bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“…the availability of contraceptives is everywhere.”: Coordinated and Integrated Family Planning Service Delivery in Rwanda
Authors: Scanteianu Adriana , Schwandt Hilary M. , Boulware Angel , Corey Julia , Herrera Ana , Hudler Ethan , Imbabazi Claudette , King Ilia , Linus Jessica , Manzi Innocent , Merritt Madelyn , Mezier Lyn , Miller Abigail , Morris Haley , Musemakweli Dieudonne , Musekura Uwase , Mutuyimana Divine , Ntakarutimana Chimene , Patel Nirali , Shemeza Biganette-Evidente , Sterling-Donaldson Gi’anna , Umutoni Chantal , Uwera Lyse , Zeiler Madeleine , Feinberg Seth
Published: May 2021

Background

Contraceptive use in Rwanda tripled since 2005. This study aims to understand the role of coordinated and integrated family planning service delivery in achieving this increase in contraceptive use in Rwanda.

Methods

This qualitative study in 2018 included eight focus group discussions with family planning providers and 32 in-depth interviews with experienced family planning users.

Results

Results indicate a well-coordinated family planning service delivery system with community health workers and nurses filling different and complementary roles in meeting family planning client needs at the local level. In addition, integration of family planning into other maternal and child health services is the norm.

Conclusions

The coordination and integration of family planning across both providers and services may help explain the rapid increase in Rwanda’s contraceptive use and has potential applications for enhancing family planning service delivery in other settings.
Rezension zu: Stefan Weise, Der Arion des Lorenz Rhodoman. Ein altgriechisches Epyllion der Renaissance. Einleitung, Text, Übersetzung, Wortindex
Authors: Bär Silvio
Published: May 2021

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EVALUASI PENGELOLAAN TEKNOLOGI TPS 3R DI DESA WISATA RELIGI GUNUNGPRING KABUPATEN MAGELANG
Authors: Habib Muhammad Alhada Fuadilah , Mahyuddin Mahyuddin
Published: May 2021

Abstrak: Pariwisata, khususnya pariwisata religi, merupakan sektor yang mulai diminati oleh masyarakat akhir-akhir ini. Tingginya minat masyarakat terhadap sektor pariwisata tersebut dapat dipahami karena adanya trend budaya pamer foto/video di media sosial sebagai bentuk aktualisasi diri di dunia maya. Tingginya animo masyarakat terhadap sektor pariwisata ini, selain membawa dampak baik, seperti peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat setempat, ternyata juga membawa berbagai dampak buruk. Salah satu dampak buruk yang timbul adalah permasalahan sampah. Kementerian PUPR melalui Balai Litbang Perkim berupaya mengatasi masalah sampah dengan membangun TPS 3R di beberapa titik lokasi, salah satunya di Desa Wisata Gunungpring, Magelang. Setelah dibangunnya teknologi pengolah sampah seperti ini, tentu saja memerlukan pengelolaan dari lembaga setempat. Dalam hal ini pengelolaan teknologi TPS 3R diserahkan kepada KSM Berkah yang merupakan Bumdes di Desa Guunungpring. Setelah dikelola selama satu tahun, dilakukan upaya evaluasi untuk melihat keseuaian antara tujuan pembangunan dengan hasil di lapangan. Adapun hasil evaluasi menemukan bahwa ternyata masih ada beberapa ketidaksesuaian pengelolaan, mulai dari kualitas dan kuantitas tenaga pengelola, manajemen pengelolaan, manajemen keuangan, serta kebutuhan sarana dan prasarana dalam proses pengelolaan.
Kata Kunci: Evaluasi; Pariwisata; Sampah; Kelembagaan; Pengelolaan; TPS3R.
 
Abstract: Tourism, especially religious tourism, is a sector that has begun to be of interest to the public lately. The high public interest in the tourism sector can be implemented because of the cultural trend of photos/videos on social media as a form of self-actualization in cyberspace. The high public interest in the tourism sector, apart from having good impacts, such as an increase in the local community's economy, is also the impact of various bad impacts. One of the bad impacts that arise is the problem of waste. The PUPR Ministry through the Perkim Research and Development Center is trying to solve the waste problem by building 3R TPS in several locations, one of which is in Gunungpring Tourism Village, Magelang. After the development of waste processing technology like this, of course, it needs management from local institutions. In terms of technology management, TPS 3R is handed over to KSM Berkah, which is the Bumdes in Guunungpring Village. After being managed for one year, evaluation effort was made to see the alignment between development goals and results in the field. The results of the evaluation found that there were still some management mismatches, starting from the quality and quantity of management personnel, management, financial management, and the need for facilities and infrastructure in the management process.
Keywords: Evaluation; Tourism; Garbage; Institutional; Management; TPS3R
Effect of salicylic acid in post-harvest quality of ‘BRS Kampai’ peaches submitted to different cold storage periods
Authors: Benati Jorge Atílio , Barreto Caroline Farias , Navroski Renan , Farias Roseli de Mello , Martins Carlos Roberto , Malgarim Marcelo Barbosa
Published: May 2021

Fast ripening of fruits is one of the main hindrances to peach preservation. Even though the use of cold storage has extended commercialization periods, fruit quality is affected during storage. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of application of salicylic acid (SA) during cold storage, followed by commercialization simulation, regarding physical and chemical characteristics of ‘BRS Kampai’ peaches, which were harvested in the 2017 crop. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized factorial design (4×3: SA concentrations × storage days), with four replications of ten fruits each. SA was applied at the following concentrations: 0, 2, 4 and 6 mM. Afterwards, fruits were submitted to cold storage at 1±0.5ºC and 80-85% relative humidity. Analyses were carried out on harvest day, on the 10th cold storage day, followed by a day at room temperature (20ºC) and on the 20th cold storage day, followed by a day at room temperature. Fruits were evaluated in terms of their mass loss, epidermis color, chromatic hue, pulp firmness, soluble solids (SS), pH and titratable acidity (TA). Both application of SA and cold storage contributed to decrease mass loss and TA, besides increasing the SS/TA relation. Fruits which were stored for 20 days and kept at room temperature for a day exhibited the highest values of SS and the lowest values of both brightness and pulp firmness. SA was efficient to maintain the quality of ‘BRS Kampai’ peaches submitted to cold storage for 10 and 20 days and an extra day of commercialization simulation.
Volatile organic compounds produced by Trichoderma sp. morphophysiologically altered maize growth at initial stages
Authors: Santos Juliana Lopes dos , Ribeiro Evandro Alves , Oliveira Rodrigo Silva de , Luz João Henrique da Silva , Nunes Bruno Henrique di Napoli , Oliveira Hanrara Pires de , Sarmento Renato de Almeida , Silva Rubens Ribeiro da , Junior Aloísio Freitas Chagas
Published: May 2021

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are important microorganisms for increasing plant growth. However, few studies have evaluated the potential of volatile compounds produced by the fungus Trichoderma spp. and it's potential as promoters and beneficiaries with respect to maize cultivation. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of volatile compounds produced by Trichoderma spp. and their potential for morphophysiological improvement in the initial growth of corn crops. The experiment was conducted in a factorial scheme (2x6+1), arranged in a completely randomized design, with two evaluation times (7 and 15 days after emergence (DAE) and five Trichoderma spp. isolates (plus one control). The isolates were classified as the following species and identified with the following codes: UFT-25: Trichoderma harzianum; UFT-37: Trichoderma pinnatium; UFT-57: Trichoderma virens; UFT-201: Trichoderma asperellum and UFT-204: Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The volatile compounds produced by Trichoderma spp. and inoculated in culture medium present in each experimental unit without direct contact with the roots of the plants, promoted an increase mass production and changed morphology and physiology, especially plant height, leaf area, absolute and relative growth rate, Falker chlorophyll index, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (RuBisCo), and net photosynthesis rate
Productive potential of watermelon under different plant spacings in the semi-arid region of Brazil
Authors: Silva Antônio Veimar da , Silva Carla Michelle da , Gonçalves Caio Nunes , Filho Manoel Cícero de Oliveira , Pereira Caike de Sousa , Andrade Maria Jany Kátia Loiola , Pessoa Wagner Rogério Leocádio Soares
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and development of watermelon plants under different plant spacings in the Semi-arid region of Brazil. A randomized block experimental design was used with four treatments and eight replications. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and the Tukey test. The treatments were composed by the following spacings: T1: 3.0 x 0.8 m; T2: 3.0 x 0.6 m; T3: 2.0 x 0.8 m and T4: 2.0 x 0.6 m (spacings between rows and between plants, respectively). The plant length, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, number of flowers, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, total fruit production, number of commercial fruits, average weight of commercial fruits, total weight of commercial fruits and percentage of commercial fruits were evaluated in this study. There was a significant difference in the growth traits: stem diameter and leaf area at 30 days after sowing (DAS), and plant length, stem diameter and number of leaves at 60 DAS, with no significant statistical difference in the remaining days and nor for the number of flowers. The watermelon plants showed adequate vegetative and productive development at the 2.0 x 0.8 m plant spacing in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the semi-arid region under study. This spacing is well suited to small producers in the semi-arid region, which are dependent on agriculture with small areas and can obtain good productivity with no need to use larger areas due to spacing
Pre-sowing treatment of maize seeds by cold atmospheric plasma and pulsed electromagnetic fields: Effect on plant and kernels characteristics
Authors: Chanioti Sofia , Katsenios Nikolaos , Efthimiadou Aspasia , Stergiou Panagiota , Xanthou Zacharoula-Maria , Giannoglou Marianna , Dimitrakellis Panagiotis , Gogolides Evangelos , Katsaros George
Published: May 2021

The effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) (45 kHz sinusoidal AC high voltage at 6 kV peak-to-peak for 5-15 min) and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) (amplitude 12.5 mT, repetitive frequency 3 Hz for 30 min) as pre-sowing treatments was studied on the germination, physiology, yield and quality characteristics of maize hybrid seeds with high and low germination capability. The measurements conducted during the plant growth were the dry weight, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, while for the harvested kernels, the color, texture, sphericity, size, ash, total protein and total crude content were estimated. The results showed that CAP and PEMF pre-sowing treatments favored the growth and physiology of both maize plants improving their germination rate significantly. Their chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance as well as dry weight were also improved. Both CAP and PEMF treatments, resulted in maize yield increase by 18-25% and by 10-20% compared to untreated samples for the low and high germination capability seeds, respectively. With regards to the quality of the harvested corn grains, their total protein and crude fiber content obtained by CAP treatment for 15 min were significantly increased by 26% and 29% for low germination seeds and by 36% and 42% for high germination seeds, respectively, compared to untreated samples. The results indicate that either CAP or PEMF pre-sowing treatments could be used as alternative ameliorative tools in order to improve maize growth, productivity, yield and quality of the final products
Herbicides in agronomic performance and chlorophyll indices of Enlist E3 and Roundup Ready soybean
Authors: Silva André Felipe Moreira , Lucio Felipe Ridolfo , Marco Lucas Rafael de , Giraldeli Ana Ligia , Albrecht Alfredo Junior Paiola , Albrecht Leandro Paiola , Filho Ricardo Victoria , Nunes Felipe Alves
Published: May 2021

Soybean DAS-44406-6 (Enlist E3) is tolerant to glyphosate, 2,4-D and glufosinate. However, more information is needed on selectivity of 2,4-D choline on Enlist E3 soybean, alone or in mixtures. The aim of this study was to evaluate herbicide effects on agronomic performance and chlorophyll indices of soybean. Glyphosate was applied at different stages of development of Enlist E3 and RR soybean. Furthermore, 2,4-D choline alone and in mixture with glyphosate or glufosinate were also applied on Enlist E3 soybean. Studies were conducted in 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. Experiment 1 consisted of application of glyphosate. The treatments were arranged in a 2x4 factorial (genotpes x growth stage). For genotypes, Enlist E3 and RR were used. For growth stage, control (without application), V4, V6 and R2 were used. Experiment 2 consisted of application of 2,4-D choline, glyphosate, glufosinate and associations, at V4 of Enlist E3 soybean. Crop injury, chlorophyll indices and agronomic performance were evaluated. The equivalent selectivity of glyphosate for Enlist E3 and RR soybean was verified, regardless of the stage. 2,4-D choline, alone or in mixtures, did not reduce chlorophyll indices and yield of Enlist E3 soybean after application at V4. Enlist E3 soybean was found to be tolerant to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate. The results showed that, in addition to glyphosate, Enlist E3 soybean may be an alternative for glyphosate resistant weeds
Correlations between characters and path analysis in sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes for juice production
Authors: Oliveira Taniele Carvalho de , Barelli Marco Antonio Aparecido , Silva Valvenarg Pereira da , Azevedo Rafhael Felipin- , Gonçalves Danilo de Lima , Santos Paulo Ricardo Junges dos , Poletine Juliana Parisotto , Galbiati Carla , Tardin Flávio Dessaune
Published: May 2021

Sweet sorghum presents stems with juice similar to that of sugar cane, rich in fermentable sugars, that may be used in off-season for sugar and ethanol production optimizing the sugar-ethanol sector. The objective of this work was to determine genetic correlations between characters and perform path analysis between juice volume and its components. Twenty-five sweet sorghum genotypes were evaluated in randomized blocks design with three repetitions and studied variables were: number of days to flowering; plant height; number of stems; weight of green mass; weight of dry mass; number of leaves; diameter of stems; volume of extracted juice and percentage of total soluble solids. In order to verify the existence of variability among the genotypes, data were subjected to variance analysis by F-test. Subsequently, genetic parameters were determined, as soon as genetic correlation estimator’s method, performed by t-test, to determine phenotypic correlation and bootstrap method for determining environmental and genetics correlation coefficient. Before performing path analysis a multicollinearity diagnosis was also conducted. The results of genetic correlation and path analysis point weight of green mass as the main variable influencing the juice volume, allowing these characters in indirect selection for increasing juice volume
The effect of a firm’s internal factors on its profitability: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Dahmash Firas , Al Salamat Wasfi , M. Masadeh Walid , Alshurafat Hashem
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a firm’s size, asset growth, asset tangibility, and financial leverage on profitability for all listed corporate firms in Jordan using unbalanced panel data (time series and cross-sectional) regression analysis for a sample of 1,663 observations over the period from 2011 to 2018. The overall results show a significant positive effect of a firm’s size and asset growth on profitability. However, asset tangibility presents a significant negative effect on profitability, while financial leverage has an insignificant positive effect on profitability. An analysis of each of the main sectors also point to a consistently positive effect of a firm’s size on profitability, while the results for growth in assets and financial leverage are nearly consistent with overall findings, but not those for asset tangibility. Furthermore, the sub-sample industry analysis reveals mixed results due to the different industry shapes and structures. This study is expected to be of value to firm managers, investors, researchers, and regulators.
Introducing the T-shaped weir: a new nonlinear weir
Authors: Noroozi Behzad , Bazargan Jalal , Safarzadeh Akbar
Published: May 2021

In the present study, a new nonlinear weir called the T-shaped weir (TSW), which is a combination of the labyrinth weir (LW) and the piano key weir (PKW), was introduced, and its hydraulic performance was compared with the PKW. Based on the presence of the vertical walls at the inlet key, outlet key, or both keys, the TSW weirs were classified as type A, B, or C weirs, respectively. The flow pattern of different TSW cases was analyzed, and the discharge coefficient curves were provided. Furthermore, to accurately study the hydrodynamics of the tested weirs, 3D numerical simulations were performed using the FLOW-3D software. The results showed that inserting a vertical wall at the upstream of the outlet keys (C-TSW type) has a negligible effect on the hydraulic performance of the PKW. A maximum increase of 16% occurred in the discharge coefficient of the B-TSW in comparison to the PKW, and up to a head to height ratio (Ht/p) of 0.45, the effect of the vertical wall on increasing the performance of the B-TSW was maintained. Based on the experimental and numerical tests, the optimal height ratio of the vertical wall (Pd/P) in B-TSW with highest discharge capacity was determined to be equal to 0.4.
STATE OF THE HUMAN INNATE IMMUNITY CELL COMPONENT DURING 120-DAY ISOLATION IN A PRESSURIZED MODULE
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Ponomarev S.A. , Shulguina S.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kalinin S.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Antropova E.N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Rykova M.P. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Orlova K.D. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kutko O.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Shmarov V.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Vlasova D.D. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Sadova А.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: May 2021

Innate immunity was investigated in six 28 to 44 y.o. volunteers for 120-d isolation in controlled environment. Peripheral blood samples gathered during isolation were analyzed to determine monocytes and granulocytes expressing intracellular (TLR3, TLR8, TLR9) and surface (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6) TLRs, and lymphocytes-natural killers (CD3-CD16+CD56+). The system of pattern-recognition cell receptors displayed a heterogenic reaction with primary activation throughout the period in isolation. The observed changes represent evidently the processes of establishing a dynamic balance of immunity with extreme factors of the life in isolation and confinement, including the reactions to endogenous and exogenous stimuli.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT TO THE CREWS OF A PILOTED SPACE SYSTEM: HISTORY, GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND EFFECTIVENESS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Karpova O.I. , Rozanov I.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Shved D.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Gushin V.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Karapetyan A.S. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Potapova K.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: May 2021

Psychological support to the crew is crucial for the space mission accomplishment, and cosmonauts' professional longevity. In advance of remote space exploration mission we need to sum up the accumulated knowledge and lessons. The paper gives a retrospect of the psychological support to space crews and highlights its basic goals and methods.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONCURRENT APPLICATION OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ELECTRICAL TRANQUILIZATION AND PEPTIDE BIOREGULATOR CORTEXIN IN IMPROVEMENT OF THE HUMAN STATOKINETIC STABILITY
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St.-Petersburg, Sorokina L.A. , Buynov L.G. ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St.-Petersburg
Published: May 2021

The paper deals with effectiveness of 2-wk electrical tranquilization of the central nervous system (CNS ET) combined with peptide bioregulator cortexin in improvement of the statokinetic stability. Statokinetic loads were modeled using the standard test of continuous Coriolis accelerations accumulation (CCAT). Cortexin was applied intranasally twice a day at the dose of 5 mg. It was shown that CNS ET together with cortex extends the CCAT tolerance and alleviates sensory, autonomic and somatic components of statokinetic reactions. Tolerance time was the longest immediately after the course; over 3 months tolerance returned gradually to initial length.
Az élelmezésbiztonság és a gazdasági növekedés kapcsolata jövedelemszintenként
Authors: Dr. Máté Domicián , Novotny Ádám
Published: May 2021

Az élelmezésbiztonság biztosítása alapvető, de gyakran elhanyagolt célkitűzés a fenntartható fejlődést és kiegyensúlyozott gazdasági teljesítményt szolgáló intézkedések között. A tanulmány az élelmezésbiztonságnak az egy munkavállalóra jutó kibocsátás (termelékenység) növekedésére való hatását vizsgálja, miközben figyelembe veszi az országok fejlettségét. A dinamikus panel regresszió alapján kijelenthető, hogy az élelmezésbiztonság pozitív hatást gyakorol a termelékenység növekedésre, azonban a fejlettebb országok esetén ez a hatás erősebb. Az eredmények rávilágítanak az alacsony jövedelemszinttel rendelkező országok gazdasági problémáinak összetettségére, hiszen a fejlődésükhöz láthatóan nem elégséges az élelmiszerfogyasztás egyoldalú növelése.
The visual digital self: A discourse theoretical analysis of young people’s negotiations on gender, reputation and sexual morality online
Authors: Korkmazer Burcu , De Ridder Sander , Van Bauwel Sofie
Published: May 2021

Young people’s self-presentations on Instagram often display considerate discourses on gender, reputation and (sexual) morality. Previous studies have explored how these discourses are embedded in cultural narratives, while overseeing the significance of visibility and visual storytelling cultures online. Using a Foucauldian Feminist approach, we explore how young people’s discourses reflect the visual performance of aesthetic and neoliberal subjectivities online. Through six groups of young people between thirteen and twenty years old, we investigate how the visibility afforded by Instagram affects the negotiations of young people on gender, reputation and sexual morality. We gave them the agency to create, narrate and reflect upon fictious social media profiles with ‘good’, ‘bad’ or ‘ideal’ self-presentations, using a discourse theoretical analysis to examine the visual artefacts, individual stories and group conversations. Our analysis shows that youth’s discourses on self-presentation are based on a dynamic relation between self-determination and self-monitoring. Ideal self-presentations are understood as self-determining performances of visual, aesthetic and neoliberal subjectivities, whereas bad self-presentations are often negotiated as self-monitoring performances regarding sexual morality.
GREEN CITY: THE LIFESTYLE OF MELAKA RESIDENTS
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Mustapa Siti Indati , Mohammad Norsyahida
Published: May 2021

Personality and Lifestyles [PL] of those practicing environmentally-aware way of life manifest in collectivistic cultures, modesty and moderation in material pursuits, and environmental mindfulness. Issue: 10 years has passed since the vision of green city was introduced. The collective ecological PL of Melaka public is called to be evaluated to determine how far have the citizen accepted and owed allegiance in the green initiative efforts. Purpose: This paper aims to compare the environmentally-aware collective PL of Melaka residents to residents of other states in Malaysia. Approach: One-Way MANOVA was generated to determine the mean distribution of 10 PL items, across Malaysia States. Findings: There were significant differences within subjects of the 10 PL items between-subjects of Malaysia States. The Post-Hoc Test indicated majority of the means of PL items for Melaka were significantly higher than other states. However, in relation to other states, Melaka fell short on the component of Voluntary Modesty, which indicators were (i) PL5, practicing moderation in purchasing and using resources, (ii) PL6, feeling unconcerned if not able to afford things, and (ii) PL7, believing that having many assets does not lead to happiness.
SPATIAL DEMOGRAPHIC DATA FOR PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Authors: Tey Nai Peng , Talha Rozita , Abdul Rahman Ezatul Nisha , Ismail Muhamad Fadzil
Published: May 2021

In Malaysia, spatial demographic studies are lacking due to data paucity. This exploratory study illustrates the relevance of spatial demographic data for development and business planning at the local level. Data for this study came from Malaysian population censuses, vital statistics reports and social statistics bulletins. Bivariate analyses were performed to present some examples of the potential use of spatial demographic data for more target-oriented planning. Data show that the population in several densely populated districts continues to grow rapidly. Hence, development planning should aim to forestall the exacer-bation of the regional imbalance. Localities with high birth rate and rapid population ageing must be prepared to cope with the changing demographic scenario. The wide variations in pupil-teacher ratio across districts indicate the need for resource reallocation. The under-reporting of births and deaths in the remote areas may result in misallocation of health and educational resources. Comparisons of indictors from different data sources demonstrate data inconsistency and deficiency. This study aims to present a strong case for collecting and disseminating small area statistics to enhance spatial demographic research for socio-economic development, infrastructural, regional and business planning.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LAND USE AND COMPACT CITY PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES ON RAIL PUBLIC TRANSIT STATIONS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Azmi Nurul Ardila , Osman Mariana Mohamed , Rabe Noor Suzilawati , Ramlan Nuranisa Huda , Azizan Ainina , Amiruddin Suraya
Published: May 2021

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an emerging concept to optimise the land use development surrounding a transit station and to create a reliable relationship between a densely compact urban form and high public transportation ridership. In Malaysia, the concept of TOD was initiated in the first National Physical Plan in 2005 and mentioned again in National Physical Plan 2 in 2010. This paper identifies the principle of TOD applied in Malaysia and other countries, and discusses the differences and similarities of the TOD practices using comparative analysis and document analysis methods. Findings of this study indicate that mixed-use development, high density, intensity and connectivity are the main TOD principles adopted in Malaysia and other countries around the globe. The current policy and practises of these countries tend to focus more on the better management and increase ridership of these transit rail stations, including ways to encourage users to shift from private vehicles to public transportation. The findings of this study would contribute towards policy decisions and practices of TOD in Malaysia.
Dowodzenie nieważności małżeństwa z tytułu przymusu lub bojaźni w świetle najnowszego ustawodawstwa. Studium z kanonicznego prawa procesowego i małżeńskiego
Authors: Szczygieł Mikołaj
Published: May 2021

This thesis concerns the proving of nullity of a marriage on the ground of force and fear. According to can. 1103 Code of Canon Law 1983, force and fear should be characterized as: grave, external, current, and coercive to enter undesirable marriage. Regarding the rulings of the Roman Rota, an important symptom is an aversion to the prospective spouse or to the project of marriage with this person. It is also important to consider the fear of respect, which is the type of fear specified by the Roman Rota. To declare the nullity of a marriage, a judge should obtain a moral certitude, which excludes the rational possibility of proving the opposite. For this purpose, the judge uses the evidence prescribed by law, which are: statements of the parties, documents, expert witness evidences, a local vision and inspection of things. The judge evaluates the evidence based on the criteria for statutory assessments of evidence and reconstructs the facts regarding the contested marriage. The court case ends with a final judgment in which the judge provides the reasons for the decision based on the reconstructed facts. An analysis of the verdicts of the Metropolitan Tribunal of Cracow for the diocese of Bielsko-Żywiec in 1992–2017 has revealed a demand to increase the value of the expert witness evidences and the value of applying the pastoral investigation postulated by Pope Francis.
Effectiveness and Moderators of an Internet-Based Mobile-Supported Stress Management Intervention as a Universal Prevention Approach: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ebert David Daniel , Franke Marvin , Zarski Anna-Carlotta , Berking Matthias , Riper Heleen , Cuijpers Pim , Funk Burkhardt , Lehr Dirk
Published: May 2021

Background

Emerging evidence indicates the effectiveness of internet-based mobile-supported stress management interventions (iSMIs) in highly stressed employees. It is yet unclear, however, whether iSMIs are also effective without a preselection process in a universal prevention approach, which more closely resembles routine occupational health care. Moreover, evidence for whom iSMIs might be suitable and for whom not is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the iSMI GET.ON Stress in a universal prevention approach without baseline inclusion criteria and to examine the moderators of the intervention effects.

Methods

A total of 396 employees were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the 6-month waiting list control group. The iSMI consisted of 7 sessions and 1 booster session and offered no therapeutic guidance. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, 7 weeks, and at 6 months following randomization. The primary outcome was perceived stress. Several a priori defined moderators were explored as potential effect modifiers.

Results

Participants in the intervention group reported significantly lower perceived stress at posttreatment (d=0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.91) and at 6-month follow-up (d=0.61, 95% CI 0.41-0.81) compared to those in the waiting list control group. Significant differences with medium-to-large effect sizes were found for all mental health and most work-related outcomes. Resilience (at 7 weeks, P=.04; at 6 months, P=.01), agreeableness (at 7 weeks, P=.01), psychological strain (at 6 months, P=.04), and self-regulation (at 6 months, P=.04) moderated the intervention effects.

Conclusions

This study indicates that iSMIs can be effective in a broad range of employees with no need for preselection to achieve substantial effects. The subgroups that might not profit had extreme values on the respective measures and represented only a very small proportion of the investigated sample, thereby indicating the broad applicability of GET.ON Stress.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00005699; https://www.drks.de/DRKS00005699
An Instrument for Measuring Social Participation to Examine Older Adults' Use of the Internet as a Social Platform: Development and Validation Study
Authors: Anderberg Peter , Abrahamsson Linda , Berglund Johan Sanmartin
Published: May 2021

Background

Older people’s use of the internet is increasingly coming into focus with the demographic changes of a growing older population. Research reports several benefits of older people’s internet use and highlights problems such as various forms of inequality in use within the group. There is a need for consistent measurements to follow the development and use of the internet in this group and to be able to compare groups both within and between countries, as well as follow the changes over time.

Objective

The aim of this study was to create an instrument to measure an older person’s perception of the benefits of their online social participation, unconnected to specific applications and services. The instrument to measure internet social participation proposed in this paper builds on social participation factors and is a multidimensional construct incorporating both social relations and societal connectedness.

Methods

A short instrument for measuring social participation over the internet was created. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted in a random selection of persons aged 65 years or older (n=193) on 10 initial items. Further validation was made by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the remaining group (n=193).

Results

A 1-factor solution for the social internet score was decided upon after exploratory factor analysis (EFA; based on a random sample of half the data set). None of the questionnaire items were excluded based on the EFA, as they all had high loadings, the lowest being 0.61. The Cronbach α coefficient was .92. The 1-factor solution explained 55% of the variance. CFA was performed and included all 10 questionnaire items in a 1-factor solution. Indices of goodness of fit of the model showed room for improvement. Removal of 4 questions in a stepwise procedure resulted in a 6-item model (χ26=13.985; χ2/degrees of freedom=1.554; comparative fit index=0.992; root mean square error of approximation=0.054; standardized root mean square residual=0.025).

Conclusions

The proposed instrument can be used to measure digital social participation and coherence with society. The factor analysis is based on a sufficient sample of the general population of older adults in Sweden, and overall the instrument performed as expected.
Patient Empowerment During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Ensuring Safe and Fast Communication of Test Results: Implementation and Performance of a Tracking System
Authors: Völkel Gunnar , Fürstberger Axel , Schwab Julian D , Werle Silke D , Ikonomi Nensi , Gscheidmeier Thomas , Kraus Johann M , Groß Alexander , Holderried Martin , Balig Julien , Jobst Franz , Kuhn Peter , Kuhn Klaus A , Kohlbacher Oliver , Kaisers Udo X , Seufferlein Thomas , Kestler Hans A
Published: May 2021

Background

Overcoming the COVID-19 crisis requires new ideas and strategies for online communication of personal medical information and patient empowerment. Rapid testing of a large number of subjects is essential for monitoring and delaying the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in order to mitigate the pandemic’s consequences. People who do not know that they are infected may not stay in quarantine and, thus, risk infecting others. Unfortunately, the massive number of COVID-19 tests performed is challenging for both laboratories and the units that conduct throat swabs and communicate the results.

Objective

The goal of this study was to reduce the communication burden for health care professionals. We developed a secure and easy-to-use tracking system to report COVID-19 test results online that is simple to understand for the tested subjects as soon as these results become available. Instead of personal calls, the system updates the status and the results of the tests automatically. This aims to reduce the delay when informing testees about their results and, consequently, to slow down the virus spread.

Methods

The application in this study draws on an existing tracking tool. With this open-source and browser-based online tracking system, we aim to minimize the time required to inform the tested person and the testing units (eg, hospitals or the public health care system). The system can be integrated into the clinical workflow with very modest effort and avoids excessive load to telephone hotlines.

Results

The test statuses and results are published on a secured webpage, enabling regular status checks by patients; status checks are performed without the use of smartphones, which has some importance, as smartphone usage diminishes with age. Stress tests and statistics show the performance of our software. CTest is currently running at two university hospitals in Germany—University Hospital Ulm and University Hospital Tübingen—with thousands of tests being performed each week. Results show a mean number of 10 (SD 2.8) views per testee.

Conclusions

CTest runs independently of existing infrastructures, aims at straightforward integration, and aims for the safe transmission of information. The system is easy to use for testees. QR (Quick Response) code links allow for quick access to the test results. The mean number of views per entry indicates a reduced amount of time for both health care professionals and testees. The system is quite generic and can be extended and adapted to other communication tasks.
Effect of Community-Based Kangaroo Mother Care Package on Neonatal Mortality Among Preterm and Low Birthweight Infants in Rural Pakistan: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ariff Shabina , Habib Atif , Memon Zahid , Arshad Tayyaba , Samejo Tariq , Maznani Ikram , Umer Muhammad , Hussain Amjad , Rizvi Arjumand , Ahmed Imran , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Bhutta Zulfiqar A
Published: May 2021

Background

Neonatal mortality due to preterm birth and low birthweight remains a significant challenge in Pakistan. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a unique, low-cost intervention proven to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity and increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. However, KMC has not been attempted in community settings in Pakistan. We aim to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based KMC package to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality among preterm and low birthweight (LBW) infants, which will provide evidence for policy development and the large-scale implementation of KMC across the country.

Objective

The primary objective of this trial is to reduce neonatal mortality among preterm and LBW infants. The secondary objectives are growth (measured as weight gain), reduced incidence of possible serious bacterial infection, and increased exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding practices.

Methods

We designed a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial in one rural district of Pakistan. Stable, LBW babies (weighing 1200 grams to 2500 grams) are included in the study. The community KMC package, consisting of the KMC kit, information and counseling material, and community mobilization through KMC champions (village volunteers), was designed after preliminary research in the same geographical location and implemented in intervention clusters. The standard essential newborn care is offered in the control clusters. Infants are recruited and followed up by independent teams of data collectors. Data are collected on the duration of skin-to-skin contact, growth, breastfeeding practices, morbidities, neonatal mortality, and neurodevelopment status. Data analysis will be conducted based on the intention to treat principle. The Cox regression model will be used to assess the primary outcome of neonatal mortality. The secondary outcomes will be evaluated using linear or logistic regression.

Results

The Ethics Review Committee of Aga Khan University, Pakistan, approved the study protocol in February 2017. Data collection began in August 2019 and will be completed in December 2021. Data analyses are yet to be completed.

Conclusions

This intervention may be effective in preventing sepsis and subsequently improve survival in LBW newborns in Pakistan and other low-income and middle-income countries worldwide.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT03545204; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03545204

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/28156
Medical Students Learning on the COVID-19 Front Line
Authors: Zimianiti Ioanna , Thanaraaj Vyshnavi , Watson Francesca , Osibona Oluwapelumi
Published: May 2021

In this viewpoint, we share our perspectives, as medical students at Imperial College London, on our experiences during our Infectious Diseases placement at Northwick Park Hospital, touching upon other students’ experiences at other sites as well. We highlight some of the main drivers of and barriers to medical students seeing patients with COVID-19.
A Word Pair Dataset for Semantic Similarity and Relatedness in Korean Medical Vocabulary: Reference Development and Validation
Authors: Yum Yunjin , Lee Jeong Moon , Jang Moon Joung , Kim Yoojoong , Kim Jong-Ho , Kim Seongtae , Shin Unsub , Song Sanghoun , Joo Hyung Joon
Published: May 2021

Background

The fact that medical terms require special expertise and are becoming increasingly complex makes it difficult to employ natural language processing techniques in medical informatics. Several human-validated reference standards for medical terms have been developed to evaluate word embedding models using the semantic similarity and relatedness of medical word pairs. However, there are very few reference standards in non-English languages. In addition, because the existing reference standards were developed a long time ago, there is a need to develop an updated standard to represent recent findings in medical sciences.

Objective

We propose a new Korean word pair reference set to verify embedding models.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2020, 518 medical textbooks, 72,844 health information news, and 15,698 medical research articles were collected, and the top 10,000 medical terms were selected to develop medical word pairs. Attending physicians (n=16) participated in the verification of the developed set with 607 word pairs.

Results

The proportion of word pairs answered by all participants was 90.8% (551/607) for the similarity task and 86.5% (525/605) for the relatedness task. The similarity and relatedness of the word pair showed a high correlation (ρ=0.70, P<.001). The intraclass correlation coefficients to assess the interrater agreements of the word pair sets were 0.47 on the similarity task and 0.53 on the relatedness task. The final reference standard was 604 word pairs for the similarity task and 599 word pairs for relatedness, excluding word pairs with answers corresponding to outliers and word pairs that were answered by less than 50% of all the respondents. When FastText models were applied to the final reference standard word pair sets, the embedding models learning medical documents had a higher correlation between the calculated cosine similarity scores compared to human-judged similarity and relatedness scores (namu, ρ=0.12 vs with medical text for the similarity task, ρ=0.47; namu, ρ=0.02 vs with medical text for the relatedness task, ρ=0.30).

Conclusions

Korean medical word pair reference standard sets for semantic similarity and relatedness were developed based on medical documents from the past 10 years. It is expected that our word pair reference sets will be actively utilized in the development of medical and multilingual natural language processing technology in the future.
Effectiveness of eHealth Nutritional Interventions for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Robert Caroline , Erdt Mojisola , Lee James , Cao Yuanyuan , Naharudin Nurhazimah Binte , Theng Yin-Leng
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The risk of development of chronic diseases related to poor nutrition increases with age. In the face of an aging population, it is important for health care sectors to find solutions in delivering health services efficiently and effectively to middle-aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the literature that reported the effectiveness of eHealth apps in delivering nutritional interventions for middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

A literature search from five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Global Health) from the past 5 years was performed. Studies were selected for inclusion that used eHealth to deliver nutritional interventions to adults aged 40 years and above, and reported health and behavioral outcomes. Two independent reviewers searched for research articles and assessed the eligibility of studies to be included in the review. A third reviewer resolved disagreements on study inclusion. We also assessed the quality of the included studies using the CONSORT 2010 checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 70 studies were included for analysis. The study quality ranged from 44% to 85%. The most commonly used eHealth intervention type was mobile apps (22/70, 31%). The majority of studies (62/70, 89%) provided multicomponent health interventions, which aimed to improve nutrition and other health behaviors (eg, exercise, smoking cessation, medication adherence). Meta-analysis results indicated high and significant heterogeneity; hence, conclusions based on these results should be considered with caution. Nonetheless, the results generally showed that eHealth interventions improved anthropometric and clinical outcomes, but not behavioral outcomes such as fruit and vegetable consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of eHealth apps to deliver health interventions has been increasing in recent years, and these apps have the potential to deliver health services to a larger group of people. Our findings showed that the effectiveness of eHealth apps to deliver health interventions for middle-aged to older adults was supported by the improvement of anthropometric and clinical outcomes. Future work could aim to develop research frameworks in administering eHealth interventions to address heterogeneity in this field of research.