bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises with Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging Biofeedback on Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Raheem Sarafadeen , Ganiyu Sokunbi O. , Ibrahim Aminu A. , Ismail Anas , Akindele Mukadas O. , Kaka Bashir , Awotidebe Adedapo W.
Published: March 2021

Background: Impairments in the lumbar multifidus muscle such as reduced muscle thickness and fat infiltrations are evident in individuals with low back pain. Lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE) with real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) biofeedback has been reported to improve preferential activation of as well as retention in the ability to activate of the lumbar multifidus muscle, thus enhancing recovery. However, the effects of using this treatment approach in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) seemed not to have widely reported. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to investigate the effects of LSE with RUSI biofeedback on lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area in individuals with NCLBP patients. Method: This study is a prospective, single-center, assessor-blind three-arm, randomized controlled to be conducted at National Orthopedic Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria. Ninety-one individuals with NCLBP will be randomly assigned into one of the three treatment groups of equal sample size (n = 30); LSE group, LSE with RUSI biofeedback group, or control (minimal intervention). The participants in the LSE and LSE with RUSI biofeedback group will also receive the same intervention as the control group. All participants will receive treatment twice weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be lumbar multifidus muscles cross-sectional area while the secondary outcomes will be pain, functional disability and quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, and at 8 weeks and 3 months post-intervention.Discussion: The outcome of the study may support the evidence for the effectiveness of LSE with RUSI biofeedback in the rehabilitation of individuals with NCLBP. It may also provide a rationale for the physiotherapists to make use of diagnostic ultrasound as a feedback mechanism in enhancing the performance and retention of LSE program as well as monitoring the patient’s recovery.Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, (PACTR201801002980602), Registered on 16 January 2018.
Influence of GSTT1 and GSTP1 Polymorphisms on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy Risk in The Chinese Population: A Case Control Study
Authors: Geng Xinqian , Zha Ling , Zhou Taicheng , Xiong Yuxin , Xu Fan , Xu Bo , Wang Feiying , Wang Xiaoling , Yang Ke , Tao Wenyu , Li Yiping , Yang Ying
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies have revealed the association of glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) deletion (null) polymorphism with the risks of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between GSTT1/ GSTP1 gene polymorphisms and the risks of T2DM and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a Chinese population.Methods: A total of 336 subjects with T2DM and a defined ophthalmologic status were recruited from the Second People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province between June 2014 and October 2016. Seventy-two age-matched healthy controls were also enrolled. Physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed. The frequencies of GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes in all participants were determined by PCR and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLP), respectively.Results: Compared with healthy controls, the GSTT1-null genotype was significantly more common in diabetic patients with or without DR (all P < 0.05). However, the frequency of the GSTP1 genotype (AA, GA, GG) was comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, neither the GSTP1 nor GSTT1 genetic polymorphism was associated with the development of DR. In the present study, the risk of developing T2DM was significantly higher in subjects carrying the combined heterozygous GSTP1 (AG) and null GSTT1 genotypes (OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.21-0.74, P=0.02).Conclusions: The deletion of the GSTT1 genotype was associated with a higher risk of developing T2DM, whether alone or in combination with GSTP1, indicating that the null genotype of GSTT1 may serve as a potential biomarker for T2DM in the Chinese population, which is helpful for clinicians to make more effective risk-based decisions.
A Supervised Exercise Intervention During Cancer Treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults - FiGHTING F!T: Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial.
Authors: Munsie Claire , Ebert Jay , Collins Joanne , Plaster Megan , Joske David , Ackland Timothy
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHigh quality evidence supports the integration of exercise to mitigate treatment- related side effects in a wide range of paediatric and adult cancer cohorts. However, the implementation of exercise in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients is yet to be explored in depth. FiGHTINGF!T is a randomised controlled cross over trial designed to determine if a supervised, structured and progressive exercise program can reduce the decline in physical fitness (V02peak) associated with cancer treatment in AYAs from diagnosis. Methods/DesignA total of 40 AYAs recently diagnosed and due to commence systemic treatment (± 2 weeks) for a primary haematological malignancy or solid tumour will be recruited and randomised to either an immediate exercise intervention or usual care (delayed exercise) for 10 weeks. This randomised controlled crossover trial will see both groups engage in a supervised exercise intervention from either diagnosis (baseline assessment) for 10 weeks (0-10 weeks) or following an interim assessment to 20 weeks (10-20 weeks). The bi-weekly tailored exercise program will combine aerobic and resistance exercises and be supervised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Participants will complete a range of assessments at 0, 10 and 20 weeks including cardiopulmonary exercise tests, 1 repetition maximum strength measures, physical functioning and self-reported quality of life measurements. Patient reported treatment-related toxicities will be recorded on a weekly basis. DiscussionThe FiGHTINGF!T trial will provide insight into the potential benefits of a supervised exercise program in AYAs undergoing cancer treatment. This trial will contribute to the evidence supporting the necessary integration of exercise during cancer treatment, specifically in the under-reported AYA cohort.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial registry(ACTRN12620000663954;https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000663954.aspx). Trial registry date: 10th June 2020.
Influencing Stock Production of Mojave Sage and Cape Daisy with the Application of Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Markovic Sean J. , Klett James E.
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to assess the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on stock plant production of mojave sage (Salvia pachyphylla) and ‘Avalanche’ cape daisy (Osteospermum hybrid) that received foliar sprays of the following three PGRs: 200 and 400 ppm ethephon; 250 and 500 ppm benzyladenine; and 50 and 100 ppm gibberellic acid 4 and 7 (GA4+7) plus benzyladenine. Vegetative growth [height and width growth index (GI)], the number of vegetative cuttings, and fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of the harvested vegetative cuttings data were collected. A propagation study was conducted concurrently to determine the effects of the PGR treatments on rooting vegetative cuttings. GA4+7 plus benzyladenine (50 and 100 ppm) increased the production of both mojave sage and ‘Avalanche’ cape daisy cuttings by ≥18% more than the other treatments. The GI, FW, and DW results showed similar trends across experiments 1 and 2 for each perennial. In the propagation study, the rooting percentage did not differ after 4 weeks, indicating that the use of GA4+7 plus benzyladenine in production protocols could benefit producers of both perennials.
Egzistencijalnost slobode kod Jaspersa
Authors: Sekulić Damir
Published: March 2021

U radu, polazi se od Jaspersova obuhvatnog načela vjere po kojem je čovjek konačan i nedovršiv. Čovjekova je konačnost osobita jer je označava nezatvorenost. Čovjek je svjestan svoje (otvorene) konačnosti pa Jaspers zaključuje da je nezaključenost signum čovjekove slobode. U tom je smislu rad posvećen temi čovjeka kao određenog slobodom, egzistencije (Existenz) kao određene slobodom koja izmiče (predmetnom) istraživanju. Kada je kod Jaspersa riječ o slobodi, ujedno je riječ o odnosu egzistencije i transcendencije: konačnost kao egzistencija za njega znači da je čovjek darovan sebi zahvaljujući transcendenciji, a svjestan nje postaje zahvaljujući slobodi. Sloboda je egzistencije u dijalektici neovisnosti (o nuždama svijeta) i ovisnosti (o transcendenciji). Egzistenciju sloboda vodi preko svijeta putem šifri prema transcendenciji. Čovječnost je za Jaspersa stvar slobode u kojoj leži izvor čovjekova djelovanja i samosvijesti. Čovječnost se ne iscrpljuje u znanju, već do izražaja dolazi filozofijska vjera, vjera čovjeka u njegovu otvorenost mogućnosti putem filozofije. Rad se zaključuje u stavu da se čovjeku kao egzistenciji iz jaspersovski postulirane slobode ispostavlja zahtjev za smislom.
THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM ON MUSLIMS, NORTHERN NIGERIA A CASE STUDY
Authors:   Department of Islamic Studies, Federal University, Gashua (FUGA), Nigeria., Jibril Hassan Yunus , Abubakar Saddam ,   Department of Islamic Studies, Federal University, Gashua (FUGA), Nigeria.
Published: March 2021

This paper shade light on the negative impact of religious extremism in leading Islamists to justify terrorism. Results show that the factors leading Islamists to justify terrorism contextually vary. Where Muslims dominants are educated Islamically, this probability decreases with the application of good respondents to the religion of Islam, while increases where Muslims dominants are not educated Islamically, especially those who are lacking background teachers at home. There is no evidence in support that Islamist propaganda causes ordinary Muslims radicals. Yet, in northern Nigeria affected by homegrown terrorism, it is observed that justifying terrorism is strongly associated with an increase in political agenda through religious extremism, providing support that Islamist groups are attracting Islam radical individuals. Our framework helps to develop an understanding of negative impact of extremism that goes beyond a focus on violence, and suggest optimistic majors to be taken.
IMPACT OF COVID 19 FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Scope College of Nursing, Raipur., Dhasmana Pooja , Pundir Namrata ,   Nursing Tutor, Himalayan College of Nursing, SRHU., Praveen Shama ,   Nursing Tutor, Himalayan College of Nursing, SRHU.
Published: March 2021

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the whole world to a relative standstill, affecting millions universal at the time. women are excessively burdened by unbalanced access to economic, health, and social resources during the pandemic. For many women, COVID-19 has presented new urgency to challenges and illuminates unique issues long encountered. Whereas women were already doing most of the worlds unpaid care work prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising researches suggests that the crisis and its consequent shutdown response have resulted in a dramatic increase in this burden.
O Discurso Desenvolvimentista sobre a Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte no Contexto do Programa de Aceleração de Crescimento (PAC)
Authors: Vicentini Juliana de Oliveira , Albuquerque Carolina de
Published: March 2021

O governo é uma importante fonte de informação. Uma das maneiras do Estado disseminar conteúdos é por meio dos sites oficiais. O Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento (PAC) é de criação federal e visa estimular o crescimento do Brasil através de obras de infraestrutura. A Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte (UHBM) é a quarta maior obra do PAC e é o principal empreendimento do eixo energético do programa. O objetivo é analisar criticamente os mecanismos discursivos utilizados pelo governo federal brasileiro no PAC para colocar em prática a construção e operação de Belo Monte. A materialidade de análise são os três documentos oficiais sobre o PAC e em especial sobre a UHBM que estão no domínio pac.gov.br: “Sobre o PAC”; “Belo Monte: desenvolvimento com sustentabilidade”; “Belo Monte, antes e depois”. A metodologia baseia-se no modelo tridimensional de análise crítica de discurso. A ideia de desenvolvimento é retomada e apresentada de forma vinculada a planejamento estatal e a existência de um projeto social subjacente, dependente de melhoria de vida da população, com garantia de direitos através de políticas públicas, diferenciando desenvolvimento de crescimento. Belo Monte no PAC foi transformada no símbolo de desenvolvimento brasileiro como bandeira do Estado, multiplicadora de investimentos e serviços, e reparadora de deficiências econômicas e sociais, perpetuando o modelo predatório de apropriação da natureza. Este discurso inalterado pode ser reapropriado para situações similares, o que disseminaria enunciados parciais que não contemplariam a complexidade social, econômica e ambiental de tais empreendimentos.
Capitalismo, Governo e a Figura do Empresário: Qual a Percepção da População no Contexto Brasileiro?
Authors: Teodoro Otavio Luiz , Hahn Ivanete Schneider , Scherer Flavia Luciane , Trindade Nathalia Rigui , Piveta Maíra Nunes
Published: March 2021

A polarização política tem figurado cada vez mais no cotidiano das pessoas, e por ter grande impacto no funcionamento da sociedade, tornou-se um problema social e econômico. A eleição de um novo presidente alinhado aos ideais de direita após um longo período de governos de esquerda aflorou ainda mais o debate. Ademais, essa conjuntura auxiliou no surgimento de alguns personagens que se sobressaíram neste cenário de transição política, como foi o caso da classe empresarial brasileira, intimamente ligada ao sistema capitalista. Portanto, o presente estudo apresentou como objetivo identificar a percepção da população sobre o capitalismo, o governo e a figura do empresário no cenário brasileiro. Para tanto, foi conduzida uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, operacionalizada por meio de uma survey com 534 respondentes. Para a análise dos dados foram utilizadas técnicas estatísticas univariadas e bivariadas. Os resultados elucidaram que, com relação à caracterização da amostra, a maioria dos respondentes possui até 37 anos e são do gênero feminino, possuem escolaridade de nível superior e renda familiar de até 6 salários mínimos. Além disso, verificou-se que não existe significância na diferença entre grupos de gênero, escolaridade, renda e etnia em relação às percepções estudadas, mas existe significância na relação de religião e estado, estado civil e percepção de empresários. Por fim, observou-se que a variável que mais se correlaciona com outras é a religião, possuindo relação direta com o gênero, estado civil e com a etnia dos respondentes.
Znaczenie hipoksji w nowotworach głowy i szyi
Authors: Romanowska Kamila , Ostapowicz Julia , Rawłuszko-Wieczorek Agnieszka A. , Golusiński Wojciech
Published: March 2021

Zaburzenia kontroli stężenia parcjalnego tlenu odgrywają kluczową rolę w patogenezie wielu chorób, w tym nowotworów. Komórki nowotworowe guzów litych są w szczególności podatne na niedotlenienie (hipoksję) w wyniku niekontrolowanego wzrostu guza oraz niskiego i chaotycznego unaczynienia w rejonie nowotworowym. Zmniejszone ciśnienie tlenu w komórkach guza wiąże się z bardziej agresywnym fenotypem i zwiększonym potencjałem przerzutowym. W warunkach niedostatecznej ilości tlenu nowotwory adaptują się do panujących warunków aktywując geny odpowiedzialne za przeżycie komórek, neowaskularyzację oraz zahamowanie apoptozy. W przypadku nowotworów głowy i szyi, warunki hipoksji często korelowane są ze zmianami w metabolizmie komórkowym oraz odpowiedzi immunologicznej na radio- i chemioterapię.
Investigation of municipal wastewater treatment by agricultural waste materials in locally designed trickling filter for peri-urban agriculture
Authors: Kanwar Rana Muhammad Asif , Khan Zahid Mahmood , Farid Hafiz Umar
Published: March 2021

A pilot scale trickling filter system was designed, developed, and operated using a constant recirculation method for treatment of municipal wastewater. Maize cob (TF1) and date palm fibre (TF2) were used as biofilm support media in a trickling filter system. Both the TF1 and TF2 were compared based on the removal efficiency of pollution indicators such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and sulphates. The hydraulic flow rate and loading were set as 0.432 m3/h and 0.0064 m3/m2.minute, respectively at temperature range of 15–42 °C for 15 operational weeks. Both the TF1 and TF2 showed acceptable removal efficiency (61% to 76.3%) for pathogen indicators such as total count, fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli. However, 8–15% higher removal efficiency was observed for TF1 for all the pollution indicators compared to TF2. The results suggest that both the biofilm support media in trickling filter have potential to treat municipal wastewater in peri-urban small communities to produce environmentally friendly effluent.
Effect of cations on the removal rate of chloride ions and mechanism analysis in high-salt wastewater
Authors: Gao Kangning , Lu Jie , Wang Xi , Li Dengxin , Xu Shihong
Published: March 2021

Precipitation dechlorination has the advantage of being a simple process with a low cost. However, there are few reports on the effect of cations on dechlorination. In this study, we investigated the effect of cations in high-salt wastewater on the removal of chlorine ions by cuprous chloride precipitation and analysed the corresponding mechanism. A series of investigations revealed that Fe3+ could oxidise sulphite, thereby reducing the removal rate of chlorine ions. The reaction between magnesium and sulphite results in precipitation, which has a slightly adverse effect on the removal of chloride ions. Hexavalent chromium oxidises the chloride ion, resulting in the formation of chlorine gas, which improves the removal rate. Ferrous and manganese, however, do not have a notable effect on chlorine removal.
Avaliação do nível de conhecimento sobre política de saúde como preditor de desenvolvimento regional.
Authors: Germano Aline Xavier dos Santos , Leme Ericson de Oliveira Paes , Souza Tatiana de , Magalhães Cristiane Rosa , Silva Júlio Cesar Santos da
Published: March 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo o levantamento do conhecimento da população em geral e pelos profissionais da área de saúde, sobre o Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro, seus campos de atuação e ações praticadas. Tendo em vista a influência e importância do mesmo para o desenvolvimento regional. Inicialmente foi realizada uma breve exposição sobre esses fatores de conhecimentos citados e uma pesquisa de levantamento de natureza aplicada e objetivo descritivo com delineamento transversal, para mensurar o nível de conhecimento do público-alvo. A pesquisa demonstrou que o nível de conhecimento da população sobre o assunto está abaixo do esperado, considerando a relevância do SUS, sua participação social e contribuição para o desenvolvimento regional.
An Extended ecological point of view to evaluate technological innovations
Authors: Holanda Giovanni Moura de , Mattos Carolina Vaghetti , Alves Angela Maria
Published: March 2021

This paper describes an analytical approach based on a non-conventional ecological perspective to evaluate the quality of technological innovation projects. The approach is semi-qualitative and focuses on aspects of cooperation in projects and companies with favorable conditions regarding technological advancement and learning maturity, highlighting contributions of these aspects to the sustainability of R&D projects. Moreover, it considers the multidimensionality of a project in order to classify how its innovations align with sustainable principles, in terms of balancing the needs of all stakeholders. Beyond technology, the multiple dimensions associated to a project and its impacts comprise, for example, the economic, social, human and environmental spheres; similarly to the arrangement of forces for survival and evolution in comprehensive ecosystems, hence the allusive use of the term “extended ecological perspective”. Complexity theory and interrelation of the concepts of sustainability, cooperation, learning and multidimensionality underlie this analytical approach of innovations resulting from R&D efforts.
Desenvolvimento e implementação de um guia de padrão de qualidade para a produção de objetos de aprendizagem na educação a distância do Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ)
Authors: Souza Lígia Moura Simões de , Oliveira Saulo Barbara de
Published: March 2021

A educação a distância é uma modalidade de ensino em plena expansão devido a sua capilaridade e capacidade de inovação. No entanto, a elaboração de um curso a distância requer ampla utilização das tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC) e demanda novos formatos que contemplem a interatividade. Este artigo contextualiza a produção de objetos de aprendizagem (OA) na educação a distância (EaD) dos Institutos Federais. Com o objetivo de identificar padrões de qualidade considerados na produção de OA, foi realizada uma análise qualitativa recorrendo-se às pesquisas documental e bibliográfica realizadas por meio de estudo bibliométrico, além da coleta de dados por meio de 36 entrevistas semiestruturadas com estudantes, técnicos e gestores EaD na Rede Federal. Utilizando como método o estudo de caso e a técnica de análise de conteúdo, foram alcançados os seguintes resultados: (a) realização de diagnóstico sobre o problema; (b) recomendações de melhorias; (c) elaboração de plano de ação para implementação de padrões de qualidade para produção de videoaulas no Ambiente Virtual de Ensino e Aprendizagem do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ). Nesse artigo, discutimos resultados alcançados.
High Haematocrit Blood Flow and Adsorption of Micro and Nanoparticles on an Atherosclerotic Plaque: An In-silico Study
Authors: Forouzandehmehr Mohamadamin , Shamloo Amir
Published: March 2021

Background:

The continuing inflammatory response entailed by atherosclerosis is categorised
by a pathological surface expression of certain proteins over the endothelium, namely, P-selectins.
Thus, to boost the efficiency of drug carriers, these proteins can be used as binding targets.

Method:

An in-silico patient-specific model of a Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery
considering the luminal unevenness was built and meshed using the finite element method.

Objectives:

Delivery of particles in a specific size range, from 200 to 3200 nm, covered by P-selectin
aptamers (PSA), to an atherosclerotic plaque in a pathologically high haematocrit (Hct)
blood flow was simulated. The surface of the plaque was assumed to possess a pathologically high
expression of P-Selectins.

Results:

The distribution of deposited particles over the plaque in high Hct blood was significantly
more homogenous compared to that of particles that travelled in normal blood Hct. Moreover, in
the high Hct, the increase in the particle size, from 800 nm forwards, had a trivial effect on the upsurge
in the surface density of adhered particles (SDAs) over the targeted endothelium. Yet, in normal
blood Hct (45% in this research), the increase in the particle diameter from 800 nm forwards resulted
in a significant increase in the SDAs over the targeted plaque. Interestingly, unlike the adsorption
pattern of particles in normal Hct, a significant distribution of deposited particles in the
post-constriction region of the atherosclerotic plaque was observed.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide insights into designing optimum carriers of anti-thrombotic/inflammatory
drugs specifically for high blood Hct conditions.
Femtosecond Laser-assisted Lens Surgery with Low-energy Pulse versus Conventional Phacoemulsification for Presbyopia Correction: An Intraindividual Study
Authors: Salgado Ramiro M. P. C. , Torres Paulo F. A. A. S. , Marinho António A. P.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Lens surgery with multifocal IOL implantation for presbyopia correction is performed by femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery or conventional phacoemulsification.

Objective:

To compare the clinical results of femtosecond laser-assisted with low-energy pulse conventional phacoemulsification lens surgery for presbyopia correction intraindividually.

Methods:

Charts from patients who underwent Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) for presbyopia correction in a single center, with Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Lens Surgery (FLALS) in one eye and Conventional Phacoemulsification (CP) in the other, were retrospectively reviewed. All eyes had the same multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) implanted. The clinical outcomes and the results of the level of satisfaction questionnaire were compared between the two groups according to the technique employed (FLALS vs. CP) for a period of up to four years. Stability, efficacy and safety indices were also assessed.

Results:

This study comprised a total of 56 eyes of 28 patients randomly assigned FLALS in one eye and CP in the other. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two techniques regarding postoperative visual acuities, duration of surgical procedure, efficacy or safety indexes (p>0.05). Refraction was stable in all FLALS eyes, whereas a change occurred in 2 eyes (7.1%) operated with CP upon 6 months postoperatively, but without statistical significance (p˃0.05). Satisfaction was slightly better with FLALS but not statistically significant (p=0.134). No immediate myosis or other adverse events after the femtosecond laser were registered.

Conclusion:

The parameters assessed showed no significant differences between the two techniques, in spite of a difference of refraction stability upon 6 months postoperatively.
Rehydration of katoite as a layered double hydroxide: an in situ study
Authors: Lima Pacheco Antonia Alana , Santos Nobre Thiago Ricardo , Hark Maciel Marcel , Santilli Celso Valentim , Vieira Coelho Antonio Carlos , Cirelli Angulo Sérgio
Published: March 2021

Calcium aluminate layered double hydroxides (Ca-Al LDHs) constitute a considerable part of cementitious waste fines. Although cementitious waste fines have proven to be recyclable by thermal treatment at moderate temperatures (400–700 °C), understanding how each phase rehydrates and contributes to the binding properties of rehydrated cementitious materials is still necessary. In this study, the de(re)hydration of katoite is investigated through in situ techniques, and its applicability as an alternative cement or supplementary cementitious material (SCM) is discussed. The research employed X-ray diffraction, isothermal calorimetry, in situ wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and rotational/oscillatory rheometry. Katoite synthesized by a mechanochemical process was dehydrated at 400 °C, producing mainly mayenite. During rehydration, calorimetry presents high heat production in the first minutes. WAXS shows prompt recovery of katoite and increasing formation of monocarboaluminate (Ca-Al LDH) after 30 s of rehydration. The findings confirm the direct association between rapid heat release and phase reformation. Rehydrated pastes present a high yield stress and an increasing storage modulus, indicating rapid binding properties. The consolidation is also correlated with cumulative heat and monocarboaluminate formation. The results indicate the potential of calcined katoite for use as rapid set alternative cement or SCM.
Multi-Disciplinary and Multi-Scale Assessment of Marine Renewable Energy Structure in a Tidal System
Authors:   Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, Laboratoire Morphodynamique Continentale et Côtière M2C, UMR 6143 M2C, 24 rue des Tilleuls, F-14000 Caen, France, Raoux Aurore , Robin Ilan , Pezy Jean-Philippe , Bennis Anne-Claire , Dauvin Jean-Claude
Published: March 2021

The French coast of the Atlantic and English Channel (EC) is promising for the development of Marine Renewable Energy (MRE), including wind, wave, and tidal stream, due to the high velocity of currents in some parts of the area. This paper, focusing on wind and tidal energy, discusses how the implementation of MRE converters influences biodiversity, and vice versa, through biofouling and reef effects. The understanding of these interactions requires the knowledge of the hydro-sedimentary conditions and the macrofauna. The research on these topics, performed at the Continental and Coastal Morphodynamic laboratory (M2C) (UNICAEN, France), is presented through a multi-disciplinary approach by i) studying the hydrodynamic conditions and the macrofauna in Alderney Race, ii) studying the biofouling effects on tidal turbines and their influence on the turbulent wake, iii) assessing the hydro-sedimentary impacts induced by the offshore wind farm, like scouring, and iv) taking an ecosystem approach on MRE, such as the reef effect. From an ecological perspective, the reef effect can be responsible for changes in the structure and function of the ecosystem. Although several studies have analyzed this effect at the species-or community-scale, the propagation of the reef effect at the ecosystem-scale remains unclear. Thus, understanding these ecosystem-scale effects is urgent for future research. From an engineering perspective, biofouling changes the structural characteristics (i.e., supplementary mass) of the converters and thus, affects their performance.
Pendidikan Multikultural Dalam Pembelajaran Agama Islam di Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri (SMAN) 1 Kendawangan Kabupaten Ketapang
Authors: Sukino Arief Sukino , Oktariansyah Oktariansyah , Erwin Erwin
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Senior High School (SMA) is a strategic educational environment in shaping the personality of multicultural students. Through Islamic Religious Education the strategic role of the school is becoming increasingly apparent because Islamic Education that is carried out properly will bring a positive and productive attitude change. The purpose of this study is to investigate multicultural education in SMAN 1 Kendawangan, which is with a lot of diversity. The method used is descriptive qualitative with a phenomenological approach. The results of this study indicate that the first important argumentation of multicultural Islamic religious education in Islamic religious education is the factor, religious religions of ethics, cultural customs, and social status that are often the latent potential of social conflict. Second Multicultural education is carried out by internalizing in an integrated manner through contextualization and Extention of the material, the need for learning strategies, and attitude/behavior-based assessments. Third multicultural education is carried out by incidental (temporary) actions, namely by counseling during the flag ceremony, conducting Friday blessings (healthy and clean schools), and developing tolerance through the momentum of religious holidays in schools.

Keywords: Multicultural, Islamic Religious Education, Kendawangan

 

Abstrak

Sekolah menegah Atas SMA adalah lingkungan Pendidikan yang setrategis dalam pembentukan kepribadian siswa multikuturalis. Melalui Pendidikan Agama Islam peran strategis sekolah tersebut menjadi semakin nyata, karena Pendidikan Agama Islam yang dilaksanakan dengan baik akan membawa perubahan sikap positif dan produktif. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menginvestigasi Pendidikan multicultural di SMAN 1 Kendawangan, yang merupakan dengan banyak keragaman. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pertama argumentasi pentinga Pendidikan agama Islam multicultural dalam Pendidikan agama Islam adalah factor, keragama sgama etis, adat budaya dan status social yang sering menjadi potensi laten konflik social. Kedua Pendidikan mulitkultural dilakukan dengan menginternalisasikan secara terintegrasi melalui kontekstualisasi dan mepengangan materi, perluasa strategi pembelajaran dan penilaian berbasis sikap/perilaku. Ketiga pendidkan multikultur dilasakukan dengan tindakan insidental (temporary) yakni dengan penasihatan pada saat upacara bendera, melakukan jumat berkah (sekolah sehat dan bersih) dan pengembangan toleransi melalui momentum hari besar keagamaan di sekolah.

Kata kunci: Multikultural, Pendidikan Agama Islam, Kendawangan
De-Implementing Opioid Use and Implementing Optimal Pain Management Following Dental Extractions (DIODE): Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Rindal D Brad , Asche Stephen E , Gryczynski Jan , Kane Sheryl M , Truitt Anjali R , Shea Tracy L , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y , Schwartz Robert P , Worley Donald C , Mitchell Shannon G
Published: March 2021

Background

Overdose deaths from prescription opioid analgesics are a continuing crisis in the United States. Opioid analgesics are among the most frequently prescribed drugs by dentists. An estimated 5 million people undergo third-molar extractions in the United States each year, resulting in postoperative pain. Studies show that, in most cases, the combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is an effective alternative to commonly prescribed opioid analgesics for the management of postextraction pain. Nevertheless, many dentists routinely prescribe opioids after dental extractions.

Objective

We describe the rationale, design, and methods for a randomized trial of interventions designed to de-implement opioid prescribing by dentists while implementing effective nonopioid analgesics following dental extractions.

Methods

Using a prospective, 3-arm, cluster randomized trial design with dentists as the unit randomized and patient-level prescribing data as the primary outcome, we will compare different strategies to reduce the reliance on opioids and increase the use of alternative pain management approaches utilizing information support tools aimed at both providers and their patients. The study will test the efficacy of 2 interventions to decrease opioid prescribing following dental extractions: clinical decision support with (CDS-E) and without patient education (CDS). Providers will be randomized to CDS, CDS-E, or standard practice. Patient-level outcomes will be determined via review of comprehensive electronic health records. We will compare study arms on differential change in prescribing patterns from pre- to postimplementation of the intervention. The primary outcome of interest is a binary indicator of whether or not the patient received an opioid prescription on the day of the extraction encounter. We will also examine recommendations or prescriptions for nonopioid analgesics, patients’ perceptions of shared decision making, and patients’ pain experiences following the extraction.

Results

The HealthPartners Institutional Review Board approved the study. All study materials including the CDS and patient education materials have been developed and pilot tested, and the protocol has been approved by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The intervention was implemented in February 2020, with 51 dentists who were randomized to 1 of the 3 arms.

Conclusions

If the intervention strategies are shown to be effective, they could be implemented more broadly in dental settings with high levels of opioid prescribing.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03584789, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03584789

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24342
Validation of Visual and Auditory Digital Markers of Suicidality in Acutely Suicidal Psychiatric Inpatients: Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Galatzer-Levy Isaac , Abbas Anzar , Ries Anja , Homan Stephanie , Sels Laura , Koesmahargyo Vidya , Yadav Vijay , Colla Michael , Scheerer Hanne , Vetter Stefan , Seifritz Erich , Scholz Urte , Kleim Birgit
Published: March 2021

Background

Multiple symptoms of suicide risk have been assessed based on visual and auditory information, including flattened affect, reduced movement, and slowed speech. Objective quantification of such symptomatology from novel data sources can increase the sensitivity, scalability, and timeliness of suicide risk assessment.

Objective

We aimed to examine measurements extracted from video interviews using open-source deep learning algorithms to quantify facial, vocal, and movement behaviors in relation to suicide risk severity in recently admitted patients following a suicide attempt.

Methods

We utilized video to quantify facial, vocal, and movement markers associated with mood, emotion, and motor functioning from a structured clinical conversation in 20 patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital following a suicide risk attempt. Measures were calculated using open-source deep learning algorithms for processing facial expressivity, head movement, and vocal characteristics. Derived digital measures of flattened affect, reduced movement, and slowed speech were compared to suicide risk with the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation controlling for age and sex, using multiple linear regression.

Results

Suicide severity was associated with multiple visual and auditory markers, including speech prevalence (β=−0.68, P=.02, r2=0.40), overall expressivity (β=−0.46, P=.10, r2=0.27), and head movement measured as head pitch variability (β=−1.24, P=.006, r2=0.48) and head yaw variability (β=−0.54, P=.06, r2=0.32).

Conclusions

Digital measurements of facial affect, movement, and speech prevalence demonstrated strong effect sizes and linear associations with the severity of suicidal ideation.
Harnessing Machine Learning to Personalize Web-Based Health Care Content
Authors: Guni Ahmad , Normahani Pasha , Davies Alun , Jaffer Usman
Published: March 2021

Web-based health care content has emerged as a primary source for patients to access health information without direct guidance from health care providers. The benefit of this approach is dependent on the ability of patients to access engaging high-quality information, but significant variability in the quality of web-based information often forces patients to navigate large quantities of inaccurate, incomplete, irrelevant, or inaccessible content. Personalization positions the patient at the center of health care models by considering their needs, preferences, goals, and values. However, the traditional methods used thus far in health care to determine the factors of high-quality content for a particular user are insufficient. Machine learning (ML) uses algorithms to process and uncover patterns within large volumes of data to develop predictive models that automatically improve over time. The health care sector has lagged behind other industries in implementing ML to analyze user and content features, which can automate personalized content recommendations on a mass scale. With the advent of big data in health care, which builds comprehensive patient profiles drawn from several disparate sources, ML can be used to integrate structured and unstructured data from users and content to deliver content that is predicted to be effective and engaging for patients. This enables patients to engage in their health and support education, self-management, and positive behavior change as well as to enhance clinical outcomes.
Digitization of Measurement-Based Care Pathways in Mental Health Through REDCap and Electronic Health Record Integration: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Hawley Steve , Yu Joanna , Bogetic Nikola , Potapova Natalia , Wakefield Chris , Thompson Mike , Kloiber Stefan , Hill Sean , Jankowicz Damian , Rotenberg David
Published: March 2021

Background

The delivery of standardized self-report assessments is essential for measurement-based care in mental health. Paper-based methods of measurement-based care data collection may result in transcription errors, missing data, and other data quality issues when entered into patient electronic health records (EHRs).

Objective

This study aims to help address these issues by using a dedicated instance of REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture; Vanderbilt University)—a free, widely used electronic data capture platform—that was established to enable the deployment of digitized self-assessments in clinical care pathways to inform clinical decision making.

Methods

REDCap was integrated with the primary clinical information system to facilitate the real-time transfer of discrete data and PDF reports from REDCap into the EHR. Both technical and administrative components were required for complete implementation. A technology acceptance survey was also administered to capture physicians’ and clinicians’ attitudes toward the new system.

Results

The integration of REDCap with the EHR transitioned clinical workflows from paper-based methods of data collection to electronic data collection. This resulted in significant time savings, improved data quality, and valuable real-time information delivery. The digitization of self-report assessments at each appointment contributed to the clinic-wide implementation of the major depressive disorder integrated care pathway. This digital transformation facilitated a 4-fold increase in the physician adoption of this integrated care pathway workflow and a 3-fold increase in patient enrollment, resulting in an overall significant increase in major depressive disorder integrated care pathway capacity. Physicians’ and clinicians’ attitudes were overall positive, with almost all respondents agreeing that the system was useful to their work.

Conclusions

REDCap provided an intuitive patient interface for collecting self-report measures and accessing results in real time to inform clinical decisions and an extensible backend for system integration. The approach scaled effectively and expanded to high-impact clinics throughout the hospital, allowing for the broad deployment of complex workflows and standardized assessments, which led to the accumulation of harmonized data across clinics and care pathways. REDCap is a flexible tool that can be effectively leveraged to facilitate the automatic transfer of self-report data to the EHR; however, thoughtful governance is required to complement the technical implementation to ensure that data standardization, data quality, patient safety, and privacy are maintained.
Improved Low-Glucose Predictive Alerts Based on Sustained Hypoglycemia: Model Development and Validation Study
Authors: Dave Darpit , Erraguntla Madhav , Lawley Mark , DeSalvo Daniel , Haridas Balakrishna , McKay Siripoom , Koh Chester
Published: March 2021

Background

Predictive alerts for impending hypoglycemic events enable persons with type 1 diabetes to take preventive actions and avoid serious consequences.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a prediction model for hypoglycemic events with a low false alert rate, high sensitivity and specificity, and good generalizability to new patients and time periods.

Methods

Performance improvement by focusing on sustained hypoglycemic events, defined as glucose values less than 70 mg/dL for at least 15 minutes, was explored. Two different modeling approaches were considered: (1) a classification-based method to directly predict sustained hypoglycemic events, and (2) a regression-based prediction of glucose at multiple time points in the prediction horizon and subsequent inference of sustained hypoglycemia. To address the generalizability and robustness of the model, two different validation mechanisms were considered: (1) patient-based validation (model performance was evaluated on new patients), and (2) time-based validation (model performance was evaluated on new time periods).

Results

This study utilized data from 110 patients over 30-90 days comprising 1.6 million continuous glucose monitoring values under normal living conditions. The model accurately predicted sustained events with >97% sensitivity and specificity for both 30- and 60-minute prediction horizons. The false alert rate was kept to <25%. The results were consistent across patient- and time-based validation strategies.

Conclusions

Providing alerts focused on sustained events instead of all hypoglycemic events reduces the false alert rate and improves sensitivity and specificity. It also results in models that have better generalizability to new patients and time periods.
Detecting Face Touching Using Smartwatches to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bai Chen , Chen Yu-Peng , Wolach Adam , Anthony Lisa , Mardini Mamoun
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Frequent spontaneous facial self-touches, predominantly during outbreaks, have the theoretical potential to be a mechanism of contracting and transmitting diseases. Despite the recent advent of vaccines, behavioral approaches remain an integral part of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Real-time biofeedback of face touching can potentially mitigate the spread of respiratory diseases. The gap addressed in this study is the lack of an on-demand platform that utilizes motion data from smartwatches to accurately detect face touching.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to utilize the functionality and the spread of smartwatches to develop a smartwatch application to identifying motion signatures that are mapped accurately to face touching.

METHODS

Participants (n=10, 50% women, aged 20-83) performed 10 physical activities classified into: face touching (FT) and non-face touching (NFT) categories, in a standardized laboratory setting. We developed a smartwatch application on Samsung Galaxy Watch to collect raw accelerometer data from participants. Then, data features were extracted from consecutive non-overlapping windows varying from 2-16 seconds. We examined the performance of state-of-the-art machine learning methods on face touching movements recognition (FT vs NFT) and individual activity recognition (IAR): logistic regression, support vector machine, decision trees and random forest.

RESULTS

Machine learning models were accurate in recognizing face touching categories; logistic regression achieved the best performance across all metrics (Accuracy: 0.93 +/- 0.08, Recall: 0.89 +/- 0.16, Precision: 0.93 +/- 0.08, F1-score: 0.90 +/- 0.11, AUC: 0.95 +/- 0.07) at the window size of 5 seconds. IAR models resulted in lower performance; the random forest classifier achieved the best performance across all metrics (Accuracy: 0.70 +/- 0.14, Recall: 0.70 +/- 0.14, Precision: 0.70 +/- 0.16, F1-score: 0.67 +/- 0.15) at the window size of 9 seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

Wearable devices, powered with machine learning, are effective in detecting facial touches. This is highly significant during respiratory infection outbreaks, as it has a great potential to refrain people from touching their faces and potentially mitigate the possibility of transmitting COVID-19 and future respiratory diseases.