bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid and Flexible Semantic Segmentation of Electron Microscopy Data Using Few-Shot Machine Learning
Authors: Akers Sarah , Kautz Elizabeth , Trevino-Gavito Andrea , Olszta Matthew , Matthews Bethany , Wang Le , Du Yingge , Spurgeon Steven
Published: March 2021

Semantic segmentation of key microstructural features in atomic-scale electron microscope images is critical to improved understanding of structure-property relationships in many important materials and chemical systems. However, the present paradigm involves time-intensive manual analysis that is inherently biased, error-prone, and unable to accommodate the large volumes of data produced by modern instrumentation. While more automated approaches have been proposed, many are not robust to a high variety of data, and do not generalize well to diverse microstructural features and material systems. Here, we present a flexible, semi-supervised few-shot machine learning approach for semantic segmentation of scanning transmission electron microscopy images of three oxide material systems: (1) epitaxial heterostructures of SrTiO3 / Ge, (2) La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 thin films, and (3) MoO3 nanoparticles. We demonstrate that the few-shot learning method is more robust against noise, more reconfigurable, and requires less data than conventional image analysis methods. This approach can enable rapid image classification and microstructural feature mapping needed for emerging high-throughput and autonomous microscope platforms.
A machine learning model to predict death outcome in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Yang Qiao , Li Jixi , Zhang Zhijia , Wu Xiaocheng , Liao Tongquan , Yu Shiyong , You Zaichun , Hou Xianhua , Ye Jun , Liu Gang , Ma Siyuan , Xie Ganfeng , Zhou Yi , Li Mengxia , Wu Meihui , Feng Yimei , Wang Weili , Li Lufeng , Xie Dongjing , Hu Yunhui , Liu Xi , Wang Bin , Zhao Songtao , Li Li , Luo Chunmei , Tang Tang , Wu Hongmei , Hu Tianyu , Yang Guangrong , Luo Bangyu , Li Lingchen , Yang Xiu , Li Qi , Xu Zhi , Wu Hao , Sun Jianguo
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads rapidly among people and causes a global pandemic. It is of great clinical significance to identify COVID-19 patients with high risk of death.ResultsOf the 2,169 COVID-19 patients, the median age was 61 years and male patients accounted for 48%. A total of 646 patients were diagnosed with severe illness, and 75 patients died. Obvious differences in demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were found between survivors and non-survivors. A decision tree classifier, including three biomarkers, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and lactic dehydrogenase, was developed to predict death outcome in severe patients. This model performed well both in train dataset and test dataset. The accuracy of this model was 0.98 and 0.98, respectively.ConclusionThe machine learning model was robust and effective in predicting the death outcome in severe COVID-19 patients.
Can intersectionality help with understanding and tackling health inequalities? Perspectives of professional stakeholders
Authors: Holman Daniel , Salway Sarah , Bell Andrew , Beach Brian , Adebajo Adewale , Ali Nuzhat , Butt Jabeer
Published: March 2021

The concept of ‘intersectionality’ is increasingly employed within public health arenas, particularly in North America, and is often heralded as offering great potential to advance health inequalities research and action. Given persistently poor progress towards tackling health inequalities, and recent calls to reframe this agenda in the UK and Europe, the possible contribution of intersectionality deserves attention. Yet, no existing research has examined professional stakeholder understandings and perspectives on applying intersectionality to this field. In this paper we seek to address that gap, drawing upon a consultation survey and workshop undertaken in the UK. The survey included both researchers (n = 53) and practitioners (n = 20) with varied roles and levels of engagement in research and evaluation. Topics included: familiarity with the term and concept ‘intersectionality’, relevance to health inequalities work, and issues shaping its uptake. Respondents were also asked to comment on two specific policy suggestions; targeting and tailoring interventions to intersectional sub-groups, and evaluating the intersectional effects of policies. 23 people attended the face-to-face workshop. The aims of the workshop were to: share examples of applying intersectionality within health inequalities research and practice; understand the views of research and practice colleagues on potential contributions and challenges; and identify potential ways to promote intersectional approaches. Findings indicated a generally positive response to the concept and a cautiously optimistic assessment that intersectional approaches could be valuable. However, opinions were mixed and various challenges were raised, especially around whether intersectionality research is necessarily critical and transformative and, accordingly, how it should be operationalised methodologically. Nonetheless, there was general agreement that intersectionality is concerned with diverse inequalities and the systems of power that shape them. We position intersectionality within the wider context of health inequalities policy and practice, suggesting potential ways forward for the approach in the UK context.
Plantas medicinais no combate ao biofilme dental: revisão da literatura
Authors: Simões André Paulo Gomes , Oliveira Filho Abrahão Alves de
Published: March 2021

O crescimento mundial da fitoterapia como método de prevenção e combate as patologias, acabou estimulando a avaliação das atividades no controle de biofilme dental a partir de extratos de plantas. Objetivou-se realizar uma breve revisão da literatura sobre as principais plantas medicinais que são utilizadas no combate ao biofilme bucal pelo mundo. Trata-se de uma análise de dados secundários, por meio de uma revisão da literatura do tipo narrativa com base nos bancos de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo), National Center for Biotechnology Information (Pubmed), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline). Foram utilizados os descritores biofilme dental, fitoterapia, plantas medicinais, além dos termos correspondestes em inglês e espanhol. Utilizados como critérios de inclusão trabalhos publicados em português, inglês e espanhol no período de 2009 a 2019 no formato de artigo, tese e dissertação, tendo a busca dos dados ocorrida de julho a agosto de 2018. Dentre as famílias mais utilizadas no combate ao biofilme dental, destacaram-se as famílias Asteraceae e Anacardiaceae, sendo as que mais apresentaram estudos sobre esse tema. Diante da revisão realizada pode-se concluir que as plantas medicinais têm apresentado resultados bastante significativos no combate ao biofilme dental, seja por suas propriedades antimicrobianas ou pelo seu potencial antiaderente frente as bactérias formadoras do biofilme dental. Sugere-se a realização de mais estudos e ensaios clínicos para métodos convencionais no combate ao biofilme dental e consequentemente da cárie dentária.
Urgências, emergências médicas e terapêutica empregada no consultório odontológico
Authors: Araújo Júnior Júlio Leite de , Silva Elma Mariana Verçosa de Melo , Abreu Nathalie Murielly Rolim de , Gurgel Filho Artur Antônio Guedes
Published: March 2021

Introdução: Urgência refere-se a uma dada intercorrência médica em que o paciente encontra-se sem risco de vida iminente, em que há tempo para planejamento terapêutico A Emergência, por outro lado, é estado imprevisto que requer uma ação imediata para a preservação da vida e da saúde, sob risco iminente de morte. Objetivo: Revisar as nuances sobre o tema, bem como a terapêutica empregada para cada situação. Material e Método: Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura por dois revisores independentes nas bases de dados do PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science utilizando como estratégia de busca os seguintes descritores: (Emergencies) and (Dentistry) and (Dentists). A pesquisa foi limitada a artigos científicos publicados no idioma inglês, desde 2000 até 2019. Totalizando 93 artigos encontrados, sendo incluídos nesse estudo 21. Conclusão: A prevalência de emergências médicas provavelmente está aumentando na prática odontológica, mediante ao aumento de expectativa de vida, sendo assim torna-se imprescindível à adoção de treinamentos e simulações para SBV e orientações, que informem os profissionais de odontologia sobre as mais prevalentes emergências médicas, seus sintomas, terapêutica a ser empregada.
Representação social de adolescentes sobre saúde bucal
Authors: Saliba Tânia Adas , Moimaz Suzely Adas Saliba , Chiba Fernando Yamamoto , Oliveira Renan Akira Fujii , Pereira Alesssando Aparecido , Sundefeld Maria Lúcia Marçal Mazza , Saliba Nemre Adas
Published: March 2021

Introdução: A adolescência possui peculiaridades que merecem atenção diferenciada nos serviços de saúde. Objetivos: Compreender a percepção dos adolescentes sobre saúde bucal e identificar suas atitudes, espaços e comportamentos. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa com 44 adolescentes, de 12 a 17 anos, de escolas de bairros periféricos de um município paulista. Realizou-se entrevistas utilizando um roteiro de perguntas abrangendo enfoque social, afetivo e cognitivo, as quais foram gravadas e transcritas para análise, utilizando a metodologia do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: As atividades de lazer mais referidas foram o esporte ou ficar em casa; os adolescentes consideram a escola um local para promoção de saúde; a estética tem grande importância; ter dentes bons foi aliado ao convívio social e profissional; e saúde bucal resumiu-se a ter higiene e dentes limpos. Conclusão: A promoção de saúde para adolescentes pode refletir na saúde populacional em geral, pois serão adultos com compreensão da importância da prevenção, gerando uma sociedade saudável e com qualidade de vida.
Textural, fluid inclusion, and in-situ oxygen isotope studies of quartz: Constraints on vein formation, disequilibrium fractionation, and gold precipitation at the Bilihe gold deposit, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Qiao Xueyuan , Li Wenbo , Zhang Lejun , Zhang Fanghua , Zhu Xuefeng , Xia Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

Bilihe is a porphyry gold deposit located in the northern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), Inner Mongolia, China. Different stages of quartz are well developed at this deposit. To document the history of quartz deposition, the fluid evolution and gold precipitation events of the deposit and the detailed oxygen isotope signatures of quartz from Bilihe were studied using high-resolution secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), then integrated with scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) and fluid inclusion microthermometry. The SEM-CL features show that the hydrothermal veins at Bilihe have a complex growth history, with multiple generations of quartz developed in each set of veins. Fluid inclusions in different quartz stages yield variable homogenization temperatures, ranging from 178 °C to above 600 °C. These quartz stages exhibit variable δ18O values of 3.5–15.4‰, corresponding to δ18Ofluid ranging from –8.7 to 12.0‰. There are two abnormal peaks of δ18Oquartz and δ18Ofluid values occurring in a sub-generation of A type veins and auriferous-banded quartz veins, suggesting that the vein quartz may have experienced sporadic disequilibrium oxygen fractionation with water when crystallizing, thus resulting in local 18O-enrichment. The overall δ18Ofluid values, which show a gradual decrease from early to late stages, suggest a progressive decrease in the proportion of magmatic hydrothermal fluids. The relationship between quartz textures and gold occurrence shows that gold precipitated twice at Bilihe. The first precipitation in the UST quartz may have resulted from rapid cooling and indicates that the addition of meteoric water was not necessary for gold precipitation, whereas the progressive incursion of meteoric water probably had a significant effect on the second gold precipitation event.
Lessons for Euro markets from the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Siriopoulos Costas , Svingou Argyro , Dandu Jagadish
Published: March 2021

Although the coronavirus pandemic hit Europe in the early days of 2020, European stock markets had signaled fluctuations in the days before. This paper assesses the observed volatility on European stock exchanges and searches for its sources during the first four months of 2020. To investigate the issue, a panel VAR model is adopted, and the generalized impulse response function and the variance decomposition methods are used. The estimations show that about 34% of the volatility in European stock markets is due to the Chinese stock market, while 7% is due to international uncertainty, as measured by VIX. The impact of pandemic cases and deaths on European stock markets is negligible, below 1%. This means that the European stock market faced two risk elements: the first is the transmission volatility from the Chinese stock market, and the second is the international uncertainty. The findings also support the view that COVID-19 is more like a systematic risk.
Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los odontólogos en Colombia respecto a la osteonecrosis de las mandíbulas inducida por bisfosfonatos
Authors: Fernández Grisales Rafael , Joya Grajales Elizabeth , Valencia Villegas Catalina , Muñoz Zapata Sebastián , Manrique Rubén Darío
Published: March 2021

Introducción y objetivo: Para proporcionar un tratamiento odontológico adecuado a los pacientes que están bajo terapia con bisfosfonatos, es importante que los odontólogos realicen una buena anamnesis, un examen clínico integral para evaluar los posibles factores de riesgo de osteonecrosis de las maxilares inducida por bisfosfonatos (BIONJ). Aunque este tema ha sido explorado en otras partes del mundo, en Colombia actualmente no hay evidencia científica que lo respalde. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el conocimiento, las actitudes y prácticas (dominios) de los odontólogos generales y especialistas con respecto a la BIONJ. Materiales y métodos: Encuestas físicas y digitales que incluían preguntas sobre conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas con respecto a BIONJ fueron distribuidas y llenadas por 228 odontólogos generales y 114 especialistas en Colombia. La prueba t de Student se usó para determinar la diferencia estadística entre grupos de odntólogos (P <0.05). Resultados: El dominio de actitudes se eliminó del análisis ya que no cumplía con los criterios estadísticos. La tasa general de conocimiento de BIONJ fue de 55,8%, siendo 65,3% y 50,7% para especialistas y odontólogos generales, respectivamente. La diferencia entre estos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa (P = 0,0004). La tasa general de prácticas decuadas fue del 38.4%, siendo 44.6% para los especialistas y 35.1% para los odontólogos generales. La diferencia entre estos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa (P = 0.023). Conclusión: El nivel de conocimiento y buenas prácticas con respecto a BIONJ en Colombia fue mayor y mejor en los odontólogos especialistas que en los generales. Aquellos con puntajes altos de conocimiento sugirieron mayores esfuerzos educativos en la difusión del conocimiento sobre BIONJ entre los odontólogos generales.
Frecuencia de posiciones de terceros molares impactados en pacientes atendidos en la IPS CES-Sabaneta - Antioquia
Authors: Mosquera Valencia Yirlon , Vélez Zapata Daniel , Velasquez Velasquez Mariluz
Published: March 2021

Introducción y Objetivo: La impactación de terceros molares es una situación clínica muy común en la población mundial; Pell & Gregory han sugerido una clasificación para la impactación basados en la posición horizontal y vertical. Identificar la frecuencia de posiciones de terceros molares impactados en pacientes atendidos en la clínica CES-Sabaneta entre los años 2006-2016. Materiales y métodos: De acuerdo a la base de datos del servicio de cirugía oral, dos examinadores durante 3 meses revisaron 626 historias clínicas en pacientes entre 17 a 28 años de edad que tuvieran formula dental completa, con radiografía panorámica y que fueron remitidos por motivos ortodónticos, restaurativos o quirúrgicos. Resultados: Un total de 515 terceros molares fueron evaluados, el tercer molar más impactado fue el 28 (25,6%), seguido del 18 (25,4%), el 48 con 24,6% y el 38 con 24,2%. Prevaleció el género femenino con 58,6%, el diente más impactado fue el 28 (87.8%), a nivel vertical la posición C fue la que más se impactó, mientras que en los hombres el diente más impactado es el 18 con un 79.7%, la posición B fue la más impactada y a nivel horizontal la clase II fue la más común en ambos sexos. Conclusión: A nivel vertical la posición B, fue la más frecuente en los terceros molares del género femenino, sin embargo, en el género masculino hubo una variación, en el maxilar predomino la posición C; a nivel horizontal la clase II fue las posiciones más frecuentes en ambos géneros.
To Whom Should I Send it? Sender Perspective on Incentivized Word of Mouth
Authors: Tercia Christiana Yosevina , Teicher Thorsten
Published: March 2021

This paper examines how consumers’ WOM-related activity can be steered by marketing measures. By conducting an experimental study using mobile coupons as a novel tool of word of mouth, we specifically investigate how monetary incentives foster senders’ decision in targeting particular receivers. Our results show that senders tend to share incentivized WOM with receivers deemed to be close to them when the amount of the incentive is unequal between sender and receiver, and information on the incentive is revealed to both sides. The different amount of incentive for senders and their receivers also leads senders to target receivers who are deal prone.
Artificial Intelligence for a Better Employee Engagement
Authors:   Magister Manajemen BINUS Business School, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Jl. Hang Lekir I No. 6, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, Sari Ria Emilia , Min Siu ,   Magister Manajemen BINUS Business School, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Jl. Hang Lekir I No. 6, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, Purwoko Hiskia ,   Magister Manajemen BINUS Business School, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Jl. Hang Lekir I No. 6, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, Furinto Asnan ,   Magister Manajemen BINUS Business School, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Jl. Hang Lekir I No. 6, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia, Tamara Dewi ,   Magister Manajemen BINUS Business School, Universitas Bina Nusantara, Jl. Hang Lekir I No. 6, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
Published: March 2021

Employee engagement is the positive attitude of each employee towards the business and the value of the organization. This research aims to see whether the use of AI-based technology, tools, and software can help management detect intangible things such as employee engagement level and provide clues as to what factors influence it and how management can improve it. This research is a qualitative approach. We interviewed the management and selected employees to determine employee engagement at SML before and after implementing the AI-based application. The interview results compared with the results obtained from the application for six months (Feb - July 2020). The study was conducted on all SML employees, amounting to 39 people. This research has shown that the use of AI based software can significantly help management, not only to find out the status of each employee’s level of involvement but also to anticipate their attitudes and behaviors through predictive indicators. Thus, the company can proactively retain key employees. This research provides new and practical insights and opportunities for company owners and leaders to utilize technology to detect something that is naturally quite difficult because it requires specific knowledge and experience.
Determinants of Bank Profitability of Indonesian Banks Based on Core Capital Size in Category 3 and 4
Authors:   Sekolah Bisnis dan Ekonomi -Universitas Prasetiya Mulya BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1 , Jl. BSD Raya Utama, BSD City, Tangerang 15339, Santoso Karen , Wibowo Weindytha Patrizia ,   Sekolah Bisnis dan Ekonomi -Universitas Prasetiya Mulya BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1 , Jl. BSD Raya Utama, BSD City, Tangerang 15339, Kristamuljana Sammy ,   Sekolah Bisnis dan Ekonomi -Universitas Prasetiya Mulya BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1 , Jl. BSD Raya Utama, BSD City, Tangerang 15339, Rachman Rathria Arrina ,   Sekolah Bisnis dan Ekonomi -Universitas Prasetiya Mulya BSD City Kavling Edutown I.1 , Jl. BSD Raya Utama, BSD City, Tangerang 15339
Published: March 2021

Indonesian banks are categorized into four classes based on core capital size that determines the scope of banks’ business activities. This research aimed to identify the determinants of profitability of banks with the core capital size of IDR 5-30 trillion (called “Buku 3” category) and banks with the core capital size of more than IDR 30 trillion (called “Buku 4” category). The data sample was 27 conventional commercial banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) from 2009 to 2018. These banks are divided into three different sample classes namely Buku 3 only, Buku 4 only, and Buku 3 and Buku 4 categories. By applying a panel regression model, the results showed that net interest margin (NIM) positively affected profitability of the banks in Buku 3, banks in Buku 4, as well as banks in Buku 3 and Buku 4 category. Moreover, operating expense to operating income ratio (BOPO) and non-performing loans (NPL) negatively affected profitability of those banks in the three sample classes. However, loan to deposit ratio (LDR) and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) have negative relationships with profitability for banks in the Buku 4 category only. Accordingly, this study finds that banks in different sizes of core capital categories have different factors affecting profitability in the Indonesian banking sector.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Konservatisme Akuntansi
Authors:   Prodi S1 Akuntansi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas TelkomJl. Telekomunikasi Jl. Terusan Buah Batu, Sukapura, Kec. Dayeuhkolot, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40257, Mumayiz Nurul Afyani , Cahyaningsih Cahyaningsih ,   Prodi S1 Akuntansi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas TelkomJl. Telekomunikasi Jl. Terusan Buah Batu, Sukapura, Kec. Dayeuhkolot, Bandung, Jawa Barat 40257
Published: March 2021

This study examinesthe effect of information asymmetry, litigation risk, investment opportunity set, and capital intensity on accounting conservatism. This study uses consumer goods sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2018 as a research sample. The data analysis method used is panel data regression analysis using Eviews 9.0 software.The results showed that information asymmetry has a positive effect while litigation risk has a negative effect on accounting conservatism. Investment opportunity set and capital intensity have not to influence accounting conservatism.Suggestions for further researchers to examine prudence, in addition to accounting conservatism. For companies, investors, and creditorsare expected to pay attention to the level of information asymmetry and litigation risk because it can affect the level of accounting conservatism applied.
Parametric optimization of cyanobacterial coagulation at exponential and decline phases by combining polyaluminum chloride and cationic polyacrylamide
Authors: Song Weijun , Xie Yu , Hu Jiapeng , Wu Xunfang , Li Xi
Published: March 2021

Microcystis spp. is the most common and problematic species during cyanobacterial bloom. This study employed Microcystis aeruginosa for coagulation experiments. Effects of polyaluminum chloride (PAC), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), and pH value on cyanobacterial removal at exponential and decline phases by coagulation were investigated by measuring chlorophyll a. A mathematical model between factors and response variables was established using response surface methodology (RSM). Results showed that factors of CPAM dosage, PAC dosage, and pH value could strongly affect the removal ratio of Microcystis at both exponential and decline phases. RSM revealed that the order of influence factors on the removal of chlorophyll a was CPAM > PAC > pH for Microcystis at the exponential phase, and these orders of CPAM > PAC > pH (PAC coagulation) and CPAM > PAC > pH (CPAM coagulation) were for Microcystis at the decline phase. It suggested that the growth phase of cyanobacteria was also quite important to optimize the coagulation process. Besides, a fitted model was developed, and it could well predict the removal ratio of chlorophyll a by coagulation with various treatments. The model recommended dosages of CPAM (3.72 mg/L) and PAC (10.23 mg/L) for Microcystis at the exponential phase with a pH value of 8.25, and dosages of CPAM (5.98 mg/L) and PAC (17.81 mg/L) were for Microcystis at the decline phase with a pH value of 8.21. Overall, these results would provide a technical guideline of combining PAC and CPAM to treat cyanobacteria at exponential and decline phases.
Prediction of groundwater trends for irrigation in Northern Bangladesh
Authors: Mridha Mohammad Abid Hossain , Rahman Syed Hafizur
Published: March 2021

Groundwater trends affect the domestic, agricultural, and industrial prospects of a region. The study area is Bogura, a northern region of Bangladesh, located on the Pleistocene terrace of the Bengal Basin. The aquifer consists of medium-to-coarse sand, located at a depth of 4.66–42.68 m; groundwater is scarce during dry seasons. The water table (WT) time-series data for 2007–2019 were used for forecasting and characterizing present and future groundwater conditions using existing numerical simulations. The annual groundwater budget for discharge and storage was 2,772 and 2,442 Mm3, respectively. Thus, the annual scarcity of groundwater was 330.4 Mm3 (13.5%), excluding the surface water contribution of 10 Mm3 (0.4%). The present spacing of deep tube wells (DTWs) and shallow tube wells (STWs) was 744 and 372 m, respectively. Currently, the DTW spacing ranged 744–800 m; however, the STW spacing of 250–372 m is higher than the set distance. Hence, further installations of STWs were strictly disallowed for irrigation. WT declined by 1.0 m in the last 13 years, i.e., 0.07 m or 1.2% decline rate per annum, causing water scarcity in the region during the peak period in the dry season (June–February), thus affecting irrigation and limiting agricultural production.
Electric conversion treatment of cobalt-containing wastewater
Authors: Lin Shengnan , Pan Xijuan , Meng Deliang , Zhang Tingan
Published: March 2021

Long-term accumulation of cobalt-containing wastewater may also pollute groundwater and cause a large amount of loss of valuable metals. Therefore, the comprehensive utilization of cobalt-containing wastewater must be realized, especially as cobalt itself is a very important strategic resource. This paper proposes a membrane electroconversion method to separate cobalt ions from cobalt-containing wastewater and prepare cobalt hydroxide. In addition, the electrolysis process was optimized, and single-factor experiments such as the initial concentration, cobalt ions, current density, temperature etc., and economic calculations such as current efficiency were explored. The electrolysis product was calcined as the precursor to obtain the oxide Co3O4, and the calcination experiment was also optimized. In this concentration range, more than 90% of cobalt can be recovered within 2 h.
Digital microscopic image application (DMIA), an automatic method for particle size distribution analysis in waste activated sludge
Authors: Cazares S. , Barrios J. A. , Maya C. , Velásquez G. , Pérez M. , Jiménez B. , Román A.
Published: March 2021

An important physical property in environmental samples is particle size distribution. Several processes exist to measure particle diameter, including change in electrical resistance, blocking of light, the fractionation of field flow and laser diffraction (these being the most commonly used). However, their use requires expensive and complex equipment. Therefore, a digital microscopic imaging application (DMIA) method was developed adapting the algorithms used in the helminth egg automatic detector software coupled with a neural network (NN) and Bayesian algorithms. This allowed the determination of particle size distribution in samples of waste activated sludge (WAS), recirculated sludge (RCS), and pre-treated sludge (PTS). The recirculation and electro-oxidation pre-treatment processes showed an effect in increasing the degree of solubilization, decreasing particle size and breakage factor with ranges between 44.29%, and 31.89%. Together with a final NN calibration process, it was possible to compare results. For example, the 90th percentile of equivalent diameter value obtained by the DMIA with the corresponding result for the laser diffraction method. DMIA values: 228.76 μm (WAS), 111.18 μm (RCS), and 84.45 μm (PTS). DMIA processing has advantages in terms of reducing complexity, cost and time, and offers an alternative to the laser diffraction method.
Photodegradation of tartrazine dye favored by natural sunlight on pure and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO catalysts
Authors: Bouarroudj Tayeb , Aoudjit Lamine , Djahida Lerari , Zaidi Beddiaf , Ouraghi Maamar , Zioui Djamila , Mahidine Sarah , Shekhar Chander , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: March 2021

In this work, the synthesis of pure and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO was successfully accomplished using a solvothermal process. The synthesized samples were characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic ability of the samples is estimated through degradation of tartrazine in aqueous solution under photocatalytic conditions. The degradation study carried out for a reaction period of 90 min at and a free pH = 6.0 found that dye degradation is 44.82% for pure ZnO and 98.91% for (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO samples, indicating its excellent photocatalytic ability. Tartrazine mineralization was also studied by calculating the degradation of chemical oxygen demand. The effect of operating parameters such as catalyst dose, initial concentration of tartrazine, initial reaction pH, and nature of light source has been optimized for tartrazine degradation as a function of time. The reusability of ZnO and (Ce, Ag) co-doped ZnO catalysts was studied and its photocatalytic efficiency was found to be unchanged, even after six cycles of use. The mechanism of photocatalytic activity was also proposed.
Sulfur: uses and significance for humans
Authors: Semenov Igor Vitalievich
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the main directions of the use of sulfur in various spheres of human activity, emphasizes the importance of sulfur for the human body
Lemon Juice: A Versatile Reusable Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Bioactive Organic Compounds as well as Numerous Nanoparticles Based Catalytic System
Authors: Sharma Yogesh Brijwashi , Hirlekar Bhakti Umesh , Bharitkar Yogesh P. , Hazra Abhijit
Published: March 2021

Green chemistry is an essential part of the organic synthesis chemistry and plays a
principal role in saving the environment from harmful and toxic catalysts. Fruit juice catalyzed
chemistry is a vital part of green chemistry in which lemon juice plays a potential role
in various organic transformations. This review article summarizes (from 2011-2020) the
application and importance of lemon juice in synthetic organic transformation as well as synthesis
of various type of nanoparticles and catalysts. This review article can help the researchers
to develop the route for the synthesis of various scaffolds, small molecules, nanoparticles
and catalysts under economical and environment friendly condition.
Impacts of health insurance on healthcare in the poor and near-poor households in Vietnam
Authors:   School of Banking and Finance, National Economics University, Hanoi, Vietnam, et al. Truong
Published: March 2021

Improving health and reducing catastrophic healthcare expenditure for the poor and near-poor are the major concerns of the Vietnam Government. This research analyses the impacts of health insurance schemes for the poor and near-poor households in Vietnam on two aspects, including healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket expenditure. The study applies the zero-inflated model and pooled OLS regression on the data that is extracted from the Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys in two years 2014 and 2016. The findings show that health insurance significantly increases the probability of having a doctor visit and the number of doctor visits for a health check or outpatient treatment. For inpatient treatment, insurance does not increase the probability of having a doctor visit or the number of doctor visits. Having insurance significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenditures for both inpatients and outpatients.
Routines and Structure in the Assessment of Visuospatial Neglect in Rehabilitation Facilities: Current Practice in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Authors:   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Post zone V0-P, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands, Bosma Martine S. , Caljouw Monique A.A. , Benfield Jacqueline K. , Edwards Laura , Nijboer Tanja C.W. , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: March 2021

Visuospatial neglect (VSN) adversely impacts both the length of rehabilitation and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients after stroke and can reduce their participation in community activities. Therefore, it is important to assess VSN after stroke in neurorehabilitation facilities. The process of assessing VSN comprehensively in current geriatric rehabilitation remains unclear. This study examined the process of VSN in post-stroke assessment emphasizing the details of the (systematic) routines and structure of VSN assessment in current geriatric rehabilitation facilities in the Netherlands and rehabilitation facilities in the United Kingdom (UK). Health care professionals in geriatric rehabilitation facilities in the Netherlands (n = 6) and in stroke and neurorehabilitation facilities in the UK (n = 6) were interviewed. VSN was not routinely assessed in any of the geriatric rehabilitation facilities in the Netherlands, and only in half of the neurorehabilitation facilities in the UK. Healthcare teams in the Netherlands detected no patients with VSN over a two month period. Several VSN assessment tools were employed. Neuropsychological tests were most frequently used. Nine interviewees indicated the need to improve the process of VSN assessment in actual practice. The suggestions focused on improving the process of assessing VSN and developing relevant knowledge development and training. This study showed that in current rehabilitation practice, VSN was not always assessed in a routine (every stroke patient) and structured (who, when, and, which tests) manner. VSN was not routinely assessed with more than one test (neuropsychological and during daily activities), contrary to best practice recommendations. VSN remains probably underrecognized, especially in geriatric rehabilitation facilities. It is important to improve the current process, including selecting the most appropriate tools for assessing VSN.
Development of an Index for the Inspection of Aedes aegypti Breeding Sites in Brazil: Multi-criteria Analysis
Authors: Lima Yuri , Pinheiro Wallace , Barbosa Carlos Eduardo , Magalhães Matheus , Chaves Miriam , de Souza Jano Moreira , Rodrigues Sérgio , Xexéo Geraldo
Published: March 2021

Background

Aedes aegypti is a vector for the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, and yellow fever. In 2016, over 1 million cases of these diseases were reported in Brazil, which is an alarming public health issue. One of the ways of controlling this disease is by inspecting and neutralizing the places where A. aegypti lays its eggs. The Ministry of Planning, Development, and Administration of Brazil maintains the inspection statistics.

Objective

We propose a multi-criteria analysis to create an index for A. aegypti inspections reported through the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Administration system of Brazil.

Methods

Based on the repository from urban cleaning services combined with data on inspections conducted by government agencies in several Brazilian cities and municipalities, we selected and combined metrics, which we further ranked using the analytic hierarchy process methodology. We also developed risk maps based on the analytic hierarchy process ranking of the A. aegypti breeding sites.

Results

Based on our analysis and the available data, the priority for inspections should consider the number of sick people (weight 0.350), medical evaluations (weight 0.239), inspections (weight 0.201), mosquito breeding sites (weight 0.126), and days of absence from work (weight 0.096).

Conclusions

The proposed index could aid public health practitioners in preventing the appearance of new A. aegypti breeding sites. This information technology application can help solve such public health challenges.
Current Competencies of Game Facilitators and Their Potential Optimization in Higher Education: Multimethod Study
Authors: Baalsrud Hauge Jannicke , Söbke Heinrich , Bröker Thomas , Lim Theodore , Luccini Angelo Marco , Kornevs Maksims , Meijer Sebastiaan
Published: March 2021

Background

Serious games can be a powerful learning tool in higher education. However, the literature indicates that the learning outcome in a serious game depends on the facilitators’ competencies. Although professional facilitators in commercial game-based training have undergone specific instruction, facilitators in higher education cannot rely on such formal instruction, as game facilitation is only an occasional part of their teaching activities.

Objective

This study aimed to address the actual competencies of occasional game facilitators and their perceived competency deficits.

Methods

Having many years of experience as professional and occasional facilitators, we (n=7) defined requirements for the occasional game facilitator using individual reflection and focus discussion. Based on these results, guided interviews were conducted with additional occasional game facilitators (n=4) to check and extend the requirements. Finally, a group of occasional game facilitators (n=30) answered an online questionnaire based on the results of the requirement analysis and existing competency models.

Results

Our review produced the following questions: Which competencies are needed by facilitators and what are their training needs? What do current training courses for occasional game facilitators in higher education look like? How do the competencies of occasional game facilitators differ from other competencies required in higher education? The key findings of our analysis are that a mix of managerial and technical competencies is required for facilitating serious games in higher educational contexts. Further, there is a limited or no general competence model for game facilitators, and casual game facilitators rarely undergo any specific, formal training.

Conclusions

The results identified the competencies that game facilitators require and a demand for specific formal training. Thus, the study contributes to the further development of a competency model for game facilitators and enhances the efficiency of serious games.
Impact of Individual, Organizational, and Technological Factors on the Implementation of an Online Portal to Support a Clinical Pathway Addressing Psycho-Oncology Care: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Masya Lindy , Shepherd Heather L , Butow Phyllis , Geerligs Liesbeth , Allison Karen C , Dolan Colette , Prest Gabrielle ,   The ADAPT Program Group, Shaw Joanne
Published: March 2021

Background

Clinical pathways (CPs) can improve patient outcomes but can be complex to implement. Technologies, such as clinical decision support (CDS) tools, can facilitate their use, but require end-user testing in clinical settings.

Objective

This study applied the Technology Acceptance Model to evaluate the individual, organizational, and technological contexts impacting application of a portal to facilitate a CP for anxiety and depression (the ADAPT Portal) in a metropolitan cancer service. The ADAPT Portal triggers patient screening on patient reported outcomes, alerts staff to high scores, recommends evidence-based management, and triggers review and rescreening at set intervals.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative data on portal activity, data accuracy, and health service staff perspectives were collected. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data.

Results

Overall, 15 (100% of those invited) health service staff agreed to be interviewed. During the pilot, 73 users (36 health service staff members and 37 patients) were registered on the ADAPT Portal. Of the 37 patients registered, 16 (43%) completed screening at least once, with seven screening positive and triaged appropriately. In total, 34 support requests were lodged, resulting in 17 portal enhancements (technical issues). Health service staff considered the ADAPT Portal easy to use and useful; however, some deemed it unnecessary or burdensome (individual issues), particularly in a busy cancer service (organizational issues).

Conclusions

User testing of a CDS to facilitate screening and assessment of anxiety and depression in cancer patients highlighted some technological issues in implementing the ADAPT CDS, resulting in 17 enhancements. Our results highlight the importance of obtaining health service staff feedback when piloting specialized CDS tools and addressing contextual factors when implementing them.
“Thought I’d Share First” and Other Conspiracy Theory Tweets from the COVID-19 Infodemic: Exploratory Study
Authors: Gerts Dax , Shelley Courtney D , Parikh Nidhi , Pitts Travis , Watson Ross Chrysm , Fairchild Geoffrey , Vaquera Chavez Nidia Yadria , Daughton Ashlynn R
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak has left many people isolated within their homes; these people are turning to social media for news and social connection, which leaves them vulnerable to believing and sharing misinformation. Health-related misinformation threatens adherence to public health messaging, and monitoring its spread on social media is critical to understanding the evolution of ideas that have potentially negative public health impacts.

Objective

The aim of this study is to use Twitter data to explore methods to characterize and classify four COVID-19 conspiracy theories and to provide context for each of these conspiracy theories through the first 5 months of the pandemic.

Methods

We began with a corpus of COVID-19 tweets (approximately 120 million) spanning late January to early May 2020. We first filtered tweets using regular expressions (n=1.8 million) and used random forest classification models to identify tweets related to four conspiracy theories. Our classified data sets were then used in downstream sentiment analysis and dynamic topic modeling to characterize the linguistic features of COVID-19 conspiracy theories as they evolve over time.

Results

Analysis using model-labeled data was beneficial for increasing the proportion of data matching misinformation indicators. Random forest classifier metrics varied across the four conspiracy theories considered (F1 scores between 0.347 and 0.857); this performance increased as the given conspiracy theory was more narrowly defined. We showed that misinformation tweets demonstrate more negative sentiment when compared to nonmisinformation tweets and that theories evolve over time, incorporating details from unrelated conspiracy theories as well as real-world events.

Conclusions

Although we focus here on health-related misinformation, this combination of approaches is not specific to public health and is valuable for characterizing misinformation in general, which is an important first step in creating targeted messaging to counteract its spread. Initial messaging should aim to preempt generalized misinformation before it becomes widespread, while later messaging will need to target evolving conspiracy theories and the new facets of each as they become incorporated.
Virtual Reality Human–Human Interface to Deliver Psychotherapy to People Experiencing Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Brander Mischa , Egger Stephan T , Hürlimann Noa , Seifritz Erich , Sumner Robert W , Vetter Stefan , Magnenat Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Background

Digital technologies have expanded the options for delivering psychotherapy, permitting for example, the treatment of schizophrenia using Avatar Therapy. Despite its considerable potential, this treatment method has not been widely disseminated. As a result, its operability and functionality remain largely unknown.

Objective

We aimed to study the usability of a therapeutic virtual reality human–human interface, created in a game engine.

Methods

Participants were psychiatric hospital staff who were introduced to the therapeutic platform in a hands-on session. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was employed for evaluation purposes. Statistical evaluation was conducted using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, analysis of variance, and multilevel factor analysis.

Results

In total, 109 staff members were introduced to the therapeutic tool and completed the SUS. The mean SUS global score was 81.49 (SD 11.1). Psychotherapists (mean 86.44, SD 8.79) scored significantly higher (F2,106=6.136; P=.003) than nursing staff (mean 79.01, SD 13.30) and administrative personnel (mean 77.98, SD 10.72). A multilevel factor analysis demonstrates a different factor structure for each profession.

Conclusions

In all professional groups in this study, the usability of a digital psychotherapeutic tool developed using a game engine achieved the benchmark for an excellent system, scoring highest among the professional target group (psychotherapists). The usability of the system seems, to some extent, to be dependent on the professional background of the user. It is possible to create and customize novel psychotherapeutic approaches with gaming technologies and platforms.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04099940; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04099940