bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Institutionalization of Ethics in Schools: A Qualitative Research on Teachers
Authors: KOÇ Mehmet Hilmi , FİDAN Tuncer
Published: April 2020

This study aims to reveal teachers’ views on the institutionalization of ethical and unethical behaviors in school settings. This is a phenomenological study, one of the qualitative research designs. Purposeful sampling method was used in this study. The study group consisted of 20 teachers working in schools in Istanbul. A semi-structured interview form was developed to collect data. A content analysis was conducted to analyze the contents of the interviews. Based on the findings, it can be said that there are no systematic efforts to institutionalize ethics in schools. One of the most significant results of this study was that there was a tendency to respond negatively or to not respond to ethical behaviors in schools, while there was no institutional response to unethical behaviors. Unethicality, rather than ethicality, might be expected to institutionalize in schools where teachers have difficulties for their ethical behaviors, but do not have any problems for their unethical behaviors. In such conditions, teachers predominantly make individual efforts to act ethically since they are mostly devoid of the support of a strong institutional environment encouraging ethical behaviors. Furthermore, according to the participants, there was no ethical consensus on what should be done on facing unethical behaviors. The results of this study indicated that there could be a tendency towards the institutionalization of unethicality rather than ethicality in schools. A formal structure, such as an ethical committee, which can control the application of ethical principles and codes and evaluate change requirements in this process, is required to hinder the institutionalization of unethicality in schools. Besides, there are also certain strategies that administrators and teachers can use to reverse this tendency.
Pillowcase & rubber band DIY face mask v2
Authors: Turnsek Jernej
Published: April 2020

Wearing a face mask helps stop the spread of the new coronavirus. This protocol describes a very simple way to make one at home using a cotton pillowcase, a (coffee) filter, 2 rubber bands, and a minute of your time. Useful additional resources: 1/ Video protocol for a related alternative. 2/ More DIY face mask ideas provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 3/ Pillowcase alternatives and strategies to improve/modify (the effectiveness of) your DIY face mask. 4/ Discussion on sneeze/cough droplet ballistics and why wearing a mask, even a DIY cloth-based one without filters, matters.
Historical and Foreign Experience of Implementation of the Principle of Supremacy of the Council in the System of Local Government and Self-Government: Lessons for Modern Russia
Authors: Larichev A. A.
Published: April 2020

A Municipal Council has an important role to play in representing the interests of the population at the local level. At the same time in Russia the evolution of the legal status of this institution since the beginning of the 1990s is ambiguous: the capability and activities of representative bodies are limited. The paper, through the prism of the views and ideas of the famous Soviet and Russian constitutionalist Ekaterina I. Kozlova, examines the nature and legal status of representative bodies at the local level based on the principle of their supremacy. The implementation of this principle is also analyzed on the example of foreign models of local government. According to the author, the current weakness of representative bodies in the Russian model of organization of municipal authorities does not meet the requirements of efficiency and does not provide actual representation of interests of local territorial communities. Thus, the author urges to take into account both foreign and historical (Soviet) experience of development of institutions of administration and self-government in the field under consideration.
Legitimacy of Power and Constitutional Continuity
Authors: Kabyshev S. V.
Published: April 2020

The paper analyzes the views of Prof. Ekaterina I. Kozlova concerning the lost values of the procedures institutionalizing the Russian Parliament, the risks of inconsistent implementation of mechanisms of recognition of powers of elected deputies of legislatures, peculiarities of procedures under consideration in other countries. The author has determined the mechanisms of ensuring legitimacy of power. The paper provides arguments in favour of preserving legal traditions, customs and rituals to ensure the stability of the constitutional order. The hypothesis has been put forward that constitutional identity and continuity of historical development are covered by the concept of constitutional continuity. It is concluded that the study of the constitutional continuum as a concept reflecting the natural relations between different conditions of the constitutional order can contribute to the ensuring of the legitimacy of the power and finding the best ways of transforming the constitutional and legal system.
The Development of Legislative Process at the Municipal Level
Authors: Zabelina E. P.
Published: April 2020

The paper systematically analyzes the legislative activity on the development and adoption of municipal legal acts. Such activity is defined as a municipal law-making process. Based on the positions of scientists delimiting the municipal law-making process at the stage, and their corresponding analysis, the optimal number and features of each stage of the law-making process at the municipal level are determined.

As a criterion for distinguishing the stages of the municipal law-making process, the author proposes to use the target criterion, which allows us to identify specific procedures at each stage. It is noted that only after the execution of the procedures of the first stage the conditions for the transition to the implementation of the procedures of the next stage of the municipal law-making process arise.

The author identifies two areas of the law-making process at the municipal level — the referendum process and the law-making activity of local authorities, as well as their features. Given that the population is the main subject of the referendum municipal law-making process, and the implementation of the constitutional right of citizens to hold local referenda is very difficult due to certain legislative restrictions, the author formulates proposals aimed at enhancing the legislative initiative of the population of municipalities.
Devlet Ortaokulu ve Liselerinde Yaşanan Disiplin Problemleri
Authors: DEMİRTAŞ Hasan , PEHLİVAN Fatih
Published: April 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı; ortaokul ve liselerde yaşanan disiplin problemlerini, bu disiplin problemlerinin nedenlerine ilişkin öğretmen ve öğrenci görüşlerini ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmada betimsel yöntem kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri öğretmen ve öğrencilere uygulanan anket ve ölçeklerle elde edilmiştir. Araştırmanın verilerinin analizinde betimsel istatistik analizleri, Mann Whitney U ve Kruskall Wallis testleri, bağımsız gruplar t-testi, tek yönlü varyans analizi yapılmış, eta- kare (η²) ve Cohen’s d katsayıları hesaplanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; sınıfın huzurunu bozma, kavga, sigara içme, okul malına zarar verme ve öğrencileri tehdit etme okullarda en yoğun şekilde yaşanan disiplin problemleridir. Mesleki ve Teknik Liselerde araştırmada belirtilen bütün disiplin problemlerinin yaşanma sıklığının diğer lise türlerine göre daha yaygın olduğu belirlenmiştir. Disiplin problemlerinin nedenleri konusunda araştırmaya katılan öğretmen ve öğrenci görüşlerinin ölçeğin bütün boyutlarında anlamlı bir şekilde farklılaştığı ve ölçeğin bütün boyutlarında öğretmenlerin daha yüksek aritmetik ortalamalara sahip oldukları görülmektedir.
Use of del nido cardioplegia versus St. thomas solution 2 in adult mitral valve replacement surgery at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India
Authors: Datta Swarnendu , Chakrabarty Ushnish , Podder Tanmoy , Mukherjee Plaban
Published: April 2020

Background: del Nido cardioplegia has been historically used in paediatric cardiac surgery. However it’s use in adults has also been documented. It has the advantage of 90 minutes of cardiac inactivity over St. Thomas solution no.-2, which requires repeated dosing at 20 minutes interval. Aim of this study to find out whether del Nido cardioplegia with longer duration of arrest is advantageous over St. Thomas solution no. 2 in adult mitral valve replacement.Methods: Total 60 patients of severe mixed mitral valve disease of comparable patient profiles, underwent mitral valve replacement with preservation of anterolateral and posteromedial chordae. Half the patients received del Nido cardioplegia and other half received St. Thomas solution no 2. (ST-2). The two groups were compared.Results: del Nido group had lesser CPB time (70.73±12.15min) as compared to ST-2 group (81.76±20.03min) with  p=0.01 ; lesser Cross clamp time (del Nido- 68.8±10.64min; ST-2- 75.83±14.00min) with p=0.02; lesser time taken to arrest heart  (del Nido- 21.58±13.37 sec; ST-2- 25.26±5.27 sec) with p=0.04 & lesser time taken for normal ECG activity to manifest after release of cross clamp (del Nido- 19.86±6.10 min; ST-2- 31.03±5.28min) with p=0.02. All other parameters did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions: del Nido cardioplegia group of patients required significantly less CPB time; Cross-clamp time; Mean time taken to arrest the heart; as well as that taken to manifest normal ECG morphology when compared to ST-2 group.
A ADMINISTRAÇÃO DA CATEQUESE INDÍGENA SOB O REGULAMENTO DAS MISSÕES (PROVÍNCIA DE MINAS, SÉCULO XIX)
Authors: Mattos Izabel Missagia de
Published: April 2020

A implantação de um modelo missionário "civilizador" de administração indígena aqui examinada visa a fornecer visibilidade aos mecanismos através dos quais o processo de "desaparecimento" dos Botocudos, assim como outros povos no Brasil, foi planejado e efetivado. Seriam escolhidos para esta missão os frades capuchinhos italianos, que apresentavam ideais contrarrevolucionários, que passaram a ser nomeados oficialmente pela Diretoria Geral dos Índios da Província de Minas.
CONSTRUÇÃO E APLICAÇÃO DE MODELO METODOLÓGICO COM BASE NA TRÍPLICE MIMESE DE RICOEUR
Authors: Souza Carolina de Moraes , Moraes Francilaine Munhoz de
Published: April 2020

Este artigo expõe o processo de construção e aplicação de um modelo metodológico operaconalizado a partir da tríplice mimese de Ricoeur (1994), compondo os processos narrativos de pré-figuração (mimese I), configuração (mimese II) e refiguração (mimese III). O desenho metodológico, de abordagem qualitativa, foi aplicado em estudo sobre narrativas acerca do fenômeno social da peregrinação e suas memórias. O corpus abrange narrativas jornalísticas sobre os caminhos de Santiago de Compostela coletadas em reportagens publicadas em jornais brasileiros (Estado de São Paulo e Folha de São Paulo) e portugueses (Público e Correio da Manhã), e narrativas de peregrinos coletadas por meio da aplicação de questionário. Transmissão da memória coletiva, atualização das memórias dos grupos, bem como as representações para a memória associada ao fenômeno da peregrinação são abordagens da investigação. Os resultados revelam que a perspectiva qualitativa da pesquisa possibilitou interpretações de realidades sociais. As conclusões indicam que o modelo metodológico apresentado permite investigar fenômeno social em acontecimentos narrativos.
GÊNERO IMPOSTO - COAÇÃO E PUNIÇÃO HEGEMÔNICA
Authors: Cardoso Aldryn , Matos Fátima , Mesquita Rafael Fernandes de , Machado Diego
Published: April 2020

A construção do gênero de um indivíduo é arquitetada antes mesmo do seu nascimento, por via de um sistema social consuetudinário que progride numa hegemonia amestrada em um padrão sexo-gênero-sexualidade, que torna o ser humano binário em macho e fêmea e o condiciona aos papeis sociais de ser homem ou mulher. Tal fato não contempla as plurais necessidades humanas, de gênero e sexualidade, e condiciona uma heteronormatividade hegemônica, que visa normatizar, por via da imposição, os sujeitos divergentes, os tornando alvo do sexismo e da homofobia. O objetivo deste artigo é desdobrar a cultura hegemônica da imposição de gênero e sexualidade na vida e resistência de pessoas divergentes ao heteronormativismo. Com apoio na abordagem qualitativa, a opção metodológica recaiu sobre a História de Vida. Os relatos, embasados na literatura, apontam resultados congruentes sobre as mazelas passadas, decorrentes da imposição de gênero e sexualidade na História de Vida do sujeito. Conclui-se que, devido à natureza da divergência de gênero e sexualidade, o sujeito é mais e/ou menos violado em seus direitos humanos e sociais.
EL ESTUDIO DE CASO Y SUS IMPLICACIONES METODOLOGÍCAS EN LA INVESTIGACIÓN: CASO DEL GOBIERNO LOCAL MEXICANO
Authors: Ernesto Vazquez Arellano Luis , Manuel Ramos García Jesús
Published: April 2020

La cuestión metodológica es sin duda primordial para toda investigación, por muy simple o compleja que sea, toda vez que define de manera concreta no sólo la forma de conocer la realidad sino también los resultados esperados de manera fiable, viable y con la validez requerida; por lo que en este trabajo es el eje y objetivo principal, recalcar la importancia de definir la metodologia adecuada, a través de la cual hemos de dar cuenta de su importancia en la consecución de los objetivos planteados en la investigación llevada a cabo, relativa a la toma de decisiones en una instancia de gobierno local mexicano. En este sentido, es a través del estudio de caso que permitió vislumbrar la implicación metodológica, mostrando que su diseño y aplicación permite llegar a resultados confiables sobre una realidade; en particular de una institución local que se constextualiza dentro del ámbito metropolitano, realidade que está determinada por relaciones multidimensionales. Se observó que la influencia de la forma de organización adquirida por los actores y su entorno interno generan formas de trabajo más o menos complejas, aunadas a las externas, que conforman redes de interdependencia entre sí, como las relacionadas a las intermunicipales. Esta organización tuvo gran auge en las funciones de casi toda la administración del gobierno local, visión que se pudo interpretar con la aplicación de la metodología selecionada.
INDIVIDUAÇÃO E LAÇOS SOCIAIS EM PERIFERIAS URBANAS: REFLEXÕES DESDE A PRODUÇÃO DE NARRATIVAS
Authors: Pinheiro Leandro R.
Published: April 2020

O artigo traz problematizações articuladas a algumas mudanças sociais atinentes à ‘modernidade tardia’, propondo, contudo, a abordagem de sua difração em localidades de periferia urbana. Neste sentido, tomando informações produzidas em incursões a contextos socialmente vulnerabilizados na cidade de Porto Alegre/RS, entre 2010 e 2017, o texto procura discutir os processos de individuação produzidos por seus moradores. As proposições de Danilo Martuccelli foram os principais referentes em nossas análises, com destaque à noção de ‘prova-social’, sendo que as atividades em campo foram desenvolvidas com base sobretudo na produção de “entrevistas narrativas”. Procede-se à análise dos depoimentos desde a apropriação de elementos da pesquisa biográfica, tomando complementarmente contribuições da análise estrutural de narrativas. A partir daí, aventa-se a configuração de uma individuação agêntica, conforme já assinalava o autor supracitado, mas que, em período recente, tende a se associar à vivência social do “risco”. Assim, tendo-se em conta principalmente a flexibilização das relações laborais e a intensificação de conflitos armados nos territórios, a produção de laços sociais se converte em arena patente de desafios com vistas à manutenção de vínculos de reciprocidade e convivência fiável desde o trabalho dos próprios indivíduos.
New Bootstrap Methods for the Hypothesis Tests of the Population Mean in Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Yeniay Koçer Nurdan , Özdemir Yaprak Arzu , Gökpınar Fikri
Published: April 2020

Ranked Set Sampling is an efficient technique when it is difficult to measure sampling units in respect to cost or time. Although this technique can be used for every sample sizes, the small sample sizes are preferred for better ranking. However, when the sample sizes are small, it is very difficult to obtain distribution of the statistic for the statistical inference such as hypothesis test. In this case, resampling techniques like bootstrap can be used to construct pseudo distribution of the statistics. In this study, the bootstrap methods for hypothesis test about population mean under ranked set sampling is given. A simulation study is also performed to examine the performance of these methods.
Catedra Henri Didon de la Universidad Santo Tomás: La formación integral vinculada al movimiento corporal humano
Authors: Barrero-Becerra Mike William
Published: April 2020

La Cátedra Institucional de Formación Física Integral Henri Didon que actualmente se oferta en todos los programas de pregrado de la Universidad Santo Tomás tiene sus orígenes en varias perspectivas, las cuales se integran desde uno de sus propios referentes institucionales, haciendo alusión al Padre Dominico del siglo XIX Fray Henri Didon. El compromiso de la universidad frente a la sociedad Colombiana se expresa en la pertinencia de su quehacer y formación de la persona en su capacidad académica, investigativa y física, de cara a la sociedad involucrando las diferentes dimensiones de la persona, asimismo, como parte de sus procesos académicos e investigativos, que dan paso a la innovación curricular propia del aprendizaje institucional, el cual, pretende aportar desde una perspectiva del movimiento y los sentidos a la formación integral de sus graduados con esta cátedra institucional.
PCR-positivity of gerbils and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in a hyperendemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in central Iran
Authors: Azarmi Sahar , Zahraei-Ramazani Alireza , Mohebali Mehdi , Rassi Yavar , Akhavan Amir Ahmad , Azarm Amrollah , Elikaee Samira , Mohtasebi Sina , Abdoli Rahimeh , Mahmoudi Mohsen , Mosawi Sayed Hussain
Published: April 2020

Background: Sand flies are the only known vectors of Leishmania parasites. Various arthropods, including ticks have been suggested as secondary vectors of Leishmania spp. many years ago. This study was conducted to determine PCR-positivity of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis reservoir hosts and their ectoparasites for Leishmania spp. in central Iran. Methods: Microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested-PCR) were used to detect and identify species of Leishmania and the results were confirmed by two methods, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing. Results: Totally, 93 rodents (Rhomombis opimus (n=92) and Nesokia indica (n=1)) were captured during different seasons and 9 different species of ectoparasites were collected from them. Out of 92 collected R. opimus, 14 were positive for Leishmania spp. by microscopic examination while one N. indica and 77 R. opimus were positive by nested-PCR. The infection rate of rodents with Leishmania major and Leishmania turanica was 39.79% (37) and 15.05% (14), respectively. Mixed natural infections with L. major and L. turanica were seen in 15.05% of the rodents (14), in 7.53% of the rodents (7) with L. major and Leishmania gerbilli, and in 6.45% of the rodents (6) with the three species. The leishmanial infection rate of the rodents was the highest (94.29%) in summer and lowest (45.45%) in the winter. Moreover, 39 out of 54 fleas (72.22%), 5 out of 8 mites (75%), and 1 tick nymph (100%) were PCR-positive for Leishmania parasites. Conclusions: The highest rate of infection with L. major and L. turanica in R. opimus populations was observed in the summer and spring respectively, and the highest percentage of L. major and L. turanica coinfection was seen in the winter. It is suggested that the role of L. turanica and the probable role of ectoparasites in the transmission of epidemiology should be investigated carefully. Xenodiagnostic testing is recommended for future testing.
A brief educational intervention on the consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical activity improves healthy habits in university students
Authors: Correa Clara Helena González , Osorio Andrea Alturo , Correa Aida Maria González , Pérez Diana Maria Muñoz , Luberth Carmen Dussan
Published: April 2020

Background The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status and physical activity of 70 university students before and after an educational intervention consisting of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Methods The nutritional diagnosis was carried out by measuring body composition using anthropometric measurements. A survey was also carried out on the consumption of fruit and vegetables and the time involved in regular physical activity per week. The physical condition of participants was evaluated using the Harvard step test. One year after the intervention, the participants were invited back for a second assessment using the same tools as previously.Results The results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on healthy lifestyle habits since they increased the percentage of compliance with the recommendations of physical activity, by 16% in men and 9% in women. In addition, the intake of fruits and vegetables increased by 14% and 12% respectively. Conclusions It was concluded that these improvements, although discrete and far from reaching the recommendations proposed by WHO, provide a basis for designing and implementing strategies that increase the percentage of adherence to healthy living habits through low-cost and easy to adopt interventions.
Periostin and closing volume in combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Authors: Anselmo Fernando Medeiros , Costa Cláudia Henrique da , Rodrigues Luciana Silva , Amadeu Thaís Porto , Athaide Mariana Martins de , Lima Mônica Cristina Brandão dos Santos , Faria Luana Fortes , Cruz Thaís Ferrari da , Lopes Agnaldo José , Rufino Rogerio Lopes
Published: April 2020

Background Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is an entity characterized by the presence of emphysema in upper lobes and fibrosis in lower lobes. Due to the presence of the two diseases concomitantly, it may be difficult to diagnose. This study aims at a better understanding of this entity and proposes biological markers (functional and biochemical) that help in this characterization. Methods A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out at a reference center. Pulmonary function tests (spirometry, CO-diffusion capacity, plethysmography and single-maneuver nitrogen washout test - SBWN 2 ) and biochemical markers (periostin, mucin-16, PDGF-BB and TGF-β 1 ) were measured in groups of patients: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, CPFE and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results Variables derived from SBWN 2 - closing volume (CV) / vital capacity (VC) (%) and closing capacity (CC) / total lung capacity (TLC) (%) - were found to be higher in the CPFE group compared to the Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) group (CV/VC%: 0.25 (0.12 – 11.01) and 13.05 (0.21 – 20.73); p = 0.005; CC/TLC%: 30.1 (22.4 – 37.47) and 33.69 (32.05 – 41.98); p = 0.03, respectively). Periostin was higher in the CPFE group than in the other groups [CPFE: 66.74 (45.21 – 90.5), IPF: 43.81 (31.97 – 56.18), COPD: 40.08 (20.66 – 50.81); p = 0.0002], and mucin-16 was higher in the IPF group than in the CPFE group [CPFE: 13.59 (4.16 – 28.16); IPF: 71.94 (40.46 - 164); COPD: 25.85 (9.27 – 30.29); p = 0.02]. Conclusions Findings show that CPFE presents different functional and biochemical characteristics than IPF, including higher CV/VC%, CC/TLC% and periostin, whereas mucin-16 was higher in the IPF.
Sevoflurane Modulates Akt Isoforms In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: TIRON CRINA ELENA , Patrascanu Emilia , POSTU PAULA ALEXANDRA , TRANDAFIR IRINA C. VACAREAN , TIRON ADRIAN , GRIGORAS IOANA
Published: April 2020

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive tumor, associated with high rates of early distant recurrence and short survival times and treatment may require surgery, and thus anesthesia. The effects of anesthetic drugs on cancer progression are under scrutiny, but published data are controversial and the involved mechanisms unclear. Anesthetic agents have been shown to modulate several molecular cascades, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR. AKT isoforms are frequently amplified in various malignant tumors and associated with malignant cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Their activation is often observed in human cancers and is associated with decreased survival rate. Certain anesthetics are known to affect hypoxia cell signalling mechanisms by upregulating hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). Methods: MCF-10A and MDA-MB 231 cells were cultivated and CellTiter-Blue® Cell Viability assay, 2D and 3D matrigel assay, immunofluorescence assays and gene expressions were performed after exposure to different sevoflurane concentrations.Results: Sevoflurane exposure of triple negative breast cancer cells results in morphological and behavioral changes. Sevoflurane differently influences the AKT isoforms expression in a time-dependent manner, with an important early AKT3 upregulation. The most significant effects occur at 72 hours after 2mM sevoflurane treatment and consist in increased viability, proliferation and aggressiveness and increased vimentin and HIF expression. Conclusion: Sevoflurane exposure during surgery may contribute to cancer recurrence via AKT3 induced EMT and by all three AKT isoforms enhanced cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Humanitarian Intervention, Health Behavior and Health Outcomes in Conflict Affected North East Nigeria: A Cross Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Ariyo Esther , Wouters Edwin , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: April 2020

Background: The study explores the health behavior and outcomes (bathing, diarrhea, and sickness) of children who benefitted from a WASH package intervention, children who benefitted from a non-WASH sectoral form of intervention and children with no form of humanitarian intervention in conflict-affected communities in Northeastern part of Nigeria. Methods : We analysed data collected through a pretested questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of 385 children aged 7 to 18 years living within six conflict-affected communities using descriptive and regression analysis. Results : 39.4% of children from households that benefitted from WASH intervention had good environmental hygiene as compared to children from households with no humanitarian intervention (10.5%) and children who had benefited from the non-WASH related intervention (10.3%). We found that environmental hygiene is positively related to all outcomes measured. Study results also indicate that food security and socioeconomic status are associated with the frequency of sickness of internally displaced children. However, we found no significant difference in health outcomes across the intervention groups. Conclusion : Findings suggest the need for children-oriented WASH programming with an emphasis on environmental hygiene for households and communities. We also confirm existing evidence on the importance of integrated multi-sectoral humanitarian interventions in improving the health of crisis-affected children.
Dry sliding tribology of carbon fibre reinforced ceramic matrix composites with variation of laminate orientation and surface conformity
Authors: KUMAR PARSHANT , Srivast Vjay Kumar
Published: April 2020

Tribological behaviour of composites depend upon the surface conformity of interacting surfaces, local friction and wear response, and interaction area proportion of its constituents. Several other factors like wear debris interaction with the contact surfaces, and braking energy are also involved during in-service conditions. For laminated composites, interaction area proportion and wear debris interaction change with the orientation of laminates, due to change in surface conditions. Earlier research on tribological behaviour of carbon/carbon (C/C) and carbon/carbon-silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) composites mostly dealt with the parallel orientation of the laminates, and fully conformal surfaces. Thus, present article aims to investigate the tribological behaviour of C/C and C/C-SiC composites with variation of laminate orientation, surface conformity, normal load and sliding velocity. Normal and parallel orientation of laminates were considered with low and non–conformal Hertzian contacts. Worn surfaces were analysed under scanning electron microscope. The results show more fluctuations in friction coefficient (COF) for normal orientation of laminates. C/C-SiC composites loaded with parallel orientation of laminates generally exhibited highest COF and lowest wear loss. COF and wear loss decreased in non-conformal Hertzian contacts when compared with low conformity contacts and the reduction was large for C/C composites as compared to C/C-SiC composites.
In vitro antileishmanial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from different parts of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack: a species of Rutaceae that occur in the Cerrado biome in Brazil
Authors: Silva Flávia Fernanda Alves da , Fernandes Cassia Cristina , Oliveira Gabriel Almeida de , Candido Ana Carolina Bolela Bovo , Magalhães Lizandra Guidi , Vieira Tatiana Manzini , Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller , Silva Claudinei Alves da , Miranda Mayker Lazaro Dantas
Published: April 2020

In Brazilian folk medicine, Murraya paniculata has been used for treating intestine disorders, rheumatism and cough. This paper aims to investigate the in vitro antileishmanial and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EO) from M. paniculata leaves and fruits (ripe and unripe ones). Natural antioxidants may be very beneficial to improve quality of life, since they are capable of protecting the body against damage caused by free radicals and, consequently, either preventing or postponing many diseases from starting their cycles. One of the techniques which has been widely used for detecting antioxidant compounds is the method based on the elimination of the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•). It has been considered easy, precise, fast, simple, economical and appropriate to determine antioxidant activity of pure substances and complex mixtures, such as EO. Thus, antioxidant potential of EO was evaluated by using the method of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•). EO from M. paniculata leaves and fruits exhibited weak potential, since EC50 values were above 700 µg/mL. Several reports have stated that volatile oils from plants show promising leishmanicidal activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis; in relation to this activity, leaf oil was highly active (IC50 = 7.33±2.07 µg/mL) while ripe and unripe fruit oils were active, with values of IC50 = 30.77±2.07 µg/mL and 13.04±1.64 µg/mL, respectively. Both GC-FID and GC-MS analyses revealed that the major components determined in EO from M. paniculata were sesquithujene (25.0%), trans-β-caryophyllene (23.8%), α-zingiberene (21.0%), α-ylangene (13.3%), germacrene D (13.1%), α-copaene (12.7%), and β-cubebene (10.2%). In vitro antileishmanial and antioxidant activities of EO from M. paniculata have also been described for the first time.
Experimental study of the flux Law of flat ceramic membranes under different pressures
Authors: Chuanwen Sun , Haiqiao Wang , Qi Yu , Shiqiang Chen , Xun Li , Hanyang Wu
Published: April 2020

The flux performance of ceramic membranes is the basis for their efficient use. To study ceramic membrane flux variation, different filtration operating conditions were tested and the functional relationship between the membrane's clean water flux and the operating pressure within a given range obtained. The membrane's critical pressure and flux were determined by using pressure increments, and the flux variation law under different pressures determined experimentally. Analysis of the flux law and the membrane parameters enabled establishment of the flux model of filtration process and a model of flux stabilization after the deposition layer formed. The applicability of the model was proved by comparing and verifying the experimental data.
Synthesis, Analytical Characterization and Spectroscopic Investigation of Chloramphenicol Impurity A for the Quality Control of Chloramphenicol and its Formulation as Per International Compendium
Authors: Wadhwa Aparna , Ali Faraat , Parveen Sana , Kumar Robin , Singh Gyanendra N.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The main aim of the present work is to synthesize chloramphenicol impurity A (CLRMIMP-
A) in the purest form and its subsequent characterization by using a panel of sophisticated analytical
techniques (LC-MS, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR, HPLC, and CHNS) to provide as a reference standard
mentioned in most of the international compendiums, including IP, BP, USP, and EP. The present synthetic
procedure has not been disclosed anywhere in the prior art.

Methods:

A simple, cheaper, and new synthesis method was described for the preparation of CLRM-IMP-A. It
was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, NMR (1H and 13C), LC-MS, CHNS, and HPLC.

Results:

CLRM-IMP-A present in drugs and dosage form can alter the therapeutic effects and adverse reaction
of a drug considerably, it is mandatory to have a precise method for the estimation of impurities to safeguard
the public health. Under these circumstances, the presence of CLRM-IMP-A in chloramphenicol (CLRM)
requires strict quality control to satisfy the specified regulatory limit. The synthetic impurity obtained was in
the pure form to provide a certified reference standard or working standard to stakeholders with defined
potency.

Conclusion:

The present research describes a novel technique for the synthesis of pharmacopoeial impurity,
which can help in checking/controlling the quality of the CLRM in the international markets.
The Diary, the Typewriter and Representative Reality in the Genesis of Juha Mannerkorpi's Päivänsinet
Authors: Pulkkinen Veijo
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the transition from keeping a diary to writing a future published work with reference to the genetic process of Päivänsinet: muuan loppukesän merkintöjä (1979) by Finnish author and translator Juha Mannerkorpi. The diary novel is about a seriously ill narrator who watches the growth of a morning glory, meticulously counting, measuring and registering the daily unravelling flowers with the help of a typewriter. In combining genetic criticism with Philippe Lejeune’s ideas on the diary, antifiction and the diary effect, the article analyses the frequent metapoetic remarks upon the use of the typewriter and the relationship between fact and fiction in the context of the diary-writing process and its subsequent rewriting as a novel. Upon close inspection of the manuscripts it becomes clear that the typewriter was not a transparent medium that helped the weak-sighted author to write, but that the physical act of typing influenced the content of Mannerkorpi’s text in many respects. In addition to shedding light on many experimental features of Mannerkorpi’s works, this study on the genesis of Päivänsinet widens current understanding concerning the impact of writing tools on diary-keeping and literary writing.
Improving Patients’ Medication Adherence and Outcomes in Nonhospital Settings Through eHealth: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wong Zoie SY , Siy Braylien , Da Silva Lopes Katharina , Georgiou Andrew
Published: April 2020

Background

Electronic health (eHealth) refers to the use of information and communication technologies for health. It plays an increasingly important role in patients’ medication management.

Objective

To assess evidence on (1) whether eHealth for patients’ medication management can improve drug adherence and health outcomes in nonhospital settings and (2) which eHealth functions are commonly used and are effective in improving drug adherence.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, EmCare, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, in addition to other published sources between 2000 and 2018. We evaluated the studies against the primary outcome measure of medication adherence and multiple secondary health care outcome measures relating to adverse events, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and health expenditure. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias (RoB) tool.

Results

Our initial search yielded 9909 records, and 24 studies met the selection criteria. Of these, 13 indicated improvement in medication adherence at the significance level of P<.1 and 2 indicated an improved quality of life at the significance level of P<.01. The top 3 functions that were employed included mechanisms to communicate with caregivers, monitoring health features, and reminders and alerts. eHealth functions of providing information and education, and dispensing treatment and administration support tended to favor improved medication adherence outcomes (Fisher exact test, P=.02). There were differences in the characteristics of the study population, intervention design, functionality provided, reporting adherence, and outcome measures among the included studies. RoB assessment items, including blinding of outcome assessment and method for allocation concealment, were not explicitly reported in a large number of studies.

Conclusions

All the studies included were designed for patient home-based care application and provided a mechanism to communicate with caregivers. A targeted study population such as older patients should be considered to maximize the public health impact on the self-management of diseases.

Trial Registration

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42018096627; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=96627
The Assessment of Supportive Accountability in Adults Seeking Obesity Treatment: Psychometric Validation Study
Authors: Chhabria Karishma , Ross Kathryn M , Sacco Shane J , Leahey Tricia M
Published: April 2020

Background

Technology-mediated obesity treatments are commonly affected by poor long-term adherence. Supportive Accountability Theory suggests that the provision of social support and oversight toward goals may help to maintain adherence in technology-mediated treatments. However, no tool exists to measure the construct of supportive accountability.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate a supportive accountability measure (SAM) by examining its performance in technology-mediated obesity treatment.

Methods

Secondary data analyses were conducted in 2 obesity treatment studies to validate the SAM (20 items). Study 1 examined reliability, criterion validity, and construct validity using an exploratory factor analysis in individuals seeking obesity treatment. Study 2 examined the construct validity of SAM in technology-mediated interventions involving different self-monitoring tools and varying amounts of phone-based interventionist support. Participants received traditional self-monitoring tools (standard, in-home self-monitoring scale [SC group]), newer, technology-based self-monitoring tools (TECH group), or these newer technology tools plus additional phone-based support (TECH+PHONE group). Given that the TECH+PHONE group involves more interventionist support, we hypothesized that this group would have greater supportive accountability than the other 2 arms.

Results

In Study 1 (n=353), the SAM showed strong reliability (Cronbach α=.92). A factor analysis revealed a 3-factor solution (representing Support for Healthy Eating Habits, Support for Exercise Habits, and Perceptions of Accountability) that explained 69% of the variance. Convergent validity was established using items from the motivation for weight loss scale, specifically the social regulation subscale (r=0.33; P<.001) and social pressure for weight loss subscale (r=0.23; P<.001). In Study 2 (n=80), the TECH+PHONE group reported significantly higher SAM scores at 6 months compared with the SC and TECH groups (r2=0.45; P<.001). Higher SAM scores were associated with higher adherence to weight management behaviors, including higher scores on subscales representing healthy dietary choices, the use of self-monitoring strategies, and positive psychological coping with weight management challenges. The association between total SAM scores and percent weight change was in the expected direction but not statistically significant (r=−0.26; P=.06).

Conclusions

The SAM has strong reliability and validity across the 2 studies. Future studies may consider using the SAM in technology-mediated weight loss treatment to better understand whether support and accountability are adequately represented and how supportive accountability impacts treatment adherence and outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01999244; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01999244
Hospital Bring-Your-Own-Device Security Challenges and Solutions: Systematic Review of Gray Literature
Authors: Wani Tafheem Ahmad , Mendoza Antonette , Gray Kathleen
Published: April 2020

Background

As familiarity with and convenience of using personal devices in hospitals help improve the productivity, efficiency, and workflow of hospital staff, the health care bring-your-own-device (BYOD) market is growing consistently. However, security concerns owing to the lack of control over the personal mobile devices of staff, which may contain sensitive data such as personal health information of patients, make it one of the biggest health care information technology (IT) challenges for hospital administrations.

Objective

Given that the hospital BYOD security has not been adequately addressed in peer-reviewed literature, the aim of this paper was to identify key security challenges associated with hospital BYOD usage as well as relevant solutions that can cater to the identified issues by reviewing gray literature. Therefore, this research will provide additional practical insights from current BYOD practices.

Methods

A comprehensive gray literature review was conducted, which followed the stepwise guidelines and quality assessment criteria set out by Garousi et al. The searched literature included tier 1 sources such as health care cybersecurity market reports, white papers, guidelines, policies, and frameworks as well as tier 2 sources such as credible and reputed health IT magazines, databases, and news articles. Moreover, a deductive thematic analysis was conducted to organize the findings based on Schlarman’s People Policy Technology model, promoting a holistic understanding of hospitals’ BYOD security issues and solutions.

Results

A total of 51 sources were found to match the designed eligibility criteria. From these studies, several sociotechnical issues were identified. The major challenges identified were the use of devices with insufficient security controls by hospital staff, lack of control or visibility for the management to maintain security requirements, lack of awareness among hospital staff, lack of direction or guidance for BYOD usage, poor user experience, maintenance of legal requirements, shortage of cybersecurity skills, and loss of devices. Although technologies such as mobile device management, unified endpoint management, containerization, and virtual private network allow better BYOD security management in hospitals, policies and people management measures such as strong security culture and staff awareness and training improve staff commitment in protecting hospital data.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that to optimize BYOD security management in hospitals, all 3 dimensions of the security process (people, policy, and technology) need to be given equal emphasis. As the nature of cybersecurity attacks is becoming more complex, all dimensions should work in close alignment with each other. This means that with the modernization of BYOD technology, BYOD strategy, governance, education, and relevant policies and procedures also need to adapt accordingly.
Rapid Report: Early Demand, Profiles and Concerns of Mental Health Users during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in late March 2020 (Preprint)
Authors: Mindspot Clinic Olav
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Trends in contact with a high volume national digital mental health service (DMHS), the MindSpot Clinic, provide a unique opportunity to assess the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in contact with a high volume national digital mental health service (DMHS) in order to assess the early mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Baseline website and call centre traffic, and demographic and symptom data from a cohort of 500 consecutive users from February 2020 were compared with a matched cohort during the early phase of the pandemic. Responses to questions about the impact of COVID-19 and reports from treating therapists were examined. Demographic information, scores on K10, GAD7, PHQ9 and to questions regarding suicide plans and effect of COVID19 were examined.

RESULTS

There was a 68% increase in website visits and a 90% increase in telephone calls to the clinic. There was no increase in the severity of symptoms of psychological distress, depression, anxiety or the number reporting suicidal plans. However, the pandemic cohort reported more recent onset of symptoms of anxiety and depression, 96% reported concern about the impact of COVID-19, and 95% reported making changes in lifestyle, with higher levels of concern among older adults. Concerns identified by therapists included how to access testing and manage quarantine, financial security and the impact of social isolation.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 has resulted in a significant increase in contact with an established DMHS. With the prospect of prolonged restriction of movement, DMHS such as MindSpot are in a unique position to both provide clinical services and to monitor the mental health of the population.
Toward Patient-Centered Innovation
Authors: Flythe Jennifer E. , Hilliard Tandrea S. , Ikeler Kourtney , Keller San , Gipson Debbie S. , Grandinetti Amanda C. , Nordyke Robert J. , Perrone Ronald D. , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir , Unruh Mark , West Melissa , Bocell Fraser , Hurst Frank P.
Published: April 2020

Individuals with dialysis-dependent kidney failure experience considerable disease- and treatment-related decline in functional status and overall well-being. Despite these experiences, there have been few substantive technological advances in KRT in decades. As such, new federal initiatives seek to accelerate innovation. Historically, integration of patient perspectives into KRT product development has been limited. However, the US Food and Drug Administration recognizes the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into the total product life cycle (i.e., from product conception to postmarket surveillance) and encourages the consideration of patient-reported outcomes in regulatory-focused clinical trials when appropriate. Recognizing the significance of identifying patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that capture contemporary patient priorities, the Kidney Health Initiative, a public–private partnership between the American Society of Nephrology and US Food and Drug Administration, convened a workgroup to (1) develop a conceptual framework for a health-related quality of life PROM; (2) identify and map existing PROMs to the conceptual framework, prioritizing them on the basis of their supporting evidence for use in the regulatory environment; and (3) describe next steps for identifying PROMs for use in regulatory clinical trials of transformative KRT devices. This paper summarizes the proposed health-related quality-of-life PROM conceptual framework, maps and prioritizes PROMs, and identifies gaps and future needs to advance the development of rigorous, meaningful PROMS for use in clinical trials of transformative KRT devices.