bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Patellar Height by Using Insall Salvati Index on Pain, Function, Muscle Strength and Postural Stability in Patients with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Analan Pinar Doruk , Ozdemir Hulya
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

The Insall-Salvati Index (ISI) is the ratio of the patellar tendon length to the
length of the patella. This ratio is the most commonly used method for evaluating patellar placement
and patellofemoral imbalance. The position of the patella is important for the knee joint function
and also for biomechanics. The abnormal position of the patella may lead to patellofemoral
malalignment and instability. Herein, we aimed to analyze the relationship between the ISI and
pain, physical function, muscle strength, fall risk, and postural stability in patients with primary
knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

Sixty-two symptomatic knees of 45 patients (aged between 40 -75 years) who were suffering
from the primary knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria
were included retrospectively in the study. Patients with stages II and III osteoarthritis according to
the Kellgren-Lawrence (K/L) radiological grading system were included. The ISI was measured on
the lateral knee radiograph in a 30° flexed posture. Visual Analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario
and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and Lequesne indexes were recorded for evaluating
pain and function. Tetrax Interactive Balance System was used to assess fall risk and postural
stability. Isokinetic muscle strength measurements of quadriceps and hamstrings were recorded
at the constant angular velocities of 60 and 180°/sec.

Results:

The mean age of the study population was 58.52 ±8.01 years. The frequency of the patellar
situation types was as follows; patella alta; 15 (24.2%), patella baja; n=2(3.2%), and normal
patellar height; n=45(72.6%). The mean ISI was 1.19 ±0.17 on the right side and 1.18±0.16 on the
left side. There was no significant correlation between the ISI and VAS, WOMAC and Lequesne
indexes, postural stability scores, and isokinetic measurements (r<0.3, p>0.05).

Conclusions:

In primary knee OA, the ISI may not have an effect on pain, physical function, fall
risk, postural stability, and isokinetic muscle strength.
Clinical Trial Registration Number: KA18/170.
Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Capensis Thunb (Moraceae) by Bioactivity Fractionation
Authors: Wakeel Oluwaseyi K. , Abe Abraham I. , Awosan Oluropo B. , Olapade Mokaila K. , Olatoyan-Layonu Temitope J. , Olowe Olugbenga A. , Adeyeba Oluwaseyi A.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

This study investigated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of
Ficus capensis (AEFC) by bio-guided fractionation.

Methods:

The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of AEFC (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg, i.p) were assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, tail-flick, formalin tests, and carrageenan-induced paw oedema respectively. The AEFC
was fractionated base on polarity different into butanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane fractions. The fractions (500 mg/kg) obtained were subjected to the same experimental procedures mentioned above. The EAF, which exerted the most productive
activities, was further subjected to fractionation procedures that yielded six fractions (labeled CF1-CF6). These fractions
(200 mg/kg) were tested for potential anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Notable antagonists (Naloxone and
atropine) of nociceptive pathway were used to evaluate the mechanism of the anti-nociceptive action of F. capensis.

Results and Discussion:

The AEFC, BF, EAF, and CF4 caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in
the number of abdominal writhes, an increase in reaction time against the hot plate, tail-flick tests,
and a significant (p<0.05) inhibition in both phases of formalin test. The AEFC, BF, EAF, CF4,
and CF6 caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw edema development due to carrageenan.
Atropine significantly reversed the antinociceptive effect of CF4 in both phases of the formalin
test. The results obtained revealed that CF4 produced central and peripheral antinociceptive effects,
while CF6 is peripherally mediated.

Conclusion:

The results support the traditional uses of F. capensis in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain
and inflammation. The column fraction CF4 exhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated anti-nociceptive activity.
Lepidium meyenii Supplemented Diet Modulates Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Parameters in Mice Fed High-Fat High-Sugar Diet
Authors: Olofinnade Anthony T. , Alawode Abiola , Onaolapo Adejoke Y. , Onaolapo Olakunle J.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Metabolic syndrome has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders. Known side-effects of currently-
available drugs necessitate the search for possibly better treatment options.

Objective:

This study examined the effects of dietary lepidium meyenii (MACA) supplementation
on neurobehaviour, metabolic profile, levels of inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters
in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome.

Methods:

Mice were randomly assigned into 8 groups of ten animals each. Groups consist of standard
diet (SD) control, high fat/high sugar (HFHS) control and three groups each of lepidium
meyenii incorporated into either SD or HFHS diet at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4%. Mice were fed for seven
weeks, and body weight was measured weekly. Open-field behaviors and radial-arm/Y-maze spatial
memory were scored at the end of the study. Twenty-four hours after the last behavioral test,
fasting blood glucose levels were estimated. Animals were then euthanized, and blood was drawn
for estimation of serum lipid profile. Whole brains were excised, weighed and homogenized to estimate
the levels of lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, antioxidant status, and acetylcholinesterase
activity.

Results:

MACA-supplemented diet was associated with a decrease in body weight gain, an increase
in food intake (at lower concentrations), suppression of grooming behavior, and decrease in
acetylcholinesterase activity. MACA-supplement also reversed HFHS-induced memory impairment,
anxiety, hyperglycaemia, lipid derangement, oxidative stress, and derangement of inflammatory
markers.

Conclusion:

Dietary supplementation with MACA shows beneficial effects in mitigating the effects
of metabolic syndrome on the brain in mice.
Role of MicroRNAs in the Progression and Metastasis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Sampath Shruthi Sanjitha , Venkatabalasubramanian Sivaramakrishnan , Ramalingam Satish
Published: August 2020

MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to the
mRNA of their target genes. The dysfunction of miRNAs is strongly associated with the inflammation
of the colon. Besides, some microRNAs are shown to suppress tumours, while others promote tumour
progression and metastasis. Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis,
which increase the risk factor for inflammation-associated colon cancer. MicroRNAs are shown to
be involved in gastrointestinal pathologies by targeting the transcripts encoding proteins of the intestinal
barrier and their regulators that are associated with inflammation and colon cancer. Detection of
these microRNAs in the blood, serum, tissues, faecal matter, etc, will enable us to use these microRNAs
as biomarkers for early detection of the associated malignancies and design novel therapeutic
strategies to overcome the same. Information on MicroRNAs can be applied for the development of
targeted therapies against inflammation-mediated colon cancer.
Novel Structural Design of a Bicycle Saddle to Fulfill Cyclist Physiological Requirements
Authors: Chen Wei-Long , Chao Fang-Lin
Published: August 2020

Background:

The perineum area that interacts with the saddle is vulnerable; compressing
neurovascular tissues has been asserted as the link to pathologies. Existing saddle designs are
mainly based on the hole blocks, which are composed of two materials. These composite combined
structures increase manufacturing difficulty.

Objective:

The injection molding technology is suitable for mass production. We proposed a saddle
design to meet the ergonomic requirements of cyclists. Saddle frames present a continuous curvature
geometry to ensure improved injection modeling.

Methods:

Static numerical calculations and measurements were employed for vertical load evaluations
with different stiffness regions acquired using perforated chain patterns. Two-step plastic injection
molding was utilized with proper bonding and processing compatibility. In prototyping, the
first and second shots are PC and TPE, respectively.

Results:

The frame sustains vertical loadings from bending and provides adequate stiffness and
proper flexibility. The computer-aided design mold increases the contact area, and annular grooves
increase the adhesion between two materials. The outer frame exhibits high rigidity; the middle area
exhibits flexibility and high deformation.

Conclusion:

This question is widely noticed and various answers have been proposed. By investigating
the patent database and searching journal papers on saddle designs, the authors confirmed
the novelty of the proposed structure.
Mycotoxin Exposure and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Serkan Yılmaz , Beyazit Utku , Ayhan Aynur B.
Published: August 2020

Background and objective:

Exposure to mycotoxins may delay and/or negatively influence
the development of neurological, gastrointestinal and inflammatory mechanisms in individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, there is a need to address the possible links
between mycotoxins and the risk and prevalence of ASD to increase the understanding of the
molecular mechanism underlying these links. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate
the molecular mechanism underpinning mycotoxin exposure and autism.

Methods:

The study was based on a systematic approach which focused on the possible associations between mycotoxins and ASD in addition to the role of the mycotoxins on the risk and prevalence of ASD. The systematic review included all molecular mechanism studies examining mycotoxin exposure and autism, and was not limited to a specific period of time. A search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases.

Results:

The investigation of the literature revealed that a total number of 11 studies with a specific
focus on the molecular mechanism of mycotoxin exposure and autism were published between
2008 and 2019. Out of these studies, 7 were research articles and 4 were review articles. In almost
all the articles, possible links between mycotoxins and ASD were revealed.

Conclusion:

The examination of the given studies provided data related to the links between mycotoxins and ASD. However, evidence related to these links needs to be investigated in larger samples, while the effects of separate mycotoxins and their metabolisms should also be examined.
Development of a Scar Removal Ointment Containing Natural Active Ingredients
Authors: Benahmed-Djilali Adiba , Benseddik Abdelouahab , Hacen Katia , Boulahlib Mohamed , Allaf Karim , Nabiev Mohamed , Issad Mourad
Published: August 2020

Aims:

The present study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of five new dermal ointments
made with natural ingredients, derived from the Ficus microcarpa fruit, Pulicaria odora L.
leaf powder, vaseline, lanolin, and sweet almond oil on thermal burns of New Zealand rabbits.

Background:

Many natural ingredients are used as alternatives in topical burn wound treatments.
However, the effectiveness of an ointment is primarily assessed on the basis of the healing time.
The latter depends on the synergetic effect resulting from the interaction of its different constituents.
Hence there is the need to explore different formulations to find the most optimal one.

Objectives:

1/ To evaluate some biochemical compositions, biological properties, and functional
quality of F. microcarpa fruit and P. odora L. leaf powder., 2/ To identify the best combination between
the F. microcarpa fruit, P. odora L. leaf powder, vaseline, lanolin, and sweet almond oil to
obtain an ointment with high healing quality.

Method:

Ten (10) New Zealand rabbits (5 males and 5 females) received two thermal burns
caused by a hot cylindrical metal on their backs. Each rabbit was treated immediately thereafter
with one of the elaborated ointments and with a commercial skin ointment Madecassol (reference).
All the ointments were applied topically every other day until a complete epithelialization takes
place. Evaluation of the healing process was based on the healing time and diameter narrowing calculated
every seven days.

Results:

The obtained results show that all the developed ointments used in the experiments lead to
total recovery with fur growth. However, the healing time varies from one formula to another.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that the combination of the natural active ingredients used in this
study promotes burn wound healing in the rabbit’s model.
Fractional Dynamic Sliding Mode Control for Uncertain Chaotic Systems Applied to a Chaotic Robot Arm Under Dynamic Load
Authors: P. Sara Gholipour , Minagar Sara , Kazemitabar Javad , Alizadeh Mobin
Published: August 2020

Background:

A novel type of control strategy is presented for the control of chaotic systems, particularly a chaotic robot in joint and workspace, which is the result of applying fractional calculus to dynamic sliding mode control.

Objectives:

To guarantee the sliding mode condition, a control law is introduced based on the Lyapunov stability theory.

Methods:

A control scheme is proposed for reducing the chattering problem in finite time tracking and robust in the presence of system matched disturbances.

Results:

Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the chaotic robot are all proven to be viable thru simulations.

Conclusion:

In addition, all of the chaotic robot’s qualitative and quantitative characteristics have been investigated. Numerical simulations indicate the viability of our control method.
Fuzzy and Sliding Mode Variable Structure Control of Vehicle Active Steering System
Authors: Qi Gengxin , Fan Xiaobin , Zhao Zixiang
Published: August 2020

Background:

The safety of vehicles has been valued throughout the world, whether it is now
or in the future, the automobile safety issue is the hotspot and focus of the research by experts and
scholars both at home and abroad. The continuous increase of car ownership not only brings convenience
to people's lives, but it also poses a threat to people's lives and security of the property.

Objective:

Vehicle active safety system is the hotspot of current research and development as it plays
an important role in automobile safety. Through the analysis of patents and references, we aim to understand
the development of an active steering system. In order to improve the development efficiency
of the active steering system, the paper proposes a feedback control method of the front-wheel angle.

Methods:

Based on yaw velocity and center of a mass side angle, the Active Front Steering (AFS)
model is established respectively by fuzzy control and sliding mode control under the establishment of
seven degrees of freedom vehicle dynamics model and the Dugoff tire model.

Results:

The simulation results show that both the control algorithm of sliding mode control and fuzzy
control can improve the handling stability of vehicle steering on high adhesion coefficient road surface.
On the low adhesion coefficient road, the control effect of slide mode control is more ideal while fuzzy
control caused larger oversteer.

Conclusion:

The simulation results show that the control effect of sliding mode is superior to fuzzy control.
Significant Organic Transformations Using Catalysts in Water: A Greener Way to Combat Environmental Hazards
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chhanda , Pal Rammyani
Published: August 2020

The environmental pollution and hazards have become the prime topic of concern in the
twenty-first-century world and a warning to existing mankind. The researchers and chemists are also
putting their way forward to combat the alarming situation across the world. In this context, reactions
that are being carried out in water have attracted attention from the past decade. The conventional organic
synthesis relies profoundly on organic solvents for a huge number of reactions, mainly for dissolving
the compounds and assisting chemical reactions, because a number of reagents and catalysts
are either unsuited or immiscible in water. In spite of the constraints, substantial efforts have been dedicated
to overcome the problems because water not only reduces the environmental hazards of organic
synthesis but also may benefit chemical reactions by delivering unforeseen selectivities and reactivities.
The development of water-compatible/water-stable catalysts has emerged as a troubleshooter,
eliciting a quantum leap in organic synthesis in water. Use of water has simplified the workup procedure
too, as organic compounds are typically insoluble in water, extraction with suitable organic solvents
can separate the compounds from catalysts, and the catalysts can also be separated and reused by
centrifugation and filtration. This review deals with advances in catalytic methods under aqueous medium
over the past few years.
FACT Controllers and their Optimal Location: An Extensive Review
Authors: Agrawal Hanuman P. , Bansal Hariom
Published: August 2020

Background:

The power industry has been evolving continuously and influenced by a
competitive deregulated market. The crucial demand to maximize the efficiency of the existing
equipment requires it’s proper management. Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) are flexible
devices, which provide dynamic control over the power system to cope with its dynamic nature.

Methods:

An extensive review is carried out on FACT devices covering its classification, importance,
optimal placement and influence on the power systems.

Results:

In this paper, different techniques to identify the optimal location of placing FACT devices
have been discussed and compared, as the placement of these devices in the power system is of utmost
importance for its efficiency.

Conclusion:

This paper summarizes techniques available for optimal placement of FACTS devices
in order to improve power system performance. It will serve as a ready reference for the future researchers
in this field and help them in selecting the proper devices to carry out their work.
A Comprehensive Study on Factors Affecting Preformed Particle Gel in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Akbar Imran , Hongtao Zhou , Wei Liu , Memon Asadullah , Ansari Ubedullah
Published: August 2020

The Preformed Particle gels (PPGs) have widely been used and injected in low
permeability rich oil zones as diverting agents to solve the conformance issues, distract displacing
fluid into out of sorts swept zones. Besides, they also reduce the permeability of thief
zones and high permeability fractured zones. However, the PPG propagation and plugging
mechanism are still unpredictable and sporadic in manifold void space passages. PPGs have
two main abilities, first, it increases the sweep efficiency, and second, it decreases the water
production in mature oilfields. However, the success or failure of PPG treatment largely depends
on whether it efficiently decreases the permeability of the fluid paths to an expected
target or not. In this study, the different factors were studied that affect the performance of
PPG in such reservoirs. PPGs were treated in different ways; treated with brine, low salinity,
and high salinity brine. Also, their impacts were investigated in low/high permeability, fractured
reservoirs, and void space conduit models as well. From the literature, it was revealed
that the sweep efficiency can be improved through PPG, but not displacement efficiency and
little impact of PPG were found on displacement efficiency. On the other hand, Low salinity
water flooding (LSWF) can increase the displacement efficiency but not sweep efficiency.
Hence, based on the above issues, few new techniques and directions were introduced in this
study for better treatment of PPG to decrease water cut and increase oil recovery.
MAGIC-I as an Assistance for the Visually Impaired People
Authors: Pandey Kavita , Yadav Vatsalya , Pandey Dhiraj , Vikhram Shriya
Published: August 2020

Background:

According to the WHO report, around 4.07% of the world's population is visually impaired.
About 90% of the visually impaired users live in the lower economic strata. In the fast moving technology, most of the
invention misses the need of these people. Mainly the technologies were designed for mainstream people; visually
impaired people always find an inability to access it. This inability arises primarily for reasons such as cost, for example,
Perkins Brailler costs 80-248 dollars for the simple purpose of Braille input. Another major reason is the hassle of
carrying the big equipment.

Objective:

Keeping all this in mind and making technology as their best friends, MAGIC-1 has been designed. The goal
is to provide a solution in terms of an application, which helps the visually impaired user in their daily life activities.

Method:

The proposed solution assists visually impaired users through smart phone technology. If visually impaired users
ever wished to have a touched guide into a smart phone, MAGIC-1 has the solution that consolidates all the important
features in their daily activities.

Results:

The performance of the solution as a whole and its individual features in terms of usability, utility and other
metrics, etc. has been tested with sample visually impaired users. Moreover, their performances in term of Errors per
Word and Words per Minute have been observed.

Conclusion:

MAGIC-I, the proposed solution works as an assistant of visually impaired users to overcome their daily
struggles and stay more connected to the world. A visually impaired user can communicate via their mobile devices with
features like eyes free texting using braille, voice calling etc. They can easily take help in an emergency situation with the
options of SOS emergency calling and video assistance.
Motion-Based Technology for People With Dementia Training at Home: Three-Phase Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Efficacy
Authors: Petersen Jindong Ding , Larsen Eva Ladekjær , la Cour Karen , von Bülow Cecilie , Skouboe Malene , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup , Waldorff Frans Boch
Published: August 2020

Background

Persons with dementia tend to be vulnerable to mobility challenges and hence face a greater risk of fall and subsequent fractures, morbidity, and mortality. Motion-based technologies (MBTs), also called sensor-based technologies or virtual reality, have the potential for assisting physical exercise and training as a part of a disease management and rehabilitation program, but little is known about its' use for people with dementia.

Objective

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of MBT physical training at home for people with dementia.

Methods

A 3-phase pilot study: (1) baseline start-up, (2) 15 weeks of group training at a local care center twice a week, and (3) 12 weeks of group training reduced to once a week, supplemented with individual MBT training twice a week at home. A total of 26 people with dementia from a municipality in Southern Denmark were eligible and agreed to participate in this study. Three withdrew from the study, leaving 23 participants for the final analysis. Feasibility was measured by the percentage of participants who trained with MBT at home, and their completion rate of total scheduled MBT sessions. Efficacy was evaluated by physical function, measured by Sit-to-Stand (STS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-minute Walk Test (6MW), and 10-meter Dual-task Walking Test (10MDW); cognitive function was measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q); and European Quality of Life 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQOL5) was used for measuring quality of life. Descriptive statistics were applied accordingly. Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests were applied to explore significant differences within and between the groups.

Results

As much as 12 of 23 participants (52%) used the supplemental MBT training at home. Among them, 6 (50%) completed 75% or more scheduled sessions, 3 completed 25% or less, and 3 completed between 25% and 75% of scheduled sessions. For physical and cognitive function tests, supplementing with MBT training at home showed a tendency of overall stabilization of scores among the group of participants who actively trained with MBT; especially, the 10MDW test even showed a significant improvement from 9.2 to 7.1 seconds (P=.03). We found no positive effect on EQOL5 tests.

Conclusions

More than half of the study population with dementia used MBT training at home, and among them, half had an overall high adherence to the home training activity. Physical function tended to remain stable or even improved among high-adherence MBT individuals. We conclude that MBT training at home may be feasible for some individuals with dementia. Further research is warranted.
Relationship Between Depression and the Use of Mobile Technologies and Social Media Among Adolescents: Umbrella Review (Preprint)
Authors: Arias-de la Torre Jorge , Puigdomenech Elisa , García Xavier , Valderas Jose M , Eiroa-Orosa Francisco Jose , Fernández-Villa Tania , Molina Antonio J , Martín Vicente , Serrano-Blanco Antoni , Alonso Jordi , Espallargues Mireia
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Despite the relevance of mobile technologies and social media (MTSM) for adolescents, their association with depressive disorders in this population remains unclear. While there are previous reviews that have identified the use of MTSM as a risk factor for developing depression, other reviews have indicated their possible preventive effect.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to synthesize the current evidence on the association between MTSM use and the development or prevention of depressive disorders in adolescents.

METHODS

An umbrella review was conducted using information published up to June 2019 from PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Systematic reviews focusing on the adolescent population (up to 20 years old) and depression and its potential relationship with MTSM use were included. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts was performed. After selecting the reviews and given the heterogeneity of the outcome variables and exposures, a narrative synthesis of the results was carried out.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 338 documents, from which 7 systematic reviews (3 meta-analyses) were selected for data extraction. There were 11-70 studies and 5582-46,015 participants included in the 7 reviews. All reviews included quantitative research, and 2 reviews also included qualitative studies. A statistically significant association between social media and developing depressive symptoms was reported in 2 reviews, while 5 reviews reported mixed results.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive social comparison and personal involvement when using MTSM could be associated with the development of depressive symptomatology. Nevertheless, MTSM might promote social support and even become a point of assistance for people with depression. Due to the mixed results, prospective research could be valuable for providing stronger evidence.
Motion-Based Technology for People With Dementia Training at Home: Three-Phase Pilot Study Assessing Feasibility and Efficacy (Preprint)
Authors: Petersen Jindong Ding , Larsen Eva Ladekjær , la Cour Karen , von Bülow Cecilie , Skouboe Malene , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup , Waldorff Frans Boch
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Persons with dementia tend to be vulnerable to mobility challenges and hence face a greater risk of fall and subsequent fractures, morbidity, and mortality. Motion-based technologies (MBTs), also called sensor-based technologies or virtual reality, have the potential for assisting physical exercise and training as a part of a disease management and rehabilitation program, but little is known about its' use for people with dementia.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of MBT physical training at home for people with dementia.

METHODS

A 3-phase pilot study: (1) baseline start-up, (2) 15 weeks of group training at a local care center twice a week, and (3) 12 weeks of group training reduced to once a week, supplemented with individual MBT training twice a week at home. A total of 26 people with dementia from a municipality in Southern Denmark were eligible and agreed to participate in this study. Three withdrew from the study, leaving 23 participants for the final analysis. Feasibility was measured by the percentage of participants who trained with MBT at home, and their completion rate of total scheduled MBT sessions. Efficacy was evaluated by physical function, measured by Sit-to-Stand (STS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-minute Walk Test (6MW), and 10-meter Dual-task Walking Test (10MDW); cognitive function was measured by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q); and European Quality of Life 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQOL5) was used for measuring quality of life. Descriptive statistics were applied accordingly. Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests were applied to explore significant differences within and between the groups.

RESULTS

As much as 12 of 23 participants (52%) used the supplemental MBT training at home. Among them, 6 (50%) completed 75% or more scheduled sessions, 3 completed 25% or less, and 3 completed between 25% and 75% of scheduled sessions. For physical and cognitive function tests, supplementing with MBT training at home showed a tendency of overall stabilization of scores among the group of participants who actively trained with MBT; especially, the 10MDW test even showed a significant improvement from 9.2 to 7.1 seconds (P=.03). We found no positive effect on EQOL5 tests.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the study population with dementia used MBT training at home, and among them, half had an overall high adherence to the home training activity. Physical function tended to remain stable or even improved among high-adherence MBT individuals. We conclude that MBT training at home may be feasible for some individuals with dementia. Further research is warranted.
A Text Messaging Intervention for Coping With Social Distancing During COVID-19 (StayWell at Home): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Figueroa Caroline Astrid , Hernandez-Ramos Rosa , Boone Claire Elizabeth , Gómez-Pathak Laura , Yip Vivian , Luo Tiffany , Sierra Valentín , Xu Jing , Chakraborty Bibhas , Darrow Sabrina , Aguilera Adrian
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Social distancing is a crucial intervention to slow down person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. However, social distancing has negative consequences, including increases in depression and anxiety. Digital interventions, such as text messaging, can provide accessible support on a population-wide scale. We developed text messages in English and Spanish to help individuals manage their depressive mood and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

In a two-arm randomized controlled trial, we aim to examine the effect of our 60-day text messaging intervention. Additionally, we aim to assess whether the use of machine learning to adapt the messaging frequency and content improves the effectiveness of the intervention. Finally, we will examine the differences in daily mood ratings between the message categories and time windows.

METHODS

The messages were designed within two different categories: behavioral activation and coping skills. Participants will be randomized into (1) a random messaging arm, where message category and timing will be chosen with equal probabilities, and (2) a reinforcement learning arm, with a learned decision mechanism for choosing the messages. Participants in both arms will receive one message per day within three different time windows and will be asked to provide their mood rating 3 hours later. We will compare self-reported daily mood ratings; self-reported depression, using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire; and self-reported anxiety, using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale at baseline and at intervention completion.

RESULTS

The Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of California Berkeley approved this study in April 2020 (No. 2020-04-13162). Data collection began in April 2020 and will run to April 2021. As of August 24, 2020, we have enrolled 229 participants. We plan to submit manuscripts describing the main results of the trial and results from the microrandomized trial for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentations at national and international scientific meetings.

CONCLUSIONS

Results will contribute to our knowledge of effective psychological tools to alleviate the negative effects of social distancing and the benefit of using machine learning to personalize digital mental health interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04473599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04473599

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/23592
User-Centered Design to Enhance mHealth Systems for Individuals With Dexterity Impairments: Accessibility and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chowdhary Kuntal , Yu Daihua Xie , Pramana Gede , Mesoros Matthew , Fairman Andrea , Dicianno Brad Edward , Parmanto Bambang
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Mobile health systems have been shown to be useful in supporting self-management by promoting adherence to schedules and longitudinal health interventions, especially in people with disabilities. The Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system was developed to empower people with disabilities and those with chronic conditions with supports needed for self-management and independent living. Since the first iteration of the iMHere 1.0 app, several studies have evaluated the accessibility and usability of the system. Potential opportunities to improve and simplify the user interface were identified, and the iMHere modules were redesigned accordingly.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to evaluate the usability of the redesigned modules within the iMHere 1.0 app.

METHODS

We evaluated the original and redesigned iMHere modules—MyMeds and SkinCare. The Purdue Pegboard Test was administered to assess the participants’ dexterity levels. Participants were then asked to perform a set of tasks using both the original and redesigned MyMeds and SkinCare modules to assess their efficiency and effectiveness. Usability was measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire to evaluate 10 new accessibility features that were added to the redesigned app. Participants were also asked which version they preferred.

RESULTS

In total, 24 participants with disabilities and varying degrees of dexterity impairments completed the entire study protocol. Participants displayed improved efficiency and effectiveness when using the redesigned modules compared with the original modules. The participants also reported improved usability and preferred the redesigned modules.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the iMHere system became more efficient, effective, and usable for individuals with dexterity impairments after redesigning it according to user-centered principles.
Psychological stressors predicting increased hazardous drinking during the COVID-19 crisis: A longitudinal national survey study of workers in Finland (Preprint)
Authors: Oksanen Atte , Savolainen Iina , Savela Nina , Oksa Reetta
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The global crisis caused by the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly increased working remotely in many countries. Hazardous drinking during lockdown has caused worry among experts and increased consumption might be more prevalent among workers facing mental health risks prior to the crisis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze increased hazardous drinking during the COVID-19 crisis. The analysis focused on investigating whether mental health risks such as cyberbullying victimization at work, burnout and psychological distress experienced prior to the crisis predicted increased hazardous drinking during the crisis. We also investigated individual and socio-demographic differences in increased hazardous drinking during the COVID-19 crisis.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample of Finnish workers (N = 1,308) was collected before the crisis in September–August 2019 and 82.02% of them responded to a follow-up survey conducted in March–April 2020. Increased hazardous drinking was the outcome variable and it was measured with the AUDIT-C before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Predictors included cyberbullying victimization at work, psychological distress, burnout, work climate, and personality factors. Number of socio-demographic factors including occupational information were also investigated.

RESULTS

Approximately one fourth of Finnish workers (25.37%) reported increased hazardous drinking during the COVID-19 crisis. Cyberbullying victimization at work and psychological distress before the crisis predicted increased hazardous drinking during the crisis. Conscientious workers and those working in educational and health and welfare sectors were less likely to increase hazardous drinking, while increased hazardous drinking was most common among workers under 30 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological stressors are risk factors for hazardous drinking in unusual times such as the COVID-19 crisis. Cyberbullying victimization at work and psychological distress were found as major risk factors. The results suggest that preventive work should be done at workplaces. This is particularly important if alcohol consumption is used as a means of coping during a stressful time, as increased alcohol drinking for the purpose of coping may persist even after the stressor is gone.
Multimodalidade e leitura crítica de imagens: análise de livros didáticos de línguas estrangeiras
Authors: Santos Francisco Roberto Da Silva , Mendes Wellington Vieira
Published: August 2020

Pesquisas atuais em Linguística Aplicada mostram que o ensino da leitura não pode prescindir de uma reflexão sobre os letramentos visual e crítico, o que requer que os cursos de formação de professores adotem um currículo que enfatize isso. Nesse contexto, lançamos o olhar sobre as lições de leitura propostas pelo livro didático adotado nas aulas de inglês e espanhol de dois cursos de graduação em Letras. Fundamentados em Cazden et al. (1996), Kress e Van Leeuwen (2006), entre outros, empregamos uma análise qualitativa e interpretativa da abordagem didática recebida pelas imagens que compõem as lições de duas coleções de livros didáticos, a saber, Interchange Fourth Edition (2013) e Nuevo Ven (2003). São analisados os exercícios de leitura propostos assim como as orientações didáticas apresentadas pelo livro do professor. Os resultados mostram que, apesar do potencial semiótico e ideológico das imagens presentes nos livros didáticos, 57% das lições investigadas exercem uma abordagem nula de elementos visuais, 34% realizam uma abordagem meramente exploratória; 9% empregam uma abordagem descritivo-analítica e 0% aplicam uma abordagem crítico-reflexiva. De modo a suplantar essa fragilidade, nosso estudo apresenta propostas para exercícios adicionais baseados em uma abordagem crítica e reflexiva de imagens e textos multimodais. Buscamos, assim, colaborar para a promoção da pedagogia dos multiletramentos em cursos de formação de professores de línguas.
Retos educativos durante la pandemia de COVID-19: una encuesta a profesores de la UNAM
Authors: Sánchez Mendiola Melchor , Martínez Hernández Ana María del Pilar , Torres Carrasco Ruth , de Agüero Servín Mercedes , Hernández Romo Alan Kristián , Benavides Lara Mario Alberto , Rendón González Víctor Jesús , Jaimes Vergara Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2020

La contingencia provocada por la pandemia de la covid-19 (del inglés, coronavirus disease 2019) ha generado una situación inédita en los escenarios de la educación superior en México y en el mundo. Este documento reporta los resultados de una encuesta aplicada en línea a profesores de bachillerato, licenciatura y posgrado de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (unam) el 25 de marzo de 2020. De una muestra de 788 docentes de la unam, respondieron 383 (48.6%), de los cuales 60.5% están de acuerdo con el apoyo institucional que han recibido de la Universidad durante la contingencia. Las principales problemáticas a las que se enfrentan son logísticas (43.3%), tecnológicas (39.7%), pedagógicas (35.2%) y socioafectivas (14.9%). En cuanto al uso de la tecnología, para comunicación usan principalmente el correo electrónico, Facebook y WhatsApp; para trabajo académico, Google Classroom, Moodle y Google Suite; y para trabajo sincrónico, Zoom, Google Hangouts y Skype. En su mayoría, refieren requerir apoyo tecnológico y asesoría didáctica. A la pregunta abierta acerca de las propuestas que solicitan, en orden de importancia éstas son: formación pedagógica, disponibilidad de recursos digitales, recursos informativos sobre uso de tecnologías en educación, mejora de procesos institucionales, acompañamiento pedagógico, asesoría técnica e información de los recursos institucionales.
Geometric stratification of accounting data
Authors: GUNNING PATRICA , HORGAN JANE MARY , YANCEY WILLIAM
Published: August 2020

WE SUGGEST A NEW PROCEDURE FOR DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE STRATA IN HIGHLY SKEWED POPULATIONS, USUAL IN AUDITING, WHICH IS MUCH EASIER TO USE THAN THE COMMONLY USED CUMULATIVE ROOT FREQUENCY METHOD OF DALENIUS AND HODGES (1957, 1959). WE IMPLEMENT IT ON TWO AUDIT POPULATIONS, ONE A POPULATION OF DEBTORS IN AN IRISH FIRM, AND THE OTHER A POPULATION OF SALES AND USE TAX LIABILITIES IN THE US. OUR RESULTS SHOW THAT THE NEW METHOD COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THE CUMULATIVE ROOT FREQUENCY METHOD IN TERMS OF THE ACCURACY OF THE ESTIMATES.
Propuesta de un proceso educativo de habilidades del pensamiento como estrategias de aprendizaje en las organizaciones
Authors: MONTOYA PÉREZ LUZ MARÍA
Published: August 2020

EL PRESENTE TRABAJO BUSCA CONTRIBUIR MODESTAMENTE AL CONOCIMIENTO DEL APRENDIZAJE INDIVIDUAL Y GRUPAL DENTRO DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES; PARA ELLO, SE APLICA UN PROCESO EDUCATIVO ENFOCADO A REAFIRMAR HABILIDADES DE PENSAMIENTO A PARTIR DEL DIAGNÓSTICO PERSONAL Y ORGANIZACIONAL DEL DESEMPEÑO EN EL TRABAJO, INCLUYENDO ASPECTOS DE TIPO VALORATIVO Y DE RELACIONES INTERPERSONALES. COMO PARTE DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN, SE DISEÑÓ UN PROCESO EDUCATIVO COMPUESTO POR SESIONES DIRIGIDAS Y OTRAS AUTODIRIGIDAS, UNA SERIE DE EJERCICIOS ESCRITOS QUE RESOLVIERON LOS PARTICIPANTES PARA FORTALECER CINCO HABILIDADES DE PENSAMIENTO: ANÁLISIS, RELACIÓN, COMPARACIÓN, APLICACIÓN Y DEDUCCIÓN. ESTO FAVORECIÓ ALGUNAS OPERACIONES COGNITIVAS, PRINCIPALMENTE LA REFLEXIÓN, LA PROPOSICIÓN, LA DESCRIPCIÓN Y LA DISCRIMINACIÓN. SE MANEJARON DOS GRUPOS DE PARTICIPANTES CON NIVEL DE EDUCACIÓN MEDIA Y PROFESIONISTAS, EN SU GRAN MAYORÍA INGENIEROS. SE PARTIÓ DE TRES VERTIENTES: LA PSICOLOGÍA COGNITIVA EN LO REFERENTE A LAS HABILIDADES DE PENSAMIENTO Y LOS HÁBITOS PARA PENSAR; DESDE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN SE CONSIDERARON LAS PROPUESTAS DE ALGUNOS AUTORES RELEVANTES EN EL CAMPO DEL APRENDIZAJE ORGANIZACIONAL; FINALMENTE, LA TERCERA A PARTIR DE LA PSICOLOGÍA EDUCATIVA Y TOMA COMO BASE LAS TEORÍAS DEL APRENDIZAJE DE CORTE CONSTRUCTIVISTA.
Los mercados bursátiles y el paradigma de complejidad
Authors: Sanchez Leopoldo
Published: August 2020

Se plantea incorporar el paradigma de la complejidad en el ámbito del estudio de los mercados bursátiles. Se propone pasar de la expectativa laplaceana que pretende encontrar una fórmula última que refleje la perfecta armonía del universo al modelo caótico donde la aleatoriedad y el desorden son elementos constituyentes inevitables e indispensables para entender los fenómenos. Se propone pasar de la simplicidad a la complejidad, de las certezas a la incertidumbre cierta. Se discute cómo en ese entorno se inserta lo aleatorio y de esta forma el orden y el desorden, la energía organizadora y la entropía se alían para generar vida, para producir sistemas cada vez más complejos. Para el estudio de sistemas complejos se plantean y discuten brevemente tres principios: el principio dialógico, el principio de recursividad organizacional y el principio hologramático. Se revisa la diferencia entre un programa y una estrategia y se resalta la importancia de cada uno de ellos, así como la relevancia de tomar en cuenta la participación del azar cuando se diseña un sistema de operación para inversiones bursátiles.
Factores explicativos del éxito competitivo: el caso de las PYMES del estado de Veracruz
Authors: ARAGÓN SÁNCHEZ ANTONIO , RUBIO BAÑON ALICIA
Published: August 2020

LAS INVESTIGACIONES QUE ESTUDIAN EL ORIGEN DE LAS DIFERENCIAS DE COMPETITIVIDAD ENTRE ORGANIZACIONES MUESTRAN QUE SE DEBEN FUNDAMENTALMENTE A LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS ESTRUCTURALES DEL ENTORNO INDUSTRIAL EN EL QUE SE DESARROLLA LA COMPETENCIA ENTRE EMPRESAS (EFECTO INDUSTRIA) Y A LAS VARIABLES QUE CONFIGURAN EL ÁMBITO INTERNO DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES (EFECTO EMPRESA). ADEMÁS, EL ANÁLISIS DE LA IMPORTANCIA RELATIVA DE DICHOS EFECTOS MUESTRA QUE EL SEGUNDO ES MÁS IMPORTANTE PARA EXPLICAR EL LOGRO DE VENTAJAS COMPETITIVAS. CON ESTE TRABAJO SE TRATA DE CONOCER CUÁLES SON LOS FACTORES INTERNOS SOBRE LOS QUE LAS PYME ARTICULAN SU VENTAJA COMPETITIVA, UTILIZANDO PARA ELLO UNA MUESTRA DE 1.425 PEQUEÑAS Y MEDIANAS EMPRESAS DEL ESTADO DE VERACRUZ. LOS RESULTADOS QUE SE ENCONTRARON SON CONSISTENTES CON LOS RECOGIDOS EN LA BIBLIOGRAFÍA AL DESTACAR LA IMPORTANCIA QUE PARA EL ÉXITO TIENEN LAS CAPACIDADES FINANCIERAS, LA POSICIÓN TECNOLÓGICA, LA INNOVACIÓN, LAS CAPACIDADES DE MARKETING, LA DIRECCIÓN Y GESTIÓN DE LOS RECURSOS HUMANOS, ASÍ COMO LAS TECNOLOGÍAS DE LA INFORMACIÓN Y COMUNICACIÓN.
Los métodos de valuación de empresas y su relación con la capacidad de las organizaciones para generar valor
Authors: ADAM SIADE JUAN ALBERTO
Published: August 2020

ESTE ARTÍCULO PRESENTA LOS RESULTADOS DE UNA INVESTIGACIÓN DOCTORAL REALIZADA DENTRO DEL PROGRAMA DE POSGRADO EN CIENCIAS DE LA ADMINISTRACIÓN EN LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTÓNOMA DE MÉXICO. LA APORTACIÓN PRINCIPAL ES UNA PROPUESTA PARA CREAR UN NUEVO ESTADO FINANCIERO DENOMINADO ESTADO DE GENERACIÓN DE VALOR. ESTA PROPUESTA PUEDE BRINDAR A LOS INVERSIONISTAS Y A TODOS LOS USUARIOS DE LA INFORMACIÓN ELEMENTOS QUE LOS ESTADOS FINANCIEROS TRADICIONALES NO CONTIENEN COMO LA CAPACIDAD QUE LA EMPRESA HA TENIDO Y TENDRÁ PARA GENERAR VALOR. AL INCLUIR EL VALOR QUE DE LA EMPRESA SE ESPERA TENER EN EL FUTURO, SE CAMBIA LA TENDENCIA TRADICIONAL EN RELACIÓN CON LOS NÚMEROS QUE ENCONTRAMOS EN LOS ESTADOS FINANCIEROS, PUES SÓLO REPRESENTAN LOS ACONTECIMIENTOS PASADOS. CABE SEÑALAR QUE EL MÉTODO DE VALUACIÓN DE EMPRESAS QUE MAYOR CONSISTENCIA TIENE EN SU APLICACIÓN CON LAS MÉTRICAS DE CREACIÓN DE VALOR ECONÓMICO ES EL MÉTODO GOODWILL. POR OTRA PARTE, EL MODELO BLACK Y SCHOLES NO NOS VA A BRINDAR EL VALOR EXACTO QUE LA EMPRESA TENDRÁ EN EL FUTURO, SINO QUE "DADAS LAS CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL MISMO QUE CON BASES PROBABILÍSTICAS SÓLIDAS INDICA EL VALOR QUE EN EL FUTURO PODRÍA TENER LA EMPRESA" NOS SEÑALARÍA SI LA EMPRESA FUE CAPAZ DE GENERAR VALOR O NO EN RELACIÓN CON EL VALOR QUE DE ELLA MISMA SE ESPERABA.