bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Primary Mediastinal Yolk Sac Tumors: A Single Institution Experience with 10 Patients
Authors: Yu Yang , Jiang Yong , Zhang Xuanwei , Na Feifei , Xiu Weigang , Li Yanying , Huang Meijuan , Lu You , Gong Youling
Published: March 2021

Background: Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumors is a kind of primary mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor . The current treatment strategies in primary mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by residual mass surgical resection . We reviewed our institutional 5 years' experience with Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumors who treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extended resection.Methods： We experienced 10 cases of Primary mediastinal yolk sac tumors from October of 2014 to October of 2019. 7 patients received preoperative platinum-based chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual mediastinal mass. The other 3 patients were received initial surgical resection without preoperative chemotherapy.Results：R0 resection was achieved in 8 patients (80%), and R2 resection was in the other 2 patients (20%). All the 7 patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were R0 resections, however all of them had viable tumor in their surgical specimen. Morbidities after surgery occurred in 2 patients, including 2 pneumonias ,1 type I respiratory failure and 1 acute left heart failure, and They were died within 2 months after surgery. At the time of writing ,3 patients are alive without evidence of disease,7 patients died , of which 5 patients have died of tumor-related causes and 2 died of postoperative complications. 8 patients were included in the follow-up. Among them 7patients experienced progressed within one year. 8 patients were included in the follow-up,mPFS and mOS in 8 patients were 3.7 months (2.6-41.3m) and 23.15 months (8.6-41.3m) , respectively. The 7 patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection of residual diseases, 2-year survival rate was 57.1%,The 3-year survival rate was 28.6%Conclusion: An aggressive, multidisciplinary treatment including neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by residual mass surgical resection is the optimal treatment and can be associated with prolonged survival.
Deep Reinforcement Learning and Performance Evaluation of Multi-layer Clustering Network with Enhanced Threshold Protocol
Authors: Bhola Jyothi , Shabaz Mohammad , DHIMAN GAURAV , Vimal S. , Subbulakshmi P. , Soni Sunil
Published: March 2021

In this research, pure deterministic system has been established by a new Distributed Energy Efficient Clustering Protocol with Enhanced Threshold (DEECET) by clustering sensor nodes to originate the Wireless Sensor Network. The DEECET is very dynamic, highly distributive, self-confessed and much energy efficient as compared to most of the other existing protocols. The MATLAB simulation provides aim proved result by means of energy dissipation being emulated in the networks lifespan for homogeneous as well as heterogeneous sensor network, which when contrasted for other traditional protocols. An enhanced result has been obtained for equitable energy dissipation for systematized networks using DEECET.
Functional and anatomical characterization of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtypes of the rat spinal cord involved in somatic pain relief
Authors: Mousa Shaaban , Shaqura Mohammed , Khalefa Baled , Li Li , Al-madol Mohammed , Treskatsch Sascha , Schäfer Michael
Published: March 2021

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) orchestrates our body’s response to stressful stimuli. Pain is often stressful and counterbalanced by activation of CRF receptors along the nociceptive pathway, although the involvement of the CRF receptors of subtypes 1 and/or 2 (CRF-R1 and CRF-R2, respectively) in CRF-induced analgesia remains controversial. This study aimed to examine CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 expression within spinal cord of rats with Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced hindpaw inflammation using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and radioligand binding. Moreover, paw pressure algesiometry examined antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) CRF and their possible antagonism through CRF-R1 and/or CRF-R2 selective antagonists as well as opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Our results demonstrated mainly CRF-R2 mRNA, protein, binding sites and immunoreactivity in dorsal horn of rat spinal cord. In parallel, i.t. CRF as well as CRF-R2 agonists elicited potent antinociceptive effects which are dose-dependent and antagonized exclusively by i.t. CRF-R2 (K41498), but not CRF-R1 (NBI35965) antagonist. Moreover, i.t. CRF elicited inhibition of somatic pain that was dose-dependently reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Consistently, double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed CRF-R2 on enkephalin (ENK) containing inhibitory interneurons in close opposition of incoming, mu-opioid receptor-immunoreactive nociceptive neurons but not on pre- nor on postsynaptic sensory neurons of the spinal cord. Taken together, these findings suggest that i.t. CRF or CRF-R2 agonist inhibits inflammatory somatic pain which occurs most predominantly through CRF-R2 receptors located on spinal enkephalinergic inhibitory interneurons resulting in endogenous opioid-mediated pain inhibition.
Application of Alginate Extraction Residue for Al(Iii) Ions Biosorption: A Complete Batch System Evaluation
Authors: Costa Heloisa Pereira de Sá , Silva Meuris Gurgel Carlos da , Vieira Melissa Gurgel Adeodato
Published: March 2021

The residue derived from the alginate extraction from S. filipendula was applied for the biosorption of aluminum from aqueous medium. The adsorptive capacity of the residue (RES) was completely evaluated in batch mode. The effect of pH, contact time, initial concentration and temperature was assessed through kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies. The biosorbent was characterized prior and post-Al biosorption by N2 physisorption, Hg porosimetry, He picnometry and thermogravimetry analyses. Equilibrium was achieved in 60 minutes. Kinetics obeys pseudo-second order model at aluminum higher concentrations. Isotherms followed Freundlich model at low temperature (293.15 K) and D-R or Langmuir model at higher temperatures (303 and 313 K). Data modeling indicated the occurrence of both chemical and physical interactions in the aluminum adsorption mechanism using RES. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was of 1.431 mmol/g at 293 K. The biosorption showed a spontaneous, favorable and exotherm character. A simplified batch design was performed, indicating that the residue is a viable biosorbent, achieving high percentages of removal using low biomass dosage.
Seroprevalence of Human Coronaviruses Among Patients Visiting Hospital-Based Sentinel Sites in Uganda
Authors: ELIJAH MULABBI NICHOLAS , Tweyongyere Robert , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Mworozi Edison , Koehlerb Jeff , Kibuuka Hannah , Millard Monica , Erima Bernard , Tugume Titus , Aquino Ukuli Qouilazoni , Byarugaba Denis K.
Published: March 2021

Background: Human coronaviruses are causative agents of respiratory infections with several subtypes being prevalent worldwide. They cause respiratory illnesses of varying severity and have been described to be continuously emerging but their prevalence is not well documented in Uganda. This study assessed the seroprevalence of antibodies against the previously known human coronaviruses prior 2019 in Uganda.Methods: A total 377 serum samples collected from volunteers that showed influenza like illness in five hospital-based sentinel sites and archived were analyzed using a commercial Qualitative Human Coronavirus Antibody IgG ELISA kit. Although there is no single kit available that can detect the presence of all the circulating coronaviruses, this kit uses a nucleoprotein, aa 340-390 to coat the wells and since there is significant homology among the various human coronavirus strains with regards to the coded for proteins, there is significant cross reactivity beyond HCoV HKU-39849 2003. This gives the kit a qualitative ability to detect the presence of human coronavirus antibodies in a sample. Results: The overall seroprevalence for all the sites was 87.53% with no significant difference in the seroprevalence between the Hospital based sentinel sites (p=0.8). Of the seropositive, the age group 1-5 years had the highest percentage (46.97), followed by 6-10 years (16.67) and then above 20 (16.36). The volunteers were divided into two broad categories, those below five years and those above five years, to calculate the odds ratio. The odds ratio of those seropositive with an age above 5 years with reference to those below 5 years was 0.62. This shows that those below 5 are more likely to be seropositive compared to those above 5 years. The seropositivity was generally high throughout the year with highest being recorded in March and the lowest in February and December. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of Human coronaviruses is alarmingly high which calls for need to identify and characterize the circulating coronavirus strains so as to guide policy on the control strategies.
Neutral Approach at Dividend Policy Modeling
Authors: Krylov Sergey
Published: March 2021

The article treats a concept of the formalized modeling of the dividend policy scores and company marketing performance scores derived (stock market position) within neutral dividend policy implementation approach conditions as an instrument of the scores analysis and forecasting. The methodology of the research consists of the Dividend Irrelevance theory, Dividend Policy Significance theory and sustainable company development concept. It has been stated that a formalized approach of the dividend policy implementation presumes a construction of the basic relevent scores models characterizing the company dividend policy and its marketing performance as Dividend Payout, Dividend Cover, expected Share Price, Dividend Yield, Price / Earnings Ratio (common stock price/earnings ratio). The formalized models of the scores mentioned are applicable for a forecast-analytical scores evaluation and their variances as well by estimating an impact of the models defining factors exercised by the appropriate factoring analysis method within the neutral dividend policy implementation approach conditions. The conclusion is drawn, that the formalized models of the dividend policy scores and company marketing performance scores derived, having been developed, are an effective instrument for their forecasting and analysis so that proactive decisions to manage the company dividend policy implementation within neutral approach conditions are ensured.
Assessment of the Perceived Just Culture Among Nurses: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: LOGRONO KENNETH JUN
Published: March 2021

Background
Achieving a highly reliable system and processes in the healthcare industry is a classic conundrum. As safe and quality healthcare has its increasing complexity, where errors are more likely to occur. Hence, most healthcare organizations have promoted the practice of Just Culture. The research study quantified and explained key aspects on the strengths and weaknesses of just culture dimensions which facilitated understanding in implementing a safety culture in Hamad General Hospital (HGH).
Design:
Perception was measured using the adapted JCAT through a descriptive, cross- sectional research design. Independent T-tests and One-way ANOVA were used to investigate the relationship between the demographic profile and just culture perception among 212 staff nurses in HGH.
Results
A strong positive perception among the staff nurses of Just Culture was found out based on its six (6) dimensions in Medical and Surgical In-Patient Units of HGH. Positive response rate is highest at Continuous Improvement dimension which is 88.66%. Balance dimension received the lowest rating with only 52.31% positive response rate.
Impact of COVID-19 on routine immunization in Oyo State, Nigeria: Trend analysis of immunization data in the pre-and post-index case period; 2019 – 2020
Authors: Babatunde Olaniyan Akintunde , Olatunji Muideen Babatunde , Omotajo Olugbade Robertson , Ikwunne Olukorede Ifedolapo , Babatunde Adekunbi Mofoyeke , Titilayo Nihinlola Eunice , Funmilayo Patrick Grace , Dairo David Magbagbeola
Published: March 2021

Background
The response to COVID-19 pandemic has posed new obstacles to the fragile health system, most especially in the area of vaccination across much of Africa. As the response to the pandemic intensifies through the application of non-pharmacologic interventions as well as enforcement of the lockdowns across African cities, there is a significant risk that more children will miss out on life-saving vaccines that can prevent childhood killer diseases. This study was therefore conducted to look at the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Method:
We conducted a descriptive secondary analysis of immunization data between July 2019 and August 2020. These data were retrieved from the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of Oyo State Primary Health Care Board. The data were extracted from the original paper format and entered into Excel sheets. Line graphs were plotted to compare the trends of the coverage rates before and after the index case of COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
The average coverage rates for BCG before and after index case was 85.8% and 82.1% respectively, while it was 63.5% and 60.0% for HBV0. For the co-administered vaccines at 14 weeks, Penta 3, OPV 3, PCV 3 and IPV coverage rates dropped from 76.1%, 75.4%, 75.1% and 73.5–72.0%, 71.4%, 72.0% and 71.9% respectively. The average coverage rates for yellow fever and measles dropped sharply from 77.0% and 74.5–64.6% and 58.6% respectively. The average drop-out rates for the pre-and post-index case periods were 5.0% and 4.7% respectively. For the planned fixed and outreach sessions, none of the monthly sessions met the target of 100.0% in the post-index case period.
Conclusion
Decreased vaccination coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases could cause parallel outbreaks with COVID-19 and further exacerbate the strain on health systems attempting to end the acute phase of this pandemic. Therefore, as the dramatic second wave unfolds, the Government of Nigeria must take deliberate steps to strike a balance between a fresh lockdown and the imperative of uninterrupted social service. In this wise, it must remain committed to a timely vaccination programme
Does economic development widen or narrow the gap of public health service utilization among different subgroups of internal migrants? Evidence from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey in 2017
Authors: Yang Zhen , Jiang Chenghua
Published: March 2021

Background: China is promoting the equalization of National Essential Public Health Services (NEPHS) for the internal migrants (IMs). Studies have analyzed the impact of migration range (MR) and regional economic development level (REDL) on the IMs' NEPHS utilization (NEPHSU), but no studies have explored the interaction of MR and REDL on it.Methods: Data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey of 2017, involving 122656 IMs. Per capita GDP was set as the indicator for REDL, and 28 provinces were divided into three groups according to REDL: affluent, medium and poor. The MR was divided into inter-province and intra-province, and social capital (SC) was distinguished into cognitive (CSC) and structural social capital (SSC). Awareness of NEPHS (ANEPHS) and establishment of health record (EHR) were selected as indexes of NEPHSU. Multiple line charts and hierarchical logistic regression were used to investigate the interaction of MR, REDL and SC on NEPHSU.Results: (1) The socioeconomic status (SES) and social capital (SC) of inter-provincial IMs were significantly lower than those of intra-provincial IMs, and the gap was most prominent in affluent areas. (2) From low to high, the NEPHSU of inter-provincial IMs was ranked as affluent, medium and poor, while the corresponding order of intra-provincial IMs was medium, poor and affluent areas, and the gap of NEPHSU between inter-provincial and intra-provincial IMs was the largest in affluent areas. (3) SC could significantly promote the IMs' NEPHSU, but there was a gap between inter-provincial and intra-provincial IMs, and the gap was the largest in affluent areas.Conclution: REDL can significantly affect the gaps of SES and SC among subgroups of IMs with different MR. Inter-provincial migrants in affluent areas have relatively lower SES and SC, which may be a major barrier to their access to NEPHS, and the government should pay special attention to this vulnerable group when promoting equalization of NEPHS for IMs.
A simple reverse genetics method to generate recombinant coronaviruses 
Authors: Mélade Julien , Piorkowski Géraldine , Touret Franck , Fourié Toscane , Driouich Jean-Sélim , Cochin Maxime , Bouzidi Hawa Sophia , Coutard Bruno , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: March 2021

Engineering recombinant viruses is capital for deciphering the biology of emerging viral pathogens such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the large size of coronaviruses genome makes reverse genetics methods challenging.Here we describe a simple method based on “infectious subgenomic amplicons” (ISA) technology to generate recombinant infectious coronaviruses with no need for reconstructing a full genomic cDNA. The method was applied to the SARS-CoV-2 and the feline enteric coronavirus, and allowed to rescue wild-type viruses with biological characteristics closely similar to original strains. Mutations and fluorescent red reporter gene were rapidly incorporated into the SARS-CoV-2 genome allowing the generation of a genomic variant and a fluorescent reporter strains which were studied during in vivo experiments, serological diagnosis and antiviral assays. The swiftness and simplicity of the ISA method has the potential to facilitate the advance of coronavirus reverse genetics studies and to explore biological properties of SARS-CoV-2 variants or accelerating the development of therapeutic measures.
Evaluation of spatial–temporal characteristics of precipitation using discrete maximal overlap wavelet transform and spatial clustering tools
Authors: Roushangar Kiyoumars , Moghaddas Mohsen , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Alizadeh Farhad
Published: March 2021

In the present study, classical and proposed methods were used to investigate the monthly precipitation characteristics of 30 stations in the southeastern United States during 1968–2018. Maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) as preprocessing method and K-means clustering method were used. First, the monthly precipitation time series of stations were decomposed into several subseries using MODWT and considering db as the mother wavelet. Then, the energy values of theses subseries were calculated and used as inputs in K-means and radial basis functions (RBF) methods. The optimum number of clusters obtained for the considered stations in both classical and proposed methods was five clusters. In order to use the data as the input of the RBF method, the data correlation was evaluated by variogram. Based on the results of clustering and in accordance with the latitude and longitude variations of the stations, it was found that with increasing the energy of the clusters, the amount of precipitation in the stations decreased and vice versa. The silhouette coefficient of clustering for the classical method obtained was 0.3 and for the proposed method it was 0.8, which indicates better clustering of the selected area using the proposed method.
Steam-activated sawdust efficiency in treating wastewater contaminated by heavy metals and phenolic compounds
Authors: Elboughdiri Noureddine , Azeem Babar , Ghernaout Djamel , Ghareba Saad , Kriaa Karim
Published: March 2021

This research study encompasses the utilization of new adsorbents fabricated from pine sawdust for the adsorption of heavy metals and phenol from simulated industrial wastewater. Batch trials are conducted to evaluate the activity of these adsorbents for a possible substitution of the costly commercial adsorbents. The maximum adsorption capacities are evaluated and linked to the physicochemical characteristics of the adsorbents. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) of the adsorbents corresponds to the specific surface area of the adsorbents. The adsorbents with the larger specific surface area have shown higher qmax estimates (phenol adsorption is an exception). The highest amount of the phenol pollutant adsorbed by steam-activated sawdust (SAS) is 10.0 mg/g. The performance of SAS is found to be of the same order as the commercial activated carbon for the removal of Pb and Zn. Equilibrium data for the metal removal are in concordance with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, whereas the phenol elimination has satisfied the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Kinetic data are fitted to Lagergren pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion models. Thus, kinetic parameters, rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities, and related correlation coefficients for each kinetic model are determined and discussed. The results suggest that the adsorption of Cr follows pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption for the tested adsorbents such that the intraparticle diffusion is not the only step that controls the overall process for Cr adsorption. At the end of this study, the production cost of the SAS adsorbent is estimated ($52 per kg) and compared to the cost of the commercial AC adsorbent in the industrial sector which has a great variation ($80–300 per kg) based on size and location plant. The results of this study can be used for the design of a suitable ecological control procedure to mitigate the harmful effects of industrial wastewater.
Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life, Morbidity, and Survival Status for Individuals With Down Syndrome in Pakistan (DS-Pak): Protocol for a Web-Based Collaborative Registry
Authors: Siddiqui Ayat , Ladak Laila Akbar , Kazi Abdul Momin , Kaleem Sidra , Akbar Fizza , Kirmani Salman
Published: March 2021

Background

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, with a global incidence of 1 in 700 live births. However, the true prevalence, associated morbidities, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of these individuals and their families are not well documented, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Disease-specific documentation in the form of a collaborative registry is required to better understand this condition and the associated health outcomes. This protocol paper describes the aims and processes for developing the first comprehensive, web-based collaborative registry for Down syndrome in a Pakistani cohort.

Objective

This study aims to assess the HRQOL, long-term survival, and morbidity of individuals with Down syndrome by using a web-based collaborative registry.

Methods

The registry data collection will be conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital and at the Karachi Down Syndrome Program. Data will be collected by in-person interviews or virtually via telephone or video interviews. Participants of any age and sex with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) will be recruited. After receiving informed consent and assent, a series of tablet-based questionnaires will be administered. The questionnaires aim to assess the sociodemographic background, clinical status, and HRQOL of the participants and their families. Data will be uploaded to a secure cloud server to allow for real-time access to participant responses by the clinicians to plan prompt interventions. Patient safety and confidentiality will be maintained by using multilayer encryption and unique coded patient identifiers. The collected data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corporation), with the mean and SD of continuous variables being reported. Categorical variables will be analyzed with their percentages being reported and with a P value cutoff of .05. Multivariate regression analysis will be conducted to identify predictors related to the HRQOL in patients with Down syndrome. Survival analysis will be reported using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Results

The web-based questionnaire is currently being finalized before the commencement of pilot testing. This project has not received funding at the moment (ethical review committee approval reference ID: 2020-3582-11145).

Conclusions

This registry will allow for a comprehensive understanding of Down syndrome in low- and middle-income countries. This can provide the opportunity for data-informed interventions, which are tailored to the specific needs of this patient population and their families. Although this web-based registry is a proof of concept, it has the potential to be expanded to national, regional, and international levels.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/24901
Effectiveness of Delivering Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Techniques by Email in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alavi Nazanin , Stephenson Callum , Rivera Margo
Published: March 2021

Background

Borderline personality disorder is a debilitating and prevalent mental health disorder, with often inaccessible treatment options. Electronically delivered dialectical behavioral therapy could be an efficacious and more accessible intervention.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electronic delivery of dialectical behavioral therapy in the treatment of individuals with symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Methods

Study participants diagnosed with borderline personality disorder were offered either an email-based or in-person group format dialectical behavioral therapy skill-building program. During each session, participants were provided with both the material and feedback regarding their previous week’s homework. Electronically delivered dialectical behavioral therapy protocol and content were designed to mirror in-person content. Participants were assessed using the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).

Results

There were significant increases in SAQ scores from pre- to posttreatment in the electronic delivery group (F1,92=69.32, P<.001) and in-person group (F1,92=60.97, P<.001). There were no significant differences observed between the groups at pre- and posttreatment for SAQ scores (F1,92=.05, P=.83). There were significant decreases in DERS scores observed between pre- and posttreatment in the electronic delivery group (F1,91=30.15, P<.001) and the in-person group (F1,91=58.18, P<.001). There were no significant differences observed between the groups for DERS scores pre- and posttreatment (F1,91=.24, P=.63). There was no significant difference in treatment efficacy observed between the 2 treatment arms (P<.001).

Conclusions

Despite the proven efficacy of in-person dialectical behavioral therapy in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, there are barriers to receiving this treatment. With the prevalence of internet access continuing to rise globally, delivering dialectical behavioral therapy with email may provide a more accessible alternative to treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder without sacrificing the quality of care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04493580; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04493580
Regional Resource Assessment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Modeling Study (Preprint)
Authors: Guzzi Pietro H , Tradigo Giuseppe , Veltri Pierangelo
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has been declared a worldwide emergency and a pandemic by the World Health Organization. It started in China in December 2019, and it rapidly spread throughout Italy, which was the most affected country after China. The pandemic affected all countries with similarly negative effects on the population and health care structures.

OBJECTIVE

The evolution of the COVID-19 infections and the way such a phenomenon can be characterized in terms of resources and planning has to be considered. One of the most critical resources has been intensive care units (ICUs) with respect to the infection trend and critical hospitalization.

METHODS

We propose a model to estimate the needed number of places in ICUs during the most acute phase of the infection. We also define a scalable geographic model to plan emergency and future management of patients with COVID-19 by planning their reallocation in health structures of other regions.

RESULTS

We applied and assessed the prediction method both at the national and regional levels. ICU bed prediction was tested with respect to real data provided by the Italian government. We showed that our model is able to predict, with a reliable error in terms of resource complexity, estimation parameters used in health care structures. In addition, the proposed method is scalable at different geographic levels. This is relevant for pandemics such as COVID-19, which has shown different case incidences even among northern and southern Italian regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our contribution can be useful for decision makers to plan resources to guarantee patient management, but it can also be considered as a reference model for potential upcoming waves of COVID-19 and similar emergency situations.
Use of Iris Scanning for Biometric Recognition of Healthy Adults Participating in an Ebola Vaccine Trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zola Matuvanga Trésor , Johnson Ginger , Larivière Ynke , Esanga Longomo Emmanuel , Matangila Junior , Maketa Vivi , Lapika Bruno , Mitashi Patrick , Mc Kenna Paula , De Bie Jessie , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Van Damme Pierre , Muhindo Mavoko Hypolite
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

A partnership between the University of Antwerp and the University of Kinshasa implemented the EBOVAC3 clinical trial with an Ebola vaccine regimen administered to health care provider participants in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This randomized controlled trial was part of an Ebola outbreak preparedness initiative financed through Innovative Medicines Initiative-European Union. The EBOVAC3 clinical trial used iris scan technology to identify all health care provider participants enrolled in the vaccine trial, to ensure that the right participant received the right vaccine at the right visit.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the acceptability, accuracy, and feasibility of iris scan technology as an identification method within a population of health care provider participants in a vaccine trial in a remote setting.

METHODS

We used a mixed methods study. The acceptability was assessed prior to the trial through 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and was assessed at enrollment. Feasibility and accuracy research was conducted using a longitudinal trial study design, where iris scanning was compared with the unique study ID card to identify health care provider participants at enrollment and at their follow-up visits.

RESULTS

During the FGDs, health care provider participants were mainly concerned about the iris scan technology causing physical problems to their eyes or exposing them to spiritual problems through sorcery. However, 99% (85/86; 95% CI 97.1-100.0) of health care provider participants in the FGDs agreed to be identified by the iris scan. Also, at enrollment, 99.0% (692/699; 95% CI 98.2-99.7) of health care provider participants accepted to be identified by iris scan. Iris scan technology correctly identified 93.1% (636/683; 95% CI 91.2-95.0) of the participants returning for scheduled follow-up visits. The iris scanning operation lasted 2 minutes or less for 96.0% (656/683; 95% CI 94.6-97.5), and 1 attempt was enough to identify the majority of study participants (475/683, 69.5%; 95% CI 66.1-73.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Iris scans are highly acceptable as an identification tool in a clinical trial for health care provider participants in a remote setting. Its operationalization during the trial demonstrated a high level of accuracy that can reliably identify individuals. Iris scanning is found to be feasible in clinical trials but requires a trained operator to reduce the duration and the number of attempts to identify a participant.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04186000; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04186000
Emergency Physician Twitter Use in the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Potential Predictor of Impending Surge: Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Margus Colton , Brown Natasha , Hertelendy Attila J , Safferman Michelle R , Hart Alexander , Ciottone Gregory R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The early conversations on social media by emergency physicians offer a window into the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective observational study of emergency physician Twitter use details how the health care crisis has influenced emergency physician discourse online and how this discourse may have use as a harbinger of ensuing surge.

METHODS

Followers of the three main emergency physician professional organizations were identified using Twitter’s application programming interface. They and their followers were included in the study if they identified explicitly as US-based emergency physicians. Statuses, or tweets, were obtained between January 4, 2020, when the new disease was first reported, and December 14, 2020, when vaccination first began. Original tweets underwent sentiment analysis using the previously validated Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner (VADER) tool as well as topic modeling using latent Dirichlet allocation unsupervised machine learning. Sentiment and topic trends were then correlated with daily change in new COVID-19 cases and inpatient bed utilization.

RESULTS

A total of 3463 emergency physicians produced 334,747 unique English-language tweets during the study period. Out of 3463 participants, 910 (26.3%) stated that they were in training, and 466 of 902 (51.7%) participants who provided their gender identified as men. Overall tweet volume went from a pre-March 2020 mean of 481.9 (SD 72.7) daily tweets to a mean of 1065.5 (SD 257.3) daily tweets thereafter. Parameter and topic number tuning led to 20 tweet topics, with a topic coherence of 0.49. Except for a week in June and 4 days in November, discourse was dominated by the health care system (45,570/334,747, 13.6%). Discussion of pandemic response, epidemiology, and clinical care were jointly found to moderately correlate with COVID-19 hospital bed utilization (Pearson r=0.41), as was the occurrence of “covid,” “coronavirus,” or “pandemic” in tweet texts (r=0.47). Momentum in COVID-19 tweets, as demonstrated by a sustained crossing of 7- and 28-day moving averages, was found to have occurred on an average of 45.0 (SD 12.7) days before peak COVID-19 hospital bed utilization across the country and in the four most contributory states.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 Twitter discussion among emergency physicians correlates with and may precede the rising of hospital burden. This study, therefore, begins to depict the extent to which the ongoing pandemic has affected the field of emergency medicine discourse online and suggests a potential avenue for understanding predictors of surge.
Doppler and an End of Expansion
Authors: Schroeder Paul
Published: March 2021

The concept today is that our universe is in a state of expansion as everything is moving away from us, and away from everywhere. This idea is specifically a conclusion to the finding of the frequency of the waves of light from the source being distorted, theoretically by the motion of the source relative to the observer. The frequency variation is called Doppler which was originally assigned to distorted sound from arriving trains. This is an analysis of Doppler theory that revels that a redshift of star light beams occur when the stars are “revolving” relative to an observer (such as us on earth). Everything in space does revolve around an observer. Think about this!
Accesibilidad en el rediseño de las asignaturas de B@UNAM
Authors: Romero Velázquez Ana María , Torres Aguirre Claudia Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Cuando los sitios y herramientas web están bien diseñados y codificados, las personas con discapacidad pueden utilizarlos. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (Organización Mundial de la Salud [OMS], 2021) hay más de mil millones de personas viven en todo el mundo que viven con alguna forma de discapacidad. Sin embargo, en la actualidad muchos sitios y herramientas están desarrollados de tal manera que presentan diversas barreras de accesibilidad que dificultan o imposibilitan su uso por parte de algunas personas. El propósito de este artículo es describir los aspectos considerados para el diseño accesible, de la nueva generación de asignaturas B21 de Bachillerato a Distancia UNAM, con base en los parámetros de accesibilidad de la W3C (2019). Como ejemplo, se describe el proceso creativo detrás de dos asignaturas: Evolución y biodiversidad y Apreciación estética.
Una propuesta didáctica para el desarrollo del pensamiento matemático
Authors: Valencia Saravia Pilar
Published: March 2021

Enseñar y aprender matemáticas en nuestro país parece un reto insuperable. Los resultados de la más reciente aplicación -2018- de las pruebas PISA lo confirman: más de la mitad de nuestros estudiantes no alcanza el nivel de competencias básico , mientras que el promedio con este nivel, en los países de la OCDE, es de 23%. En este trabajo se muestra una propuesta que aprovecha el uso de la geometría computacional como instrumento para promover el desarrollo del pensamiento matemático.
¿Laboratorios experimentales en la educación a distancia? Una alternativa práctica empleando Graasp y Go-Lab
Authors: Martínez Piñeiro Esmeralda Lizet
Published: March 2021

El aprendizaje de las ciencias siempre debe ir acompañado de la observación, indagación y la experimentación para incentivar la comprensión de las leyes de la naturaleza. Ante el reto de la educación a distancia, en Europa han desarrollado las plataformas Graasp y Go-lab para ser empleadas de forma gratuita y libre por instituciones educativas de todo el mundo. Dichas plataformas contienen simuladores y laboratorios remotos ideales para el aprendizaje de la ciencia en línea. Este trabajo presenta las cualidades de estas herramientas para ser empleadas en la labor docente a distancia en México.
Redacción e implementación de un libro de texto abierto sobre geografía regional mundial: un estudio de caso
Authors: Finlayson Caitlin
Published: March 2021

Dado que el costo creciente de los libros de texto universitarios ha superado tanto la inflación como el aumento de las tasas de matrícula, este gasto ha creado una barrera importante para el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Algunos instructores han adoptado o creado recursos educativos abiertos, es decir, materiales que están disponibles de forma libre y abierta. Si bien el beneficio más obvio del contenido de un curso abiertopuede ser el ahorro de costos, el hecho de que estos materiales se puedan adaptar y cambiar libremente puede tener un impacto sustancial en la experiencia de aprendizaje en sí y permitir que un instructor cambie completamente la estructura y los resultados de un curso. Este documento proporciona un estudio de caso sobre la redacción de un libro de texto abierto para un curso llamado Geografía regional mundial y detalla el proceso de redacción y las opciones de plataforma. También ofrezco orientación práctica para los profesores interesados en la creación de materiales abiertos y orientación sobre cómo la redacción de materiales abiertos podría enmarcarse en términos de la cartera más amplia de actividades profesionales de un académico.
Manuales de investigación y referencias bibliográficas en México: el problema del sistema latino o hispánico tradicional
Authors: Gutiérrez Trápaga Daniel , Del Castillo Reyes Hugo Enrique
Published: March 2021

Este trabajo enfatiza la relevancia del adecuado y sistematizado manejo de fuentes en ámbitos académicos, para luego analizar los manuales bibliográficos y de investigación que han guiado y contribuido a la formación de investigadores en México desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX, y que siguen consultándose recurrentemente. Se trata de los textos de Bosch; De la Torre Villar y Ramiro Navarro; Galindo, Galindo y Torres-Michúa; López Valdés y el reciente manual de Esquivel Carreón, Rodas Rivera y Salazar Quintana, publicado por la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ). Los primeros cuatro describen, a veces sin nombrarlo, el sistema latino o hispánico tradicional; por ello examinamos el modelo de citas y bibliografía que presentan, a la luz de los criterios para evaluar normas bibliográficas propuestos por Lobato Domínguez. En su mayoría, estos manuales comparten dos rasgos que generan confusión sobre los sistemas para citar y elaborar el aparato crítico: no nombran el sistema que presentan ni refieren algún otro manual existente. Tampoco son críticos con el modelo que exponen, pues lo presentan como único. Lo anterior contribuye a crear la falsa idea de que existe un sistema latino o hispánico tradicional que se guía por los usos y costumbres, y no por un manual. Sin embargo, mostramos que el modelo base de dichos manuales y su supuesto sistema se asemejan a las normas ISO 690.
Contribution of VAT to economic growth: A dynamic CGE analysis
Authors:   Operational Research (OR), Erero Jean Luc ,   Tax, Customs and Excise Institute (TCEI),   South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Published: March 2021

Aim/purpose – This study sought to assess the impact of an increased historical fixed VAT rate of 14% to the current rate of 15% on the South African economy. Design/methodology/approach – The method applied in this study was based on a Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to evaluate the impact of both the VAT rate of 14% and a new rate of 15% on the South African economy. The CGE model has been proven over the years to be a suitable model when evaluating the impact assessment of any shock within an economy. Enhancements were made by the researcher to the direct and indirect tax section of the model, i.e., the direct tax section was disaggregated, such that for both firm and household revenues, a dividend income stream is separated from other income streams. The main reason is to facilitate a detailed analysis of Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and Personal Income Tax (PIT), as well as the latest implemented Dividend Tax (DT). Findings – When VAT was increased from 14% to 15%, the immediate reaction of the shock from the Dynamic CGE model indicates that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by 0.0002% in 2018, but increased by 0.0028% in the following year (2019). The trend continued until 2021, hence the 1% increase in the VAT tax rate will increase the expected forecast of VAT collection by approximately R3.2 billion on average. Research implications/limitations – The findings of this study will be implemented by the South African government, which will use a dynamic CGE model to assess South Africa’s VAT contribution to the economy. The database of the CGE model was limited to the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for 2015. Originality/value/contribution – The study recommends the use of this method for assessing the impact of tax policy changes to the South African economy. The CGE model seems to be the best model as far as the impact assessment of a shock in the econ- omy is concerned. This will assist the South African authorities with their decision mak- ing regarding future VAT revenue. Keywords: South African Revenue Service (SARS), Value Added tax (VAT), Dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. JEL Classification: H21, C68, E62.
RELASI AGAMA DAN POLITIK DI ACEH PASCA KONFLIK; Pemerintah Indonesia-Gerakan Aceh Merdeka
Authors: Kumalasari Reni
Published: March 2021

This article tries to explain how the relationship between Islam and politics after the conflict between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). After the peace agreement between the two parties with the signing of the Helsinki MoU, the Indonesian government interpreted the agreement in Law No. 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh (UUPA). The presence of the act makes the ulama a partner of the government in running the wheels of government by giving fatwa on issues of government, development, community development, and the economy. Furthermore, after peace, the role of the ulama was not only to give knowledge to the community, some ulama participated in practical politics. This was one of the effects of the UUPA, where Aceh was given the privilege of establishing local political parties. At present some ulama have occupied various positions in party management, and even participated in the regional head election (PILKADA), where religious values are used as a means of gaining power.
HIKAYAT ‘ANEUK YATIM’ (Kajian Sosiologi Sastra Melalui Pendekatan Dialektika)
Authors: Sofyan Zulkhairi , Jafar Abzari
Published: March 2021

The saga 'Aneuk Yatim' written by Medya Hus is a reflection of Acehnese society which is presented in literary form. Sociology study of literature through dialectical approach to genetic structuralism is an option in this research, and also proves literature as a reflection of society. This saga tells, describes and tells the consequences of the conflict that occurred in Aceh, a saga that uses words that can describe the conditions of Aceh and what is experienced by the Acehnese people in general, the truth of the conflict that occurred in Aceh is represented in this saga when examined in more detail . In the plot, it is told about the splendor of Aceh, the condition of Aceh and how the Acehnese people respond to all of these.
A criticism of AI ethics guidelines
Authors: Héder Mihály
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the current wave of Artificial Intelligence Ethics GUidelines (AIGUs). The goal is not to provide a broad survey of the details of such efforts; instead, the reasons for the proliferation of such guidelines is investigated. Two main research questions are pursued. First, what is the justification for the proliferation of AIGUs, and what are the reasonable goals and limitations of such projects? Second, what are the specific concerns of AI that are so unique that general technology regulation cannot cover them? The paper reveals that the development of AI guidelines is part of a decades-long trend of an ever-increasing express need for stronger social control of technology, and that many of the concerns of the AIGUs are not specific to the technology itself, but are rather about transparency and human oversight. Nevertheless, the positive potential of the situation is that the intense world-wide focus on AIGUs will yield such profound guidelines that the regulation of other technologies may want to follow suite.
Responsibility and Accountability of University Social and Environmental Performances: A Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Model
Authors: Pertiwi Imanda Firmantyas Putri , Puspita Rosana Eri , Saifudin Saifudin
Published: March 2021

Since research on the use of sustainability balanced scorecard to assess university social and environmental performances still remains unexplored, this study aims to fill the gap by examining the acceptance of the idea of the State Islamic Religious Colleges (PTKIN) performances in terms of responsibility for social and environmental aspects based on the sustainability balanced scorecard model. Drawing on a qualitative research, eight respondents from the Board of National Accreditation for Higher Education (BAN-PT) and PTKIN policymakers were interviewed. The results indicated that PTKIN must pay more attention to social and environmental perspectives. It was further revealed that although BAN-PT regulation has explicitly included these two perspectives, there were several indicators that still need to be added according to the sustainability balanced scorecard model. Moreover, the results depicted several challenges such as budgeting, regulations, and paradigms that required some adjustment from the policymakers. These results contribute as fruitful insights for university policymakers in developing strategies to enhance university performances, particularly in social and environmental aspects.