bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search for non-Abelian Majorana braiding statistics in superconductors
Authors: Beenakker Carlo
Published: August 2020

This is a tutorial review of methods to braid non-Abelian anyons (Majorana zero-modes) in topological superconductors. That ``Holy Grail'' of topological quantum information processing has not yet been reached in the laboratory, but there now exists a variety of platforms in which one can search for the Majorana braiding statistics. After an introduction to the basic concepts of braiding we discuss how one might be able to braid immobile Majorana zero-modes, bound to the end points of a nanowire, by performing the exchange in parameter space, rather than in real space. We explain how Coulomb interaction can be used to both control and read out the braiding operation, even though Majorana zero-modes are charge neutral. We ask whether the fusion rule might provide for an easier pathway towards the demonstration of non-Abelian statistics. In the final part we discuss an approach to braiding in real space, rather than parameter space, using vortices injected into a chiral Majorana edge mode as ``flying qubits''.
Perspectivas para a formação de formadores de futuros professores no contexto das políticas públicas
Authors: Richit Adriana , De Almeida William Xavier
Published: August 2020

O artigo discute as perspectivas para o desenvolvimento profissional de formadores de futuros professores a partir da análise do ordenamento legal relativo à formação de professores de nível superior e das ações e programas de agências vinculadas ao Ministério da Educação vocacionadas ao ensino superior. A análise, qualitativa e interpretativa, incidiu sobre um conjunto de documentos oficiais compilados mediante uma busca criteriosa nos sites oficiais vinculados ao Ministério da Educação. Estes documentos, que constituíram o material empírico do estudo, foram analisados e interpretados, a partir dos quais evidenciamos duas perspectivas de desenvolvimento profissional para o docente da educação superior: a universidade é lócus para o desenvolvimento do formador, quer seja como instância para realização de programas de pós-graduação, pós-doutorado, realização de parcerias institucionais e interinstitucionais, assim como por oportunizar ao professor formador diferentes experiências profissionais em nível de ensino e pesquisa; o desenvolvimento do formador se concretiza mediante a realização de pesquisa e produção de conhecimento, na medida em que os incentivos se concentram na distribuição de bolsas de pesquisa e pós-graduação e premiação de trabalhos de destaque.
Fundamentos e processos da formação continuada na rede municipal de Goiânia
Authors: Luiz Sarah Rizzia Campos , Assis Lúcia Maria
Published: August 2020

Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa realizada no ano de 2019 e teve como objetivo apresentar os fundamentos teóricos e metodológicos da formação continuada dos professores na Gerência de Formação dos Profissionais da SME (GERFOR). A pesquisa teve como metodologia o levantamento bibliográfico e documental, fundamentada em Janela (2000), Saviani (2008), Dias Sobrinho (2003), Luckesi (2010), Libâneo (2015), Guimarães (2004), entre outros. Concluiu-se que tendo em vista que as políticas para formação continuada abrangem cursos de curta ou longa duração, que objetivam promover a atualização, desenvolvimento e aprofundamento profissional constante dos profissionais docente, que busquem atender as necessidades recorrentes da prática educacional, bem como acompanhar o desenvolvimento da legislação educacional e promover a atualização permanente dos conhecimentos e saberes da docência, a GERFOR tem atuado nesse sentido, de modo a subsidiar as melhorias das práticas dentro do ambiente escolar.
Eficiência relativa da tecnologia da informação no desempenho organizacional dos institutos federais de educação
Authors: Queiroz Stenio Wagner Pereira de , Marques Erico Veras , Correia Neto Jocildo Figueiredo
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho realizou uma pesquisa sobre o impacto da TI nos desempenhos administrativo e acadêmico de 31 Institutos Federais de Educação (IFs) entre 2012 e 2014. A técnica usada foi a análise envoltória de dados, adotando os gastos com TI e o nível de governança de TI como inputs e os desempenhos organizacional, administrativo e acadêmico como outputs. Os resultados mostraram que, em 2012, 56,67% dos IFs pesquisadas conseguiram alcançar um patamar de máxima eficiência, enquanto que, em 2014, ficou em torno de 60%. Os achados não são capazes de negar o paradoxo da produtividade.
DESAFIOS DA GESTÃO ESCOLAR NA CONSTRUÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO INTEGRAL
Authors: Ganzeli Pedro , Machado Cristiane , Nogueira Rosane Garcia Dorazio
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem o objetivo de explicitar e problematizar os desafios enfrentados e as ações adotadas pela gestão escolar para a construção da educação integral em uma escola municipal de Campinas (SP) de ensino fundamental. Utilizamos como procedimentos metodológicos a revisão bibliográfica, a análise documental e observações participativas na unidade escolar pesquisada. O processo de organização do espaço escolar demandou embates políticos e pedagógicos entre as instâncias da Secretaria Municipal de Educação e a equipe gestora, prevalecendo as demandas da unidade escolar.
Estado, políticas e gestão da educação: resistência ativa para uma agenda democrática com justiça social
Authors: Afonso Almerindo Janela
Published: August 2020

Depois de uma breve revisitação sobre o conceito de Estado, a relação com a escola pública e as mudanças no conceito de cidadania, o autor faz uma incursão tangencial sobre a administração pública, para em seguida contextualizar a administração educacional enquanto campo específico de pesquisa e reflexão teórico-conceptual e política. Na parte final, são pontuadas algumas problemáticas que, do ponto de vista do autor, merecem uma atenção maior por parte dos pesquisadores em administração educacional e sociologia das organizações educativas. O artigo conclui retomando o apelo para que, também na educação, possa ser fortalecida uma resistência ativa para uma agenda democrática com justiça social.
A COORDENAÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA COMO ESPAÇO-TEMPO DE ORGANIZAÇÃO DO TRABALHO PEDAGÓGICO E DE FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA
Authors: Nascimento Thiago Gonçalves Ferreira do
Published: August 2020

a presente pesquisa teve como escopo compreender as relações existentes entre coordenação pedagógica, formação continuada, projeto político-pedagógico e organização do trabalho pedagógico. Destarte, numa abordagem qualitativa, contou com a participação de 13 docentes dos anos iniciais da rede pública de ensino do DF, atuantes na Coordenação Regional de Ensino de Brazlândia e os dados encontrados foram analisados à luz dos construtos teóricos de Veiga (1996), Villas Boas (2002), Fullan e Hargreaves (2006), Silva (2007), Fernandes (2007) e Silva e Fernandes (2017). Para se contextualizar a institucionalização do espaço-tempo da coordenação pedagógica foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica para o levantamento dos principais marcos legais, a saber, a Lei 9.394/96 – que estabelece as diretrizes e bases da educação nacional, a Lei 11.738/2008 - que institui o piso salarial para os profissionais do magistério público da educação básica e, no âmbito do Distrito Federal, a Lei 5.105/2013 - que institui o vigente plano de carreira do magistério público do DF. Para fomentar o debate são utilizados também, como aporte teórico, os construtos de Freitas (1995), Ferreira (2010) e Fuentes e Ferreira (2017). Há que se destacar que a coordenação pedagógica é um espaço-tempo primordial para a formação continuada e para a organização do trabalho pedagógico.
A CONDIÇÃO DE PEDAGOGOS DO GÊNERO MASCULINO INICIANTES NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Sousa Fernando Santos , Cruz Shirleide Pereira da Silva
Published: August 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir os elementos de construção da profissionalidade docente de pedagogos do gênero masculino iniciantes na educação infantil. Partindo de certo silenciamento identificado por levantamento bibliográfico em relação ao processo de inserção tendo a categoria gênero como mediadora, realizamos entrevistas com onze pedagogos. Os dados levantados foram analisados em uma perspectiva crítica e organizados utilizando a metodologia dos núcleos de significação. Entende-se que professoras e professores no exercício de seu trabalho constroem a profissionalidade em um contexto de sociedade e escola em meio as relações de poder que naturalizam papéis sociais próprios a homens ou mulheres. Os resultados apontaram para a necessidade de se analisar e compreender o processo de inserção considerando elementos que fazem parte do processo de construção da profissionalidade docente, entre eles, os aspectos relacionais e pedagógicos mediados pela categoria gênero e as concepções sociais que permeiam essa categoria. Entre os achados está o fato de que estes professores, embora minoria em um grupo predominantemente feminino, apresentam uma autoridade legitimada pelo gênero. Além disso, sua receptividade para superação de conflitos inerentes ao momento de início da carreira indicam um certo “apadrinhamento” e tutoria desses professores nas escolas, que parecem indicar as concepções enraizadas no senso comum, que apostam na incapacidade destes em exercer a atividade docente nos cuidados básicos com crianças. Por outro lado destaca-se a importância do relacionamento entre pares para a superação dos desafios inerentes ao processo de inserção e ressignificação deste espaço de atuação. Desta maneira torna-se importante a compreensão de todas essas relações, contradições e processos.
Penerapan Pembelajaran dengan E-Modul Berbasis Kvisoft Flipbook Maker untuk Mata Kualiah Program Linier
Authors: Priwantoro Soffi Widyanesti , Arif Burhan , Fahmi Syariful
Published: August 2020

This study aims to improve the independence of students in learning Linear Program by using e-module learning media linear program based on Kvisoft Flipbook Maker. This research is a Classroom Action Research (CAR). This research was conducted in the mathematics education study program FKIP UAD. The results of this study indicate an increase in student learning independence, this is evidenced by the results of interviews with students who showed positive responses. In addition from the observations also obtained a positive response that is the first cycle the average score of learning independence of 52.52% in the second cycle increased by 62.21% and in the third cycle of 72.21%. As well as an increase in completeness of learning outcomes in the first cycle by 50%, then the second cycle increased by 61.53% and in the third cycle of 76.9%.
Nitric Oxide Balance in Health and Diseases: Implications for New Treatment Strategies
Authors: Akanji Musbau A. , Adeyanju Anne A. , Rotimi Damilare , Adeyemi Oluyomi S.
Published: August 2020

Nitric Oxide (NO) is an essential signaling molecule with diverse physiological functions in humans. The steady-state concentration and site of production of nitric oxide determine its effects in biological systems. The human cells are exposed to both beneficial and harmful effects of NO. These dual effects of NO could depend on its local concentration in the cells. Additionally, the rate of synthesis, translocation, direct interaction with other molecules, and signals contribute to the biochemical and physiological effects of NO. In this review, the biochemical and physiological role of NO, particularly in health and disease as touching on cell signaling, oxidative stress, immunity, as well as cardiovascular protection amongst others, is focused on. Therefore, this review objectively discusses the dual functionality of NO in living cells.
Antitumor Activity In Vitro Provided by N-Alkyl-Nitroimidazole Compounds
Authors: Villa-Pulgarin Janny A. , Salamanca Constain H. , Oñate-Garzón Jose , Varela-M Ruben E
Published: August 2020

Background:

Cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world, with over 18 million new cases estimated in 2018. Many of the drugs used for cancer can have significant adverse effects and variable effectiveness. Nitroimidazoles are prodrugs that usually have shown antimicrobial activity specifically antiparasitic. However, its antitumor activityin vitrohas barely been explored.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of the length of the substituted N-alkyl chain in the imidazole ring on the antitumor activityin vitro.

Methods:

Four nitroimidazoles were obtained by chemical synthesis varying the length of the substituted N-alkyl chain from methyl to butyl. The antitumor activity of N-alkyl-nitroimidazoles was evaluated by MTT assay employing two tumor cell lines (MDA-MB231 and A549).

Results:

In this study, it was reported that N-alkyl nitroimidazoles exhibited an LC50as low as 16.7 µM in breast tumor cells MDA-MB231 while in normal Vero kidney cells, the LC50was around 30 µM. It was also reported that the length of the substituted N-Alkyl chain in the imidazole ring affects the antitumoral activity in A549 lung cells.

Conclusion:

Increasing the length of the substituted N-Alkyl chain in the imidazole ring decreased the antitumor activity against only A549 cancer cells. N-alkyl nitroimidazoles exhibited considerable selectivity towards tumor cell lines.
Fracture Resistance of Three Post Types in the Restoration of Anterior Primary Teeth
Authors: Kadkhodaei Fatemeh , Mehran Majid , Haghgoo Roza , Zareiyan Mehrshad
Published: August 2020

Background:

Extensive restorative treatments of anterior primary teeth are challenging in pediatric dentistry.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of three post types for restoring the anterior primary teeth.

Methods:

This in-vitro study was carried out on 90 extracted maxillary anterior primary teeth with intact roots. They were randomly allocated into six groups to be restored with conventional composite resin post, X-tra fill composite resin post, Tetric N Ceram composite resin post, prefabricated glass fiber post with conventional composite build-up, prefabricated glass fiber post with X-tra fill composite build-up, and prefabricated glass fiber post with Tetric N Ceram composite build up. The samples were polished and placed in acrylic resin blocks with 1 mm of part of cervical root being out, thermocycled (×5000) and tested for fracture resistance. Intra-class correlation test, Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analyses (α=0.05).

Results:

The mean fracture resistance was significantly different among the six groups. It was the highest in prefabricated glass fiber post with conventional composite build-up (418.64 N), prefabricated glass fiber post with X-tra fill composite build-up (403.63 N) and prefabricated glass fiber post with Tetric N Ceram composite build up (361.63 N); and the lowest in Tetric N Ceram group (280.65 N). The groups were significantly different concerning the fracture strength and fracture state.

Conclusion:

Since the anterior teeth restored with prefabricated glass fiber posts were far more fracture resistant, and prefabricated glass fiber posts can be promisingly used for the restoration of anterior primary teeth.
Paroxysmal Lower Limb Tremor as a Rare Presentation of Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Angelopoulou Efthalia , Koropouli Eleftheria , Velonakis Georgios , Koutsis Georgios , Anagnostouli Maria , Tzartos Ioannis , Tzanetakos Dimitrios , Stranjalis George , Kilidireas Constantinos , Evangelopoulos Maria-E.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are benign intracranial tumors. They are most commonly presented with signs of intracranial hypertension due to obstructive hydrocephalus, including headache, nausea/vomiting and vision disturbances, whereas extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremor are very rare. Sudden death, due to abruptly developed hydrocephalus, can be also observed. Although paroxysmal symptomatology attributed to the intermittent obstruction of the foramen of Monro is considered the “classical” clinical presentation, it is rather the exception in clinical practice.

Case Report:

A 42-year-old woman with no medical history was admitted to the neurology department as suffering from a potential demyelinating disease due to episodes of paroxysmal tremor of her right lower limb and persistent mild gait instability, which presented 15 days prior to her arrival. She also complained of episodes of partially position-dependent bilateral headache over the last 10 years, as well as episodes of vertigo over the last 4 years. On arrival, her gait was shuffling and mildly wide-based and an intermittent tremor of her right lower limb was observed in supine and sitting positions, but not in a prone position. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a round cystic lesion of the third ventricle, accompanied by hydrocephalus with enlargement of lateral ventricles. MRI findings were highly indicative of a colloid cyst. The patient underwent resection of the mass and the tremor resolved after surgery.

Conclusion:

Given the greatly heterogeneous clinical presentation of colloid cysts, our case highlights the significance of the prompt diagnosis of this rare but potentially fatal cause of paroxysmal limb tremor.
New Path to Recovery and Well-Being: Cross-Sectional Study on WeChat Use and Endorsement of WeChat-Based mHealth Among People Living With Schizophrenia in China
Authors: Yu Yu , Li Yilu , Li Tongxin , Xi Shijun , Xiao Xi , Xiao Shuiyuan , Tebes Jacob Kraemer
Published: August 2020

Background

The past few decades have seen an exponential increase in using mobile phones to support medical care (mobile health [mHealth]) among people living with psychosis worldwide, yet little is known about WeChat use and WeChat-based mHealth among people living with schizophrenia (PLS) in China.

Objective

This study aims to assess WeChat use, endorsement of WeChat-based mHealth programs, and health related to WeChat use among PLS.

Methods

We recruited a random sample of 400 PLS from 12 communities in Changsha City of Hunan Province, China. WeChat use was assessed using the adapted WeChat Use Intensity Questionnaire (WUIQ). We also compared psychiatric symptoms, functioning, disability, recovery, quality of life, and general well-being between WeChat users and nonusers using one-to-one propensity-score matching.

Results

The WeChat use rate was 40.8% in this sample (163/400); 30.7% (50/163) had more than 50 WeChat friends and nearly half (81/163, 49.7%) spent more than half an hour on WeChat, a pattern similar to college students and the elderly. PLS also showed higher emotional connectedness to WeChat use than college students. About 80.4% (131/163) of PLS were willing to participate in a WeChat-based mHealth program, including psychoeducation (91/163, 55.8%), professional support (82/163, 50.3%), and peer support (67/163, 41.1%). Compared with nonusers, WeChat users were younger, better educated, and more likely to be employed. WeChat use was associated with improved health outcomes, including lower psychiatric symptoms, lower depression, higher functioning, better recovery, and higher quality of life.

Conclusions

WeChat-based mHealth programs hold promise as an empowering tool to provide cost-effective interventions, to foster global recovery, and to improve both physical and mental well-being among PLS. WeChat and WeChat-based mHealth programs have the potential to offer a new path to recovery and well-being for PLS in China.
Efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine and Tocilizumab in Patients With COVID-19: Single-Center Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Roomi Sohaib , Ullah Waqas , Ahmed Faizan , Farooq Soban , Sadiq Usama , Chohan Asad , Jafar Munnam , Saddique Maryum , Khanal Shristi , Watson Robert , Boigon Margot
Published: August 2020

Background

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unfounded fervor surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and tocilizumab (TCZ); however, evidence on their efficacy and safety have been controversial.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the overall clinical effectiveness of HCQ and TCZ in patients with COVID-19. We hypothesize that HCQ and TCZ use in these patients will be associated with a reduction in in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, invasive mechanical ventilation, or acute renal failure needing dialysis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the impact of HCQ and TCZ use on hard clinical outcomes during hospitalization. A total of 176 hospitalized patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis was included. Patients were divided into two comparison groups: (1) HCQ (n=144) vs no-HCQ (n=32) and (2) TCZ (n=32) vs no-TCZ (n=144). The mean age, baseline comorbidities, and other medications used during hospitalization were uniformly distributed among all the groups. Independent t tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to calculate mean differences and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs, respectively.

Results

The unadjusted odds ratio for patients upgraded to a higher level of care (ie, intensive care unit) (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.19-5.69; P=.003) and reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) level on day 7 of hospitalization (21% vs 56%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.55; P=.002) were significantly higher in the TCZ group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the odds of in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, acute kidney failure necessitating dialysis, or discharge from the hospital after recovery in both the HCQ and TCZ groups compared to their respective control groups. Adjusted odds ratios controlled for baseline comorbidities and medications closely followed the unadjusted estimates.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with COVID-19, neither HCQ nor TCZ offered a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality, upgrade to intensive medical care, invasive mechanical ventilation, or acute renal failure needing dialysis. These results are similar to the recently published preliminary results of the HCQ arm of the Recovery trial, which showed no clinical benefit from the use of HCQ in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (the TCZ arm is ongoing). Double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the impact of these drugs in larger patient samples so that data-driven guidelines can be deduced to combat this global pandemic.
Development of a Mobile Health Intervention with Personal Experiments for Smokers Who Are Ambivalent About Quitting: Formative Design and Testing
Authors: Heffner Jaimee L , Catz Sheryl L , Klasnja Predrag , Tiffany Brooks , McClure Jennifer B
Published: August 2020

Background

The majority of cigarette smokers want to quit someday but are not ready to commit to long-term abstinence. However, available smoking cessation treatments are not well-suited to meet the needs of these ambivalent smokers. Low-cost, high-reach mobile health (mHealth) interventions may be a cost-efficient means of offering assistance to ambivalent smokers, yet there are currently no evidence-based options available for this group.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and preliminarily evaluate the core content for an mHealth program targeting adult smokers who are ambivalent about quitting. The core content consisted of a series of “personal experiments” similar to those tested as part of a counseling intervention in prior work, including brief cognitive or behavioral tasks designed to boost readiness for changing smoking behavior.

Methods

We conducted individual user interviews (N=3) to refine program content, and then conducted a one-arm pilot study (N=25) to assess user receptivity and the potential impact of the experiments on motivation and self-efficacy to quit or reduce smoking.

Results

In user interviews, participants liked the concept of the personal experiments. Participants in the pilot study found a medium-fidelity prototype to be highly acceptable. After watching a brief orientation video that explained how the program works, most participants (80%, 20/25) indicated that it sounded interesting, primarily because it did not require any commitment to quit. All participants (100%, 25/25) completed all 7 experiments, including a 24-hour quit attempt, although not all were able to refrain from smoking for a full day based on qualitative feedback on the experiment. The mean rating of usefulness of the overall program was 4.12 (SD 1.09) out of 5, and the average rating of the difficulty of the experiments was 2.16 (SD 1.18) out of 5. At the last assessment point, 92% (23/25) of the participants indicated that they were more interested in either quitting or cutting back than when they began the program, and 72% (18/25) said that if the program had included a free trial of nicotine replacement therapy, they would have used it to try to quit smoking.

Conclusions

This formative work confirmed that ambivalent smokers are willing to use and will remain engaged with an mHealth intervention that employs the novel concept of personal experiments to enhance their motivation for and ability to quit smoking. The addition of action-oriented treatment (self-help and free nicotine replacement therapy, quitline referral) could further support users’ efforts to stop smoking and remain quit.
A Co-Designed Active Video Game for Physical Activity Promotion in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Pilot Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Simmich Joshua , Mandrusiak Allison , Smith Stuart Trevor , Hartley Nicole , Russell Trevor Glen
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are less active have lower quality of life, greater risk of exacerbations, and greater mortality than those who are more active. The effectiveness of physical activity interventions may facilitate the addition of game elements to improve engagement. The use of a co-design approach with people with COPD and clinicians as co-designers may also improve the effectiveness of the intervention.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a co-designed mobile game by examining the usage of the game, subjective measures of game engagement, and adherence to wearing activity trackers. The secondary aim of this study is to estimate the effect of the game on daily steps and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

METHODS

Participants with COPD who were taking part in the co-design of the active video game (n=9) acted as the experiment group, spending 3 weeks testing the game they helped to develop. Daily steps and MVPA were compared with a control group (n=9) of participants who did not co-design or test the game.

RESULTS

Most participants (8/9, 89%) engaged with the game after downloading it. Participants used the game to record physical activity on 58.6% (82/141) of the days the game was available. The highest scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory were seen for the value and usefulness subscale, with a mean of 6.38 (SD 0.6). Adherence to wearing Fitbit was high, with participants in both groups recording steps on >80% of days. Usage of the game was positively correlated with changes in daily steps but not with MVPA.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-designed mobile app shows promise as an intervention and should be evaluated in a larger-scale trial in this population.

CLINICALTRIAL
Model-Based Reasoning of Clinical Diagnosis in Integrative Medicine: Real-World Methodological Study of Electronic Medical Records and Natural Language Processing Methods (Preprint)
Authors: Geng Wenye , Qin Xuanfeng , Yang Tao , Cong Zhilei , Wang Zhuo , Kong Qing , Tang Zihui , Jiang Lin
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Integrative medicine is a form of medicine that combines practices and treatments from alternative medicine with conventional medicine. The diagnosis in integrative medicine involves the clinical diagnosis based on modern medicine and syndrome pattern diagnosis. Electronic medical records (EMRs) are the systematized collection of patients health information stored in a digital format that can be shared across different health care settings. Although syndrome and sign information or relative information can be extracted from the EMR and content texts can be mapped to computability vectors using natural language processing techniques, application of artificial intelligence techniques to support physicians in medical practices remains a major challenge.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate model-based reasoning (MBR) algorithms for the clinical diagnosis in integrative medicine based on EMRs and natural language processing. We also estimated the associations among the factors of sample size, number of syndrome pattern type, and diagnosis in modern medicine using the MBR algorithms.

METHODS

A total of 14,075 medical records of clinical cases were extracted from the EMRs as the development data set, and an external test data set consisting of 1000 medical records of clinical cases was extracted from independent EMRs. MBR methods based on word embedding, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms were developed for the automatic diagnosis of syndrome pattern in integrative medicine. MBR algorithms combining rule-based reasoning (RBR) were also developed. A standard evaluation metrics consisting of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score was used for the performance estimation of the methods. The association analyses were conducted on the sample size, number of syndrome pattern type, and diagnosis of lung diseases with the best algorithms.

RESULTS

The Word2Vec convolutional neural network (CNN) MBR algorithms showed high performance (accuracy of 0.9586 in the test data set) in the syndrome pattern diagnosis of lung diseases. The Word2Vec CNN MBR combined with RBR also showed high performance (accuracy of 0.9229 in the test data set). The diagnosis of lung diseases could enhance the performance of the Word2Vec CNN MBR algorithms. Each group sample size and syndrome pattern type affected the performance of these algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

The MBR methods based on Word2Vec and CNN showed high performance in the syndrome pattern diagnosis of lung diseases in integrative medicine. The parameters of each group’s sample size, syndrome pattern type, and diagnosis of lung diseases were associated with the performance of the methods.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03274908; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03274908
A Web-Based Game for Young Adolescents to Improve Parental Communication and Prevent Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (The Secret of Seven Stones): Development and Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Shegog Ross , Armistead Laura , Markham Christine , Dube Sara , Song Hsing-Yi , Chaudhary Pooja , Spencer Angela , Peskin Melissa , Santa Maria Diane , Wilkerson J Michael , Addy Robert , Tortolero Emery Susan , McLaughlin Jeffery
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Early adolescent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention are significant public health challenges in the United States. Parental influence can help adolescents make responsible and informed sexual health decisions toward delayed sexual debut; yet parents often feel ill equipped to communicate about sex-related topics. Intergenerational games offer a potential strategy to provide life skills training to young adolescents (aged 11-14 years) while engaging them and their parents in communication about sexual health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the development of a web-based online sexual health intergenerational adventure game, the Secret of Seven Stones (SSS), using an intervention mapping (IM) approach for developing theory- and evidence-based interventions.

METHODS

We followed the IM development steps to describe a theoretical and empirical model for young adolescent sexual health behavior, define target behaviors and change objectives, identify theory-based methods and practical applications to inform design and function, develop and test a prototype of 2 game levels to assess feasibility before developing the complete 18-level game, draft an implementation plan that includes a commercial dissemination strategy, and draft an evaluation plan including a study design for a randomized controlled trial efficacy trial of SSS.

RESULTS

SSS comprised an adventure game for young adolescent skills training delivered via a desktop computer, a text-based notification system to provide progress updates for parents and cues to initiate dialogue with their 11- to 14-year-old child, and a website for parent skills training and progress monitoring. Formative prototype testing demonstrated feasibility for in-home use and positive usability ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

The SSS intergenerational game provides a unique addition to the limited cadre of home-based programs that facilitate parent involvement in influencing young adolescent behaviors and reducing adolescent sexual risk taking. The IM framework provided a logical and thorough approach to development and testing, attentive to the need for theoretical and empirical foundations in serious games for health.
Online Public Attention During the Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Infoveillance Study Based on Baidu Index (Preprint)
Authors: Gong Xue , Han Yangyang , Hou Mengchi , Guo Rui
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global public health event, attracting worldwide attention. As a tool to monitor public awareness, internet search engines have been widely used in public health emergencies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use online search data (Baidu Index) to monitor the public’s attention and verify internet search engines’ function in public attention monitoring of public health emergencies.

METHODS

We collected the Baidu Index and the case monitoring data from January 20, 2020, to April 20, 2020. We combined the Baidu Index of keywords related to COVID-19 to describe the public attention’s temporal trend and spatial distribution, and conducted the time lag cross-correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The Baidu Index temporal trend indicated that the changes of the Baidu Index had a clear correspondence with the development time node of the pandemic. The Baidu Index spatial distribution showed that in the regions of central and eastern China, with denser populations, larger internet user bases, and higher economic development levels, the public was more concerned about COVID-19. In addition, the Baidu Index was significantly correlated with six case indicators of new confirmed cases, new death cases, new cured discharge cases, cumulative confirmed cases, cumulative death cases, and cumulative cured discharge cases. Moreover, the Baidu Index was 0-4 days earlier than new confirmed and new death cases, and about 20 days earlier than new cured and discharged cases while 3-5 days later than the change of cumulative cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The national public’s demand for epidemic information is urgent regardless of whether it is located in the hardest hit area. The public was more sensitive to the daily new case data that represents the progress of the epidemic, but the public’s attention to the epidemic situation in other areas may lag behind. We could set the Baidu Index as the sentinel and the database in the online infoveillance system for infectious disease and public health emergencies. According to the monitoring data, the government needs to prevent and control the possible outbreak in advance and communicate the risks to the public so as to ensure the physical and psychological health of the public in the epidemic.
Using Machine Learning to Compare Provaccine and Antivaccine Discourse Among the Public on Social Media: Algorithm Development Study (Preprint)
Authors: Argyris Young Anna , Monu Kafui , Tan Pang-Ning , Aarts Colton , Jiang Fan , Wiseley Kaleigh Anne
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous counteracting efforts, antivaccine content linked to delays and refusals to vaccinate has grown persistently on social media, while only a few provaccine campaigns have succeeded in engaging with or persuading the public to accept immunization. Many prior studies have associated the diversity of topics discussed by antivaccine advocates with the public’s higher engagement with such content. Nonetheless, a comprehensive comparison of discursive topics in pro- and antivaccine content in the engagement-persuasion spectrum remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare discursive topics chosen by pro- and antivaccine advocates in their attempts to influence the public to accept or reject immunization in the engagement-persuasion spectrum. Our overall objective was pursued through three specific aims as follows: (1) we classified vaccine-related tweets into provaccine, antivaccine, and neutral categories; (2) we extracted and visualized discursive topics from these tweets to explain disparities in engagement between pro- and antivaccine content; and (3) we identified how those topics frame vaccines using Entman’s four framing dimensions.

METHODS

We adopted a multimethod approach to analyze discursive topics in the vaccine debate on public social media sites. Our approach combined (1) large-scale balanced data collection from a public social media site (ie, 39,962 tweets from Twitter); (2) the development of a supervised classification algorithm for categorizing tweets into provaccine, antivaccine, and neutral groups; (3) the application of an unsupervised clustering algorithm for identifying prominent topics discussed on both sides; and (4) a multistep qualitative content analysis for identifying the prominent discursive topics and how vaccines are framed in these topics. In so doing, we alleviated methodological challenges that have hindered previous analyses of pro- and antivaccine discursive topics.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that antivaccine topics have greater intertopic distinctiveness (ie, the degree to which discursive topics are distinct from one another) than their provaccine counterparts (t122=2.30, P=.02). In addition, while antivaccine advocates use all four message frames known to make narratives persuasive and influential, provaccine advocates have neglected having a clear problem statement.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, we attribute higher engagement among antivaccine advocates to the distinctiveness of the topics they discuss, and we ascribe the influence of the vaccine debate on uptake rates to the comprehensiveness of the message frames. These results show the urgency of developing clear problem statements for provaccine content to counteract the negative impact of antivaccine content on uptake rates.
Impact of Nutrition Education on the Nutrition Capacity of Caregivers and Nutrition Outcomes of Indigenous Mbororo Children in the West Region of Cameroon: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Manjong Florence Titu , Verla Vincent Siysi , Egbe Thomas Obinchemti , Nsagha Dickson Shey
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Inadequate diets and life-threatening infections have profound adverse implications for child growth, development, and survival, particularly among indigenous peoples. Evidence of the effectiveness of community-based nutrition education interventions in improving child feeding and nutrition outcomes among indigenous Mbororo population in Cameroon is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the impact of culturally tailored community-based nutrition education intervention on caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding complementary feeding and on nutrition outcomes of indigenous Mbororo children (aged 3-59 months) in the Foumban and Galim health districts of the West Region of Cameroon.

METHODS

A two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the Foumban Health District and Galim Health District. The intervention and control arms will each comprise 5 clusters with 121 child–caregiver pairs. Participants in the intervention arm will be organized into 5 caregivers’ peer-support platforms. A total of 12 educational sessions will be assigned to the intervention group by trained female Mbororo nutrition volunteers (n=6) and community health workers (n=6). The control arm will receive routine facility-based nutrition education. Data will be collected at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Both descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic models will be used to estimate the effect of culturally tailored community-based nutrition education intervention (independent variable) on outcome variables (caregivers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice), child growth (weight, height/length, weight for age), and morbidity status (diarrhea, cough, and fever) between both arms. Data assessors will be blinded to the group allocation. Ethical approval (reference no. 2019/1002-07/UB/SG/IRB/FHS) was obtained from the Faculty of Health Sciences Institutional Review Board at the University of Buea.

RESULTS

Baseline data were collected in September 2019. In February 2020, 10 Mbororo communities (clusters) with 242 child–caregiver pairs were selected and allocated to the experimental and control arm in a 1:1 ratio. Community nutrition volunteers (n=6) and community health workers (n=6) were selected and trained. Data collection and analysis are ongoing, and results are not available for this manuscript.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study will provide evidence on the impact of culturally tailored and health belief model–based nutrition education on behavior change as a complementary strategy for strengthening health facility–based approaches in the reduction of malnutrition burden among the study population

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/23115
COVID-19 Mobile Apps: A Systematic Review of the Literature (Preprint)
Authors: Kondylakis Haridimos , Katehakis Dimitrios G , Kouroubali Angelina , Logothetidis Fokion , Triantafyllidis Andreas , Kalamaras Ilias , Votis Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

A vast amount of mobile apps have been developed during the past few months in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to shed light into studies found in the scientific literature that have used and evaluated mobile apps for the prevention, management, treatment, or follow-up of COVID-19.

METHODS

We searched the bibliographic databases Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease, PubMed, and Scopus to identify papers focusing on mobile apps for COVID-19 that show evidence of their real-life use and have been developed involving clinical professionals in their design or validation.

RESULTS

Mobile apps have been implemented for training, information sharing, risk assessment, self-management of symptoms, contact tracing, home monitoring, and decision making, rapidly offering effective and usable tools for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile apps are considered to be a valuable tool for citizens, health professionals, and decision makers in facing critical challenges imposed by the pandemic, such as reducing the burden on hospitals, providing access to credible information, tracking the symptoms and mental health of individuals, and discovering new predictors.
Quality of life of ice hockey players after retirement due to concussions
Authors: Gard Anna , Lehto Niklas , Engström Åsa , Shahim Pashtun , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Marklund Niklas , Tegner Yelverton
Published: August 2020

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) is increasingly recognized as a potential health problem in ice hockey. Quality of life (QoL) in players retiring due to SRC has not been thoroughly addressed. Materials & methods: QoL using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition, Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Short Form Health Survey was measured in Swedish ice hockey players who retired due to persistence of postconcussion symptoms or fear of attaining additional SRC. Results: A total of 76 players were assessed, on average of 5 years after their most recent SRC. Overall, retired players had a high burden of postconcussion symptoms and reduced QoL. Conclusion: Retired concussed ice hockey players have a reduced QoL, particularly those retiring due to postconcussion symptoms. Symptom burden should be continuously evaluated and guide the decision to retire.
Demographics and management of outpatient concussion visits among neurologists and non-neurologists: 2006–2016
Authors: Asselin Patrick D , Mannix Rebekah
Published: August 2020

Aim: Describe the patient demographics and management of outpatient concussion visits, focusing on neurologists. Materials & methods: We used the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to provide national estimates on the demographics and clinical decisions of concussion visits from 2006 to 2016, which were identified with International Classification of Disease-9/10 codes. Results: From 2006 to 2016, there were an estimated 11 million visits nationally. Neurologists saw significantly more patients over 18 years old and more nonacute care compared with non-neurologists. Neurologists performed imaging and prescribed new medications at similar rates as non-neurologists. Non-neurology subspecialties had a significant increase in visits during the study period. Conclusion: Neurologists saw older patients and more subacute patient care with similar rates prescribing new medications and imaging. Non-neurology subspecialists are more involved in concussions than previously.
AS CONDIÇÕES DE ACESSIBILIDADE ARQUITETÔNICA PARA A PESSOA COM DEFICIÊNCIA FÍSICA NO AMBIENTE PRISIONAL: NOTAS DE DIREITO COMPARADO ENTRE BRASIL E ITÁLIA
Authors: Spinieli André Luiz Pereira , Mange Flávia Foz
Published: August 2020

Partindo-se do pressuposto de que a pessoa com deficiência é vítima de dupla punição quando introduzida no ambiente carcerário, uma em virtude do cometimento do delito que lhes rendeu o encarceramento e outra pela inexistência relativa, senão absoluta na maior parte das penitenciárias, de acessibilidade arquitetônica e tratamento em condições de igualdade em relação a outros presidiários, este artigo tem como finalidade precípua analisar o tratamento fornecido pelas legislações e decisões jurídico-administrativas do Brasil e da Itália em relação às condições de acessibilidade física para a pessoa com deficiência no interior dos presídios de cada um dos países. Valendo-se do método bibliográfico, mediante levantamento de dados específicos sobre o número de encarcerados nessas condições, bem como das opiniões de referências sobre o tema em ambos os países, pôde-se perceber que a Itália desde muito tempo apresenta normas específicas e pesquisas mais avançadas em relação à introdução do deficiente no cárcere, ao passo que o assunto no Brasil ainda percorre caminhos bastante embrionários e certamente não há a devida tutela desse grupo nesse espaço.