bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myricanol-9-acetate, a Novel Naturally Occurring Derivative of Myricanol, Induces ROS-dependent Mitochondrial-mediated Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Ahmad Gazanfar , Mir Sameer Ahmad , Anand Loveleena K. , Pottoo Faheem H. , Dhiman Neerupma , Malik Fayaz , Ali Asif
Published: June 2021

Background:

Low therapeutic efficacy and drug-induced systemic toxicity of currently
used anti-cancerous chemotherapeutic agents are major compelling factors for finding out clinically
efficient molecules with high efficiency and less toxicity.

Objective:

The current research work was undertaken to evaluate the anticancer potential of Myricanol-
9-acetate (MA), a novel naturally occurring derivative of myricanol.

Methods:

MCF-7, MiaPaCa-2, and HCT 116 were used for cytotoxicity determination of the MA
and ML (Myricanol) by MTT assay. The mechanistic study involved the determination of cell cycle
arrest, Δψm loss, ROS generation, western blot assay, flow cytometry by reported methods on
MCF-7 cells.

Results:

MA exhibited anticancer activity against all three cell lines, however, the molecule was
found most active against the MCF-7 cell line. We observed IC5020 μM with MA treatment as compared
to the IC50 of 42 μM for myricanol treatment. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that MA
induces apoptosis of MCF-7 cell line through ROS generation and dose-dependent drop in mitochondrial
membrane potential associated with cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Our results further
demonstrated that down-regulation of Bcl2 and activation of the caspase cascade are the events involved
in the MA-induced apoptosis. Flow cytometry results indicated an increase in early and late
apoptotic population in a dose-dependent manner with an apoptotic population of about 20% at 30
μM of MA, thus, supporting our results.

Conclusion:

Present findings suggest that MA might serve as a promising novel drug candidate
with high scope for taking it to further evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies.
Repurposing of Metformin for Cancer Therapy: Updated Patent and Literature Review
Authors: Ahmed Zainab Sabry Othman , Golovoy Matthew , Abdullah Yassen , Ahmed Reda Saber Ibrahim , Dou Q. Ping
Published: June 2021

Background:

Over recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the repurposing
of existing, well-known medications for new, novel usage. One such drug is metformin, typically
utilized in the management of diabetes, which demonstrates a positive relationship between its administration
and lower cancer morbidity and mortality. Based on this finding, numerous studies
and clinical trials have been conducted to examine the potential usage of metformin as an anticancer
agent.

Objective:

This article aims to summarize metformin’s anticancer effects through reviewing its literature and patents, with a focus on its potential to be repurposed for cancer therapy.

Methods:

Various databases were examined using keywords, ‘Metformin’ and ‘Cancer’. Research
articles were collected through the PubMed database, clinical trials were obtained from the Clinical
Trials database, and patents were collected through the Google Patents database.

Results:

Metformin shows antineoplastic activity in various models. These anticancer properties appear
to synergize with existing chemotherapeutics, which allows a reduction in drug dosage without
losing potency while minimizing adverse effects. Numerous patents on metformin have been
filed which claim various combination therapies, delivery methods, and uses for cancer therapy, displaying
an increasing interest in metformin’s anticancer potential.

Conclusion:

Preclinical studies, along with early phase clinical trials, have examined the antitumor
properties of metformin on a variety of cancers. Metformin’s anticancer effects are well documented,
demonstrating a great promise in improving current cancer therapies. However, there is a significant
lack of late phase clinical trials, specifically those involving nondiabetic cancer patients, and
therefore further research in this area is required.
N6-Methyladenosine-Related RNA Signature Predicting the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jiao Jiao , Jiang Longyang , Luo Yang
Published: June 2021

Background:

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most universal mRNA
modification in eukaryotic cells. M6A mRNA modification affects almost every phases of
RNA processing, including splicing, decay, export, translation and expression. Several patents
have reported the application of m6A mRNA modification in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among all gynecological cancers. It is urgent to identify
new biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Objective:

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the m6A RNA methylation regulators and
m6A related genes and establish a new gene signature panel for the prognosis of ovarian cancer.

Methods:

We downloaded the mutations data, FPKM data and corresponding clinical information
of 373 patients with Ovarian Cancer (OC) from the TCGA database. We performed LASSO regression
analysis and multivariate cox regression analysis to develop a risk-identifying gene signature
panel.

Results:

A total of 317 candidate m6A RNA methylation related genes were obtained. Finally, 12 -
genes (WTAP, LGR6, ZC2HC1A, SLC4A8, AP2A1, NRAS, CUX1, HDAC1, CD79A, ACE2, FLG2
and LRFN1) were selected to establish the signature panel. We analyzed the genetic alterations
of the selected 12 -genes in OC using cBioPortal database. Among the 373 patients, 368 patients
have mutations. The results showed that all queried genes were altered in 137 of 368 cases
(37.23%). The 12-gene signature panel was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator (P
=2.29E-18, HR = 1.699, 95% CI = 1.508-1.913).

Conclusion:

We established an effective m6A-related gene signature panel consisted of 12 -genes,
which can predict the outcome of patients with OC. The high risk score indicates unfavorable survival.
Our study provided novel insights into the relationship between m6A and OC. This gene signature
panel will be helpful in identifying poor prognostic patients with OC and could be a promising
prognostic indicator in clinical practice.
DIGITAL SKILL DURING COVID-19: EFFECTS OF DIGITAL LEADERSHIP AND DIGITAL COLLABORATION
Authors:   Universitas Bina Nusantara, Indonesia, Saputra Nopriadi , Nugroho Riant ,   Rumah Reformasi Kebijakan, Indonesia, Aisyah Hesty ,   Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Informatika dan Komputer, Indonesia, Karneli Okta ,   Universitas Riau, Indonesia
Published: June 2021

The inequality of digital skills is an organizational challenge experienced by public and private organizations to ensure work productivity in work-from-home arrangements during Covid-19. This article aims to elaborate on digital skill development and examine the effects of digital leadership and digital collaboration on digital skill development. This article is based on a cross-sectional study involved 824 office workers from 32 provinces in Indonesia. The combined convenience and snowballing approach were used as the sampling methods. The collected data were structured in the first-order constructs by PLS Structural Equation Modeling. The results revealed that digital skills are significantly influenced directly by digital collaboration and indirectly by digital leadership. For accelerating digital skill development, the superior of office workers should facilitate their team members to collaborate intensively by using digital technology. Further study is recommended to examine the effects of other factors such as work motivation, family support, and availability of digital facility at home, performance management, and perceived organizational support.
DETERMINING PURCHASE INTENTION IN HALAL PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT: STUDY ON MUSLIMAH MILLENNIAL GENERATION
Authors:   Universitas Mercu Buana, Jakarta, Indonesia, Mahliza Febrina , Prasetya Prita ,   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: June 2021

Currently, Indonesian citizens were mostly dominated by the millennial generation. The domination of this generation became a potential market for a halal product. However, millennials considered having less interest to dig more information about the “halalness” of products. Therefore, this study will focus on the millennial generation’s halal personal care product purchase intention behavior. Method applied in this study was quantitative and the primary data taken from the millennial generation in Jakarta, which amounted to 104 respondents by purposive sampling. Further, Partial Least Square (PLS) was used as data analysis. The results study showed that halal personal care product’s purchase intention was affected significantly by halal marketing and health reason. Halal awareness and certification did not significantly affect the millennial generation’s purchase intention of halal personal care products.
THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN IDX AND SOME FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Malikussaleh, Ichsan Ichsan , Silvia Ira ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Malikussaleh, Mahdawi Mahdawi ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Trisakti, Syamni Ghazali ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Malikussaleh
Published: June 2021

This study aims to examine some factors affecting the financial performance of manufacturing companies in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). This research uses data on the financial statements of 20 manufacturing companies listed on IDX in the period 20132017 and carried out share distribution facilities for their employees. This research model is a panel regression model done by testing the common effect model, fixed-effect model, and random effect model. Based on the Chow test and Hausman test, it is found that the best model in this study is the fixed effect model. The study results find that dividend policy, a share giving program to employees, and debt to equity ratio are significant factors affecting the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Indonesia. From these three factors, the debt to equity ratio is the dominant factor determining the financial performance of manufacturing companies, while investment decision does not significantly affect it. Future research studies can be carried out by focusing on other industrial sectors such as the Jakarta Islamic Index 70 and adding other macroeconomic variables.
Prioritization of Features for Mobile Apps for Families in a Federal Nutrition Program for Low-Income Women, Infants, and Children: User-Centered Design Approach
Authors: Weber Summer J , Shearer Elyse , Mulvaney Shelagh A , Schmidt Douglas , Thompson Chris , Jones Jessica , Ahmad Haseeb , Coe Martina , Hull Pamela C
Published: June 2021

Background

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides nutritious food, education, and health care referrals to low-income women, infants, and children up to the age of 5 years. Although WIC is associated with positive health outcomes for each participant category, modernization and efficiency are needed at the clinic and shopping levels to increase program satisfaction and participation rates. New technologies, such as electronic benefits transfer (EBT), online nutrition education, and mobile apps, can provide opportunities to improve the WIC experience for participants.

Objective

This formative study applies user-centered design principles to inform the layout and prioritization of features in mobile apps for low-income families participating in the WIC program.

Methods

To identify and prioritize desirable app features, caregivers (N=22) of the children enrolled in WIC participated in individual semistructured interviews with a card sorting activity. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using constant comparative analysis for themes. App features were ranked and placed into natural groupings by each participant. The sum and average of the rankings were calculated to understand which features were prioritized by the users. Natural groupings of features were labeled according to participant descriptions.

Results

Natural groupings focused on the following categories: clinics/appointments, shopping/stores, education/assessments, location, and recipes/food. Themes from the interviews triangulated the results from the ranking activity. The priority app features were balance checking, an item scanner, and appointment scheduling. Other app features discussed and ranked included appointment reminders, nutrition training and quizzes, shopping lists, clinic and store locators, recipe gallery, produce calculator, and dietary preferences/allergies.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how a user-centered design process can aid the development of an app for low-income families participating in WIC to inform the effective design of the app features and user interface.
Development of a Positive Body Image Chatbot (KIT) With Young People and Parents/Carers: Qualitative Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Authors: Beilharz Francesca , Sukunesan Suku , Rossell Susan L , Kulkarni Jayashri , Sharp Gemma
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Body image and eating disorders represent a significant public health concern; however, many affected individuals never access appropriate treatment. Conversational agents or chatbots reflect a unique opportunity to target those affected online by providing psychoeducation and coping skills, thus filling the gap in service provision.

OBJECTIVE

A world-first body image chatbot called “KIT” was designed. The aim of this study was to assess preliminary acceptability and feasibility via the collection of qualitative feedback from young people and parents/carers regarding the content, structure, and design of the chatbot, in accordance with an agile methodology strategy. The chatbot was developed in collaboration with Australia’s national eating disorder support organization, the Butterfly Foundation.

METHODS

A conversation decision tree was designed that offered psychoeducational information on body image and eating disorders, as well as evidence-based coping strategies. A version of KIT was built as a research prototype to deliver these conversations. Six focus groups were conducted using online semistructured interviews to seek feedback on the KIT prototype. This included four groups of people seeking help for themselves (n=17; age 13-18 years) and two groups of parents/carers (n=8; age 46-57 years). Participants provided feedback on the cartoon chatbot character design, as well as the content, structure, and design of the chatbot webchat.

RESULTS

Thematic analyses identified the following three main themes from the six focus groups: (1) chatbot character and design, (2) content presentation, and (3) flow. Overall, the participants provided positive feedback regarding KIT, with both young people and parents/carers generally providing similar reflections. The participants approved of KIT’s character and engagement. Specific suggestions were made regarding the brevity and tone to increase KIT’s interactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Focus groups provided overall positive qualitative feedback regarding the content, structure, and design of the body image chatbot. Incorporating the feedback of lived experience from both individuals and parents/carers allowed the refinement of KIT in the development phase as per an iterative agile methodology. Further research is required to evaluate KIT’s efficacy.
Transformation and Evaluation of the MIMIC Database in the OMOP Common Data Model: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Paris Nicolas , Lamer Antoine , Parrot Adrien
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

In the era of big data, the intensive care unit (ICU) is likely to benefit from real-time computer analysis and modeling based on close patient monitoring and electronic health record data. The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) is the first open access database in the ICU domain. Many studies have shown that common data models (CDMs) improve database searching by allowing code, tools, and experience to be shared. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM is spreading all over the world.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to transform MIMIC into an OMOP database and to evaluate the benefits of this transformation for analysts.

METHODS

We transformed MIMIC (version 1.4.21) into OMOP format (version 5.3.3.1) through semantic and structural mapping. The structural mapping aimed at moving the MIMIC data into the right place in OMOP, with some data transformations. The mapping was divided into 3 phases: conception, implementation, and evaluation. The conceptual mapping aimed at aligning the MIMIC local terminologies to OMOP's standard ones. It consisted of 3 phases: integration, alignment, and evaluation. A documented, tested, versioned, exemplified, and open repository was set up to support the transformation and improvement of the MIMIC community's source code. The resulting data set was evaluated over a 48-hour datathon.

RESULTS

With an investment of 2 people for 500 hours, 64% of the data items of the 26 MIMIC tables were standardized into the OMOP CDM and 78% of the source concepts mapped to reference terminologies. The model proved its ability to support community contributions and was well received during the datathon, with 160 participants and 15,000 requests executed with a maximum duration of 1 minute.

CONCLUSIONS

The resulting MIMIC-OMOP data set is the first MIMIC-OMOP data set available free of charge with real disidentified data ready for replicable intensive care research. This approach can be generalized to any medical field.
Web-Based Lifestyle Interventions for Survivors of Cancer: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Williams Victoria , Brown Nashira , Moore Justin Xavier , Farrell David , Perumean-Chaney Suzanne , Schleicher Erica , Fontaine Kevin , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Pekmezi Dori
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Internet-based lifestyle programs are increasingly being used to deliver health behavior change interventions to survivors of cancer. However, little is known about website use in this population or its association with healthy lifestyle changes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe lifestyle intervention website use (log-ins, time on website, and page views) among survivors of cancer and patterns of use by participant characteristics. In addition, associations were explored between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge and practice.

METHODS

A total of 35 survivors of cancer were recruited between August 2017 and 2018 to participate in a 2-week, single-arm pilot test of the SurvivorSHINE lifestyle intervention website. Knowledge and practices related to healthy diet and physical activity behaviors were measured at baseline and follow-up. Website use (eg, time spent on the website, frequency of log-ins, and page views) were collected from the SurvivorSHINE administrative site during the intervention period. Patterns of use were examined by participants’ gender and race. Correlations between website use and changes in healthy lifestyle knowledge, physical activity, diet, and weight were explored. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare demographic factors on website use.

RESULTS

Participants logged into the SurvivorSHINE intervention website an average of 3.2 (SD 2) times over the 2-week period and spent a total average of 94 (SD 56) minutes viewing the website during the intervention. Examining website activity, 1905 page views were logged. The User Profile (344 page views) and Home sections (301 page views) were the most frequently visited components. No associations were observed between the frequency of log-ins or the total time on the website, improvements in knowledge related to healthy lifestyles, or changes in body weight or dietary intake. However, the total time on the website was positively correlated with improvements in accelerometer-measured physical activity (r=0.74; P=.02) and self-reported physical activity (r=0.35; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of cancer demonstrated clear interest in a diet and exercise intervention website, as evidenced by their frequency of log-ins, page views on numerous features, and total viewing time. Moreover, increased website use was correlated with improvements in physical activity.
Digital device exposure and cognition levels of children in lower-middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study in Cambodia (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Ho Heon , Hwang Sang Ho , Yi Ilcheong , Kao Sambath , Kim Doo Ra , Sohn Hyuk-Sang , Kim Joo Hye , Choi Yejin , Yoon Sangchul , Park Yu Rang
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), policymakers and practitioners are increasingly focusing on the effectiveness of digital devices for medical and education services in children. However, several critical questions regarding the effectiveness of digital devices for preschool-aged children in LMICs remain unanswered due to a lack of evidence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the relationship between familiarity with digital devices, social-economic status, and the cognitive functions of preschool-aged children in Cambodia.

METHODS

Based on a survey on three- to nine-year-old children’s familiarity with digital devices and the results of an impact test regarding the application of cognitive development, we examined the influence of the application on cognitive development of children in two Cambodian schools from 22 April to 4 May 2019. For analysis, the children were split into two groups: Group (A) children with pre-test digital device experience, and Group (B) children without pre-test digital device experience.

RESULTS

The results of CANTAB tests, except for one related to executive function area, did not indicate significant differences (p>0⸱05) among Group (A), Group (B), and the four sub-groups. Pre-test digital device experience and the amount of time using digital devices during the test did not have significantly different impacts on the cognitive development of children. Conversely, the education expenditure levels caused significant differences in the attention and executive function areas.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide evidence for the importance of improving socio-economic conditions leading to investment in education when policymakers and practitioners are looking to implement programs for children’s cognitive development through digital devices in LMICs.
Using Telehealth to Deliver Primary Care to Adolescents During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Survey Study of US Primary Care Professionals (Preprint)
Authors: Gilkey Melissa B , Kong Wei Yi , Huang Qian , Grabert Brigid K , Thompson Peyton , Brewer Noel T
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented use of telehealth, including by primary care professionals (PCPs) who serve adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To inform future practice and policies, we sought to characterize PCPs’ recent experience using adolescent telehealth as well as their support for it after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

METHODS

From February to March 2021, we conducted a web-based survey of 1047 PCPs in the United States. Our national sample included physicians (747/1047, 71%), advanced practice providers (177/1047, 17%), and nurses (123/1047, 12%) who provided primary care to adolescents aged 11-17 years.

RESULTS

Most PCPs reported using telehealth for a low, moderate, or high proportion of their adolescent patients in the three months prior to the survey (424/1047, 40%, 286/1047, 27%, and 219/1047, 21%, respectively); only 11% (118/1047) reported no use. A majority of respondents agreed that adolescent telehealth increases access to care (720/1047, 69%) and enables them to provide high-quality care (560/1047, 53%). Few believed that adolescent telehealth takes too much time (142/1047, 14%) or encourages health care overuse (157/1047, 15%). Most supported giving families the option of adolescent telehealth for primary care after the pandemic is over (683/1047, 65%) and believed that health insurance plans should continue to reimburse for telehealth visits (863/1047, 82%). Approximately two-thirds (702/1047, 67%) wanted to offer adolescent telehealth visits after the pandemic, with intentions being higher among those with recent telehealth experience (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PCPs in our national sample reported widespread use of and predominantly positive attitudes toward adolescent telehealth. Our findings also suggest broad support among PCPs for continuing to offer adolescent telehealth after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on access to education programs for children with sickle cell disease and social deprivation: a qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Sterlin Alizee , de Montalembert Mariane , Taylor Melissa , Mensah Sandrine , Vandaele Marie , Lanzeray Agathe , Poiraud Louise , Allali Slimane
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease for which health outcomes may be greatly influenced by patient and parent self-care knowledge and skills. Therapeutic education (TPE) is a patient-centered teaching instrument, based on patient adaptative processes and their subjective and objective needs, whether expressed or not. TPE is delivered in individual or group sessions, usually during face-to-face meetings. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the modalities of TPE by promoting online training. The RoFSED health network, which operates in the Paris region and is focused on coordination of care and TPE for children with SCD, has implemented online TPE since May 2020.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accessibility of children with SCD to online TPE.

METHODS

Characteristics of TPE before and after the onset of the pandemic were compared to evaluate the accessibility of children with SCD to online TPE.

RESULTS

We observed an increase in the total number of trained children, mostly related to increased participation in individual sessions. The age distribution of participants did not vary. However, participation varied greatly according to the geographical area of residence, with a major drop from 22.4 to 4.9% of attendees living in Seine saint Denis, one of the most socio-economically deprived French departments, contrasting with an increased proportion of attendees living in Paris and Hauts-de-Seine, two of the most favoured French departments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the potential of online TPE tools for patients and families with SCD but also reveal unequal access according to socio-economic status. Future research is needed, in particular on the safety and efficacy of these tools, as well as on improving access for the more vulnerable patients living in socially disadvantaged areas.
Net Endogenous Acid Excretion and Kidney Allograft Outcomes
Authors: Yeung Stanley M.H. , Gomes-Neto Antonio W. , Osté Maryse C.J. , van den Berg Else , Kootstra-Ros Jenny E. , Sanders Jan Stephan F. , Berger Stefan P. , Carrero Juan Jesus , De Borst Martin H. , Navis Gerjan J. , Bakker Stephan J.L.
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

High dietary acid load may accelerate a decline in kidney function. We prospectively investigated whether dietary acid load is associated with graft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients, and whether venous bicarbonate mediates this association.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We used data from 642 kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft ≥1 year after transplantation. Net endogenous acid production was estimated using food frequency questionnaires and, alternatively, 24-hour urinary urea and potassium excretion to estimate net endogenous acid production. We defined the composite kidney end point as a doubling of plasma creatinine or graft failure. Multivariable Cox regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to study the associations of dietary acid load with the kidney end point. We evaluated potential mediation effects of venous bicarbonate, urinary bicarbonate excretion, urinary ammonium excretion, titratable acid excretion, and net acid excretion on the association between net endogenous acid production and the kidney end point.

Results

The median net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion were 40 (interquartile range, 35–45) and 54 (interquartile range, 44–66) mEq/day, respectively. During a median follow-up of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 4.1–6.0), 121 (19%) participants reached the kidney end point. After multivariable adjustment, net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion (per SD higher) were independently associated with higher risk for kidney end point (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.57, P=0.001 and hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 1.69, P<0.001, respectively). Baseline venous bicarbonate mediated 20% of the association between net endogenous acid production using food frequency questionnaires and the kidney end point. Baseline venous bicarbonate, urinary ammonium excretion, and net acid excretion mediated 25%, −14%, and −18%, respectively, of the association between net endogenous acid production using urinary excretion and the kidney end point.

Conclusions

Higher dietary acid load was associated with a higher risk of doubling of plasma creatinine or graft failure, and this association was partly mediated by venous bicarbonate, urinary ammonium, and net acid excretion.
Quantifiers, Binding, and Agreement
Authors: Kang Namkil
Published: June 2021

The main goal of this paper is to argue that Korean pronouns must be phi-feature-compatible with their antecedents, whereas Korean reflexives are not. It is worth pointing out that Korean pronouns are sensitive to the number feature, whereas Korean anaphors are not. A major point to note is that every-type QPs have a Q feature that is plural in its number, whereas which-type QPs have an optional Q-feature that is singular or plural in number. A further point to note is that Korean pronouns are sensitive to phi-features, which is in accordance with Safir’s (2014) hypothesis that “D-bound anaphora must be feature-compatible with its antecedent”. With respect to Korean pronouns, it is worth noting that Safir’s hypothesis does not work for Korean pronouns since they induce a bound variable reading through the phi-feature agreement. Finally, it is significant to note that Korean anaphors are not feature-compatible with antecedents and that they yield a bound variable reading regardless of their phi-features.
Prediction of Heart Disease using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Pandita Aadar
Published: June 2021

Heart diseases have been the primary reason for death all over the world. Majority of the deaths related to cardiovascular problems are caused by heart attacks and strokes. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that an approximate 17.9 million people die due to such diseases every year. Therefore, it is essential that we find methods to ensure the minimization of these numbers. In order to minimize the detrimental effects of heart diseases, we must try to predict its presence at earlier stages. Machine Learning algorithms can help us effectively predict such results with a high degree of accuracy which can in turn help doctors and patients detect the onset of such diseases and reduce their impact or prevent them from occurring. Our objective is to create a system that is able to accurately determine the presence of heart disease in a time and cost efficient manner.
Multiport Converter based EV Charging Station with PV and Battery
Authors: Khobragade Priya A.
Published: June 2021

: As a ecofriendly electrical vehicle, is vehicles that are used electric motor or traction motor. Are receiving widespread attention around the world due to their improved performance and zero carbon emission . The electric vehicle depend on photovoltaic and battery energy storage system . Electric vehicles include not limited road and railways. It consist of many electric appliances for use in domestic and industrial purposes that is electric car ,electric bike ,electric truck ,electric trolley bus , electric air craft ,electric space craft.The main Moto of this paper is a modelling of proposed system smart charging for electrical vehicle insuring minimum stress on power grid . The large scale development of electrical vehicle we need electric charging station for example fast charging station and super-fast charging station . During a peak demand load , large load on charging station due to the voltage sag , line fault and stress on power grid . At this all problem avoid by multiport converter based EV charging station with PV and BES by using analysis of MATLAB simulation. Result and conclusion of this paper to reduce losses improving efficiency of solar energy , no pollution (reduce) fast charging as possible as without any disturbance.
Step by step towards citizen science — deconstructing youth participation in BioBlitzes
Authors: Lorke Julia , Ballard Heidi L. , Miller Annie E. , Swanson Rebecca D. , Pratt-Taweh Sasha , Jennewein Jessie N. , Higgins Lila , Johnson Rebecca F. , Young Alison N. , Ghadiri Khanaposhtani Maryam , Robinson Lucy D.
Published: June 2021

BioBlitzes, typically one-day citizen science (CS) events, provide opportunities for the public to participate in data collection for research and conservation, potentially promoting deeper engagement with science. We observed 81 youth at 15 BioBlitzes in the U.S. and U.K., identifying five steps participants use to create a biological record (Exploring, Observing, Identifying, Documenting and Recording). We found 67 youth engaged in at least one of the steps, but seldom in all, with rare participation in Recording which is crucial for contributing data to CS. These findings suggest BioBlitzes should reduce barriers to Recording for youth to increase engagement with science.
Scheme of an auxiliary geodetic network on the Moon
Authors: Kravchuk I.M. , Pshenichnaya M.M.
Published: June 2021

It is proposed to create a simple, accurate, low-cost and easy-made coordinate system, which will be used for two main tasks at the initial stage of Moon exploration
Are Brazilian Catchments Gaining or Losing Water? The Effective Area of Tropical Catchments
Authors: Schwamback Dimaghi , Gesualdo Gabriela Chiquito , Sone Jullian Souza , Kobayashi Alex Naoki Asato , Bertotto Luis Eduardo , Garcia Maria Vitória da Silva , Almagro André , Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches de
Published: June 2021

Similar to most countries, the Brazilian water resources management
considers topographically delineated catchment as a territorial unit for
policy implementation. Yet, previous studies have shown that catchments
are not hydrologically isolated, and topographic limits often neglect
the groundwater boundaries. Thus, studies on effective catchment area
are promising for shedding light on inter-catchment groundwater flow.
Here, we investigated the deviation between the topographic and
effective areas across Brazil. We applied the Effective Catchment Area
index (ECI) to 733 Brazilian catchments and identified the most
influencing attributes on the ECI by using Principal Component and
Random Forest Analyses (PCA and RFA, respectively). Further analysis
of consistency was carried out by contrasting the ECI values against the
expected range of the Budyko curve considering both topographic and
effective catchment areas (classic and adjusted framework). Considering
the studied catchments, 15% and 16% of their effective areas were
respectively smaller than half (strong losing water condition) and
larger than double (strong gaining water condition) of their
corresponding topographic areas. The aridity index was the main driving
factor and negatively correlated with ECI followed by mean slope,
precipitation seasonality, and mean elevation. In general, the more arid
biomes in Brazil — the Cerrado and Caatinga — are prone to have
smaller effective areas while larger effective areas were mostly found
in the Atlantic Forest biome, a humid tropical region with a higher mean
elevation. We highlight the potential of adopting a pooling of
catchments based on their interconnectivity to minimize management
costs while maximizing synergies and lessening trade-offs of water
transfer processes. Our results contribute to a better country-scale
understanding of hydrological connectivity among catchments and
highlight the need to consider the effective catchment area to overcome
water-food-energy security challenges on multiple scales.
A Scoping Review on Implementation of I-Think Maps and Its Effects on Higher Order Thinking Skills in Malaysian Schools
Authors: Hamzah Lina Mursyidah , Wan Yusoff Wan Mazwati
Published: June 2021

Abstract: Malaysian schools have been implementing i-Think program as a means to develop higher order thinking skills among primary and secondary school students since 2013. Thus, there is a need to assess the implementation of the i-Think program since it was made compulsory almost seven years ago. This paper reports a scoping review of research activities conducted on the implementation of the i-Think program in Malaysian schools to synthesize studies on the implementation of the i-Think program in the classrooms; teachers' and students’ acceptance of the program; examine its impact on HOTS and students’ achievement; and to identify and disseminate the gaps in the works of literature. Forty articles were reviewed and the results indicated that the data on how i-Think programs were implemented in classrooms were so small that no definite conclusions could be made. Results on both students' and teachers’ levels of knowledge on i-Think maps were mixed. Majority of studies showed that i-Think maps significantly enhanced students’ achievement. However, no study measured the impact of i-Think on HOTS despite researchers' claim that i-Think maps had stimulated students’ HOTS. Thus, future studies should focus on showing correlation between i-Think and HOTS by using a validated measurement scale to assess students’ HOTS, development of valid and reliable measurement scale to gather a large pool of data to illustrate more comprehensively the status of i-Think implementation in schools throughout Malaysia, support systems provided to teachers at school and district level, and identifying barriers that hinders teachers from implementing i-Think program.

Keywords: HOTS, i-Think Maps, Malaysian schools, Scoping review.
The Influence of Korean University Students’ Contact Experience with North Korean Refugee Students on Social Identity and Integrated Conflicts
Authors: Kyung-Hwa Lee , Seong-Hun Kim , Ga-Hyung Lee
Published: June 2021

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of South Korean university students’ contact experiences with North Korean refugee university students on social identity and integrated conflicts. The study was conducted with students in years 1–4 of university enrolled in S University in Seoul. Data from 446 participants were gathered. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between college students’ contact experience with North Korean defector students, with variables of social identity and integrated conflict included. In addition, a t-test was conducted to analyse the differences in social identities and integrated conflicts according to whether or not college students participated in a unification leadership camp and whether or not they attended lectures related to unification. This study found significant correlations between variables such as contact experience, social identity and integrated conflicts. In addition, an increase in experiences between North Korean defectors and South Korean university students had a positive effect on social identity and negatively affected integrative conflict. In addition, there was no difference in social identity and integrated conflicts according to whether or not students participated in the Unification Camp or attended lectures related to unification. The results of this study will contribute to the development of programs and course openings to increase social identity and reduce integrated conflicts by expanding the contact experience between South and North Korean college students.

 

Keywords: Contact experiences, Integrated conflicts, North Korean refugee university students, Social identity.
Forensic Investigation on The High Failure Rate of Civil Engineering Solid Mechanics Course
Authors: Wee Lee Siong , Jamal Mohammad Hazizi , Hasbullah Mohd Amran , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohd Johan , Mohammad Shahrul Nizam , Haron Hairol Anuar
Published: June 2021

Abstract: The attainment of program outcomes for Solid Mechanic course offered to the Diploma in Civil Engineering students is evaluated. It was found that most of the students were incapable to demonstrate graduate attributes which applying knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering fundamentals and the ability to analyse engineering problems. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of physics and maths scores on the students’ performance of solid mechanics. Analysis of the previous results in physics and maths shows that there is a clear link between students’ fundamentals knowledge and the understanding of solid mechanics. Meanwhile, this study also aims to find out the root causes that led to the high failure rate of solid mechanics. A quantitative method was employed and a total of 180 students responded to the survey. Results of survey indicate that most of the students perceived that they had limited time to gain deep understanding of the course and they could not visualise the complex problems in solid mechanics. Majority of the students admitted that they did not manage to solve all questions during their final exam, and they were indeed not well prepared for it. Hence, the problem of high failure rate is feasible to be solved provided both lecturers and students making efforts in striving the success of this course.   

 

Keywords: Solid mechanics, Program outcomes, Failure rate, Problem solving, Applying knowledge
Using the Health Belief Model to Explain the Patient’s Compliance to Anti-hypertensive Treatment in Three District Hospitals - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross Section Study
Authors: Alphonce Joho Angelina
Published: June 2021

Background: Hypertension remains a public-health challenge globally. Its prevention, early detection, proper and adequate treatment and control should be given high consideration to prevent occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This study is guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) to investigate the influence of treatment compliance using HBM constructs among elderly hypertensive patients in 3 regional hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 region hospitals in Dar es Salaam from April to May 2012. The study included patients who were on antihypertensive medications. Simple Random Sampling was used to enrol the study participants. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Linear Multiple Regression analysis was performed to identify variables which are strongest predictor of treatment compliance among variables of the Health belief Model. Results: A total of 135 participants were enrolled of whom 56% were compliant to hypertensive treatment. Multivariate analysis indicated significant model fit for the data (F=11.19 and P value <.001). The amount of variance in treatment compliance that was explained by the predictors was 30.3% (R²=0.303) with perceived barrier being the strongest predictor of treatment compliance (β=-0.477; p< .001). Other predictor variables were not statistically associated with treatment compliance. Conclusion: The study showed that 56% of study participants had hypertensive treatment compliance and perceived barrier to treatment was the strongest predictor. Innovative strategy on improving patients’ perception of barrier to treatment is recommended in order to improve treatment compliance.
Egészségkommunikációs Felmérés Eredményei I. ̶ Felnőtt felmérés
Authors: Balku Eszter , Vitrai József
Published: June 2021

A magyar lakosság egészségi állapota sokkal rosszabb annál, mint amilyen a hasonló fejlettségű országokban tapasztaltak alapján elvárható lenne. Ennek egyik fő oka a Magyarországon gyakori egészségtelen életmód, azaz a helytelen táplálkozás, a mozgásszegény életmód, a dohányzás és a túlzott alkoholfogyasztás. Az Egészségkommunikációs Felmérés célja az volt, hogy feltérképezze az egészséggel kapcsolatos viselkedést és az ezeket meghatározó egészséggel kapcsolatos képességeket, motivációt és környezetet, valamint meghatározza a tervezett beavatkozásokhoz szükséges kommunikációs csatornákat. Módszerek: Az országos, kétlépcsős mintavétellel nyert reprezentatív mintán, kérdőíves felmérésben közel 5500 otthonában kérdezett felnőtt vett részt. A kérdőív a viselkedésváltoztatás egy integratív modelljére épült, amely szerint a viselkedést a testi és pszichés képességek, a motivációk valamint a társas és fizikai környezet által biztosított lehetőségek befolyásolják. A kérdések lefedték az egészséggel kapcsolatos ismereteket, attitűdöket, motivációkat, a testi, a lelki és a vélt egészséget, a pszichológiai tulajdonságokat, az egészségmagatartást, a társas támogatottságot, a kommunikációs szokásokat, az egészséggel kapcsolatos információkeresést valamint a kérdezett társadalmi-gazdasági jellemzőit. Eredmények: A felmérés leíró statisztikai elemzésének eredményeit a szerzők a viselkedésváltoztatási modellelemeknek megfelelő bontásban mutatják be. Az egészségmagatartásra vonatkozóan például kiderül, hogy minden 9. magyar felnőtt „szuper egészséges”, azaz elegendő zöldséget és gyümölcsöt fogyaszt, elegendő fizikai aktivitást végez, nem dohányozik, legfeljebb mérsékelten fogyaszt alkoholt és testtömege normális tartományban van. Összegzés: Az eredmények alátámasztják, hogy az egészségmagatartás megváltoztatásához nem elegendő az ismeretátadás, egyaránt fontos a motiváció és a támogató környezet is. A magyar felnőttek fizikai-pszichikai képességeire, motivációira, társas illetve fizikai környezetére és viselkedésére vonatkozó leíró eredmények hasznosak lehetnek az egészségfejlesztés különböző területein tevékenykedő szakemberek számára.
Comparing the performance of the ABC, AIMS65, GBS, and pRS scores in predicting 90-day mortality or rebleeding among emergency department patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhang Xiaoming , Walline Joseph Harold , Yu Xuezhong , Zhu Huadong
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common problem that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to compare the performance of the ABC score (ABC), the AIMS65 score (AIMS65), the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), and the pre-endoscopic Rockall score (pRS) in predicting 90-day mortality or rebleeding among patients with acute UGIB.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study conducted at 20 tertiary hospitals in China. Data were collected between June 30, 2020 and February 10, 2021. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used to compare the performance of the four scores in predicting 90-day mortality or rebleeding.

Results

Among the 1072 patients included during the study period, the overall 90-day mortality rate was 10.91% (117/1072) and the rebleeding rate was 12.03% (129/1072). In predicting 90-day mortality, the ABC and pRS scores performed better with an AUC of 0.722 (95% CI 0.675–0.768; P<0.001) and 0.711 (95% CI 0.663–0.757; P<0.001), respectively, compared to the AIMS-65 (AUC, 0.672; 95% CI, 0.624–0.721; P<0.001) and GBS (AUC, 0.624; 95% CI, 0.569–0.679; P<0.001) scores. In predicting rebleeding in 90 days, the AUC of all scores did not exceed 0.70.

Conclusion

In patients with acute UGIB, ABC and pRS performed better than AIMS-65 and GBS in predicting 90-day mortality. The performance of each score is not satisfactory in predicting rebleeding, however. Newer predictive models are needed to predict rebleeding after UGIB.