bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of climate change impact on hydrology of a transboundary river of Bhutan and India
Authors: Zam Phub , Shrestha Sangam , Budhathoki Aakanchya
Published: June 2021

Assessing the impacts of climate change on a transboundary river plays an important role in sustaining water security within as well as beyond the national boundaries. At times, the unilateral decision taken by one country can increase the risk of negative effect on the riparian countries and if the impact is felt strongly by the other country, it can lead to international tension between them. This study examines the impact of climate change on hydrology between a shared river which is Wangchu river in Bhutan and Raidak river in India. The river is mainly used to produce hydropower in the two largest hydropower plants on which the majority of Bhutan's economic development depends and is mainly used for agriculture in India. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used for future flow simulation. Future climate was projected for near future (NF) from 2025–2050 and far future (FF) from 2074–2099 using an ensemble of three regional climate models (ACCESS, CNRM-CM5 and MPI-ESM-LR) for two RCPs (Representative Concentration Pathways), RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenario. The ensemble results indicated that, in future, the study area would become warmer with temperature increase of 1.5 °C under RCP 4.5 and 3.6 °C under RCP 8.5. However, as per RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, rainfall over the study area is projected to decrease by 1.90% and 1.38%, respectively. As a consequence of the projected decrease in rainfall, the flow in the river is projected to decrease by 5.77% under RCP 4.5 and 4.73% under RCP 8.5. Overall, the results indicated that the degree of hydrological change is expected to be higher, particularly for low flows in both Wangchu and Raidak River. Since transboundary water is shared for economic growth, climate change adaptation and opportunities should also be considered by both the nations for better water management.
Application of artificial neural network (ANN-MLP) for the prediction of fouling resistance in heat exchanger to MgO-water and CuO-water nanofluids
Authors: Benyekhlef Ahmed , Mohammedi Brahim , Hassani Djamel , Hanini Salah
Published: June 2021

In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed with the aim of predicting fouling resistance for heat exchanger, the network was designed and trained by means of 375 experimental data points that were selected from the literature. These data points contain six inputs, including time, volumetric concentration, heat flux, mass flow rate, inlet temperature, thermal conductivity and fouling resistance as an output. The experimental data are used for training, testing and validation of the ANN using multiple layer perceptron (MLP). The comparison of statistical criteria of different networks shows that the optimal structure for predicting the fouling resistance of the nanofluid is the MLP network with 20 hidden neurons, which has been trained with Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm. The accuracy of the model was assessed based on three known statistical metrics including mean square error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The obtained model was found with the performance of {MSE = 6.5377 × 10−4, MAPE = 2.40% and R2 = 0.99756} for the training stage, {MSE = 3.9629 × 10−4, MAPE = 1.8922% and R2 = 0.99835} for the test stage and {MSE = 5.8303 × 10−4, MAPE = 2.57% and R2 = 0.99812} for the validation stage. In order to control the fouling procedure, and after conducting a sensitivity analysis, it found that all input variables have strong effect on the estimation of the fouling resistance.
THE PECULIARITIES OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES’ PROFIT TAXATION IN A DIFFERENTIATED APPROACH
Authors: DUBKOVA Valeria B.
Published: June 2021

This article studies the problem of improving enterprise profit taxation, the ways to solve it, and one of the main problems of the modern system of the enterprises taxation — how it is connected to the production efficiency. By solving it, we can determine the differentiation of the tax rates to the enterprises’ profit. Within its methodological framework, the author proposes to use the theory of surplus value. In order to spread the global methods for solving the issues of improving the taxation profit of enterprises and ensuring the economic efficiency and growth, the principles of neoclassic marginal theory are used. The system of indicators — signs and criteria — provides evidence for differentiating industrial enterprises into groups for a more optimal taxation of their profits. The author provides suggestions for forming the rate of the profit tax to stimulate the increase of production efficiency and reinvestment of funds for its development. The algorithm for calculating the profit tax rate assumes using the index of the norms of surplus value — profitableness of labor. This article proposes using a matrix for classifying industrial enterprises into groups, defining the level of the tax rates to profit for each of them based on the developed algorithm together with the level of production efficiency for 2018. For industrial enterprises, special industrial level of indicators — the signs differentiation — are considered: the structure of capital, the standard of profit, the profitableness of labor, and the results of their profit taxation using the method of free balance, the normative method, the modern and the proposed tax profit systems. In the case of the industrial enterprises, the relevance of the proposed reforms of the taxation of profit is explained. The results of research constitute the methodological basis of developing a more effective mechanism of taxing enterprises’ profit, which is especially necessary when realizing anti-crisis economic politics.
MONITORING OF THE EFFECTS OF ISOLATION FACTORS ON HUMAN PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE SIRIUS-19 PROJECT
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Tzetlin V.V. , Bersenev E.Yu. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Stepanova G.P. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Degterenkova N.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Anikeev D.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the results of examination of 6 volunteers (3 males and 3 females) in a 120-d isolation study aimed to simulate a mission to the Moon. The factors of our interest were the helio-geomagnetic background and electromagnetic environment (EME). EME variations were determined by the H+ ions activity (potentiometer), water pH and redox potential (ion meter). Diurnal fluctuations of autonomic regulation of the heart rate (HRV) were monitored to reveal possible interconnected biotrophic effects. From our observations it followed that each volunteer had own diurnal profile of biorhythms and that HRV in men and women were different. Male volunteers showed a more pronounced downward trend of mean diurnal HR in succeeding measurements pointing to the growth of parasympathetic regulation because of lowered locomotor activity. Men and women demonstrated identical shifts in diurnal HR registered every 10–12 days. On weekends, the 1 to 1.5 hour shift of the morning HR elevation corresponded to the late awakening. On the days of high ionosphere disturbance the sympathetic and parasympathetic segments of the cardiovascular system regulation responded by maximal activation.
INDIVIDUAL AND TYPOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OPERATOR'S EEG REACTIONS TO TIME DEVIATIONS IN THE WORK/REST CYCLE
Authors:   Scientific Research and Testing Center of Aerospace Medicine and Military Ergonomics of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Schastlivtseva D.V. , Kalmanov A.S. ,   Scientific Research and Testing Center of Aerospace Medicine and Military Ergonomics of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Kotrovskaya T.I. ,   Scientific Research and Testing Center of Aerospace Medicine and Military Ergonomics of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Bubeev Yu.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: June 2021

The relationship between of individual typological characteristics and dynamics of the EEG rhythms was studied in human operators challenged by deviations in the work/rest cycle during 21-d isolation and confinement. Comparison of records made prior to and immediately after isolation showed that the relative power value (RPV) dynamics of the alpha-rhythm was dependent solely on parameters of the individual typological brain activity. Unlike RPV of delta, RPV of theta was unambiguously responsive to the experimental stresses, i.e. shift work in the conditions of 21-d isolation and confinement.
APPLICATION OF THE ADJOINT IDEOMOTION METHOD FOR PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND CORRECTION WITH THE HELP OF SMARTPHONE
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kvasovets S.V. , Ivanov A.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Bubeev Yu.A. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: June 2021

The paper introduces the principles of an adjoint ideomotion method (AIM) for psychophysiological diagnostics based on a client – server distributed system within which information is communicated and measurement data filed with the help of commonly used smartphones. The authors discuss the issues of remote diagnostics automation and unification, application areas, and practical uses. Comparison of the results of questioning and AIM evidenced for advantages of the latter in respect to small populations and revealing symptoms undetectable by standard questionnaires.
Educação comum ou especial? Análise das diretrizes políticas de educação especial brasileiras
Authors: Pletsch Marcia Denise , Souza Flávia Faissal de
Published: June 2021

A partir de uma pesquisa documental sobre as diferentes diretrizes políticas de Educação Especial elaboradas pelos governos brasileiros nos anos de 1994, 1999, 2001, 2008 e 2020, este artigo objetiva discutir as mudanças conceituais e terminológicas para referir-se ao público da Educação Especial no país, assim como os suportes educacionais oferecidos para a Educação dessa população. Nossas análises apontam que, nos documentos de 1994 a 2008, houve avanços em termos de garantia de direitos educacionais numa perspectiva inclusiva ao incorporar princípios do modelo social da deficiência em detrimento do modelo médico. Também se fortaleceu e se ampliou o número de matrículas de pessoas com deficiência na educação básica e superior pública. No entanto, em setembro de 2020, o governo federal publicou um decreto que institui uma nova Política de Educação Especial, poucas semanas depois suspensa por medida cautelar do Supremo Tribunal Federal, sob a alegação de que o decreto volta a privilegiar a segregação em instituições filantrópicas privadas. Entre outros aspectos, a proposta pega carona no discurso econômico liberal de desresponsabilização do Estado, segundo o qual as famílias teriam o direito de “escolher” o tipo de educação que desejam para os filhos.
Natural Products as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy to Target
Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Erkisa Merve , Sariman Melda , Geyik Oyku Gonul , Geyik Caner , Stanojkovic Tatjana , Ulukaya Engin
Published: June 2021

Cancer remains a deadly disease, and its treatment desperately needs to be managed through
novel, rapidly advancing strategies. Most cancer cases eventually develop into recurrences, for which
cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible. These cells are considered a subpopulation of
all tumor cancer cells, with aberrant regulation of self-renewal, unbalanced proliferation, and cell death
properties. CSCs show a marked degree of resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy and immune
surveillance. To combat CSCs, new drugs are flooding the market each year, increasing the cost of
therapy dramatically. Natural products are becoming a new research area, presenting a diverse chemical
library to suppress CSCs and some natural products show great promise in this regard. In the near future,
the introduction of natural products as a source of new chemotherapy modalities may result in the
development of novel anticancer drugs that could be reasonably-priced alternatives to expensive current
treatments. Lately preclinical and clinical research has focused on natural compounds’ effects on targeting
surface markers, signaling pathways, apoptosis, and escape from immunosurveillance. In this review,
we present research on the mechanisms through which natural compounds kill CSCs and the
potential use of natural compounds in the inhibition of CSCs.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of Asymmetric Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Giordano Marco , Renno Giacomo , Quagliotto Pierluigi , Barolo Claudia , Cravotto Giancarlo , Fin Andrea , Viscardi Guido
Published: June 2021

Cyanine Dyes (CD) are a functional class of organic molecules used in several applications
ranging from photography to bioimaging. Most well-known features of CDs reside
on high molar extinction coefficients up to 105 L mol-1cm-1 and on the absorption spectra,
ranging from 500 to 1000 nm, which can be fine-tuned both by extending the length of the
central methylene bridge or by modulating the terminal heterocycles. In the last decades, new
synthetic methodologies, namely microwave-assisted and the solid-phase procedure, have
been developed to overcome the limitation of the classical synthetic protocols. While the microwave
approach usually reduces the exposure time of the reagents and products to thermal
degradation, the solid-phase methodology allows easier synthetic protocols, which are translated
into higher yields and simpler products purification. In the present review, a comprehensive
analysis of the solid-phase methods for the synthesis of asymmetrical CDs is discussed,
with a critical evaluation of the difference among the currently available solid-state approaches.
Mitochondrial Biotransformation of Drugs and other Xenobiotics
Authors: Orhan Hilmi , Karakuş Fuat , Ergüç Ali
Published: June 2021

In vivo biotransformation of exposed chemicals is one of the major factors that determine the concentration
and the duration of a substance at the systemic site of effect. Given that toxicity is expressed as a function of two
factors, namely dose and time, the type and intensity of the toxicity are directly dependent on the chemical transformation
of the exposed parent substance. This dependency involves two different situations. The amount of the
chemical reaching the target will be decreased with the extent of metabolism if the parent chemical is toxic, and the
opposite is true if the metabolite(s) is toxic instead. To date, the liver microsomal fraction in mammals has been
justifiably considered as the center of biotransformation reactions because the liver and microsomes (i.e., endoplasmic
reticulum component of the cell) possess the most abundant types and quantities of xenobiotic-metabolizing
enzymes, especially the cytochrome P450 supergene enzyme family. These enzymes are common in all kingdoms of
life, which strongly suggests that the origin of life is common. It is already known that various drugs enter mitochondria
by different mechanisms, and this translocation is believed to be responsible for mitochondrial effects that are
part of the therapeutic actions of various drugs such as lipid-lowering statins or antidiabetogenic thiazolidindiones.
However, the discovery of mitochondrial forms of the xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes provoked discussions about
whether mitochondria metabolize drugs and other chemicals to some extent. This possibility may particularly be
important as mitochondria have various critical cellular structures and functions. In the case of in situ generated
metabolite(s), when there are adverse interactions with either these structures or functions, various toxic outcomes
may appear. In this review, we compiled studies in the literature regarding biotransformation of drugs and other
chemicals catalyzed by mitochondria where it is both an initiator and target of toxicity.
Quantitative Trait Loci Identification by Estimating the Genetic Model
based on the Extremal Samples
Authors: Yang Zining , Yang Yaning , Xu Xu Steven , Yuan Min
Published: June 2021

Background:

In genetic association studies with quantitative trait loci (QTL), the association between a candidate genetic marker and the trait of interest is commonly examined by the omnibus F test or by the t-test corresponding to a given genetic model or mode of inheritance. It is known that the t-test with a correct model specification is more powerful than the F test. However, since the underlying genetic model is rarely known in practice, the use of a model-specific t-test may incur substantial power loss. Robust-efficient tests, such as the Maximin Efficiency Robust Test (MERT) and MAX3 have been proposed in the literature.

Methods:

In this paper, we propose a novel two-step robust-efficient approach, namely, the genetic model selection (GMS) method for quantitative trait analysis. GMS selects a genetic model by testing Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium (HWD) with extremal samples of the population in the first step and then applies the corresponding genetic model-specific t-test in the second step.

Results:

Simulations show that GMS is not only more efficient than MERT and MAX3, but also has comparable power to the optimal t-test when the genetic model is known.

Conclusion:

Application to the data from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort demonstrate that the proposed approach can identify meaningful biological SNPs on chromosome 19.
Association of PAF and its Metabolic Enzymes with GGT and the Fatty Liver Index in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Detopoulou Paraskevi , Nomikos Tzortzis , Fragopoulou Elizabeth , Antonopoulou Smaragdi
Published: June 2021

Background:

Platelet-activating-factor (PAF) is a lipid inflammatory mediator implicated
in liver disease. Its main biosynthetic enzymes are cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-choline:
1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and acetyl-coenzyme A:
lyso-PAF-acetyltransferases (Lyso-PAF-AT). At the same time, PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH)
and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) degrade PAF.

Objective:

To explore the relation of PAF metabolism with liver diseases and non-alcoholic fatty
liver disease, as reflected by the fatty liver index (FLI).

Methods:

In 106 healthy volunteers, PAF concentration, the activity of its metabolic enzymes and
gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured in whole blood, leukocytes and serum, respectively
and the FLI was calculated. Partial correlations and linear regression models were used.

Results:

In males, serum GGT activity was positively correlated with abdominal fat (as assessed
by analysis of a manually defined region of interest in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), triacylglycerols,
bound-PAF and Lp-PLA2, while the FLI was positively correlated with Lp-PLA2 activity.
In females, serum GGT activity was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C) (age adjusted correlations, all p<0.05). Lp-PLA2 was a significant determinant of serum
GGT activity in males after controlling for age, low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and
abdominal fat. The addition of bound-PAF in the model significantly increased the explained
variance of serum GGT activity (total variance explanation 30%).

Conclusions :

Bound-PAF and Lp-PLA2 activity predicted serum GGT activity while Lp-PLA2 was
also related to FLI. Our findings shed light on the metabolic pathways linking Lp-PLA2 to other
atherosclerosis and/or oxidative markers, such as HDL-C, LDL-C, GGT and FLI and underline the
important role of PAF.
Uit elkaar gaan : Kenmerken van het echtscheidingsproces en het welzijn van ex‐partners na de scheiding
Authors: Symoens Sara , Bastaits Kim , Bracke Piet , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: June 2021

Hoewel de relatie tussen echtscheiding en mentale gezondheid reeds veel onderzocht werd, is nog weinig geweten over de rol van het echtscheidingsproces zelf. Deze studie beschouwt verschillende kenmerken van dit proces en hoe zij linken aan welzijn na echtscheiding: conflict, duur, initiatiefname, verhuizen, en gevoelens van (on)billijkheid betreffende de verdeling van de goederen. Data van het onderzoek “Scheiding in Vlaanderen” (SiV) werden gebruikt. Multi‐level regressies werden beperkt tot gescheiden mannen en vrouwen tussen 25 en 60 jaar oud, die maximaal 5 jaar geleden uit de echt scheidden (N=728). Resultaten tonen aan dat mannen en vrouwen die zelf het initiatief namen een beter welbevinden rapporteren, ook bij een gedeelde initiatiefname. Dit geldt ook voor wie de verdeling als billijk ervaart. Tegen de verwachting in, relateert conflict tijdens het proces, noch de duur van het proces aan welbevinden op lange termijn; maar voortdurend conflict met de ex‐partner wel. De resultaten beklemtonen de nood om de focus aangaande het echtscheidingsproces te verleggen van ‘snelheid’ naar ‘kwaliteit’.
Abstract :
Although the link between divorce and mental health has received a great deal of attention so far, still little is known about the process of divorce. This study considers different characteristics of it, and how they relate to post‐divorce wellbeing: conflict, duration, initiation, moving house, and feelings of (in)equity with regard to the division of goods. Data from the survey “Divorce in Flanders” (DIF) is used. Multi‐level regressions were limited to men and women aged 25 to 60 years who had divorced, but no more than 5 years ago (N=728). Results indicate that initiation relates to better mental health for both men and women, also in case of shared initiation. The same holds for when one perceives the division at divorce as fair. Contrary to expectations, duration, nor conflict in divorce is related to mental health in the long run; but continuing conflict is. Results stress a need to shift focus from ‘speed’ to ‘quality’ concerning the process of divorce.
Late complication of the oral cavity and oropharynx after interstitial neutron therapy with sources of Cf-252
Authors:   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Polkin V.V. , Medvedev V.S. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Derbugov D.N. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Isaev P.A. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Vasil`kov S.V. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Sevrukov F.E. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Fedina A.K. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Ivanov S.A. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Kaprin A.D. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (NMRRC)
Published: June 2021

Radiotherapy is used to treat approximately 80% of patients with cancer of the head and neck. Despite enormous advances in radiotherapy planning and delivery, a significant number of pa-tients will experience radiation-associated toxicities. Many effective management options are available for acute radiotherapy-associated toxicities, but treatment options are much more lim-ited and of variable benefit among patients who develop late sequelae after radiotherapy. The present work is based on observations of 586 patients with oral and oropharynx cancer, for which interstitial neutron therapy was carried out in an independent version or in combination with re-mote radiation therapy. Radiation injuries occurred in 130 (22.2%) patients, in 92 (15.7%) they appeared in the form of radiation ulcers and in 38 (6.4%) – osteoradionecrosis of the lower jaw. The clinical picture and the course of radiation injuries after interstitial neutron therapy with sources of 252Cf did not differ significantly from radiation complications after photon irradiation.
Analysis of clinical and epidemiological indicators of peripheral artery disease in patients living in close vicinity of uranium legacy sites
Authors:   International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Suranova G.J. , Tuhvatshin R.R. ,   I.K. AKhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek
Published: June 2021

The article presents results of clinical and epidemiological analysis of medical records of patients lived in the vicinity of uranium legacy sites and suffered from peripheral artery disease. The rec-ords of 474 patients were examined, 40 of the patients were included in the main group. The con-trol groups 1 and 2 contained 434 patients lived in conditionally "clean" sites, free of waste de-posited in low and middle altitude sites. The results demonstrate prevalence of multilevel occlu-sive lesions of the arteries of the lower extremities group with involvement in the pathological process and distal segments of the vessels (OR=6.26; 2=24.92 and OR=5.56; 2=16.7; p<0.001) in patients of the main group. The higher frequency of critical lower limb ischemia in the main group compared to the control group 2 by 1.42 times (p>0.05) indirectly points to the exertion of altitude adaptation mechanisms in patients living in radionuclide-free (OR=5.38; 2=14.22; p<0.001) and manifestations of chronic ischemia (p>0.05) in the main group exceeded the num-ber in other groups under study allows making suggestion that there were lesions on arterial walls in the main group patients. Femoral-anterior-tibial bypass surgery was implemented more frequently (OR=2.73, 2=5.49, p=0.02; OR=5.35, 2=9.09, p=0.003) in patients of the main group, this fact can be considered as the further confirmation of the presence of damage to the distal parts of the vessels. Based on the study analysis, one can draw conclusion that peripheral artery disease had specific pathogenesis and clinical features in the patients lived in the vicinity of radi-oactive waste storage sites with standard levels of radiation background and mountain climate.
Health Recommender Systems: Systematic Review
Authors: De Croon Robin , Van Houdt Leen , Htun Nyi Nyi , Štiglic Gregor , Vanden Abeele Vero , Verbert Katrien
Published: June 2021

Background

Health recommender systems (HRSs) offer the potential to motivate and engage users to change their behavior by sharing better choices and actionable knowledge based on observed user behavior.

Objective

We aim to review HRSs targeting nonmedical professionals (laypersons) to better understand the current state of the art and identify both the main trends and the gaps with respect to current implementations.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and synthesized the results. A total of 73 published studies that reported both an implementation and evaluation of an HRS targeted to laypersons were included and analyzed in this review.

Results

Recommended items were classified into four major categories: lifestyle, nutrition, general health care information, and specific health conditions. The majority of HRSs use hybrid recommendation algorithms. Evaluations of HRSs vary greatly; half of the studies only evaluated the algorithm with various metrics, whereas others performed full-scale randomized controlled trials or conducted in-the-wild studies to evaluate the impact of HRSs, thereby showing that the field is slowly maturing. On the basis of our review, we derived five reporting guidelines that can serve as a reference frame for future HRS studies. HRS studies should clarify who the target user is and to whom the recommendations apply, what is recommended and how the recommendations are presented to the user, where the data set can be found, what algorithms were used to calculate the recommendations, and what evaluation protocol was used.

Conclusions

There is significant opportunity for an HRS to inform and guide health actions. Through this review, we promote the discussion of ways to augment HRS research by recommending a reference frame with five design guidelines.
An Embodied Conversational Agent in an eHealth Self-management Intervention for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure: Exploratory Study in a Real-life Setting
Authors: ter Stal Silke , Sloots Joanne , Ramlal Aniel , op den Akker Harm , Lenferink Anke , Tabak Monique
Published: June 2021

Background

Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) have the potential to stimulate actual use of eHealth apps. An ECA’s design influences the user’s perception during short interactions, but daily life evaluations of ECAs in health care are scarce.

Objective

This is an exploratory, long-term study on the design of ECAs for eHealth. The study investigates how patients perceive the design of the ECA over time with regard to the ECA’s characteristics (friendliness, trustworthiness, involvement, expertise, and authority), small talk interaction, and likeliness of following the agent’s advice.

Methods

We developed an ECA within an eHealth self-management intervention for patients with both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF), which we offered for 4 months. Patients rated 5 agent characteristics and likeliness of following the agent’s advice before use and after 3 and 9 weeks of use. The amount of patients’ small talk interaction was assessed by log data. Lastly, individual semistructured interviews were used to triangulate results.

Results

Eleven patients (7 male and 4 female) with COPD and CHF participated (median age 70 years). Patients’ perceptions of the agent characteristics did not change over time (P>.05 for all characteristics) and only 1 participant finished all small talk dialogues. After 3 weeks of use, the patients were less likely to follow the agent’s advice (P=.01). The agent’s messages were perceived as nonpersonalized and the feedback as inappropriate, affecting the agent’s perceived reliability.

Conclusions

This exploratory study provides first insights into ECA design for eHealth. The first impression of an ECA’s design seems to remain during long-term use. To investigate future added value of ECAs in eHealth, perceived reliability should be improved by managing users’ expectations of the ECA’s capabilities and creating ECA designs fitting individual needs.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Register NL6480; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6480
Effects of Mobile App–Based Intervention for Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
Authors: Gould Christine E , Carlson Chalise , Ma Flora , Forman-Hoffman Valerie , Ranta Kristian , Kuhn Eric
Published: June 2021

Background

Digital mental health interventions may help middle-aged and older adults with depression overcome barriers to accessing traditional care, but few studies have investigated their use in this population.

Objective

This pilot study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the Meru Health Program, an 8-week mobile app–delivered intervention.

Methods

A total of 20 community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (age: mean 61.7 years, SD 11.3) with elevated depressive symptoms participated in a single-arm pilot study investigating the Meru Health Program, an app-delivered intervention supported by remote therapists. The program primarily uses mindfulness and cognitive behavioral skills to target depressive symptoms. A semistructured interview was completed at the baseline to establish current psychiatric diagnoses. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression measures. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the PROMIS Anxiety measure. User experience and acceptability were examined through surveys and qualitative interviews.

Results

In total, 90% (18/20) of the participants completed the program, with 75% (15/20) completing at least 7 of the 8 introductory weekly lessons. On average, participants completed 60 minutes of practice and exchanged 5 messages with their therapists every week. The app was rated as helpful by 89% (17/19) participants. Significant decreases in depressive (P=.03) and anxiety symptom measures (P=.01) were found; 45% (9/20) of participants showed clinically significant improvement in either depressive symptoms or anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the commercially available Meru Health Program may be feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial to middle-aged and older adults. Although larger controlled trials are needed to demonstrate efficacy, these findings suggest that digital health interventions may benefit adults of all ages.
Health Recommender Systems: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: De Croon Robin , Van Houdt Leen , Htun Nyi Nyi , Štiglic Gregor , Vanden Abeele Vero , Verbert Katrien
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Health recommender systems (HRSs) offer the potential to motivate and engage users to change their behavior by sharing better choices and actionable knowledge based on observed user behavior.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to review HRSs targeting nonmedical professionals (laypersons) to better understand the current state of the art and identify both the main trends and the gaps with respect to current implementations.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and synthesized the results. A total of 73 published studies that reported both an implementation and evaluation of an HRS targeted to laypersons were included and analyzed in this review.

RESULTS

Recommended items were classified into four major categories: lifestyle, nutrition, general health care information, and specific health conditions. The majority of HRSs use hybrid recommendation algorithms. Evaluations of HRSs vary greatly; half of the studies only evaluated the algorithm with various metrics, whereas others performed full-scale randomized controlled trials or conducted in-the-wild studies to evaluate the impact of HRSs, thereby showing that the field is slowly maturing. On the basis of our review, we derived five reporting guidelines that can serve as a reference frame for future HRS studies. HRS studies should clarify who the target user is and to whom the recommendations apply, what is recommended and how the recommendations are presented to the user, where the data set can be found, what algorithms were used to calculate the recommendations, and what evaluation protocol was used.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant opportunity for an HRS to inform and guide health actions. Through this review, we promote the discussion of ways to augment HRS research by recommending a reference frame with five design guidelines.
Twitter Users’ Views on Mental Health Crisis Resolution Team Care Compared With Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups: Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Chilman Natasha , Morant Nicola , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Wackett Jane , Johnson Sonia
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Analyzing Twitter posts enables rapid access to how issues and experiences are socially shared and constructed among communities of health service users and providers, in ways that traditional qualitative methods may not.

OBJECTIVE

To enrich the understanding of mental health crisis care in the United Kingdom, this study explores views on crisis resolution teams (CRTs) expressed on Twitter. We aim to identify the similarities and differences among views expressed on Twitter compared with interviews and focus groups.

METHODS

We used Twitter’s advanced search function to retrieve public tweets on CRTs. A thematic analysis was conducted on 500 randomly selected tweets. The principles of refutational synthesis were applied to compare themes with those identified in a multicenter qualitative interview study.

RESULTS

The most popular hashtag identified was #CrisisTeamFail, where posts were principally related to poor quality of care and access, particularly for people given a personality disorder diagnosis. Posts about CRTs giving unhelpful self-management advice were common, as were tweets about resource strains on mental health services. This was not identified in the research interviews. Although each source yielded unique themes, there were some overlaps with themes identified via interviews and focus groups, including the importance of rapid access to care. Views expressed on Twitter were generally more critical than those obtained via face-to-face methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional qualitative studies may underrepresent the views of more critical stakeholders by collecting data from participants accessed via mental health services. Research on social media content can complement traditional or face-to-face methods and ensure that a broad spectrum of viewpoints can inform service development and policy.

CLINICALTRIAL
The Pandemic, Infodemic, and People’s Resilience in India: Viewpoint (Preprint)
Authors: Syed Abdul Shabbir , Ramaswamy Meghna , Fernandez-Luque Luis , John Oommen , Pitti Thejkiran , Parashar Babita
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused widespread fear and stress. The pandemic has affected everyone, everywhere, and created systemic inequities, leaving no one behind. In India alone, more than 34,094,373 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 452,454 related deaths have been reported as of October 19, 2021. Around May 2021, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases crossed the 400,000 mark, seriously hampering the health care system. Despite the devastating situation, the public response was seen through their efforts to come forward with innovative ideas for potential ways to combat the pandemic, for instance, dealing with the shortage of oxygen cylinders and hospital bed availability. With increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates since September 2021, along with the diminishing number of daily new cases, the country is conducting preventive and preparatory measures for the third wave. In this article, we propose the pivotal role of public participation and digital solutions to re-establish our society and describe how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can support eHealth initiatives and mitigate infodemics to tackle a postpandemic situation. This viewpoint reflects that the COVID-19 pandemic has featured a need to bring together research findings across disciplines, build greater coherence within the field, and be a driving force for multi-sectoral, cross-disciplinary collaboration. The article also highlights the various needs to develop digital solutions that can be applied to pandemic situations and be reprocessed to focus on other SDGs. Promoting the use of digital health care solutions to implement preventive measures can be enhanced by public empowerment and engagement. Wearable technologies can be efficiently used for remote monitoring or home-based care for patients with chronic conditions. Furthermore, the development and implementation of informational tools can aid the improvement of well-being and dissolve panic-ridden behaviors contributing toward infodemics. Thus, a call to action for an observatory of digital health initiatives on COVID-19 is required to share the main conclusions and lessons learned in terms of resilience, crisis mitigation, and preparedness.
Perceived Supervisor Support and Turnover Intention: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Astuti Tri , Helmi Avin Fadilla
Published: June 2021

Employees intending to resign are commonly due to material matters, such as lack of salary or incentives. Evidently, moral matters, e.g., supervisor support, implies to affect the turnover intention in an organization. Studies pertaining the effect of these two variables to intention to resign report mixed result. For example, several studies report direct and significant effect of these two variables to intention to resign, while otherstudies report the contrary. This study aimed to investigate the direct influence of perceived supervisor support on employee turnover intention through a meta-analysis method. There are 17 articles and 20 studies, ranging from 2007 to 2019 being analysed, of which 60% were published in accredited international journals, and the remaining 40% were published in international journals. Aggregate number of respondents of the studies amounted to 10,079 people from all industrial sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality industry, education, and social services in several countries, such as the Philippines, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Norway, and the United States. This study employed data from the standardized beta coefficient using an open-source program data analysis application of Mplus. The study results found that perceived supervisor support did not directly affect employee turnover intention. The study can be used as a reference for similar studies to compare other interrelated variables.
The Dynamic of Intimacy in Prostitution
Authors: Pujhana I Kadek Wahyu , Lestari Made Diah
Published: June 2021

The study of prostitution in Indonesia is dominated by economic, legal, social and health studies. Psychological studies related to the dynamics of intimacy are still limited and mostly conducted in the context of sexual and reproductive health, namely the use of condoms. Intimacy in this article refers to closeness, attachment, and comfort that are psychologically important for prostitutes to manage in order to maintain a personal relationship with clients. The purpose of this article is to describe intimacy in the world of prostitution. Through literature studies and by limiting the study on female prostitutes, this article discusses the definition of prostitution, its history in Indonesia, the role of intimacy in prostitution, the boundaries of intimate relationships, and the link between intimacy and condom use. Two discourses, intimacy as part of sexual relations and intimacy as a form of embeddedness in an economic context are used to understand the boundary line between intimacy as a commercial relationship and intimacy as a non-commercial relationship. This article is expected to contribute to the psychological, legal, and health aspects of prostitution.
A recombinant DNA‐satellite associated with Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus in highland area
Authors: Kandito Argawi , Hartono Sedyo , Sulandari Sri , Somowiyarjo Susamto
Published: June 2021

Yellow curl disease caused by begomovirus is a major threat for horticulture in Indonesia. Control mea‐ sures for the disease face several constraints, one of which is the association between begomovirus and DNA satellites which can affect the severity of symptoms. In this study, we detected the presence of a DNA satellite associated with begomovirus in a highland area. The sample was obtained from Ketep, Magelang, located approximately 1400 meters above sea level. Begomovirus was detected using primers PAL1V1978/PAR1C715 that resulted in an amplicon of ap‐ proximately 1600bp. The presence of this satellite was detected using primers CLB36F/CLB37R, resulting in full‐length satellite genome of approximately 1300bp. Sequence analysis showed the sample was infected by Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV) and a non‐coding satellite which resembled some characteristics of common betasatellites with imperfect putative ORF βC1. SimPlot analysis revealed the recombination event between betasatellites and DNA‐B of PepYLCIV. The satellite found in this study is thought to be the result of recombination due to multiple infections in plants.
Sarcopenia y factores asociados en los adultos mayores de una unidad de medicina familiar en Yucatán, México
Authors: Martín Sierra Janeth Alejandra , Calderón Loeza Gloria Yaneth , Zapata Vázquez Rita Esther , Novelo Tec José Feliciano
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la sarcopenia en adultos mayores derechohabientes de una unidad de medicina familiar (umf). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico; participaron 121 adultos mayores de 60 años de la umf No.20 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (imss) en Caucel, Yucatán, México; fueron evaluados de junio a octubre del 2019. Mediante un muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos y el índice de masa corporal (imc). Se estableció el diagnóstico de sarcopenia según criterios del grupo europeo sobre Sarcopenia en el Adulto Mayor (ewgsop 2010). Se aplicó el cuestionario de Evaluación rápida de la actividad física (rapa) para evaluar el nivel de actividad física y el índicedeKatz para estimar la dependencia en las actividades de la vida diaria. Se utilizó en el análisis estadístico, la U de Mann Whitney y la prueba de χ2 de independencia para comparar los grupos, y regresión logística múltiple para determinar factores de riesgo de sarcopenia; se consideró significativo un valor p<0.05. Resultados: la prevalencia de sarcopenia fue de 46%. Los factores asociados a ella fueron: edad > 75 años (or de 6.3; ic 95%: 1.8-21.4), consumo crónico de alcohol (or de 4.3; ic 95%: 1.45-13.2), imc < 27 (or de 8; ic 95%: 1.8-33.9) e imc de 27 a 30 (or de 4.1; ic 95%: 1.64-10.5). Conclusiones: la sarcopenia se presentó en casi la mitad de los participantes; el riesgo de padecerla aumenta después de los 75 años, con el consumo crónico de alcohol y con imc< 30.
Actividad sexual en el adulto mayor como factor que puede impactar en la calidad de vida
Authors: Hernández Gálvez Olga Abigail
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la actividad sexual en la calidad de vida en pacientes masculinos de 65 a 75 años de edad. Métodos: estudio transversal analítico, llevado a cabo de marzo a agosto de 2019, en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 58 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se incluyeron pacientes masculinos de 65 a 75 años de edad, la muestra se calculó para poblaciones finitas con muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, con un total de 436 pacientes, a los que se les aplicó la Escala de gencat para valorar la calidad de vida y la Nueva Escala de Satisfacción Sexual para valorar el interés sexual, ambos instrumentos validados para población hispana. Resultados: se encontró que 83.4% (364) de los adultos mayores consideraron que las relaciones sexuales activas sí mejoran su calidad de vida, además se reconoció que 85.76% (374) de los pacientes tenían interés sexual y 72.9% (318) de los pacientes con actividad sexual activa se sienten felices. Se identificaron factores de riesgo del desinterés sexual como la insatisfacción con la vida presente, falta de motivación y la percepción de empeoramiento de la salud, entre otros.