bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YouTube as a Source of Influenza Vaccine Information in Spanish
Authors: Hernández-García Ignacio , Giménez-Júlvez Teresa
Published: January 2021

Our objective was to analyze the information in Spanish on YouTube about the influenza vaccine. In August 2020, a search was conducted on YouTube using the terms “Vacuna gripe”, “Vacuna influenza”, and “Vacuna gripa”. Associations between the type of authorship, country of publication, and other variables (such as tone, hoaxes, and vaccination recommendations) were studied via univariate analysis. A total of 100 videos were evaluated; 57.0% were created in Mexico (24.0%), Argentina (17.0%), and Spain (16.0%), and 74.0% were produced by mass media or health professionals. Positive messages were detected in 65.0%. The main topics were the benefits of the vaccine (59.0%) and adverse effects (39.0%). Hoaxes were detected in 19 videos. User-generated content, compared to that of health professionals, showed a higher probability of hoaxes (odds ratio (OR) = 15.56), a lower positive tone (OR = 0.04), and less evidence of recommendations to vaccinate pregnant individuals (OR = 0.09) and people aged 60/65 or older. Videos published in Spain, in comparison with those from Hispanic America, presented significant differences in the positive tone of their messages (OR = 0.19) and in the evidence of the benefits of vaccination (OR = 0.32). A higher probability of hoaxes was detected in videos from Spain and the USA. Information in Spanish about the influenza vaccine on YouTube is usually not very complete. Spanish health professionals are urged to produce pro-vaccination videos that counteract hoaxes, and users in Hispanic America should be advised to consult videos produced in Hispanic American countries by health professionals to obtain reliable information.
Relapse into Undernutrition in a Nutritional Program in HIV Care and the Impact of Food Insecurity: A Mixed-Methods Study in Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfay Fisaha Haile , Ziersch Anna , Javanparast Sara , Mwanri Lillian
Published: January 2021

The relapse into undernutrition after nutritional recovery among those enrolled in a nutritional program is a common challenge of nutritional programs in HIV care settings, but there is little evidence on the determinants of the relapse. Nutritional programs in HIV care settings in many countries are not well designed to sustain the gains obtained from enrolment in a nutritional program. This study examined relapse into undernutrition and associated factors among people living with HIV in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, involving quantitative and qualitative studies. Among those who graduated from the nutritional program, 18% of adults and 7% of children relapsed into undernutrition. The mean time to relapse for adults was 68.5 months (95% CI, 67.0–69.9). Various sociodemographic, clinical, and nutritional characteristics were associated with a relapse into undernutrition. A considerable proportion of adults and children relapsed after nutritional recovery. Food insecurity and poor socioeconomic status were a common experience among those enrolled in the nutritional program. Hence, nutritional programs should design strategies to sustain the nutritional gains of those enrolled in the nutritional programs and address the food insecurity which was reported as one of the contributors to relapse into undernutrition among the program participants.
Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?
Authors: Abraham Joji , Dowling Kim , Florentine Singarayer
Published: January 2021

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.
Associations of Maternal Stress, Prenatal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and Demographic Risk Factors with Birth Outcomes and Offspring Neurodevelopment: An Overview of the ECHO.CA.IL Prospective Birth Cohorts
Authors: Eick Stephanie M. , Enright Elizabeth A. , Geiger Sarah D. , Dzwilewski Kelsey L. C. , DeMicco Erin , Smith Sabrina , Park June-Soo , Aguiar Andrea , Woodruff Tracey J. , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Schantz Susan L.
Published: January 2021

Background. Infants whose mothers experience greater psychosocial stress and environmental chemical exposures during pregnancy may face greater rates of preterm birth, lower birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment. Methods. ECHO.CA.IL is composed of two cohorts, Chemicals in Our Bodies (CIOB; n = 822 pregnant women and n = 286 infants) and Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS; n = 565 mother-infant pairs), which recruit pregnant women from San Francisco, CA and Urbana-Champaign, IL, respectively. We examined associations between demographic characteristics and gestational age, birth weight z-scores, and cognition at 7.5 months across these two cohorts using linear models. We also examined differences in biomarkers of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), measured in second-trimester serum, and psychosocial stressors by cohort and participant demographics. Results. To date, these cohorts have recruited over 1300 pregnant women combined. IKIDS has mothers who are majority white (80%), whereas CIOB mothers are racially and ethnically diverse (38% white, 34% Hispanic, 17% Asian/Pacific Islander). Compared to CIOB, median levels of PFOS, a specific PFAS congener, are higher in IKIDS (2.45 ng/mL versus 1.94 ng/mL), while psychosocial stressors are higher among CIOB. Across both cohorts, women who were non-white and single had lower birth weight z-scores relative to white women and married women, respectively. Demographic characteristics are not associated with cognitive outcomes at 7.5 months. Conclusions. This profile of the ECHO.CA.IL cohort found that mothers and their infants who vary in terms of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and geographic location are similar in many of our measures of exposures and cognitive outcomes. Similar to past work, we found that non-white and single women had lower birth weight infants than white and married women. We also found differences in levels of PFOS and psychosocial stressors based on geographic location.
What Factors Help Young Children Develop Positive Perceptions of Their Motor Skills?
Authors: Barnett Lisa M. , Hnatiuk Jill A. , D’Souza Ninoshka , Salmon Jo , Hesketh Kylie D.
Published: January 2021

A positive perception of motor skills is important for physical activity participation. The aim was to investigate which modifiable factors predict children’s perceived motor skills. Mothers completed questionnaires when their child was 3.5 and 5 years old. At 5 years old, the children’s perceived motor competence (PMC) was assessed. Separate linear regression models (up to 300 children) examined which factors at each time point predicted children’s PMC, adjusted for relevant confounders. Multivariate models were then run with factors associated (p < 0.10) with perception. At 3.5 years, the time spent with same age and older children (both higher tertiles) and parental physical activity facilitation (sum of facilitation in last month, e.g., taking child to park) were initially associated with higher perception. Dance/gymnastics participation were associated with lower perceptions. Other child behaviours, maternal beliefs, play equipment, and swimming lessons were non-significant. In the final prospective model (n = 226), parental physical activity facilitation when child was 3.5 years old was the only factor to predict PMC. No factors were significant for the cross-sectional analyses at 5 years. Perceptions are formed based on past experiences which may explain why factors at 3.5 years rather than current experiences (when children were 5 years old) were associated with childhood perceptions.
Contamination Transport in the Coastal Unconfined Aquifer under the Influences of Seawater Intrusion and Inland Freshwater Recharge—Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Guo Qiaona , Zhao Yue , Hu Zili , Li Mengjun
Published: January 2021

The coupled effect of seawater intrusion and inland freshwater recharge plays an important role in contamination transport in coastal heterogeneous aquifer. In this study, the effects of seawater intrusion and inland recharge on contamination transport were investigated by conducting laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. The laboratory tests were conducted in a sand tank considering two scenarios, namely the conditions of landward and seaward hydraulic gradients. The SEAWAT software was applied for validating the contaminant transport in coastal heterogeneous aquifer. The results indicated that the simulated seawater wedge and contours of the saltwater contaminant matched the observed ones well. The length of the seawater wedge in the scenario of seaward hydraulic gradient was smaller than that in the scenario of landward hydraulic gradient, which reflected that the large quantity of inland recharge have a negative effect on the invasion process of seawater. The plume moved mainly downward in the heterogeneous unconfined aquifer for both scenarios. The pollution plume became concave at the interface between each two layers, which was because the velocity of contaminant plume migration increased gradually from the upper layer to lower layer. The migration direction of the front of the plume was consistent with the direction of hydraulic gradient, which indicated that it was influenced by the water flowing. The maximum area of plume in the scenario of seaward hydraulic gradient was slightly smaller than that in the scenario of landward hydraulic gradient. The maximum area and vertical depth of the pollutant plume were sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity, dispersivity and contamination concentration. This study was of great significance to the controlling of pollution and utilization of freshwater resources in coastal areas.
How Loan Bank of Assistive Technology Impacts on Life of Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Collaborative Initiative
Authors: Pousada Thais , Garabal-Barbeira Jessica , Martínez Cristina , Groba Betania , Nieto-Riveiro Laura , Pereira Javier
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: The study is focused on the implementation of outcome measurement tools to assess the impact of an assistive device from a loan bank in the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The secondary purpose is to analyse the correct matching between the person and technology, derived from the counselling of an occupational therapist. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample was formed by 28 people with rare neurodegenerative disorders. A specific questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS), and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) tool were applied to collect the data. (3) Results: The dimension of the PIADS with the best score was competence, and the variations according to gender were not remarkable. The three dimensions of the PIADS (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem) were correlated positively between them and with the mean score of the MPT tool (p < 0.01). The type of assistive technology (AT), diagnosis, and correct match between person–technology are the main factors that condition a positive impact. (4) Conclusions: The results noted the importance of assessing the needs, demands, and contexts of people with rare neurodegenerative diseases to prescribe the best AT. Loan banks of AT have to be considered a valid service that complements their lack in public health services.
Secondary Metabolic Profile as a Tool for Distinction and Characterization of Cultivars of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Cultivated in Pará State, Brazil
Authors: Barata Luccas M. , Andrade Eloísa H. , Ramos Alessandra R. , de Lemos Oriel F. , Setzer William N. , Byler Kendall G. , Maia José Guilherme S. , da Silva Joyce Kelly R.
Published: January 2021

This study evaluated the chemical compositions of the leaves and fruits of eight black pepper cultivars cultivated in Pará State (Amazon, Brazil). Hydrodistillation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were employed to extract and analyze the volatile compounds, respectively. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were predominant (58.5–90.9%) in the cultivars “Cingapura”, “Equador”, “Guajarina”, “Iaçará”, and “Kottanadan”, and “Bragantina”, “Clonada”, and “Uthirankota” displayed oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (50.6–75.0%). The multivariate statistical analysis applied using volatile composition grouped the samples into four groups: γ-Elemene, curzerene, and δ-elemene (“Equador”/“Guajarina”, I); δ-elemene (“Iaçará”/“Kottanadan”/“Cingapura”, II); elemol (“Clonada”/“Uthirankota”, III) and α-muurolol, bicyclogermacrene, and cubebol (“Bragantina”, IV). The major compounds in all fruit samples were monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene, β-pinene, and limonene. Among the cultivar leaves, phenolics content (44.75–140.53 mg GAE·g−1 FW), the enzymatic activity of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase (20.19–57.22 µU·mL−1), and carotenoids (0.21–2.31 µg·mL−1) displayed significant variations. Due to black pepper’s susceptibility to Fusarium infection, a molecular docking analysis was carried out on Fusarium protein targets using each cultivar’s volatile components. F. oxysporum endoglucanase was identified as the preferential protein target of the compounds. These results can be used to identify chemical markers related to the susceptibility degree of black pepper cultivars to plant diseases prevalent in Pará State.
Correlation between Speech Perception Outcomes after Cochlear Implantation and Postoperative Acoustic and Electric Hearing Thresholds
Authors: Rüegg Ursina , Dalbert Adrian , Veraguth Dorothe , Röösli Christof , Huber Alexander , Pfiffner Flurin
Published: January 2021

The reliable prediction of cochlear implant (CI) speech perception outcomes is highly relevant and can facilitate the monitoring of postoperative hearing performance. To date, multiple audiometric, demographic, and surgical variables have shown some degree of correlation with CI speech perception outcomes. In the present study, postsurgical acoustic and electric hearing thresholds that are routinely assessed in clinical practice were compared to CI speech perception outcomes in order to reveal possible markers of postoperative cochlear health. A total of 237 CI recipients were included in this retrospective monocentric study. An analysis of the correlation of postoperative pure-tone averages (PTAs) and electric CI fitting thresholds (T-/C-levels) with speech perception scores for monosyllabic words in quiet was performed. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed for postoperative acoustic thresholds in intracochlear electrocochleography (EcochG) and speech recognition scores in a smaller group (n = 14). The results show that neither postoperative acoustic hearing thresholds nor electric thresholds correlate with postoperative speech perception outcomes, and they do not serve as independent predictors of speech perception outcomes. By contrast, the postoperative intracochlear total EcochG response was significantly correlated with speech perception. Since the EcochG recordings were only performed in a small population, a large study is required to clarify the usefulness of this promising predictive parameter.
Extracellular Vesicles in Comorbidities Associated with Ischaemic Heart Disease: Focus on Sex, an Overlooked Factor
Authors: Penna Claudia , Femminò Saveria , Alloatti Giuseppe , Brizzi Maria F. , Angelone Tommaso , Pagliaro Pasquale
Published: January 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are emerging early markers of myocardial damage and key mediators of cardioprotection. Therefore, EV are becoming fascinating tools to prevent cardiovascular disease and feasible weapons to limit ischaemia/reperfusion injury. It is well known that metabolic syndrome negatively affects vascular and endothelial function, thus creating predisposition to ischemic diseases. Additionally, sex is known to significantly impact myocardial injury and cardioprotection. Therefore, actions able to reduce risk factors related to comorbidities in ischaemic diseases are required to prevent maladaptive ventricular remodelling, preserve cardiac function, and prevent the onset of heart failure. This implies that early diagnosis and personalised medicine, also related to sex differences, are mandatory for primary or secondary prevention. Here, we report the contribution of EV as biomarkers and/or therapeutic tools in comorbidities predisposing to cardiac ischaemic disease. Whenever possible, attention is dedicated to data linking EV to sex differences.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Performance of Novel Slim Biopsy Forceps with Conventional Biopsy Forceps for Biliary Stricture: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Jung Eun Suk , Park Se Woo , Kim Jung Hee , Jung Jang Han , Yang Min Jae , Park Da Hae
Published: January 2021

Novel slim biopsy forceps provide some technical advantages to facilitate a more accurate diagnosis, although we are not aware of any comparative studies. Therefore, we compared tissue acquisition and diagnostic accuracy between novel slim biopsy forceps and conventional biopsy forceps in cases with a biliary stricture. We reviewed 341 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the histological confirmation of biliary stricture at two tertiary hospitals between 2013 and 2020. The primary endpoint was the forceps’ diagnostic accuracies. We included 276 patients who underwent biopsy using the novel forceps (n = 130) or conventional forceps (n = 146). The novel forceps provided 81.7% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, positive-predictive value (PPV) of 100.0%, and negative-predictive value (NPV) of 57.8%, with an accuracy of 85.4% when the diagnosis by endobiliary biopsy included suspected or positive malignancy. The conventional forceps provided 61.7% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, PPV of 100.0%, and NPV of 36.1%, with an accuracy of 68.5%. Only novel forceps use was significantly associated with an accurate diagnosis (odds ratio: 2.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–5.00). There were no significant inter-group differences in the procedure-related rates of adverse events. Endobiliary biopsy using novel forceps offered better diagnostic performance and more acceptable procedure-related adverse events than conventional forceps.
Improving MACD Technical Analysis by Optimizing Parameters and Modifying Trading Rules: Evidence from the Japanese Nikkei 225 Futures Market
Authors: Kang Byung-Kook
Published: January 2021

Much research has examined performance or market efficiency by using the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) technical analysis tool. However, most tests fail to verify efficiency with the traditional parameter settings of 12, 26, and 9 days. This study confirms that applying the traditional model to Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures prices produces negative performance over the period of 2011–2019. Yet, it also finds that the MACD tool can earn significant positive returns when it uses optimized parameter values. This suggests that the Japanese market is not weak-form efficient in the sense that futures prices do not reflect all public information. Hence, the three parameters values of the MACD tool should be optimized for each market and this should take precedence over finding other strategies to reduce false trade signals. This study also tests which models are able to improve profitability by applying additional criteria to avoid false trade signals. From simulations using 19,456 different MACD models, we find that the number of models with improved performance resulting from these strategies is far greater for models with optimized parameter values than for models with non-optimized values. This approach has not been discussed in the existing literature.
Generative Learning for Postprocessing Semantic Segmentation Predictions: A Lightweight Conditional Generative Adversarial Network Based on Pix2pix to Improve the Extraction of Road Surface Areas
Authors: Cira Calimanut-Ionut , Manso-Callejo Miguel-Ángel , Alcarria Ramón , Fernández Pareja Teresa , Bordel Sánchez Borja , Serradilla Francisco
Published: January 2021

Remote sensing experts have been actively using deep neural networks to solve extraction tasks in high-resolution aerial imagery by means of supervised semantic segmentation operations. However, the extraction operation is imperfect, due to the complex nature of geospatial objects, limitations of sensing resolution, or occlusions present in the scenes. In this work, we tackle the challenge of postprocessing semantic segmentation predictions of road surface areas obtained with a state-of-the-art segmentation model and present a technique based on generative learning and image-to-image translations concepts to improve these initial segmentation predictions. The proposed model is a conditional Generative Adversarial Network based on Pix2pix, heavily modified for computational efficiency (92.4% decrease in the number of parameters in the generator network and 61.3% decrease in the discriminator network). The model is trained to learn the distribution of the road network present in official cartography, using a novel dataset containing 6784 tiles of 256 × 256 pixels in size, covering representative areas of Spain. Afterwards, we conduct a metrical comparison using the Intersection over Union (IoU) score (measuring the ratio between the overlap and union areas) on a novel testing set containing 1696 tiles (unseen during training) and observe a maximum increase of 11.6% in the IoU score (from 0.6726 to 0.7515). In the end, we conduct a qualitative comparison to visually assess the effectiveness of the technique and observe great improvements with respect to the initial semantic segmentation predictions.
Vascular Wall Reactions to Coronary Stents—Clinical Implications for Stent Failure
Authors: Gori Tommaso
Published: January 2021

Coronary stents belong to the most commonly implanted devices worldwide. A number of different types of stent exist, with very different mechanical and biochemical characteristics that influence their interactions with vascular tissues. Inappropriate inflammatory reactions are the major cause of the two major complications that follow implantation of stents in a percentage as high as 5–20%. It is therefore important to understand these reactions and how different they are among different generations of stents.
Porous Phantoms Mimicking Tissues—Investigation of Optical Parameters Stability Over Time
Authors: Listewnik Paulina , Ronowska Monika , Wąsowicz Michał , Tuchin Valery V. , Szczerska Małgorzata
Published: January 2021

Optical phantoms are used to validate optical measurement methods. The stability of their optical parameters over time allows them to be used and stored over long-term periods, while maintaining their optical parameters. The aim of the presented research was to investigate the stability of fabricated porous phantoms, which can be used as a lung phantom in optical system. Measurements were performed in multiple series with an interval of 6 months, recreating the same conditions and using the same measuring system consisting of an integrating sphere, a coherent light source with a wavelength of 635 nm and a detector. Scattering and absorption parameters were determined on the basis of the measured reflectance and transmittance. The tested samples were made of silicone and glycerol in various proportions.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AA7075 Aluminum Alloy Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)
Authors: Soares Elder , Bouchonneau Nadège , Alves Elizeth , Alves Kleber , Araújo Filho Oscar , Mesguich David , Chevallier Geoffroy , Laurent Christophe , Estournès Claude
Published: January 2021

AA7075 aluminum alloy is widely used for several high-technology applications for its high mechanical strength to weight ratio but is still the subject of several studies seeking a further increase in its mechanical properties. A commercial powder is used, either as-received or after ball-milling. Dense AA7075 samples are prepared in one step by Spark Plasma Sintering, at 550 °C with a holding time of 15 min and a uniaxial pressure of 100 MPa. No additional heat treatment is performed. Laser granulometry, X-ray diffraction and optical- and scanning electron microscopy show that both grain size and morphology are preserved in the dense samples, due to the relatively low temperature and short sintering time used. The samples prepared using the ball-milled powder exhibit both higher Vickers microhardness and transverse fracture strength values than those prepared using the raw powder, reflecting the finer microstructure.
Temperature-Dependent Stimulated Emission Cross-Section in Nd3+:YLF Crystal
Authors: Turri Giorgio , Webster Scott , Bass Michael , Toncelli Alessandra
Published: January 2021

Spectroscopic properties of neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride were measured at different temperatures from 35 K to 350 K in specimens with 1 at% Nd3+ concentration. The absorption spectrum was measured at room temperature from 400 to 900 nm. The decay dynamics of the 4F3/2 multiplet was investigated by measuring the fluorescence lifetime as a function of the sample temperature, and the radiative decay time was derived by extrapolation to 0 K. The stimulated-emission cross-sections of the transitions from the 4F3/2 to the 4I9/2, 4I11/2, and 4I13/2 levels were obtained from the fluorescence spectrum measured at different temperatures, using the Aull–Jenssen technique. The results show consistency with most results previously published at room temperature, extending them over a broader range of temperatures. A semi-empirical formula for the magnitude of the stimulated-emission cross-section as a function of temperature in the 250 K to 350 K temperature range, is presented for the most intense transitions to the 4I11/2 and 4I13/2 levels.
Magneto-Mechanical Coupling in Magneto-Active Elastomers
Authors: Metsch Philipp , Romeis Dirk , Kalina Karl A. , Raßloff Alexander , Saphiannikova Marina , Kästner Markus
Published: January 2021

In the present work, the magneto-mechanical coupling in magneto-active elastomers is investigated from two different modeling perspectives: a micro-continuum and a particle–interaction approach. Since both strategies differ significantly in their basic assumptions and the resolution of the problem under investigation, they are introduced in a concise manner and their capabilities are illustrated by means of representative examples. To motivate the application of these strategies within a hybrid multiscale framework for magneto-active elastomers, their interchangeability is then examined in a systematic comparison of the model predictions with regard to the magneto-deformation of chain-like helical structures in an elastomer surrounding. The presented results show a remarkable agreement of both modeling approaches and help to provide an improved understanding of the interactions in magneto-active elastomers with chain-like microstructures.
Non-Targeted Self-Measurement of Blood Pressure: Association with Self-Medication, Unscheduled Emergency Visits and Anxiety
Authors: Almeida Glessiane de Oliveira , Aidar Felipe J. , Matos Dihogo Gama de , Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco de , Melo Enaldo Vieira de , Barreto Filho José Augusto Soares , Almeida-Santos Marcos Antonio , Oliveira Victor Batista , Almeida Rebeca Rocha de , Santos Suelen Maiara dos , Costa Pereira Larissa Monteiro , Barbosa Juliana Santos , Sobral Sousa Antônio Carlos
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective: The routine practice of self-medication of blood pressure (BP) not oriented with pulse devices may not be precisely useful in the control of BP and can lead the patient to self-medicate in error. Thus, we need to evaluate the non-oriented self-assessment of BP in real-life circumstances in hypertensive patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate in hypertensive patients the association of BP self-measurement with its control, as well as the presence of anxiety disorders, the occurrence of unscheduled visits to the emergency room, and self-medication. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out with 1000 hypertensive volunteers (age: 61.0 ± 12.5). Using a questionnaire, sociodemographic and clinical data on BP control were collected. Anxiety was assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The group that performed non-oriented self-measurement of BP, showed that they had higher frequencies of self-medication (57.9%, p < 0.05) and more unscheduled visits to the emergency room (68%, p < 0.05). In addition, a lower level of BP control (46.8%, p < 0.05) was associated with higher levels of anxiety (52.3%, p < 0.05) in the group that performed non-oriented self-measurements of BP. Conclusion: The practice of non-oriented self-assessment of BP was associated with negative factors such as high levels of anxiety and higher frequencies of self-medication and unscheduled emergency visits.
A Review on the Abrasive Water-Jet Machining of Metal–Carbon Fiber Hybrid Materials
Authors: Bañon Fermin , Sambruno Alejandro , González-Rovira Leandro , Vazquez-Martinez Juan Manuel , Salguero Jorge
Published: January 2021

The bonding of metallic alloys and composite materials in the form of a hybrid structure is a line of great interest for the current industry. The different machinability of both materials requires a specific machining process. Abrasive water-jet machining (AWJM) is an excellent technology for the simultaneous machining of both materials. However, defects at the micro and macro-geometric level have been detected in several scientific articles. In this review, a detailed study of the two main defects in metals, composite materials and hybrid structures has been developed. The conclusions of several scientific articles have been exposed for a better understanding of the topic in articles between 1984 and 2020. The influence of the cutting parameters on the reduction in kinetic energy of the water jet and the order of stacking of the materials in the hybrid structure is the main objective in order to minimize these defects. Cutting parameter optimization studies, predictive model proposals, process-associated defects and evaluation methodologies have been discussed. The aim of this article is to set a solid background on AWJM machining in hybrid structures and on the influence of cutting parameters on generated defects and machining strategies to obtain the best results at a macro and micro-geometric level.
Effects of BaO and B2O3 on the Absorption of Ti Inclusions for High Titanium Steel
Authors: Li Boyang , Geng Xin , Jiang Zhouhua , Hou Yu , Gong Wei
Published: January 2021

In order to study the effect of BaO or B2O3 on the absorption of Ti inclusions, the effects of mold fluxes with different contents of BaO (0~15%) or B2O3 (0~15%) on the mass transfer coefficients of TiO2 or TiN were studied with the rotating cylinder method. The experimental results show that with the addition of BaO in the mold flux, the mass transfer coefficient of TiO2 increases from 4.58 × 10−4 m/s to 6.08 × 10−4 m/s, that of TiN increases from 3.09 × 10−4 m/s to 4.41 × 10−4 m/s, 2CaO·MgO·2SiO2 is transformed into BaO·2CaO·MgO·2SiO2, and the Ti inclusions combine with CaO to form CaTiO3. With the addition of B2O3 in the mold flux, the mass transfer coefficient of TiO2 increases from 4.58 × 10−4 m/s to 7.46 × 10−4 m/s, that of TiN increases from 3.09 × 10−4 m/s to 5.50 × 10−4 m/s, CaO and B2O3 combine to 2CaO·B2O3, and Ti inclusions exist in the form of TiO2. During the experiment, TiN will be transformed into titanium oxide.
Exploring the Characteristic Aroma of Beef from Japanese Black Cattle (Japanese Wagyu) via Sensory Evaluation and Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry
Authors: Ueda Shuji , Yamanoue Minoru , Sirai Yasuhito , Iwamoto Eiji
Published: January 2021

Beef from Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) is renowned for its flavor characteristics. To clarify the key metabolites contributing to this rich and sweet aroma of beef, an omics analysis combined with GC-olfactometry (GC-O) and metabolomics analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were applied. GC-O analysis identified 39 odor-active odorants from the volatile fraction of boiled beef distilled by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation. Eight odorants predicted to contribute to Wagyu beef aroma were compared between Japanese Black cattle and Holstein cattle using a stable isotope dilution assay with GC–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. By correlating the sensory evaluation values of retronasal aroma, γ-hexalactone, γ-decalactone, and γ-undecalactone showed a high correlation with the Wagyu beef aroma. Metabolomics data revealed a high correlation between the amounts of odorants and multiple metabolites, such as glutamine, decanoic acid, lactic acid, and phosphoric acid. These results provide useful information for assessing the aroma and quality of beef.
Long-term antidepressant use in general practice: a qualitative study of GPs’ views on discontinuation
Authors: Donald Maria , Partanen Riitta , Sharman Leah , Lynch Johanna , Dingle Genevieve A , Haslam Catherine , van Driel Mieke
Published: January 2021

Background

There is considerable concern about increasing antidepressant use, with Australians among the highest users in the world. Evidence suggests this is driven by patients on long-term use, rather than new prescriptions. Most antidepressant prescriptions are generated in general practice, and it is likely that attempts to discontinue are either not occurring or are proving unsuccessful.

Aim

To explore GPs’ insights about long-term antidepressant prescribing and discontinuation.

Design and setting

A qualitative interview study with Australian GPs.

Method

Semi-structured interviews explored GPs’ discontinuation experiences, decision-making, perceived risks and benefits, and support for patients. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Three overarching themes were identified from interviews with 22 GPs. The first, ‘not a simple deprescribing decision’, spoke to the complex decision-making GPs undertake in determining whether a patient is ready to discontinue. The second, ‘a journey taken together’, captured a set of steps GPs take together with their patients to initiate and set-up adequate support before, during, and after discontinuation. The third, ‘supporting change in GPs’ prescribing practices’, described what GPs would like to see change to better support them and their patients to discontinue antidepressants.

Conclusion

GPs see discontinuation of long-term antidepressant use as more than a simple deprescribing decision. It begins with considering a patient’s social and relational context, and is a journey involving careful preparation, tailored care, and regular review. These insights suggest interventions to redress long-term use will need to take these considerations into account and be placed in a wider discussion about the use of antidepressants.
USING PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ PRONUNCIATION SKILLS
Authors: Irawan Bambang , Tampubolon Muhammad Ahsan
Published: January 2021

For EFL students especially the students of English Letters Department at Pamulang University, mastering English is something challenging. There are several problems which they face in learning English. One of the most crucial problems is pronunciation. Hence, appropriate teaching methods such as using phonetic transcription are needed to help the students to improve their pronunciation. This research focused on using phonetic transcription to improve the pronunciation skills of the fourth semester students of English Letters Department of Pamulang University. It was aimed to reveal if the utilization of phonetic transcription was able to improve the students’ pronunciation. It was also aimed to figure out how phonetic transcription improved the students’ pronunciation. This research implemented Classroom Action Research which was carried out from February until April 2020. There were two cycles in this research and each cycle consisted of three meetings. In collecting the data, the writers used field notes, interviews and tests. The average of the students’ score in the pre-cycle and cycle 1 were 59,86 and 66,07 which were still lower  than 75 as the target. In the cycle 2, the average of the students’ score was 75,56 which was higher than 75. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that phonetic transcription was able to improve the students’ pronunciation. Phonetic transcription had role in improving both segmental and supra segmental features of the students’ pronunciation.
CULTURAL CONTENT ANALYSIS ON GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ENGLISH LEARNING TEXTBOOKS
Authors: Albari Ryan Ghassan , Yamin Harumi Manik Ayu
Published: January 2021

In today’s world, the English language is seen as the international language for its world-wide use in all aspects of life. The language thus becomes the medium in bridging communication gaps between countries by providing a common ground for communication. To cater to the need of human resources with intercultural communicative competence (ICC), the government in Indonesia has issued textbooks for English learning for middle school students. In Indonesian national curriculum, English language is first formally learned in middle school, where the students are at the age of shaping their own ideology and values, which could also come from learning. This study examines the English textbooks issued by the government by analyzing their cultural content. The cultural elements are examined and divided into three components using the framework from Yuen’s cultural elements, a modified version of Cortazzi and Jin’s cultural aspects by Tazeddin & Teimournezhad, and Gomez Rodriguez’s surface culture and deep culture. The results show that the cultural content is disproportionate, and it might lead to the failure of creating ICC learners as it dismisses other aspects and elements of culture that are important in nurturing ICC.
THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SOLAR HOME SYSTEM WITH SWITCHING METHOD ON HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICITY SCALE
Authors: Paranita Kartika Kurnia , Dhenabayu Riska
Published: January 2021

This study aims to design a Solar Home System with an Arduino-based Smart Switching system so that the use of electrical energy generated by solar panels can be adjusted without adding power from other electricity sources, such as PLN. Calculation of Leveled Cost of Energy (LCOE) is used as the basis for the switching process that will be carried out to regulate the use of household appliances that are routinely used, regulate electricity consumption automatically, minimize usage, and calculate the effectiveness of electric power usage. The way SHS works is to collect electrical energy from sunlight, then convert DC voltage to AC so that it can be used to run household electronic equipment. To accommodate the adequacy of electrical power, an automatic adjustment is made for household appliances that are routinely used, namely house lights, which includes setting the lights on and off and the number of lights that can be activated. The advantage of this research is that the SHS system is integrated with the automatic setting of the lights installed in the house so that the number of lights on will adjust the availability of electrical energy in the battery. In addition, with the LCOE method, the level of usage can be calculated so that users can save electricity. From the results of usage testing, it is found that the application of this switching technology provides benefits for users because it is no longer dependent on PLN supply. From an economic point of view, based on the calculation of Leveled Cost of Energy (LCOE), there is a kWh value savings of Rp. 77, - for each kWh price or about 4.53% compared to purchasing electricity with prepaid mode.
Aplicação das normas L1 e L∞ em redes altimétricas: identificação de outliers e construção do modelo estocástico
Authors: Sampaio Suraci Stefano , Castro de Oliveira Leonardo
Published: January 2021

Nesse artigo, aplicações da minimização da norma L1 (ML1) e da norma L∞ (ML∞) na estimação de redes altimétricas foram investigadas. Redes de nivelamento simuladas pela Técnica de Monte Carlo e dados reais da rede brasileira de nivelamento foram empregados nos experimentos. Na identificação de outliers pela ML1, foi verificado que o ajustamento com pesos unitários apresentou condições vantajosas em relação ao modelo estocástico usual dos pesos proporcionais ao inverso do comprimento das linhas de nivelamento. O Classificador VL1, que estipula um Valor de Corte para os resíduos do ajustamento pela ML1 a partir do qual a respectiva observação passa a ser classificada como outlier, foi proposto. A taxa de sucesso dele na identificação de outliers foi superior à do procedimento data snooping iterativo em cenários de geometria da rede deficiente. Já a aplicação da ML∞ investigada é posterior ao tratamento de outliers. Um modelo estocástico alternativo para ajustamento da rede pelo MMQ que aproveitou a característica de minimização do máximo resíduo absoluto da rede no ajustamento pela ML∞ foi analisado. Além dessa minimização, o ajustamento da rede pelo MMQ com o modelo alternativo gerou, na significativa maioria dos casos, resíduos e precisão desses e dos parâmetros estimados mais homogêneos, com menor desvio padrão, que aqueles com o modelo estocástico usual. Todos os resultados são especialmente relevantes para o caso de redes altimétricas.
Editorial
Authors: Gonzalez Editora invitada: María Ester
Published: January 2021

Los navegantes de Internet “caminan” por invisibles calles llenas de portales. A esos navegantes, sentados ante sus pantallas en remotos lugares, les llegan las luces, los brillos, las llamadas, de estas nuevas vidrieras (escaparates, aparadores, vitrinas) que ofrecen información, productos y servicios. Los portales de Internet, como las sirenas de La Odisea, ponen en juego todo su ingenio para atraer navegantes que los usen y encuentren lo que buscan. El objetivo es atraer a SU público, para lo cual resulta fundamental “conocerle”: ¿qué necesita?, ¿cómo lo necesita?, ¿para qué lo necesita? Los geoportales, portales de Internet que ofrecen información geográfica, tienen las mismas necesidades. Son vidrieras que ofrecen datos, mapas y servicios asociados al mundo de la información geoespacial, y también deben atraer a sus navegantes ofreciendo lo que éstos necesitan de acuerdo a sus necesidades e intereses.

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Manejo nutricional del paciente con úlceras por presión: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Maza Moscoso Claudia Patricia , Osuna-Padilla Iván Armando , Maldonado Valadez Patricia Paulina
Published: January 2021

Las heridas crónicas se presentan con frecuencia en adultos hospitalizados y personas de la tercera edad institucionalizadas. Su desarrollo tiene una relación importante con el estado nutricional. El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es analizar la relación entre la nutrición y la incidencia de úlceras por presión, además de estudiar las estrategias de abordaje nutricional sugeridas por la evidencia científica, haciendo énfasis en el aporte de energía, proteínas, aminoácidos y otros micronutrientes. La nutrición es un factor influyente en la cicatrización de heridas; sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios para establecer los aportes adecuados de ciertos nutrientes y el impacto que tendrán en la evolución de esta condición.
Prehabilitación en el paciente con sarcopenia candidato a procedimientos quirúrgicos
Authors: Cadavid Sierra Jessika , de Aguilar-Nascimento José Eduardo , Dock-Nascimento Diana B.
Published: January 2021

El envejecimiento es un proceso natural en el ser humano que trae consigo cambios fisiológicos, morfológicos, bioquímicos y psicológicos. A medida que van aumentando los años, estas modificaciones se traducen en una mayor vulnerabilidad para el desarrollo de enfermedades como la sarcopenia, que implican una disminución de la capacidad funcional, pérdida de masa y fuerza muscular, y mayor fragilidad. Los procedimientos quirúrgicos, cada vez más comunes en la población geriátrica, representan un gran desafío para el personal médico en la medida en que esta población requiere de cuidados individualizados y de una atención multidimensional enfocada en diferentes aspectos, que van desde la salud física y emocional hasta aspectos económicos, sociales y culturales. En los pacientes sarcopénicos candidatos a procedimientos quirúrgicos son necesarias intervenciones preoperatorias que optimicen su salud y aceleren su recuperación posoperatoria, y disminuyan el riesgo de complicaciones y mortalidad. Esta revisión examina cómo la prehabilitación representa una oportunidad para mejorar la capacidad funcional de los pacientes y para prepararlos para soportar un evento estresante como lo es una cirugía, haciendo más digno su curso posoperatorio y mejorando su calidad de vida a corto y largo plazo.
A Systems Thinking Approach to Reflective Practice in Blogs: Implications on Social-Emotional Learning and Resilience Building
Authors: Brailas Alexios
Published: January 2021

In the present paper, we propose a model for reflective practice in blogs based on Systems Thinking aiming to promote social-emotional learning, and we discuss its theoretical underpinnings. Reflective blogging can be an invaluable tool for peer learning and professional development, particularly in appreciative environments where people feel safe to share their experiences. The proposed model introduces Systems Thinking as an effective way to facilitate group reflective practice for social-emotional learning and resilience building in a blended learning environment. Participants practice how to acknowledge different perspectives and how to integrate them into a coherent group narrative, the collective story of their community. Systems thinking entails a shift of focus from the parts to the relationships between and treats any group of participants as a living network, a learning rhizome in the becoming. In this view, collective intelligence rises as an emergent system property. We provide the case of a recent implementation of the proposed model to reflect and elaborate further on practical aspects of the approach, such as how to cultivate reflective writing among the participants, how to synthesize a group meta-narrative, how to evaluate individual contributions, and how to nurture a learning organization. The aim is to present a concise and authentic account of this approach so as to enable other educators and practitioners to get inspiration, make necessary adaptations, and utilize it in their own practice.