bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparing the healthcare workforce in South Africa for short-course rifampicin-resistant TB treatment: Inter-professional training and task-sharing considerations
Authors: Stamper Paul D , Mlandu Khaya , Lowensen Kelly , Geiger Keri , Nguyen Yen , Ndjeka Norbert , Farley Jason E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Treatment for rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-TB) is complex, however, shorter treatment, with newer antimicrobials are improving treatment outcomes. The South African National Department of Health (NDoH) recently accelerated the rollout of 9-month, all oral, RR-TB short-course regimens. We sought to evaluate an inter-professional training program using pre-test and post-test performance of Professional Nurses (PNs), Advanced Practice Professional Nurses (APPNs) and Medical Officers (MOs) to inform: a) training needs across cadres; b) knowledge performance, by cadres; and c) training differences in knowledge by nurse type.
Methods

A 4-day didactic and case-based clinical decision support course for RR-TB regimens in South Africa (SA) was developed, reviewed and nationally accredited. Between February 2017 and July 2018, 12 training events were held. Clinicians who may initiate RR-TB treatment, specifically MOs and PN/APPNs with matched pre-post tests and demographic surveys were analyzed. Descriptive statistics are provided. Pre-post test evaluations included 25 evidence-based clinically related questions about RR-TB diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Results

Participants (N = 842) participated in testing, and matched evaluations were received for 800 (95.0%) training participants. Demographic data was available for 793 (99.13%) participants, of whom 762 (96.1%) were MOs, or nurses, either PN or APPNs. Average correct response pre-test and post-test scores were 61.7% (range 7–24 correct responses) and 85.9% (range 12–25), respectively. Overall, 95.8% (730/762) of participants demonstrated improved knowledge. PNs improved on average 25% (6.22 points) whereas MOs improved 10% (2.89 points) with better mean test scores on both pre- and post-test (p < 0.000). APPNs performed the same as the MOs on post-test scores (p = NS).
Conclusions

The inter-professional training program in short-course RR-TB treatment improved knowledge for participants. MOs had significantly greater pre-test scores. Of the nurses, APPNs outperformed other PNs, and performed equally to MOs on post-test scores, suggesting this advanced cadre of nurses might be the most appropriate to initiate and monitor treatment in close collaboration with MOs. All cadres of nurse reported the need for additional clinical training and mentoring prior to managing such patients.
Clinical research of lower extremity exoskeleton robot In post-stroke hemiplegic patients
Authors: Wang Kan , Yu Haojun , Zhong Huimin , Peng Jing , Yan Weixin , Huang Ping , Guan Yangtai
Published: June 2020

Background

In recent years, the number of people suffering from stroke-induced motor function lost increased considerably. Recovery of motility is essential in improving their quality of life. However, the existing rehabilitation methods cannot fulfill patients’ training requirements. As a new rehabilitation technology, exoskeleton robot provides a new treatment scheme for post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

Objective

To explore the safety and effectiveness of exoskeleton-assisted gait training for post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

Methods

A lower extremity hip joint exoskeleton robot was designed by the cooperation team, and 9 post-stroke hemiplegic patients were included for exoskeleton-assisted gait training. The three-dimensional gait parameters, plantar pressure and surface electromyography were used to validate the effectiveness of the exoskeleton robot in post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

Results

Exoskeleton-assisted ambulation training for post-stroke hemiplegic patients can correct the asymmetry of gait and abnormal phase of gait cycle, increase the toe-ground clearance and the angle of hip joint, reduce the pressure of non-paretic plantar and the impulse of bilateral feet, which help balance the plantar pressure distribution. It can also improve the integral electromyography value of specific muscle, which means that corresponding muscles are stimulated to generate activities.

Conclusions

The exoskeleton robot designed by our team can correct the hemiplegic gait and foot drop phenomenon of post-stroke patients, protecting them from damage caused by long-term abnormal gait, which contributes to the recovery of lower extremity motor function in hemiplegic patients. The results also provide important information for the design of lower extremity exoskeleton robot. In the future, we should further explore the rehabilitation function of exoskeleton robot in post-stroke hemiplegic patients, as well as the ambulation and rehabilitation function in other lower extremity motor dysfunction patients.
Study of 10kW molten carbonate fuel cell power generation system and its performance test
Authors: Lu Chengzhuang , Zhang Ruiyun , Li Hao , Cheng Jian , Xu Shisen , Yang Guanjun , Huang Hua
Published: June 2020

The test of 10 kW high-temperature molten carbonate fuel cell of the carbon dioxide near-zero emission technology project was carried out. The key materials of the molten carbonate fuel cell single cell were characterized and analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results show that the pore size of key electrode material was 6.5 µm and the matrix material is α-LiAlO2.The open circuit voltage of the single cell is 1.23V in experiment. The current density is greater than 100 mA / cm2 when the operating voltage is 0.7V. The 10 kW fuel cell stack was constitutive of 80 pieces single fuel cells with area of 2000 cm2. The open circuit voltage of the stack reaches above 85V. The fuel cell stack power and current density can reach 11.7 kW and 104.5 mA/cm2 when the operating voltage is 56V. The influence and long-term stable operation of the stack were also analyzed and discussed.
Cronobacter Spp. – The Serious Risk In A Baby Food
Authors: Gemba Mateusz , Rosiak Elżbieta , Kołożyn-Krajewska Danuta
Published: June 2020

Cronobacter spp. are considered opportunistic pathogens in all age groups, especially in premature babies, children with low birth weight, the elderly and immunocompromised people. Currently, the genus Cronobacter includes seven species: C. sakazakii, C. malonaticus, C. turicensis, C. muytjesii, C. universalis, C. dublinensis and C. condimenti. The first three species of Cronobacter have been associated with clinical infections of newborns and premature babies. Cronobacter bacterial infections can cause neuritis, encephalomyelitis, the formation of abscesses and cysts of the brain leading to hydrocephalus and necrotizing enterocolitis. Often infected with Cronobacter spp. are rare, the mortality rate is very high, as well as the costs associated with temporarily treating post-infection complications. Cronobacter spp. due to the production of capsule and biofilm, high thermotolerance is resistant to drying and survival loads in milk replacers and other products with water activity. Cronobacter spp. isolated from milk replacers used for the initial feeding of infants, with vegetables, cereals, potatoes, spices, meat, fish, cheese, tofu, rice, pasta, chocolate, tea and abiotic surfaces in a hospital, with medical products and equipment. Under the Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 of 15 November 2005, Cronobacter spp. should be absent in thirty 10 g samples of infant formulas and infant dietetic powders intended for infants up to 6 months old. The subject of the study is the assessment of the occurrence the hazard caused by Cronobacter in food in the light of applicable requirements.

1. Introduction. 2. Symptoms and pathogenicity Cronobacter spp. 3. Legal requirements. 4. Virulence mechanism Cronobacter spp. 5. Taxonomy Cronobacter spp. 6. Occurrence Cronobacter spp. in food. 7. Resistance Cronobacter spp. to stress conditions. 8. Biofilm formation by bacteria genus Cronobacter. 9. Detection and determination of numbers Cronobacter spp. 10. Antibiotic resistance Cronobacter spp. 11. Summary
Mechanisms Of Dermatophyte Resistance To Antifungal Substances
Authors: Łagowski Dominik , Gnat Sebastian , Nowakiewicz Aneta
Published: June 2020

Dermatophytes are pathogenic fungi with high affinity for keratinised structures present in nails, skin, and hair causing superficial infections known as skin mycoses or dermatomycoses. The disease is characterised by variable prognosis. Its clinical picture is largely dependent on the immune status of the host and can range from local skin or subcutaneous infections to invasive, disseminated, and life-threatening infections. In the first decades of the 20th century, the first concerns were raised about the growing prevalence of fungal infections in humans, which was ascribed to various environmental factors and anthropopressure. Consequently, the first therapeutic attempts were made to treat these infections. At present, at least several different groups of antifungal drugs are available for medical treatment. Nevertheless, the overlapping mechanisms of action of these substances and discontinuation of therapy by patients may contribute to the emergence of resistance of strains, including multi-drug resistance. The aim of this study is to review the literature focused on the mechanisms of resistance developed by dermatophytes to antifungal substances. Through evolution, these fungi have developed complex cellular response systems comprising elements of the environment-cell signalling system, responses to stressors, and tolerance to harmful chemical substances. Such stimuli as exposure of dermatophytes to an antifungal drug, damage to their cell wall, and disturbances in the osmolarity of the environment with generation of reactive oxygen species can be activators of signalling pathways targeted at mitigation of the effects of sudden cellular stress. A majority of molecular mechanisms underlying the response to these stressors also constitute a mechanism of tolerance and resistance to antifungal substances. In the future, elucidation of these mechanisms may lead to development of new chemotherapeutics that will become a key strategy in the treatment of dermatophyte strains exhibiting resistance to currently available antifungal drugs.

1. Introduction. 2. Current antifungal drugs. 3. Exposure of the pathogen to drugs, stress response, and adaptation. 4. Mechanisms of drug efflux from the cell. 5. Mechanisms of drug detoxification. 6. Transcriptional modulation of signalling pathway genes. 7. Role of heat shock proteins in drug resistance. 8. Mutations in target enzyme genes inducing drug resistance. 9. Structural elements of the cell contributing to drug resistance. 10. Summary
The impact of environmental PR on product consumption
Authors: Zyma Olga , Stefanski Ryszard , Golub Maria
Published: June 2020

The article argues that modern media and public relations play a significant role in addressing environmental issues. It is shown that in order to create favorable conditions for the implementation of ecological PR, it is necessary to take into account the relations not only between the enterprises and their target audiences but also between the subjects of environmental PR. It is proved that carrying out environmental PR is possible with the use of РR-tools, which can be various, depending on measures, such as publications in mass media; events for journalists; environmental measures; social-environmental advertising. Based on generalized literature sources, it has been proved that modern market relations for the support of socially responsible businesses require the use of such aspects of motivation during environmental PR that shape the consumer with a caring attitude to the environment and their health. It is proved that along with the production of environmentally friendly products, the opposite phenomenon is observed – greenwashing. Therefore, examples of social responsibility of enterprises that carry out environmental PR and are responsible for ecological problems form social responsibility for environmental protection for all market participants.
Multivariate groundwater drought analysis using copulas
Authors: Saghafian Bahram , Sanginabadi Hamid
Published: June 2020

Drought characteristics are among major inputs in the planning and management of water resources. Although numerous studies on probabilistic aspects of meteorological drought characteristics and their joint distribution functions have been reported, multivariate analysis of groundwater (GW) drought is rarely available. In this paper, while proposing a framework for statistical analysis of disturbed hydrological systems, copula-based multivariate GW drought analysis was performed in an over-drafted aquifer. For this purpose, a 1,000-year synthetic time series of naturalized GW level was produced. GW drought was monitored via the Standardized GW Index (SGI) index while the multivariate GW drought probability and return period were determined via copulas. Comparison between the copula and empirical GW drought probabilities using statistical goodness-of-fit tests proved sufficient accuracy of copula models in multivariate drought analysis. The results showed strong dependence among GW drought characteristics. Generally speaking, multivariate GW drought analysis incorporates major drought characteristics and provides concrete scientific basis for planning drought management strategies.
Adsorption dynamics of dye onto crab shell chitosan/neem leaf composite
Authors: Francis Asokogene Oluwadayo , Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas , Muhammad Idris Misau , Abdulsalam Surajudeen , El-Nafaty Usman Aliyu
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption dynamics of crab shell chitosan/neem leaf composite against methylene blue dye at varying concentrations (50 and 200 mg/L), bed depths (2.5 and 5.0 cm), and flow rates (2.17 and 2.90 mL/min). The chitosan composite has a specific surface of 258 m2/g. Its surface is rich in amine/amide groups. The results reflect better dye adsorption at higher operating conditions. The maximum dye adsorption capacity observed was almost 77 mg/g. The kinetics models showed good correlation with the experimental data and described the breakthrough behaviour of dye removal. The Thomas model predicts external and internal diffusion as the rate controlling mechanisms, while the Adams-Bohart model indicates a simultaneous steady state process of intraparticle diffusion and ionic interaction. Chitosan composite is a promising adsorbent candidate for dye wastewater treatment.
Real-time model predictive control of a wastewater treatment plant based on machine learning
Authors: Bernardelli A. , Marsili-Libelli S. , Manzini A. , Stancari S. , Tardini G. , Montanari D. , Anceschi G. , Gelli P. , Venier S.
Published: June 2020

Two separate goals should be jointly pursued in wastewater treatment: nutrient removal and energy conservation. An efficient controller performance should cope with process uncertainties, seasonal variations and process nonlinearities. This paper describes the design and testing of a model predictive controller (MPC) based on neuro-fuzzy techniques that is capable of estimating the main process variables and providing the right amount of aeration to achieve an efficient and economical operation. This algorithm has been field tested on a large-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant of about 500,000 PE, with encouraging results in terms of better effluent quality and energy savings.
QUALIDADE DE VIDA DOS MÉDICOS RESIDENTES: ESTUDO DE CASO DE UM HOSPITAL DE ENSINO FEDERAL
Authors: Vieira Adriane , Kakehasi Fabiana Maria , Monteiro Marilene Vale de Castro , Moreira Lorrana Risi , Deconto João Antonio
Published: June 2020

O ingresso nos cursos de medicina provoca mudanças no estilo de vida dos acadêmicos, em função de vários fatores estressantes, dentre eles a intensa dedicação aos estudos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida dos médicos-residentes de um hospital de ensino federal, no estado de Minas Gerais. O método de pesquisa adotado foi o levantamento de dados (survey), por meio do questionário WHOQOL-Bref, com uma amostra de 254 residentes. Para a análise dos dados recorreu-se à estatística descritiva. Os resultados apontam percepções quanto a qualidade de vida global e geral da saúde de não estar satisfeito nem insatisfeito com a condição. Os domínios Físico e Meio Ambiente foram aqueles que apresentaram as facetas com médias mais baixas, exigindo especial atenção para com os fatores sono e repouso, sentimentos negativos, recursos financeiros, lazer e qualidade do ambiente físico, que articulados podem afetar a disposição e a capacidade para o trabalho, favorecendo os sentimentos de desânimo, ansiedade, mau humor e até depressão. A ausência de monitoramento do estado emocional pode incorrer em maior risco para estados depressivos, consumo álcool e disfunções conjugais.
Reflexões Sobre o Turismo Inclusivo
Authors: Medeiros Márcia Maria de , Santana Solange Pereira de , Ruiz da Silva Luiz Alberto
Published: June 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre as questões inerentes ao turismo inclusivo. Para tanto, realizou uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental observando como as práticas relacionadas à inclusão e sua relação com o turismo acontece no Brasil, com base na legislação vigente. O texto também procura entender como ocorre o processo de turismo inclusivo em outras partes do mundo, especificamente em Portugal. É possível concluir que avanços já foram feitos em relação às práticas inclusivas, mas ainda há necessidade de maior conscientização sobre as questões que envolvem a inclusão, bem como a implementação concreta da legislação pertinente no Brasil.Palavras-chave: Turismo; Inclusão; Turismo Inclusivo; Legislação; Brasil.
Antropologia e formas quotidianas: o brasileiro e a hospitalidade
Authors: Lauand Jean
Published: June 2020

Transcrição de palestra realizada na aula inaugural do PPG em hospitalidade em março de 2019. Com base num tipo ideal, o autor analisa as formas cotidianas de trato, as características da hospitalidade do brasileiro. Para tanto, discute a sociologia da comunicação na linguagem e a suavidade (ou não...) de nossas formas quotidianas de convivência, analisando em particular os casos dos diminutivos, dos eufemismos, melindres e votos exagerados. Conclui que se unirmos esse calor F que o Brasil já fornece de graça e “de nascença” a nosso povo e ao pessoal que trabalha em serviços a um pouco mais do fator T, que valoriza a organização, a objetividade e a eficiência, nossa hospitalidade será, de longe, a melhor do mundo.
O QUE ME ATRAI NESSA PROPAGANDA QUE ME LEVA A ESSE PAÍS? SÍMBOLOS OU HOSPITALIDADE?
Authors: Silva Maria Aldenora da , Silva Marcelo Ribeiro Arraes da , Perinotto André Riani Costa
Published: June 2020

As estratégias de marketing buscam estabelecer um imaginário capaz de influenciar consumidores em suas escolhas, materializando o objeto por meio de imagens. Este artigo analisa peças de propagandas produzidas para mercanciar o Brasil como destino turístico. Foram analisadas imagens de vídeos exibidos nos anos de 2014 e 2016, período em que o País sediou eventos de expressão mundial, submetidas à técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, com o objetivo de identificar os aspectos evidenciados nas imagens e sua contribuição na escolha do destino por turistas internacionais. O vídeo, comum aos dois eventos, está no Portal da Copa – http://www.copa2014.gov.br – site oficial do governo para a divulgar a Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014 com acesso de conteúdo aberto ao público. A análise dos dados estatísticos, produzidos pelo Ministério do Turismo, nos anos de 2013 a 2017, referenda a influência das peças para divulgação nas escolhas do Brasil como destino pelos turistas de outros países.
Turismo, práticas alimentares e hospitalidade em comunidades rurais: reflexões a partir da localidade de Três Picos, Nova Friburgo-RJ, Brasil.
Authors: Ferreira Helena Catão Henriques
Published: June 2020

A alimentação nos remete a questionamentos sobre as relações entre cultura e natureza, e os campos simbólico e biológico. A comida não representa apenas uma substância alimentar, mas também um jeito de alimentar-se, carregando significados diversos. Os produtos agrícolas e os alimentos transformaram-se em elementos importantes na construção de destinos e produtos turísticos das áreas rurais, no Brasil e no mundo. Além disso, discursos pautados na ‘sustentabilidade’ interagem com essas demandas, projetando imaginários que levam os turistas à busca de produtos associados às culturas locais – tais como os alimentos ‘tradicionais’ e ‘orgânicos’, que requalificam a alimentação como patrimônio imaterial. Esse movimento comunica aos nativos a importância da revalorização de memórias e de elementos culturais voltados à construção de identidades. Com o objetivo de investigar dinâmicas e práticas alimentares locais, bem como mudanças operadas a partir do desenvolvimento da atividade turística este trabalho resulta de pesquisa de base etnográfica junto a uma comunidade ligada à agricultura familiar, na localidade de Três Picos, em Nova Friburgo-RJ, Brasil.
Editorial
Authors: Stefanini Claudio José , Cavenaghi Airton José , Alves Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2020

Editorial
Artificial Intelligence and Human Trust in Healthcare: Focus on Clinicians
Authors: Asan Onur , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah , Choudhury Avishek
Published: June 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) can transform health care practices with its increasing ability to translate the uncertainty and complexity in data into actionable—though imperfect—clinical decisions or suggestions. In the evolving relationship between humans and AI, trust is the one mechanism that shapes clinicians’ use and adoption of AI. Trust is a psychological mechanism to deal with the uncertainty between what is known and unknown. Several research studies have highlighted the need for improving AI-based systems and enhancing their capabilities to help clinicians. However, assessing the magnitude and impact of human trust on AI technology demands substantial attention. Will a clinician trust an AI-based system? What are the factors that influence human trust in AI? Can trust in AI be optimized to improve decision-making processes? In this paper, we focus on clinicians as the primary users of AI systems in health care and present factors shaping trust between clinicians and AI. We highlight critical challenges related to trust that should be considered during the development of any AI system for clinical use.
Patient Innovation in Investigating the Effects of Environmental Pollution in Schizophrenia: Case Report of Digital Phenotyping Beyond Apps
Authors: Vaidyam Aditya , Roux Spencer , Torous John
Published: June 2020

This patient perspective highlights the role of patients in the innovation and codesign of digital mental health technology. Though digital mental health apps have evolved and become highly functional, many still act as data collection silos without adequate support for patients to understand and investigate potentially meaningful inferences in their own data. Few digital health platforms respect the patient’s agency and curiosity, allowing the individual to wear the hat of researcher and data scientist and share their experiences and insight with their clinicians. This case is cowritten with an individual with lived experiences of schizophrenia who has decided to openly share their name and experiences to share with others the methods and results of their curiosity and encourage and inspire others to follow their curiosity as well.
Structural Basis for Designing Multiepitope Vaccines Against COVID-19 Infection: In Silico Vaccine Design and Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Srivastava Sukrit , Verma Sonia , Kamthania Mohit , Kaur Rupinder , Badyal Ruchi Kiran , Saxena Ajay Kumar , Shin Ho-Joon , Kolbe Michael , Pandey Kailash C
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to the ongoing 2019-2020 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA coronavirus. Effective countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2 infection require the design and development of specific and effective vaccine candidates.

OBJECTIVE

To address the urgent need for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, in the present study, we designed and validated one cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and one helper T lymphocyte (HTL) multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) against SARS-CoV-2 using various in silico methods.

METHODS

Both designed MEVs are composed of CTL and HTL epitopes screened from 11 structural and nonstructural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. Both MEVs also carry potential B-cell linear and discontinuous epitopes as well as interferon gamma–inducing epitopes. To enhance the immune response of our vaccine design, truncated (residues 10-153) Onchocerca volvulus activation-associated secreted protein-1 was used as an adjuvant at the N termini of both MEVs. The tertiary models for both the designed MEVs were generated, refined, and further analyzed for stable molecular interaction with toll-like receptor 3. Codon-biased complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated for both MEVs and analyzed in silico for high level expression in a mammalian (human) host cell line.

RESULTS

In the present study, we screened and shortlisted 38 CTL, 33 HTL, and 12 B cell epitopes from the 11 protein sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome. Moreover, the molecular interactions of the screened epitopes with their respective human leukocyte antigen allele binders and the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) complex were positively validated. The shortlisted screened epitopes were utilized to design two novel MEVs against SARS-CoV-2. Further molecular models of both MEVs were prepared, and their stable molecular interactions with toll-like receptor 3 were positively validated. The codon-optimized cDNAs of both MEVs were also positively analyzed for high levels of overexpression in a human cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is highly significant in terms of the molecular design of prospective CTL and HTL vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection with potential to elicit cellular and humoral immune responses. The epitopes of the designed MEVs are predicted to cover the large human population worldwide (96.10%). Hence, both designed MEVs could be tried in vivo as potential vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2.
WhatsApp-Based Focus Groups Among Mexican-Origin Women in Zika Risk Area: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Data Quality (Preprint)
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth , Koss Mary , Castro Luque Ana Lucía , Garcia David , Lopez Elise , Ernst Kacey
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Despite unprecedented advances in worldwide access to the internet via smartphones, barriers to engaging hard-to-reach populations remain in many methods of health research. A potential avenue for conducting qualitative research is via participatory web-based media, including the free, popular social platform WhatsApp. However, despite the clear advantages of engaging with participants over a well-established web-based platform, logistical challenges remain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to report evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of WhatsApp as a method to conduct focus groups.

METHODS

A pilot focus group was conducted with Spanish-speaking women near the US–Mexico border. The content focus was knowledge and perceived risks for exposure to the Zika virus during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Evidence was obtained regarding WhatsApp as a low-cost, logistically feasible methodology that resulted in rich qualitative data from a population that is often reticent to engage in traditional research. A total of 5 participants participated in a focus group, of whom all 5 consistently contributed to the focus group chat in WhatsApp, which was conducted over 3 consecutive days.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings are noteworthy at a time when face-to-face focus groups, the gold standard, are risky or precluded by safe COVID-19 guidelines. Other implications include more applications and evaluations of WhatsApp for delivering one-on-one or group health education interventions on sensitive topics. This paper outlines the key steps and considerations for the replication or adaptation of methods.
Self-Care Index and Post-Acute Care Discharge Score to Predict Discharge Destination of Adult Medical Inpatients: Protocol for a Multicenter Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Conca Antoinette , Koch Daniel , Regez Katharina , Kutz Alexander , Bächli Ciril , Haubitz Sebastian , Schuetz Philipp , Mueller Beat , Spirig Rebecca , Petry Heidi
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Delays in patient discharge can not only lead to deterioration, especially among geriatric patients, but also incorporate unnecessary resources at the hospital level. Many of these delays and their negative impact may be preventable by early focused screening to identify patients at risk for transfer to a post-acute care facility. Early interprofessional discharge planning is crucial in order to fit the appropriate individual discharge destination. While prediction of discharge to a post-acute care facility using post-acute care discharge score, the self-care index, and a combination of both has been shown in a single-center pilot study, an external validation is still missing.

OBJECTIVE

This paper outlines the study protocol and methodology currently being used to replicate the previous pilot findings and determine whether the post-acute care discharge score, the self-care index, or the combination of both can reliably identify patients requiring transfer to post-acute care facilities.

METHODS

This study will use prospective data involving all phases of the quasi-experimental study “In-HospiTOOL” conducted at 7 Swiss hospitals in urban and rural areas. During an 18-month period, consecutive adult medical patients admitted to the hospitals through the emergency department will be included. We aim to include 6000 patients based on sample size calculation. These data will enable a prospective external validation of the prediction instruments.

RESULTS

We expect to gain more insight into the predictive capability of the above-mentioned prediction instruments. This approach will allow us to get important information about the generalizability of the three different models. The study was approved by the institutional review board on November 21, 2016, and funded in May 2020. Expected results are planned to be published in spring 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will provide evidence on prognostic properties, comparative performance, reliability of scoring, and suitability of the instruments for the screening purpose in order to be able to recommend application in clinical practice.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/21447
Development of a Mobile App to Improve Numeracy Skills of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Participatory Design and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ntalindwa Theoneste , Nduwingoma Mathias , Karangwa Evariste , Rashid Soron Tanjir , Uworwabayeho Alphonse , Uwineza Annette
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of information and communication technologies is transforming the lives of millions of people including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the process of developing a user-friendly and effective mobile app needs to follow a complex standard protocol and culture-sensitive customization, and involves multiple sectors. This complex work becomes even more challenging when considering children with ASD in low- and middle-income countries as the users.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design and develop a more intuitive mobile app to improve numeracy skills of children with ASD in Rwanda and evaluate the usability of the app.

METHODS

A participatory design approach was utilized in this study in which 40 children with ASD, 5 teachers, and 10 parents of children with ASD participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and usability testing. A narrative literature review was performed to explore existing mobile apps and compare previous studies to design the questions for FGD and facilitate a framework for designing the app. The agile methodology was used to develop the mobile app, and the heuristics evaluation method was used to test and evaluate the usability of the initial version of the app to improve its functionalities. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following the guidelines of the qualitative narrative analysis (QNA) method.

RESULTS

During the FGDs the respondents shared their need for a mobile app in teaching and learning numeracy for children with ASD and pointed to possibilities of integrating the mobile app into existing curriculum. Ten themes emerged from the FGDs and exercise of developing the mobile app. The themes were related to (1) teaching and learning numeracy for children with ASD, (2) planning and development of a mobile app for a person with ASD, (3) testing a mobile app, (4) strength of the developed app against the existing ones, (5) behavioral maintenance and relapse prevention, (6) possibilities to integrate the mobile app into the existing curriculum, (7) data protection for users, (8) social implications, (9) challenges in Rwanda, and (10) focus on future.

CONCLUSIONS

The community plays an important role in the planning, development, and evaluation of a mobile app for children with ASD. In this study, inputs from teachers and parents resulted in an optimally designed mobile app that can improve numeracy skills in children diagnosed with ASD to support the implementation of competency-based curriculum in Rwanda.
Investigating Diseases and Chemicals in COVID-19 Literature with Text Mining (Preprint)
Authors: Karami Amir , Bookstaver Brandon , Nolan Melissa
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly all aspects of life and has posed significant threats to international health and the economy. Given the rapidly unfolding nature of the current pandemic, there is an urgent need to streamline literature synthesis of the growing scientific research to elucidate targeted solutions. While traditional systematic literature review studies provide valuable insights, these studies have restrictions, including analyzing a limited number of papers, having various biases, being time-consuming and labor-intensive, focusing on a few topics, incapable of trend analysis, and lack of data-driven tools.

OBJECTIVE

This study fills the mentioned restrictions in the literature and practice by analyzing two biomedical concepts, clinical manifestations of disease and therapeutic chemical compounds, with text mining methods in a corpus containing COVID-19 research papers and find associations between the two biomedical concepts.

METHODS

This research has collected papers representing COVID-19 pre-prints and peer-reviewed research published in 2020. We used frequency analysis to find highly frequent manifestations and therapeutic chemicals, representing the importance of the two biomedical concepts. This study also applied topic modeling to find the relationship between the two biomedical concepts.

RESULTS

We analyzed 9,298 research papers published through May 5, 2020 and found 3,645 disease-related and 2,434 chemical-related articles. The most frequent clinical manifestations of disease terminology included COVID-19, SARS, cancer, pneumonia, fever, and cough. The most frequent chemical-related terminology included Lopinavir, Ritonavir, Oxygen, Chloroquine, Remdesivir, and water. Topic modeling provided 25 categories showing relationships between our two overarching categories. These categories represent statistically significant associations between multiple aspects of each category, some connections of which were novel and not previously identified by the scientific community.

CONCLUSIONS

Appreciation of this context is vital due to the lack of a systematic large-scale literature review survey and the importance of fast literature review during the current COVID-19 pandemic for developing treatments. This study is beneficial to researchers for obtaining a macro-level picture of literature, to educators for knowing the scope of literature, to journals for exploring most discussed disease symptoms and pharmaceutical targets, and to policymakers and funding agencies for creating scientific strategic plans regarding COVID-19.
Collective Response to Media Coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Reddit and Wikipedia: Mixed-Methods Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Gozzi Nicolò , Tizzani Michele , Starnini Michele , Ciulla Fabio , Paolotti Daniela , Panisson André , Perra Nicola
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The exposure and consumption of information during epidemic outbreaks may alter people’s risk perception and trigger behavioral changes, which can ultimately affect the evolution of the disease. It is thus of utmost importance to map the dissemination of information by mainstream media outlets and the public response to this information. However, our understanding of this exposure-response dynamic during the COVID-19 pandemic is still limited.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to characterize the media coverage and collective internet response to the COVID-19 pandemic in four countries: Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

METHODS

We collected a heterogeneous data set including 227,768 web-based news articles and 13,448 YouTube videos published by mainstream media outlets, 107,898 user posts and 3,829,309 comments on the social media platform Reddit, and 278,456,892 views of COVID-19–related Wikipedia pages. To analyze the relationship between media coverage, epidemic progression, and users’ collective web-based response, we considered a linear regression model that predicts the public response for each country given the amount of news exposure. We also applied topic modelling to the data set using nonnegative matrix factorization.

RESULTS

Our results show that public attention, quantified as user activity on Reddit and active searches on Wikipedia pages, is mainly driven by media coverage; meanwhile, this activity declines rapidly while news exposure and COVID-19 incidence remain high. Furthermore, using an unsupervised, dynamic topic modeling approach, we show that while the levels of attention dedicated to different topics by media outlets and internet users are in good accordance, interesting deviations emerge in their temporal patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings offer an additional key to interpret public perception and response to the current global health emergency and raise questions about the effects of attention saturation on people’s collective awareness and risk perception and thus on their tendencies toward behavioral change.
The Mystification and Demystification of Shared Information on COVID-19 across Cyber Mediated News Networks: A Sociological Approach to Solutions for Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Ngwainmbi Prof. Dr. Emmanuel K.
Published: June 2020

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) hit the news headlines as a pandemic bound to affect millions of people around the world, and news media took responsibility to warn people, country heads, businesses, and private and non-governmental institutions about the virus. However, stories swirling on social media platforms about the origin and nature of Covid-19 as well as questionable reporting by established news networks have left the public questioning the integrity of the real causes of the virus, how it spreads and whether treatment standards equate the hoopla about the genesis of the “pandemic.” This paper reviews narratives about the mystification and demystification of Covid-19. It departs from the premise that the media frames ways in which people consume and use news. The paper then suggests ways in which policymakers should handle newsflow on Covid-19, how consumers should screen news, and how journalists should report Covid-19 ethically.
Student Evaluation of Teaching: Exploring Instructor and Student Perspectives with Course Redesign
Authors: Halston Abby , Lum Taylor , Chun Hans
Published: June 2020

Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET), or instructor evaluations, is used as a significant instrument across the world to measure instructors teaching methods and course evaluations. With the lack of standardized SET across universities and institutions, this study gains insight into how instructors use and improve student evaluations and students’ views of how their feedback is utilized by posing questions to university students and faculty through focus groups and interviews. Data was gathered and recorded to interpret students’ perceptions with how instructors utilize the students’ evaluations and instructors’ perceptions of student evaluations and how the instructors use the students’ feedback. Results indicate that students and instructors have different values for student feedback and curriculum improvement. Implications of different values for student feedback and curriculum improvement include instructors not attempting to improve their teaching and course, students poorly rating their instructors, and students that may not be challenged due to possibly receiving a negative evaluation.
Modelos centrados vs descentrados para la predicción de quiebra: evidencia empírica para España
Authors: Laguillo Gonzalo , Del Castillo Agustín , Fernández Manuel Ángel , Becerra Rafael
Published: June 2020

Usando información financiera de empresas españolas pertenecientes a distintos sectores económicos, este estudio ha desarrollado modelos centrados y descentrados para la predicción de quiebra. La comparación de ambos tipos de modelos nos ha permitido determinar la superioridad de los modelos descentrados, que en la mayor parte de los casos muestran una gran capacidad de predicción y un fuerte ahorro de costes de elaboración frente al desarrollo de numerosos modelos centrados. Este estudio también aporta conocimiento acerca de las variables que explican la quiebra en los diferentes sectores económicos y ayuda a la toma de decisiones sobre la utilización de un determinado modelo de predicción de quiebra.
Determinantes de la estructura de capital: un estudio empírico del sector manufacturero en Ecuador
Authors: Gutiérrez Ponce Herenia , Morán Montalvo Christian , Posas Murillo Ricardo
Published: June 2020

El objetivo de este estudio es descubrir los determinantes de la estructura de capital de 304 empresas del sector manufacturero de Guayaquil, durante el periodo 2012-2016 y qué teoría condensa mejor las decisiones de financiación de las empresas. La importancia del mismo, reside en verificar los determinantes del endeudamiento en empresas de un país en vías de desarrollo y comparar los resultados con las predicciones de las teorías sobre el Equilibrio Estático y sobre la Jerarquía Financiera. Como metodología se ha empleado una estructura de datos de panel junto a un modelo de efectos fijos. Tras la revisión de la literatura se ha utilizado un modelo de regresión de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios para descubrir la correlación y significación estadística entre la variable dependiente (ratio de endeudamiento) y un conjunto de variables independientes seleccionadas. En este estudio, la teoría de la Jerarquía Financiera tuvo mayor poder explicativo que la del Equilibrio Estático. Sin embargo, no se encontró evidencia estadística que sustente la importancia de las expectativas de crecimiento sobre la estructura de capital corporativa.
SOBRE LA PRESENCIA DE MOSCAS CALIFÓRIDAS (DIPTERA: CALLIPHORIDAE) EN CADÁVERES DE JUVENILES DE COCODRILO AMERICANO (CROCODYLUS ACUTUS) EN PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO
Authors: Sánchez-Álvarez Gibrán , Cupul-Magaña Fabio Germán
Published: June 2020

La entomología forense es una de las ciencias forenses que ha adquirido gran popularidad en
las últimas décadas, por lo que se piensa que es nueva. Sin embargo, tiene una larga historia
que data de la mitad del siglo X en China.
Entre los principales objetivos de esta ciencia se tiene el uso de los insectos para estimar
el intervalo posmortem, conocimiento potencialmente útil en el análisis de homicidios. Es decir,
el estudio entomológico puede ser aplicado para determinar si un cadáver ha sido movido
después de la muerte, indicar la presencia y posición de heridas, evidenciar el uso de drogas
prohibidas o situar a un sospechoso en la escena del crimen; además, puede ser empleado para
resolver casos de abuso o desatención en humanos y animales.
Técnicas anestésicas em odontologia: o que o profissional precisa saber?
Authors: Figueiredo de Brito Resende Rodrigo
Published: June 2020

RESUMOO uso de soluções e técnicas anestésicas são recursos utilizados para o controle local da dor. Esses artifícios sofreram mudanças nas substâncias utilizadas, bem como nas técnicas de acordo com o passar do tempo. A maioria das evoluções teve como objetivo a melhoria do bem-estar do paciente durante as consultas odontológicas. Diante da variedade de técnicas e de bibliografias, possivelmente há diversas dúvidas, onde a maioria deve abranger a escolha do melhor método e das regiões anestesiadas. A partir disso, o objetivo deste trabalho é facilitar a visualização das técnicas anestésicas, bem como auxiliar o atendimento do profissional e seu paciente, otimizando-o.Palavras – Chave: Odontologia; Técnicas anestésicas; Cirurgia oral. ABSTRACT The use of anesthetic solutions and techniques, the resources used do not control the local website. These are suffered artifacts that were used, as settlement techniques or passing the time. Most developments aim to improve the patient's well-being during dental consultations. By various techniques and bibliographies, it is possible to ask several questions, on the other hand, from the beginning to the blocking of the anesthetized regions method. Based on this, or the objective of this work, it is to facilitate the visualization of anesthetic techniques, such as assisting or assisting professional and patient, optimizing it.Key words: Dentistry; Anesthetic techniques; Oral surgery.
DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM USING OPTIMIZED FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER BY GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: TOYLAN Hayrettin
Published: June 2020

This study describes an intelligent control algorithm for the solar tracking system (STS) providing maximum performance from the photovoltaic panel according to different sun positions. The solar tracking system is designed as dual axis to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. DC motors are preferred in order to minimize cost and to control the azimuth and zenith angles in the solar tracking system. Fuzzy logic algorithms are used to adjust the speed of these motors to track the sun’s position with a high degree of accuracy. After designing a fuzzy logic controller in order to control the motors, membership functions of controller and control rules are simultaneously found by genetic algorithms which is an optimization algorithm based on natural selection and genetic mechanics. As a result in the study, the power performance analysis is compared between a photovoltaic panel positioned on the designed solar tracking system and a photovoltaic panel positioned on the static system. According to comparison results, the photovoltaic panel positioned on the solar tracking system is observed that it shows higher performance at varying rates of depending on the seasons.