bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMERGENCY ONLINE TEACHING: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LECTURERS' PERCEPTION OF BARRIER AND PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCY
Authors: Diningrat Syaiputra Wahyuda Meisa , Nindya Meyga Agustia , Salwa Salwa
Published: October 2020

In this COVID-19 situation, online learning has been widely implemented in higher education contexts. This issue inspires the researchers to conduct further study on barriers encountered by lecturers in higher education. This study was carried out to explore how the lecturers perceive the barriers in online teaching practices and the level of pedagogical competencies perceived by the lecturers in conducting online learning in this emergency. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. Data were collected from 73 early childhood education lecturers from four regions in East Java, Indonesia. The questionnaires were developed to measure lecturers' perceptions of barriers in online teaching practices adopted from the TIPEC framework and measure the lecturers' pedagogical competencies. Multivariate analysis of variances was used to analyze the data. The results showed that limited bandwidth, connectivity, and security were the first significant barriers perceived by early childhood lecturers. Meanwhile, the second barriers are related to student lack of engagement and lack of feedback. Then, third barriers are computer viruses, the quality of course content, and reliability of the online assessment instrument. ANOVA results showed that there were significant differences between gender and technological factors, gender and instructional design factors, as well as educational qualification and strategy implementation of factors.
Implementation of problem-based learning to improve problem-solving skills in vocational high school
Authors: Hidayati Reny Murni , Wagiran Wagiran
Published: October 2020

This research aims to understand the implementation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to improve students' problem solving skills. This research is a class action research model of Kemmis & Taggart which was carried out in three cycles, each cycle consisted of two meetings. The data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed how PBL on computer subject and basic networks can improve problem solving skills. Improvements occured in all aspects of observation. In problem solving skills, the average of cycle I was 67.75% increased in cycle II with an average of 76.76% and increased in cycle III amounted to 80.325%. PBL is able to improve problem solving skills with the steps: 1) orienting students to the problem classically; 2) organizing students to study in a group work of 4 people and the division of tasks for each member; 3) guiding individual and group investigations on the same topic, discussed maximum in two groups; 4) developing and presenting the work done in front of the class with more time allocation in the discussion session; 5) analyzing and evaluating the problem-solving process that focuses on re-checking the results.
A experiência amorosa como rito de passagem dentro do processo de individuação feminino
Authors: Cirineu Ana Lūcia
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo refletir sobre a experiência amorosa tal como ela é vivida pelas mulheres, ressaltando essa trajetória como um processo único e de grande importância no desenvolvimento da psique feminina. A escolha por analisar especificamente a experiência amorosa feminina partiu do pressuposto de que ela se dá de forma diferente daquela do desenvolvimento masculino. Na mulher, o amor configura-se como um rito iniciático que a coloca na jornada da individuação, já o homem, no decorrer de seu desenvolvimento, depara-se com outras formas de iniciação. A pesquisa aqui desenvolvida investigou de que forma a experiência amorosa serve como rito de passagem para o caminho de individuação feminino, explorando mais precisamente o sofrimento enquanto marca principal desse rito de passagem.  A partir do mito de Eros e Psiquê, analisou-se  o caminho percorrido pela mulher na descoberta de si mesma, considerando o sofrimento experimentado no decorrer do processo como necessário e facilitador do encontro com o animus, o que, consequentemente, contribui para o processo de tomada de consciência e para a busca autônoma da individuação feminina.
Mobile Apps for Speech-Language Therapy in Adults With Communication Disorders: Review of Content and Quality
Authors: Vaezipour Atiyeh , Campbell Jessica , Theodoros Deborah , Russell Trevor
Published: October 2020

Background

Worldwide, more than 75% of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience communication disorders. Communication disorders are impairments in the ability to communicate effectively, that is, sending, receiving, processing, and comprehending verbal and nonverbal concepts and symbols. Such disorders may have enduring impacts on employment, social participation, and quality of life. Technology-enabled interventions such as mobile apps have the potential to increase the reach of speech-language therapy to treat communication disorders. However, ensuring that apps are evidence-based and of high quality is critical for facilitating safe and effective treatment for adults with communication disorders.

Objective

The aim of this review is to identify mobile apps that are currently widely available to adults with communication disorders for speech-language therapy and to assess their content and quality using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).

Methods

Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and webpages were searched to identify mobile apps for speech-language therapy. Apps were included in the review if they were designed for the treatment of adult communication disorders after ABI, were in English, and were either free or for purchase. Certified speech-language pathologists used the MARS to assess the quality of the apps.

Results

From a total of 2680 apps identified from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web searches, 2.61% (70/2680) apps met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Overall, 61% (43/70) were available for download on the iPhone Operating System (iOS) platform, 20% (14/70) on the Android platform, and 19% (13/70) on both iOS and Android platforms. A content analysis of the apps revealed 43 apps for language, 17 apps for speech, 8 apps for cognitive communication, 6 apps for voice, and 5 apps for oromotor function or numeracy. The overall MARS mean score was 3.7 out of 5, SD 0.6, ranging between 2.1 and 4.5, with functionality being the highest-scored subscale (4.3, SD 0.6), followed by aesthetics (3.8, SD 0.8), information (3.4, SD 0.6), and engagement (3.3, SD 0.6). The top 5 apps were Naming Therapy (4.6/5), Speech Flipbook Standard (4.6/5), Number Therapy (4.5/5), Answering Therapy, and Constant Therapy (4.4/5).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically identify and evaluate a broad range of mobile apps for speech-language therapy for adults with communication disorders after sustaining ABI. We found a lack of interactive and engaging elements in the apps, a critical factor in sustaining self-managed speech-language therapy. More evidence-based apps with a focus on human factors, user experience, and a patient-led design approach are required to enhance effectiveness and long-term use.
Associations Between Patient Health Outcomes and Secure Message Content Exchanged Between Patients and Clinicians: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Heisey-Grove Dawn M , McClelland Laura E , Rathert Cheryl , Tartaglia Alexander , Jackson Kevin , DeShazo Jonathan P
Published: October 2020

Background

The number of electronic messages securely exchanged between clinic staff and patients has risen dramatically over the last decade. A variety of studies explored whether the volume of messages sent by patients was associated with outcomes. None of these studies, however, examined whether message content itself was associated with outcomes. Because secure messaging is a significant form of communication between patients and clinic staff, it is critical to evaluate the context of the communication to best understand its impact on patient health outcomes.

Objective

To examine associations between patients’ and clinicians’ message content and changes in patients’ health outcomes.

Methods

We applied a taxonomy developed specifically for secure messages to 14,394 patient- and clinic staff–generated messages derived from patient-initiated message threads. Our study population included 1602 patients, 50.94% (n=816) of whom initiated message threads. We conducted linear regression analyses to determine whether message codes were associated with changes in glycemic (A1C) levels in patients with diabetes and changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Results

Patients who initiated threads had larger declines in A1Cs (P=.01) compared to patients who did not initiate threads. Clinic nonresponse was associated with decreased SBP (β=–.30; 95% CI –0.56 to –0.04), as were staffs’ action responses (β=–30; 95% CI –0.58 to –0.02). Increased DBP, SBP, and A1C levels were associated with patient-generated appreciation and praise messages and staff encouragement with effect sizes ranging from 0.51 (A1C) to 5.80 (SBP). We found improvements in SBP associated with patients’ complaints (β=–4.03; 95% CI –7.94 to –0.12). Deferred information sharing by clinic staff was associated with increased SBP (β=1.29; 95% CI 0.4 to 2.19).

Conclusions

This is the first research to find associations between message content and patients’ health outcomes. Our findings indicate mixed associations between patient message content and patient outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this work; in the meantime, health care providers should be aware that their message content may influence patient health outcomes.
Web- and Artificial Intelligence–Based Image Recognition For Sperm Motility Analysis: Verification Study
Authors: Tsai Vincent FS , Zhuang Bin , Pong Yuan-Hung , Hsieh Ju-Ton , Chang Hong-Chiang
Published: October 2020

Background

Human sperm quality fluctuates over time. Therefore, it is crucial for couples preparing for natural pregnancy to monitor sperm motility.

Objective

This study verified the performance of an artificial intelligence–based image recognition and cloud computing sperm motility testing system (Bemaner, Createcare) composed of microscope and microfluidic modules and designed to adapt to different types of smartphones.

Methods

Sperm videos were captured and uploaded to the cloud with an app. Analysis of sperm motility was performed by an artificial intelligence–based image recognition algorithm then results were displayed. According to the number of motile sperm in the vision field, 47 (deidentified) videos of sperm were scored using 6 grades (0-5) by a male-fertility expert with 10 years of experience. Pearson product-moment correlation was calculated between the grades and the results (concentration of total sperm, concentration of motile sperm, and motility percentage) computed by the system.

Results

Good correlation was demonstrated between the grades and results computed by the system for concentration of total sperm (r=0.65, P<.001), concentration of motile sperm (r=0.84, P<.001), and motility percentage (r=0.90, P<.001).

Conclusions

This smartphone-based sperm motility test (Bemaner) accurately measures motility-related parameters and could potentially be applied toward the following fields: male infertility detection, sperm quality test during preparation for pregnancy, and infertility treatment monitoring. With frequent at-home testing, more data can be collected to help make clinical decisions and to conduct epidemiological research.
Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Mobile Health Technology: Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Buss Vera Helen , Leesong Stuart , Barr Margo , Varnfield Marlien , Harris Mark
Published: October 2020

Background

Digital technology is an opportunity for public health interventions to reach a large part of the population.

Objective

This systematic literature review aimed to assess the effectiveness of mobile health–based interventions in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We conducted the systematic search in 7 electronic databases using a predefined search strategy. We included articles published between inception of the databases and March 2019 if they reported on the effectiveness of an intervention for prevention of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes via mobile technology. One researcher performed the search, study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. The steps were validated by the other members of the research team

Results

The search yielded 941 articles for cardiovascular disease, of which 3 met the inclusion criteria, and 732 for type 2 diabetes, of which 6 met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was low, with the main issue being nonblinding of participants. Of the selected studies, 4 used SMS text messaging, 1 used WhatsApp, and the remaining ones used specific smartphone apps. Weight loss and reduction in BMI were the most reported successful outcomes (reported in 4 studies).

Conclusions

Evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health-based interventions in reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is low due to the quality of the studies and the small effects that were measured. This highlights the need for further high-quality research to investigate the potential of mobile health interventions.

Trial Registration

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42019135405; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=135405
Content-Based Recommender Support System for Counselors in a Suicide Prevention Chat Helpline: Design and Evaluation Study
Authors: Salmi Salim , Mérelle Saskia , Gilissen Renske , Brinkman Willem-Paul
Published: October 2020

Background

The working environment of a suicide prevention helpline requires high emotional and cognitive awareness from chat counselors. A shared opinion among counselors is that as a chat conversation becomes more difficult, it takes more effort and a longer amount of time to compose a response, which, in turn, can lead to writer’s block.

Objective

This study evaluates and then designs supportive technology to determine if a support system that provides inspiration can help counselors resolve writer’s block when they encounter difficult situations in chats with help-seekers.

Methods

A content-based recommender system with sentence embedding was used to search a chat corpus for similar chat situations. The system showed a counselor the most similar parts of former chat conversations so that the counselor would be able to use approaches previously taken by their colleagues as inspiration. In a within-subject experiment, counselors’ chat replies when confronted with a difficult situation were analyzed to determine if experts could see a noticeable difference in chat replies that were obtained in 3 conditions: (1) with the help of the support system, (2) with written advice from a senior counselor, or (3) when receiving no help. In addition, the system’s utility and usability were measured, and the validity of the algorithm was examined.

Results

A total of 24 counselors used a prototype of the support system; the results showed that, by reading chat replies, experts were able to significantly predict if counselors had received help from the support system or from a senior counselor (P=.004). Counselors scored the information they received from a senior counselor (M=1.46, SD 1.91) as significantly more helpful than the information received from the support system or when no help was given at all (M=–0.21, SD 2.26). Finally, compared with randomly selected former chat conversations, counselors rated the ones identified by the content-based recommendation system as significantly more similar to their current chats (β=.30, P<.001).

Conclusions

Support given to counselors influenced how they responded in difficult conversations. However, the higher utility scores given for the advice from senior counselors seem to indicate that specific actionable instructions are preferred. We expect that these findings will be beneficial for developing a system that can use similar chat situations to generate advice in a descriptive style, hence helping counselors through writer’s block.
Automatic Structuring of Ontology Terms Based on Lexical Granularity and Machine Learning: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Luo Lingyun , Feng Jingtao , Yu Huijun , Wang Jiaolong
Published: October 2020

Background

As the manual creation and maintenance of biomedical ontologies are labor-intensive, automatic aids are desirable in the lifecycle of ontology development.

Objective

Provided with a set of concept names in the Foundational Model of Anatomy (FMA), we propose an innovative method for automatically generating the taxonomy and the partonomy structures among them, respectively.

Methods

Our approach comprises 2 main tasks: The first task is predicting the direct relation between 2 given concept names by utilizing word embedding methods and training 2 machine learning models, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-term Memory Networks (Bi-LSTM). The second task is the introduction of an original granularity-based method to identify the semantic structures among a group of given concept names by leveraging these trained models.

Results

Results show that both CNN and Bi-LSTM perform well on the first task, with F1 measures above 0.91. For the second task, our approach achieves an average F1 measure of 0.79 on 100 case studies in the FMA using Bi-LSTM, which outperforms the primitive pairwise-based method.

Conclusions

We have investigated an automatic way of predicting a hierarchical relationship between 2 concept names; based on this, we have further invented a methodology to structure a group of concept names automatically. This study is an initial investigation that will shed light on further work on the automatic creation and enrichment of biomedical ontologies.
Virtual Reality in Pain Rehabilitation for Youth With Chronic Pain: Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Griffin Anya , Wilson Luke , Feinstein Amanda B , Bortz Adeline , Heirich Marissa S , Gilkerson Rachel , Wagner Jenny FM , Menendez Maria , Caruso Thomas J , Rodriguez Samuel , Naidu Srinivas , Golianu Brenda , Simons Laura E
Published: October 2020

Background

In the field of pain, virtual reality (VR) technology has been increasingly common in the context of procedural pain management. As an interactive technology tool, VR has the potential to be extended beyond acute pain management to chronic pain rehabilitation with a focus on increasing engagement with painful or avoided movements.

Objective

We outline the development and initial implementation of a VR program in pain rehabilitation intervention to enhance function in youth with chronic pain.

Methods

We present the development, acceptability, feasibility, and utility of an innovative VR program (Fruity Feet) for pediatric pain rehabilitation to facilitate increased upper and lower extremity engagement. The development team was an interdisciplinary group of pediatric experts, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, pain psychologists, anesthesiologists, pain researchers, and a VR software developer. We used a 4-phase iterative development process that engaged clinicians, parents, and patients via interviews and standardized questionnaires.

Results

This study included 17 pediatric patients (13 female, 4 male) enrolled in an intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) program, with mean age of 13.24 (range 7-17) years, completing a total of 63 VR sessions. Overall reports of presence were high (mean 28.98; max 40; SD 4.02), suggestive of a high level of immersion. Among those with multisession data (n=8), reports of pain (P<.001), fear (P=.003), avoidance (P=.004), and functional limitations (P=.01) significantly decreased. Qualitative analysis revealed (1) a positive experience with VR (eg, enjoyed VR, would like to utilize the VR program again, felt VR was a helpful tool); (2) feeling distracted from pain while engaged in VR; (3) greater perceived mobility; and (4) fewer clinician-observed pain behaviors during VR. Movement data support the targeted impact of the Fruity Feet compared to other available VR programs.

Conclusions

The iterative development process yielded a highly engaging and feasible VR program based on qualitative feedback, questionnaires, and movement data. We discuss next steps for the refinement, implementation, and assessment of impact of VR on chronic pain rehabilitation. VR holds great promise as a tool to facilitate therapeutic gains in chronic pain rehabilitation in a manner that is highly reinforcing and fun.
Assessment of Altmetrics and PlumX Metrics Scoring as Mechanisms to Evaluate the Top 100 Trending Hidradenitis Suppurativa Articles on Social Media: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wei Chapman , Fong Aaron , Quan Theodore , Gupta Puneet , Friedman Adam
Published: October 2020

Background

Dermatologists are increasingly utilizing social media platforms to disseminate scientific information. New tools, such as altmetrics and PlumX metrics, have been made available to rapidly capture the level of scientific article dissemination across social media platforms. However, no studies have been performed to assess the level of scientific article dissemination across social media regarding hidradenitis suppurativa, a disease that is still currently not well understood.

Objective

The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of altmetrics and PlumX metrics by characterizing the top 100 “trending” hidradenitis suppurativa articles in the altmetric database by the altmetric attention score and PlumX score.

Methods

Altmetric data components of the top 100 hidradenitis suppurativa articles were extracted from the altmetric database. Article citation count was found using Web of Science. PlumX field-weighted impact scores for each article were collected from the Scopus database. Journal title, open-access status, article type, and study design of original articles were assessed. Additionally, the altmetric attention score, PlumX score, and citation count were log transformed and adjusted by +1 for linear regression, and Spearman correlation coefficients were utilized to determine correlations.

Results

Most of the top 100 “trending” hidradenitis suppurativa articles were published in JAMA Dermatology (n=27, 27%). The median altmetric attention score, PlumX score, and citation count were 25.5, 3.7, and 10.5, respectively. The most mentions regarding social media platforms came from Twitter. Although no correlation was observed between the citation count and altmetric attention score (r2=0.019, P=.17), positive correlation was observed between the citation count and PlumX score (r2=0.469, P<.001).

Conclusions

Our research demonstrated that citation count is not correlated with the altmetric attention score, but is strongly correlated with the PlumX score regarding hidradenitis suppurativa articles at this point in time. With the continual increase of social media usage by medical professionals and researchers, this study can help investigators understand the best way to captivate their audience.
Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Events in Men: Protocol for a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Chih HuiJun , Reid Christopher M , Yeap Bu B , Dwivedi Girish
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Testosterone prescriptions have increased dramatically in recent decades, with increasing usage in men. Despite epidemiological associations reported high circulating concentrations of endogenous androgens and low risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, the effects of exogenous androgens in the form of testosterone therapy for maintaining physiological circulating androgen concentrations on the cardiovascular system remain uncertain with no published meta-analysis on this topic.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prescribed testosterone treatment, in all forms and durations, from well-developed randomized controlled trials, on cardiovascular events in men aged 18 years or older.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed journal articles published from 1980 to 2019 will be searched from databases (ie CINAHL [Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials as well as the Clinical Trial Registry). Randomized controlled trials or cluster randomized controlled trials with at least one intervention arm of testosterone and a control group of usual care or no testosterone treatment will be included in this review and meta-analysis. Studies on men with previous cardiovascular events or cardiac vascularization (coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention) will be excluded. Data related to primary outcomes such as clinical events of any type of stroke or transient ischemic attack, nonfatal myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome, emergency coronary artery revascularization, carotid surgery, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality will be extracted for analysis. The criteria for PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) will be followed in the evaluation of evidence.

RESULTS

Search terms have been piloted and finalized. This study will be completed by the end of 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol will guide a systematic literature review of the evidence around prescribed testosterone and its effect on cardiovascular events in men aged 18 years or older. The findings will inform clinical management of hypogonadal men.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019134278; https://tinyurl.com/y6t7ggge

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/15163
Mobile Apps for Speech-Language Therapy in Adults With Communication Disorders: Review of Content and Quality (Preprint)
Authors: Vaezipour Atiyeh , Campbell Jessica , Theodoros Deborah , Russell Trevor
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, more than 75% of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) experience communication disorders. Communication disorders are impairments in the ability to communicate effectively, that is, sending, receiving, processing, and comprehending verbal and nonverbal concepts and symbols. Such disorders may have enduring impacts on employment, social participation, and quality of life. Technology-enabled interventions such as mobile apps have the potential to increase the reach of speech-language therapy to treat communication disorders. However, ensuring that apps are evidence-based and of high quality is critical for facilitating safe and effective treatment for adults with communication disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to identify mobile apps that are currently widely available to adults with communication disorders for speech-language therapy and to assess their content and quality using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).

METHODS

Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and webpages were searched to identify mobile apps for speech-language therapy. Apps were included in the review if they were designed for the treatment of adult communication disorders after ABI, were in English, and were either free or for purchase. Certified speech-language pathologists used the MARS to assess the quality of the apps.

RESULTS

From a total of 2680 apps identified from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and web searches, 2.61% (70/2680) apps met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Overall, 61% (43/70) were available for download on the iPhone Operating System (iOS) platform, 20% (14/70) on the Android platform, and 19% (13/70) on both iOS and Android platforms. A content analysis of the apps revealed 43 apps for language, 17 apps for speech, 8 apps for cognitive communication, 6 apps for voice, and 5 apps for oromotor function or numeracy. The overall MARS mean score was 3.7 out of 5, SD 0.6, ranging between 2.1 and 4.5, with functionality being the highest-scored subscale (4.3, SD 0.6), followed by aesthetics (3.8, SD 0.8), information (3.4, SD 0.6), and engagement (3.3, SD 0.6). The top 5 apps were Naming Therapy (4.6/5), Speech Flipbook Standard (4.6/5), Number Therapy (4.5/5), Answering Therapy, and Constant Therapy (4.4/5).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically identify and evaluate a broad range of mobile apps for speech-language therapy for adults with communication disorders after sustaining ABI. We found a lack of interactive and engaging elements in the apps, a critical factor in sustaining self-managed speech-language therapy. More evidence-based apps with a focus on human factors, user experience, and a patient-led design approach are required to enhance effectiveness and long-term use.
Vaccipack, A Mobile App to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescents Aged 11 to 14 Years: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Teitelman Anne M , Gregory Emily F , Jayasinghe Joshua , Wermers Zara , Koo Ja H , Morone Jennifer F , Leri Damien C , Davis Annet , Feemster Kristen A
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

More than 90% of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers could be prevented by widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine, yet vaccine use in the United States falls short of public health goals.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the development, acceptability, and intention to use the mobile app Vaccipack, which was designed to promote uptake and completion of the adolescent HPV vaccine series.

METHODS

Development of the mobile health (mHealth) content was based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to guide the app usability evaluation. App design utilized an iterative process involving providers and potential users who were parents and adolescents. App features include a vaccine-tracking function, a discussion forum, and stories with embedded messages to promote intention to vaccinate. Parents and adolescents completed surveys before and after introducing the app in a pediatric primary care setting with low HPV vaccination rates.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 54 participants (20 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years and 34 parents). Notably, 75% (15/20) of adolescents and 88% (30/34) of parents intended to use the app in the next 2 weeks. Acceptability of the app was high among both groups: 88% (30/34) of parents and 75% (15/20) of adolescents indicated that Vaccipack was easy to use, and 82% (28/34) of parents and 85% (17/20) of adolescents perceived the app to be beneficial. Higher levels of app acceptability were found among parents with strong intentions to use the app (P=.09; 95% CI –2.15 to 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth technology, such as Vaccipack, may be an acceptable and nimble platform for providing information to parents and adolescents and advancing the uptake of important vaccines.
Self-Sampling for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Testing by Using Nasal and Saliva Specimens: Protocol for Usability and Clinical Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Majam Mohammed , Msolomba Vanessa , Scott Lesley , Stevens Wendy , Marange Fadzai , Kahamba Trish , Venter Francois , Conserve Donaldson Fadael
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus discovered in December 2019 and is currently the cause of the global COVID-19 pandemic. A critical aspect of fighting this pandemic is to obtain accurate and timely test results so that patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 can be identified and isolated to reduce the spread of the virus. Research has shown that saliva is a promising candidate for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics because its collection is minimally invasive and can be reliably self-administered. However, little research has been conducted on saliva testing and SARS-CoV-2 self-sampling (SARS-CoV-2SS) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to comparatively evaluate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of nasal and oral samples self-collected by individuals for SARS-CoV-2 testing against a reference method involving sample collection and testing by a health care professional. The secondary objectives of this study are to evaluate the usability of nasal self-sampling and saliva self-sampling as a sample collection method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing by using failure mode and error assessment.

METHODS

Participants will be recruited from the general population by using various methods, Participants will be screened progressively as they present at the clinical trial sites as well as in primary health care catchment areas in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. In the event that recruitment numbers are low, we will use a mobile van to recruit participants from outlying areas of Johannesburg. We aim to enroll 250 participants into this study in approximately 6 weeks. Two sample types—a self-administered nasal swab and a self-administered saliva sample—will be collected from each participant, and a health care professional will collect a third sample by using a nasopharyngeal swab (ie, the standard reference method).

RESULTS

This protocol has been approved by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee on July 31, 2020 (Protocol number EzCov003). As of May 13, 2021, 120 participants have been enrolled into the study.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2SS may offer many benefits to individuals, by allowing for initial self-identification of symptoms and collection of samples without involving third parties and potential risk of infection provided the sample can be safely processed via a collection system. The results of this study will provide preliminary data on the acceptability, feasibility, and usability of SARS-CoV-2SS among the general population for its future implementation.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/24811
Reconstruction of health centres in the Republic of Crimea with consideration of their investment attractiveness
Authors: Balakina Alevtina E. , Samylova Irina S.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The Crimean resort industry has a storied history. The analysis of the current state of resorts in the Republic of Crimea and on-site inspections of health facilities along the Crimean coast have proven that the requirements applicable to health resorts changed, while depreciation of their fixed assets reached 50 % in the process of their operation. According to Resolution “On Approval of the Federal Target Program “Social and Economic Development of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol through 2020”, issued by the Government of the Russian Federation, development of Crimean health resorts is an important objective of local development. Towards this end, the article brings up the issue of enhancing the competitiveness of Crimean health resorts if compared with other industries of the Black Sea region and foreign recreational facilities. This article focuses on the factors that affect the reconstruction of health resorts, including layout-focused, social, technical ones, etc.

Materials and methods. They include on-site inspections, consolidation of material on the state of health facilities in the Republic of Crimea, and reconstruction methods. Data collection and systematization, grapho-analytical method were also employed.

Results. The co-authors propose a health facility assessment system that will take account of their investment attractiveness. The “star rating” criteria is introduced. Health resorts in Yevpatoriya were chosen as the objects of this study. The result of the study is an index map that has health facilities ranked according to their investment attractiveness. The metho-dology of this study will allow to develop research-backed recommendations concerning the choice of design solutions for the reconstruction of health resorts in the Republic of Crimea, as well as the improvement of its architectural quality through fundraising.

Conclusions. The following problems were tackled in the course of the study: improvement of the unique resort environment through fundraising, enhancing the competitiveness of Crimean health resorts in comparison with other industries of the Black Sea region and foreign recreational facilities.
The importance of local winds for the aerationof urban areas having hot and windless climatic conditions
Authors: Giyasov Adham I. , Giyasov Timur B.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. A city with its high-rise buildings, greenery and landscaping that prevent air motion aggravate windless conditions typical for climates in the cities located in the southern latitudes characterized by heat and lack of wind. Urban built-up areas have stagnant and overheated air that causes sultriness and significant air pollutions caused by anthropogenic sources. These factors require systematization of the local aerodynamics by means of local wind generation using solar energy.

Materials and methods. Methods of theoretical research, large-scale field measurements involving the use of instruments, visual observations by means of smoke screening of the urban area’s structure were applied and laboratory research into thermal and wind processes using physical models of cities were applied to identify the role of insolation in the generation of local thermal winds that improve the local environment on the micro- and macroscale.

Results. The author has found that if built-up urban areas have no general circulation wind fields, urban aeration systems develop local independent air flows due to the temperature difference between heat and cool islands. The temperature difference was applied as the source material for an urban wind model and it also helped to identify the dependence of the local wind velocity on the thermal contrast of urban islands. A classification of aeration models is developed at macro; meso-; micro- and nanoscales.

Conclusions. The practical area of application of the theory of hot and windless processes was identified in respect of urban area planning. The aerodynamics of an urban environment was systematized due to the generation of local thermal winds. The process of local thermal wind generation was studied; the classification of natural aeration models was made for urban areas. Methods of using solar energy were applied to generate local winds, to develop the microclimate and to enhance the environment of urban areas and structures as a prerequisite for targeted urban planning actions, three-dimensional space-planning solutions that apply to urban structures, landscaping, architectural and structural concepts of buildings.

Acknowledgments. The work was performed in accordance with the research schedule of Department of Design of Buildings and Structures, NRU MGSU, focused on “Function, Structure, Environment in the Architecture of Buildings and Towns”.
Studies of the shear wave velocity in soil cement under the anisotropic stress state
Authors: Ter-Martirosyan Armen Z. , Sobolev Evgeniy S.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Deep soil mixing, that alters construction properties of foundations, allows to construct buildings and structures on the sites that have loose soils. As a rule, adverse geotechnical conditions are accompanied by dynamic forces that affect designed buildings and structures. The objective of these studies is to predict changes in mechanical properties of soils that follow the alteration of structural properties of a foundation. Soil cement is the focus of this study. Materials and methods. The findings of special laboratory tests of soil cement samples using the method of low amplitude torsional vibrations inside a resonant column in the anisotropic triaxial compression mode allowed to assess the effect of the supplementary vertical load on the velocity of shear elastic wave propagation. The co-authors present a description of the research method and provide an overview of the equipment used to conduct special laboratory tests. Tests were performed on undisturbed soil cement samples that had a natural water content. The anisotropic stress state of soil cement samples exposed to triaxial tests in the resonant column was caused by special behaviour features of the foundation. Results. In this study, laboratory tests had two stages. At the first stage, the effect of the vertical stress on the velocity of shear wave propagation was assessed. Correlation dependences between the shear wave velocity and the ratio of vertical and lateral stresses were obtained. At the second stage, shear wave propagation velocity values were identified at various combinations of lateral σ3 and vertical σ1 stresses. The results of the second stage are designated for the assessment of the effect of the anisotropic stress state and the projection of shear wave velocities at the stress levels anticipated on the site that will accommodate designed heavy structures. Conclusions. The findings allow to assess the effect of lateral and vertical stresses on changes of shear wave velocities in the triaxial compression mode. It was identified that at equal values of lateral stresses σ3, a 7-fold vertical stress σ1 increase leads to a 15 % increase in the shear wave velocity in soil cement Vs. At the same time, an increase in the ratio of vertical to lateral stresses σ1/σ3 by a factor of 15 causes an 11 % increase in the shear wave velocity. It is noted that the smaller the initial value of lateral stress σ3, the higher the rise in the shear wave velocity Vs in the course of testing. Correlation dependencies, presented in this study, can be used to assess the effect of the anisotropic state as the first approximation (for preliminary calculations) in the design of heavy structures on soil cement foundations.
Evaluación económica con opciones reales: biorefinería de bioetanol de segunda generación en Veracruz, México
Authors: Cisneros López Miguel A. , García Salazar José Alberto , Mora Flores José Saturnino , Martínez Damián Miguel Ãngel , García Sánchez Roberto Carlos , Valdez Lazalde José R. , Portillo Vázquez Marcos
Published: October 2020

La producción de bioetanol de primera generación en México podría traer inconvenientes, pues algunas materias primas provendrían de cultivos alimenticios como maíz y caña de azúcar, lo que provocaría inestabilidad de precios y desabasto en el mercado. El bioetanol de segunda generación sería una buena solución para tener combustibles menos contaminantes de manera sustentable. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la factibilidad económica, con opciones reales, de una biorefineria que producirá bioetanol a partir de desperdicios de caña de azúcar, se supone que estaría ubicada junto al mayor ingenio de Veracruz. Se estimó que la biorefinería tendrá una capacidad anual de 143 millones de litros y una inversión total del proyecto de 308 millones de dólares. Se empleó la opción real de abandono del proyecto, para 5,10, 15, 20 y 25 años y se hizo la evaluación tradicional para 30 años. Los resultados indican que hasta el año 20 la biorefineria tendría un valor actual neto de 27.3 millones de dólares, y para el año 30 un valor actual neto de 61.1 millones de dólares, el precio del bioetanol es la variable que más afecta a la rentabilidad de una biorefineria de este tipo.
Time Observables in a Timeless Universe
Authors: Favalli Tommaso , Smerzi Augusto
Published: October 2020

Time in quantum mechanics is peculiar: it is an observable that cannot be associated to an Hermitian operator. As a consequence it is impossible to explain dynamics in an isolated system without invoking an external classical clock, a fact that becomes particularly problematic in the context of quantum gravity. An unconventional solution was pioneered by Page and Wootters (PaW) in 1983. PaW showed that dynamics can be an emergent property of the entanglement between two subsystems of a static Universe. In this work we first investigate the possibility to introduce in this framework a Hermitian time operator complement of a clock Hamiltonian having an equally-spaced energy spectrum. An Hermitian operator complement of such Hamiltonian was introduced by Pegg in 1998, who named it "Age". We show here that Age, when introduced in the PaW context, can be interpreted as a proper Hermitian time operator conjugate to a "good" clock Hamiltonian. We therefore show that, still following Pegg's formalism, it is possible to introduce in the PaW framework bounded clock Hamiltonians with an unequally-spaced energy spectrum with rational energy ratios. In this case time is described by a POVM and we demonstrate that Pegg's POVM states provide a consistent dynamical evolution of the system even if they are not orthogonal, and therefore partially un-distinguishables.
Arqueología regional en Tierradentro, Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Langebaek Carl Henrik , Dever Alejandro
Published: October 2020

Investigaciones realizadas en la región de Tierradentro, departamento del Cauca, durante más de cinco años, aportan información sobre la secuencia de cambio social desde la primera ocupación por parte de grupos alfareros hasta después de la Conquista española. El artículo presenta información importante con respecto a la dinámica de asentamientos, cambios demográficos y relaciones entre la ocupación humana y el paisaje a lo largo de más de 2.000 años de historia. Se sugiere que el desarrollo de las famosas manifestaciones de jerarquía social (montículos, estatuaria) no es el resultado de presiones de población o del control de las tierras más fértiles a nivel regional. Por otra parte, se hacen comparaciones sobre los procesos ocurridos en Tierradentro con la vecina región del Alto Magdalena.
Tacones, siliconas, hormonas y otras críticas al sistema sexo-género. Feminismos y experiencias de transexuales y travestis
Authors: García Becerra Andrés
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo plantea elementos de la teoría feminista para pensar etnográficamente el tema de las construcciones de cuerpos e identidades en transexuales y travestis en Bogotá. Uno de los planteamientos centrales es cómo estas experiencias trans reproducen y cuestionan el sistema cultural sexo-género. Habitualmente abordadas desde disciplinas clínicas —psiquiatría, endocrinología— que desconocen sus múltiples dimensiones sociales, propongo un acercamiento a las experiencias diversas de transexuales y travestis desde los estudios de género y la teoría queer, teniendo en cuenta los vínculos entre las intervenciones en el cuerpo, las construcciones de identidad de género y el sistema de salud en Colombia.
The Riskiness of Risk Models: Assessment of Bankruptcy Risk of Non-Financial Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Ehsan Khan Usama , Iqbal Javed , Faizan Iftikhar Syed
Published: October 2020

Bankruptcy prediction has long been an important concern for various stakeholders in an increasingly intricated business environment. Using a sample of 3,806 company-year observations of listed non-financial companies of Pakistan during 2005-2015, the paper compares models and identifies an optimal approach in terms of forecasting accuracy for predicting financial distress and bankruptcy. The purpose is to develop a model with relatively high predictability and figure out determinants of bankruptcy. By employing financial ratios, equity market variables and macroeconomic indicators; the hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) validates superior performance as opposed to dynamic panel probit and Merton-KMV models individually. Among financial ratios; quick ratio, cash ratio, current to total asset, quick to total asset, cash flow to short-term debt, gross profit margin, asset turnover, interest to debt, net working capital to net sales, and cash to net sales are crucial in examining firm’s financial status. Additionally, money supply, forex reserves, exchange rate, balance of trade, and real GDP growth rate are found statistically meaningful in predicting bankruptcy.