bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Vida de Juan: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Crime and Violence in Mexico
Authors: Trejo Arturo Cervantes , Ringel Roey , Alcántara Isaac Deneb Castañeda , Amiga Isaac Baley , Cruz Nicole Terrein De La
Published: February 2022

Background: Crime and violence have hindered the development of the people, economy, and health of Mexico. In this study, we conducted a cost-benefit analysis to illustrate the compounding costs associated with not addressing the risk factors that lead children and young persons to violence and crime in Mexico.Methods: We created a fictional account of a typical male criminal offender in Mexico based on quantitative and qualitative data. Using quantitative and qualitative data from public, private, and government sources, we calculated the cost of each stage of Juan’s life along with the total cost of all crimes, violence, and events until the age of 37. Results: Direct and indirect costs increased exponentially over time as violent actions and crimes became more severe. The stage where costs were lowest was infancy, totaling $6,216 USD, while the costliest stage was adulthood totaling $1,034,847 USD. The total cost associated with the offender’s life (up to age 37) was $1,752,501 USD, while the total estimated cost of implementing prevention programs in each stage of life was $144,254 USD.Conclusions: The Mexican government must prioritize implementing evidence-based policies and programs for mitigating the risk factors that lead young persons to a life of violence and crime. Specifically, investing in programs at the earliest stages of life has been shown to have the greatest benefit in offsetting the compounding associated costs later in life. Our study shows that, theoretically, for every dollar invested on interventions to support Juan’s life, $12 are saved. This study can be used as an example and recommendation for other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, which suffer from similar levels of violence and crime, and from similar cultural and socioeconomic conditions.
Oxidation and reduction of carcinogenic organic pollutants using ethylene glycol intercalated Fe:Cu LDH and its magnetic property
Authors: Panghal Sonika , Gupta Pankaj , Tomar Richa
Published: February 2022

The goal of this study is to use a solvothermal approach to make ethylene glycol intercalated Fe:Cu (2:1) LDH. In the presence of an ethylene glycol medium, a solvothermal reaction of FeCl3 with urea produced a brown powder. LDH was studied using a variety of analytical techniques with the goal of obtaining a large surface area for catalytic oxidation and reduction of carcinogenic organic pollutants in water. The PXRD pattern shows the rhombohedral symmetry. Exothermic nature in the decomposition and combustion of intercalated ethylene glycol was observed in the thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric spectroscopy. Vibrational stretching and bending modes in the FTIR and the presence of an ethylene glycol molecule in the inter-layer gallery was confirmed by Raman spectra. Layered morphology of the LDH was observed in the FESEM. UV-visible spectra showed d-d transition corresponding to the iron and copper ion in the LDH. The BET surface area and pore size were 125 m2/g and 0.38 cc/g, respectively. High surface area and redox property of metal ions in the LDH made this material an excellent catalyst toward oxidation and reduction of organic pollutants. The bifunctional catalytic properties were shown toward methylene blue dye and p-nitroaniline. Excellent antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic properties of the synthesized material were shown and discussed.
Xylotrechus smei (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Clytini): A potential threat to Red Sanders cultivation
Authors: Sidharthan V Kavi , Patel Bharati , Chandran Nithya , Pattanaik Swapnendu
Published: February 2022

Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.) is an economically important, endangered timber species endemic to the restricted forest tracts of the Eastern Ghats, India. Here, we report the occurrence of long horned beetle Xylotrechus smei infestation on red sanders for the first time from Telangana, India. Infestation was characterized by complete drying of standing trees, presence of galleries and bore holes in cut stems. In addition, supplementary description of X. smei, including the terminal abdominal segments and genitalia of both the sexes, immatures and its illustrations are provided for more authentic identification of this important pest. Further, the identity of the insect as X. smei was confirmed through mtCOI based DNA barcode. Phylogenetic and sequence divergence analyses based on partial mtCOI gene sequence showed that X. smei isolate obtained in the current study was closely related to X. smei isolate WA13 10.01r that was intercepted in wood packaging material in one of the ports of entry of United States (U.S.).
Evaluation and convergence analysis of the medical service efficiency in rural medical health centers China
Authors: Ye Yun , Evans Richard , Jing Li , Huang Xiaojun , Shang Xudong , Chen Yanying , Lu Wei , Xu Wei
Published: February 2022

Background

Rural Medical Health Centers (RMHCs) are the foundation of the three-level primary medical and healthcare service in China. The efficiency of RMHCs is related to the rationale behind healthcare resource allocation for China’s 560 million rural population.
Methods

This study analyzed the dynamic changes in efficiency of RMHCs and its convergence using the non-oriented SBM–DEA window model and convergence model in Shanxi Province, China. Data was obtained from the Shanxi Rural Health Institute’s 2014–2018 Health Statistics Report, involving 12360 RMHCs.
Results

Findings show that the medical service efficiency delivered in RMHCs is low. The average scores for the comprehensive technical efficiency and pure technical efficiency of the RMHCs in China from 2014 to 2018 were only 0.0568 and 0.0615 respectively, with nearly 68% of the values being lower than their average scores. The comprehensive technical efficiency and pure technical efficiency of RMHCs from 2014–2018 exhibited a downward trend year on year. The convergence analysis results also showed that current rural health clinic medical service efficiency had \({\alpha }\) convergence, absolute convergence and conditional convergence. If appropriate policies are followed, the medical service efficiency of the RMHCs can be improved to reach a steady-state level.
Conclusions

The medical service efficiency of RMHCs remains low and may gradually decline. The government should promote the efficiency of the medical service in RMHCs by formulating corresponding medical and health resource allocation policies to reach an optimal level.
Short-time traffic flow prediction based on seasonal gray Fourier model
Authors: Shen Z.
Published: February 2022

To handle the periodic, nonlinear, and stochastic aspects of short-time traffic flow data, a seasonal gray Fourier model based on the complex Simpson formula is proposed. The seasonal GM (1, 1) model is used to optimize the background values first, and then the prediction results are adjusted using the Fourier series method. The new model was applied to the prediction of traffic flow on Whitemud Drive in Canada, and the numerical results indicated that the new model's mean absolute percentage error was 1.54 percent and its fit was 0.996, which were significantly better than those of the traditional GM (1, 1) model, the seasonal GM (1, 1) model, and the Fourier optimized seasonal GM (1, 1) model.
HIV-negative Rifampicin Resistance/Multidrug-Resistant Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in China from 2015 to 2019: A clinical retrospective investigation study from a National Tuberculosis Clinical Research Center
Authors: Ma Jun , Liu Hongcheng , Wang Jingjing , Li Wenting , Fan Lin , Sun Wenwen
Published: February 2022

Background: China is the region with a high global burden of Rifampicin Resistance ／Multidrug-Resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) and low HIV incidence. Our aim was to assess the clinical and demographic characteristics of RR/MDR - extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) from 2015 to 2019, to provide evidence for the prevention and control of the disease in high TB burden areas.Methods: We investigated the clinical and demographic data of all MDR/ RR -EPTB cases in a TB specialized hospital from China and compared the cases with the MDR/ RR-pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients over the same period.Results: Of the RR/MDR-TB patients enrolled，15.4 were EPTB. The most common anatomical site was pleural/chest wall (25.9%). Compared with RR／MDR-PTB，females were more likely to be susceptible to RR/MDR-EPTB (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.52-1.77)； the risk of RR/MDR-EPTB for（25-44）years group increased (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.52-1.77), and then decreased with the increasing age (OR1.48 95% CI 0.74-1.69 for 44-65 years group and OR 2.23 95% CI 0.98-2.71 for ≥ 65 years group) ；more likely to be newly diagnosed （p <0.01）and less likely to to combine with diabetes（ P<0.01) 、more dependent on GeneXpert MTB／RIF （Xpert ，90.9%) for diagnosis、with significantly higher rates of pre-XDR／XDR and significantly lower favorable treatment outcomes（both p <0.01）.Conclusion: There are clinical and demographic differences between RR/MDR-PTB and RR/MDR-PTB. Xper should be recommended at an early stage for suspected patients，and fluoroquinolones should be used cautiously for anti-infective therapy in this population.
Pengaruh Penurunan Tarif Pajak Terhadap Modal Saham Bank
Authors:   Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, BSD City Kavling, Jl. Edutown Jl. BSD Raya Utama No.1, BSD City, Kec. Pagedangan, Tangerang, Banten 15339, Teja Adrian
Published: February 2022

Tujuan makalah ini adalah menemukan pengaruh penurunan tarif pajak penghasilan badan terhadap modal saham bank. Teori struktur modal menyatakan tarif pajak yang lebih rendah mengurangi manfaat pajak dari hutang. Dengan demikian, penurunan tarif pajak akan meningkatkan modal bank. Pengujian hipotesis dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode regresi cross-section. Variabel terikat adalah rasio modal bank terhadap total aset. Variabel bebas adalah perubahan tarif pajak dari 30% menjadi 28% dan 28% menjadi 25% pada tahun 2008-2010. Berbeda dengan hipotesis, kami menemukan penurunan tarif pajak penghasilan bank mengakibatkan pelemahan modal bank. Temuan ini menunjukkan bank mengkompensasi penurunan tarif pajak penghasilan badan dengan menambah sumber dana hutang sehingga nilai uang manfaat pajak dari penggunaan hutang (debt tax saving) dapat dipertahankan. Penurunan tarif pajak penghasilan badan berpengaruh negatif pada modal saham bank. Bank Indonesia harus menerbitkan regulasi untuk menghambat kecenderungan bank untuk mengambil resiko dan memperkuat modal saham bank.
Public's Knowledge of Hypertension and its Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almomani Maysa H. , Akhu-Zaheya Laila , Alsayyed Majd , Alloubani Aladeen
Published: February 2022

Background:

Hypertension is a significant challenge for healthcare systems globally. It is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths worldwide annually. Knowledge of hypertension plays a crucial role in behavioral changes required to prevent and manage the condition. This study aimed to assess the public's knowledge of hypertension’s risk factors, symptoms, complications, and treatment.

Methods:

This cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study included a convenience sample of 723 Jordanian adults. The Hypertension Knowledge Test was used to measure the participants' knowledge of hypertension’s risk factors, symptoms, complications, and treatment.

Results:

The participants' mean score of total hypertension knowledge was 11.5 ±3.82 (52.2%), with 85.9% (n=621) having inadequate knowledge. Their mean scores for hypertension’s risk factors, symptoms, complications, and treatment were 7.45 ±2.35 (62.1%), 2.29 ±1.21 (45.8%), 1.38 ± 0.943 (46%), and 0.391 ± 0.603 (19.6%), respectively. Four factors were found to be significant predictors of participants' knowledge, such as age (p=0.002), education level (p<0.001), family history (p<0.001), and receiving hypertension-related information (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The participants had inadequate knowledge regarding hypertension’s complications, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment. Public health education programs that focus on hypertension knowledge are required. Nurses and other healthcare providers should take the initiative in hypertension education. Strategic planning and designing of hypertension programs are required to fit the needs of the Jordanian public to enhance their knowledge of hypertension and related preventive and control measures.
Os estudantes chineses e os hábitos de uso da internet ao encontro da língua portuguesa e do mundo lusófono
Authors: Duarte João Pires Manuel , Lin Manlin
Published: February 2022

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do uso da internet por parte dos jovens estudantes chineses. Tal abordagem é particularmente importante para professores e alunos de PLE, para quem a internet pode representar o único meio de contacto com a língua fora da sala de aula. O artigo analisa a utilização da internet pelos universitários chineses como ferramenta para adquirirem ou aprofundarem os seus conhecimentos sobre o mundo lusófono. A análise ba-seia-se num questionário realizado a uma turma de 32 estudantes do segundo ano de Português da Universidade de Sun Yat-sen, na província de Guangdong. As conclusões revelam o conjunto de interesses dos estudantes no con-tacto com o português fora da sala de aula e os fatores que os influenciam. A investigação relaciona-se ao uso da internet como meio de aprendizagem da língua e como fonte de conhecimento do perfil dos estudantes chineses em termos das suas escolhas recreativas, culturais ou comerciais relativas ao mundo lusófono
O Português em contacto no Sudeste Asiático o caso do Kristang (crioulo de Malaca)
Authors: Yang Aoran , Jiang Li
Published: February 2022

A partir do século XVI, devido à expansão colonial, o Português teve grande difusão por quase todo o Sudeste Asiático, provocando o surgimento de diversos crioulos de base portuguesa nesta região, dentre os quais ainda sobrevive o crioulo de Malaca, o Kristang. Com o objetivo de analisar o papel do superstrato e do substrato no processo do contato linguístico, o presente trabalho pretende ilustrar a ecologia linguística que contribui para a formação e evolução do Kristang, bem como algumas características gramaticais deste crioulo, designadamente a sua tipologia linguística, a concordância gra-matical, a omissão do verbo copulativo, o sistema temporo-aspetual, a reduplicação e o empréstimo lexical.
Fertility Workup With Video Consultation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Quantitative and Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Grens Hilde , de Bruin Jan Peter , Huppelschoten Aleida , Kremer Jan A M
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, major parts of elective health care in the Netherlands, such as reproductive medicine, were paused. When health care was resumed, video consultation was used as a new solution to continue consultations with the new governmental rules of social distancing. Prior to this COVID-19 situation, video consultation was not used extensively in the Netherlands; therefore, physicians and patients are not familiar with this way of consultation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to measure the level of patient centeredness and shared decision making in infertile couples who have undergone fertility workup through video consultation.

METHODS

This is a questionnaire study with an additional qualitative part for a more in depth understanding. Infertile couples (ie, male and female partners with an unfulfilled wish for a child after 1 year of unprotected intercourse) were referred to a fertility center and underwent fertility workup through video consultation. The fertility workup consisted of 2 separate video consultations, with diagnostic tests according to a protocol. After the last video consultation couples received a digital questionnaire, which consisted of a modified version of the Patient-Centered Questionnaire-Infertility (PCQ-I) and CollaboRATE questionnaire. Fifty-three eligible infertile couples were approached, and of these, 22 participated. Four women were approached for a semistructured interview.

RESULTS

The median score on the modified PCQ-I (scale of 0 to 3) was 2.64. The highest rating was for the subscale communication and information, and the lowest rating was for the subscale organization of care. The median score on the CollaboRATE questionnaire (scale of 1 to 9) was 8 for all 3 subquestions. Patients mentioned privacy, less travel time, and easy use of the program as possible benefits of video consultation. However, patients preferred the first consultation with their physician to be face-to-face consultation as video consultation was considered less personal.

CONCLUSIONS

The high levels of patient centeredness and shared decision making show that video consultation is a promising way of providing care remotely, although attention has to be payed to mitigate the more impersonal setting of video consultation when compared with face-to-face consultation.
Use of and Experiences With Online Access to Electronic Health Records for Parents, Children, and Adolescents: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Hagström Josefin , Blease Charlotte , Haage Barbara , Scandurra Isabella , Hansson Scharlett , Hägglund Maria
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

As patient online access to electronic health records becomes the standard, implementation of access for adolescents and parents varies across providers, regions, and countries. There is currently no international compilation of evidence to guide policy decisions in matters such as age limit for access and the extent of parent proxy access.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a scoping review of different stakeholders’ (including but not limited to end users) perspectives on use, opinions, and experiences pertaining to online access to electronic health records by parents, children, and adolescents.

METHODS

This scoping review will be conducted according to the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Several databases will be used to conduct a literature search (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo), in addition to literature found outside of these databases. All authors will participate in screening identified papers, following the research question: How do different stakeholders experience parents’, children’s, and adolescents’ online access to the electronic health records of children and adolescents? Data abstraction will include but will not be limited to publication type, publication year, country, sample characteristics, setting, study aim, research question, and conclusions. The data to be analyzed are from publicly available secondary sources, so this study does not require an ethics review.

RESULTS

The results from this scoping review will be presented in a narrative form, and additional data on study characteristics will be presented in diagrams or tabular format. This scoping review protocol was first initiated by Uppsala University in June 2021 as part of the NordForsk-funded research project NORDeHEALTH. The results are expected to be presented in a scoping review in June 2022. The results will be disseminated through stakeholder meetings, scientific conference presentations, oral presentations to the public, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSIONS

This is, to our knowledge, the first study to map the literature on the use and experiences of parents’ and adolescents’ online access to the electronic health records of children and adolescents. The findings will describe what benefits and risks have been experienced by different stakeholders so far in different countries. A mapping of studies could inform the design and implementation of future regulations around access to patient-accessible electronic health records.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/36158
Video Game to Attenuate Pandemic-Related Stress From an Equity Lens: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Minian Nadia , Saiva Anika , Gayapersad Allison , Dragonetti Rosa , Proulx Catherine , Debergue Patricia , Lecce Julia , Hussain Sarwar , Desjardins Eric , Selby Peter
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has introduced additional pressures on an already fragile mental health care system due to a significant rise in depression, anxiety, and stress among Canadians. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be an efficacious treatment to reduce such mental health issues, few people have access to CBT in an engaging and sustainable manner. To address this gap, a collaboration between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) developed CBT-based self-led, online, clinician-tested modules in the form of a video game, named Legend of Evelys, and evaluated its usability in the attenuation of a COVID-19–related increase in stress.

OBJECTIVE

We here present the conceptualization and design of new self-care modules in the form of a video game, its implementation in a technological infrastructure, and inclusivity and privacy considerations that informed the development. A usability study of the modules was performed to assess the video game’s usability, user engagement, and user perceptions.

METHODS

The development of the video game involved establishment of a technology infrastructure for secure implementation of the software for the modules and a clinician-led assessment of the clinical utility of these modules through two “whiteboard” sessions. The usability study was informed by a mixed methods sequential explanatory design to evaluate the intervention of the mobile app through two distinct phases: quantitative data collection using in-app analytics data and two surveys, followed by qualitative data collection by semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

A total of 32 participants trialed the app for 2 weeks. They used the video game an average of six times and rated the game as “good” based on the Systems Usability Scale score. In terms of stress reduction, the study demonstrated a significant difference in the participants’ Perceived Stress Scale score at baseline (mean 22.14, SD 6.187) compared with that at the 2-week follow-up (mean 18.04, SD 6.083; t27=3.628, P=.001). Qualitative interviews helped participants identify numerous functionality issues and provided specific recommendations, most of which were successfully integrated into the video game for future release.

CONCLUSIONS

Through this collaboration, we have established that it is possible to incorporate CBT exercises into a video game and have these exercises adopted to address stress. While video games are a promising strategy to help people with their stress and anxiety, there is a further need to examine the real-world effectiveness of the Legend of Evelys in reducing anxiety.
The first national program of remote cardiac rehabilitation in Israel – goal achievements, adherence, and responsiveness in elderly patients (Preprint)
Authors: Klempfner Robert , Breitner Daniel , Heller Alexis , Nabutovsky Irene , Klempfner Yarin
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Remote cardiac rehabilitation (RCR) after myocardial infarction is an innovative Israeli national program in the field of tele-cardiology. RCR is included in the Israeli health coverage for all citizens. It is generally accepted that telemedicine programs better apply to younger patients, because it is thought that they are more technologically literate than older patients. It has also previously been thought that older patients have difficulty utilizing technology-based programs and attaining program goals.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) To study patterns of physical activity, goal achievement, and improvement in functional level among RCR patients over 65 compared to younger patients and 2) To identify predictors of better adherence with the RCR program.

METHODS

A retrospective study of post-myocardial infarction patients were enrolled in a six-month RCR program. The activity of the patients was monitored using a smartwatch. The data was collected and analyzed by a special telemedicine platform. RCR program goals were: (i) 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week; (ii) 120 minutes of the activity in the target heart rate recommended by the exercise physiologist; (iii) 8,000 steps per day. Models were created to evaluate variables predicting adherence with the program.

RESULTS

Out of 306 patients, 80 of them were elderly (average age 70 ± 3.38). At the end of the program, there was a significant improvement in the functional capacity of all patients (P < .001). Specifically, the elderly group improved from 8.11 ± 2.8 to 11.25 ± 12.6 METs and their final METs results were similar to younger patients. During the entire program period, the elderly group showed better achievement of program goals compared to younger patients (P < .01). Additionally, we found that younger patient age is an independent predictor of early dropout from the program and completion of program goals (P < .01); younger patients were more likely to experience early program dropout as well as complete fewer program goals.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients can not only successfully participate in telemedicine rehabilitation programs but derive significant benefit. We found that older age is not a limitation, but instead a predictor of better RCR program compliance as well as program goals achievement.
Effect of the “Art Coloring” Online Coloring Game on Subjective Well-Being Increase and Anxiety Reduction During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Xi JuZhe , Gao YuHan , Lyu Na , She Zhuang , Wang XinYue , Zhang Xin-An , Yu XiaoYu , Ji WeiDong , Wei MengSheng , Dai WeiHui , Qian Xuesheng
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has spread worldwide and generated tremendous stress on human beings. Unfortunately, it is often hard for distressed individuals to access mental health services under conditions of restricted movement or even lockdown.

OBJECTIVE

The study first aims to develop an online digital intervention package based on a commercially released coloring game. The second aim is to test the effectiveness of difference intervention packages for players to increase subjective well-being (SWB) and reduce anxiety during the pandemic.

METHODS

An evidence-based coloring intervention package was developed and uploaded to an online coloring game covering almost 1.5 million players worldwide in January 2021. Players worldwide participated to color either 4 rounds of images characterized by awe, pink, nature, and blue or 4 rounds of irrelevant images. Participants' SWB and anxiety and the perceived effectiveness of the game in reducing anxiety (subjective effectiveness [SE]) were assessed 1 week before the intervention (T1), after the participants completed pictures in each round (T2-T5), and after the intervention (T6). Independent 2-tailed t tests were conducted to examine the general intervention (GI) effect and the intervention effect of each round. Univariate analysis was used to examine whether these outcome variables were influenced by the number of rounds completed.

RESULTS

In total, 1390 players worldwide responded and completed at least 1 assessment. Overall, the GI group showed a statistical significantly greater increase in SWB than the general control (GC) group (N=164, t162=3.59, Cohen d=0.59, 95% CI 0.36-1.24, P<.001). Compared to the control group, the best effectiveness of the intervention group was seen in the awe round, in which the increase in SWB was significant (N=171, t169=2.51, Cohen d=0.39, 95% CI 0.10-0.82, P=.01), and players who colored all 4 pictures had nearly significant improvements in SWB (N=171, F4,170=2.34, partial ŋ2=0.053, P=.06) and a significant decrease in anxiety (N=171, F4,170=3.39, partial ŋ2=0.075, P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate the effectiveness of online psychological interventions, such as coloring games, for mental health in the specific period. They also show the feasibility of applying existing commercial games embedded with scientific psychological interventions that can fill the gap in mental crises and services for a wider group of people during the pandemic. The results would inspire innovations to prevent the psychological problems caused by public emergencies and encourage more games, especially the most popular ones, to take more positive action for the common crises of humankind.
The AI Will See You Now: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Conversational AI Medical Interviewing System (Preprint)
Authors: Hong Grace , Smith Margaret , Lin Steven
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often limited in their ability to collect detailed medical histories from patients, which can lead to errors or delays in diagnosis. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) show promise in augmenting current human-driven methods of collecting personal and family histories; however, such tools are largely unproven.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a conversational AI medical interviewing system among patients.

METHODS

The study was conducted among adult patients empaneled at a family medicine clinic within a large academic medical center in Northern California. Participants were asked to test an AI medical interviewing system, which uses a conversational avatar and chatbot to capture medical histories and identify patients with risk factors. After completing an interview with the AI system, participants completed a web-based survey inquiring about the performance of the system, the ease of using the system, and attitudes toward the system. Responses on a 7-point Likert scale were collected and evaluated using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 50 years completed an interview with the AI system, including 12 females (60%) and 8 males (40%); 11 were White (55%), 8 were Asian (40%), and 1 was Black (5%), and 19 had at least a bachelor’s degree (95%). Most participants agreed that using the system to collect histories could help their PCPs have a better understanding of their health (16/20, 80%) and help them stay healthy through identification of their health risks (14/20, 70%). Those who reported that the system was clear and understandable, and that they were able to learn it quickly, tended to be younger; those who reported that the tool could motivate them to share more comprehensive histories with their PCPs tended to be older.

CONCLUSIONS

In this feasibility and acceptability pilot of a conversational AI medical interviewing system, the majority of patients believed that it could help clinicians better understand their health and identify health risks; however, patients were split on the effort required to use the system, and whether AI should be used for medical interviewing. Our findings suggest areas for further research, such as understanding the user interface factors that influence ease of use and adoption, and the reasons behind patients’ attitudes toward AI-assisted history-taking.
Advancing Infodemiology in a Digital Intensive Era (Preprint)
Authors: Mackey Tim , Baur Cynthia , Eysenbach Gunther
Published: February 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Isolasi dan Identifikasi Molekuler Bakteri Proteolitik dari Saluran Pencernaan Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus) yang Dibudidayakan di Kabupaten Banyumas
Authors: Nurhafid Mohammad , Syakuri Hamdan , Oedjijono Oedjijono , Listiowati Emyliana , Ekasanti Anandita , Nugrayani Dewi , Pramono Hendro
Published: February 2022

Keberadaan bakteri proteolitik pada komoditas akuakultur penting untuk dipelajari, salah satunya terkait dengan praktek budidaya ikan skala kecil di daerah pedesaan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keberadaan dan melakukan identifikasi secara molekuler bakteri proteolitik yang diisolasi dari saluran pencernaan ikan nila (Oreochromis niloticus). Sampel ikan nila diambil dari tiga unit kegiatan akuakultur yang menggunakan pakan berbeda di Kabupaten Banyumas yaitu dari Desa Pandak (dengan probiotik, pakan pellet), Desa Beji (tanpa probiotik, pakan tumbuhan) dan Desa Tambaksogra (dengan probiotik, kombinasi pakan pellet dan tumbuhan). Jumlah bakteri, proporsi bakteri proteolitik, dan indeks aktifitas proteolitik diamati dari usus bagian anterior, middle, dan posterior. Sampel isolat bakteri  proteolitik dikelompokkan berdasarkan hasil analisis restriksi 16S rDNA menggunakan software PhyElp. Bakteri dari setiap kelompok diidentifikasi berdasarkan sekuen gen 16S rDNA dengan menggunakan analisis BLAST dan analisis filogenetik. Jumlah bakteri di saluran pencernaan ikan nila dari tiga tempat relatif sama dan cenderung meningkat ke arah posterior. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ikan nila dari Desa Pandak memiliki proporsi bakteri proteolitik yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan sampel ikan dari Desa Beji dan Tambaksogra. Nilai aktivitas bakteri proteolitik saluran pencernaan ikan nila dari Desa Pandak relatif lebih tinggi dibandingkan dari dua desa lainnya. Bakteri proteolitik dari saluran pencernaan ikan nila dapat dikelompokkan menjadi 15 kelompok berdasarkan polimorfisme hasil digesti fragment gen 16S rDNA. Sampel dari 15 kelompok tersebut memiliki sekuen 16S rDNA yang mirip dengan Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4 isolat), Plesiomonas shigelloides, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas veronii, Klebsiella variicola, Enterobacter ludwigii, Enterobacter hormaechei (2 isolat), Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens dan Bacillus sp.
Russian-Kalmyk Relations, 1680s–1720s: Khan Ayuka’s Letters as a Historical Source
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS, Tepkeev Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Introduction. The article examines letters by Khan Ayuka of the Kalmyks to Peter the Great of Russia and other executives, as well as Astrakhan Governors, with special attention be paid to the related publication history. Goals. The work aims at examining the publication history of Khan Ayuka’s letters as sources on late 17th to early 18th century Russian-Kalmyk relations. Materials. The analyzed sources are scientific works to have published the mentioned pffocial documents. Results. Most of the latter have been published in diverse monographs and articles, the current paper contains respective reference data. Results. The article reviews publications of Khan Ayuka’s letters, describes archives and collections they are currently stored at. Each document sheds additional light on essential circumstances in the history of Russian-Kalmyk relations during the period. Conclusions. Khan Ayuka’s letters are a most precious source on the history of Kalmyk Khanate and their introduction into scientific circulation shall further contribute to the research of late 17th to early 18th century Russian-Kalmyk relations.
The Song of Shara Gürgü: Revisiting One Epic Narrative Recorded from Jangarchi Mikhail Mandzhiev
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS, Mandzhieva Bayrta
Published: February 2022

Introduction. The article provides a comparative insight into two versions of The Song of Shara Gürgü [the Furious]: the first was recorded in 1862, and the second was heard in the mid-to-late 20th century. The Appendix publishes The Song of Shara Gürgü recorded by N. Ts Bitkeev, E. B. Ovalov, N. B. Sangadzhieva — then employees of Kalmyk Institute of Language, Literature and History (present-day KalmSC RAS) — on 24–25 August 1971 in the village of Kamyshovo (Limansky District, Astrakhan Oblast). The introduction into scientific circulation of the narrative by jangarchi Mikhail Mandzhiev, a devout representative of the Kalmyk epic tradition, is of great significance for the comprehensive research of the phenomenon of taletelling. Materials. The paper examines the original text of the Song integral to the Kalmyk heroic epic of Jangar, recorded in 1971, and archived by Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS). Goals. The article aims to introduce the version of jangarchi Mikhail Mandzhiev, conduct a comparative analysis of plot and compositional elements, including typical places of the Song, to an early recording of 1862. Results. As compared to the latter, the narrative of jangarchi Mikhail Mandzhiev differs in a smaller volume (only 849 poetic lines). The reduction is due to that the narrator omits some typical passages. However, this did not affect the harmony and conciseness of the Song because the taleteller retains plot-compositional structure and motif fund almost in full.
Tic Tac Toe by Minimax Alpha-Beta Pruning Using Arduino
Authors: Mudda Mallikarjun
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Heuristic algorithms are put to the test in games. Because they incorporate an unexpected opponent, two-person games are more challenging than a basic puzzle. In a two-player game, you must presume that your opponent has the same information as you and can use it just as well. As a result, you must presume that your opponent will make the best available move at each level of the game. The minimax method is built on this foundation. The players in minimax are referred to as MAX (the player) and MIN (the player) (the opponent). Both aim to get the most out of their actions. The player, MAX, is attempting to maximise her score. And MIN is the opponent attempting to reduce MAX's score to the bare minimum. It is impossible to stretch the graph to its leaf nodes in most games.The number of layers in the state space is increased to n. The heuristic evaluation function assigns a value to each leaf node in this subgraph. The values are then passed back to the root node. The heuristic value of the best state that can be attained from that node is represented by the value propagated back. The process of alpha-beta pruning is used to reduce the amount of computation and searching required during minimax. Minimax is a two-pass search, with the first pass assigning heuristic values to nodes at the lowest depth and the second pass propagating those values up the tree. The depth-first approach is used in alpha-beta search. A MAX node's initial or temporary value is called an alpha value.Because MAX nodes receive the highest value from their descendants, an alpha value can never fall; it can only rise. A beta value is a value linked with a MIN node that is initial or transitory. A beta value can never increase; it can only go down because MIN nodes are assigned the lowest value among their progeny. Assume alpha = 6 for a MAX node. Then any branches originating from a MIN descendant with a beta value less than or equal to 6 won't be included in the search. So, if you know that the MAX node has an alpha of 6 and that one of its MIN children has a beta of less than or equal to 6, you don't need to look any farther down the MIN node. This is called Alpha Beta Pruning. Keywords: component, formatting, style, styling, insert (key words)
Biochar from Corn Waste as Biofilter in a Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Pueyo Catherine Dr.
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The use of biofilter with the application of biochar technology for the improvement of water in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) provides a lot of advantages in aquaculture production. The research aimed to devise a biofilter system for the enhancement of TAN and un-ionized ammonia levels in a RAS using biochar from corn cobs for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus production. It has five main parts: fish tank, biochar filtration tank, sediment filter, sludge filter and pump. The fish tank used is a 1 m 3 plastic cubical tank. The biochar filtration tank with a height of 85 cm and a diameter of 30 cm. The sludge filter has a height of 52 cm with a diameter of 13 cm. An electric water pump was used to recirculate the water. The system was fabricated and were able to effectively enhance the level of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) at a rate of 0.56 ppm per hour for every 1kg biochar and 0.72 ppm per hour for the reduction of un-ionized ammonia. The devised biofilter proved to reduce the level of TAN by 9.45 ppm and un-ionized ammonia levels by 2.18 ppm in 6 hours and 30 minutes using corn cob biochar. Keywords: Biochar, Biofilter, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN), Un-ionized ammonia
Criminal & Civil Liability Related to Misuse of Illegal Fintech Customer Data During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wijaya Hendrik , Herwastoeti Herwastoeti
Published: February 2022

The covid-19 outbreak that swept across the world has caused a crisis in the economic sector, where physical distancing policies affect the world of trade and tourism. The bankruptcy of companies, hotels, and small and medium-sized micro-enterprises resulted in massive job cuts. Therefore, many people lose their livelihoods and borrow money to meet their daily needs. Financial technology is an advancement of the times in the industrial era 4.0, as a form of convenience in financial services of tempted communities and applying for loans to financial technology. However, instead of getting a financial solution, what happens is the opposite. Where the public is even entangled in the existence of illegal financial technology and there is a misuse of their personal data. It is true that there is an agreement that allows the debtor to access the personal data of the creditor, but whether with it immediately the debtor can misuse the customer's personal data. Therefore, in this study, the author is interested in reviewing how criminal and civil liability related to the emergence of illegal financial technology agreements during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research methods used are normative juridical with statute approach and comparative approach, as well as qualitatively described legal material analysis. The result obtained is, illegal fintech e-agreements do not meet the subjective and objective requirements of the agreement and are related to the misuse of customer data, which can be held criminally accountable are fintech law bodies and debt collectors.
CAPM - MARKOV SWITCHING E KALMAN FILTER: UMA APLICAÇÃO AOS ÍNDICES SETORIAIS DE SUSTENTABILIDADE E GOVERNANÇA DA B3
Authors: Tavares Ricardo De Souza , Caldeira João Frois
Published: February 2022

Este estudo busca investigar a formação dos retornos de índices setoriais ede práticas corporativas da B3. Para tanto, utiliza-se uma metodologia tradicional comos modelos de precificação de ativos de capital (CAPM) em suas versões estática – commudança de regime (Markov switching) – e com betas variando a cada ponto do tempo– filtro e suavizador de Kalman. A aplicação dessa metologia traz evidências de queoito dos nove índices analisados apresentam mudança estrutural (alternam entre doisregimes). Além disso, nota-se que os betas são instáveis ao longo do tempo, isto é, háuma relação não linear entre risco e retorno. De modo geral, os resultados encontradosindicam que o risco sistêmico (beta) dos índices analisados variam ao longo do tempoe dependem de regimes. Por fim, a presente análise possibilita ao gestor ou investidorter acesso a um conjunto de informações relevantes para sua tomada de decisão emrelação a investimentos em setores ou conjunto de empresas com boas práticas quecompõem a bolsa de valores brasileira.
DIFERENCIAIS COMPENSATÓRIOS DE SALÁRIO PARA TRABALHADORES COM PREFERÊNCIAS HETEROGÊNEAS: EVIDÊNCIAS PARA O CASO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Almeida Alessio Tony Cavalcanti , Araújo Júnior Ignácio Tavares
Published: February 2022

Este artigo estuda como preferências heterogêneas por trabalhos arriscados, captadas pelo tabagismo, estão relacionadas com o trade-off envolvendo a relaçãosalário-risco. Com esse propósito, o modelo teórico desenvolvido por Viscusi e Hersch(2001) é testado para o caso brasileiro por meio dos dados da Pesquisa Especial deTabagismo, integrante da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2008 (IBGE,2009), e do Anuário Estatístico de Acidentes do Trabalho de 2008 (MPS, 2009). As estimativas são feitas por modelos empíricos condicionados para a média e por quantilda distribuição condicional de rendimentos, com controle para viés de seleção amostral e endogeneidade. Os principais achados indicam que os fumantes recebem ummenor prêmio ao risco no comparativo ao recebido pelos não fumantes nas atividadeseconômicas com maior incidência de acidentes do trabalho não fatais. Conforme essas estimativas, o valor estatístico de um acidente do trabalho por ano é, na medianapara os não fumantes, de aproximadamente R$ 6,2 mil por acidente e R$ 3,9 mil paraos fumantes, com diferenças também nesses valores nos outros quantis da distribuiçãocondicional do salário.
Speciation and historical Migration pattern interaction: examples from Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris phylogeography
Authors: Naydenov Krassimir , Naydenov Michel , Alexandrov Alexander , Gurov Todor , Gyuleva Veselka , Hinkov Georgi , Ivanovska Sofiya , Tsarev Anatoly , Nikolic Biljana , Goudiaby Venceslas , Carcaillet Christopher , Volosyanchuk Roman , Bojovic Srdjan , Vasilevski Kole , Matevski Vlado , Peruzzi Lorenzo , Christou Andreas , Paitaridou Despina , Goia Irina , Kamary Salim , Gulcu Suleyman , Ture Cengiz , Bogunic Faruk
Published: February 2022

Here, from macrophylogeographic mtDNA empirical data, we proposed
a scenario of the evolution and speciation of two important forest
trees, European Black Pine and Scotch Pine, and their multiple
subspecies and varieties. Molecular clock simulations revealed that
INDELs variability in the Pinus mitochondrial genome is
relatively old, i.e., from the Pliocene-Miocene epoch, and related to
historical tectonic continental fluctuations rather than climate change
on a large geographic scale. Special attention is paid to the
relationships between different speciation models and historical
migration patterns and between peripheral and central populations.
Species evolution involves the mixing of different speciation modes
rather than only one of them, and one speciation mode has different
results/effects on different DNA types (e.g., mitochondrial vs.
chloroplast vs. nuclear DNA). The misbalance between different
meta-population census size vs. effective population size
contributions for asymmetric migration pattern is a result of different
genotypes (and sub-phylogenetic lines) responding to selection pressing
and adaptive evolution.
Multiplexed serotype-specific real time PCR assays -- a valuable tool to support large scale surveillance for bluetongue virus infection.
Authors: Kirkland Peter , Farrugia B. , Frost M.J. , Zhang C. , Finlaison Deborah
Published: February 2022

In the last decade, real time PCR has been increasingly adopted for
bluetongue diagnosis with both broadly reactive and serotype-specific
assays widely used. The use of these assays and nucleic acid sequencing
technologies have enhanced bluetongue virus detection, resulting in the
identification of a number of new serotypes. As a result, more than 30
different serotypes are proposed. Rapid identification of the virus
serotype is essential for matching of antigens used in vaccines and to
undertake surveillance and epidemiological studies to assist risk
management. However, it is not uncommon for multiple serotypes to
circulate in a region either concurrently or in successive years. It is
therefore necessary to have a large suite of assays available to ensure
that the full spectrum of viruses is detected. Nevertheless, covering a
large range of virus serotypes is demanding from both a time and
resource perspective. To overcome these challenges, real time PCR assays
were optimised to match local virus strains and then combined in a panel
of quadriplex assays, resulting in 3 assays to detect 12 serotypes
directly from blood samples from cattle and sheep. These multiplex
assays have been used extensively for bluetongue surveillance in both
sentinel animals and opportunistically collected samples. A protocol to
adapt these assays to capture variations in local strains of bluetongue
virus and to expand the panel is described. Collectively these assays
provide powerful tools for surveillance and the rapid identification of
bluetongue virus serotypes directly from animal blood samples.