bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avanços e desafios da sustentabilidade ambiental na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Serafini Paula Gonçalves , Moura Jéssica Morais de , Nobre Anna Cláudia dos Santos , Rezende Júlio Francisco Dantas de
Published: November 2021

O presente artigo aborda as práticas desenvolvidas pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) na dimensão da sua gestão operacional. Num contexto em que os problemas ambientais têm cada vez mais sido objeto de discussão, esse artigo tem como objetivo investigar como uma instituição de ensino superior do nordeste do Brasil tem colaborado para redução dos impactos de sua atividade, de forma a priorizar ações ambientalmente sustentáveis. Este artigo proporcionou uma discussão sobre o tema, somando esforços às demais publicações no sentido de contribuir para o desenvolvimento de universidades ambientalmente sustentáveis. Adotando a metodologia de estudo de caso, a pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir da análise documental e da realização de entrevista semiestruturada, onde foi identificado que a UFRN vem implantando uma série de programas voltados para a gestão integrada de resíduos, controle de qualidade da água, arborização, eficiência energética, comunicação e educação ambiental. Com diretrizes da sustentabilidade incluídas nos seus documentos institucionais e recebimento de prêmios que reconhecem as suas práticas, torna-se importante analisar as contribuições dessas ações no contexto de uma universidade sustentável. Como desafios a serem superados para incorporação da sustentabilidade como pilar estratégico, a pesquisa destaca a dificuldade de sensibilização e engajamento da comunidade universitária, sendo necessário empreender iniciativas que transformem a cultura organizacional. Por fim, a pesquisa permite contribuir com o tema de uma maneira mais ampla, reunindo boas práticas que devem ser disseminadas e incorporadas por outras instituições.
Projetos de cidades inteligentes: A rede de capacidade de construção da comunidade e o design thinking como viabilizadores para tornar o meio ambiente inteligente
Authors: Salm Vanessa Marie
Published: November 2021

O meio ambiente das cidades vem demandando por projetos voltados para a adoção de estratégias que o torne inteligente. Com tal propósito, este artigo tem como objetivo criar uma proposta para tornar o meio ambiente inteligente por meio da rede de capacidade de construção da comunidade e do design thinking. Para tanto, realizou-se uma revisão de literatura sobre as temáticas relacionadas a esta proposta. Com base nisso, a proposta foi apresentada e discutida em três etapas, a saber: (i) levantamento e compreensão da realidade e das demandas/ problemas da comunidade; (ii) busca de soluções para demandas/problemas da comunidade, e (iii) criação do protótipo e entrega do plano de ação. Como principais resultados, a proposta viabilizará o enfoque interdisciplinar, a colaboração e participação de toda a comunidade na formulação de soluções para demandas ambientais fomentando, com isso, a conscientização ambiental, o desenvolvimento sustentável e o capital social na comunidade.
Accusative case assignment to the verbal internal argument in the Albanian language and the corresponding case assigning model
Authors: Taci Joana , Saraci Mirela
Published: November 2021

The following paper aims at shedding some light on the Albanian language case system with a special focus on the assignment of the accusative case. As a member of the vast Indo-European family Albanian language is characterized by an inflected case system and as so a free word order. Traditionally, we are taught and we still teach to the coming generations that accusative case is assigned mostly by the verb to that sentence noun phrase syntactically representing the direct object and semantically introducing the Theme or the Patient.  Moreover in Albanian accusative is also assigned by another morphological category bearing the distinctive features [+noun;+verb], namely the proposition. Furthermore, as a researcher in the field of generative syntax, I have a stake in analyzing certain exceptional cases of accusative case assignment to the subject NP of the Albanian subjunctive clause. In conclusion, I was tempted to adopt Chomsky’s reconciling proposal in accusative case assignment under the specifier-head structural and schematic relation.
Effects of corporate social responsibility communications on community empowerment in Pekanbaru
Authors: Rasyid Anuar , Nasution Belli
Published: November 2021

Community empowerment is one of the goals to be realized through the company's CSR program. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of PTPN V's CSR communication in empowering the community in Pekanbaru. The research uses quantitative methods. The population in this study was 528 people. Samples were taken by accidental sampling technique of as many as 250 people analyzed using the SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) test. The data was processed using LISREL 8.7 software. The results of the study indicate that there is an effect of corporate CSR communication on community empowerment. The element of CSR communication that has the most effect on community empowerment is the message element. The elements of communication consist of messages, channels, and communication disturbances that affect community empowerment positively, while communicators and the communication environment have an effect in a negative direction.
Screening of Helicobacter pylori in patients with dyspeptic complaints with the urea breath test and its usability in family medicine
Authors: BAYRAKTAR Mustafa , DABAK Reşat
Published: November 2021

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a common cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, and gastric cancer. H.pylori positive in patients with dyspeptic complaints should be investigated in order to determine the etiology and reduce the risk of H.pylori-related malignancy. The urea breath test (UBT) is a simple, convenient, and highly accurate H.pylori screening test with excellent sensitivity and specificity. The utility of UBT as a screening test in family medicine was examined in this study, that investigated at H.pylori positive in patients with dyspeptic complaints. Method: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, single-center study was conducted. The results of the C14-UBT for H.pylori were investigated by scanning the archives of patients over the age of 18 who applied with dyspeptic complaints in an education and research hospital within a calendar year. In the evaluation of UBT results, ≥50cpm was considered positive, <25cpm negative, and 25-50cpm was considered suspicious. Results: The UBT findings of 1192 patients were included, with an acceptability rate of 83 percent. The average age of the participants was 48.7±15.3 years, with 61 percent of them being women and 39 percent being men. The UBT was 81.5cpm on average (IQR=214, min=0, max=909). According to the findings, 56 percent (n=667) of the participants tested positive for H.pylori, 43.2 percent (n=515) tested negative for H.pylori, and 0.8 percent (n=10) tested suspicious for H.pylori. Although 56.4 percent of women and 55.3 percent of males tested positive for H.pylori, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study conducted on a large group of patients, H.pylori positivity was found in 56% with the UBT. Considering this result, it has been evaluated that, in cases where the World Health Organization recommends H.pylori screening, and in patients with dyspeptic complaints but no alarm symptoms, H.pylori should be screened with urea breath test in Family Health Centers as an important preventive healthcare service.
Vietnamese undergraduate students’ perspectives on sexual knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behavior
Authors:   Faculty of Social Work, University of Labor and Social Affairs, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, et al. Pham
Published: November 2021

Human sexual behavior research is a multidisciplinary endeavor that seeks to comprehend one of the most vital and complex aspects of our behavioral science. This study aimed to investigate Vietnamese university students' perception of sexual knowledge as well as the relationship between gender, academic year, and sexual orientation. The questionnaire was sent to 666 Vietnamese undergraduate students in four universities which 418 respondents were considered valid for research purposes. The study results showed that there was a significant difference among the four study groups of different (1) academic year; (2) sexual orientations; (3) gender and academic year level; (4) academic year and sexual orientation; (5) gender, academic year, and sexual orientation level when considered jointly on the variables of the three aspects of the Sex knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire II. However, there was no reciprocal relationship between (6) gender; (7) gender, and sexual orientation level. The findings of this study will have implications for school policies that attempt to promote and maintain a positive school climate in an effort to address the issue of sexuality education, including sexual knowledge.
VEHICLE – PEDESTRIAN CONFLICT: A CASE STUDY IN UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Isa Noorain , Aris Ahmad Zaharin , Ponrahono Zakiah , Harun Rosta
Published: November 2021

Vehicle-pedestrian conflict is a commonly unsafe event that occurs in both urban and rural areas, especially in developing countries. It is still an open research topic, mostly in traffic safety and urban planning, which is utilised for evaluating the behaviours of vehicles and pedestrians at a non-signalised marked walkway. Three stations were selected based on higher daily activities to calculate the regularity of pedestrian movement. A manual calculation method was applied, and the calculation was done only during the daytime. Three different teams were formed to obtain the measurements at the three different sampling points simultaneously. A present study on preliminary vehicle-pedestrian conflict reveals the frequency of pedestrians in a concentrated area and its Level of Service (LOS) in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang. The findings show that rush hour occurs during the mid-day in weekday, when students have finished their classes and adults have gone out for other businesses.
THE NEED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF STREET VENDORS MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC SPACES AT SURAKARTA CITY
Authors: Rahayu Murtanti Jani , Buchori Imam , Widjajanti Retno
Published: November 2021

The presence of an activity in a public space should not obstruct the right of other users. In order to create an ideal public space as a shared space, the existence of various activities such as street vendors (SVs) must be properly managed. SVs, as well as other activities, should strengthen the function of public spaces and not the other way round. Stabilisation is implemented by regulating several characteristics of SVs location and activity as a form of SVs management in public spaces. This idea became the entry point for SVs improvement, although so far SVs conditions have not been optimally improved. Some new components/ indicators of arrangement will enrich the efforts for stabilisation. In this study, the analysis technique of partial least square (PLS), which negates a variety of assumptions was applied to test the effect of stabilisation on the change or improvement of SVs’ welfare, behaviour, and location. The results show that the enrichment of components in stabilisation arrangement has a positive and significant effect on the three elements of SV improvement. The effect of stabilisation on SVs’ behavioural changes had the highest value if compared to that of welfare and location changes.
ENHANCING THE POTENTIAL OF RECYCLABLES WASTE COLLECTION THROUGH WASTE BANK PROGRAMME: EXPERIENCE FROM HEI IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Alias Fatma Sabariah , Abdul Manaf Latifah , Ariffin Mariani , Abdullah Sabrina Ho
Published: November 2021

A voluntary approach for recycling programme can be enhanced by the establishment of waste bank in institutions of higher education. Hence, a waste bank programme was implemented in a “close loop” system at the Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (FPAS, UPM). This aims to promote collection of recyclable materials and raise awareness among UPM students on the importance of recycling. Throughout the five (5) phases of operation, about 500 students were registered as waste bank members with the amount of total collected recyclables reaching 14,817.46 kg. The direct measurement method was applied in the waste bank operation procedure to weigh the recyclable materials received twice a week. The most frequent type of recyclable material collected was paper, including black/white paper, newspaper, and mix paper. The waste bank programme has enhanced the potential of solid waste minimisation by shifting the amount of waste disposed at the landfill site. Moreover, it enables recyclable materials to be seen as valuable resources as monetary rewards were given to encourage recycling practices among students based on the total weight for each collection of recyclable materials. Therefore, the implementation of the waste bank programme in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Malaysia creates an opportunity to be a medium of a sustainable solid waste minimisation system in promoting sustainable green campuses at the university.
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION FROM PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAMINANTS: ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT 1974 AND ITS REGULATIONS
Authors: Othman Adillah , Ariffin Mariani
Published: November 2021

Pharmaceutical contaminants have become a global “emerging pollutant”. Many countries developed various policies and technologies to deal with the problem. In Malaysia, there is no serious attention given to this problem in the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA) and other regulations (Malaysian legislation). Therefore, pharmaceutical contaminants still enter the environment and affect human health through water consumption and water usage. In response to this problem, this study aims to analyse Malaysian legislation and to identify potential protection provided to protect source water from pharmaceutical contaminants. This study employed a qualitative approach. A systematic search was carried out on existing pharmaceutical-related Malaysian legislation. Later, content analysis was conducted to discover patterns and ideas within the existing legislation. This would determine the provisions that could assist the protection of source water from pharmaceutical contaminants. The findings of this study demonstrate only few provisions addressed the problem of pharmaceutical contaminants and thus, this type of contaminant continues to harm theenvironment. It is hoped that the result of this study could enhance Malaysian legislation pertaining to the problem and minimise the risk of pharmaceutical contaminant in drinking water.
CHILDREN’S DIRECT AND INDIRECT EXPERIENCES WITH NATURE AND THEIR CONNECTEDNESS TO NATURE
Authors: Mustapa Nor Diyana , Maliki Nor Zarifah , Aziz Nor Fadzila , Hamzah Aswati
Published: November 2021

Direct experiences with nature during childhood plays an important role to influence children’s connectedness to nature (CTN) as a child now and later as an adult. However, today’s children obtain nature experiences mostly through indirect ways (e.g. observing nature and vicarious learning), which may not have the same quality as direct ways (e.g. activities with plants and earth elements). Hence, this study aims to first identify the current trends of children experience nature and further examine the effects of both direct and indirect experiences with nature on their CTN. Questionnaires were distributed to 760 children from 20 schools include both urban and rural schools in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. The data were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The results confirmed that the current trends of children having experiences with nature are more through indirect ways. Results also showed that indirect experiences with nature make more contribution to children’s CTN than direct experiences. Overall, this study highlights that indirect experiences with nature can be an alternative and effective way to develop children’s CTN without neglecting the importance of direct experiences with nature.
SOCIAL IMPACT EVALUATION OF TEA PRODUCTION USING SOCIAL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (S-LCA) METHOD IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS, PAHANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Sharaai Amir Hamzah , Muhammad Khairul Izzudin , Wah Yeoh Geok
Published: November 2021

Commercial convention of tea production and plantation at the largest scale in this country has shown an escalation year by year, together with the high demand for tea products in the Malaysian market. This may have a direct social impact throughout the life cycle of tea production. Thus, this research sought to identify the social impacts from the overall process of tea production. This study used the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) involving descriptive analysis by assessing the social impacts associated with the stakeholders of tea production using three sets of questionnaires. The studies were conducted at one of the highest tea production companies in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. The findings of the stakeholders showed a good level of satisfaction because there was no significant negative effect. Overall, the social aspects of the tea production met the required criteria in terms of social significance. However, there were some social aspects that can be improved by the factory in the future such as health and safety, discrimination, job opportunity and local community involvement.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL KUZNET CURVE FACTS AND CHALLENGES FOR THAILAND ON EMISSION REDUCTION PLAN
Authors: Potipituk Chantamon
Published: November 2021

The correlation between country’s gross domestic product and environment as reflected by carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, also known as environmental Kuznet Curve (KC), shows a clear indication on the country’s economic development and environmental protection status. In many aspects, economic growth and environment are not always going on a hand-in-hand mode. The most obvious example is seen in the use of natural resources to promote country’s economic development, which is stand-off one another. However, environmental Kuznet Curve has shown a fact that environmental protection can be in parallel with the economic development given that country’s economics does not largely depend on natural resources. We juxtapose the cross country data on gross domestic product (GDP) and CO2 emission from many offline and online documents. This paper explores the current facts of global environmental KC and corresponding possible consequences on Bangkok Metropolitan Emission reduction plan and implementation, towards environmentally sustainable development in Bangkok Metropolitan. By examining the global KC, three levels of development of the individual country have been identified in terms of per capita GDP and CO2 emission. It shows that most Southeast Asian countries are at initial stage of KCbased development.
CONCEPT OF PRIVACY FROM ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE IN FLOOD EVACUATION CENTRE
Authors: Abdul Rahim Asiah , W Seman Wan Mohamad Amin
Published: November 2021

The flood events in Kelantan during December 2014 were examples of disasters in recent years that garnered national attention. Emergencies can occur with little or no warning. Floods deprive families of basic food and shelter, and lead to significant social and emotional impacts that linger long after the event. Every year, schools and community areas have been used as evacuation centres. A number of problems faced by the evacuees have been identified, especially in terms of physical facilities such as the lack of privacy for women and families, especially during night time. The objectives of this paper are as follows: (1) to study on the concept of privacy from an Islamic Perspective; and (2) to assess privacy in the context of a flood evacuation centre. The data gathered were tabulated. The research also utilised secondary data from literature. Data were analysed using content analysis and case studies. The data were analysed based on issues raised. Recommendations and suggestion are posed on overcoming the identified issues and problems. This research contributes a review of examples of evacuation facilities that follow Islamic teaching in the context of privacy in evacuation centres.
The Influence of Design and Implementation Characteristics on the Use of Maternal Mobile Health Interventions in Kenya: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sowon Karen , Maliwichi Priscilla , Chigona Wallace
Published: November 2021

Background

The growth of mobile technology in developing countries, coupled with pressing maternal health care challenges, has led to a widespread implementation of maternal mobile health (mHealth) innovations. However, reviews generating insights on how the characteristics of the interventions influence use are scarce.

Objective

This study aims to review maternal mHealth interventions in Kenya to explore the influence of intervention design and implementation characteristics on use by maternal health clients. We also provide a starting inventory for maternal mHealth interventions in the country.

Methods

Using a systematic approach, we retrieved a total of 1100 citations from both peer-reviewed and gray sources. Articles were screened on the basis of an inclusion and exclusion criterion, and the results synthesized by categorizing and characterizing the interventions presented in the articles. The first phase of the literature search was conducted between January and April 2019, and the second phase was conducted between April and June 2021.

Results

A total of 16 articles were retrieved, comprising 13 maternal mHealth interventions. The study highlighted various mHealth design and implementation characteristics that may influence the use of these interventions.

Conclusions

In addition to elaborating on insights that would be useful in the design and implementation of future interventions, this study contributes to a local inventory of maternal mHealth interventions that may be useful to researchers and implementers in mHealth. This study highlights the need for explanatory studies to elucidate maternal mHealth use, while complementing existing evidence on mHealth effectiveness.
Active Usage of Mobile Health Applications: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Yang , Wu Tailai , Chen Zhuo
Published: November 2021

Background

Mobile health applications are being increasingly used for people’s health management. The different uses of mobile health applications lead to different health outcomes. Although active usage of mobile health applications is shown to be linked to the effectiveness of mobile health services, the factors that influence people’s active usage of mobile health applications are not well studied.

Objective

This paper aims to examine the antecedents of active usage of mobile health applications.

Methods

Grounded on the 3-factor theory, we proposed 10 attributes of mobile health applications that influence the active usage of mobile health applications through consumers’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction. We classified these 10 attributes into 3 categories (ie, excitement attributes, performance attributes, and basic attributes). Using the survey method, 494 valid responses were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results

Our analysis results revealed that both consumer satisfaction (β=0.351, t=6.299, P<.001) and dissatisfaction (β=–0.251, t=5.119, P<.001) significantly influenced active usage. With regard to the effect of attributes, excitement attributes (β=0.525, t=12.861, P<.001) and performance attributes (β=0.297, t=6.508, P<.001) positively influenced consumer satisfaction, while performance attributes (β=–0.231, t=3.729, P<.001) and basic attributes (β=–0.412, t=7.132, P<.001) negatively influenced consumer dissatisfaction. The results of the analysis confirmed our proposed hypotheses.

Conclusions

Our study provides a novel perspective to study the active usage of mobile health applications. By categorizing the attributes of mobile health applications into 3 categories, the differential effects of different attributes can be tested. Meanwhile, consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction are confirmed to be independent from each other.
Development of a Quality Assurance Score for the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) Database: Validation Study
Authors: Salihu Hamisu M , Yusuf Zenab , Dongarwar Deepa , Aliyu Sani H , Yusuf Rafeek A , Aliyu Muktar H , Aliyu Gambo
Published: November 2021

Background

In 2018, Nigeria implemented the world’s largest HIV survey, the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), with the overarching goal of obtaining more reliable metrics regarding the national scope of HIV epidemic control in Nigeria.

Objective

This study aimed to (1) describe the processes involved in the development of a new database evaluation tool (Database Quality Assurance Score [dQAS]) and (2) assess the application of the dQAS in the evaluation and validation of the NAIIS database.

Methods

The dQAS tool was created using an online, electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) methodology with the assistance of expert review panelists. Thematic categories were developed to form superordinate categories that grouped themes together. Subordinate categories were then created that decomposed themes for more specificity. A validation score using dQAS was employed to assess the technical performance of the NAIIS database.

Results

The finalized dQAS tool was composed of 34 items, with a total score of 81. The tool had 2 sections: validation item section, which contains 5 subsections, and quality assessment score section, with a score of “1” for “Yes” to indicate that the performance measure item was present and “0” for “No” to indicate that the measure was absent. There were also additional scaling scores ranging from “0” to a maximum of “4” depending on the measure. The NAIIS database achieved 78 out of the maximum total score of 81, yielding an overall technical performance score of 96.3%, which placed it in the highest category denoted as “Exceptional.”

Conclusions

This study showed the feasibility of remote internet-based collaboration for the development of dQAS—a tool to assess the validity of a locally created database infrastructure for a resource-limited setting. Using dQAS, the NAIIS database was found to be valid, reliable, and a valuable source of data for future population-based, HIV-related studies.
A Digital Health Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults: Feasibility Study
Authors: Jacobson Claire L , Foster Lauren C , Arul Hari , Rees Amanda , Stafford Randall S
Published: November 2021

Background

About 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older falls annually. Exercise interventions are effective in reducing the fall risk and fall rate among older adults. In 2020, startup company Age Bold Inc. disseminated the Bold Fall Prevention Program, aiming to reduce falls among older adults through a remotely delivered, digital exercise program.

Objective

We conducted a feasibility study to assess the delivery of the Bold Fall Prevention Program remotely and evaluate the program's impact on 2 primary outcomes—annualized fall rate and weekly minutes of physical activity (PA)—over 6 months of follow-up.

Methods

Older adults at high risk of falling were screened and recruited for the feasibility study via nationwide digital advertising strategies. Self-reported outcomes were collected via surveys administered at the time of enrollment and after 3 and 6 months. Responses were used to calculate changes in the annualized fall rate and minutes of PA per week.

Results

The remote delivery of a progressive digital fall prevention program and associated research study, including remote recruitment, enrollment, and data collection, was deemed feasible. Participants successfully engaged at home with on-demand video exercise classes, self-assessments, and online surveys. We enrolled 65 participants, of whom 48 (74%) were women, and the average participant age was 72.6 years. Of the 65 participants, 54 (83%) took at least 1 exercise class, 40 (62%) responded to at least 1 follow-up survey at either 3 or 6 months, 20 (31%) responded to both follow-up surveys, and 25 (39%) were lost to follow-up. Among all participants who completed at least 1 follow-up survey, weekly minutes of PA increased by 182% (ratio change=2.82, 95% CI 1.26-6.37, n=35) from baseline and annualized falls per year decreased by 46% (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.90, n=40). Among only 6-month survey responders (n=31, 48%), weekly minutes of PA increased by 206% (ratio change=3.06, 95% CI 1.43-6.55) from baseline to 6 months (n=30, 46%) and the annualized fall rate decreased by 28% (IRR=0.72, 95% CI 0.42-1.23) from baseline to 6 months.

Conclusions

The Bold Fall Prevention Program provides a feasible strategy to increase PA and reduce the burden of falls among older adults.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Three Different Treatment Options
Authors: Nybacka Sanna , Törnblom Hans , Simren Magnus , Störsrud Stine
Published: November 2021

Background

Although it is widely acknowledged that food intake can worsen symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there is a lack of efficient treatments that can apply to all patients and subtypes of IBS. As IBS can manifest in different ways, it is likely that the most successful treatment option will differ among patients; therefore, this large, randomized controlled trial comparing 3 different treatment options for patients with IBS is highly warranted.

Objective

This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 different treatment options for patients with IBS.

Methods

A total of 300 patients with IBS will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive one of the following three treatment options: a diet with low total carbohydrate content; a diet combining low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols and traditional dietary advice in IBS; and optimized medical treatment. The study will comprise a 10-day screening period, 28 days of intervention, and a 6-month follow-up for patients receiving dietary treatment. Questionnaires assessing both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms will be used as end points, as well as metabolomics, microbiota profiling, and immunological markers. Furthermore, qualitative methods will be used to evaluate the patients’ experiences regarding diet treatments.

Results

Recruitment for this study began in January 2017. By May 2021, of the proposed 300 participants, 270 (90%) had been randomized, and 244 (81.3%) participants had finished the 4-week intervention. The study is still in progress, and the results are expected to be published in 2022.

Conclusions

By collecting a wide range of data before, during, and after treatment in a large group of patients with IBS and diverse bowel habits, we will gain new insights into the predictors of response to treatment. That information can, in the future, be used to personalize treatment for the patient, based on the individual’s phenotype and IBS symptoms. In addition, the long-term effects of 2 different dietary treatments will be evaluated regarding their impact on gut microbiota and clinical laboratory tests and to ensure that they are safe, effective, and applicable for patients with IBS.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02970591; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02970591

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/31413
Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity From Systemic and Radiation Therapy in Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Multi-Institutional Prospective Study
Authors: Borgonovo Giulia , Vettus Elen , Greco Alessandra , Leo Laura Anna , Faletra Francesco Fulvio , Klersy Catherine , Curti Moreno , Valli Mariacarla
Published: November 2021

Background

The incidence of breast cancer is rising worldwide. Recent advances in systemic and local treatments have significantly improved survival rates of patients having early breast cancer. In the last decade, great attention has been paid to the prevention and early detection of cardiotoxicity induced by breast cancer treatments. Systemic therapy-related cardiac toxicities have been extensively studied. Radiotherapy, an essential component of breast cancer treatment, can also increase the risk of heart diseases. Consequently, it is important to balance the expected benefits of cancer treatment with cardiovascular risk and to identify strategies to prevent cardiotoxicity and improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for these patients.

Objective

This CardioTox Breast study aims to investigate the use of cardiac imaging, based on cardiac magnetic resonance and echocardiography, and to identify associated circulating biomarkers to assess early tissue changes in chemo-induced and radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in the time window of 12 months after the end of radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

The CardioTox Breast trial is a multicenter observational prospective longitudinal study. We aim to enroll 150 women with stage I-III unilateral breast cancer, treated with breast conserving surgery, who planned to receive radiotherapy with or without systemic therapy. Baseline and follow-up data include cardiac measurements based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and circulating biomarkers of cardiac toxicity.

Results

This study details the protocol of the CardioTox Breast trial. Recruitment started in September 2020. The results of this study will not be published until data are mature for the final analysis of the primary study end point.

Conclusions

The CardioTox Breast study is designed to investigate the effects of systemic and radiation therapy on myocardial function and structure, thus providing additional evidence on whether cardiac magnetic resonance is the optimal screening imaging for cardiotoxicity.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04790266; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04790266

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/31887
Providing Accessible Recreation Outdoors—User-Driven Research on Standards (PARCOURS): Protocol for a Multiphase Study
Authors: Prescott Mike , Routhier François , Labbé Delphine , Grandisson Marie , Mahmood Atiya , Morales Ernesto , Best Krista L , Mostafavi Mir Abolfazl , Borisoff Jaimie , Gamache Stéphanie , Sawatzky Bonita , Miller William C , Bulk Laura Yvonne , Robillard Julie M , Jenkins Hailey-Thomas , Seetharaman Kishore , Mortenson W Ben
Published: November 2021

Background

Canada’s national parks are world-renowned. However, despite recent attempts to improve access, many are not accessible to people with disabilities. With the advent of provincial and federal legislation, standards are being developed to assist with the design and management of parks.

Objective

The overarching objective of this study is to inform accessibility standards for federal parks that meet the needs of all park visitors, regardless of ability. The specific objectives of this study are to identify park accessibility standards that exist internationally, identify the accessibility challenges that people with disabilities face in park environments, and prioritize and recommend accessibility standards for national parks.

Methods

A 3-phase approach will be used to achieve the study objectives. In the first phase, a scoping review of the existing accessibility standards will be conducted. The second phase will include objective audits of trails and features in 6 parks, 3 in western Canada and 3 in eastern Canada, as well as mobile interviews with 24 diverse participants in each region regarding their experiences of and recommendations for improving the park’s accessibility. In the final phase, a Delphi participatory consensus development process will be used, based on the data gathered in the first 2 phases, to prioritize recommendations for standards.

Results

We expect to find gaps in existing standards that do not account for the diverse range of accessibility requirements that people with disabilities have for visiting parks. We also expect to find that existing standards, on their own, may not be enough to ensure equitable access to all the experiences and amenities that parks have to offer. Development of subsequent guidelines and best practices may be necessary to address complex scenarios for which standards may not be the best approach to ensuring accessibility.

Conclusions

The participatory and mixed methods approaches used in this study will provide rich insights for developing accessible park standards that consider the diverse needs of people with disabilities. The findings will also support the development or enhancement of park standards at all levels of government.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/33611
Tracking Private WhatsApp Discourse About COVID-19 in Singapore: Longitudinal Infodemiology Study
Authors: Tan Edina YQ , Wee Russell RE , Saw Young Ern , Heng Kylie JQ , Chin Joseph WE , Tong Eddie MW , Liu Jean CJ
Published: November 2021

Background

Worldwide, social media traffic increased following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the spread of COVID-19 content has been described for several social media platforms (eg, Twitter and Facebook), little is known about how such content is spread via private messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp (WhatsApp LLC).

Objective

In this study, we documented (1) how WhatsApp is used to transmit COVID-19 content, (2) the characteristics of WhatsApp users based on their usage patterns, and (3) how usage patterns link to COVID-19 concerns.

Methods

We used the experience sampling method to track day-to-day WhatsApp usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 1 week, participants reported each day the extent to which they had received, forwarded, or discussed COVID-19 content. The final data set comprised 924 data points, which were collected from 151 participants.

Results

During the weeklong monitoring process, most participants (143/151, 94.7%) reported at least 1 COVID-19–related use of WhatsApp. When a taxonomy was generated based on usage patterns, around 1 in 10 participants (21/151, 13.9%) were found to have received and shared a high volume of forwarded COVID-19 content, akin to super-spreaders identified on other social media platforms. Finally, those who engaged with more COVID-19 content in their personal chats were more likely to report having COVID-19–related thoughts throughout the day.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a rare window into discourse on private messaging platforms. Such data can be used to inform risk communication strategies during the pandemic.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04367363; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04367363
Characteristics associated with risky eating behaviors among university students in Mexico City / Características asociadas a conductas alimentarias de riesgo en estudiantes universitarios de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Diaz de León-Vázquez Concepción , Lazarevich Irina , Unikel Santoncini Claudia , Álvarez Díaz Jorge Alberto
Published: November 2021

Abstract The purpose of this work was to identify characteristics associated with risky eating behaviors (REB) in university students. Participants were 781 women and 570 male students of a public university, with an average age of 20.1 years (SD = 2.7) and 21.2 years (SD = 3.3), respectively. The participants completed a set of self-report questionnaires, and their weight and height were measured. The prevalence of moderate frequency REB among women was 23.0% and high frequency 10.1%, while among men it was 22.3% and 6.7%, respectively (p = 0.07). Among women, the characteristics that increased the risk to present REB were: body dissatisfaction (OR = 5.4), negative affect (OR = 3.8), internalization of the ideal of thinness (OR = 3.6), and practicing some sport (OR = 2.8). Among men, these characteristics were: having being teased (OR = 10.3), drive for muscularity (OR = 3.4), body mass index (OR = 3.5) and practicing some sport (OR = 3.1). Given the different characteristics that increase the probability of presenting REB among university students and men, it is necessary to establish models that describe the specific risk conditions according to sex, as well as, to develop appropriate instruments and interventions.ResumenEl objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar características asociadas a conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) en estudiantes universitarios. Participaron 781 mujeres y 570 hombres estudiantes de una universidad pública, con edad promedio de 20.1 años (DE = 2.7) y 21.2 años (DE = 3.3), respectivamente. Los participantes completaron una batería de cuestionarios de autoinforme y se registró su peso y talla. La prevalencia de CAR de frecuencia moderada entre las mujeres fue 23.0% y de frecuencia alta 10.1%, mientras que entre los hombres fue 22.3% y 6.7%, respectivamente (p = 0.07). Entre las mujeres, las características que aumentaron el riesgo para presentar CAR fueron: insatisfacción corporal (OR = 5.4), afecto negativo (OR = 3.8), interiorización del ideal de delgadez (OR = 3.6) y practicar algún deporte (OR = 2.8). Entre los hombres, estas características fueron: haber recibido burlas (OR = 10.3), motivación por la musculatura (OR = 3.4), índice de masa corporal (OR = 3.5) y practicar algún deporte (OR = 3.1). Ante las diferentes características que aumentan la probabilidad para presentar CAR entre mujeres y hombres universitarios, es necesario plantear modelos que describan las condiciones específicas de riesgo según sexo, así como desarrollar instrumentos e intervenciones apropiadas.
Pica behavior in patients with chronic end-stage kidney disease: Behavioral, psychosocial and clinical variables associated / Conducta de pica en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica terminal: Variables conductuales, psicosociales y clínicas asociadas
Authors: Lugo González Isaías Vicente , Sánchez Cervantes Cintia Tamara
Published: November 2021

AbstractPica behavior (PB) is defined as the persistent intake of non-nutritive substances, which has been identified in various chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate the presence of PB among patients with chronic end-stage kidney disease (CESKD), to identify the main substances ingested, as well as associated behavioral, psychosocial and clinical variables. A total of 100 adult patients (Mage = 43.9, SD = 15.8), men and women, under hemodialysis, completed an evaluation that included questions on the functional analysis of behavior. Of the total participants, 58% presented PB. The main food substances ingested were: ice (37%), grains of sugar or salt (11%), and wheat flour (10%); of the non-food substances highlighted: stones or partition (7%), bicarbonate or magnesia (6%), and mud (5%). The main situations associated with PB were inactivity (27%) and anxiety (10%); as consequences highlighted the feeling of well-being (36%) and decreased anxiety (10%). Patients with PB were characterized by their lower age and perception of social support, as well as greater anxiety. The results of this study support the development of specific forms of intervention for the management of PB in patients with CESKD.ResumenLa conducta de pica (CP) se define como la ingesta persistente de sustancias no nutritivas, la cual se ha identificado en presencia de diversos padecimientos crónicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la presencia de la CP entre pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica terminal (ERCT), identificar las principales sustancias ingeridas, así como variables conductuales, psicosociales y clínicas asociadas. Participaron 100 pacientes adultos (Medad = 43.9, DE = 15.8), hombres y mujeres, bajo hemodiálisis, quienes completaron una batería de evaluación que incluyó preguntas dirigidas al análisis funcional de la conducta. De los participantes, 58% presentó CP. Las principales sustancias alimenticias ingeridas fueron: hielo (37%), granos de azúcar o sal (11%), y harina (10%); de entre las no alimenticias destacaron: piedras o tabique (7%), bicarbonato o magnesia (6%) y barro (5%). Las principales situaciones asociadas a la CP fueron la inactividad (27%) y la ansiedad (10%); en tanto consecuencias destacaron la sensación de bienestar (36%) y disminución de ansiedad (10%). Los pacientes con CP se caracterizaron por presentar menor edad y percepción de apoyo social, así como mayor ansiedad. Los resultados de este estudio abonan al desarrollo de formas de intervención específicas para el manejo de la CP en pacientes con ERCT.
Mediterranean diet, body esteem and anthropometric parameters in acrobatic teenage gymnasts / Dieta mediterránea, estima corporal y parámetros antropométricos en adolescentes practicantes de gimnasia acrobática
Authors: Vernetta Santana Mercedes , Peláez Eva M. , Ariza Leopoldo , López Bedoya Jesús
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD) and body esteem (BE) in acrobatic gymnasts and their relationships with anthropometric parameters. Participated 48 teenage gymnasts (32 girls and 16 boys) of 12-21old-years. The AMD was analyzed through Quality Test of Diet Mediterranean in Childhood and Adolescence (KIDMED test) and the Body Esteem Scale for Children (BES-C). The waist circumference was measured, as well as the height and weight, calculating BMI and waist-height ratio (WHR). The 69% of sample showed an optimal AMD with a BMI of 18.6 kg/ m2, waist circumference of 62.1 cm and WHR of 0.4 cm without sex differences. The AMD is not associated with BE and anthropometric parameters. In general, boys and girls showed good BE. Not significant relationships were found between values of KIDMED test, anthropometric variables and BE. In general, the eating habits of the gymnast were healthy, presenting to the most optimal AMD, normal values of BMI and a good perception of their body imagen. However, although these results are encouraging, it was evident that almost a third of the participants would need to improve their diet, which points to the need to strengthen nutritional education strategies in the sport field.ResumenEl objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (ADM) y la estima corporal (EC) en gimnastas acrobáticos, así como su relación con parámetros antropométricos. Participaron 48 gimnastas adolescentes (32 mujeres y 16 hombres), de 12-21 años de edad. La ADM fue evaluada a través del Índice de Calidad de la Dieta Mediterránea en la Infancia y Adolescencia (KIDMED) y la EC mediante la Escala de Estima Corporal para Niños (BES-C); además fueron medidos (talla, peso y perímetro de cintura) para calcular el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la razón cintura-talla (RCT). El 69% de los participantes mostró alta ADM y buena EC, con IMC promedio de 18.6 kg/m2, perímetro de cintura de 62.1 cm y RCT de 0.4 cm, sin registrarse diferencias entre sexos. La ADM no se asoció con la EC o los parámetros antropométricos. En general, los hábitos alimentarios de los participantes fueron saludables, con alta o moderada ADM y satisfactoria imagen corporal. No obstante, aunque estos resultados son alentadores, fue evidente que casi un tercio de los participantes requeriría mejorar su dieta, lo que apunta a la necesidad de fortalecer las estrategias de educación nutricional en el ámbito deportivo.