bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social support and the incidence of cognitive impairment among older adults in China : Findings from the CLHLS study
Authors: Yin Shufei , Yang Quan , Xiong Jinli , Li Tian , Zhu Xinyi
Published: December 2019

Objective: Social support is thought to be associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in the older adults. However, the longitudinal relationship between the distinct dimensions of social support and incidence of cognitive impairment remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between social support and the incidence of cognitive impairment among the older adults in China. Method: We used longitudinal data (2005-2014) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS, 2005-2014, mean follow-up years 5.32 ± 2.64). In total, 5930 participants (aged 81.7 ± 9.7 years, range 65-112 years, 48.9% male) were enrolled. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Social supports included support from family (marital status; contact with children, siblings, relatives, friends and others; money received from children; children’s visit; siblings’ visit) and social community (social service, social insurance). We calculated subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) of cognitive impairment by establishing Cox regression model, adjusting for residence, gender, age, education, participation in physical exercise, activities of daily living abilities, depressive symptoms, smoking and drinking. Results: Children’s visit and marital status were significantly associated with decreased incidence rate of cognitive impairment. However, social support from other resources did not consistently predict the incidence of cognitive impairment. Specifically, (1) participants who were married had a lower incidence rate of cognitive impairment compared to the widowed (SHR = 0.849, 95% confidence interval, 0.730-0.987, p = 0.033); (2) participants who had frequent visits from their children showed lower incidence of cognitive impairment compared to those who had not (SHR = 0.778, 95% confidence interval, 0.646-0.938, p = 0.008).Conclusion: Social support from family predicts a lower incidence of cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults.
An ECG network system for health promotion: Application in a regional medical association in China
Authors: Gong Zhi-Hua , Zhang Ming-Ming , Qu Yao , Xia Qing
Published: December 2019

Background: China has made good progress in its medical reform but challenges remain. In this paper, we proposed a multi-tiered electrocardiogram (ECG) network system to solve the problems of traditional ECG monitoring. Methods: We discussed the current situation and insufficiencies of ECG examination and constructed an ECG network system. The proposed ECG network system consisted of nosocomial ECG system combined with hospital information system and electronic medical record system, WEB-based ECG network system for the regional medical association system, and 120 pre-hospital first-aid ECG system based on 4G mobile network. The ECG network system has initially applied for clinical monitoring and diagnosis for 5 years. Results: Our application results showed that the ECG network system had high efficiency and practicability under the current medical environment, which provided a reliable basis for clinical rapid and definite diagnosis, and partially solved the imbalance of the medical resources among regional medical institutions. Conclusion: It has great significance for the management and remote consultation of heart disease and provides a reference for exploring the reform of clinical data sharing and improving the efficiency of medical resource integration.
Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) for chikungunya, zika and dengue outbreaks: The innovated WHO-TDR tool.
Authors: Cardenas Rocio , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith , Benitez-Valladares David , Tejeda Gustavo Sanchez , Kroeger Axel
Published: December 2019

Background. In the Americas, endemic cities for Aedes-borne diseases such as chikungunya, Zika and dengue face great challenges particularly since the recent outbreaks of CHIKV and ZIKV, all transmitted by the same insect vector Aedes aegypti and albopictus. Areas, such as Colombia and Mexico with the highest incidence and most frequent outbreaks of the three diseases are located in tropical environments due to their favorable eco-epidemiological conditions for vector breeding. In Colombia, the city of Cúcuta on the border with Venezuela is one of such highly endemic areas. Likewise, in Mexico a number of municipalities has very similar environmental conditions. This is why these urban areas provide the opportunity to test the Early Warning and Response System (EWARS), developed originally for dengue outbreaks, also for the other two diseases (Chikungunya and Zika). Methodology. Through the retrospective analysis of epidemiological, climate and entomological data produced by the national surveillance systems in Colombia and Mexico, we intended to predict outbreaks with a high sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) through alarm signals by using the EWARS tool. The registered outbreaks of DENV 2012-2016, CHIKV 2014-2016 and ZIKV 2015-2016 were analyzed for 2 years retrospectively (“run in period”) and one year of analysis (“evaluation period”). Outbreak prediction for dengue and Zika was for both countries but for Chikungunya in Colombia only due to the availability of surveillance data. Results. In Mexico, the sensitivity of different alarm signals for correctly predicting an outbreak ranged between 74-92% for dengue, 77–93% for chikungunya and 78-97% for Zika. Their Positive Predictive Values ranged between 51-68% for dengue, 48-92% for chikungunya and 11-100% for Zika. The lag time between predictions and start of the outbreak (i.e. the time available for early response activities) was for dengue 3-5 weeks, for chikungunya 10-13 weeks and for Zika 3-5 weeks. Conclusion. The implementation of an early warning and response system (EWARS) could substantially reduce the magnitude and occurrence of outbreaks and the elevated social and economic toll.
House dust mite-induced seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis in southwest Chinese children: case-control study
Authors: Gao Xu , Tang Xiaojiao , Xiang Qin
Published: December 2019

Background: Seasonal (SAC) and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) are the most common allergic conjunctivitis. House dust mites are the most common sensitizing agents for SAC and PAC. This study aimed to explore the risk factors of allergic conjunctivitis in children. Methods: The study recruited 176 children suffering from SAC or PAC and 131 normal control subjects in southwest of China. A questionnaire was provided to all the subjects. Several eye exams were also performed. All the subjects received the skin prick test (SPT). Then we analyzed the scores of the symptom, sign and the corneal fluorescein staining, the questionnaire data and the SPT results. Results: The percent of the ever breast-fed in the case group was lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The rate of parental allergy history in the case group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The scores of both ocular symptoms and signs had significant correlation to the clinical course (P<0.05), but there was no relationship between these scores and the results of SPT (P>0.05). The rate of parental allergy history in the case group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01 both in father and mother). Compared with control group, the case group was more likely related to other systemic allergic disease (P<0.01). Conclusion: Allergic conjunctivitis might coexist with a variety of allergic diseases. Breastfeeding can effectively reduce the incidence of allergic conjunctivitis, especially for those children whose parents had history of allergic diseases.
DELAYED UNION OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES: ANALYSIS OF 74 CLINICAL CASES
Authors: Idashkina Natalya
Published: December 2019

Delayed union of bone tissue in patients with mandibular fractures is observed in 2.4 – 26 % of clinical cases. Solution of this problem yet very much far from the final solutio and there is an urgent requirement in the comprehensive analysis of role of general and local factors of origin of delayed union MF. Methods. Modern clinical, laboratory and microbiological research methods were used in the work. Densitometry conducted on computed tomograph Planmeca Promax 3d (Finland) (85 kV 5–7 mA). The basal values of immunoglobulins of the main classes and interleukins IL-1β, FNT-α, IL-4, MDA, SOD and catalase activity, POL, β-Cross Laps and osteocalcin in peripheral blood were determined in 74 patients with delayed consolidation of the mandibular fractures. Correlation analysis of local and general (concomitant somatic pathology) factors, and clinic-laboratorial parameters in patients with delayed consolidation of the mandibular fractures is conducted. Results. There is a high correlation between β-Cross Laps (negative) and osteocalcin (positive) and bone mineral density. The mean inverse correlation relationship was established between the MDA and catalase activity and BMD (r=–0.57), and the high correlation of these indices with markers of bone remodeling (positive to β-Cross Laps (r=0.80 and r=0.87, respectively) and negative to osteocalcin (r=–0.80 and r=–0.84, respectively). High direct correlation between FNT-α indices and POL, MDA, and catalase indices, as well as very strong with β-Cross Laps (positive) and osteocalcin (negative), and also with high-correlation ligaments of sIgA and IL-1β. Discussion. Convincing clinical and laboratory data were obtained that the combined effect of local and general (concomitant somatic pathology) factors on the basis of the activation of inflammation processes, which increase the indirect influence on immune factors, processes of radical oxidation and bone metabolism, is resulted to delayed union. It was also found that clinical signs of the development of consolidation complications in patients with MF include increased signs of inflammation (oedema, exudation, etc.) up to the 3rd day and preservation of even moderate signs of inflammation (inflation, local hyperemia, and others) after the 7th day, BMD below 600 HU. Among the local factors that increase the infectious risk and inflammatory reaction, the following clinical situations should be distinguished: comminuted fracture; the presence of a tooth in the line of fractures; partially edentulous with loss of antagonist teeth (according to Eichner); complete adentia with mandible atrophy.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN RENAL CORTEX IN EXPERIMENTAL SKIN BURN INJURY AND UNDER THE CONDITION OF INFUSION SOLUTIONSUSE
Authors: Lakhtadyr Tetiana
Published: December 2019

Aim of research is the establishment of structural features of the course of the adaptive-compensatory and regenerative processes in the cortical substance of the rat kidney in late terms after experimental burn skin injury and the use of HAES-LX-5 % is relevant for theoretical and practical medicine. Materials and methods.The article presents and analyzes the results of an experimental study on the structural changes of the cortical substance of the kidneys in rats in late terms after burn injury of the kidney with the condition of administration of intravenous infusion of 0.9 % NaCl solution and complex colloid-hyperosmolar solutions of lactoprotein with sorbitol and HAES-LX-5 %. Comparative analysis showed that functionally different cells of the nephrons under the infusion of detoxification solutions in the conditions of development of burn disease die by necrosis, apoptosis and anoikis. Also in epithelial cells of nephron tubules there weremitophagy and mitoptosis. Result. Mitoptosis in epithelial cells of rat nephron tubules with experimental burn skin injury was carried out in two ways, which are related to I – destruction of the outer mitochondrial membrane; II – preservation of the outer mitochondrial membrane and attachment of autophagic (mitophagic) mechanisms to release the cell from degraded mitochondrial material. In the first case, the mitochondria first condensed, after which its matrix swelled and the fragmentation of the cross occured due to the destruction of the cross compounds. Finally, the outer mitochondrial membrane broke and the remnants of the crystals (in the form of vesicles) went into the cytoplasm. In the second case, the mitochondria condensed, vesicular fragmentation of the sac occured, but the outer mitochondrial membrane retained its integrity and the mitochondria were absorbed by the autophagosome. Next, autophagosomes merged with lysosomes and formed autophagolysosomes, which, subject to effective content processing, were transformed into vacuoles. The latter were emptied by exocytosis and ensured the cell was free from degraded material. Conclusions. Only a lactoprotein with sorbitol has a membrane-plastic effect aimed at strengthening the mitochondrial membrane, in part of the mitochondria of epithelial cells of nephron tubules is ultrastructurally increased by the electron density and thickness of all components of the mitochondrial membrane. The maximal membrane effect of the action of lactoprotein with sorbitol on the mitochondria manifests itself fourteen days after the experimental burn skin injury and gradually (twenty-one and thirty days later) disappears, which coincides with the improvement of the overall clinical condition. There is every reason to believe that increased structuralization of mitochondria is a safeguard for the spread of mitoptosis and mitophagy, the excessive nature of which can lead to cell death.
CAUSAL EVALUATIONS OF THE FORENSIC OBJECTS IN THE TRAUMATIC PROCESS
Authors: Gavryluk Alla , Voronov Viacheslav , Zharlinska Raisa
Published: December 2019

Expert diagnostics of forensic causal determinations should be based on a dialectical-materialistic approach, provided with a modern level of specially applied theoretical knowledge of pathology, etiology and pathogenesis of traumatic processes, as well as stimulated by urgent requests of the theory and practice of forensic medical expertise (FME). The aim of this work is to determine causal estimates of the components of forensic objects: natural and causal – through retrospective causal modelling. Materials and methods. The research material was archival documents of the Vinnytsia Regional Bureau of Forensics (Ukraine) for 2009–2012 with cases of violent death from injuries. 27 deterministic models were constructed by modelling the regular relationships in traumatic processes. Result. The qualitative unity of the forensic object is simulated: empirical (natural) and causal (determinant). The existence of an object determinant in concordance of the determinant object with the deterministic object is stated. The method of investigation of the determinants of expertise was proposed – logical retrospective modelling of object determinants dependencies. An assumed model of the dependency model is a multi-link time-chain of forensic medical determination. The adequacy of the proposed method of logical modelling of determinants in forensic examination is confirmed with the help of known scientific knowledge about dual, causal determination, causal diagnostics of determinants and forensic cause and effect relationships. It is proved that forensic expertise is a multidisciplinary branch of science and reflects the realized integration of different scientific knowledge. However, diagnosis of "causes of violent and non-violent death" requires the development of an applied methodology for FME from the standpoint of modern philosophical concepts of causality and general theory of systems, the achievements of which must be used in the construction of the methodology of FME. Conclusions. From the results of this study, it follows that causation is only a moment of determination, and purely causal modelling as an exploration of a particular type of determination cannot give a complete explanation for the deterministic relationship. The property of necessity of a specific reason determines the tendency, the orientation of development in the form of possibility, which is actualized only by the complete set of determinants - causal and noncausal, conditional.
Distribution profile of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in South African aquatic systems
Authors: Maiga Deogratius T. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Msagati Titus A. M.
Published: December 2019

This paper reports the results of a study on the analysis and characterization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in samples that were collected from selected freshwater dams in South Africa. The study employed a combination of complementary techniques to ascertain the analytical procedures and the occurrence of TiO2 NPs in water. Characterization, identification and quantification of TiO2 NPs in surface water samples from five sampled dams was performed using several techniques including scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (FEEM) and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (SP-ICP-MS). The SP-ICP-MS technique was able to simultaneously determine the size and concentration of both the dissolved and particulate titanium (Ti) in water samples. The Ti-containing NPs were found at concentrations ranging from 8.3 × 104 parts/mL to 1.4 × 105 parts/mL in the presence of 14.9 μg/L to 243 μg/L dissolved Ti. The TiO2 nanoparticles were mostly composed of small agglomerates ranging from 102.9 nm to 158.9 nm in size.
Fast adsorption of phosphate (PO4−) from wastewater using glauconite
Authors: Younes Hassan , Mahanna Hani , El-Etriby Hisham Kh.
Published: December 2019

In this study, the removal of phosphate (PO4−) from wastewater using glauconite was investigated. Glauconite was characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The effects of contact time, pH, initial phosphate concentrations, adsorbent dose, and temperature were investigated by batch experiments. The isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics for phosphate removal were studied. The results showed that glauconite had a rough surface and abundant pores. The determined Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area was 55 m2/g with a pore radius of 1.99 nm and the pore volume was 0.032 cm3/g. FTIR analysis revealed that the abundance of various functional groups on the surface of glauconite may play an important role for the adsorption process. The optimum pH was 11 with complete removal of phosphate in a short time (nearly 1 min). The experimental data fitted very well with the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.999) with a maximum adsorption capacity of 32.26 mg/g at 50 °C. Adsorption kinetic data were best ﬁtted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999). Thermodynamic study conﬁrmed the spontaneous, endothermic and irreversible adsorption process. Therefore, glauconite is a promising natural low-cost adsorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater.
Treatment with Melittin Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: He Shou-di , Tan Ning , Sun Chen-xia , Liao Kang-han , Zhu Hui-jun , Luo Xiao-guang , Zhang Jie-yao , Li De-yu , Huang Sheng-guang
Published: December 2019

Background:

Melittin, the major medicinal component of honeybee venom, exerts antiinflammatory,
analgesic, and anti-arthritic effects in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is an
inflammatory autoimmune joint disease that leads to irreversible joint destruction and functional loss.
Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (FLS) are dominant, special mesenchymal cells characterized by the
structure of the synovial intima, playing a crucial role in both the initiation and progression of RA.

Objective:

In this study, we evaluated the effects of melittin on the viability and apoptosis of FLS isolated
from patients with RA.

Methods:

Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 assays; apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry,
and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3, caspase-9, BAX, and Bcl-2)
were also determined. To explore whether melittin alters inflammatory processes in RA-FLS, IL-1β
levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, we performed
GFP-LC3 punctate fluorescence dot assays and western blotting (for LC3, ATG5, p62, and Beclin
1) to assess autophagy in RA-FLS.

Results:

Our results show that melittin can significantly impair viability, promote apoptosis and autophagy,
and inhibit IL-1β secretion in RA-FLS.

Conclusion:

Melittin may be useful in preventing damage to the joints during accidental local stimulation.
miR-205 Suppresses Pulmonary Fibrosis by Targeting GATA3 Through Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Sun Bingke , Xu Shumin , Yan Yanli , Li Yusheng , Li Hongqiang , Zheng Guizhen , Dong Tiancao , Bai Jianwen
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To investigate the role of miR-205 and GATA3 in Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF).

Methods:

Bleomycin (BLM) was used to induce PF in SD rats and in vitro PF model was established
by using TGFβ1-induced RLE-6TN cells. miR-205 mimics were used for the overexpression of miR-
205. The expression of miR-205, GATA3, α-SMA, Collagen I, CHOP and GRP78 were measured using
RT-qPCR or western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm binding between
GATA3 3’-UTR and miR-205.

Results:

The expression of miR-205 was significantly down-regulated, while the expression of GATA3
was remarkably up-regulated in the model rats. GATA3 levels were remarkably decreased when
miR-205 was overexpressed. When miR-205 was overexpressed, the lung injury by BLM-induced fibrosis
was improved. The expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, as well as GRP78 and CHOP, was significantly
up-regulated in both in vivo and in vitro PF models, and overexpression of miR-205 remarkably
reversed the effects. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-205 directly targeted and negatively
regulated GATA3.

Conclusion:

miR-205 improved pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting ER-stress by targeting GATA3.
Inhibition of Amyloid β Aggregation Using Optimized Nano-Encapsulated Formulations of Plant Extracts with High Metal Chelator Activities
Authors: Kazdal Fatma , Bahadori Fatemeh , Celik Burak , Ertas Abdulselam , Topcu Gulacti
Published: December 2019

Background:

The role of Fe+2, Cu+2 and Zn+2 in facilitating aggregation of Amyloid β (Aβ) and consequently, the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well established.

Objective:

Development of non-toxic metal chelators is an emerging era in the treatment of AD, in which complete success has not been fully achieved. The purpose of this study was to determine plant extracts with high metal chelator and to encapsulate them in nano-micellar systems with the ability to pass through the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB).

Method:

Extracts of 36 different Anatolian plants were prepared, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined, and the extracts with high content were examined for their Fe+2, Cu+2 and Zn+2 chelating activities. Apolipoprotein E4 (Apo E) decorated nano-formulations of active extracts were prepared using Poly (Lactide-co-Glycolide) (PLGA) (final product ApoEPLGA) to provide BBB penetrating property.

Results:

Verbascum flavidum aqueous extract was found as the most active sample, incubation of which, with Aβ before and after metal-induced aggregation, resulted in successful inhibition of aggregate formation, while re-solubilization of pre-formed aggregates was not effectively achieved. The same results were obtained using ApoEPLGA.

Conclusion:

An optimized metal chelator nano-formulation with BBB penetrating ability was prepared and presented for further in-vivo studies.
Human Heart Cardiomyocytes in Drug Discovery and Research: New Opportunities in Translational Sciences
Authors: Abi-Gerges Najah , Miller Paul E. , Ghetti Andre
Published: December 2019

In preclinical drug development, accurate prediction of drug effects on the human heart is
critically important, whether in the context of cardiovascular safety or for the purpose of modulating
cardiac function to treat heart disease. Current strategies have significant limitations, whereby, cardiotoxic
drugs can escape detection or potential life-saving therapies are abandoned due to false positive
toxicity signals. Thus, new and more reliable translational approaches are urgently needed to help accelerate
the rate of new therapy development. Renewed efforts in the recovery of human donor hearts
for research and in cardiomyocyte isolation methods, are providing new opportunities for preclinical
studies in adult primary cardiomyocytes. These cells exhibit the native physiological and pharmacological
properties, overcoming the limitations presented by artificial cellular models, animal models and
have great potential for providing an excellent tool for preclinical drug testing. Adult human primary
cardiomyocytes have already shown utility in assessing drug-induced cardiotoxicity risk and helping in
the identification of new treatments for cardiac diseases, such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Finally, strategies with actionable decision-making trees that rely on data derived from adult human
primary cardiomyocytes will provide the holistic insights necessary to accurately predict human heart
effects of drugs.
Pumping O2 with no N2: An Overview of Hollow Fiber Membrane Oxygenators with Integrated Arterial Filters
Authors: Liu Anxin , Sun Zhiquan , Liu Qier , Zhu Ning , Wang Shigang
Published: December 2019

The advancement of cardiac surgery benefits from the continual technological progress of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Every improvement in the CPB technology requires further clinical and laboratory tests to prove its safety and effectiveness before it can be widely used in clinical practice. In order to reduce the priming volume and eliminate a separate arterial filter in the CPB circuit, several manufacturers developed novel hollow-fiber membrane oxygenators with integrated arterial filters (IAF). Clinical and experimental studies demonstrated that an oxygenator with IAF could reduce total priming volume, blood donor exposure and gaseous microemboli delivery to the patient. It can be easily set up and managed, simplifying the CPB circuit without sacrificing safety. An oxygenator with IAF is expected to be more beneficial to the patients with low body weight and when using a minimized extracorporeal circulation system. The aim of this review manuscript was to discuss briefly the concept of integration, the current oxygenators with IAF, and the in-vitro / in-vivo performance of the oxygenators with IAF.
Pemahaman hakikat sains (NOS) oleh siswa dan guru sekolah dasar
Authors: Widodo Ari , Jumanto Jumanto , Adi Yogi Kuncoro , Imran Muh Erwinto
Published: December 2019

AbstrakTujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi tingkat pemahaman siswa dan guru SD tentang hakikat sains (NOS). Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan metode survei. Purposive sampling digunakan sebagai teknik pengambilan sampel. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa dan guru SD dari Kabupaten Kuningan dan Kabupaten Purwakarta di Jawa Barat, serta dari Kabupaten Kendal dan Kota Surakarta di Jawa Tengah. Kuesioner yang berisi 30 item pernyataan yang dikembangkan oleh peneliti dalam konsultasi dengan dosen, guru, dan kepala sekolah yang didasarkan pada literatur yang relevan digunakan sebagai instrumen dalam penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa siswa memahami tingkat NOS pada kriteria Cukup dengan skor 65 sedangkan guru pada kriteria Baik dengan skor 72. Temuan dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa rentang skor pemahaman NOS guru tidak selalu memiliki efek positif pada pemahaman NOS siswa. Akhirnya, penelitian ini merekomendasikan bahwa guru harus memahami NOS dan pembelajaran reflektif eksplisit, dan bagaimana mengajarkan NOS dengan pembelajaran reflektif eksplisit. Understanding of the nature of science (NOS) by elementary school students and teachers AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify the understanding level of elementary students and teachers of the nature of science (NOS). This type of research was a descriptive study with a survey method. Purposive sampling was used as a sampling technique. Sample in this study were students and teachers from Kuningan Regency and Purwakarta Regency in West Java, and from Kendal Regency and Surakarta City in Central Java. A questionnaire containing 30 items of statements developed by researchers in consultation with lecturers, teachers, and principals which based on the relevant literature was used as an instrument in this research. The results showed that the students understanding levels of NOS at the Immediate criteria with a score of 65 while the teacher on the Good criteria with a score of 72. Findings from this study indicate that the range of teachers NOS understanding scores did not always have a positive effect on students NOS understanding. Finally, this study recommends that teachers have to understand with NOS and explicit-reflective learning, and how to teach NOS with explicit-reflective learning.
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Self-Guided Internet Intervention for Social Anxiety Symptoms in a General Population Sample: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Powell John , Williams Veronika , Atherton Helen , Bennett Kylie , Yang Yaling , Davoudianfar Mina , Hellsing Annika , Martin Angela , Mollison Jill , Shanyinde Milensu , Yu Ly-Mee , Griffiths Kathleen M
Published: December 2019

Background

Many people are accessing digital self-help for mental health problems, often with little evidence of effectiveness. Social anxiety is one of the most common sources of mental distress in the population, and many people with symptoms do not seek help for what represents a significant public health problem.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-guided cognitive behavioral internet intervention for people with social anxiety symptoms in the general population.

Methods

We conducted a two-group randomized controlled trial in England between May 11, 2016, and June 27, 2018. Adults with social anxiety symptoms who were not receiving treatment for social anxiety were recruited using online advertisements. All participants had unrestricted access to usual care and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a Web-based unguided self-help intervention based on cognitive behavioral principles or a waiting list control group. All outcomes were collected through self-report online questionnaires. The primary outcome was the change in 17-item Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN-17) score from baseline to 6 weeks using a linear mixed-effect model that used data from all time points (6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months).

Results

A total of 2122 participants were randomized, and 6 were excluded from analyses because they were ineligible. Of the 2116 eligible randomized participants (mean age 37 years; 80.24%, 1698/2116 women), 70.13% (1484/2116) had follow-up data available for analysis, and 56.95% (1205/2116) had data on the primary outcome, although attrition was higher in the intervention arm. At 6 weeks, the mean (95% CI) adjusted difference in change in SPIN-17 score in the intervention group compared with control was −1.94 (−3.13 to −0.75; P=.001), a standardized mean difference effect size of 0.2. The improvement was maintained at 12 months. Given the high dropout rate, sensitivity analyses explored missing data assumptions, with results that were consistent with those of the primary analysis. The economic evaluation demonstrated cost-effectiveness with a small health status benefit and a reduction in health service utilization.

Conclusions

For people with social anxiety symptoms who are not receiving other forms of help, this study suggests that the use of an online self-help tool based on cognitive behavioral principles can provide a small improvement in social anxiety symptoms compared with no intervention, although dropout rates were high.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02451878; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02451878
Beliefs Related to Participation in a Large Web-Based Prospective Survey on Diet and Health Among Individuals With a Low Socioeconomic Status: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Côté Mélina , Lapointe Annie , Laramée Catherine , Lemieux Simone , Desroches Sophie , Belanger-Gravel Ariane , Lamarche Benoît
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

NutriQuébec is a Web-based prospective study on the relationship between diet and health as well as the impact of food-related health policies in the adult population of Québec, Canada. Recruitment and retention of individuals with a low socioeconomic status (SES) in such a study are known to be challenging, yet critical for achieving representativeness of the entire population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the behavioral, normative, and control beliefs of individuals with a low SES regarding participation in the NutriQuébec project and to identify their preferences regarding recruitment methods.

METHODS

A total of four focus groups were conducted in community centers located in low-income areas of Québec City, Canada. On the basis of the theory of planned behavior, participants’ beliefs associated with attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control regarding hypothetical participation in the NutriQuébec project were identified. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two analysts.

RESULTS

Participants (16 men and 12 women) were aged between 28 and 72 years, and a majority of the participants had an annual household income of Can $19,999 or less. The main perceived advantages of participating in the NutriQuébec project were contributing to improved collective health and supporting research. The only disadvantage identified was the risk of having to fill out too many questionnaires. Participants could not, in general, identify persons from their entourage who would approve or disapprove their participation in the study. The main facilitators identified were obtaining a brief health assessment and the ability to complete questionnaires in a way that is not Web-based. The main barrier was the lack of internet access. The preferred means of recruitment were through social media, television, and community centers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide insightful information regarding the best methods and messages to use in order to recruit and retain individuals with a low SES in a population-based prospective study on lifestyle and health on the internet.
Understanding Implementation of a Digital Self-Monitoring Intervention for Relapse Prevention in Psychosis: Protocol for a Mixed Method Process Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Allan Stephanie , Mcleod Hamish , Bradstreet Simon , Beedie Sara , Moir Bethany , Gleeson John , Farhall John , Morton Emma , Gumley Andrew
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Relapse is common in people who experience psychosis and is associated with many negative consequences, both societal and personal. People who relapse often exhibit changes (early warning signs [EWS]) in the period before relapse. Successful identification of EWS offers an opportunity for relapse prevention. However, several known barriers impede the use of EWS monitoring approaches. Early signs Monitoring to Prevent relapse in psychosis and prOmote Well-being, Engagement, and Recovery (EMPOWER) is a complex digital intervention that uses a mobile app to enhance the detection and management of self-reported changes in well-being. This is currently being tested in a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. As digital interventions have not been widely used in relapse prevention, little is known about their implementation. Process evaluation studies run in parallel to clinical trials can provide valuable data on intervention feasibility.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to transparently describe the protocol for the process evaluation element of the EMPOWER trial. We will focus on the development of a process evaluation framework sensitive to the worldview of service users, mental health staff, and carers; the aims of the process evaluation itself; the proposed studies to address these aims; and a plan for integration of results from separate process evaluation studies into one overall report.

METHODS

The overall process evaluation will utilize mixed methods across 6 substudies. Among them, 4 will use qualitative methodologies, 1 will use a mixed methods approach, and 1 will use quantitative methodologies.

RESULTS

The results of all studies will be triangulated into an overall analysis and interpretation of key implementation lessons. EMPOWER was funded in 2016, recruitment finished in January 2018. Data analysis is currently under way and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study will help identify implementation facilitators and barriers to EMPOWER. These insights will inform both upscaling decisions and optimization of a definitive trial.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/15634
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Health Information Standards in Health Care Organizations: A Systematic Review Based on Best Fit Framework Synthesis (Preprint)
Authors: Han Lu , Liu Jing , Evans Richard , Song Yang , Ma Jingdong
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Since the early 1970s, health care provision has experienced rapid growth in the investment and adoption of health information technologies (HITs). However, the development and deployment of HITs has often been conducted in silos, at different organizational levels, within different regions, and in various health care settings; this has resulted in their infrastructures often being difficult to manage or integrate. Health information standards (ie, the set norms and requirements that underpin the deployment of HITs in health care settings) are expected to address these issues, yet their adoption remains to be frustratingly low among health care information technology vendors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to synthesize a comprehensive framework of factors that affect the adoption and deployment of health information standards by health care organizations.

METHODS

First, electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were searched for relevant articles, with the results being exported to the EndNote reference management software. Second, study selection was conducted according to pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, a synthesized best fit framework was created, which integrated a thematic analysis of the included articles.

RESULTS

In total, 35 records were incorporated into the synthesized framework, with 4 dimensions being identified: technology, organization, environment, and interorganizational relationships. The technology dimension included relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, observability, switching cost, standards uncertainty, and shared business process attributes. The organization dimension included organizational scale, organizational culture, staff resistance to change, staff training, top management support, and organizational readiness. The environment dimension included external pressure, external support, network externality, installed base, and information communication. Finally, the interorganizational relationships dimension included partner trust, partner dependence, relationship commitment, and partner power.

CONCLUSIONS

The synthesized framework presented in this paper extends the current understanding of the factors that influence the adoption of health information standards in health care organizations. It provides policy and decision makers with a greater awareness of factors that hinder or facilitate their adoption, enabling better judgement and development of adoption intervention strategies. Furthermore, suggestions for future research are provided.
The Relationship between Music and Philosophy in the Light of Gestaltism: Case of Music of Ahmed Malek
Authors: Dib Mohammed , Driss Mohammed A. , Baraka Abdallah
Published: December 2019

Music is not only a field of knowledge or an art but is also life which is considered as a philosophy. The purpose of this research is to show the relationship between music and philosophy in the light of Gestalt theory. In doing so, some musical pieces of the Algerian musician Ahmed Malek who left his fingerprint in the Algerian artistic field were selected and analyzed as a case study. The result shows that his music is composed of part-whole, a quality, and a dependency and is not made haphazardly but after a deep research, where the musical note MI recurs in all the performances except for one performance that represents the film “Whiteand Black”.
СОВМЕСТНОЕ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ СЕТЕВОЙ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРЫ ОПЕРАТОРАМИ СВЯЗИ
Authors: Зайчик Е.
Published: December 2019

Рассматриваются основные предпосылки и направления совместного использования операторами ресурсов сетей мобильной связи с целью ускорения внедрения технологий 5G и сокращения капитальных и операционных затрат. Проводится экономическое обоснование шеринга, и представлен его SWOT-анализ.
Las teorías de las élites desde el vínculo agente-estructura
Authors: Bahena Armillas Edwin Bulmaro
Published: December 2019

En este artículo se realiza una revisión sobre las teorías de las élites analizadas desde el vínculo sociológico agente-estructura. Para ello, se señala el lazo vinculante entre la práctica de los agentes y el mundo social que los condiciona; además, con base en dicho eje se propone una reinterpretación de algunos elementos de las teorías de Vilfredo Pareto, Gaetano Mosca, Robert Michels, Harold Lasswell, C.W. Mills y William Domhoff, con la finalidad de proponer un conjunto de ideas que inviten a realizar una valoración sobre dichas teorías y su alcance para
interpretar su relación con otras propuestas analíticas
Algunos criterios recientes de la jurisdicción interamericana de derechos humanos. (1998)
Authors: García Ramírez Sergio
Published: December 2019

El comentario examina con detalle los aspectos más relevantes de las resoluciones dictadas por la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos durante 1998. Estas resoluciones son: las sentencias de reparaciones dictadas en los casos Garrido y Baigorria, Castillo Páez y Loayza Tamayo, de 27 de agosto la primera y de 27 de noviembre las dos últimas; la resolución probatoria dictada en el caso Bámaca Velázquez, de 1o. de septiembre; las sentencias sobre excepciones preliminares dictadas en los casos Cantoral Benavides y Castillo Petruzzi, de 3 y 4 de septiembre, respectivamente; también se toman en cuenta los votos particulares emitidos en esos casos. Los principales temas jurídicos que se abordan con motivo de tales resoluciones son, entre otros, los siguientes: pruebas; modificación de la demanda; congruencia de las pretensiones formuladas por la Comisión; conductas ilícitas de las presuntas víctimas; diversos aspectos relacionados con el daño material y social; la indemnización y sus beneficiarios; la reforma de normas, investigación y sanción de los responsables individuales de las violaciones.
Propos sur le “droit d'asile”
Authors: Moderne Franck
Published: December 2019

En la primera parte el autor hace una reflexión sobre la evolución del derecho de asilo, vinculado al nacimiento del Estado moderno, y su aparente contradicción con el concepto de soberanía connatural al Estado, haciendo notar que el concepto no deja de ser objeto de una ambigüedad que oscila entre dos extremos: como un derecho del individuo o como una prerrogativa del monarca. Indica, asimismo, que a pesar de que existe un inicio de “subjetivización” para hacerlo un derecho subjetivo individual, susceptible de ser exigido al Estado incluso a través de la jurisdicción constitucional, los Estados no han perdido el control sobre su otorgamiento en tanto que ejercen una facultad que les es inherente. En la segunda parte examina algunas secuelas contemporáneas de la oscilación del concepto que van desde el rechazo de los Estados a otorgarlo hasta la internacionalización del derecho de asilo. Por una parte los Estados se han resistido a reconocer en el asilo un derecho subjetivo individual; por otra, el derecho de asilo se ha “internacionalizado” en el contexto mundial de la postguerra y en el derecho de las comunidades europeas a través de las convenciones internacionales y de los tratados de carácter regional. El trabajo concluye con un cuestionamiento sobre el futuro incierto del asilo en una Europa que ha ido construyendo acuerdos que limitan en cierta forma los derechos y libertades reconocidos en los tratados y convenciones sobre la materia.
Fragilidade a inundações da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu (Guarulhos, SP)
Authors: MANZANO Márcio Nunes , FERREIRA Anderson Targino da Silva , SAAD Antonio Roberto , PIZZATO Edilson , QUEIROZ William De , DALMAS Fabricio Bau
Published: December 2019

O Município de Guarulhos, segunda maior cidade do Estado de São Paulo, encontra-se em franca expansão urbana e não foge à regra de ter problemas de planejamento e de degradação ambiental, características do desenvolvimento de algumas sociedades modernas. Em consequência deste desequilíbrio, verificam-se impactos ambientais negativos significativos na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu, localizada em Guarulhos e onde está situado o Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi de mapear as áreas com fragilidade a inundações da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu. Foram aplicadas técnicas de geoprocessamento na metodologia: análise multicritério com base vetorial na escala 1:50.000; e técnicas de sensoriamento remoto, Classificador de Máxima Verossimilhança, com imagem do sensor OLI (Landsat 8). Observou-se que as áreas de maior fragilidade a inundações estão situadas na planície fluvial do Rio Baquirivu-Guaçu, onde está localizado o Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos. Através dos mapas elaborados e registro de trabalho de campo, ficou claro que a falta de infraestrutura urbana (coleta de lixo e ocupação de áreas inadequadas para contrução de residências) favorecem a transformação dos cursos d’água em verdadeiros depósitos de lixo e sedimentos, comprometendo o adequado funcionamento dos sistemas de drenagem, pela falta de saneamento básico no entorno da Bacia do Rio Baquirivu Guaçu.
Adaptasi Sosial Mantan Narapidana dalam Perspektif Teori Aksi (Studi Kasus Mantan Narapidanana di Tengah Masyarakat Kecamatan Koto Baru Sungai Penuh Jambi)
Authors: Amelia Trizki , Junaidi Junaidi
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh banyaknya mantan narapidana yang hidup berdampingan dengan masyarakat di Wilayah Kecamatan Koto Baru, Sungai Penuh, Jambi. Dalam kasus adaptasi sosial mantan narapina dalam masyarakat khiusnya di Wilayah Kecamatan Koto Baru, Sungai Penuh, Jambi. Terungkap dalam beradaptasi dengan masyarakat setempat mantan narapina memilih tindakan yang dapat diterima oleh lingkungan mayasrakat untuk mencapai tujuannya yaitu kembali di tengah masyarakat. Penelitian ini dianalisis dengan tindakan sosial yang dikemukakan oleh Max Weber dan Tallcot Parsons. Teknik pemilihan informan dengan mengunakan teknik purposive sampling. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi yang dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis Miles dan Huberman. Hasil penelitian di lapangan peneliti menemukan banyaknya mantan narapina di tengah masyarakat dalam beradaptasi melakukan tindakan sosial yang lebih aktif pada kegiatan masyarakat yaitu: (a) Gotong royong (b) menghadiri kenduri (c) mengikuti organisasi (d) pemenuhan kebutuhan hidup (5) mengikuti pengajian yang di adakan dalam masyarakat. Disamping itu masyarakat Wilayah Kecamatan Koto Baru menyoroti dari sudut pandang yang positif dari tingkah laku dan aktifitas sehari-hari dari mantan narapidana, masyarakat merangkul mantan narapina dalam berbagai kegiatan masyarakat yang ada untuk mengurangi rasa minder yang di alami oleh mantan narapidana.