bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placement and Optimal Size of DG in the Distribution Network Based on Nodal Pricing Reduction with Nonlinear Load Model using the IABC Algorithm
Authors: Dashtdar Masoud , Najafi Mojtaba , Esmaeilbeig Mostafa
Published: April 2021

The growing use of distributed generation (DG) at the distribution level has led to a change in the status of distribution networks from a passive network to an active network such as transmission systems. Therefore, transmission network pricing methods such as nodal pricing could be used in the distribution network. DG connection to the distribution network affects bus nodal pricing. If the DG presence reduces losses and congestion in the distribution network, nodal pricing will also decrease. This paper presents a method for calculating the optimal size and place of DG in the distribution network based on nodal pricing. This planning is doing to maximize the profits of distribution companies that have used DG in their network to meet several advantages. The simulation was performing using the improved artificial bee colony algorithm (IABC). In the IABC algorithm, by exchanging the received information between bees according to Newton and gravity laws, it uses all this algorithm capacity to find the ideal answer by considering the constraints applied to the system. In most DG placement articles, network loads are assuming to constant. Because loads are often sensitive to voltage and frequency, constant load analysis leads to inaccurate results. Therefore, in this paper, the proposed method is implementing on a 38-bus radial distribution system with a model of real loads sensitive to the voltage and frequency of the system, including residential, commercial, and industrial loads.
TaffiX® nasal powder spray forms an effective barrier against infectious new variants of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Authors: Mandelboim Michal , Mendelson Ella , Drori Yaron , Atari Nofar , Lapidot Tair , Megiddo Dalia , Gladnikoff Micha
Published: April 2021

Introduction: While vaccination efforts against SARS-CoV-2 around the world are ongoing -, new high-infectious variants of the virus are being detected. The protection of the available vaccines against some of the new variants is weaker, and experts are concerned that newer as yet undescribed variants of this mutated RNA virus will eventually prove stable against the current vaccines. Additional preventive measures will therefore be needed to protect the population until effective vaccinations are widely available.TaffiX® is a personal, anti-viral nasal powder spray comprised of low pH Hypromellose that upon insufflation into the nose creates a thin gel layer covering the nasal mucosa and forming a protective mechanical barrier that prevents viruses from engaging with nasal cells- the main portal of entry for viruses. Taffix is commercially available in many countries across Europe, Asia America and Africa. In a prior preclinical study, TaffiX® was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 Hong Kong/VM20001061/2020 in experimental in vitro conditions. A real-life clinical survey demonstrated that TaffiX® nasal spray significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event in a highly endemic community.Objective: The current study aimed to test the protective effect of Taffix against new pathogenic, highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants in vitro: the “British” B.1.1.7 (hCoV-19/Israel/CVL-46879-ngs/2020) and the “South African” B.1.351 (hCoV-19/Israel/CVL-2557-ngs/2020) variants.Study design: A TaffiX® gel was formed on a nylon filter, using an amount equivalent to a clinical dose of Taffix . Filters were then seeded with SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 (“British”) and B.1.351 (“South African”) variants. After a 10 -minute incubation at room temperature, the bottom of each filter was washed, and the resulting flow-through was collected and seeded into 24 -well plates containing Vero-E6 cells. After 5 days of incubation, a 200 µl sample from each well was taken for viral RNA extraction followed by SARS-CoV 2 RT-PCR analysis.Results: The TaffiX® gel completely blocked SARS-CoV-2 highly infectious variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 in vitro, reducing the titer of recoverable infectious virus as well as viral RNA by 100%.Conclusions: Under in vitro conditions, TaffiX® formed an effective protective barrier against SARS-COV-2 variants (British variant and South African Variant). These results are consistent with prior findings demonstrating the in vitro high efficacy of Taffix gel in preventing viruses from reaching cells and infecting them. These results, added to clinical real-life studies performed with Taffix , support its use as an effective barrier against new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunction with other protective measures.
The association between intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy among married young women in Ethiopia
Authors: Wondie Awoke Giletew , Tessema Gizachew Assefa
Published: April 2021

BackgroundAdolescent and young women aged 15–24 years experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Even though IPV has been a common challenge in low-and middle-income countries, there is a paucity of research that explored the effect of intimate partner violence on unintended pregnancy in young women, despite their vulnerability. Therefore, investigating the association between IPV and unintended pregnancy in younger population is critical for developing a multifaceted intervention to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy and its advese consequences.MethodsData were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). A total of 706 ever married or in sexual union aged 15–24 who gave birth at least once in the last five years or became pregnant at the time of the survey were included in the final analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were carried out. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis.ResultsAdolecent and young women aged 15–24 years reported 21.1% ( n = 149) unintended pregnancies and 64.2% experience at least one form of IPV (physical, sexual, emotional or marital control). Marital control (59.5%) and sexual violence (8.8%) were the most and least prevalent forms of reported IPV respectively. After adjusting for possible confounders, women who ever experienced physical violence (AOR: 1.54; 95% CI = 1.02–2.34), marital control (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI = 1.13–2.48) and emotional violence (AOR: 1.90; 95% CI = 1.25–2.89) had increased odds of unintended pregnancy, compared to those who had no history of the respective form of violence.ConclusionPhysical violence, marital control and emotional violence were an important predictors of unintended pregnancy among adolescent and young girls. Therefore, reducing unintended pregnancy among adolescent and young girls requires interventions beyond increasing access to contraceptive information and services; including empowering women, promoting men's involvement in fertility control and optimizing violent relationship is critical. Including intimate partner violence screening and treatment in reproductive health services is also necessary.
Improvement of Genomic Prediction in Advanced Wheat Breeding Lines by Including Additive × additive Epistasis
Authors: Raffo Miguel Angel , Sarup Pernille , Guo Xiangyu , Liu Huiming , Andersen Jeppe Reitan , Orabi Jihad , Jahoor Ahmed , Jensen Just
Published: April 2021

Epistasis is the principal non-additive genetic effect in inbred wheat lines and can be used to develop cultivars based on total genetic merit. Correct models for variance components (VCs) estimation are needed to disentangle the genetic architecture of complex traits in wheat. We aimed to i) evaluate the performance of extended genomic best linear unbiased prediction (EG-BLUP) and the natural and orthogonal interactions approach (NOIA) for VCs estimation in a commercial wheat-breeding population, and ii) investigate whether including epistasis in genomic prediction enhance predictive ability (PA) for wheat breeding lines. In total, 2,060 sixth-generation (F6) lines from Nordic Seed A/S breeding company were phenotyped for grain yield over 21-year-x-location combinations in Denmark, and genotyped using 15K Illumina-BeadChip. Four models were used to estimate VCs and heritability at plot level: i) Baseline, ii) Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (G-BLUP), iii) EG-BLUP, and iv) NOIA. Narrow- and broad-sense heritabilities estimated with G-BLUP were 0.15 and 0.31, respectively. EG-BLUP and NOIA failed to achieve orthogonal partition of genetic variances. Even though NOIA removed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumption, both models yielded very similar estimates, indicating that linkage disequilibrium causes the lack of orthogonality. The PA was studied using leave-one-line-out and leave-one-breeding-cycle-out cross-validations. Both EG-BLUP and NOIA increased PA significantly (16.5%) compared to G-BLUP in leave-one-line-out cross-validation. However, the improvement for including epistasis was not observed in the leave-one-breeding-cycle-out cross-validation. We conclude that although the variance partition into orthogonal genetic effects was not possible, epistatic models can be useful to enhance predictions of total genetic merit.
Integrating Bayesian Inference with Scanning Probe Experiments for Robust Identification of Surface Adsorbate Configurations
Authors: Järvi Jari , Alldritt Benjamin , Krejčí Ondřej , Todorović Milica , Liljeroth Peter , Rinke Patrick
Published: April 2021

Controlling the properties of organic/inorganic materials requires detailed knowledge of their molecular adsorption geometries. This is often unattainable, even with current state-of-the-art tools. Visualizing the structure of complex non-planar adsorbates with atomic force microscopy (AFM) is challenging, and identifying it computationally is intractable with conventional structure search. In a fresh approach, we propose to integrate cross-disciplinary tools for a robust and automated identification of 3D adsorbate configurations. We employ Bayesian optimization with first-principles simulations for accurate and unbiased structure inference of multiple adsorbates. The corresponding AFM simulations then allow us to fingerprint adsorbate structures appearing in AFM experimental images. In the instance of bulky (1S)-camphor adsorbed on the Cu(111) surface, we found three matching AFM image contrasts, which allowed us to correlate experimental image features to distinct cases of molecular adsorption.
Le droit au suicide médicalement assisté
Authors: Teichmann Fabian , Camprubi Madeleine , Gerber Léonard
Published: April 2021

Cette contribution illustre le cadre légal suisse de l’aide médicale au suicide et des conditions d’octroi de Natrium Pentobarbital (NaP) notamment au regard du CP, de la LStup, de la LPTh et de la LPMéd, ainsi que le cadre réglementaire suisse actuel. Elle se penche aussi sur les traits saillants des systèmes du Benelux en matière de suicide assisté et de soins palliatifs dans le but d’examiner le potentiel de développement du système actuel en Suisse.
MUSLIM YOUTH AND PHILANTROPHIC ACTIVISM
Authors: Hardi Eja Armaz
Published: April 2021

Since the last two decades, charity movements have been flourishing in Indonesian Islamic landscape. These organisations are involving not only state sponsored organizations, but also non-government associations and professional industries. This article exclusively discusses the youth-based charity movements in two important Islamic universities in Indonesia and tries to offer a new glance of youth charity movement as to which their movement relates to the issue of identity and social welfare. The article uses a qualitative method through a systematic literature review, in-depth interview, and observation to the activities of two youth-based charity movements at two state Islamic universities in Jambi and Surabaya. This paper further argues that the spirit of philanthropic movement does not only depend on economic wealth, but also on social solidarity, Islamic principle of economic distribution, and networks among the students that have been successfully translated into both social welfare activism and humanitarian activities.
Radon survey in kindergartens and schools of Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
Authors: Muminov S. V. , Barotov B. B. , Makhmudova M. M. , Khamidov F. A. , Akhmedov M. Z. , Mirsaidov U. M.
Published: April 2021

The paper presents results of the radon survey carried out in preschool and school institutions in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. Radon concentration was measured using solid state nuclear track detectors Radtrak2. Track detectors were exposed for 3 months during the heating and warm seasons of the year in the same premises. In total, the measurements were performed in 200 premises of 14 kindergartens and 36 schools. The radon equilibrium equivalent concentration during the heating and warm seasons and the annual average radon equilibrium equivalent concentration were calculated. Annual average radon equilibrium equivalent concentration in surveyed buildings ranged from 42 to 331 Bq/m3 with the mean value of 98 Bq/m3 on the first floor and 56 Bq/m3 on the second floor. It was shown that both seasonal values and annual average value of radon equilibrium equivalent concentration in the premises on the second floor are lower than in the premises on the first floor. The annual average effective dose to children from exposure to radon and its progeny in the premises of schools and kindergartens in Dushanbe ranged from 0,64 to 1,64 mSv. The limit value of annual average radon equilibrium equivalent concentration in dwellings and public buildings is set to 100 Bq/m3 for newly built buildings and 200 Bq/m3 for existing buildings in the Radiation safety norms (NRB-06) of the Republic of Tajikistan. This limit was exceeded only on the first floors in one kindergarten during the heating season, in three schools during the warm season and in eight schools during the heating season. When comparing the results of measurements of radon equilibrium equivalent concentration with data on the geological structure of underlying rocks at the locations of the surveyed buildings, no regularity was found. Additional detailed measurements in the buildings, including basements, will help to identify the source of radon entry into the indoor air and to develop recommendations for implementing radon remediation actions separately for each building. The survey results were also used to develop a radon map of Dushanbe.
Radiogenic risk of solid cancer incidence in persons exposed to radiation in childhood in the Southern Urals
Authors: Krestinina L. Yu. , Shalaginov S. A. , Silkin S. S. , Epifanova S. B. , Akleyev A. V.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is to assess the radiogenic risk of solid cancers incidence in the members of the Urals Childhood Exposure Cohort. The cohort includes people exposed under 20 years of age as a result of two radiation accidents at the Mayak Production Association in the Southern Urals (discharges of radioactive waste into the Techa River and the formation of the East Ural radioactive trace). The number of the cohort for solid cancer incidence analysis is 31,578 individuals. All the members were postnatally exposed and some of them – in-utero. Some of their parents were exposed before conception. 2,018 solid cancers were registered on the incidence catchment area during the period 1956-2018, the total amount of person years was 818,083. The analysis was carried out by the Poisson regression method with a simple parametric excess relative risk model. 95% confidence intervals were estimated with maximum likelihood approach. Only a postnatal dose was used in the first solid cancer incidence analysis of this cohort members with due account for preconception exposure of parents. TRDS-2016 mean postnatal dose accumulated over the entire follow-up period in the stomach of cohort members was 0.047 Gy. The analysis showed linear dependence of solid cancer incidence excess relative risk on postnatal dose. Excess relative risk was 0.66/Gy, р=0.006 with a five-year latency period. While estimating excess relative risk in different age groups at the beginning of exposure, a significant risk was present only in the age group under 1 year and amounted to 2.16/Gy; р<0.02 at the onset of exposure. The present results are in agreement with the results of the solid cancer incidence risk analysis both in the Techa River Cohort of exposed In-Utero where a statistically significant excess relative risk from a postnatal dose was revealed, and with the results of risk analysis in the Japanese cohort of people exposed in-utero and in early childhood.
Use of ASTER DEM data for Morphometric Analysis of Megech Dirma-Watersheds, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia: Implications for Soil and Water Conservation
Authors: Habtu Worku , K. S Jayappa
Published: April 2021

Quantitative morphometric analysis was carried out for Megech-Dirma, sub-basin of the Blue Nile, by estimating (1) linear, (2) aerial, and (3) relief aspects. An endeavor has been made to measure the Megech-Dirma watershed’s morphometric characteristics to implement conservation methods for soil and water properly. ASTER DEM has been used as input data for extracting morphometric parameters. Strahler’s classification scheme was used to classify the extracted drainage network in ArcGIS extension ArcMap 10.4. The watershed covers a total surface area of 1309.56 km2. The shape of the watersheds as calculated from elongation, circularity, and form factors reveals the elongated shape and the watersheds parade dendritic pattern. The sub-watersheds include third-order for Megech and sixth-order streams. Lower stream orders, in particular first-order streams, dominate the sub-watersheds. The length of overland flow has a higher value (1.06) for Megech indicates low relief, whereas the values of length of overland flow, which are relatively low (0.20) for Dirma, indicate high relief. The drainage density of the study watershed was morphometrically analyzed and obtained 0.47 km/km2 for the Megech sub-basin, which indicates the basin is highly permeable and result in better underground water storage capacity and 2.46 for the Dirma sub-basin indicating very coarse and coarse channel, respectively. The ruggedness number for Megech and Dirma sub-basins was 0.56 and 0.07, respectively, indicating moderate and long, rugged topography, which could be susceptible to flash flood and soil erosion. The dissection index values for Megech 0.40 and 0.36 for Dirma show river sub-basins are moderately dissected. The ruggedness number is 0.56 for Megech implies moderate soil erosion probability, whereas the high infiltration number (14.29) for Dirma river shows the high runoff potential in the sub-basin. The findings of this study include drainage morphometry data that can be used to better understand watershed characteristics and serve as a framework for better planning, management, and decision-making to ensure the long-term use of watershed resources of water and soil.
FAVELAS E A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19, UMA TRAGÉDIA ANUNCIADA?
Authors: Carvalho Elisa De
Published: April 2021

Grotão, ocupação, vila, alagado, invasão, comunidade…Falar de favelas é um tema complexo que acende muitas discussões sobre políticas de urbanização, infraestrutura e identidade. Resultado de um crescimento urbano descontrolável, de uma urbanização excludente e de uma industrialização altamente exploradora, sulcadas na paisagem, elas já são parte do cenário urbano em boa parte das metrópoles mundiais. Estudos estimam que até 2030, uma em cada 4 pessoas morará em assentamentos chamados de informais: áreas nas quais foram construída os grupos de unidades habitacionais em terrenos que os ocupantes não têm direito legal ou ocupam ilegalmente; assentamentos não planejados e áreas onde as habitações não estão em conformidade com os regulamentos atuais de planejamento e construção (habitação não autorizada) (OECD, 2001). A história da moradia no Brasil se confunde com o surgimento das favelas, repleta de estereótipos e historicamente criminalizada. Em 2020, a história se repete ou se inverte, estigmatizado reduto das epidemias e doenças, as comunidades cariocas lutam para que a COVID-19 não “suba o morro”, pois, ironicamente, a pandemia está no asfalto.
Swiftlet’s Nest as Potential Prebiotic Compound for the Gut Beneficial Bacteria
Authors: Babji Abdul Salam , Daud Nur 'Aliah
Published: April 2021

Swiftlet’s clean and edible nest has been consumed for centuries as health food. The benefits of the edible bird nest (EBN) are commonly based on historical and observational reports since its discovery, until some were proven scientifically at recent times. The EBN has a potential to be a prebiotic with the bioavailability of glycan within the EBN. In order to test the prebiotic potential, the EBN glycoprotein and EBN extracted glycan went through a simulated human digestion in vitro test which contained at the level of oral, gastric and small intestine. The undigested components were collected and further tested with simulated in vitro human colon model. The findings showed that the improved growth of beneficial bacteria in the presence of EBN substrates have potentials to provide health benefits. The beneficial group of bacteria may improve and strengthened the host immune system and reducing the risk of pathogenic bacterial infection. These health benefits are crucial especially during the severe health situation such as the pandemic of COVID-19. This study had contributed to the functional properties of the EBN, as a prebiotic for the benefits of consumers and EBN industries. The fundamental of this finding in regards to prebiotic activity can be applied to the area of animal production in the application of prebiotics as value added animal feed ingredients.
Moisture, Fat and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef Dendeng in Malang City
Authors: Dijayanti Siti Resita , Rosyidi Djalal , Evanuarini Herly
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of sliced beef dendeng and ground beef dendeng circulating in Malang city, i.e., fat content, fatty acid profile, moisture content, water activity and total calories. The quantitative descriptive analysis was used as research design. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by using the calculation formula according to the method used. The sliced dendeng and ground dendeng circulating in Malang city was used as sample. Beef dendeng circulating in Malang city had a fat content of 3.43-6.77%, moisture content of 19.56-27.50%, water activity of 0.69-0.84, and total calories of 93.38-136.77 kcal. The sliced beef dendeng with the best chemical characteristics (closed to national standard) was tested for fatty acid profile analysis. About 37 fatty acids were identified, consisting of 19 saturated fatty acids and 18 unsaturated fatty acids. It was concluded that both types of beef dendeng circulating in Malang city had different fat content, fatty acid profile, moisture content, water activity and total calories. These differences were influenced by raw materials, spices and processing used.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Goat Milk Powder With Different Drying Methods After Storage
Authors: Rizqiati Heni , Nurwantoro Nurwantoro , Susanti Siti , Febrisiantosa Andi , Setyawardani Triana , Shauma Claradhita Ayu
Published: April 2021

Processing kefir into powder form is an effort to extend shelf life, prevent contamination from unwanted bacteria, and facilitate storage. For this reason, a proper drying method is needed to produce a good quality kefir powder. There are three types of drying methods used in this study, namely drying with a cabinet dryer, freeze dryer, and spray dryer. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different types of drying methods on pH value, solubility, viscosity, total acid, and alcohol content of goat's milk kefir powder after storage for two months. This study used a completely randomized design method with different types of drying methods, namely T1 (cabinet dryer), T2 (freeze dryer), and T3 (spray dryer). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a confidence level of 95% and if it had a significant effect, it was continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the different drying methods did not show any significant effect (p > 0.05) on the pH value, solubility, viscosity, total acid, and alcohol content, so it could be concluded that the three types of drying methods did not affect physical and chemical quality of kefir powder that has been stored for two months.
Frequency of Acetabulum Retroversion Formation after Reorienting Pelvic Osteotomies in Children Over 7 Years Old with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Bortulev P. I. , Vissarionov S. V. , Baskov V. E. , Barsukov D. B. , Pozdnikin I. Yu. , Baskaeva T. V.
Published: April 2021

Background. One of the reasons for the development of the “pincer” type of femoroacetabular impingement are various reorienting pelvic osteotomies, which are widely used in the treatment of children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of formation of retroversion of the acetabulum after reorienting pubic-iliac, iliac-sciatic and triple pelvic osteotomies in children over 7 years old with DDH I–II degree according to Crowe.Material and Methods. The retrospective study is based on the results of radiometry of 60 patients (69 hip joints) at an average age of 11.6±2.9 years with DDH I–II degree according to Crowe who underwent surgical treatment in 2014-2016. The patients were divided into three groups of 20 patients each. Group I underwent an iliac osteotomy. Group II underwent an ilio-sciatic osteotomy. In group III patients, the acetabulum was reoriented by triple (pubo-ilio-sciatic) pelvic osteotomy. In addition to standard radiometry of the hip joints, the following indicators were evaluated: signs of acetabular retroversion (“cross-over”, “posterior wall”, “ischial spine”), as well as the index of acetabular retroversion (ARI).Results. The assessment of the main radiometric parameters of the spatial position and the correction value of the acetabulum was carried out at least 36 months after the surgical treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in the radiometric parameters of the spatial orientation of the acetabulum in group I and II patients (p0.05), except for the degree of bone coverage, which was significantly higher in group II patients (p0.05) than in group II patients, which indicated the presence of hypercorrection. In patients of group III, the values of the above-mentioned indicators varied within the physiological values. Retroversion of the acetabulum was observed in more than half of the patients in group I and in almost all patients in group II. In group III patients, acetabular retroversion was observed in only 3 patients.Conclusion. In the vast majority of cases, a double pelvic osteotomy (pubo-iliac and ilio-sciatic) leads to the formation of hypercorrection of the acetabular fragment and its retroversion in comparison with a triple pelvic osteotomy. The pathological orientation of the acetabulum, despite the achieved stability of the hip joint, can be a morphological substrate for the development of femoro-acetabular impingement and, as a result, coxarthrosis. In the treatment of children with DDH over 7 years old the operation of choice is a triple pelvic osteotomy.
Usage of External Fixation in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Knee Joint Stiffness: Review
Authors: Rokhoev S. A. , Solomin L. N.
Published: April 2021

Relevance. Knee contractures have an impact on quality of life and are also a common cause of disability. The use of external fixation devices has a certain place in the treatment of this pathology.Purpose. Using the world literature, to identify the modern position, problems, and prospectives of external fixation in the treatment of knee flexion and extension contractures in adult patients.Methods. EMBASE, Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, e-LIBRARY, and Cyber resources were used. The analysis included publications relative treatment of knee joint stiffness using external fixation in patients over 18 years old, regardless of gender. At analysis several criterial were used: frame ability to provide movements in the knee joint according with its natural kinematics (biomechanics), stable fixation of the femur and tibia, and possibility inserting wires and halfpins in projection of Reference Positions (RP).Results. The devices used in the treatment of knee joint contractures in adult patients were conditionally divided, depending on the type of hinge, into 4 groups: non-hinged, uniaxial, reproducing, and virtual. It has been established that only orthopedic hexapods, based on virtual hinge, can meet all of the criteria mentioned above. However the technology of any orthopedic hexapod hardware and software usage for the treatment of contractures of the knee joint, was not developed till now.Conclusion. The necessity of developing hex-based technology for treatment patients with knee joint contractures was justified by world literature review. Hexapod hardware must provide possibilities of any inclination angle of any ring, and struts fixation not only to base and mobile rings, but to stabilizing as well. Software should be equipped with multi-total residual option. Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) meets these requirements.
Validity of Taylor's rule for Turkey: An empirical study
Authors:   Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, et al. Tokel
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to propose an estimate of the reaction function of Turkey's monetary policy for the periods from January 2005 to January 2020. In this perspective, a VAR (Vector Autoregressive) model is set up. The VAR model was estimated using Stata software. In this study, the Taylor rule is extended by implicating the industrial production index and the monetary aggregate M2 into policy reaction function. By doing so, the Taylor rule is investigated for the Turkish economy, and the validity of the rule is tested. The results of the ADF test show for all the observed variables that the null hypothesis of a unit root is rejected. In other words, the condition of stationarity seems to be satisfied. In the short term, it seems that a change in the behavior of the variable M2 has an impact of 1% on the level of the current inflation rate as well as the current real interest rate. For the period studied, the results of the VAR modeling indicate that Taylor's rule is partly true for the short term but that it is not for the long term. The choice of the period studied seems to be the main reason for the non-cointegration between the inflation rate and the bank rediscount rate.
Interests, Motives, and Psychological Burdens in Times of Crisis and Lockdown: Google Trends Analysis to Inform Policy Makers
Authors: Rotter Dominik , Doebler Philipp , Schmitz Florian
Published: April 2021

Background

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government and the 16 German federal states implemented a variety of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to decelerate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and thus prevent a collapse of the health care system. These measures comprised, among others, social distancing, the temporary closure of shops and schools, and a ban of large public gatherings and meetings with people not living in the same household.

Objective

It is fair to assume that the issued NPIs have heavily affected social life and psychological functioning. We therefore aimed to examine possible effects of this lockdown in conjunction with daily new infections and the state of the national economy on people’s interests, motives, and other psychological states.

Methods

We derived 249 keywords from the Google Trends database, tapping into 27 empirically and rationally selected psychological domains. To overcome issues with reliability and specificity of individual indicator variables, broad factors were derived by means of time series factor analysis. All domains were subjected to a change point analysis and time series regression analysis with infection rates, NPIs, and the state of the economy as predictors. All keywords and analyses were preregistered prior to analysis.

Results

With the pandemic arriving in Germany, significant increases in people’s search interests were observed in virtually all domains. Although most of the changes were short-lasting, each had a distinguishable onset during the lockdown period. Regression analysis of the Google Trends data confirmed pronounced autoregressive effects for the investigated variables, while forecasting by means of the tested predictors (ie, daily new infections, NPIs, and the state of economy) was moderate at best.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that people’s interests, motives, and psychological states are heavily affected in times of crisis and lockdown. Specifically, disease- and virus-related domains (eg, pandemic disease, symptoms) peaked early, whereas personal health strategies (eg, masks, homeschooling) peaked later during the lockdown. Domains addressing social life and psychosocial functioning showed long-term increases in public interest. Renovation was the only domain to show a decrease in search interest with the onset of the lockdown. As changes in search behavior are consistent over multiple domains, a Google Trends analysis may provide information for policy makers on how to adapt and develop intervention, information, and prevention strategies, especially when NPIs are in effect.
Generalizability of an Automatic Explanation Method for Machine Learning Prediction Results on Asthma-Related Hospital Visits in Patients With Asthma: Quantitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Luo Gang , Nau Claudia L , Crawford William W , Schatz Michael , Zeiger Robert S , Koebnick Corinna
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Asthma exerts a substantial burden on patients and health care systems. To facilitate preventive care for asthma management and improve patient outcomes, we recently developed two machine learning models, one on Intermountain Healthcare data and the other on Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) data, to forecast asthma-related hospital visits, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations, in the succeeding 12 months among patients with asthma. As is typical for machine learning approaches, these two models do not explain their forecasting results. To address the interpretability issue of black-box models, we designed an automatic method to offer rule format explanations for the forecasting results of any machine learning model on imbalanced tabular data and to suggest customized interventions with no accuracy loss. Our method worked well for explaining the forecasting results of our Intermountain Healthcare model, but its generalizability to other health care systems remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the generalizability of our automatic explanation method to KPSC for forecasting asthma-related hospital visits.

METHODS

Through a secondary analysis of 987,506 data instances from 2012 to 2017 at KPSC, we used our method to explain the forecasting results of our KPSC model and to suggest customized interventions. The patient cohort covered a random sample of 70% of patients with asthma who had a KPSC health plan for any period between 2015 and 2018.

RESULTS

Our method explained the forecasting results for 97.57% (2204/2259) of the patients with asthma who were correctly forecasted to undergo asthma-related hospital visits in the succeeding 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

For forecasting asthma-related hospital visits, our automatic explanation method exhibited an acceptable generalizability to KPSC.

CLINICALTRIAL

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/resprot.5039
Studies of Depression and Anxiety Using Reddit as a Data Source: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Boettcher Nick
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The study of depression and anxiety using publicly available social media data is a research activity that has grown considerably over the past decade. The discussion platform Reddit has become a popular social media data source in this nascent area of study, in part because of the unique ways in which the platform is facilitative of research. To date, no work has been done to synthesize existing studies on depression and anxiety using Reddit.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to understand the scope and nature of research using Reddit as a primary data source for studying depression and anxiety.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and ACM academic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were developed using the participants, concept, and context framework outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review Methodology Group. Eligible studies featured an analytic focus on depression or anxiety and used naturalistic written expressions from Reddit users as a primary data source.

RESULTS

A total of 54 studies were included in the review. Tables and corresponding analyses delineate the key methodological features, including a comparatively larger focus on depression versus anxiety, an even split of original and premade data sets, a widespread analytic focus on classifying the mental health states of Reddit users, and practical implications that often recommend new methods of professionally delivered monitoring and outreach for Reddit users.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies of depression and anxiety using Reddit data are currently driven by a prevailing methodology that favors a technical, solution-based orientation. Researchers interested in advancing this research area will benefit from further consideration of conceptual issues surrounding the interpretation of Reddit data with the medical model of mental health. Further efforts are also needed to locate accountability and autonomy within practice implications, suggesting new forms of engagement with Reddit users.
Health Information Systems for Older Persons in Select Government Tertiary Hospitals and Health Centers in the Philippines: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Garcia Angely P , De La Vega Shelley F , Mercado Susan P
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The rapid aging of the world’s population requires systems that support health facilities’ provision of integrated care at multiple levels of the health care system. The use of health information systems (HISs) at the point of care has shown positive effects on clinical processes and patient health in several settings of care.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe HISs for older persons (OPs) in select government tertiary hospitals and health centers in the Philippines. Specifically, we aimed to review the existing policies and guidelines related to HISs for OPs in the country, determine the proportion of select government hospitals and health centers with existing health information specific for OPs, and describe the challenges related to HISs in select health facilities.

METHODS

We utilized the data derived from the findings of the Focused Interventions for Frail Older Adults Research and Development Project (FITforFrail), a cross-sectional and ethics committee–approved study. A facility-based listing of services and human resources specific to geriatric patients was conducted in purposively sampled 27 tertiary government hospitals identified as geriatric centers and 16 health centers across all regions in the Philippines. We also reviewed the existing policies and guidelines related to HISs for OPs in the country.

RESULTS

Based on the existing guidelines, multiple agencies were involved in the provision of services for OPs, with several records containing health information of OPs. However, there is no existing HIS specific for OPs in the country. Only 14 (52%) of the 27 hospitals and 4 (25%) of the 16 health centers conduct comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). All tertiary hospitals and health centers are able to maintain medical records of their patients, and almost all (26/27, 96%) hospitals and all (16/16, 100%) health centers have data on top causes of morbidity and mortality. Meanwhile, the presence of specific disease registries varied per hospitals and health centers. Challenges to HISs include the inability to update databases due to inadequately trained personnel, use of an offline facility–based HIS, an unstable internet connection, and technical issues and nonuniform reporting of categories for age group classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Current HISs for OPs are characterized by fragmentation, multiple sources, and inaccessibility. Barriers to achieving appropriate HISs for OPs include the inability to update HISs in hospitals and health centers and a lack of standardization by age group and disease classification. Thus, we recommend a 1-person, 1-record electronic medical record system for OPs and the disaggregation and analysis across demographic and socioeconomic parameters to inform policies and programs that address the complex needs of OPs. CGA as a required routine procedure for all OPs and its integration with the existing HISs in the country are also recommended.
COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Cold-Chain Food Workers in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Zhang Minyi , Chen Hongbiao , Xian Juxian , Cao He , Zhou Xiaofeng , Gu Zihao , Liu Huamin , Li Qiushuang , Wu Fei , Chen Qing , Lin Qihui
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

As cold-chain transportation in frozen food may lead to localized outbreaks of COVID-19 in destinations. Given the high level of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the cold-chain food workers are considered priority vaccination groups. To date, a number of studies have reported the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 within distinct populations, whereas it has not been reported among cold-chain food workers worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate the willingness for COVID-19 vaccination and its influencing factors within cold-chain food workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional, population-based survey was employed to gather information regarding the willingness of COVID-19 vaccination and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) associated with COVID-19 and vaccination among cold-chain food workers in Shenzhen City of China. Binomial logistic analyses were conducted to qualify the associations between COVID-19-related KAP factors and the willingness of COVID-19 vaccination using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 244 cold-chain food workers were recruited. Overall, 76.2% of the subjects indicated that they were willing to be vaccinated. After adjustment for general characteristics, knowledge on COVID-19 conception (aOR 2.313, 95%CI 1.098-4.872), comprehending the most effective measure (aOR 2.399, 95%CI 1.233-4.666), understanding the transmission routes (aOR 8.760, 95%CI 2.406-31.890), and recognizing the priority vaccination groups (aOR 2.587, 95%CI 1.331-5.029) were positively associated with the dependent variable. Regarding attitude factors, perceiving the social harmfulness (aOR 2.643, 95%CI 1.178-5.927) and severity of COVID-19 (aOR 3.109, 95%CI 1.116-8.660) were related to a higher willingness to get vaccinated. In terms of practice factors, participants who have attained more knowledge (aOR 2.608, 95%CI 1.115-6.099) were more likely to be vaccinated, and higher self-reported compliance with maintaining indoor ventilation (aOR 2.371, 95%CI 1.049-5.363) was also positively associated with the dependent variable. Agreement on the importance of vaccination to prevent COVID-19 was the most frequent reason for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine; additionally, concerns about side effects and poor understanding of efficacy were the main factors contributing to the vaccination refusal.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhancing KAP levels related to COVID-19 might be the key to promote vaccine acceptance. Health authorities ought to promptly implement educational activities following the updated vaccine situations.
An overview of COVID-19 induced gastrointestinal symptoms and liver dysfunction (Preprint)
Authors: Rehman Obaid
Published: April 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 beginning in December 2019 has caused widespread devastation to many individuals worldwide. Gastrointestinal manifestations and complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 are some of the less discussed implications of this virus. The initial gastrointestinal symptoms noted in COVID-19 patients are mainly diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as new onset of hepatic injury. Additionally, patients with a prior history of hepatic comorbidities have increased risk of progression to severe COVID-19. Presently, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), serological based tests, and imaging are used to achieve a definitive diagnosis. The current management of COVID-19 is supportive care along with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy. The use of microbiota transplantation for COVID-19 management is also discussed. The importance of this article is to enlighten the overall understanding of COVID-19 induced gastrointestinal and liver pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
Healing the Healer: Exploring Barriers and Solutions to Supporting Workers in the Domestic Violence Sector
Authors: Milaney PhD Katrina , Zaretsky, MSc Lisa , Mcmanus Carrie , Van Tassel Becky
Published: April 2021

Individuals who work with Domestic Violence (DV) survivors are often exposed to traumatic events that can leave them feeling overwhelmed, distressed, and susceptible to experiences of trauma themselves. The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand the health and wellbeing of staff in the DV sector to build capacity around providing safe and supportive working environments. A focus group was conducted with 40 members of a local domestic violence collective while surveys were completed by 61 professionals within the DV sector. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions and descriptive analysis of survey data highlighted primary barriers to supportive and safe organizational cultures including the work environment, leadership, and supervision. Specifically, supervisors and organizational culture play a significant role in contributing to employee health and wellness. Results suggest the need for increased importance on the role that senior/executive staff must take in protecting their staff from trauma-related harms, including focusing on trauma-informed supervision, structure, self-care, education and training, agency policies and the safety of the work environment. Future research could explore the impact of prioritizing the role of senior and executive staff in creating a safe working environment while informing new policies and strategies for mitigating staff burnout.
Study on the Infancy Characteristics of Meiji Capitalism in Takekurabe under the Semiotic Square Theory
Authors: Zhao Suyan
Published: April 2021

Takekurabe (Child’s Play) is one of the masterpieces of Ichiy? Higuchi, a Japanese female writer, during the Meiji (Note 1) period. Setting in the context of Yoshiwara, a famous red-light district in Edo (Note 2)period, the novella depicts the absurd and wild growth experience of a group of youths who were deeply influenced by the feudal dross culture. From the perspective of structuralism, this paper leverages Greimas’s semiotic square theory to explore the meaning structure beneath the ostensible narratives of the work. It is found that the contradictions and entanglement among teenagers are closely connected with Yoshiwara’s social culture and mainstream values. It can be said that Yoshiwara in the Meiji period portrayed by Ichiy? is a residual epitome of Edo feudal culture.
ИНТЕГРАЛЬНЫЕ МИКРОСХЕМЫ МНОГОРАЗРЯДНЫХ ВЫСОКОВОЛЬТНЫХ ДРАЙВЕРОВ
Authors: Коновалов С. , Шер Т. , Громов В. , Герасимов К.
Published: April 2021

Представлен комплект интегральных микросхем многоразрядных высоковольтных драйверов. Приведены краткое описание функционального и схемотехнического построения, конструктивно-технологическое решение, основные электрические характеристики.