bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Regulation of Direct Foreign Investment Screening in the European Union and Interests of Russia
Authors: Razumnova L. L. , Migaleva T. E.
Published: May 2020

The article deals with adoption of a new framework regulation of direct foreign investment (DFI) of the European Union in condition of shaping a polycentric system of international relations and re-balancing of global players’ forces, which is accompanied by weakening the positions of the EU on global market and strengthening China as a new superpower. In this situation the EU tries to reinforce economic security and raise competitiveness of economy by protecting the sphere of critical infrastructure and high technologies against external control. The authors provide a brief analysis of geopolitical, economic and political factors, which determined specific features of new EU investment legislation. The scale and structure of Chinese DFI in EU economy were estimated and specificity of the process of mutual outsourcing of EU and China political values was identified. According to the analysis, China that increases its presence in the EU, apart from big finance possibilities uses differentiation of priorities in foreign and home policy of member-states and internal European contradictions and fragmentation of EU legislation. By using the text of the framework Regulation 2019/452 key elements and procedures were described and contradictions in the mechanism of investment selection being designed were found. It is proved that these contradictions, including numerous different agreements and institutional units involved in the process, keeping national priorities in making final decisions in the absence of necessary for DFI screening function system elements and others hinder the creation of the efficiently functioning supranational system of European DFI control. A conclusion was drawn that introduction of the Regulation can have a negative effect on the inflow of Russian investment to Europe. At the same time Russia cannot affect designing of this screening mechanism, as its role is limited by the frameworks of European policy of partial communication isolation. In the long-term the toughness of using investment regulation in the EU will depend on the outline of the US – EU – Russia confrontation.
Economic Integration in the System of Spatial Development of the Region
Authors: Topoleva T. N.
Published: May 2020

The article studies specific features of economic integration processes in the context of regional market space clustering. Methodological principles of today’s cluster systems are shown and their signs are identified with signs of heterogeneous network associations. The concept of cluster development is investigated in view of the theory of economic complexity in three analytical sections: production agglomerations, innovation ecosystems and cluster initiatives. Transaction nature of innovation character of cluster systems was revealed. The dependence was grounded of innovative cluster opportunities on synergy effects arising as a result of collaboration of participants’ interaction on principles of triple spiral (business, state, science and education field). The author found the objective necessity of raising the level of developing the network interaction in order to avoid the formal approach to cluster functioning. The author puts forward the model of economic clusterization in conditions of innovation economy. The regional economic system is structured with regard to cluster presence, functioning of the network mechanism of coordination activity and symbiosis of hierarchical and market system components. Key types of state cluster policy and important trends in cluster support, which includes cluster initiatives, cluster technologies and cluster consulting in priority of strategic management at the regional level. A conclusion was made that clusters were assigned a part of system-forming elements of sustainable development in regional market space.
Budget-Tax and Non-Tax Mechanisms in Sport Industry Development in the Russian Federation
Authors: Gordienko M. S. , Litvishko G. V.
Published: May 2020

The article studies a number of issues connected with the development of physical culture and sport in the Russian Federation on today’s stage. The authors investigated several models of sport development formed on the basis of international experience. The first model is typical of countries with social structure, where everything is based on budget sources of sport support. The second model is connected with using resources of philanthropists and sponsors. The third model is a combination of first two approaches. When the fourth model is used the focus is made on their own commercial activity with a small share of other sources. The process of professional sport development in Russia moves from the first model to the second and the third one, while the role of the fourth one is growing. The article also provides the normative and legal field of financing physical culture and sport in the Russian Federation, analyzes direct budget steps of support (cash expenses in totality and in section of key articles for 2011–2019) and indirect tax and non-tax steps of support of physical culture and sport. The international practice of supporting sport industry as a socially important field of public relations was shown. The authors underline the most promising lines in motivating the development that could bring the highest economic effect both for professional (commercial) and for mass (amateur) sport, as well as for sport of high achievements, which can foster strengthening the human potential of Russia.
Curcumin for the Management of Periodontal Diseases: A Review
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Forouzanfar Ali , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Orafai Hossein M. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2020

Periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss among adults. Research shows that
inflammation is one of the crucial components in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Various herbal
medicines have recently been receiving attention for the management of periodontitis owing to their general
safety and efficacy. Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa, has been shown to possess
antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Several studies have assessed the efficacy
of curcumin against periodontal diseases. These studies have shown equivalent or even higher efficacy of curcumin
compared to the commonly used medications for the management of periodontitis such as chlorhexidine.
Herein, we review the experimental and clinical findings on the anti-periodontitis effects of curcumin and the
pharmacological mechanisms underlying these effects.
Current Progress in Biomedical Applications of Chitosan-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Pieklarz Katarzyna , Tylman Michał , Modrzejewska Zofia
Published: May 2020

The currently observed development of medical science results from the constant search for innovative solutions to improve the health and quality of life of patients. Particular attention is focused on the design of a new generation of materials with a high degree of biocompatibility and tolerance towards the immune system. In addition, apart from biotolerance, it is important to ensure appropriate mechanical and technological properties of materials intended for intra-body applications. Knowledge of the above parameters becomes the basis for considerations related to the possibilities of choosing the appropriate polymer materials. The researchers' interest, as evidenced by the number of available publications, is attracted by nanobiocomposites based on chitosan and carbon nanotubes, which, due to their properties, enable integration with the tissues of the human body. Nanosystems can be used in many areas of medicine. They constitute an excellent base for use as dressing materials, as they exhibit antimicrobial properties. In addition, they can be carriers of drugs and biological macromolecules and can be used in gene therapy, tissue engineering, and construction of biosensors. For this reason, potential application areas of chitosan-carbon nanotube nanocomposites in medical sciences are presented in this publication, considering the characteristics of the system components.
Determination of Impurities in Perampanel Bulk Drugs by High- Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography
Authors: Xia Yun-Yan , Zou Qiao-Gen , Yang Yu-Fei , Sun Qian , Han Cheng-Qun
Published: May 2020

Background:

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been used to detect related impurities of perampanel. However, the detection of impurities is incomplete, and the limits of quantification and detection are high. A sensitive, reliable method is in badly to be developed and applied for impurity detection of perampanel bulk drug.

Objective:

Methodologies utilising HPLC and gas chromatography (GC) were established and validated for quantitative determination
of perampanel and its related impurities (a total of 10 impurities including 2 genotoxic impurities).

Methods:

The separation was achieved on a Dikma Diamonsil C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm)
with the mobile phase of 0.01 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (A) and acetonitrile (B)
in gradient elution mode. The compound 2-bromopropane was determined on an Agilent DB-624 column
(0.32 mm × 30 m, 1.8 μm) by electron capture detector (μ-ECD) with split injection ratio of 1:5
and proper gradient temperature program.

Result:

Both HPLC and GC methods were established and validated to be sensitive, accurate and robust
according to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The methods developed
were linear in the selected concentration range (R2≥0.9944). The average recovery of all impurities
was between 92.6% and 103.3%. The possible production mechanism of impurities during the synthesis
and degradation processes of perampanel bulk drug was also discussed. Five impurities were
analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Moreover, two of them were simultaneously
characterized by LC-MS, IR and NMR.

Conclusion:

The HPLC and GC methods were developed and optimized, which could be applied for quantitative detection of the
impurities, and further stability study of perampanel.
Development of Sertaconazole Nitrate Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Gel Using Central Composite Design: In vitro and Ex vivo Evaluation
Authors: Patil Moreshwar , Bhagade Pallavi , Amale Meghana , Sonawane Sandeep , Kshirsagar Sanjay
Published: May 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop effective topical antifungal formulation containing
sertaconazole nitrate.

Background:

Sertaconazole nitrate, a topical antifungal, was incorporated in solid-liquid lipid
nanostructures and gelled further for topical application.

Objective:

The objective of this investigation was to develop a topical formulation containing
sertaconazole nitrate which was incorporated in the solid-state of the matrix to prolong the release
in deep skin infection and hence reduce the application frequency.

Methods:

The nanostructured lipid carriers of sertaconazole nitrate were developed by high-speed
homogenization followed by ultrasonication using Estosoft-GTS® (glyceryl tristearate) as a solid
lipid, oleic acid as liquid lipid and Tween 80 as an emulsifier. The central composite design was
used to optimize total lipid concentration and fraction of liquid lipid in the total lipid and its effect
on entrapment efficiency and drug release was determined.

Results:

The carrier particles had an average size of 366.3 nm; entrapment efficiency in between
50.66% to 87.36%; cumulative drug release up to 92.90% and zeta potential of 7.43 mV. Characterization
by FTIR indicated no negative interaction between drug and excipients, XRD showed
the disappearance of crystalline peaks of the encapsulated drug while DSC revealed complete solubilization
of the drug. About 99.6% of the drug was estimated by HPLC method. The drug release
from gel and cream was 25.04% and 72.97% respectively. The lipid and gel excipients did not interfere
with the antifungal activity of the drug.

Conclusion:

The developed nanocarriers loaded gel was stable. It prolonged the drug release (for
24 h) than marketed cream. It could be a promising concept for the topical delivery of antifungal
and anti-inflammatory materials.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Processing Map of a Novel Dilute Extruded Mg-Zn-Gd-Y-Nd Alloy
Authors: Abbasi Zahra , Ebrahimi Ramin
Published: May 2020

Background:

The hot working characteristic of magnesium alloys have received considerable
attention in order to evaluate the constitutive behavior of these alloys under hot working conditions
with a view to evaluate constitutive conditions to optimize hot workability and control the microstructure
so as to obtain consistent mechanical properties.

Methods:

The hot deformation response of a new dilute Mg alloy was investigated by means of a series
of hot compression tests in the temperature and strain rate range of 375-450°C and 0.001-1 s-1,
respectively. The stress-strain behavior, microstructure evolution and processing parameters optimization
were studied carefully. Micro-structural characterization studies conducted on a series of deformed
samples using optical microscopy revealed that during hot deformation, the main restoration
mechanism was dynamic recrystallization (DRX).

Results:

In the final microstructure of the material, grain boundaries were thoroughly covered by
layers of fine DRXed grains. Moreover, a strong twinning induced necklace structure was the most
significant characteristic at high strain rates which was accompanied by smaller grain size in the domain
material. Based on the measured stress-strain data, constitutive model was conducted on two
regimes of low and high temperatures. Moreover, the processing map of the studied material was obtained
and interpreted using dynamic material model (DMM).

Conclusion:

The processing map was built and divided into a feasible domain at high temperatures
in the whole range of strain rates and two separated instable domains in the temperature range of 375
to 435°C at high and low strain rates of 1 and 0.001 s-1.
The Mammography Screening Ratios and and Factors Affecting to Get It Among Primary Care Health Providers
Authors: Dirican Oya , HÜLÜR Ünal
Published: May 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with the status of primary care providers (PCPs) in their participation in the Breast Cancer Screening Program (BCSP) in Antalya. Methods: A total of 572 women participants who were over 40 years old and were working in PCPs, Community Health Center, and Provincial Health Directorate participated in this study. All of the participants were administered a questionnaire investigating their mammography screen status and factors affecting to get a screen. The study was conducted between 1 June 2018 – 31 October 2018. A binary logistic regression model (to get a mammography screening or not, as a dependent variable) was used to ascertain if the demographic and lifestyle variables predicted the screening behaviors for breast cancer. Results: Among our participants 56,8% of the had a least one mamography screening. The independent factors to get a mammography were observed as aging (OR=1.27 95% CI: 1.02-1.17) (p<0,001); work place (community health center) (OR=2.67 95% CI: 1.19-5.94) (p<0,001); experience (20-29 years) (OR=13.50 95% CI: 4.35-41.85) (p<0,001) and (>29 years) (OR=5.84 95% CI: 1.26-26.9) (p<0,001); chronic diseases (having more than one) (OR=4.97 95% CI: 2.03-12.18) (p<0,001); family history (first-degree) (OR=2.45 95% CI: 1.48-4.03) (p<0,001) and BMI (OR=1.08 95% CI: 1.02-1.15) (p<0,01). Furthermore, the most reported obstacle to the PCPs was difficulty getting time off from work. Conclusion: This study showed that unfortunately, almost half of the healthcare professionals have not had a mammography. It is think that, it is necessary to motivate PCPs to increase their awareness of practice on cancer screening.
Bir Üniversite Hastanesinde Çalışan Çocuk Sağlığı Profesyonellerinin Kendi Çocuklarını Anne Sütüyle Besleme Uygulamaları
Authors: AKBAYRAM Hatice
Published: May 2020

Giriş: Sağlık uzmanlarının kişisel emzirme deneyimleri, hastalardaki emzirme konularını danışma ve yönetme konusundaki davranışları etkilemede önemlidir. Bu çalışma bir üniversite hastanesinde çalışan çocuk sağlığı profesyonellerinin kendi çocuklarını anne sütüyle besleme uygulamalarını belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Kesitsel tipte olan bu çalışma Temmuz 2019-Eylül 2019 tarihleri arasında Gaziantep Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Eğitim Araştırma Hastanesi'nde yapılmıştır. Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Bölümünde çalışan 16 doktor ve 36 hemşire (toplam 52) çalışmaya alınmıştır. Veriler 17 sorudan oluşan anket formu ile yüz yüze görüşme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Tanımlayıcı istatistikler SPSS 24.0 paket programı kullanılarak yapılmıştır.Bulgular: Bu çalışmada katılımcıların en küçük yaştaki çocuklarının 6 ay ile 17 yaş arasında ve %76,9’unun sezaryenle doğduğu bulundu. Doğum sonrası ilk bir saatte emzirilme oranı %86,5, ilk besin olarak anne sütünün verilmesi %82,7 olarak belirlendi. Çalışmada ilk altı ay sadece anne sütüyle beslenme oranı %44,2 idi. Katılımcıların çoğunluğu (%90,4) biberon, yarısı (%50) emzik kullanmıştı. Çocukların %30,8’ine ilk bir ayda, yarısından fazlasına (%59,6) altı aydan önce formül mama verildiği saptandı. İki yaşına kadar emzirilen ve yaşı iki yaşından küçük olup halen emzirilen çocukların oranı %25 idi. Anne sütüyle beslenmenin sonlandırılmasında en önemli nedenler; annenin çalışması %38,5 ve anne sütü yetersizliği %13,5 olarak belirtildi.Sonuç: Emzirmeye iyi bir başlangıç yapıldığı fakat emzirme sürecinin başarısız olduğu bulunmuştur. Annelerin çalışmasının, çocukların yarıdan fazlasına altı aydan önce formül mama verilmesinin ve biberon kullanılmasının yaygın olmasının bu durumu etkilediği düşünülmüştür. Bir kadın sağlık profesyoneli veya eşi olması durumunda da emzirme süresi boyunca bilgilendirilmeli ve desteklenmelidir.
Effective containment of the COVID-19 pandemic among migrants and refugee: World Health Organization
Authors: SHRİVASTAVA Saurabh , SHRİVASTAVA Prateek
Published: May 2020

The ongoing Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to advance with each day and it is worth noting that no individual, community, population group or nation is immune to the infection. Migrants and refugees constitute a vulnerable population group and this calls for the urgent need to include migrants and refugees in the action plan made for the containment of the infection and ensure that no compromises are made with regard to their right to attain highest levels of physical & mental health. In conclusion, it is very clear that if we want to overcome the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be needing a whole-of-community approach, partnerships with various sectors, which essentially includes inclusion of migrants and refugees. The need of the hour is to extend all the prevention and control activities to the vulnerable population groups and ensure that the risk of acquisition or transmission of infection can be minimized.
Evde Sağlık Hizmeti Alan Hastaların Bakım Verenlerinde Bakım Yükü
Authors: DAĞDEVİREN Tanyel , DEMİR Nevgül , ADAHAN Didem , DAĞDEVİREN Murat , TEKİN Oğuz
Published: May 2020

Giriş: Bu çalışma Evde Sağlık Hizmeti (ESH) alan hastalara bakım verenlerin bakım yükünü ve etkileyen faktörleri değerlendirmeyi amaçlamıştır. Yöntem: Kesitsel tipteki çalışmaya evde sağlık hizmeti alan hastaların bakım hizmeti verenleri dahil edilmiştir. Bakım verenlerin bakım yükünü değerlendirmek amacıyla Zarit Bakım Yükü Ölçeği (ZBYÖ), bakım yüküne etki eden değişkenleri belirlemek amacıyla veri toplama formu kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Çalışmaya ESH’den faydalanan 80 hastaya primer bakım verenler dâhil edilmiştir. Bakım verenlerin ZBYÖ puan ortalaması 38,4 olarak belirlenirken, bunların %43,8’inin ZBYÖ puanının yüksek, %2,5’inin ise çok yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bakım yükü yüksek olanların %74,3’ü, baktıkları hastalara bakacak başka kimsenin bulunmamasından dolayı bakım verdiklerini belirtmiştir. Bakım verenlerin bakım yükü düzeyleri ile tükenmişlik, güçsüzlük-çaresizlik hissetme ve hastayla iletişim kurma sıkıntısı yaşama durumları arasında anlamlı ilişki saptanmıştır (p=0,001). Bakım yükü çok yüksek olanların tamamının anti-depresan kullandığı ve kendisini tükenmiş hissettiği tespit edilmiştir. Bakım verenlerin depresyon ve uyku ilacı kullanma durumları ve uyku kaliteleriyle bakım yükü düzeyleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu ortaya konmuştur (p<0,05). Sonuç: Bakım verenlerin çoğunun bakım yükü düzeyi yüksek olarak saptanmış olup bu kişilerin tükenmişlik ve güçsüzlük-çaresizlik hissettiği, ayrıca bakımla ilgili eğitim-danışmanlık ve yardım gereksinimi duyduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu sonuçlar ışığında, ESH kapsamının, bakım verenlerin çeşitli gereksinim ve taleplerini de göz önünde bulunduracak şekilde genişletilmesinin ve bakım verenlere özellikle psikolojik ve sosyal destek alanlarında yardımcı olunmasının, bakım yükünün hafifletilmesi açısından faydalı olabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Possibilities of social and solidarity economies in reconstruction activities of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Saito Fumihiko
Published: May 2020

The Great East Japan Earthquake changed Japan forever. The subsequent tsunami and nuclear plant disaster shocked the world and devastated large swaths of the Japanese countryside. While truly saddening and catastrophic for those who lived through it, nine years later the affected areas
continue to persevere and recover. Their determination and effort are not only inspiring but also provide a unique glimpse at how communities can be built and also rebuilt with sustainable goals in mind. According to Dr Fumihiko Saito, a professor at the Faculty of International Studies at
Ryukoku University, the rebuilding process is way ahead of academic theories and offers a lot of insight for the research community. Saito, who has worked on international development, local renewal efforts and sustainability, is now visiting the areas affected by the earthquake to conduct
interviews and questionnaires in an effort to understand and learn from the people there.
Study on integration method of mass & social media and disaster digital archive
Authors: Watanave Hidenori
Published: May 2020

Memory is fallible. But even when it can be relied upon there is an intrinsic limit to its longevity - as people die, so too do their memories and the ability for those still living to appreciate what was once remembered. For personal and private details, such as an individual's first
holiday, or the way their mother looked when she once walked into a room, there is almost something beautiful about those types of memories remaining the property of the individual remembering them; it is perhaps fitting that they die with the person who can remember. However, for historical
events, capturing and preserving memories can be extremely important in a whole manner of ways. Of course, the 'reality' of past events, such as wars and natural disasters, are multifaceted - there is no single truth to these events, so to gain a full appreciation for how things were during
these monumental events, we need to be able to access the viewpoints of many different people in many different ways. The internet has helped with the creation and collation of archives of materials that provide us with a means of accessing the different 'realities' of past events. However,
simply uploading swathes of first-hand accounts and dozens of photographs is not always enough to fully capture these 'realities' or encourage individuals to mine these archives for information. Clearly, the need for a new approach to archiving and the presentation of those archives is needed.
It is with that in mind that Professor Hidenori Watanave and his team have embarked on a series of different, but related projects. Based at The University of Tokyo Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, Watanave's team is focused on finding new and innovative ways of drawing the
public's attention to the value of archived materials and creating motivations for the use of them.
Effects of interforest grazing on forest ecosystem and water environment of basin-Interforest grazing and ecosystem service
Authors: Yamazaki Yuri
Published: May 2020

There is a myriad of issues that form our global crisis of climate change and the destruction of the environment. If we are to develop sustainable practices that can help reverse the destructive trends, we need revolutions across a range of industries. The agricultural industry is huge,
globally essential activity that will always be with us. It is intimately tied to the environment and has multiple direct impacts on it. Naturally, the world will always require food, whether that be from livestock or crops. Therefore, we need to continue improving our agricultural practices
if we are to sustain the global population. Livestock pose a particular set of questions as to how best maintain them. They take up significant space, consume a lot of vegetation and produce a lot of waste. Whilst avoiding and reducing meat consumption is a growing social movement, this will
never eliminate meat consumption and only further emphasises how we should rear livestock in a sustainable and non-destructive manner. Typically, livestock such as cattle are raised on large areas of meadows and grasslands. The more cattle you are looking to raise, the greater the amount of
land needed. Where they feed has a profound impact on the environment around them. They can alter the vegetation growing and their waste can affect the water system. When it rains, their waste seeps into the soil and then into streams and rivers. Rivers are basins for large areas of grassland
and likely multiple cattle farms. This means a huge multiplication of waste run off from livestock rearing. Dr Yuri Yamazaki of the Faculty of Regional Environment Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture is investigating alternative methods of cattle rearing. This work has developed directly
from her doctoral studies which were aimed at evaluating the impact of dairy farming and upland farming on river water quality. This work led her to exploring the forest grazing of cattle as a potential alternate way of maintaining livestock. She is now working hard to evaluate this proposition.
Study on comfort evaluation in outdoor space using EEG and questionnaire survey
Authors: Ishiuchi Teppei
Published: May 2020

Science has proven that green spaces are important to mental health. According to the World Health Organization, having access to green spaces can reduce health inequalities, improve wellbeing and aid in treatment of mental illness. However, in a modern society where values are diversified
and lifestyle patterns are constantly changing, it is not clear whether parks and green spaces are equally effective for all people. Dr Teppei Ishiuchi is exploring how green spaces can impact on mental health. This research ties into a bigger goal of creating living environments where all
people feel equally comfortable.
Research on: Cell printer using light irradiation Coral reef regeneration & restoration using biomedical techniques
Authors: Ueda Masato
Published: May 2020

In research it can be hard to know how one discovery can be used in unrelated fields. This is why basic research and collaboration are such essential components of science. Without a constant well of ideas and knowledge to draw from and the necessary communication channels to pass on
these ideas many advances simply would not be possible. These channels rely on institutions that encourage collaboration and place their researchers in positions to build networks and work together, but they also require the right individuals who are able to follow the trail of their work
into new areas. These individuals, who are not afraid to try new things, work with new partners and jump through the doors that open throughout their careers are the backbones of large, multi-disciplinary research projects. Professor Masato Ueda, based at the Kansai University Faculty of Chemistry,
Materials and Bioengineering is one such individual. Ueda is currently involved in two research projects; one developing a cell printer that relies on light irradiation and the second focused on exploring coral reef regeneration and restoration using biomedical techniques.
Research work undertaken in the Plant Transgenic Design Initiative in the Gene Research Center within Tsukuba Plant Innovation Research Center
Authors: Watanabe Kazuo
Published: May 2020

The burgeoning area of plant genetics may hold the key to overcoming some of the most pressing environmental challenges. For example, crops can be genetically improved to make them better able to adapt to climate change, while genetic engineering of crops could help to address food
security challenges. As such, a comprehensive understanding of plant genetics may enable humankind to make headway in addressing climate change and resulting challenges. Research in this area is therefore paramount. Research work undertaken in the Plant Transgenic Design Initiative (PTraD)
in the Gene Research Center (GRC) within Tsukuba Plant Innovation Research Center (T-PIRC), located at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, is focused on plant sciences and biotechnologies. The PTraD is the centre of excellence in plant biotechnology research in Japan, shedding light on plant
genetics and how this can be harnessed to solve environmental challenges such as climate change.
Acute, medium and long-term effects of yellow sand and air pollutants on allergy and biomarker search
Authors: Higashi Tomomi
Published: May 2020

Talk to any allergy sufferer and they will tell you how awful it can be. Runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and difficulties breathing. For many these symptoms rise only to the level of annoyance and can be avoided by steering clear of the source of their allergy. What many people don't
realise though is that allergies can become a far more serious issue for a large segment of the population. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing due to allergies bring many people to emergency rooms and these are just the acute symptoms. Along with the potential for an allergic attack
during a windy or dusty day, researchers and medical professionals are beginning to recognise that there are chronic, long term effects associated with allergies. In order to mitigate both the acute and chronic effects of allergies a better understanding of how genetic factors combine with
environmental conditions to produce the ranges of symptoms and effects of allergy suffers is needed. Professor Tomomi Higashi, from the Department of Hygiene at Kanazawa University in Japan, is an expert in this field and is currently working to improve treatment and prevention of allergic
disease.
Radiation exposure and health effects of the residents around the former Soviet Union nuclear test site in Kazakhstan -A new perspective: radioactive microparticles
Authors: Hoshi Masaharu
Published: May 2020

Harnessing atomic particles and radiation led to powerful and world changing technologies. The field of medical imaging has saved countless lives and continues to push the boundaries of medical interventions and research, which would have been impossible without the first x-ray machines.
Unfortunately, not all inventions have been so altruistic. The advent of nuclear weapons showed the world the destructive potential possible via scientific inquiry. While the dangerous effects of radiation exposure were documented from the inception of this technology, catastrophic events
like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and nuclear disasters at Chernobyl Semipalatinsk or Fukushima provide a real-time glimpse into the long-term effects of exposure. Investigating the causes of this exposure in order to prevent future accidents is essential, but so too is cataloguing
the rates and types of exposure among the victims. With this information correlations between exposure and health effects, both short- and long-term can be interrogated. This data is crucial for the understanding of the mechanisms behind radiations effects on living creatures and in assessing
risks, safety protocols and treatment. Dr Masaharu Hoshi, Professor Emeritus at the Hiroshima University, has spent most of his career travelling around the world, visiting the sites of nuclear disasters in an effort to fully comprehend the risks. He is now using case studies to investigate
the radiation exposure and health effects of the residents of radioactive microparticles.
Physical Activity Monitoring Using a Fitbit Device in Ischemic Stroke Patients: Prospective Cohort Feasibility Study
Authors: Katzan Irene , Schuster Andrew , Kinzy Tyler
Published: May 2020

Background

Continuous tracking of ambulatory activity in real-world settings using step activity monitors has many potential uses. However, feasibility, accuracy, and correlation with performance measures in stroke patients have not been well-established.

Objective

The primary study objective was to determine adherence with wearing a consumer-grade step activity monitor, the Fitbit Charge HR, in home-going ischemic stroke patients during the first 90 days after hospital discharge. Secondary objectives were to (1) determine accuracy of step counts of the Fitbit Charge HR compared with a manual tally; (2) calculate correlations between the Fitbit step counts and the mobility performance scores at discharge and 30 days after stroke; (3) determine variability and change in weekly step counts over 90 days; and (4) evaluate patient experience with using the Fitbit Charge HR poststroke.

Methods

A total of 15 participants with recent mild ischemic stroke wore a Fitbit Charge HR for 90 days after discharge and completed 3 mobility performance tests from the National Institutes of Health Toolbox at discharge and Day 30: (1) Standing Balance Test, (2) 2-Minute Walk Endurance Test, and (3) 4-Meter Walk Gait Speed Test. Accuracy of step activity monitors was assessed by calculating differences in steps recorded on the step activity monitor and a manual tally during 2-minute walk tests.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 54 years and a median modified Rankin scale score of 1. Mean daily adherence with step activity monitor use was 83.6%. Mean daily step count in the first week after discharge was 4376. Daily step counts increased slightly during the first 30 days after discharge (average increase of 52.5 steps/day; 95% CI 32.2-71.8) and remained stable during the 30-90 day period after discharge. Mean step count difference between step activity monitor and manual tally was –4.8 steps (–1.8%). Intraclass correlation coefficients for step counts and 2-minute walk, standing balance, and 4-meter gait speed at discharge were 0.41 (95% CI –0.14 to 0.75), –0.12 (95% CI –0.67 to 0.64), and 0.17 (95% CI –0.46 to 0.66), respectively. Values were similarly poor at 30 days.

Conclusions

The use of consumer-grade Fitbit Charge HR in patients with recent mild stroke is feasible with reasonable adherence and accuracy. There was poor correlation between step counts and gait speed, balance, and endurance. Further research is needed to evaluate the association between step counts and other outcomes relevant to patients, including patient-reported outcomes and measures of physical function.
Circadian Rhythm Analysis Using Wearable Device Data: Novel Penalized Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Li Xinyue , Kane Michael , Zhang Yunting , Sun Wanqi , Song Yuanjin , Dong Shumei , Lin Qingmin , Zhu Qi , Jiang Fan , Zhao Hongyu
Published: May 2020

Background

Wearable devices have been widely used in clinical studies to study daily activity patterns, but the analysis remains a major obstacle for researchers.

Objective

This study proposes a novel method to characterize sleep-activity rhythms using actigraphy and further use it to describe early childhood daily rhythm formation and examine its association with physical development.

Methods

We developed a machine learning–based Penalized Multiband Learning (PML) algorithm to sequentially infer dominant periodicities based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm and further characterize daily rhythms. We implemented and applied the algorithm to Actiwatch data collected from a cohort of 262 healthy infants at ages 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, with 159, 101, 111, and 141 participants at each time point, respectively. Autocorrelation analysis and Fisher test in harmonic analysis with Bonferroni correction were applied for comparison with the PML. The association between activity rhythm features and early childhood motor development, assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-Second Edition (PDMS-2), was studied through linear regression analysis.

Results

The PML results showed that 1-day periodicity was most dominant at 6 and 12 months, whereas one-day, one-third–day, and half-day periodicities were most dominant at 18 and 24 months. These periodicities were all significant in the Fisher test, with one-fourth–day periodicity also significant at 12 months. Autocorrelation effectively detected 1-day periodicity but not the other periodicities. At 6 months, PDMS-2 was associated with the assessment seasons. At 12 months, PDMS-2 was associated with the assessment seasons and FFT signals at one-third–day periodicity (P<.001) and half-day periodicity (P=.04), respectively. In particular, the subcategories of stationary, locomotion, and gross motor were associated with the FFT signals at one-third–day periodicity (P<.001).

Conclusions

The proposed PML algorithm can effectively conduct circadian rhythm analysis using time-series wearable device data. The application of the method effectively characterized sleep-wake rhythm development and identified the association between daily rhythm formation and motor development during early childhood.
Mining the Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients in China: Analysis of Social Media Posts
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Xu Xinjie , Cai Yuyang , Ge Qinmin , Zeng Guangwang , Li Xiaopan , Zhang Weide , Ji Chen , Yang Ling
Published: May 2020

Background

In December 2019, pneumonia cases of unknown origin were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Identified as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the number of cases grew rapidly by human-to-human transmission in Wuhan. Social media, especially Sina Weibo (a major Chinese microblogging social media site), has become an important platform for the public to obtain information and seek help.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the characteristics of suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients who asked for help on Sina Weibo.

Methods

We conducted data mining on Sina Weibo and extracted the data of 485 patients who presented with clinical symptoms and imaging descriptions of suspected or laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. In total, 9878 posts seeking help on Sina Weibo from February 3 to 20, 2020 were analyzed. We used a descriptive research methodology to describe the distribution and other epidemiological characteristics of patients with suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. The distance between patients’ home and the nearest designated hospital was calculated using the geographic information system ArcGIS.

Results

All patients included in this study who sought help on Sina Weibo lived in Wuhan, with a median age of 63.0 years (IQR 55.0-71.0). Fever (408/485, 84.12%) was the most common symptom. Ground-glass opacity (237/314, 75.48%) was the most common pattern on chest computed tomography; 39.67% (167/421) of families had suspected and/or laboratory-confirmed family members; 36.58% (154/421) of families had 1 or 2 suspected and/or laboratory-confirmed members; and 70.52% (232/329) of patients needed to rely on their relatives for help. The median time from illness onset to real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing was 8 days (IQR 5.0-10.0), and the median time from illness onset to online help was 10 days (IQR 6.0-12.0). Of 481 patients, 32.22% (n=155) lived more than 3 kilometers away from the nearest designated hospital.

Conclusions

Our findings show that patients seeking help on Sina Weibo lived in Wuhan and most were elderly. Most patients had fever symptoms, and ground-glass opacities were noted in chest computed tomography. The onset of the disease was characterized by family clustering and most families lived far from the designated hospital. Therefore, we recommend the following: (1) the most stringent centralized medical observation measures should be taken to avoid transmission in family clusters; and (2) social media can help these patients get early attention during Wuhan’s lockdown. These findings can help the government and the health department identify high-risk patients and accelerate emergency responses following public demands for help.
Use of a Machine Learning Program to Correctly Triage Incoming Text Messaging Replies From a Cardiovascular Text–Based Secondary Prevention Program: Feasibility Study
Authors: Lowres Nicole , Duckworth Andrew , Redfern Julie , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Chow Clara K
Published: May 2020

Background

SMS text messaging programs are increasingly being used for secondary prevention, and have been shown to be effective in a number of health conditions including cardiovascular disease. SMS text messaging programs have the potential to increase the reach of an intervention, at a reduced cost, to larger numbers of people who may not access traditional programs. However, patients regularly reply to the SMS text messages, leading to additional staffing requirements to monitor and moderate the patients’ SMS text messaging replies. This additional staff requirement directly impacts the cost-effectiveness and scalability of SMS text messaging interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to test the feasibility and accuracy of developing a machine learning (ML) program to triage SMS text messaging replies (ie, identify which SMS text messaging replies require a health professional review).

Methods

SMS text messaging replies received from 2 clinical trials were manually coded (1) into “Is staff review required?” (binary response of yes/no); and then (2) into 12 general categories. Five ML models (Naïve Bayes, OneVsRest, Random Forest Decision Trees, Gradient Boosted Trees, and Multilayer Perceptron) and an ensemble model were tested. For each model run, data were randomly allocated into training set (2183/3118, 70.01%) and test set (935/3118, 29.98%). Accuracy for the yes/no classification was calculated using area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), false positives, and false negatives. Accuracy for classification into 12 categories was compared using multiclass classification evaluators.

Results

A manual review of 3118 SMS text messaging replies showed that 22.00% (686/3118) required staff review. For determining need for staff review, the Multilayer Perceptron model had highest accuracy (AUC 0.86; 4.85% false negatives; and 4.63% false positives); with addition of heuristics (specified keywords) fewer false negatives were identified (3.19%), with small increase in false positives (7.66%) and AUC 0.79. Application of this model would result in 26.7% of SMS text messaging replies requiring review (true + false positives). The ensemble model produced the lowest false negatives (1.43%) at the expense of higher false positives (16.19%). OneVsRest was the most accurate (72.3%) for the 12-category classification.

Conclusions

The ML program has high sensitivity for identifying the SMS text messaging replies requiring staff input; however, future research is required to validate the models against larger data sets. Incorporation of an ML program to review SMS text messaging replies could significantly reduce staff workload, as staff would not have to review all incoming SMS text messages. This could lead to substantial improvements in cost-effectiveness, scalability, and capacity of SMS text messaging–based interventions.
Evaluation and Dissemination of a Checklist to Improve Implementation of Work Environment Initiatives in the Eldercare Sector: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rasmussen Charlotte Diana Nørregaard , Højberg Helene , Larsen Anne Konring , Munch Pernille Kold , Osborne Richard , Kwak Lydia , Jensen Irene , Linnan Laura , Jørgensen Marie Birk
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

To measure sustainable improvements in the work environment, a flexible and highly responsive tool is needed that will give important focus to the implementation process. A digital checklist was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders to document the implementation of changes in eldercare sector workplaces.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the study protocol of a dissemination study that aims to examine when, why, and how the digital checklist is spread to the Danish eldercare sector following a national campaign particularly targeting nursing homes and home care.

METHODS

This prospective observational study will use quantitative data from Google Analytics describing use of the checklist as documented website engagement, a survey among members in the largest union in the sector, information from a central business register, and monitoring of campaign activities. The evaluation will be guided by the five elements of the RE-AIM framework: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance.

RESULTS

The study was approved in June 2016 and began in October 2018. The campaign that is the foundation for the evaluation began in 2017 and ended in 2018. However, the webpage where we collect data is still running. Results are expected in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol provides a working example of how to evaluate dissemination of a checklist to improve implementation of work environment initiatives in the eldercare sector in Denmark. To our knowledge, implementation in a nationwide Danish work environment has not been previously undertaken. Given that the checklist is sector-specific for work environment initiatives and developed through systematic collaboration between research and practice, it is likely to have high utility and impact; however, the proposed evaluation will determine this. This study will advance dissemination research and, in particular, the evaluation of the impact of these types of studies. Finally, this study advances the field through digital tools that can be used for evaluation of dissemination efforts (eg, Google Analytics associated with website) in the context of a rigorous research design activity.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/16039
Discussion on the Influence and Enlightenment of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Medical Students in China (Preprint)
Authors: Wan Hong , Tu Yujie , Fu Yu , Yan Zhao , Chen Yalin , Pan Yan , Yu Dandan , Wang Zejin , Yan Shuxun , Wang Ying
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

COVID-19 spread in Wuhan in January 2020 and the whole country worked together to fight the epidemic. Up to now, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed, and more than 40,000 medical staffs have assisted first-line rescue in Wuhan. As a reserve force for clinical medicine, medical students bear the heavy responsibility of future medical development. The author, as a medical student, has considered carefully about facing the present and looking forward to the future after this epidemic. The author mainly discusses about the influence of COVID-19 on medical students and its enlightenment on medical students and medical education reform in this paper, and hopes to resonate with medical students and provide some new ideas for future medical education reform.