bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationalisation models and trajectories of gold jewellery in Johannesburg: a conjectural discursive approach
Authors: Mugobo Virimai , Jeremia Manzi Muzi
Published: August 2021

The gold jewellery industry is a lucrative sector. It operates within global consumer international networks. The underpinning models of internationalisation of gold jewellery from a theoretical standpoint, are key in comprehending export competitiveness potential. This means that for any company and country to achieve success, they ought to have competitive dominance in the export market, driven by a particular model. This study established that the main trends that characterise gold jewellery exports are underpinned by an aggressive internalisation thrust, which should be supported by market consolidation; market growth; a new channel landscape to push through the products; market consumption trends, absorption capacity, and global fast-fashion demand of gold jewellery. It emerged in this study, that the gold jewellery sector in Johannesburg has many dynamics that affect the ability of gold jewellery exporters to be competitive on the international market. There is a need to implement internationalisation strategies that include the creation of market linkages, standardisation and adaptation of products and services to the changing global market environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the internationalisation models, adopted by jewellery exporters in Johannesburg. The study used both theoretical and empirical data, obtained from the sector. The key finding from the study is that gold jewellery remains one of the most important export commodities in growing economies, such as South Africa. Exports bring the much-needed foreign currency, yet the sector in Johannesburg has very few corporates and individually owned businesses that are connected to the international markets to optimally exploit the opportunities in this sector. Using the mixed review methodology and empirical field data, the study offers propositions to enhance export competitiveness for companies, operating in developing countries.
The importance of compression sonoelastography in improving the diagnostics of the pathology of myometrium
Authors: Sharmazanova Olena , Safonova Inessa , Mityakova Yulia
Published: August 2021

The diversity of the clinical picture and the asymptomatic nature of the clinical manifestations of myometrial pathology cause difficulties in diagnosis. There is a lack of reliable diagnostic criteria for this pathology, in particular, imaging, especially with the simultaneous combination of adenomyosis and leiomyoma.

The aim of the research. Determination of the possibility of compression sonoelastography in the diagnosis of myometrial pathology and determination of its sonoelastography characteristics in leiomyoma and adenomyosis, as well as comparison of sonoelastography results with histological data.

Materials and methods. Elastography images of 155 patients with adenomyosis and leiomyoma, as well as combined pathology, were analyzed, the elastography diagnosis of which was confirmed by histological examination.

Results. Leiomyoma and adenomyosis had different elastography characteristics (strain ratios) with different color mapping; their specific characteristics and main differences are determined. Based on sonoelastography, the majority of patients (n=30) were suspected of having uterine fibroids, 14 had adenomyosis, and 42 had adenomyosis and fibroids. Sonoelastography revealed histological signs of adenomyosis in 3 patients with uterine leiomyoma.

Conclusions. Ultrasound examination using compression sonoelastography in such pathological conditions of the myometrium as adenomyosis and leiomyoma, as well as unchanged myometrium, makes it possible to determine changes in the degree of elasticity of the myometrium in the corresponding pathology. Sonoelastography allows the identification of clear distinguishing features of fibroids and adenomyosis. The unchanged myometrium has a certain elasticity, which can be equated to a specific numerical value – the coefficient of deformation. This indicator has different meanings in myoma and adenomyosis, which makes it possible to differentiate these pathological conditions of the myometrium. Compression sonoelastography is able to identify clear distinguishing features of leiomyoma and adenomyosis, and consistency of diagnoses based on sonoelastography and histology is significant but not optimal.
The prognostic value of the serum inflammatory biomarkers in patients with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Dubenko Olga , Litovchenko Tetyana , Anysienkova Victoria , Nessonova Maryna , Kovalenko Liudmyla
Published: August 2021

20 % of ischemic stroke appear to originate from carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. Serum biomarkers reflecting the activity of atherosclerotic process and may help for estimate risk of acute cerebrovascular events. Several serum inflammatory markers have been proposed for risk assessment, but their prognostic role less known.

The aim of this study is to clarify the prognostic value of biomarkers of atherosclerosis lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and E-selectin in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Materials and methods. The study involved 106 patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis >50 % (74 men and 32 women, mean age 62.6±0.9) from which 76 symptomatic (35 with acute ipsilateral atherothrombotic stroke and 41 after carotid endarterectomy) and 30 asymptomatic patients. The control group consisted of age- and sex-matched 20 healthy subjects. The level of serum Lp-PLA2 and E-selectin was determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results. The level of Lp-PLA 2 was in general significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients groups than in the control group and most high Lp-PLA2 concentration was in groups of symptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy. The level of E-selectin in the study patients was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The correlation of Lp-PLA 2 with E-selectin was significant for total patients (R=0.365664, p=0.00085) and group after carotid endarterectomy (R=0.429143, p=0.01796), but not for asymptomatic group (p>0.05). Receiver Operating Characteristics curves of logistic regression models which takes into joint both indicators was specificity and sensitive for predicting the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Conclusion. Conducted study show that the levels of Lp-PLA 2 and E-selectin have a significant impact on the development of stroke in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis and can be used to predict it. A multidimensional model of the dependence of the probability of stroke on a linear combination of Lp-PLA 2 and E-selectin allows to obtaining significantly higher characteristics of the accuracy of stroke prediction than models with each factor alone.
Monitoring of parasitic diseases of dogs
Authors: Morozov Bogdan , Berezovskyi Andrii
Published: August 2021

During the study, dogs were diagnosed with the following helminthic diseases: toxocariasis, echinococcosis, uncinariosis, trichuriasis, capillariosis, dipilidiosis, which took the form of mono and mixed invasions.

The aim of this study was to identify the intensity of helminth infestation of dogs of different ages and methods of keeping.

Materials and methods. Experimental studies were conducted during 2018–2020 on the basis of the laboratory “Innovative technologies and safety and quality of livestock products” and “Veterinary Pharmacy” of the Department of Veterinary Examination, Microbiology, Zoohygiene and Safety and Quality of Livestock Products; epizootology and parasitology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Sumy National Agrarian University.

In cities and villages, faecal samples were taken from dogs, taking into account the method of keeping (tethered or untethered) and their use (office, hunting, decorative, etc.), which were placed in airtight containers, labeled samples and sent to the laboratory for the research.

The object of clinical and laboratory research were dogs aged one to seven years, admitted to veterinary clinics in the period from 2018 to 2020, with suspected helminthic diseases. Testing of dogs was performed by collecting medical history and clinical examination.

Results. According to the results of the research, it was established that among helminthic diseases during 2018–2020 the following diseases were registered: toxocariasis, cestodes, uncinariosis of dogs. Among the blood-parasitic diseases for the period 2018–2020 were diagnosed with heartworm disease, babesiosis of dogs.

Among ectoparathyroidism, the laboratory diagnosed demodectic mange, otodectosis, canine sarcoptosis, and carnivorous syphonepterosis. A total of 513 surveys were conducted in 2018, of which 80 were positive; for 2019–509, of which positive – 58; for 2020 – 488, of which 62 are positive.

Conclusions. Intestinal helminthiasis has been found to account for the lowest proportion (11 %) of carnivorous parasitic diseases compared to blood parasitic diseases (19 %) and ectoparasitosis (70 %), but they are of great interest for study because of their significant epidemiological significance and may be the cause of disease in humans.

It has been proven that helminthic diseases of dogs run as mixed invasion, and a minority of cases 31.7 % of cases run as mono invasion. Of the total number of patients with helminthic diseases, 73.4 % of the total number of animals were accompanied by other diseases of infectious and non-infectious ethology
Rationale for the efficiency of transcranial magnetic stimulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gaponov Petro
Published: August 2021

The aim. Based on the analysis and comprehensive clinical and neurological evaluation of the results to substantiate the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods. A total of 110 MS patients were included in the study. The control group consisted of 30 patients who received pathogenetic therapy and 80 patients who underwent a course of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) together with pathogenetic therapy.

Results. The results obtained during the study indicate the complex multifactorial nature of fatigue and its significant impact on the clinical manifestations of MS. Also, the use of rTMS reduced the severity of the main neurological symptoms of MS. The improvement in the overall EDSS scale in the group of patients receiving rTMS was statistically significant: from 5.0±1.9 points to 4.5±2.0 points (p<0.01), in the comparison group (p>0.05). Under the influence of TMS, gait function improved, but these indicators were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The greatest effect of rTMS was obtained on the manifestations of fatigue and also extended to its cognitive and psychosocial components. The obtained patterns are confirmed in the analysis of indicators on the SCA and FS scales. Involvement in the treatment of patients with MS rTMS allowed to achieve a significant reduction in the manifestations of all components of fatigue: from 76.0±20.9 points to 75.5±20.5 points (p<0.05).

The data obtained during the study confirm the effectiveness, safety and viability of non-invasive neuromodulation by rTMS in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with MS.

Conclusions. The use of rTMS has a positive effect on the manifestations of fatigue, both motor and cognitive, in patients with MS at all types of course and at different stages of progression. Non-invasiveness, safety and ease of use, the possibility of differentiated use allow the use of rTMS in the clinic of rehabilitation treatment and become an important component of active drug and non-drug rehabilitation of patients with MS.
Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus isolated from different objects
Authors: Vishovan Yurii , Ushkalov Valerii , Vygovska Lilia , Ishchenko Liudmyla , Salmanov Aidyn , Bilan Andrii , Kalakailo Liubov , Hranat Andrii , Boianovskiy Serhii
Published: August 2021

Staphylococci have a wide range of pathogenic properties, among which stands increased resistance to antibiotics and the ability to form a biofilm. Being divided into coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative, they have different and, at the same time, common biological properties and may be a source of genetic material for each other.
The aim of the study was to examine the properties of staphylococci, isolated from various objects (milk, pigs, companion animals, humans), their resistance to antibiotics, the ability to form a biofilm and the presence of genes, responsible for resistance to methicillin and biofilm formation.
In this study we used 89 Staphylococci strains. 18 (20.2 %) strains were coagulase-positive, where 2 (2.2 %) strains, isolated from different animals and humans, had a complete set of phenotypic (plasma coagulation, biofilm formation, resistance to oxacillin and benzylpenicillin) and genotypic (mec A, fem B, ica A, ica D) signs of pathogenicity.
Coagulase-negative staphylococci, isolated from various animals and humans, had resistance to oxacillin, benzylpenicillin and the ability to form biofilms, and also had the corresponding genes in their structure (mec A, ica AB, ica D) in 3.3 % of cases.
Staphylococci, isolated from different animals and humans, were able to form a biofilm and had the appropriate set of genes (ica D, ica AB) in 5.6 % of cases.
Research of qualitative indicators of butter cookies using protein-mineral supplements
Authors: Kholobtseva Iryna , Serik Maksym , Samokhvalova Olga
Published: August 2021

The results of researches of influence of protein-mineral supplements on quality indicators of butter cookies are presented. It is described, that the supplements are used as a multifunctional ingredient, which on the one hand enriches the finished product with digestible calcium compounds, on the other - performs a number of technological tasks and improves the consumer characteristics of butter cookies.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of protein-mineral supplements on a number of physicochemical, consumer characteristics and safety indicators of butter cookies.

The study of the following physicochemical parameters of the quality of butter cookies was conducted: mass fraction of moisture, wettability, alkalinity, calcium content, including total and protein-bound.

It is established, that with the content of supplements up to 5.0% of the flour weight, all the above indicators meet the established requirements. With the content of suppements at the level of 6.0… 7.0%, there are limit values of such an indicator as wettability, which is undesirable to ensure the appropriate porous structure of the product. Based on the obtained data, it can be stated, that 5.0% of the use of supplements is the limit rational content in the composition of butter cookies.

The organoleptic analysis proved the high characteristics of the developed products in comparison with traditional ones. In products with supplements, there was an improvement in the structure of the product in the cut and its color. This is ensured by the stabilization of the emulsion by the supplement during the manufacture of products and by peculiarities of its chemical composition.

Studies of safety indicators allowed to establish less intensive dynamics of accumulation of primary oxidation products (peroxides) in samples of flour and butter products with supplements in comparison with control. The best microbiological stability of products with supplements is also proved. Due to the bacteriostatic effect of the supplements, less intensive accumulation of microflora during storage was achieved.

On the basis of the conducted researches the expediency of using up to 5.0% of protein-mineral supplements in the composition of flour and butter products for enrichment of finished products with digestible calcium compounds, improvement of organoleptic characteristics and safety indicators have been established.
Study of the efficiency of the inhibitory effect of antimicrobial preparations in the production of sugar substances
Authors: Husiatynska Nataliia , Teterina Svitlana , Hryhorenko Nataliia , Kalenik Olha
Published: August 2021

This article presents the relevance of the issue of inhibition of microbiological processes at different stages of processing of sugar-containing raw materials, in particular ensuring the microbiological purity of juices and syrups in the production of sugar substances. Information on the composition of microbiota contaminating raw materials in the production of beet sugar, raw cane sugar, food syrups from sugar sorghum is analyzed.

Experimental data on the evaluation of the effectiveness of a number of antimicrobial preparations in terms of growth retardation of pure cultures of microorganisms and the effect of disinfection during the introduction of preparations are presented.

The greatest danger in production is caused by the development of spore-forming and mucus-forming bacteria, which led to the choice of research objects.

Thus, the effect of antimicrobial preparations on microorganisms: mesophilic bacteria Bacillus subtilis, B. megatherium, thermophilic bacteria B. stearothermophilus, mucus-forming bacteria of the genus Leuconostos, was investigated. In addition, the effect of antimicrobials on mycelial fungi of the genus Aspergillus was studied.

Based on the conducted experimental studies, the range of costs of the studied antimicrobial preparation for the suppression of contaminating microflora in the production of sugar and food syrups from vegetable raw materials was determined
Alta dirección. Discursos, escenarios y sujetos
Authors: Molina Gómez Carlos Alberto , Rubio Gallardo Julio Cesar , Viafara Sandoval Harold , Aparicio Rengifo Reynaldo , Szlechter Diego , Zangaro Marcela , de Rey Angélique
Published: August 2021

"La tensión de corte estructural se conoce como el proceso de mercantilización y empresarización educativa. Diferentes actores del campo han señalado que el conjunto de políticas públicas está direccionado la educación con criterios que promueven la réplica o adopción de la gestión empresarial privada y la productividad que ella demanda. Teorías del factor humano, de la administración de procesos, de los sistemas de calidad, el desarrollo de competencias y su relación con los estándares y escalafones internacionales como criterio de validación, se mencionan como rasgos de esta tensión. A lo cual habría que sumarle el proceso de desresponsabilización estatal y el hecho de asumir la educación como un servicio vendible y transable en el libre juego de la oferta y la demanda. Ello trae consigo mutaciones o cambios en las estructuras y dinámicas institucionales y en los actores o sujetos que participan de esta realidad. En atención a estas preocupaciones, los grupos de investigación Alta Dirección, Humanidades y el Educar-se y Hábitat y Desarrollo Sostenible de Colombia de Colombia, de la mano con el Grupo de Estudios Sobre Sociología del Management (Gesom) de Argentina, han querido suscitar un espacio de reflexión que indague e interrogue las relaciones entre la alta dirección y los servicios educativos desde diversos ejes problémicos tratados en este libro."
Phycological and bacteriological assessment of drinking water in schools of Tanta city, Egypt
Authors: El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Hamoud Mai M.
Published: August 2021

Frequent water analysis is required to discover pollutants, describe water characteristics, and create a database for the water type that must be cleansed and treated in order to generate healthy water and, as a result, determine the best treatment method. In this regard, the goal of this research was to evaluate the overall physicochemical, phycological, and bacteriological properties of tap water samples taken periodically from 12 different Tanta city schools. In total, 57 algal species were identified throughout the investigation, 33 species belonging to Chlorophyta, 13 species to Bacillariophyta, and 11 species to Cyanophyta. Phytoplankton species richness and diversity were relatively stable in each school all year round. Chlorella, Cyclotella, Scenedesmus, which are organically pollution-tolerant genera according to Palmer's pollution index, were observed in the present study. Throughout the research seasons, total and fecal coliform bacteria were positively correlated (r = 0.94) in all of the study area sites. The counts of pollution indicators were more in groundwater than treated water.
Servidores com deficiência na universidade: barreiras para a inclusão
Authors: Pottmeier Sandra , Donida Lais , Darde Aline Olin Goulart , Santana Ana Paula
Published: August 2021

As pesquisas ainda são incipientes quanto à temática de servidores/funcionários/trabalhadores com deficiência, tanto na rede privada quanto no setor público, sendo necessários mais estudos sobre a inserção e a permanência desse público, relativamente recente, no mercado de trabalho. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar e analisar as possíveis barreiras existentes no ambiente de trabalho de servidores com deficiência de uma Universidade federal do sul do Brasil. Esta é uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa exploratória, que se utilizou de entrevistas constituídas por questionários semiestruturados aplicada a quatro servidores com deficiência. Os resultados apontam que as barreiras atitudinais, comunicacionais/linguísticas e arquitetônicas estão presentes nos discursos dos servidores, influenciando em sua permanência na instituição. Revelam que as ações institucionais ainda não conseguem incidir sobre todos os obstáculos enfrentados em suas atividades laborais cotidianas. Essas barreiras ainda não foram superadas, pois a inclusão trata-se de um processo político, pedagógico, cultural e social muito amplo. Romper com os paradigmas segregacionista e assistencialista seculares demandam ações e requerem tempo. O paradigma inclusivo é recente, as leis por si só não garantem mudanças nas atitudes das pessoas, só as regula. É necessário, portanto, a criação de uma cultura inclusiva na Universidade. As conclusões apontam para a necessidade de um acompanhamento/capacitação dos servidores de maneira mais efetiva, de modo que a instituição possa oferecer ações que incidam diretamente sobre as barreiras que se revelam em seu local de trabalho.
Vitamin D Affects the Warburg Effect and Stemness Maintenance of Non-
Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling
Pathway
Authors: Yiyan SongYang , Yang Songyisha , Li Dejia , Li Wen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of
lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases and resulting in high morbidity
and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 (vitamin
D) exhibited anti-cancer activity against breast and prostate cancer.

Objectives:

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of vitamin D on NSCLC and its
underlying mechanism.

Methods:

The effects of vitamin D on stemness maintenance and the Warburg effect in NSCLC
cells were investigated both in vitro and in vivo.

Results and Discussion:

In vitro experiments revealed that vitamin D inhibited glycolysis and
stemness maintenance in A549 and NCI-H1975 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated
that vitamin D attenuated the expression of metabolism-related enzymes associated with the
Warburg effect (GLUT1, LDHA, HK2, and PKM2). In addition, vitamin D down-regulated the expression
of stemness-related genes (Oct-4, SOX-2, and Nanog) and the expression of PI3K, AKT,
and mTOR.

Conclusion:

Overall, these findings suggest that vitamin D suppresses the Warburg effect and
stemness maintenance in NSCLC cells via the inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, thereby
inhibiting the progression of NSCLC. The current study indicates that vitamin D is a potential candidate
in therapeutic strategies against NSCLC.
Распространение одиночной волны давления по области разряда микроволнового диапазона длин волн в воздухе при средних давлениях
Authors: Бычков В.Л. , Грачев Л.П. , Есаков И.И. , Семенов А.В.
Published: August 2021

Results of experiments on a propagation of a pressure wave with a shock-wave leading front through a gas region excited by a pulsed freely localized discharge of the microwave wavelength range are described. The discharge was realized in air at a pressure from 14 to 100 Torr in the focal region of a quasi-optical electromagnetic beam of the microwave wavelength range. The experiments revealed three types of interaction of the gas-dynamic pulse with the region excited by the discharge in the post-discharge mode. The specific type of interaction is defined by the initial structure of the discharge and the delay time of the gas-dynamic pulse passage through the excited region.
О возможном механизме внешнего инфразвукового механического стимулирования процесса формирования нанокристаллов в аморфной металлической пленке
Authors: Слядников Е.Е. , Турчановский И.Ю.
Published: August 2021

A kinetic model, a physical reason and a condition for stimulated by external
infrasonic mechanical vibrations of the formation of nanocrystals in an amorphous metal film. The nanostructural elements of the amorphous medium are responsible for these processes: locally
ordered nanoclusters and nanoregions containing free volume, which contain two-level systems. When glass is deformed, two-level systems are excited, due to which they
make a significant contribution to inelastic deformation, structural relaxation, formation of nanoclusters
and nanocrystals. The physical mechanism of nanocrystallization of metallic glass during mechanical
exposure includes, in addition to the mechanism of local thermal fluctuations, also athermal
mechanism of quantum tunneling of atoms or atomic groups stimulated by inelastic deformation.
Геттерирующие свойства никеля в кремниевых фотоэлементах
Authors: Бахадырханов М.К. , Кенжаев З.Т. , Турекеев Х.С. , Исаков Б.О. , Усмонов А.А.
Published: August 2021

Abstract: The effect of doping with nickel on the parameters of silicon photocells, in which the p – n junction was created by impurities of III (B, Ga) and V (P, Sb) groups, has been studied. It is shown that the positive effect of nickel on the photocell efficiency does not depend on the type of initial silicon and on the nature of impurities used to obtain the p – n junction, but is mainly determined by the gettering properties of the near-surface nickel-enriched layer
Упругие волны в средах с разномодульной нелинейностью с учетом эффектов отражения от ударных фронтов
Authors: Назаров В.Е.
Published: August 2021

A theoretical study of the propagation of longitudinal strong low-frequency and weak high-frequency elastic waves in non-dispersing solids with a bimodular nonlinearity is carried out, taking into account the effects of reflection from the shock fronts of the wave. Expressions are obtained for the waveform, as well as for the amplitudes, frequencies, and phases of the harmonic components of the perturbation reflected from the discontinuities of the nonlinear wave. Numerical and graphical analysis of the obtained solutions is carried out. It is noted that the experimental study of the effects of wave reflection from discontinuities can be used to determine the nonlinear parameter of the bimodular solids.
Нелинейное подавление сигналов в лампе бегущей волны
Authors: Гришин С.В. , Дмитриев Б.С. , Разуваев Ф.П. , Скороходов В.Н. , Титов В.Н. , Трубецков Д.И.
Published: August 2021

The results of an experimental and theoretical study of the passage of monochromatic and pulse-modulated microwave signal through a traveling wave tube operating in the nonlinear suppression mode are presented. It was found that the TWT can operate either as a saturable absorber or as a power limiter and these regimes depend on the magnitude of the accelerating voltage and beam current. In the first case, the maximum signal suppression level corresponding to the Kompfner dip is realized in the linear mode, and in the second case - in the nonlinear mode, at a certain input signal power. It is shown that in the case of maximum suppression, a short pulse is formed at the front of the radio pulses. In the nonlinear Kompfner dip mode, the duration of such pulse is decreased with an increase in the power of the input radio pulse. The simulation results obtained using the nonlinear nonstationary theory of a traveling wave tube are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental data.
User-Centered Design to Enhance mHealth Systems for Individuals With Dexterity Impairments: Accessibility and Usability Study
Authors: Chowdhary Kuntal , Yu Daihua Xie , Pramana Gede , Mesoros Matthew , Fairman Andrea , Dicianno Brad Edward , Parmanto Bambang
Published: August 2021

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.
Using an mHealth App (iGAM) to Reduce Gingivitis Remotely (Part 2): Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Tobias Guy , Spanier Assaf B
Published: August 2021

Background

Gingivitis is a nonpainful, inflammatory condition that can be managed at home. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to tooth loss. Periodic dental examinations are important for early diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases. To contain the spread of the coronavirus, governments, including in Israel, have restricted movements of their citizens which might have caused routine dental checkups to be postponed.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the ability of a mobile health app, iGAM, to reduce gingivitis, and to determine the most effective interval between photograph submissions.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study with 160 unpaid participants divided into 2 equal groups using the iGAM app was performed. The intervention group photographed their gums weekly for 8 weeks. The wait-list control group photographed their gums at the time of recruitment and 8 weeks later. After photo submission, the participants received the same message “we recommended that you read the information in the app regarding oral hygiene habits.” A single-blinded researcher examined all the images and scored them according to the Modified Gingival Index (MGI).

Results

The average age of the intervention group was 26.77 (SD 7.43) and 28.53 (SD 10.44) for the wait-list control group. Most participants were male (intervention group: 56/75,74.7%; wait-list control group: 34/51, 66.7%) and described themselves as “secular”; most were “single” non-smokers (intervention group: 56/75, 74.7%; wait-list control group: 40/51, 78.4%), and did not take medications (intervention group: 64/75, 85.3%; wait-list control group: 40/51, 78.4%). A total of 126 subjects completed the study. A statistically significant difference (P<.001) was found in the dependent variable (MGI). Improvements in gingival health were noted over time, and the average gingivitis scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (mean 1.16, SD 1.18) than in the wait-list control group (mean 2.16, SD 1.49) after 8 weeks. Those with more recent dental visits had a lower MGI (P=.04). No association was found between knowledge and behavior. Most participants were familiar with the recommendations for maintaining oral health, yet they only performed some of them.

Conclusions

A dental selfie taken once a week using an mobile health app (iGAM) reduced the signs of gingivitis and promoted oral health. Selfies taken less frequently yielded poorer results. During the current pandemic, where social distancing recommendations may be causing people to avoid dental clinics, this app can remotely promote gum health.
Co-Development of a Web-Based Hub (eSocial-hub) to Combat Social Isolation and Loneliness in Francophone and Anglophone Older People in the Linguistic Minority Context (Quebec, Manitoba, and New Brunswick): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Interventional Study
Authors: Beogo Idrissa , Ramdé Jean , Nguemeleu Tchouaket Eric , Sia Drissa , Bationo Nebila Jean-Claude , Collin Stephanie , Anne Abdoulaye , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: August 2021

Background

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hit Canadian nursing facilities (81% of deaths). To this toll, public health measures (eg, visitation restriction) have subsequently deepened the social isolation and loneliness of residents in nursing facilities (NFs), especially those in linguistic minority settings: Anglophone institutions in Quebec and Francophone institutions outside Quebec. However, very few COVID-19 initiatives targeting these populations specifically have been documented. Given the limited number of NFs serving linguistic minorities in Canadian populations, families and loved ones often live far from these facilities, sometimes even in other provinces. This context places the digital solutions as particularly relevant for the present COVID-19 pandemic as well as in the post–COVID-19 era.

Objective

This project aims to co-develop a virtual community of practice through a web-based platform (eSocial-hub) to combat social isolation and loneliness among the older people in linguistic minority settings in Canada.

Methods

An interventional study using a sequential mixed methods design will be conducted. Four purposely selected NFs will be included, 2 among facilities in Manitoba and 2 in New Brunswick; and 2 Anglophone NFs in Quebec will serve as knowledge users. The development of eSocial-hub will include an experimental 4-month phase involving the following end users: (1) older people (n=3 per NF), (2) families of the participating older people (n=3 per NF), and (3) frontline staff (nurse and health care aid; n=2 per NF).

Results

Activities and solutions aiming at reducing social isolation and loneliness will be implemented and then evaluated with the project stakeholders, and the best practices generated. The assessment will be conducted using indicators derived from the 5 domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The project will be led by an interdisciplinary team and will involve a multisectoral partnership.

Conclusions

The project will develop a promising and generalizable solution that uses virtual technology to help reduce social isolation and loneliness among the older people.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/30802
Внутрисемейные взаимоотношения у башкир во второй половине XIX – начале XX в.
Authors:   Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the RAS (71, Oktyabrya Ave., Ufa 450054, Russian Federation), Suleimanova Rima N.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. The article examines intra-family relations in Bashkir society in the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Goals. The work aims at outlining the characteristics and new phenomena in Bashkir intra-family relations during the period under consideration. Materials and Methods. The main sources are archival documentary materials and published sources. The analysis of the source material, the assessment of events and phenomena were implemented through the principles of historicism, objectivity and scientific nature. The study employs such methods as comparative historical, problem-chronological, retrospective, logical ones, etc. Results. On the basis of unique sources, such as archival documents, published sources, works by famous Russian scientists, public figures and local historians, the paper provides insight into the family life of Bashkirs in this period — with due account of turning events in Russia’s social life and its actual phenomena. The latter initiated certain changes in this sphere and had a serious impact on intra-family relations, positions of family members. That especially affected the status of women which has also been highlighted in published scientific and local history works. Changes took place in the woman herself, in her self-awareness and behavior, radically different from the established norms. This is evidenced by the increased number of cases when women turned to the Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Association with requests for divorce, permission for a new marriage, with complaints against their husbands, as well as by the emergence of women’s societies which became first experience of their self-organization outside homes and that of social life. However, family was still dominated by man, and other members remained as humiliated and dependent. All this attests to the strength of traditional intra-family relations. Conclusions. During the period under review, Bashkir intra-family relations remained virtually unchanged. Nonetheless, the events that took place in the early 20th century in Russia’s social life resulted in that positions of family and its members became noticeably complicated and unstable. The position of woman in family was undergoing serious changes as well: it became different, like the traditional Bashkir society itself.
Урбанизация национальных республик Саяно-Алтая сквозь призму теории модернизации
Authors:   Khakass Research Institute of Language, Literature and History (23, Shetinkin St., Abakan 655017, Russian Federation), Tinikova Elena E.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. In the national republics of the Sayan-Altai Region — Altai, Tuva and Khakassia — urbanization has been essentially delayed and is, hence, accelerated. The first urban settlements appeared here only in the 20th century, and many of them were referred to as urban de jure only. Despite the growth of publications studying various aspects of the urbanization in Siberia, there are almost no research works dealing with the development of this historical, cultural, complicated social process and compiled from materials of this region proper. The paper provides a first attempt to assess the features and patterns of urbanization in the Sayan-Altai Region through the prism of modernization theory. Goals. The article aims to analyze urbanization as the most important aspect of modernization through materials collected across Altai, Tuva and Khakassia in the 20th – early 21st centuries. Materials and Methods. The article primarily investigates official statistical data that make it possible to trace the actual urbanization dynamics (for both populations and territories), as well as the process of transformation experienced by material components of city life. Empirically, the study rests on materials of surveys conducted in the Republic of Khakassia (2018) and in the Republics of Tuva and Altai (2019). The total number of interviewees is 2000. The study employs deterministic sampling methods. Results. The work concludes the urbanization development pattern examined in the region is non-linear, which was determined by the difficult and indirect modernization processes nationwide and those in its certain parts in particular. In the history of the ethnic federal subjects of the Sayan-Altai Region, local features of urbanization are more evident than those in other regions of the country, which is largely due to the influence of the ethnic factor, specifics of indigenous cultures and worldviews. Urbanization as a process is studied on the regional materials in two main perspectives: on the one hand, the paper provides analysis of quantitative indicators of urbanization, such as the dynamics of urban population and growth of urban settlements; on the other hand, an important role in the study of urbanization is assigned to its qualitative indicators, the latter including the transformed structure of urban population and evolution of its living standards.
The Perception of Space in Virtual Reality, Correlation Between Affordances and Spatial Presence
Authors: Carrillo Quiroga Perla , Chacón Hernández Julio César
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To explore the correlation between two concepts in the study of embodied perception in Virtual Reality (VR): affordances and spatial presence.Methodological design: It involved the review of literature on spatial presence and affordances in the fields of phenomenology and cognitive neuroscience, and an experiment with 30 participants using the Spatial Presence Experience Scale (SPES) proposed by Hartmann et al. (2016). Each participant tested 5 VR simulations and answered 5 questionnaires based on the SPES. This study proposes a model for the classification of types and subtypes of affordances in virtual reality.Results: The comparison of means between scores showed a positive correlation between possibilities for action and intensity of spatial presence. Data suggests motor affordances (navigational, goal-oriented and handle grasp types) intensify spatial presence. Frequency of videogame use was found unrelated to the intensity of spatial presence, but it showed an increase in user’s dexterity and the ease of perceiving affordance in virtual environments.Research limitations: The scope of this research is limited to describing the correlation between affordances and intensity of spatial presence in VR. Findings:  These confirmed the hypothesis: more possibility types of affordances in VR result in a higher intensity of spatial presence.
Online Recommender System
Authors: Walia Prof. Ranjanroop
Published: August 2021

As the size of the e-commerce market grows, the consequences of it are appearing throughout society.The business Environment of a company changes from a product center to a user center and introduces a recommendation system. However, the existing research has shown a limitation in deriving customized recommendation information to reflect the detailed information that users consider when purchasing a product. Therefore, the proposed system reflects the users subjective purchasing criteria in the recommendation algorithm. And conduct sentiment analysis of product review data. Finally, the final sentiment score is weighted according to the purchase criteria priority, recommends the results to the user. Recommender system (RS) has emerged as a major research interest that Aims to help users to find items online by providing suggestions that Closely match their interest. This paper provides a comprehensive study on the RS covering the different recommendation approaches, associated issues, and techniques used for information retrieval.
Smart Energy Meter Reading and Billing System using GSM Modem
Authors: Arjun Tsapalasetty
Published: August 2021

In this paper we are focusing on automatic billing and metering, The GSM Short Message Service (SMS) and Arduino connection gives the metre reading system several predefined automatic capabilities.The energy consumption and electricity bill and loads will be providing through GSM module to the customer and to the concern electricity department. An alert message will be send to the customer and vigilance squad when the consumption unit reading reaches beyond the specific threshold. And loads on and off through gsm This paper contains energy consumption details in terms of power units and power units will be displayed on the LCD and will be notified to the customer via SMS and customer will also be able to recharge with the help of GSM module as well as microcontroller.
Smart Medicine Reminder Box
Authors: Anandaraju Dr. M B
Published: August 2021

Our project's principle point is to make a Smart medication box for those clients who routinely take medicines and the solution of their medication is extremely long as it is difficult to recollect to patients and furthermore for their parental figure. Additionally Old age patients experience the ill effects of issues of neglect to take pills on appropriate time which causes certain medical problems for patients having Permanent infections like diabetes, circulatory strain, breathing issue, heart issues, malignancy sicknesses and so forth We saw these issues in emergency clinics and individuals around us who have such sort of infections and accordingly dependent on these two issues we made brilliant medication box which tackle these issues by Setting up time table of endorsed drugs through press catches as given in remedy.
Futuristic Healthcare Facility Shaping Better Patient Experience: An Overview of KSA Facility
Authors: Ahmad Ar. Safeer
Published: August 2021

Patient is the most important stakeholder of any healthcare facilities. Gone are the days when we used to design a healthcare setup based on our perception of what the patient could expect. Now we are living in a competitive environment where the patients’ expectation should not be guessed but have to offer the patient room as a space that let the patient customize as per their comfort during the stay in the facility. In a Healthcare facility designing, an Inpatient unit is very crucial because its physical infrastructure & built environment not only affect patients’ recovery but also Healthcare staff & facility outcome. IoT enabled healthcare facility helps the doctors to be more watchful of the patients’ activity and how their body responds to based on the data collected. However, integration of IoT in a healthcare facility is proving to be equally challenging. This paper shall cover overview of the technical considerations of planning and designing of Patient Room Unit in context of future emerging trends as well as implementation of IoT and patients experience. The Methodology shall be engagement of various techniques to gather information of healthcare facilities through observation, Literature review of published journals, academic papers, also Data collection in this qualitative study and basic concept background are investigated through online media and observation to work for qualitative analysis.
Channel Coding Technique for 5G to Improve Flexibility
Authors: Kumari Annushree
Published: August 2021

5G wireless network will take place after 4G. It will create many new issues. Some problems like, communication with low BER, and performance might be severe issue. In this thesis, coding methods are proposed in order to decrease the signal loss during the transmission process of data. Also, the LDPC system is explained in order to get good results with lower bit error rate over 5G standards by trying to compare it with systems like, LDPC, Convolutional and Turbo code system. Finally, a framework is designed which is a combination of LDPC codes with polar codes in order to improve information transmission efficiency.