bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of preventive measures in the criminal process: current issues
Authors: Suslova V.S. , Tyshchenko O.I.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the research of topical issues of application of the institute of preventive measures in criminal proceedings on the basis of the analysis of normative provisions of the current criminal procedure legislation and law enforcement practice. It is emphasized that the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine 2012 (hereinafter - the CPC of Ukraine) provides for an updated system of preventive measures, unlike the CPC of 1960. Attention is drawn to the degree of restriction of human rights and freedoms in the application of preventive measures. The purpose of this article is to analyze topical issues regarding the grounds and procedural order for the application of preventive measures in criminal proceedings and to offer optimal ways of solving them. The author has come to the conclusion that at this stage criminal procedural legislation in terms of regulation of preventive measures needs improvement. The article investigates the types and reasons for choosing preventive measures, which determined the author's position on the need to consolidate at the legislative level the definition of the term "preventive measures". The scientific positions of different authors on the issues related to the application of preventive measures are analyzed, in particular, the views of the processional scientists on the concept of "preventive measures". This made it possible to demonstrate the existence of a rather wide range of scientific proposals for defining this concept at the legislative level. Attention is drawn to the fact that, in practice, the right of a person to liberty and personal integrity when choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention is quite often unduly restricted. The materials of the case law, legal provisions of the ECtHR, Letter of the High Specialized Court of Ukraine on Civil and Criminal Matters "On Some Issues of Preventive Measures During Pre-trial Investigation and Proceeding in the Procedure Provided by the Criminal Procedure" Code of Ukraine of 04.04.2013 are used.
Consideration of the bail concept as a component of a financial liability in the understanding of the law of Ukraine "On the prevention of corruption" for qualification of the act in accordance with article 366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine
Authors: Shevchenko Yu.A. , Kharytonova O.V.
Published: August 2021

This article is devoted to the analysis of the current legislation of Ukraine, as well as judicial practice in the context of the need to enter information in the declaration of a person authorized to perform the functions of the state or local government, namely the column "Financial Liabilities", in the form of surety, and the problem of providing a criminal legal assessment in the context of the possibility of the acts qualification under Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hereinafter - the Criminal Code of Ukraine). These issues nowadays acquire the status of an exceptional legal problem due to the lack of a single law enforcement practice, and therefore require theoretical and practical consideration. In this regard, the article focuses on the analysis of certain provisions of the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption", consideration of the crime under Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as consideration of the judicial practice of the European Court of Human Rights, the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court Ukraine, courts of appeal and local courts. Much of the author's attention is focused on the concept of legal nature and the institution of bail in general. In doing so, the author explored the above issues through the lens of human rights protection, based on the understanding of the essence of the principle of legal certainty, which is part of the concept of the rule of law. The conclusions suggested proposals as for improving the question that author discussed by amending national anti-corruption legislation in order to enable it to qualify the act provided for in Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in the form of failure to enter information in the declaration column "Financial liabilities" of the persons authorized to perform the functions of state or local government in the presence of surety. In particular, the author emphasized that formulation of the norm, which defines the concept of "financial liabilities", makes it impossible to apply it in the context of qualifying a crime under Article 366-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine due to lack of legal certainty, which makes it impossible to maintain the principle the rule of law, and therefore a priori, human rights and freedoms will be violated.
A general description of threats to european security at the threshold of the 21st century
Authors: Smalii O.B.
Published: August 2021

Over time, the issue of security has not lost its relevance, but on the contrary gained momentum because of the large-scale threats that have arisen and evolve. In today's world, there are threats that are beyond the control of a particular country and, for the sake of security, begin to pool their forces and resources. The author reveals the particularities of threats to European collective security in the 21st century. The article identifies threats based on doctrinal approaches. The threat is a set of factors and conditions that could potentially pose a danger to the state in the future. The author examines approaches to the classification of threats to collective security and their characteristics, as well as the author's classification of threats according to their relevance and time of occurrence. According to scientific approaches, the threats to European collective security are divided into: economic, military, information, environmental and other nature; direct and indirect; potential and immediate; external and internal. The author proposed his own classification of threats, according to which they are divided into: new threats, again relevant and classic. The author shows the threats influence on the formation of the European collective security system and how they affect its current changes. It is noted that contemporary external threats were emerging at the turn of the late 1980s – early 1990s, and some of them continue to be shaped and strengthened today. Given the current challenges that pose a threat to collective security, a number of specific actions need to be taken to improve the performance of collective security organizations in order to more effectively address contemporary threats. The author proposes ways to improve the activity of modern collective security systems in order to avoid the emergence and development of large-scale threats to collective security in the 21st century.
Criminal liability for tax evasion with the use of offshore schemes as a prerequisite of stabilization of economy of Ukraine
Authors: Bayda A.O. , Novikov D.O.
Published: August 2021

This article first introduces the statistics of losses of the State Budget of Ukraine, which in 2019 were caused by violations of the statutory procedure for payment of taxes, fees and other mandatory payments in Ukraine, thus focusing on the relevant issues. The problem of tax evasion using offshore jurisdictions, or so-called offshore countries, is considered separately. Emphasis is placed on the destructive consequences arising from this illegal activity for the national economy of Ukraine. In addition, the authors turn to the analysis of world experience in combating the relevant negative phenomenon. Particular attention in this regard is paid to the method of promoting compliance with the procedure for payment of taxes, fees and other tax payments in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. In particular, an approach such as the establishment in the United Kingdom of criminal liability for significant tax evasion by persons who directly or indirectly own offshore income, assets, consequences of offshore business activities, or anything that has a result similar to arising from offshore income, assets or offshore business activities. This type of penalty was introduced in 2017 due to the entry into force of Section 166 of the 2016 Finance Act in the United Kingdom. Criminal liability under this section arises for acts related to offshore activities and consists of: failure to notify the supervisory authority of income tax or capital gains tax, breach by the payer of the obligation to file a declaration, filing a declaration containing false information, or breach of due the amount of payment of the corresponding mandatory payment. At the end of the article, the authors proposed to amend the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which will provide for the introduction of a similar rule in Ukrainian law.
Embryo Rescue of Cold-hardy Table Grapes
Authors: Moreira Laise S. , Clark Matthew D.
Published: August 2021

Seedlessness is one of the most desirable traits for table and raisin grapes. Stenospermocarpic cultivars are desirable because they have large berries with superior quality. Embryo rescue techniques have been widely used to get progeny seedling populations from crosses using seedless mother plants. Selection of the female parent, sampling time, and the growth medium are the most crucial to the success of this technique. This study investigated the effect of best sampling time and media composition on embryo rescue efficiency in a cold-hardy hybrid grape breeding program. We sampled ovules 5 to 9 weeks after flowering, and we tested four media compositions. The greatest percentages of embryo germination and normal seedlings were obtained when ovules were harvest at 8 weeks after flowering, indicating that it is suitable to harvest ovules at veraison, when the extraction of ovules is easier as a result of softer berry flesh. For the media composition experiment, all ovules were harvested at 8 weeks after flowering. Nitsch & Nitsch culture medium had very low germination, and the resulting seedlings performed the lowest compared with the other treatments. Lloyd & McCown Woody Plant Basal Medium (WPM) increased the number of embryos germinated significantly, and a number of normal seedlings and plantlets developed. Although there was no significant difference among the other three media containing WPM supplemented with different doses of plant regulators, the WPM Plus medium [with cytokinin (6-benzlaminopurine), indole-3-butyric acid, gibberellin, and casein hydrolysate] promoted the greatest percentage of established plants (46.98%). Therefore, the 8-weeks-after-flowering harvest time and the WPM Plus medium were selected for use in the embryo rescue protocol at the University of Minnesota grape breeding program.
Use of Gardening Programs as an Intervention to Increase Children’s Visual-motor Integration
Authors: Sommerfeld Aime , McFarland Amy , Waliczek Tina M. , Zajicek Jayne
Published: August 2021

Visual-motor integration is influential in childhood development. Historical anecdotal evidence supports gardening as aiding in children’s development of fine and gross motor skills. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of a school gardening program on children’s development of visual-motor integration. Preschool children ages 2 to 6 years old enrolled in private tuition-based schools were included in the sample. For 6 months, control group students studied using a traditional school curriculum whereas treatment group students participated in gardening as part of their lessons. The Beery-Buktenica visual-motor integration short-form instrument was used to quantitatively measure students’ levels of visual-motor integration. No significant differences were found in overall comparisons between the treatment and control group students. However, in demographic comparisons, significance was found; standardized scores for males in the treatment group improved whereas scores for males in the control group decreased. Results indicated that male preschoolers may respond especially well to gardening programs in the classroom in developing visual-motor integration.
How excessive endogenous money supply can contribute to global financial crises
Authors: Shvets Serhii
Published: August 2021

Financial crises have become a challenge for sustainable growth, given the frequency and intensity of crisis shocks and their destructive consequences in recent decades. The paper aims to study how the endogenously generated excess money supply can contribute to global financial crises. The creation of money supply is examined from the perspective of the Quantity Theory of Money (QTM) and endogenous money, namely Horizontalism, Structuralism, and Modern Money Theory. Given that prices are not flexible in the short term, increased volatility in the money market prevents a short-term ready balance between money supply and output. The overall result of money supply accommodation can be unpredictable if monetary authorities and commercial banks do not pool their interests, and the money demand volatility becomes extremely high. The study of the correlation between money supply and output allowed distinguishing between neutral countries in the creation of extra liquid assets and countries that can be a potential trigger for excessive money supply volatility. Monitoring the dynamics of M3 and GDP showed that before the significant crisis periods of 1997–1998, 2007–2008, and 2019–2020, the growth of money supply was more than 8%. The established critical level confirms the potential contribution of endogenously created excess money supply to global financial crises.
CONSTITUTIVE SIGNS OF URBAN INSCRIPTIONS
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, SULTANOVA ZHULDYZ G.
Published: August 2021

The article deals with the actual problem of identifying the constitutive features of urban inscriptions in modern public space. The definition of the concept of urban inscriptions, their basic classification (institutional and personal) and comparative analysis are introduced. Aside from that to classify constitutive signs of inscriptions the author distinguishes two groups of main characteristics: functional and structural.
SMART CLOTHING AS AN EXAMPLE OF AN ACTUAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND THE FASHION INDUSTRY
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, KUSMINOVA MARIA H. , RESHETNIKOVA NATALYA S. ,   Astrakhan State University
Published: August 2021

This scientific article examines the current trend of «smart clothing» as a modern cultural phenomenon. The authors of the article analyze the studied aspect and form the author's classification of «smart clothing» based on numerous examples. Within the framework of this research, the method of sociological research was applied, which allowed to reveal the respondents' attitude to the influence of modern information technologies on the fashion industry. After analyzing the modern phenomenon of «smart clothing», the authors of the study came to the following conclusion. The modern fashion industry is a complex and multi-faceted product of cultural activity that covers almost all spheres of human life, developing at the intersection of bio-nano-information technologies, at the same time it is a single universal communicative and expressive means, reflecting the level of development of media culture, while “smart clothing” can be rightly called both a means and a result of broadcasting the symbolic content of the modern socio-cultural space.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Ectopic Pregnancies
Authors: Hamad Fatimetou Abdelkader , Lamiri Nadia , Abidi Wajih , Trabelsi Dekhra , Hmid Rim Ben , Achour Radhouane
Published: August 2021

Background :

Ectopic pregnancy is the most common cause of death among women during the first trimester of pregnancy despite the progress made with early diagnonsis. It occurs at a rate of 1 to 2 % that of live births. In Mauritania, EP is a public health issue mostly effecting young women.

Objective :

to evaluate the diagnosic abilities and the management of EP.

Methods:

This study is transverse descriptive and was carried out in the maternity of Nouakchott’s teaching hospital. The aim of this study was to provide data on the epidemiological profile, dignosis, management and prognosis of ectopic pregnancy. During the period from May 2013 to April 2014, 44 cases of ectopic pregnancies were collected. The collected data was analysed by means of SPSS version 20, Microsoft Excel 2007.

Result:

The incidence of EP was 0.99% coefficient to 1 EP per 100 live births. EP management represented 7.3% emergency surgery. The average patient age was 29.84 ± 5.988 years. The most affected age group was the 25-34 year olds (61.4%). Multigravida were more affected with a rate of 80%. Patients with an EP commonly presented with pelvic pain (91% of our patients), late in menstruation (86.3%) and vaginal bleeding (61.3%). Pelvic ultrasound was performed in 41 patient coefficient to 93%. The treatment was surgical by laparotomy in all of the cases. The surgical treatment was radical in 93.2% : Salpingectomy was performed in 86.4% of the cases, adnexectomy was performed in 6.8% of the cases.Conservative treatment was performed in 3 patients : 2 cases of salpingotomy and 1 case of tubal expression. In most cases, the postoperative evolution was simple.

Conclusion:

Until this day, ectopic pregnancy is a severe disease. despite the progress made with early diagnonsis in many cases the treatment is surgical with all its consequences and especially in the developing countries including mauritania. Improving the therapeutic management is above all improving the diagnostic procedure in a very early period. And for decades we keep saying that ectopic pregnancy: thinking about it often is not thinking enough.
Carbon Nanotubes based Composites for Electromagnetic Absorption - A Review
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Aul Gagan Deep
Published: August 2021

:

Radar is a delicate detection device and since its evolution different techniques for reducing
electromagnetic reflections have been discovered. This paper provides a concise review on fundamentals
of absorption which reduce radar cross section from stealth target with which radar cross section
affects the survivability and mission capability. The reduction of radar cross section depends on dielectric
and magnetic properties of the material. The first section reviews the Radar Absorbing Material
(RAM) in order to provide a background on fundamentals, various stealth techniques for absorption
and its properties at microwave frequencies. The second section reviews the Multi-Walled Carbon
Nanotubes and their different composites by encapsulation of other metals, polymers or epoxies into it
and its microwave absorption properties were studies at microwave frequencies. Multi-Walled Carbon
Nanotubes based composites for microwave absorption are reviewed on the basis of various factors;
material composition, reflection loss performance, thickness, complex permittivity, complex permeability,
dielectric tangent loss, magnetic tangent loss, bandwidth, and frequency band.
Distinction Theory in Descartes' Philosophy
Authors: Ferreira Giorgio Gonçalves
Published: August 2021

The aim of this article is to think the theory of distinctions in the philosophy of Descartes, and, from this theory, to make considerations to subjects related to Cartesian metaphysics. In this way, in the first instance, the article deals with the difference between the procedures of exclusion and abstraction, since it is a crucial difference to understand the real distinction as it is thought by Descartes. In the sequence the discussion is directed towards the real distinction, at which point, in addition to the definition and functioning of the real distinction, its conflict with the substantial union is raised. In a third, the article addresses the modal distinction and its relation with the philosophy of Francisco Suárez. Finally, it enters into the theme of the distinction of reason. At this point, the article seeks to clarify difficulties presents in the philosophy of Descartes and that concern the relations between distinction of reason, formal distinction, distinctio rationis ratiocinantis and distinctio rationis ratiocinatae.
Internal Senses and Intellect in the Sentencia cum Questionibus in libros De anima I-II Aristotelis attributed to Peter of Spain
Authors: Ferreira Ana Patrícia
Published: August 2021

This study aims to present the internal senses and intellect in the theory of the abstraction of Pedro Hispano’s on Sentencia cum questionibus in libros De anima I-II Aristotelis and the functions of these elements in the theory of abstraction, detaining the role of the cognitive faculties as well as the internal senses, the possible intellect and the agent intellect.
The conclusio pulchra, mirabilis et bona: an ingenious demonstration attributable to Nicole Oresme
Authors: Di Liscia Daniel
Published: August 2021

Hardly any other concept has occupied the minds of philosophers and scientists as much as the con-cept of infinity. Late medieval philosophy is not an exception. Especially within the context of the so-calledcalculatorestradition a new approach emerged which prioritised the analysis of physical, mathematical, and logical problems over the determination of the essence of infinity and its defini-tion. From the fourteenth century onward, it was not unusual in this context to discuss in detail some special cases of motion which included an augmentationin infinitumof the “degrees of velocity”. This paper focuses on a particular case, the “conclusio mirabilis”, a demonstration to which Oresme could have self-referred in this treatiseDe configurationibusas a “more subtle and more difficult” proof. Whereas this short text has until now been analysed according to only one manuscript, the present contribution involves a research regarding a text conglomerate made up of at least seven manuscripts which are somehow mutually connected. It is argued that an attribution of this demon-stration to Oresme is, with due caution, possible, even if further research is still needed to determine the original shape of the text. In addition, this paper includes a short reference to two later important authors, Biagio Pelacani da Parma and Jacques Almain, whose reception of theconclusio mirabi-lisremained unnoticed in the scholarship until now.
Cartesian discourse on the rainbow versus Conimbricense treatise on the celestial arch
Authors: Ramos José Santos
Published: August 2021

In this article we compare the exposition of two famous texts contemplated in the history of philosophy that deal mainly with the explanation of the meteorological phenomenon of the rainbow. The texts are the Fifth Treatise entitled From the Rainbow or Celestial arc of the Meteorological Commentaries, published in 1593 by the Jesuit Masters Conimbricenses and Discourse VIII entitled About the Rainbow from the Meteoros de Descartes, published in 1637. The pertinence of the comparison between the works mentioned is justified by a vast ban on comments on the medieval origins of Cartesian science and by Descartes himself declaring the initiative to compare both philosophical perspectives
Agostinho: a inquietação como fonte
Authors: Contaldo Silvia
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this text is to approach Saint Augustine (354-430) and Etty Hillesum (1914-1943), with regard to the mystical experience. At first glance,it may seem that there is an abysmal distance between one author and another. Right. Augustine lived between the 4th and 5th centuries and witnessed the decline of the Roman Empire. In turn, young Etty Hillesum lived in the 20th century -a brief life -but enough to witness the horrors of Auschwitz. The link between these two authors, therefore, is supratemporaland occurs through the search for the mystical path, which both sought. Etty, a reader of Augustine, declares in herDiary, repeatedly, that what is important is the path of interiorization, the path of seeking oneself, in the depths of oneself. It is what matters in dark and obscure times, perhaps to endure them with more dignity and lucidity. Augustine, who had lived many centuries before, also saw violence and iniquity, and restlessness has always been his source. Indoor fountain to which to return. This is not self-centeredness,an upside-down narcissism, but a spiritual, mystical exercise, looking for inner territory, mystical corners whose source is restlessness and, at the same time, strengthening oneself.
O desdobramento da alma em direção ao belo: preleções no Livro sexto do diálogo Sobre a Música de Agostinho de Hipona
Authors: Silva Nilo
Published: August 2021

Our investigation aims to propose a brief reflection on Book VI of De musica(387-391) by Agostinho de Hipona. In the light of philosophy, it is intendedto submit the main lines of arguments on the unfolding of the soul in its itinerary to God, in analogy to the rhythms and harmonies of musical art. Evidently, the meeting betweenHellenistic philosophy and Christianity in the early days of Patristics took place through many resources, but with some acquiescence on the part of Latin Patrology. In this context, the thought of Augustine of Hippo mustbe considered a reference for thesynthesis of Hellenistic philosophy in the Latin tradition. There is no doubt that the Neoplatonic reference was singularly present in Augustine's philosophy, not only as an ingredient of his intellectual and spiritual evolution, culminating in his conversion, but it was also the instrument by which, and exclusively through it, his thought has formed. In fact, it is clear that Augustine's thought is a synthesis of Hellenistic culture incorporated in Latin times, although this characteristic is not duly explicit in some of his works and in the course of his history, requiring a closer and more accurate examination of our interpretations. In the course of reading book VI of De musicawe can identify three important aspects: i) At first, Augustine proposes theunfolding of the soul based on the sensations. The path of reflection runs through the education of the senses in order to achieve the perceptual-sensorial transcendentalization,so that, Augustine intends to demonstrate that the movements and rhythms of music are in analogy to the rhythms of the soul driven by a natural desire to contemplate God; ii) In order to carry out this path of soul ascension, Augustine identifies in Neoplatonism the notion of spiritualization as an essential activity of the soul'sintimate life, in such a way that the dialogue is impregnated with the Plotinian speculation about the concept of unity, order and being, always related to the notion of God as ineffable; iii) The Augustinian assumption in discovering bodily harmonies in the soul through sensations, sounds and words in analogy to eternal harmony, supports, in a way, his notion of invisible perfection of God as the one who reveals himself to us in created things.
Mestre Eckhart e Santo Agostinho: a bem-aventurança (beatitudo) consiste em um ato do intelecto ou da vontade?
Authors: Neto José Teixeira
Published: August 2021

In Chapter XVII of the Commentary on the Gospel of John, Eckhart comments on John 17, 3: «Now this is eternal life: may they know you, the only true God, and the one you sent, Jesus Christ». The comment begins like this: «If the beatitude consists of an act of the intellect or the will, it is an old question. From the words above [from the Gospel of John] it seems that it consists essentially of knowledge and intellect». To make his position clear, Eckhart cites some texts by Augustine, for example: De moribus Ecclesiae; Retracticiones; De beata vitaand De Trinitate. In our work, we intend to show how Eckhart builds his exhibition from Augustine, focusing on the analysis of Chapter XVII of that comment.
Ética e mística em Nicolau de Cusa (1401-1464): uma assimilação do conceito de interioridade agostiniano
Authors: Souza Klédson Tiago Alves de , Nogueira Maria Simone
Published: August 2021

The present article seeks to present an ethical and mystical reflection according tothe philosophy of Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464). Moreover, it is also intended to reflect on the influence of the ideas of Augustine of Hippo (354-430) on the thought of the German philosopher. Thus, the development of this work will be focused in the interiority as an ethics and mystical process of improvement of oneself, in orderto reach happiness.
A Smartphone-Based Decision Support Tool for Predicting Patients at Risk of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Retrospective Study on App Development Using Decision Tree Induction
Authors: Mosa Abu Saleh Mohammad , Rana Md Kamruz Zaman , Islam Humayera , Hossain A K M Mosharraf , Yoo Illhoi
Published: August 2021

Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are the two most frightful and unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. CINV is accountable for poor treatment outcomes, treatment failure, or even death. It can affect patients' overall quality of life, leading to many social, economic, and clinical consequences.

Objective

This study compared the performances of different data mining models for predicting the risk of CINV among the patients and developed a smartphone app for clinical decision support to recommend the risk of CINV at the point of care.

Methods

Data were collected by retrospective record review from the electronic medical records used at the University of Missouri Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Patients who received chemotherapy and standard antiemetics at the oncology outpatient service from June 1, 2010, to July 31, 2012, were included in the study. There were six independent data sets of patients based on emetogenicity (low, moderate, and high) and two phases of CINV (acute and delayed). A total of 14 risk factors of CINV were chosen for data mining. For our study, we used five popular data mining algorithms: (1) naive Bayes algorithm, (2) logistic regression classifier, (3) neural network, (4) support vector machine (using sequential minimal optimization), and (5) decision tree. Performance measures, such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with 10-fold cross-validation, were used for model comparisons. A smartphone app called CINV Risk Prediction Application was developed using the ResearchKit in iOS utilizing the decision tree algorithm, which conforms to the criteria of explainable, usable, and actionable artificial intelligence. The app was created using both the bulk questionnaire approach and the adaptive approach.

Results

The decision tree performed well in both phases of high emetogenic chemotherapies, with a significant margin compared to the other algorithms. The accuracy measure for the six patient groups ranged from 79.3% to 94.8%. The app was developed using the results from the decision tree because of its consistent performance and simple, explainable nature. The bulk questionnaire approach asks 14 questions in the smartphone app, while the adaptive approach can determine questions based on the previous questions' answers. The adaptive approach saves time and can be beneficial when used at the point of care.

Conclusions

This study solved a real clinical problem, and the solution can be used for personalized and precise evidence-based CINV management, leading to a better life quality for patients and reduced health care costs.
The Psychological Experience of Frontline Perioperative Health Care Staff in Responding to COVID-19: Qualitative Study
Authors: Withiel Toni , Barson Elizabeth , Ng Irene , Segal Reny , Williams Daryl Lindsay Goulding , Krieser Roni Benjamin , Lee Keat , Mezzavia Paul Mario , Sindoni Teresa , Chen Yinwei , Fisher Caroline Anne
Published: August 2021

Background

The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has presented immeasurable challenges to health care workers who remain at the frontline of the pandemic. A rapidly evolving body of literature has quantitatively demonstrated significant psychological impacts of the pandemic on health care workers. However, little is known about the lived experience of the pandemic for frontline medical staff.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the qualitative experience of perioperative staff from a large trauma hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

Inductive thematic analysis using a critical realist approach was used to analyze data from 9 semistructured interviews.

Results

Four key themes were identified. Hospital preparedness related to the perceived readiness of the hospital to respond to the pandemic and encompassed key subthemes around communication of policy changes, team leadership, and resource availability. Perceptions of readiness contributed to the perceived psychological impacts of the pandemic, which were highly varied and ranged from anger to anxiety. A number of coping strategies were identified in response to psychological impacts which incorporated both internal and external coping mechanisms. Finally, adaptation with time reflected change and growth over time, and encompassed all other themes.

Conclusions

While frontline staff and hospitals have rapidly marshalled a response to managing the virus, relatively less consideration was seen regarding staff mental health in our study. Findings highlight the vulnerability of health care workers in response to the pandemic and reinforce the need for a coordinated approach to managing mental health.
Forecasting COVID-19 Hospital Census: A Multivariate Time-Series Model Based on Local Infection Incidence
Authors: Nguyen Hieu M , Turk Philip J , McWilliams Andrew D
Published: August 2021

Background

COVID-19 has been one of the most serious global health crises in world history. During the pandemic, health care systems require accurate forecasts for key resources to guide preparation for patient surges. Forecasting the COVID-19 hospital census is among the most important planning decisions to ensure adequate staffing, number of beds, intensive care units, and vital equipment.

Objective

The goal of this study was to explore the potential utility of local COVID-19 infection incidence data in developing a forecasting model for the COVID-19 hospital census.

Methods

The study data comprised aggregated daily COVID-19 hospital census data across 11 Atrium Health hospitals plus a virtual hospital in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area of North Carolina, as well as the total daily infection incidence across the same region during the May 15 to December 5, 2020, period. Cross-correlations between hospital census and local infection incidence lagging up to 21 days were computed. A multivariate time-series framework, called the vector error correction model (VECM), was used to simultaneously incorporate both time series and account for their possible long-run relationship. Hypothesis tests and model diagnostics were performed to test for the long-run relationship and examine model goodness of fit. The 7-days-ahead forecast performance was measured by mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), with time-series cross-validation. The forecast performance was also compared with an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model in the same cross-validation time frame. Based on different scenarios of the pandemic, the fitted model was leveraged to produce 60-days-ahead forecasts.

Results

The cross-correlations were uniformly high, falling between 0.7 and 0.8. There was sufficient evidence that the two time series have a stable long-run relationship at the .01 significance level. The model had very good fit to the data. The out-of-sample MAPE had a median of 5.9% and a 95th percentile of 13.4%. In comparison, the MAPE of the ARIMA had a median of 6.6% and a 95th percentile of 14.3%. Scenario-based 60-days-ahead forecasts exhibited concave trajectories with peaks lagging 2 to 3 weeks later than the peak infection incidence. In the worst-case scenario, the COVID-19 hospital census can reach a peak over 3 times greater than the peak observed during the second wave.

Conclusions

When used in the VECM framework, the local COVID-19 infection incidence can be an effective leading indicator to predict the COVID-19 hospital census. The VECM model had a very good 7-days-ahead forecast performance and outperformed the traditional ARIMA model. Leveraging the relationship between the two time series, the model can produce realistic 60-days-ahead scenario-based projections, which can inform health care systems about the peak timing and volume of the hospital census for long-term planning purposes.
Examining the Public’s Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines Using Search Engine Analytics in the United States: Observational Study
Authors: Sajjadi Nicholas B , Shepard Samuel , Ottwell Ryan , Murray Kelly , Chronister Justin , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2021

Background

The emergency authorization of COVID-19 vaccines has offered the first means of long-term protection against COVID-19–related illness since the pandemic began. It is important for health care professionals to understand commonly held COVID-19 vaccine concerns and to be equipped with quality information that can be used to assist in medical decision-making.

Objective

Using Google’s RankBrain machine learning algorithm, we sought to characterize the content of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccines evidenced by internet searches. Secondarily, we sought to examine the information transparency and quality of sources used by Google to answer FAQs on COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

We searched COVID-19 vaccine terms on Google and used the “People also ask” box to obtain FAQs generated by Google’s machine learning algorithms. FAQs are assigned an “answer” source by Google. We extracted FAQs and answer sources related to COVID-19 vaccines. We used the Rothwell Classification of Questions to categorize questions on the basis of content. We classified answer sources as either academic, commercial, government, media outlet, or medical practice. We used the Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA’s) benchmark criteria to assess information transparency and Brief DISCERN to assess information quality for answer sources. FAQ and answer source type frequencies were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between information transparency by source type. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mean Brief DISCERN scores by source type.

Results

Our search yielded 28 unique FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines. Most COVID-19 vaccine–related FAQs were seeking factual information (22/28, 78.6%), specifically about safety and efficacy (9/22, 40.9%). The most common source type was media outlets (12/28, 42.9%), followed by government sources (11/28, 39.3%). Nineteen sources met 3 or more JAMA benchmark criteria with government sources as the majority (10/19, 52.6%). JAMA benchmark criteria performance did not significantly differ among source types (χ24=7.40; P=.12). One-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in mean Brief DISCERN scores by source type (F4,23=10.27; P<.001).

Conclusions

The most frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine–related questions pertained to vaccine safety and efficacy. We found that government sources provided the most transparent and highest-quality web-based COVID-19 vaccine–related information. Recognizing common questions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines may assist in improving vaccination efforts.
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Depression in People With Advanced Dementia: Longitudinal Pilot Study
Authors: Niculescu Iulia , Quirt Hannah , Arora Twinkle , Borsook Terry , Green Robin , Ford Brett , Iaboni Andrea
Published: August 2021

Background

Barriers to assessing depression in advanced dementia include the presence of informant and patient recall biases. Ecological momentary assessment provides an improved approach for mood assessment by collecting observations in intervals throughout the day, decreasing recall bias, and increasing ecological validity.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the modified 4-item Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia for Momentary Assessment (mCSDD4-MA) tool to assess depression in patients with advanced dementia.

Methods

A intensive longitudinal pilot study design was used. A total of 12 participants with advanced dementia were enrolled from an inpatient psychogeriatric unit. Participants were assessed using clinical depression assessments at admission and discharge. Research staff recorded observations four times a day for 6 weeks on phones with access to the mCSDD4-MA tool. Descriptive data related to feasibility were reported (ie, completion rates). Statistical models were used to examine the interrater reliability and construct and predictive validity of the data.

Results

Overall, 1923 observations were completed, representing 55.06% (1923/3496) of all rating opportunities with 2 raters and 66.01% (1923/2913) with at least one rater. Moderate interrater reliability was demonstrated for all items, except for lack of interest. Moderate correlations were observed between observers and patient-reported outcomes, where observers reported fewer symptoms relative to participants’ self-reports. Several items were associated with and able to predict depression.

Conclusions

The mCSDD4-MA tool was feasible to use, and most items in the tool showed moderate reliability and validity for assessing depression in dementia. Repeated and real-time depression assessment in advanced dementia holds promise for the identification of clinical depression and depressive symptoms.
Forecasting COVID-19 Hospital Census: A Multivariate Time-Series Model Based on Local Infection Incidence (Preprint)
Authors: Nguyen Hieu M , Turk Philip J , McWilliams Andrew D
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has been one of the most serious global health crises in world history. During the pandemic, health care systems require accurate forecasts for key resources to guide preparation for patient surges. Forecasting the COVID-19 hospital census is among the most important planning decisions to ensure adequate staffing, number of beds, intensive care units, and vital equipment.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to explore the potential utility of local COVID-19 infection incidence data in developing a forecasting model for the COVID-19 hospital census.

METHODS

The study data comprised aggregated daily COVID-19 hospital census data across 11 Atrium Health hospitals plus a virtual hospital in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area of North Carolina, as well as the total daily infection incidence across the same region during the May 15 to December 5, 2020, period. Cross-correlations between hospital census and local infection incidence lagging up to 21 days were computed. A multivariate time-series framework, called the vector error correction model (VECM), was used to simultaneously incorporate both time series and account for their possible long-run relationship. Hypothesis tests and model diagnostics were performed to test for the long-run relationship and examine model goodness of fit. The 7-days-ahead forecast performance was measured by mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), with time-series cross-validation. The forecast performance was also compared with an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model in the same cross-validation time frame. Based on different scenarios of the pandemic, the fitted model was leveraged to produce 60-days-ahead forecasts.

RESULTS

The cross-correlations were uniformly high, falling between 0.7 and 0.8. There was sufficient evidence that the two time series have a stable long-run relationship at the .01 significance level. The model had very good fit to the data. The out-of-sample MAPE had a median of 5.9% and a 95th percentile of 13.4%. In comparison, the MAPE of the ARIMA had a median of 6.6% and a 95th percentile of 14.3%. Scenario-based 60-days-ahead forecasts exhibited concave trajectories with peaks lagging 2 to 3 weeks later than the peak infection incidence. In the worst-case scenario, the COVID-19 hospital census can reach a peak over 3 times greater than the peak observed during the second wave.

CONCLUSIONS

When used in the VECM framework, the local COVID-19 infection incidence can be an effective leading indicator to predict the COVID-19 hospital census. The VECM model had a very good 7-days-ahead forecast performance and outperformed the traditional ARIMA model. Leveraging the relationship between the two time series, the model can produce realistic 60-days-ahead scenario-based projections, which can inform health care systems about the peak timing and volume of the hospital census for long-term planning purposes.
Examining the Public’s Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines Using Search Engine Analytics in the United States: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sajjadi Nicholas B , Shepard Samuel , Ottwell Ryan , Murray Kelly , Chronister Justin , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

The emergency authorization of COVID-19 vaccines has offered the first means of long-term protection against COVID-19–related illness since the pandemic began. It is important for health care professionals to understand commonly held COVID-19 vaccine concerns and to be equipped with quality information that can be used to assist in medical decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

Using Google’s RankBrain machine learning algorithm, we sought to characterize the content of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccines evidenced by internet searches. Secondarily, we sought to examine the information transparency and quality of sources used by Google to answer FAQs on COVID-19 vaccines.

METHODS

We searched COVID-19 vaccine terms on Google and used the “People also ask” box to obtain FAQs generated by Google’s machine learning algorithms. FAQs are assigned an “answer” source by Google. We extracted FAQs and answer sources related to COVID-19 vaccines. We used the Rothwell Classification of Questions to categorize questions on the basis of content. We classified answer sources as either academic, commercial, government, media outlet, or medical practice. We used the Journal of the American Medical Association’s (JAMA’s) benchmark criteria to assess information transparency and Brief DISCERN to assess information quality for answer sources. FAQ and answer source type frequencies were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between information transparency by source type. One-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mean Brief DISCERN scores by source type.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 28 unique FAQs about COVID-19 vaccines. Most COVID-19 vaccine–related FAQs were seeking factual information (22/28, 78.6%), specifically about safety and efficacy (9/22, 40.9%). The most common source type was media outlets (12/28, 42.9%), followed by government sources (11/28, 39.3%). Nineteen sources met 3 or more JAMA benchmark criteria with government sources as the majority (10/19, 52.6%). JAMA benchmark criteria performance did not significantly differ among source types (χ24=7.40; P=.12). One-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in mean Brief DISCERN scores by source type (F4,23=10.27; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequently asked COVID-19 vaccine–related questions pertained to vaccine safety and efficacy. We found that government sources provided the most transparent and highest-quality web-based COVID-19 vaccine–related information. Recognizing common questions and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines may assist in improving vaccination efforts.