bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking the Budget Rule to Rescue Economy
Authors: Chalova A. Yu.
Published: October 2020

A high degree of uncertainty in the future development of global and Russian economy due to the corona-virus epidemic proliferation, the global economic downfall, which followed the introduction of quarantine measures in some countries make the issue of changes in state budget policy in the Russian Federation more and more acute. Despite the seeming finance stability of the budget system of the Russian Federation characterized by the surplus federal budget during two previous years and min deficit budgets of other levels, it still depends on external factors of the economic development. Policy of the Ministry of Finance aimed at adjustment of federal budget fund use to fluctuations of global oil prices within the frames of the budget rule can form considerable reserves, but at the same time it can cause a drop in investment and consumer demand and sl ow down in economy development. This approach to developing and implementing budget policy could ruin the budget essence as an active tool of state regulation of economy, especially in current conditions. Transforming the model of obligatory balance of the federal budget and accumulating sovereign reserves in conditions of growth absence in Russian economy for the large-scale stimulation of the population and business demand require scientifically grounded approach. New economic conditions demonstrate the necessity to provide well-balanced parameters of the federal budget within the frames of the budget rule. The possibility to combine these goals depends on degree of realizing key budget risks and stability of state finance to them. The article carried out modeling of key parameters of the federal budget depending on risk defining factors and effective restrictions by the budget rule provided an opportunity to advance a hypothesis that the basis of the long-term balance of Russian federal budget is formed by a new model of state budget policy leaning on the alternative use of finance tools and acceptable easing of budget rule restrictions.
Transformation of Customer Economic Behavior in Digital World
Authors: Barinova N. V. , Barinov V. R.
Published: October 2020

Digitalization processes that have been energetically developing lately form a basis of considerable transformation of customer economic behavior. Digital technologies keep on perfecting by moving up to new platforms. The authors give examples of new formats of outlets, ways of payment, delivery and product marking. Changes in marketing strategies in current conditions are shown and transition to digital marketing is grounded. Advanced marketing tools, such as SEO, SMM, SMO, SEM and crowd-technology are studied. Their future development is based on research by scientists and practical workers in the field of machine training, artificial neuron networks and cognitive technologies. The article provides examples of using chat-bots, electronic assistants, mobile applications, which help customers search for goods and services. Their principle advantages are studied, which aim at rising sales and their impact on economic decision-making is analyzed. The rising role of artificial intellect and neuron networks in developing digital products is underlined. The use of artificial intellect technologies allows retail to increase sales at the expense of effective digital tools, which can improve customer loyalty to the brand. In the end the authors came to the conclusion about trends of customer economic behavior in the ear of digitalization.
Ways of Financing Innovation of Trade Business
Authors: Berg T. I.
Published: October 2020

The sphere of trade is on the threshold of serious changes, which take place because of growth and fluctuation in demand, globalization of commodity markets, impact of digital technologies and penetration of innovation into business-processes. E-trade is developing continuously and the number of its tools is growing extremely fast, which provides opportunities for new business-lines and projects. The development of competitive environment adjusted to new fast-growing and changing conditions of digital transformation is required. Responding to this challenge depends on introduction of advanced technical and software means, innovation, which could support business-processes at all stages of product movement. The article deals with theoretical and methodological aspects of financing trade business innovation. Types of innovation and their interconnection with business-processes are studied. The author’s matrix of finance methods was designed depending on the type of innovation and finance sources. As an alternative the authors put forward crowd-funding as a fast, cheap and low-risk method of finance support. Optimal, stable, aggressive models of innovation financing in trade were proposed, as well as the structure of ways of raising funds. The choice of finance model is based on criteria of risk factor and reserve of finance stability, which could help maneuver sources of funds depending on changing conditions of trade business entity.
Key Aspects of Innovation Process Intensification in Uzbekistan Industry
Authors: Karabaeva G. Sh.
Published: October 2020

The article studies the key ways of upgrading and modernizing industry in Uzbekistan - innovation processes taking place in manufacturing and selling goods and services. It was shown that raising the economic potential of the country, which was identified as a strategic line in the development of industrial forces and attaining public progress, can be provided not only on the basis of new investment into economy or setting-up new enterprises and works but also by rational and effective use of existing resources: labour, material, finance, natural, etc. The author analyzes figures of the efficiency of Uzbekistan industry innovation activity and puts forward ways of its intensification. It was shown that innovative enterprises of Uzbekistan differ greatly from enterprises in developed countries, which function in conditions of highly-competitive market saturated by high-quality products. Production in the republic lags behind in the sphere of international quality standards, which means that a bigger part of new products is new only on the home market. In order to raise products to global standards serious costs and efforts are necessary, which are unattainable for many enterprises.
Farklı Gelir Düzeyindeki Ülkelerde Ticari Açıklık, Finansal Gelişme Ve Ekonomik Büyüme İlişkisi
Authors: Yılmaz Kuşçuoğlu Şeyma , Yılmaz Zeki
Published: October 2020

Günümüzde küreselleşmenin etkisiyle ticari açıklık ve finansal gelişme ekonomik gelişmenin ön koşulu haline gelmiştir. Sermaye birikimi yetersiz olan ülkelerde ekonomik büyümeyi sağlamanın temel koşullardan bazıları da bu ülkelerde dış ticaret ve finansal gelişimin arttırılmasıdır. Bu çalışmada, 1990-2017 yılları arasında Dünya Bankası’nın gelir grubu sınıflandırmasına göre üç gruba (yüksek, orta ve düşük gelir) ayrılmış 86 ülke için ticari açıklık, finansal gelişme ve ekonomik büyüme ilişkisi incelenmiştir. Çalışmada söz konusu ilişkileri incelemek için panel ARDL/PMG tahmincileri kullanılmıştır. Ampirik analizden elde edilen bulgulara göre, ticari açıklık tüm gelir düzeyindeki ülkelerde reel GSYİH’yı pozitif yönde etkilemektedir. Finansal gelişme ise orta ve yüksek gelirli ülkelerde reel GSYİH’yı pozitif yönde etkilerken, düşük gelirli ülkelerde negatif yönde etkilemektedir. Sonuçlar aynı zamanda beşeri sermaye ve brüt sermaye birikiminin tüm ülkelerde reel GSYİH’yı pozitif yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir. İş gücü değişkeni ise orta ve yüksek gelirli ülkelerde reel GSYİH’yı pozitif etkilerken, düşük gelirli ülkeler için iş gücü ile reel GSYİH arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamamıştır. Çalışmadan elde edilen bu bulgular, düşük gelirli ülkelerde finansal gelişmenin ayrıca incelenmesi gerektiği yeni çalışmalara ışık tutacaktır.
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: A Nanotechnological Perspective
Authors: Tyagi Pankaj Kumar , Tyagi Shruti , Mishra Mansi , Dashora Kavya
Published: October 2020

Background:

According to the current scenario with millions of deaths worldwide, the
outbreak of COVID-19 has created global havoc. The vast spreading of COVID-19 has already challenged
the healthcare system and economy of the world. Every country is now putting the best efforts
to develop its standards, strategies, and policies to fight against this pandemic. Therefore, a huge
amount of research grants is allocated for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 globally.

Objective:

Scientists/researchers around the world are working in different fields, i.e., biological,
physical, and chemical sciences, and have collaborated for an effective outcome to combat this pandemic.
In light of the above-mentioned challenges, the researchers of the nanotechnology community
can also contribute significantly in this direction.

Results:

As team members of the nanotechnology community, we suggest various research targets
that can be designed/improved, optimized, and developed by nanotechnologists. These research targets
include Point-of-care diagnostics (POCD), Surveillance and monitoring, Therapeutics, Vaccine
development, Improving existing drugs with potential therapeutic applications, Developing antiviral
nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for PPE, Magnetic nanoparticles and viral RNA (Ribonucleic
acid), and Rapid detection kits.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that multiple areas, such as the development of nano-biosensor
based diagnostic technology (capable to produce fast and accurate results), development of nanoencapsulated
drugs/vaccines or other efficient systems, testing/improving existing drugs with potential
therapeutic applications, developing antiviral nanocoating/antimicrobial spray-based coating for
PPE, etc., need immediate attention.
Neurological Manifestations Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid Use- A Case Series
Authors: Elnazeir Marwa , Narayanan Siddharth , Badugu Pradeepthi , Hussain Abid , Stephens Cody B. , Bhagat Riwaj , Jones Christopher M. , Liu Wei , Hernandez Alexi R. , Remmel Kerri S. , Palade Adriana E.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Synthetic Cannabinoid (SC) use has emerged as a growing public health threat in the United States. Several unexpected cases, presenting with a constellation of unrelated symptoms, but all having toxicity linked to SC use, have been reported in the last decade (2010-2019).

Methods:

We report a cluster of several independent cases where patients were admitted having different neurological manifestations. Extensive and expensive work-ups were performed. Upon further inspection, extended toxicology screens were found to be positive for SC metabolites.

Results:

It is alarming to observe that several reports highlight an increase in the varied and significant morbidity associated after SC use. Various SC compositions have been synthesized and distributed, with new molecules being generated at a staggering rate leading to unexpected manifestations.

Conclusion:

Young people are the most frequent users owing to its recreational effects, its easy accessibility, lower cost and difficulty in being detected in the urine by routine drug screens. From a hospital quality improvement perspective, efforts to characterize the presence of newly generated SC molecules and establish more accessible in-house screening methods will be a starting step in reducing the associated cost-burden. This will also minimize the unnecessary invasive procedures performed on a specific patient. From a socioeconomic viewpoint, solid and systematic crosstalk with increased recognition and reporting mechanism between the healthcare staff and public health personnel is strongly warranted to support state and federal regulatory efforts in combating this ongoing SC epidemic.
Osteoporosis Knowledge, Beliefs and Self-efficacy Among Female University Students: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Shawashi Tagreed O. , Darawad Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate female university students' knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy regarding osteoporosis.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted amongst 260 female university students in Jordan. This study utilized a package of instruments to measure different variables of the study, including demographic data, Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT), Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) and Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale (OSES).

Results:

Participants had a relatively low level of knowledge regarding osteoporosis (M=8.1/20, 40.5%). In general, they had fairly positive beliefs towered osteoporosis with a percentage of 70% (M=3.5/5, SD=0.3) and moderate self-efficacy in practicing osteoporosis recommended practices. No significant differences were observed in participants’ knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy of osteoporosis based on their demographic variables except their college specialty.

Conclusion:

The current study confirmed that female university students had inadequate knowledge about osteoporosis. There is a gap between the participants' beliefs, self-efficacy about osteoporosis and their daily lifestyle. In view of such lack of knowledge of osteoporosis, efforts should be made to raise the level of osteoporosis awareness among university students through health education intervention programs for all-female university students regardless of their college, specialty or academic program.
The Continuous and Fractionated Game Format on the Training Load in Small Sided Games in Soccer
Authors: Branquinho Luís C. , Ferraz Ricardo , Marques Mário C.
Published: October 2020

The training load has become relevant for coaches in recent years. Several studies were carried out to verify the impact on the training load during the performance of small-sided games in soccer. However, recent research is now focused on the effects of using different methods and the study of different recovery times on training load in SSG deserves more attention. In this brief review, we critically analyze the impact of using different training methods and different recovery time, inferring with their impact on the external and internal training load during the performance of Small-Sided Games in soccer. The correct choice of training method can help coaches to increase the performance of their teams and achieve the proposed training objectives.
Emergence of a New Zoonotic COVID-19 that Creates a Pandemic: Update on Current Pharmacotherapeutics and Future Prospective of Plasma Therapy
Authors: Hoda Farazul , Verma Rishabh , Rastogi Saurabh , Iqubal Asif , Haque Syed Ehtaishamul , Akhtar Mohd. , Najmi Abul Kalam
Published: October 2020

The current decade started on an unexpected note, with almost the entire world grappling with
a newly arisen pandemic. A novel coronavirus, tracing its first human host to a Chinese province, has
spread to all geographical areas with human populations. The virus, named SARS-CoV-2, infects the
lower respiratory tract, much like other coronaviruses, that caused the 2002 epidemic, to which it is
eponymous . The severity of infection is seen in individuals with comorbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular
disorders, chronic respiratory problems, hypertension, cancer, etc. This virus represents another
incidence of zoonosis to humans and has infected over eighteen million people since December 2019, of
its first human transmission. All the currently employed therapies are either aimed at alleviating the severity
of the symptoms or being administered on a trial basis. This review attempts to summarize brief
aetiology of the virus, epidemiology of the outbreak, clinical symptoms of the disease with a postulated
mechanism of pathogenesis and several existing and approved drugs and therapeutics along with plasma
therapy, which are being clinically reviewed for their activity, as well as safety, against the disease; none
of which are approved yet. A few promising vaccine candidates, as per in vivo studies, are also underway,
but their evaluation might take a year at least. Meanwhile, experts have come up with the concept
of “social distancing” to stem the viral spread, as the medical research fraternity of the world strives
hard to find a safe, successful and effective cure for it.
In-Silico Structure-Based Drug Discovery of Candidate Drugs against Novel Protein Receptor Complex Nsp10-Nsp16 of SARS-CoV-2 using Drug Repurposing Approach
Authors: Sengupta Abhishek , Vijayaraghavan Pooja , Srivastava Priyansh , Gupta Lovely , Chandwani Chaitanya , Narad Priyanka
Published: October 2020

Background:

Several therapeutic possibilities have been explored against Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2), such as convalescent plasma (CP), intravenous immunoglobulin
(IVIG) and monoclonal antibodies. Compounds such as hydroxychloroquine have also been found to
have fatal drawbacks. Repurposing of existing antiviral drugs can be an effective strategy, which could
fasten up the process of drug discovery.

Objective:

The present study is designed to predict the computational efficacy of pre-existing antiviral
drugs as inhibitors for the Nsp10-Nsp16 complex protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

Twenty-six known antiviral drugs along with their similar structures based on Tanimoto similarity,
were screened towards the Nsp10-Nsp16 complex’s active site.

Results:

Our study reports competitive binding of 1-[3-[2-(2-Ethoxyphenoxy) ethylamino]-2-
hydroxypropyl] -9H-carbazol-4-ol against AdoMet binding site in Nsp10-Nsp16 complex. Formation of
the stable ligand-receptor complex with 1-[3-[2-(2-Ethoxyphenoxy) ethylamino]-2-hydroxypropyl] -9Hcarbazol-
4-ol could functionally inhibit the Nsp10-Nsp16 complex, thereby making the SARS-CoV-2
vulnerable to host immuno-surveillance mechanisms.

Conclusion:

We conclude that these computational hits can display positive results in in-vitro trials
against SARS-CoV-2.
Research work of Prof. Tomita, including: 1. Examination of environmental vibration measurement using vibration control rubber on carpet. 2. Measures against floor impact sound by heavy-impact source using storage furniture with tatami. 3. Study on tatami mat considering safety when
falling in case of falling collision and sound insulation performance. 4. Research on evaluation method and evaluation rank for vertical vibration
Authors: Tomita Ryuta
Published: October 2020

A tatami is a type of mat used as a floor material in many rooms in Japan. They are also used in training rooms, such as in a dojo or martial arts, and are often covered with woven straw. Tatami mats were used as flooring materials for buildings in the Kamakura period (c. 1185) and
have a long history. Tatami is often used in the Japanese-style room of today's homes. Generally, tatami mats are 55 mm thick; some mats are made of mostly straw and some made of insulation board and extruded polystyrene foam. The surface of both types of mats is covered with tatami facing.
More recently, tatami mats made of insulation board and extruded polystyrene foam are used in homes. Despite their presence in Japanese buildings, there are several problems associated with tatami mats and other floor materials. One of the potential problems concerns the safety of individuals
who fall on the mats, while another is the sound created by impact on the mats, such as when people walk or run across them. Research is underway to find effective ways of improving the sound insulation performance of floor materials at the same time as considering the safety of the inhabitants
of the buildings with the mats in them. One team, which is investigating means of improving tatami mats and the materials used to build them, is based at the College of Science and Technology in Nihon University, Japan. Led by Professor Ryuta Tomita, the team is engaged with several projects
revolving around overcoming heavy-weight floor impact sound insulation performance and safety of individuals who fall on tatami mats.
Molecular conductors composed from Organic-Transistor Materials
Authors: Kadoya Tomofumi
Published: October 2020

Assistant Professor Tomofumi Kadoya is part of a team within the Graduate School of Material Science at the University of Hyogo in Japan. He is engaged with a range of different investigations related to conductive organic materials. One of the main focuses of Kadoya's research is organic
transistors and organic charge-transfer (CT) complexes. CT complexes achieve conductivity by chemical doping but in organic transistors, conduction carriers are generated by field effect, where an electric field is used to control the flow of current. Among the many goals of the research,
Kadoya and his team want to increase the methods and types of organic doping.
Driving Taiwanese science and technology research
Authors: Shieh Dar-Bin
Published: October 2020

Professor Dar-Bin Shieh, Deputy Minister at the Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology, shares with us details of the efforts undertaken at the Ministry to promote and support scientific and technological research and development in Taiwan, including his response to the COVID-19
pandemic.
A Study on the Modified Cement-Based Crack Injection Materials
Authors: Yeih Wei-Chung
Published: October 2020

Human constructed harbours are large infrastructure projects that use cement to reinforce embankments and build protective walls. However, like all concrete building projects maintenance is required. Cracks form and if left unattended will grow, eventually leading to a dangerous situation
where a structure's integrity is compromised. As a result, the concrete repair industry, particularly in relation to marine infrastructure, is a large one and various mixtures of cement and other materials are designed to fill these cracks. Researchers at the National Taiwan Ocean University
in Taiwan are now investigating the best ways to design injectable materials to repair cement cracking in a marine setting in order to develop new cement recipes that will work in marine environments and protect vital harbours from deterioration.
An overview of the research work at the Electric Motor Technology Research Center
Authors: Tsai Mi-Ching
Published: October 2020

With the current need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, vehicles and other forms of machine that rely on gas, fossil fuel powered engines has become a key target for electrification. Building electric vehicles or machineries powered by electric motors is now under the spotlight than
ever, and a symbol of a new and greener future. The Electric Motor Technology Research Center (EMTRC) was established in 1999 to develop motor-related technologies and support the automation industry in Taiwan. The Center focuses on multiple projects falling under three broad themes –
motor technologies, magnetic 3D printing and providing motor and magnetic characteristics measurement services. The EMTRC aims to provide efficient mechanisms for the smooth transfer of motor related technologies from academia to industry; assisting local or global companies in building their
own expertise, developing technical collaborations with industry and other research institutes in Taiwan and strengthening the relationships with other international organizations.
Preliminary evaluation of value—added bio-based building blocks
Authors: Jang Bill
Published: October 2020

The global economic system is currently organised to exploit fossil fuel-based technologies. Resources are extracted from the earth and undergo a multitude of different processing steps to become a myriad of different and essential everyday products. Unfortunately, most of these products
are disposed of soon after use and can cause huge waste disposal and environmental problems. In addition, the manufacturing process itself can cause further problems. This linear system has proven extremely effective at production; however, it is, ultimately, unsustainable. The dream future
for both the environment and resource conservation is an economy that is capable to reusing used end-products – a circular economy. The path to a circular economy, however, is a winding and treacherous one. To make it work, it is necessary to consider the whole system and the wide variety
of stakeholders therein. It is essential to work out the incentives for manufacturers, users and potential re-users, as well as those of governments and nations. Most importantly, the technology underpinning it has to be as good or better than those that are currently in use. Researchers at
the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan are working to develop one important section of the linear fossil fuel economy into a more circular form. The team, led by Dr Guang-Way Bill Jang, are working on producing polymers from biological sources. They are also working on
developing new materials and chemicals from these sources.
Collaboration and education: vital elements in chemistry
Authors: Sharp Lucy
Published: October 2020

There are organisations around the world that promote excellence in chemistry, while funding bodies harness chemistry's potential to improve lives. Together, such bodies provide the impetus for chemistry researchers and industry to help solve societal challenges.
The central philosophical viewpoint/concept of "mathematics of the commons" as a promising direction of applied mathematics.
Authors: Nishiura Yasumasa
Published: October 2020

Professor Emeritus Yasumasa Nishiura is a mathematician who has dedicated his career to understanding more about the profound impact mathematics has on the world around us. He worked as Research Director at the Alliance for Breakthrough between Mathematics and Sciences (ABMS) (2007–2016)
in Japan where he was supporting research activities in mathematical science that highlights their potential for solving societal problems. Nishiura is working with a team of researchers based at the Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University in Japan where they are
studying self-organisation patterns that naturally manifest without design but have rhythm in space and time, such as polymers, convection, slime molds, and chemical reactions, to help learn more about pattern dynamics.
Влияние нановолокон оксида алюминия на физико-механические свойства минералонаполненного полиэтилена: экспериментальное исследование
Authors: Куулар А.A. , Симунин М.М. , Бермешев Т.В. , Воронин А.С. , Добросмыслов C.C. , Фадеев Ю.В. , Молокеев М.С. , Волочаев М.Н. , Хартов С.В.
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the results of an experimental study of improving the physical and mechanical properties of mineral-filled polyethylene (MFPE) by adding high-aspect alumina nanofibers. It is shown that at a weight concentration of alumina nanofibers of 0.1 wt. %, the tensile strength increases from 3.82 ± 0.04 to 6.70 ± 0.07 MPa, and Young's modulus increases from 1.08 ± 0.01 to 1.38 ± 0.01 GPa relative to the MFPE. The MFPE / Al2O3 nanofiber composite can be described by a model of weak adhesive interaction of the filler with the matrix with high friction.
Влияние содержания технического углерода на фазовый состав и электропроводность полимерного композита
Authors: Зюзин А.М. , Карпеев А.А. , Янцен Н.В. , Наумкин В.В.
Published: October 2020

We investigated the effect of carbon black on the phase composition in a composite material based on ethylene vinyl acetate. The existence of an additional, and more high-temperature polymer crystal phase, the relative proportion of which is directly related to the carbon black content, was found. It is shown that peroxide saturation significantly affects the polymorphism of the composite and its electrical conductivity.
Fitness-Tracker Assisted Frailty-Assessment Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Mach Markus , Watzal Victoria , Hasan Waseem , Andreas Martin , Winkler Bernhard , Weiss Gabriel , Strouhal Andreas , Adlbrecht Christopher , Delle Karth Georg , Grabenwöger Martin
Published: October 2020

Background

While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the treatment of aortic valve stenosis, wearable health-monitoring devices are gradually transforming digital patient care.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a simple, efficient, and economical method for preprocedural frailty assessment based on parameters measured by a wearable health-monitoring device.

Methods

In this prospective study, we analyzed data of 50 consecutive patients with mean (SD) age of 77.5 (5.1) years and a median (IQR) European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE) II of 3.3 (4.1) undergoing either transfemoral or transapical TAVR between 2017 and 2018. Every patient was fitted with a wrist-worn health-monitoring device (Garmin Vivosmart 3) for 1 week prior to the procedure. Twenty different parameters were measured, and threshold levels for the 3 most predictive categories (ie, step count, heart rate, and preprocedural stress) were calculated. Patients were assigned 1 point per category for exceeding the cut-off value and were then classified into 4 stages (no, borderline, moderate, and severe frailty). Furthermore, the FItness-tracker assisted Frailty-Assessment Score (FIFA score) was compared with the scores of the preprocedural gait speed category derived from the 6-minute walk test (GSC-6MWT) and the Edmonton Frail Scale classification (EFS-C). The primary study endpoint was hospital mortality.

Results

The overall preprocedural stress level (P=.02), minutes of high stress per day (P=.02), minutes of rest per day (P=.045), and daily heart rate maximum (P=.048) as single parameters were the strongest predictors of hospital mortality. When comparing the different frailty scores, the FIFA score demonstrated the greatest predictive power for hospital mortality (FIFA area under the curve [AUC] 0.844, CI 0.656-1.000; P=.048; GSC-6MWT AUC 0.671, CI 0.487-0.855; P=.42; EFS-C AUC 0.636, CI 0.254-1.000; P=.44).

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the strong predictive performance of the FIFA score compared to that of the conventional frailty assessments.
Exploring How Older Adults Use a Smart Speaker–Based Voice Assistant in Their First Interactions: Qualitative Study
Authors: Kim Sunyoung
Published: October 2020

Background

Smart speaker–based voice assistants promise support for the aging population, with the advantages of hands-free and eyes-free interaction modalities to handle requests. However, little is known about how older adults perceive the benefits of this type of device.

Objective

This study investigates how older adults experience and respond to a voice assistant when they first interact with it. Because first impressions act as strong predictors of the overall attitude and acceptability of new technologies, it is important to understand the user experiences of first exposure.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 people 74 years and older who had never used a smart speaker before, investigating the patterns of use, usability issues, and perspectives that older adults have when using a voice assistant for the first time.

Results

The overall first response to a voice assistant was positive, thanks to the simplicity of a speech-based interaction. In particular, a positive and polite response to complete the interaction with a voice assistant was prevalent, such as expressing gratitude or giving feedback about the quality of answers. Two predominant topics of commands made in the first interaction include asking health care–related questions and streaming music. However, most of the follow-up reactions were unfavorable because of the difficulty in constructing a structured sentence for a command; misperceptions about how a voice assistant operates; and concerns about privacy, security, and financial burdens. Overall, a speech-based interaction was perceived to be beneficial owing to its efficiency and convenience, but no other benefits were perceived.

Conclusions

On the basis of the findings, we discuss design implications that can positively influence older adults' first experiences with a voice assistant, including helping better understand how a voice assistant works, incorporating mistakes and common interaction patterns into its design, and providing features tailored to the needs of older adults.
Toward Preparing a Knowledge Base to Explore Potential Drugs and Biomedical Entities Related to COVID-19: Automated Computational Approach
Authors: Khan Junaed Younus , Khondaker Md Tawkat Islam , Hoque Iram Tazim , Al-Absi Hamada R H , Rahman Mohammad Saifur , Guler Reto , Alam Tanvir , Rahman M Sohel
Published: October 2020

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is taking a huge toll on public health. Along with the non-therapeutic preventive measurements, scientific efforts are currently focused, mainly, on the development of vaccines and pharmacological treatment with existing drugs. Summarizing evidences from scientific literatures on the discovery of treatment plan of COVID-19 under a platform would help the scientific community to explore the opportunities in a systematic fashion.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the potential drugs and biomedical entities related to coronavirus related diseases, including COVID-19, that are mentioned on scientific literature through an automated computational approach.

Methods

We mined the information from publicly available scientific literature and related public resources. Six topic-specific dictionaries, including human genes, human miRNAs, diseases, Protein Databank, drugs, and drug side effects, were integrated to mine all scientific evidence related to COVID-19. We employed an automated literature mining and labeling system through a novel approach to measure the effectiveness of drugs against diseases based on natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and deep learning. We also applied the concept of cosine similarity to confidently infer the associations between diseases and genes.

Results

Based on the literature mining, we identified 1805 diseases, 2454 drugs, 1910 genes that are related to coronavirus related diseases including COVID-19. Integrating the extracted information, we developed the first knowledgebase platform dedicated to COVID-19, which highlights potential list of drugs and related biomedical entities. For COVID-19, we highlighted multiple case studies on existing drugs along with a confidence score for their applicability in the treatment plan. Based on our computational method, we found Remdesivir, Statins, Dexamethasone, and Ivermectin could be considered as potential effective drugs to improve clinical status and lower mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. We also found that Hydroxychloroquine could not be considered as an effective drug for COVID-19. The resulting knowledgebase is made available as an open source tool, named COVID-19Base.

Conclusions

Proper investigation of the mined biomedical entities along with the identified interactions among those would help the research community to discover possible ways for the therapeutic treatment of COVID-19.
Rationale and Design of the Women’s Health And Daily Experiences Project: Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study to Identify Real-Time Predictors of Midlife Women’s Physical Activity (Preprint)
Authors: Arigo Danielle , Brown Megan M , Pasko Kristen , Ainsworth Matthew Cole , Travers Laura , Gupta Adarsh , Downs Danielle Symons , Smyth Joshua M
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Midlife women are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated mortality. Those who have additional risk conditions such as obesity or hypertension report specific barriers to engaging in cardioprotective behaviors such as physical activity (PA). Considerable effort has been devoted to understanding PA determinants and designing interventions for midlife women, although with suboptimal success, as increasing PA could meaningfully attenuate CVD risk. An updated approach to understanding PA among midlife women could improve upon existing resources by focusing on novel psychosocial influences on PA in this population (ie, body satisfaction, social interactions, social comparisons, mood state) and within-person relations between these influences and PA in the natural environment.

OBJECTIVE

The overarching goal of Project WHADE (Women’s Health And Daily Experiences) is to use an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach to capture ecologically valid relations between midlife women’s psychosocial experiences and PA as they engage in their normal daily activities. The primary aim of the study is to identify within-person psychosocial predictors of variability in PA (ie, experiences associated with higher vs lower PA for a given individual).

METHODS

Midlife women (aged 40-60 years) with one or more additional risk markers for CVD (eg, hypertension) will be recruited from primary care clinics and the general community (target n=100). Eligible women will complete an initial survey and a face-to-face baseline session before engaging in a 10-day EMA protocol. Psychosocial experiences will be assessed using a brief self-report via a smartphone 5 times per day, and PA will be assessed throughout waking hours using a research-grade monitor. Participants will return for a brief exit interview at the end of 10 days. Multilevel models that address the nested structure of EMA data will be used to evaluate the study aims.

RESULTS

Recruitment and enrollment are ongoing, and a total of 75 women have completed the protocol to date. Data collection is expected to be completed in Fall 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Project WHADE is designed to identify naturally occurring psychosocial experiences that predict short-term variability in midlife women’s PA. As such, the results of this study should advance the current understanding of PA among midlife women by providing further insight into within-person psychosocial influences on PA in this group. In the future, this information could help inform the design of interventions for this population.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/19044
Patients’ Experiences of Telemedicine for Their Skin Problems: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chow Aloysius , Teo Sok Huang , Kong Jing Wen , Lee Simon , Heng Yee Kiat , van Steensel Maurice , Smith Helen
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Teledermatology is a cost-effective treatment modality for the management of skin disorders. Most evaluations use quantitative data, and far less is understood about the patients’ experience.

OBJECTIVE

This qualitative study aimed to explore patients’ perceptions of a teledermatology service linking public primary care clinics to the national specialist dermatology clinic in Singapore. A better understanding of patients’ experiences can help refine and develop the care provided.

METHODS

Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who had been referred to the teledermatology service. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed before undergoing thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients aged between 22 and 72 years were recruited. The following 3 themes were identified from the data of patients’ experiences: positive perceptions of teledermatology, concerns about teledermatology, and ideas for improving the teledermatology service. The patients found the teledermatology service convenient, saving them time and expense and liberating them from the stresses incurred when making an in-person visit to a specialist facility. They valued the confidence and reassurance they gained from having a dermatologist involved in deciding their management. The patients’ concern included data security and the quality of the images shared. Nonetheless, they were keen to see the service expanded beyond the polyclinics. Their experiences and perceptions will inform future service refinement and development.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative exploration of users’ experiences of teledermatology produced rich data enabling a better understanding of the patients’ journey, the way they understand and interpret their experiences, and ideas for service refinement. Telemedicine reduces traveling and enables safe distancing, factors that are much needed during pandemics.
A Local Community-Based Social Network for Mental Health and Well-being (Quokka): Exploratory Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shih Cynthia , Pudipeddi Ruhi , Uthayakumar Arany , Washington Peter
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Developing healthy habits and maintaining prolonged behavior changes are often difficult tasks. Mental health is one of the largest health concerns globally, including for college students.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to conduct an exploratory feasibility study of local community-based interventions by developing Quokka, a web platform promoting well-being activity on university campuses. We evaluated the intervention’s potential for promotion of local, social, and unfamiliar activities pertaining to healthy habits.

METHODS

To evaluate this framework’s potential for increased participation in healthy habits, we conducted a 6-to-8-week feasibility study via a “challenge” across 4 university campuses with a total of 277 participants. We chose a different well-being theme each week, and we conducted weekly surveys to (1) gauge factors that motivated users to complete or not complete the weekly challenge, (2) identify participation trends, and (3) evaluate the feasibility of the intervention to promote local, social, and novel well-being activities. We tested the hypotheses that Quokka participants would self-report participation in more local activities than remote activities for all challenges (Hypothesis H1), more social activities than individual activities (Hypothesis H2), and new rather than familiar activities (Hypothesis H3).

RESULTS

After Bonferroni correction using a Clopper-Pearson binomial proportion confidence interval for one test, we found that there was a strong preference for local activities for all challenge themes. Similarly, users significantly preferred group activities over individual activities (P<.001 for most challenge themes). For most challenge themes, there were not enough data to significantly distinguish a preference toward familiar or new activities (P<.001 for a subset of challenge themes in some schools).

CONCLUSIONS

We find that local community-based well-being interventions such as Quokka can facilitate positive behaviors. We discuss these findings and their implications for the research and design of location-based digital communities for well-being promotion.
Potential Impact of a Paper About COVID-19 and Smoking on Twitter Users’ Attitudes Toward Smoking: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Tao Chunliang , Diaz Destiny , Xie Zidian , Chen Long , Li Dongmei , O’Connor Richard
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

A cross-sectional study (Miyara et al, 2020) conducted by French researchers showed that the rate of current daily smoking was significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 than in the French general population, implying a potentially protective effect of smoking.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the dissemination of the Miyara et al study among Twitter users and whether a shift in their attitudes toward smoking occurred after its publication as preprint on April 21, 2020.

METHODS

Twitter posts were crawled between April 14 and May 4, 2020, by the Tweepy stream application programming interface, using a COVID-19–related keyword query. After filtering, the final 1929 tweets were classified into three groups: (1) tweets that were not related to the Miyara et al study before it was published, (2) tweets that were not related to Miyara et al study after it was published, and (3) tweets that were related to Miyara et al study after it was published. The attitudes toward smoking, as expressed in the tweets, were compared among the above three groups using multinomial logistic regression models in the statistical analysis software R (The R Foundation).

RESULTS

Temporal analysis showed a peak in the number of tweets discussing the results from the Miyara et al study right after its publication. Multinomial logistic regression models on sentiment scores showed that the proportion of negative attitudes toward smoking in tweets related to the Miyara et al study after it was published (17.07%) was significantly lower than the proportion in tweets that were not related to the Miyara et al study, either before (44/126, 34.9%; P<.001) or after the Miyara et al study was published (68/198, 34.3%; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The public’s attitude toward smoking shifted in a positive direction after the Miyara et al study found a lower incidence of COVID-19 cases among daily smokers.
E-learning for Undergraduate Medical Students (Preprint)
Authors: Tashkandi Emad
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Disruption of education and learning can lead to drastic changes in educational outcomes; therefore, we need to maximize the benefits of e-technology.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore changes in knowledge, attitudes, and challenges regarding e-learning of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also determine how e-learning has influenced academic performance.

METHODS

We conducted a self-administrated electronic survey to collect information on undergraduate medical students’ e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated its validity, reliability and pilot tested the instrument. We recruited participants using convenience sampling via WhatsApp and sent reminders one and two weeks later using SurveyMonkey.

RESULTS

We received 995 responses from validated undergraduate medical students from August 7–19, 2020. Nearly all respondents responded that they have knowledge of e-learning and its tools. More than two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they gained fair/very good knowledge from online classes and discussion boards. Additionally, more than half of them indicated that they gained fair/very good knowledge from e-assessments, mobile-learning, links, e-resources, and e-problem based learning. Regarding attitudes, students responded they had “somewhat” adequate knowledge, proper training, positive feelings, and were comfortable engaging in e-learning. Reported challenges experienced with e-learning included poor internet speed and lack of clinical experience and physical examination skills. There was a statistically significant difference between the test scores for the first and second semesters for year 6, year 5, year 4, and year 2 students.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all respondents are familiar with e-learning tools. The implementation of e-learning during the pandemic led to an overall improvement in knowledge gain, accompanied by positive attitudes. Subsequently, there were measurable improvements in students’ test scores in regard to overall academic performance. Our study indicates the need to boost infrastructure and address the challenges of e-learning.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA