirable. But because this perfect method to measure treatment adherence does not exist, the best solution seems to be the combined use of at least two methods.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with autoimmune hepatitis – a systematic review of the literature published between 1989-2016
Authors: Valean Simona , Acalovschi Monica , Dumitrascu Dan L. , Ciobanu Lidia , Nagy Georgiana , Chira Romeo 
Published: April 2019

Background and aims. Liver cancer is one of the most common cause of deaths from cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was reported at a frequency of 7% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) - related cirrhosis in 1988. We aimed to provide a systematic literature review on the frequency of HCC in patients with AIH, after the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV), in order to avoid any possible confounding etiology.
Methods. A literature search of the PubMed database between 1989-2016 was performed, using the relevant keywords “hepatocellular carcinoma” and “autoimmune hepatitis”. We followed the PRISMA statement guidelines during the preparation of this review.
Results. Eleven studies (n=8,460 patients with AIH) were retained for the final analysis. HCC was diagnosed in 0-12.3% of the AIH patients included in these studies. The overall occurrence of HCC in patients with AIH was estimated in two studies, at 5.1% and 6.2%, respectively. In patients with AIH and cirrhosis, the percentage of HCC varied between 0.2%-12.3%. The proportion of HCC in patients with AIH without cirrhosis was estimated at 1.03%. The percentage of cirrhosis in AIH patients varied from 18.7% to 83.3% in Japan, and from 12% to 50.2% in the other areas. The mean follow-up of the patients with AIH was of 10 years.
Conclusions. The development of HCC in patients with AIH appeared to be similar before and after the discovery of HCV, and it was mainly associated to cirrhosis. The number of patients developing cirrhosis in relation with AIH was impressive. The long evolution of AIH to cirrhosis and, eventually, to HCC, has been be suggested.
Glycated albumin is correlated with glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ciobanu Dana Mihaela , Bogdan Florina , Pătruț Cristina-Ioana , Roman Gabriela 
Published: April 2019

Background and aims. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) retrospectively evaluates mean glycemia in the preceding 2-3 months and is the gold standard for assessing glycemic control, while glycated albumin (GA) is currently considered a short to intermediate term integrated glycemic control marker, since it reflects glycemic status over the last 3 weeks. We aimed to investigate the levels of GA, HbA1c and fasting glycemia in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods. The observational study included adult type 2 diabetes patients (n=135) according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, randomly selected from Clinical Centre of Diabetes, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Fasting glycemia, GA, HbA1c and creatinine were measured using commercially available methods.
Results. Of the whole group, 62 (45.9 %) were men. Mean age was 62.1±8.6 years old, body mass index was 31.8±6.1 kg/m2 and diabetes duration was 10.0 (4.0; 15.0) years. Fasting glycemia was 162±13.7 mg/dl, GA was 28.0 (21.0; 40.0)% and HbA1c 8.9±2.3%. We found GA was significantly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.19; p=0.029) and fasting glycemia (r=0.32; p<0.001), while HbA1c was significantly correlated with fasting glycemia (r=0.40; p<0.001).
Conclusions. GA was significantly correlated with both HbA1c and fasting glycemia in our patients with type 2 diabetes. While HbA1c is recognized as being the reference test for diabetes control monitoring, GA might a useful biomarker for assessing short to intermediate term glycemic control, particularly important in situations when HbA1c test cannot be reliable or earlier clinical decision making is mandatory.
Balancing the Hype with Reality: What Do Patients with Advanced Melanoma Consider When Making the Decision to Have Immunotherapy?
Authors: Wong Annie , Billett Alex , Milne Donna 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapy has resulted in unprecedented improvements in survival and maintained quality of life for many patients with advanced melanoma. However, durable responses are observed in only a minority of patients, and severe treatment side effects are experienced by 5%–30%. There are no reliable tests that can differentiate between patients who are likely to respond to immunotherapy and those who will not. Hence, new challenges have arisen as clinicians try to facilitate patients in their decision-making regarding immunotherapy. Furthermore, little is known about the real-world patients’ experience and understanding of immunotherapy outside the clinical trial setting. Here, we explore the perspectives of patients undergoing immunotherapy for melanoma and focus on factors that influenced their treatment decision-making.

Materials and Methods
Twenty-three in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with patients receiving pembrolizumab for stage IV melanoma at an Australian public cancer hospital. Patients were recruited at a range of time points after commencing therapy, and their experience of treatment was explored. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed thematically.

Results
Immunotherapy is viewed as a symbol of hope, with high-profile anecdotes reinforcing this perception. Only a minority of patients expressed a good understanding of the likely efficacy and potential treatment side effects. Patients are reliant on their clinicians’ recommendation regarding immunotherapy treatment decisions.

Conclusion
Novel treatments such as immunotherapy provide significant hope for patients. This may influence their preference for immunotherapy over and above the usual considerations of the trade-off between efficacy and toxicity. Careful counsel and individualized patient resources may further facilitate treatment decision-making.

Implications for Practice
This study highlighted some of the misconceptions held by patients that need to be addressed when discussing the possibility of receiving treatment with immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. Patients placed a lot of importance on high-profile anecdotes rather than truly understanding likely outcomes of treatment based on personal circumstances. The majority of patients had a poor understanding of the potential side effects and long-term implications of treatment with immunotherapy. Careful counsel is required in order to facilitate informed decision-making about treatment and to ensure possible side effects are known and appreciated. Further research is needed to develop tools to aid decision-making in everyday clinical practice.
Evaluation of Financial Instruments Possessing Non-Conventional Cash Flow
Authors: Kulakov Nikolay , Blaset Kastro Anastasia 
Published: April 2019

Investments are often justified and accepted based on the IRR as the main criterion of profitability. However, that criterion is hardly ever used to evaluate some financial instruments (e.g. short sales, options, futures and swaps). This is partially due to the fact that some instruments possess a cash flow describing a borrowing rather than an investment. Others have a non-conventional cash flow and, consequently, the IRR may be meaningless or impossible to determine. We describe a non-conventional cash flow of a financial instrument as a non-conventional project consisting of a sequence of single-period (simple) projects. Each simple project has only two cash flows with opposite signs therefore the IRR for the simple project is always determined. If there is a decomposition in which each simple project has the same IRR value, then that value is the IRR of the non-conventional project. If a decomposition of the non-conventional project into simple projects with the same IRR is impossible, the non-conventional project’s IRR does not exist. If a simple project is an investment then the IRR is a rate of return for an investor. If a simple project is a loan then the IRR is an interest rate for the borrower, but not for the investor. Therefore the NPV method estimates a non-conventional project for two different participants simultaneously that leads to problems with definition of IRR. In order the loan’s IRR would be a rate of return for the investor, but not an interest rate for the borrower, the sign of IRR should be replaced to opposite one. The paper discusses how to use the Generalized Net Present Value (GNPV) method to calculate a yield of the financial instrument with non-conventional cash flow. The function GNPV(r, p) depends on two rates: finance and reinvestment ones that determine a cost of funding and a rate of return, respectively. The equation GNPV (r, -r) = 0 is investigated in the paper. The solution of that equation is the Generalized Average Rate of Return (GARR). We suggest using the GARR as a new measure of a yield for evaluating financial instruments possessing a non-conventional cash flow and estimating a portfolio’s performance over period with contributions and withdrawals.
Comparative evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Singla Ritika , Sharma Neetu 
Published: April 2019

Background: While treating patients with HIV infection it is important to achieve more than 95% compliance to ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) in order to suppress viral replication.Methods: This was a retrospective, observational, record based study of HIV positive patients undergoing treatment with ZLN (zidovudine 300 mg, lamivudine 150 mg, nevirapine 200 mg) and TLE ( tenofovir 300 mg, lamivudine 150 mg, efavirenz 600 mg) regimens. The treatment charts of the patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed.Results: Analysis of adherence showed that there were 12 patients out of 150 on ZLN regimen and 31 patients out of 150 on TLE regimen were nonadherent to the respective treatments.Conclusions: In this observational study patients on ZLN regimen were showing greater compliance than TLE regimen.
Evaluate use of over the counter drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Sood Megha , Bajaj Jagminder Kaur , Grewal Nipunjot 
Published: April 2019

Background: In our country there is easy availability of drugs over the counter leading to their unintentional misuse and abuse. Over the counter availability of drugs does offer the benefit of easy access to medicines and allows individuals to become in charge of their own health. It is important to understand that medical education can impact the OTC drug use amongst medical students. In order to observe the pattern of OTC drug use among the first and second professional MBBS students we planned this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate use of over the counter (OTC) drugs among medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: Our study was a cross sectional study conducted on first and second professional MBBS students. Authors administered a self structured, prevalidated questionnaire to the students. The data obtained was tabulated, analyzed and the results calculated in percentages.Results: The use of OTC drugs is common amongst undergraduate students. All (100%) the students who participated in the study had used OTC drugs at some point in their life. The common conditions prompting use of OTC drugs include head ache, body aches (74%), fever (72%), respiratory conditions such as: cold (60%), cough (28.5%), abdominal symptoms such as: abdominal pain (14%), gastritis (7.5%), diarrhea (6%), vomiting (5%) and allergies (10%). Very few students reported adverse drug reactions with these drugs.Conclusions: From our study we have concluded that OTC drugs are commonly used amongst medical students. So, periodic training and talks on self medication are necessary for them. Student knowledge in this aspect will help them in future counseling of their patients.
Problemas de exámenes y soluciones XXIX Olimpiada Costarricensede Matemáticas
Authors: Páez Christian , Abarca Marvin , Abarca Marvin , Chaves Leonel , Hernández Alexander , Calderón Gabriela , Mora Federico , Ramírez Jeremías , Jiménez David , Mora German , Chaves Emmanuel , Hernández Salomón 
Published: April 2019

OLCOMA es la Comisión de Olimpiadas Costarricenses de Matemáticas. Esta comisión está conformada por académicos en el área de Matemática de la Universidad Nacional, del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, de la Universidad de Costa Rica, de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia, y por representantes del Ministerio de Educación Pública y del Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones.
Dentro de la estructura de las Olimpiadas Costarricenses de Matemáticas, se tienen tres niveles de competencia. En Nivel I participan estudiantes de sétimo año, entre 10 y 13 años, aproximadamente (también pueden optar por participar en este nivel los estudiantes de primaria que cursan sexto grado). En Nivel II participan estudiantes de octavo y noveno años, entre 14 y 15 aõs, aproximadamente. En Nivel III participan estudiantes de décimo, undécimo y duodécimo años, más de 15 años. Durante el año 2017, se trabajó con tres etapas. En la I Eliminatoria los estudiantes resolvieron un examen de selección única con 25 ítems. En la II Eliminatoria, los clasificados realizaron un examen con 12 preguntas de selección única y tres problemas de desarrollo. En la Etapa Final, los estudiantes clasificados realizaron dos pruebas en días consecutivos, cada prueba con tres problemas de desarrollo.
El objetivo de este libro es que los futuros participantes en Olimpiadas Costarricenses de Matemáticas posean material de consulta. Los problemas que en este libro se enuncian representan un reto para quienes gustan resolver ejercicios matemáticos. Cada uno de los problemas tiene la solución respectiva, así que una vez que intenten resolver cada problema, pueden comparar el procedimiento realizado con la solución propuesta. Se han incorporado todos los problemas de I Eliminatoria para cada uno de los tres niveles, los problemas de II Eliminatoria para cada uno de los tres niveles, los problemas propuestos para conformar los exámenes de la Etapa Final y los problemas que conformaron los exámenes de la Etapa Final.
Peningkatan Kemampuan dan Kemandirian Pengentasan Stunting melalui Pemberdayaan Petani Desa Sukogidri Kecamatan Ledokombo Jember
Authors: Sulistyaningsih Erma , Dewanti Parawita , Pralampita Pulong Wijang 
Published: April 2019

Angka stunting di Kabupaten Jember cukup tinggi di Propinsi Jawa Timur. Desa Sukogidri merupakan salah satu desa penyumbang stunting di Kabupaten Jember. Secara umum, kegiatan pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk membantu menyukseskan program pemerintah dalam menurunkan angka stunting di Kabupaten Jember, dengan tujuan khusus antara lain untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat akan stunting dan bahayanya, meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang pencegahannya serta meningkatkan kemandirian untuk pengentasan stunting dengan melatih tentang penanaman sistem hidroponik. Solusi yang diberikan oleh tim pelaksana pengabdian berupa kegiatan pendidikan dan penyuluhan serta pelatihan penyiapan menu sehat. Selain itu juga transfer pengetahuan tentang penanaman sistem hidroponik dan pemberian sistem hidroponik yang dapat digunakan untuk menyediakan bahan pangan yang sehat. Di akhir kegiatan pengabdian dilakukan pembentukan model keluarga sadar gizi (KADARZI) yang dapat secara mandiri mengenali dan mengelola masalah-masalah gizi anggota keluarganya melalui upaya menimbang berat badan secara teratur, memberikan air susu ibu (ASI) eksklusif, mengkonsumsi makanan beraneka ragam, menggunakan garam beryodium serta mengkonsumsi suplemen gizi yang sesuai dengan anjuran.
Kata Kunci: stunting, gizi, kadar gizi, Sukogidri
The prevalence of stunting in Jember Regency is quite high. Sukogidri village is one of the stunting contributing villages in Jember. In general, this public service activity aimed to support the government program to reduce stunting rates in Jember Regency and the specific objectives including increasing public awareness about stunting and its danger to health condition, increasing knowledge about prevention of stunting and increasing independence to alleviate stunting by training on planting hydroponic system and healthy menu preparation. The solution is provided by the service team including education and counseling activities, and training of healthy menu preparation. In addition, there was also transfer of knowledge about the planting of hydroponic system and the provision of hydroponic system that can be used to provide healthy food. At the end of the service activity, the team has developed the nutritionally aware family (KADARZI) model that can independently recognize and manage nutritional problems of family members by weighing regularly, provide exclusive breast feeding (ASI), consume diverse foods, use iodized-salt and consume supplements as recommended.
Keywords: stunting, nutritionally aware family model, Sukogidri
Studi Analisa Kualitas Biobriket Campuran Bottom Ash Batubara dan Onggok Tepung Tapioka Menggunakan Karbonisasi
Authors: Triantoro Agus , Mustofa Adip , Kartini Kartini , Hanafi Abdurrahman 
Published: April 2019

Biobriket merupakan bahan bakar padat yang merupakan alternatif pengganti minyak tanah dan gas yang mempunyai kelayakan teknis untuk digunakan sebagai bahan bakar rumah tangga, industri kecil ataupun menengah. Biobriket juga mempunyai keuntungan ekonomis karena dapat diproduksi secara sederhana, memiliki nilai kalor yang tinggi. Biobriket yang dibuat berasal campuran antara bottom ash batubara dan onggok tepung tapioka. Ketersediaan bottom ash batubara onggok tepung tapioka cukup banyak di Kalimantan Selatan. Bottom ash merupakan sisa hasil pembakaran batubara di PLTU yang saat ini belum banyak di manfaatkan dan hanya dibuang sebagai limbah. Padahal bottom ash batubara ini masih mempunyai nilai kalori yang cukup tinggi sedangkan onggok merupakan ampas dari hasil pembuatan tepung tapioka yang juga belum di manfaatan secara maksimal.Permasalahan yang sering di jumpai dalam penggunaan biobriket bottom ash batubara sebagai bahan bakar energi adalah lamanya penyalaan, bau yang tidak sedap pada saat di bakar, daya rekat briket yang tidak bagus sehingga briket mudah pecah. Tujuan dari penelitian mengetahui komposisi terbaik biobriket berdasarkan komposisi campuran, ukuran partikel dan parameter kualitas bottom ash batubara. Metode penelitian dilakukan dengan uji laboratorium. Parameter uji laboratorium yang digunakan adalah karakteristik biobriket yang meliputi kadar air, kadar abu, kadar volatile matter, nilai kalor, waktu pembakaran dengan variasi komposisi bahan baku dan binder. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian yang telah dilakukan dapat disimpulkan bahwa biobriketcampuranbottom ash batubara onggok tepung tapioka layak untuk di jadikan biobriket sebagai bahan bakar alternatif.Kualitas biobriket paling baik adalah biobriket dengan campuran 70% bottom ash, 20% onggok tepung tapioka dan 10% getah damar dengan hasil analisa Inherent Moisture 14,15%, Ash 8,34%, Volatile Matter 34,89%, Kalori 5401,6 Kkal/kg serta durasi pembakaran 47 Menit 17 Detik.