bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity, Characterizations, and Biological Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles using the Extract of Aloe vera
Authors: Joshi Naveen Chandra , Siddiqui Faisal , Salman Mohd , Singh Ajay
Published: August 2020

Green nanotechnology is relatively new branch of science and technology with many interesting applications. This technology involves in the synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) through green synthesis using extracts of plant-derived materials. Green synthesis of metal and metal oxide NPs is a good alternative over the other conventional physical and chemical methods. This study deals with the green synthesis of manganese oxide (MnO2) NPs using the extract of Aloe vera. The green synthesized MnO2 NPs have been synthesized using various analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscope. MnO2 NPs were tested for antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus using well diffusion method. The experimental results were indicating that the MnO2 NPs are good antibacterial agents against different bacterial species.
Morphometric Analysis and Genetic Relationship of Rasbora spp. in Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Aimi Wahidah Aminan  , Leonard Lim Whye Kit  , Chung Hung Hui  , Badiozaman Sulaiman
Published: August 2020

The genus Rasbora is one of the most species-rich genus among the freshwater fishes and cryptic diversity has been a major hindrance in species identification in the past four decades due to their high similarities in terms of morphology. This study aimed to investigate this issue both morphologically and molecularly. In this study, a total of 23 morphometric parameters were used to differentiate the 103 Rasbora fish samples harvested from different regions of Sarawak state of Malaysia via Multivariate Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (SDFA). Then, cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was utilised to further distinguish 33 of these fishes, followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Our results unravelled pre-anal length as strongest morphometric discriminant (100%) and that all eight Rasbora species tested are monophyletic except for R. sumatrana and R. caudimaculata, revealing possible cryptic Rasbora species. Further investigations are vital to enrich the data from this study for Rasbora cryptic diversity and conservation studies in future.

 

Genus Rasbora adalah salah satu daripada genus yang memiliki kerencaman spesies yang paling tinggi dalam kalangan ikan air tawar dan kepelbagaian krip telah menjadi penghalang utama dalam pengecaman spesies sepanjang empat dekad disebabkan persamaannya yang tinggi dari segi morfologi. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji isu-isu morfologi dan molekular. Dalam kajian ini, 23 parameter morfometrik telah digunakan untuk membezakan 103 sampel ikan Rasbora yang dikutip daripada daerah berbeza di negeri Sarawak, Malaysia menggunakan Multivariate Stepwise Discriminant Function Analysis (SDFA). Kemudian, gen cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) digunakan untuk membezakan 33 jenis ikan ini, diikuti dengan analisis jujukan dan analisis filogenetik. Keputusan menunjukkan panjang pra-anal sebagai morfometrik diskriminan terkuat (100%) dan kesemua lapan spesies Rasbora yang diuji adalah monofiletik kecuali R. sumatrana and R. caudimaculata, dan mendedahkan spesies Rasbora yang mungkin krip. Penyelidikan lebih lanjut adalah sangat penting untuk memperkayakan data dari kajian ini untuk kepelbagaian dan pemuliharaan krip di masa akan datang.
Characterizing past and future trend and frequency of extreme rainfall in urban catchments: a case study
Authors: Mzava Philip , Valimba Patrick , Nobert Joel
Published: August 2020

Urban communities in developing countries are one of the most vulnerable areas to extreme rainfall events. The availability of local information on extreme rainfall is therefore critical for proper planning and management of urban flooding impacts. This study examined the past and future characteristics of extreme rainfall in the urban catchments of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Investigation of trends and frequency of annual, seasonal and extreme rainfall was conducted, with the period 1967–2017 taken as the past scenario and 2018–2050 as the future scenario; using data from four key ground-based weather stations and RCM data respectively. Mann–Kendall trend analysis and Sen's slope estimator were used in studying changes in rainfall variability. Frequencies of extreme rainfall events were modeled using the Generalized Pareto model. Overall, the results of trend analysis provided evidence of a significant increase in annual and seasonal maximum rainfall and intensification of extreme rainfall in the future under the RCP4.5 CO2 concentration scenario. It was determined that extreme rainfall will become more frequent in the future, and their intensities were observed to increase approximately between 20 and 25% relative to the past. The findings of this study may help to develop adaptation strategies for urban flood control in Dar es Salaam.
Succession of phytoplankton in a shallow lake under the alternating influence of runoff and reverse water transfer
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Guoqiang , Tan Zhongxin , Wang Hongqi
Published: August 2020

Both runoff and water diversion can interfere with the physical and chemical environment of a lake and affect aquatic organisms. In this study, previously obtained data were used to analyze the phytoplankton community, water quality, water level, and temperature in Dongping Lake (DPH) before, during, and after the water diversion caused by the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. The results showed that the total density and diversity index of phytoplankton decreased in the water transfer period, and was related to low temperature. Temperature also affected the recovery of phytoplankton community structure when the water transfer period ended. In a water transfer cycle, changes in dominant genera were more drastic than that of a whole phytoplankton community, and dominant genera were sensitive to total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) changes. Water transfer alleviated the deterioration of water quality in DPH, but water transfer process increased the risk of water pollution. Runoff from Dawen River carried TN, TP, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) into DPH in the rainy season, which indirectly affected phytoplankton, while it also carried phytoplankton directly into DPH. Overall, these findings provide a clear understanding of the impact of water transfer projects on ecology in shallow lakes.
Drivers of unhygienic desludging practices in unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Seleman Amour , Gabrielsson Sara , Mbwette Tolly S. A. , Kimwaga Richard
Published: August 2020

Desludging is considered a key step in urban sanitation improvement. Nevertheless, in most urban unplanned settlements, desludging is performed in an unhygienic manner, risking public health. This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the underlying factors for unhygienic desludging in three urban unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Factors for unhygienic desludging were analysed using logistic regression analysis and the Integrated Behavioural Model for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IBM-WASH), respectively. It was found that 23.7% of the surveyed houses practised unhygienic desludging. Plot physical inaccessibility, outdated laws that stipulate low penalties and the lack of routine data were found to be key contextual factors. Furthermore, perceived inability to control unhygienic desludging among community members and the lack of feeling of shame among those performing unhygienic desludging are the key psycho-social factors. Technological factors contributing to continued practice of unhygienic desludging can be linked to the weakness in existing desludging technologies and general skepticism about the performance of manual desludging hand pumps. This paper concludes that unhygienic desludging in Dar es Salaam is likely to continue unless such factors are considered and integrated into the city's sanitation improvement plans.
Wastewater nutrient recovery using twin-layer microalgae technology for biofertilizer production
Authors: González Inmaculada , Ekelhof Alice , Herrero Natalia , Siles José Ángel , Podola Björn , Chica Arturo F. , Ángeles Martín M. , Melkonian Michael , Izquierdo Carlos García , Gómez José María
Published: August 2020

This study evaluates the feasibility of advanced biofilm microalgae cultivation in a twin layer (TL) system for nutrient removal (N and P) as the tertiary treatment in small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in sensitive areas. Furthermore, the potential valorisation of microalgae biomass as a component of bio-based fertilizers is assessed. Scenedesmus sp. was chosen among 33 microalgae strains for inoculation of TL due to its high growth rate and its nutrient uptake capacity. The tests carried out in the prototype were markedly efficient for total soluble and ammoniacal nitrogen removal (up to 66 and 94%, respectively). In terms of potential valorisation of microalgae, the nutrient content was 5.5% N (over 40% protein), 8.8% P2O5 and 1.5% K2O, high enzymatic activity, very low levels of heavy metals and no detectable pathogen presence. However, in the formulation of solid-state bio-based fertilizers, the microalgae proportions in blends of over 2% of microalgae led to negative effects on ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp.). The obtained results demonstrate that TL represents a promising technology, which allows efficient tertiary treatment of urban wastewater and the production of high-quality bio-based fertilizer.
Reuse of ammonium sulfate double salt crystals formed during electrolytic manganese production
Authors: Zhang Shaobo , Wang Sanfan , Zhang Qianqian , Li Yanhong , Xing Yue , Ren Guangyi
Published: August 2020

Ammonium sulfate double salt crystals (ASDSCs) are formed during the electrolytic production of manganese. Typically, the large volume of ASDSCs accumulates in the open air, and this leads to serious environmental pollution and wastage of resources. In this study, we developed a new double-membrane three-chamber electrolysis method. In this method, ASDSCs were dissolved in water and then pretreated stepwise to precipitate manganese(II) carbonate and magnesium carbonate. These precipitates were filtered and the filtrate (mainly ammonium sulfate) was subjected to double-membrane three-chamber electrodecomposition to produce sulfuric acid and ammonia. Further investigations showed that under the optimal conditions of current density of 250 A/m2, electrolysis time of 18 h, and temperature of 40 °C, the decomposition rate of ammonium sulfate reached as high as 96.15%. Thus, using this method, ASDSCs can be completely decomposed, which resolves the problem of environmental pollution and provides certain economic benefits to enterprises.
Transcriptome-wide Association Study Identifies Genetically Dysregulated Genes in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Lan Danfeng , Jiang Hong-Yan , Su Xiaoyang , Zhao Yan , Du Sicheng , Li Ying , Bi Rui , Zhang Deng-Feng , Yang Qiuping
Published: August 2020

Background:

Complications are the main cause of the disease burden of diabetes. Genes
determining the development and progression of diabetic complications remain to be identified. Diabetic
neuropathy is the most common and debilitating complication and mainly affects the nerves
of legs and feet. In this study, we attempted to identify diabetic neuropathy-specific genes from reliable
large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for diabetes perse.

Methods:

Taking advantage of publicly available data, we initially converted the GWAS signals to
transcriptomic profiles in the tibial nerve using the functional summary-based imputation (FUSION)
algorithm. The FUSION-derived genes were then checked to determine whether they were
differentially expressed in the sciatic nerve of mouse models of diabetic neuropathy. The dysregulated
genes identified in the sciatic nerve were explored in the blood of patients with diabetes.

Results:

We found that eleven out of 452 FUSION-derived genes were regulated by diabetes
GWAS loci and were altered in the sciatic nerve of mouse models with early-stage neuropathy.
Among the eleven genes, significant (P-value#60;0.05) expression alterations of HSD17B4, DHX32,
MERTK, and SFXN4 could be detected in the blood of human patients.

Conclusions:

Our analyses identified genes with an effect in the sciatic nerve and provided the possibility
of noninvasive early detection of diabetic neuropathy.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Anti-tuberculosis Agents based on Bedaquiline Structure
Authors: Wu Chengjun , Luo Jinghan , Wu Mengtong , Meng Fanzhen , Cai Zhiqiang , Chen Yu , Sun Tiemin
Published: August 2020

Background:

Bedaquiline is a novel anti-tuberculosis drug that inhibits Mycobacterial ATP synthase. However, studies have found that bedaquiline has serious side effects due to high lipophilicity. Recently, the complete structure of ATP synthase was first reported in the Journal of Science.

Objective:

The study aimed to design, synthesise and carry out biological evaluation of antituberculosis agents based on the structure of bedaquiline.

Methods:

The mode of action of bedaquiline and ATP synthase was determined by molecular docking, and a series of low lipophilic bedaquiline derivatives were synthesized. The inhibitory activities of bedaquiline derivatives towards Mycobacterium phlei 1180 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv were evaluated in vitro. A docking study was carried out to elucidate the structureactivity relationship of the obtained compounds. The predicted ADMET properties of the synthesized compounds were also analyzed.

Results:

The compounds 5c3, 6a1, and 6d3 showed good inhibitory activities (MIC=15.62 ug.mL-1). At the same time, the compounds 5c3, 6a1, and 6d3 also showed good drug-like properties through molecular docking and ADMET properties prediction.

Conclusion:

The results of in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity assays, docking studies and ADMET predictions indicate that the synthesized compounds have potential antifungal activity, with compounds 6a1 being further optimized and developed as lead compounds.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Protective Potential of Moringa oleifera Against Dietary Acrylamide-induced Toxicity
Authors: Rifai Lubna , Mohammad Mariam , Raafat Karim , Saleh Fatima A
Published: August 2020

Background:

A

c

rylamide (AA) in food is a public health concern that has attracted scientists’ attention worldwide.

Objective:

This study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of

Moringa oleifera (M. olifera)

leaves in the reduction of AA in French fries in vitro and its hepato-protective properties against AA-induced liver toxicity in vivo.

Materials and Methods:

Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin contents and antioxidant potential of

M. oleifera

leaves were evaluated and the phenolic constituents characterized via HPLC. AA content was also monitored in French fries using LC-MS/MS. For in vivo assay, mice were treated with AA alone or in combination with

M. oleifera

(150 and 250 mg/kg IP).

Results:

Phytochemical screening showed that gallic acid, ellagic acid, epicatechin, and quercetin were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified. This work also demonstrated a nearly 37% reduction in AA when French fries were soaked in 1% M. oleifera. Moreover, AA-intoxicated mice resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) elevation in the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was restored when pre-treated with M. oleifera.

Conclusion:

This study proved that M. olifera could be effective in reducing AA levels in French fries and that treatment with M. oleifera extract can restore the hepatic damage in AA-intoxicated mice.
Investigating the Physiological Correlates of Daily Well-being: A PERMA Model-Based Study
Authors: Feng Xue , Lu Xuefei , Li Zhuoran , Zhang Mi , Li Jiawei , Zhang Dan
Published: August 2020

Background:

For decades, psychologists have studied the well-being and its importance in human prosperity.

Objective:

In the present study, a mobile sensing approach was employed to explore the physiological correlates of daily well-being experiences.

Methods:

19 participants were recruited for a 30-day continuous physiological measurement using a smartwatch that collected their heart rates, galvanic skin responses, skin temperatures, and walking steps. They also reported their daily well-being experiences every day, on the five well-being dimensions of the well-established PERMA (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning, Accomplishment) model. The daily activity data were categorized into four mental states: asleep, relaxed, high mental load, and high physical load.

Results:

344 valid samples of the participants’ daily physiological data were obtained from the 19 participants. Using the daily physiological signals of these four states as features, both stepwise regression analyses and binary classification analyses revealed that the five well-being experiences were significantly predicted, with regression r-square values ranging from 0.052 to 0.157 and classification accuracies ranging from 55.8% to 61.3%.

Conclusion:

The findings provide evidence for the physiological basis of PERMA-based well-being.
Влияние диоксида кремния на стабильность фазового состава и механические свойства керамики на основе диоксида циркония, упрочненной оксидом алюминия
Authors: Дмитриевский А.А. , Жигачев А.О. , Жигачева Д.Г. , Родаев В.В.
Published: August 2020

Исследовано влияние концентрации примеси SiO2 (в интервале от 0 до 10 mol.%) на стабильность тетрагональной фазы t-ZrO2 и комплекс механических характеристик (на микро- и макроуровне) ATZ-керамики на основе диоксида циркония, стабилизированного оксидом кальция (CCaO=6.5 mol.%), упрочненной оксидом алюминия (CAl2O3=5.8 mol.%). Установлено, что введение примеси SiO2 (в концентрации CSiO2=5 mol.%) приводит к почти двукратному увеличению вязкости разрушения (от KC=7.05 MPa · m1/2 до KC=12.43 MPa·m1/2) при незначительном уменьшении твердости (от H=12.75 до 10.9 GPa), а также к повышению предела прочности на сжатие (от sigmaS=2.44 до 2.73 GPa) и пластичности (относительная деформация при сжатии увеличивается от ε=5.3 до 7.3%) исследуемой ATZ-керамики. Показано, что указанные показатели достигнуты за счет снижения стабильности тетрагональной фазы t-ZrO2. Ключевые слова: циркониевая керамика, оксид алюминия, диоксид кремния, структура, фазовый состав, механические свойства.
The Epidemiology of Patients' Email Addresses in a French University Hospital: Case-Control Study
Authors: Looten Vincent , Neuraz Antoine , Garcelon Nicolas , Burgun Anita , Chatellier Gilles , Rance Bastien
Published: August 2020

Background

Health care professionals are caught between the wish of patients to speed up health-related communication via emails and the need for protecting health information.

Objective

We aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics of patients providing an email, and study the distribution of emails’ domain names.

Methods

We used the information system of the European Hospital Georges Pompidou (HEGP) to identify patients who provided an email address. We used a 1:1 matching strategy to study the demographic characteristics of the patients associated with the presence of an email, and described the characteristics of the emails used (in terms of types of emails—free, business, and personal).

Results

Overall, 4.22% (41,004/971,822) of the total population of patients provided an email address. The year of last contact with the patient is the strongest driver of the presence of an email address (odds ratio [OR] 20.8, 95% CI 18.9-22.9). Patients more likely to provide an email address were treated for chronic conditions and were more likely born between 1950 and 1969 (taking patients born before 1950 as reference [OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.54-1.67], and compared to those born after 1990 [OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.53-0.59]). Of the 41,004 email addresses collected, 37,779 were associated with known email providers, 31,005 email addresses were associated with Google, Microsoft, Orange, and Yahoo!, 2878 with business emails addresses, and 347 email addresses with personalized domain names.

Conclusions

Emails have been collected only recently in our institution. The importance of the year of last contact probably reflects this recent change in contact information collection policy. The demographic characteristics and especially the age distribution are likely the result of a population bias in the hospital: patients providing email are more likely to be treated for chronic diseases. A risk analysis of the use of email revealed several situations that could constitute a breach of privacy that is both likely and with major consequences. Patients treated for chronic diseases are more likely to provide an email address, and are also more at risk in case of privacy breach. Several common situations could expose their private information. We recommend a very restrictive use of the emails for health communication.
User-Centered Design Process of an mHealth App for Health Professionals: Case Study
Authors: Saparamadu Amarasinghe Arachchige Don Nalin Samandika , Fernando Piyum , Zeng Peizi , Teo Henry , Goh Andrew , Lee Joanne Mee Yin , Lam Choong Weng Leslie
Published: August 2020

Background

User-centered design processes are infrequently employed and not fully explored for building mobile health (mHealth) apps that are particularly targeted to health professionals as end users. The authors have used a user-centered design–based approach to build an mHealth app for health professionals, tasked to deliver medical laboratory-related information on a daily basis.

Objective

Our objective is to generate a simple and functional user-centered design process for mHealth apps for health professionals. This paper presents the key learnings from design activities.

Methods

A stratified random sample of doctors and nurses was recruited for the study. The design activities were planned in the following sequence: focus group discussion for situation analysis and information architecture, design activity 1 for wireframe designing, design activity 2 for wireframe testing, and user testing sessions 1 and 2.

Results

The final design and functions of the app, information architecture, and interactive elements were largely influenced by the participatory design–based user-centered design activities. As a result of the design process, we could identify the mental models of processing requests for information and personal preferences based on the experience. These findings were directly or indirectly incorporated into the app design.
Furthermore, finding alternative ways of working within time constraints and cultural barriers and the methods employed to manage the challenges of interdisciplinary discourse stood out among the lessons learned.

Conclusions

We recommend a user-centered design process based on a participatory design approach in mHealth app design, enriched with focus group discussions where possible.
Beneficial Features of a mHealth Asthma App for Children and Caregivers: Qualitative Study
Authors: Iio Misa , Miyaji Yumiko , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Narita Masami , Nagata Mayumi , Ohya Yukihiro
Published: August 2020

Background

mHealth and uHealth apps are available for children with asthma and their caregivers. However, previous studies on mHealth apps for children older than 7 years old with asthma are limited, and most studies on asthma apps do not consider interactions involving communication between children and caregivers. Therefore, a prototype mHealth child asthma app was developed for children and their caregivers, with features of tailored feedback messages in continuing self-management and interactions between children and caregivers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the beneficial features of a prototype mHealth app developed for children with asthma and their caregivers.

Methods

Children diagnosed with persistent asthma by allergy specialists at the National Center for Child Health and Development were recruited. The features of a prototype mHealth app for children with asthma and their caregivers were investigated using semistructured interviews after they tried the app. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Content-characteristic words were named and grouped together as categories to explore themes.

Results

We recruited 27 children with asthma aged 2 to 12 years and 26 their caregivers. Findings on the good aspects of the app for children older than 7 years old and caregivers suggested 4 themes (confirmation of asthma knowledge, child-caregiver interaction, design of the app, and child’s interest), and 6 categories were identified. Findings on the good aspects of app for children 7 to 12 years old and caregivers suggested 5 themes (new knowledge, manga as a Japanese-style comic, child’s interest, trigger of self-management, and design and operability), and 11 categories were identified. Findings on the beneficial features of app suggested 6 themes (asthma knowledge, elements for continuous, universal design, notification, monitoring, and functions), and 12 categories were identified.

Conclusions

Children with asthma and their caregivers perceived that the good aspects of the app were learning asthma knowledge with fun, including manga; interaction between child and caregiver; and easy-to-read design, such as colors. They wanted not only the asthma knowledge but also the universal design and enhanced elements, monitoring, and notification functions of the app.
Effects of a Combination of Three-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Therapy on Institutionalized Older Adults’ Physical and Mental Health: Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Lin Tsung-Yi , Huang Chiu-Mieh , Hsu Hsiao-Pei , Liao Jung-Yu , Cheng Vivian Ya-Wen , Wang Shih-Wen , Guo Jong-Long
Published: August 2020

Background

Institutionalized older adults have limited ability to engage in horticultural activities that can improve their physical and mental health.

Objective

This study explored the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and horticultural therapy on institutionalized older adults’ physical and mental health.

Methods

The study used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 106 older adults from 2 long-term care facilities were recruited and assigned to the experimental (n=59) or control (n=47) group. The experimental participants received a 9-week intervention. Both groups completed 3 assessments: at baseline, after the intervention, and 2 months later. The outcome variables included health status, meaning in life, perceived mattering, loneliness, and depression.

Results

The experimental group demonstrated significantly improved health status (P<.001), meaning in life (P<.001), and perceived mattering (P<.001) as well as significantly reduced depression (P<.001) and loneliness (P<.001) compared to the control group immediately after the intervention; these effects persisted for up to 2 months.

Conclusions

This study verified the beneficial effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural therapy on older adults’ health. These results could support the future successful implementation of similar programs for institutionalized older adults on a larger scale.
Determinants of Scale-up From a Small Pilot to a National Electronic Immunization Registry in Vietnam: Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Dang Huyen , Dao Sang , Carnahan Emily , Kawakyu Nami , Duong Hong , Nguyen Trung , Nguyen Doan , Nguyen Linh , Rivera Maya , Ngo Tuan , Werner Laurie , Nguyen Nga
Published: August 2020

Background

Digital health innovations can improve health system performance, yet previous experience has shown that many innovations do not advance beyond the pilot stage to achieve scale. Vietnam’s National Immunization Information System (NIIS) began as a series of digital health pilots, first initiated in 2010, and was officially launched nationwide in 2017. The NIIS is one of the few examples of an electronic immunization registry (EIR) at national scale in low- and middle-income countries.

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand the determinants of scale-up of the national EIR in Vietnam.

Methods

This qualitative study explored the facilitators and barriers to national scale-up of the EIR in Vietnam. Qualitative data were collected from October to December 2019 through in-depth key informant interviews and desk review. The mHealth Assessment and Planning for Scale (MAPS) Toolkit guided the development of the study design, interview guides, and analytic framework. MAPS defines the key determinants of success, or the “axes of scale,” to be groundwork, partnerships, financial health, technology and architecture, operations, and monitoring and evaluation.

Results

The partnership and operations axes were critical to the successful scale-up of the EIR in Vietnam, while the groundwork and monitoring and the evaluation axes were considered to be strong contributors in the success of all the other axes. The partnership model leveraged complementary strengths of the technical working group partners: the Ministry of Health General Department of Preventive Medicine, the National Expanded Program on Immunization, Viettel (the mobile network operator), and PATH. The operational approach to introducing the NIIS with lean, iterative, and integrated training and supervision was also a key facilitator to successful scale-up. The financial health, technology and architecture, and operations axes were identified as barriers to successful deployment and scale-up. Key barriers to scale-up included insufficient estimates of operational costs, unanticipated volume of data storage and transmission, lack of a national ID to support interoperability, and operational challenges among end users. Overall, the multiple phases of EIR deployment and scale-up from 2010 to 2017 allowed for continuous learning and improvement that strengthened all the axes and contributed to successful scale-up.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of the measured, iterative approach that was taken to gradually expand a series of small pilots to nationwide scale. The findings from this study can be used to inform other countries considering, introducing, or in the process of scaling an EIR or other digital health innovations.
Correction: A Snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Availability up to April 2020 and its Implications: Data Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Mavian Carla , Marini Simone , Prosperi Mattia , Salemi Marco
Published: August 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been growing exponentially, affecting over 4 million people and causing enormous distress to economies and societies worldwide. A plethora of analyses based on viral sequences has already been published both in scientific journals and through non–peer-reviewed channels to investigate the genetic heterogeneity and spatiotemporal dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. However, a systematic investigation of phylogenetic information and sampling bias in the available data is lacking. Although the number of available genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 is growing daily and the sequences show increasing phylogenetic information, country-specific data still present severe limitations and should be interpreted with caution. The objective of this study was to determine the quality of the currently available SARS-CoV-2 full genome data in terms of sampling bias as well as phylogenetic and temporal signals to inform and guide the scientific community. We used maximum likelihood–based methods to assess the presence of sufficient information for robust phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies in several SARS-CoV-2 sequence alignments assembled from GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data) data released between March and April 2020. Although the number of high-quality full genomes is growing daily, and sequence data released in April 2020 contain sufficient phylogenetic information to allow reliable inference of phylogenetic relationships, country-specific SARS-CoV-2 data sets still present severe limitations. At the present time, studies assessing within-country spread or transmission clusters should be considered preliminary or hypothesis-generating at best. Hence, current reports should be interpreted with caution, and concerted efforts should continue to increase the number and quality of sequences required for robust tracing of the epidemic.
A System to Support Diverse Social Program Management (Preprint)
Authors: McKillop Mollie , Snowdon Jane , Willis Van C , Alevy Shira , Rizvi Rubina , Rewalt Karen , Lefebvre-Paillé Charlyne , Kassler William , Purcell Jackson Gretchen
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Social programs are services provided by governments, nonprofits, and other organizations to help improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social programs aim to deliver services effectively and efficiently, but they are challenged by information silos, limited resources, and the need to deliver frequently changing mandated benefits.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore how an information system designed for social programs helps deliver services effectively and efficiently across diverse programs.

METHODS

This viewpoint describes the configurable and modular architecture of Social Program Management (SPM), a system to support efficient and effective delivery of services through a wide range of social programs and lessons learned from implementing SPM across diverse settings. We explored usage data to inform the engagement and impact of SPM on the efficient and effective delivery of services.

RESULTS

The features and functionalities of SPM seem to support the goals of social programs. We found that SPM provides fundamental management processes and configurable program-specific components to support social program administration; has been used by more than 280,000 caseworkers serving more than 30 million people in 13 countries; contains features designed to meet specific user requirements; supports secure information sharing and collaboration through data standardization and aggregation; and offers configurability and flexibility, which are important for digital transformation and organizational change.

CONCLUSIONS

SPM is a user-centered, configurable, and flexible system for managing social program workflows.
Study on the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Intervention Based on Improved SIR Model (Preprint)
Authors: Li Beibei , Wang Wenjun , Wang Jun , Zhang Mengxuan , Liu Xueli , Pan Lin
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 has been rapidly spreading across China's provinces, neighboring countries and all over the world since its outbreak in Wuhan, China in January 2020. At present, there are still many countries in the world suffering from it and struggle against it.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to prove the effectiveness of interventions implemented by some countries, so as to provide reference for other countries and future epidemics.

METHODS

We segment the cases data according to the implementation time of the intervention and put them into the improved SIR model which take the time–varying epidemiological parameters and the influence of time delay into account to evaluate the effectiveness of each intervention.

RESULTS

We employed the data of Italy, Britain and Spain to do the experiment, which is divided into four stages, three stages and four stages. Italy got the best time delay when days=4 and the quantification of the effectiveness of different interventions was 0.0254, 0.023 and 0.0147, respectively. The time delay in Britain was the best at 5 days, and the corresponding results were 0.0078 and -0.0095. The best time delay in Spain is 3 days, and the corresponding results were 0.2744, 0.2321 and -0.1033. Finally, we calculated the real reproductive number R in contrast to hypothetical R and found that the real reproductive number R have been lowered by interventions in various degree.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that even though the effectiveness and time delays of different interventions vary from country to country, interventions can indeed reduce infected population by markedly decreasing reproductive number R. Therefore, intervention measures should be taken in time to slow down the development of the epidemic, reduce the number of infected people and economic losses.
The Causal Relationship among Rolefulness, Self-esteem, and Depression
Authors: Kato Daiki , Suzuki Mikie
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this study was to examine the causal relationship between rolefulness and depression. In particular, the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between rolefulness and depression was examined. Based on data from 856 Japanese high school students, three models were constructed and the validity thereof examined. The most appropriate model revealed that social rolefulness affected internal rolefulness, self-esteem, and depression. Subsequently, internal rolefulness improved self-esteem and reduced depression.
IMPLEMENTASI HUKUM TERHADAP “PERKAWINAN BEBALU” MENURUT HUKUM ISLAM DAN HUKUM INDONESIA
Authors: Sembahulun Faozan
Published: August 2020

The Bebalu marriage in Sembalun society is a part of tradition has happened from the past and developed to the current. Bebalu is a term for people who do divorce outside the court (non-litigation). The Bebalu closely relates to the religious law, although without leaving the roles of positive law in Indonesia. It happens due to religion dominantly believed by the people in region is Islam and it aims to respect the sacredness of the tradition. This article attempts to examine how the implementation and the legal consequences of the Bebalu. Using approach of sociology of law, this article argues that from the perspective of Islamic law the Bebalu is permissible and even legitimate. The reason is that the Bebalu fulfils the primary requirements of Islamic marriage. However, legally it cannot be accepted due to the marriage is not registered to the state. Accordingly, the divorce process of the Bebalu seems to contradict the law. The main problem of the traditional society in Sembalun as well as its marriage of Bebalu is the lack of communication about law that should be delivered by the government. It happens due to the difficult access to the region.
Pembagian Harta Bersama dan Pemenuhan Hak-Hak Perempuan Di Aceh Menurut Hukum Islam
Authors: Nurdin Abidin
Published: August 2020

Kajian ini membahas tentang pembagian harta bersama dan pemenuhan hak-hak perempuan di Aceh menurut hukum Islam. Harta bersama adalah harta yang diperolah oleh suami dan isteri setelah mereka menikah dan terjadi perceraian. Pembagian harta bersama dalam masyarakat Aceh dilakukan dalam dua cara yaitu melalui gampong secara musyawarah atau dengan cara penyelesaian di Mahkamah Syari’iyah. Kajian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan perspektif hukum Islam. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara dan studi literatur. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bahwa pembagian harta bersama bertujuan untuk memenuhi hak-hak perempuan. Harta bersama yang diselesaikan pada level gampong nampak bervariasi sehingga terlihat perbedaan porsi suami atau istri di beberapa daerah di Aceh, tergantung tatanan sosial budayanya. Demikian juga para hakim pada Mahkamah Syar’iyah cukup mempertimbangkan seberapa besar kontribusinya para pihak terhadap harta bersama tersebut. Pada konteks Mahkamah Syar’iyah para hakim telah memiliki kepedulian terhadap perlindungan hak-hak perempuan dan sensifitas jender. Kemudian harta bersama dalam perspektif hukum Islam telah diatur dalam UU Perkawinan 1974 dan KHI serta selaras dengan ketentuan fiqih yaitu untuk kemaslahatan (maqasahid syar’iyah).
Penyelesaian Perkara Wali Adhal Pada Mahkamah Syar’iyah Tapaktuan
Authors: Hadana Erha Saufan , Akbar Rahmatul
Published: August 2020

Kajian ini membahas persoalan penyebab wali adhal yang tidak ingin menikahkan anaknya di bawah perwaliannya serta tahapan proses penyelesaian melalui mahkamah syar’iyah. Hal tersebut terjadi disebabkan karena faktor sosial ekonomi sehingga tidak adanya persetujuan dari wali mempelai wanita untuk melaksanakan akad pernikahan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ketidakrelaan kedua orang tua dari calon mempelai wanita kepada calon suami pemohon karena mempelai laki-laki tidak sarjana, orang yang kurang mampu, dan wajahnya tidak rupawan dan lain sebagainya. Serta belum mapan secara ekonomi. Menyangkut pertimbangan Hakim dalam memutuskan perkara wali adhal nomor 49/P/2017/MS. Ttn di Mahkamah Syar’iyah Tapaktuan adalah dalam suatu pernikahan telah sesuai dengan permohonan pemohon yang mempunyai alasan yang hukum yang cukup, sedangkan keengganan wali pemohon tidak mempunyai landasan hukum, baik menurut peraturan perundang-undangan maupun syara’. maka oleh karena itu permohonan patut dikabulkan dan apabila tidak segera dilangsungkan pernikahan akan terjadi hal-hal yang tidak diinginkan.
Penolakan Hakim Terhadap Hak Ḥaḍānah Isteri Dalam Putusan Nomor 0056/Pdt.G/2017/Ms.Bna
Authors: Rahmatillah Syarifah , Fitri Diana
Published: August 2020

Hak pengasuhan atau ḥaḍānah secara normatif maupun yuridis diberikan kepada pihak ibu anak. Artinya, ibu menempati posisi pertama yang mempunyai hak atas pengasuhan anak-anaknya pasca perceraian. Permasalahan yang disoroti dalam penelitian ini adalah putusan Mahkamah Syar’iyyah Banda Aceh Nomor 0056/Pdt.G/2017/MS.Bna. Hakim tidak menerima gugatan hak ḥaḍānah isteri. Pertanyaan yang diajukan adalah bagaimana pertimbangan Hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyyah Banda Aceh dalam menolak hak ḥaḍānah isteri, dan bagaimana tinjauan hukum Islam terhadap pertimbangan hakim menolak hak ḥaḍānah isteri dalam perkara putusan Nomor 0056/Pdt.G/2017/Ms. Bna? Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pertimbangan hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyyah Banda Aceh dalam menolak hak ḥaḍānah isteri, dan untuk mengetahui tinjauan Hukum Islam terhadap pertimbangan hakim menolak hak ḥaḍānah isteri dalam perkara putusan Nomor 0056/Pdt.G/2017/Ms.Bna. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif, dikaji dengan menggunakan cara deskriptif-analisis-normatif. Dalam putusan Nomor 0056/Pdt.G/2017/Ms.Bna, hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyah Banda Aceh tidak memuat apakah anak diberikan kepada pihak isteri sebagai penggugat ataupun kepada suami sebagai tergugat. Hanya saja, karena anak berada di bawah penguasaan tergugat maka hal ini memberi hak ḥaḍānah tetap berada di bawah asuhan tergugat. Alasan suami membantah jawabah tergugat juga menjadi pertimbangan Hakim. Telah cukup bukti pihak ibu tidak memenuhi syarat mengasuh anak, sebab isteri dapat mengganggu pertumbuhan anak, baik secara psikologi maupun kasih sayang. Putusan hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyah Banda Aceh sudah sejalan dengan ketentuan hukum Islam, karena pihak penggugat atau isteri tidak memenuhi syarat mengasuh anak, yaitu tidak mampu mengasuh anak, juga terlihat dari jawaban dan bantahan dari pihak suami menolak gugatan hak ḥaḍānah isteri. Ketidakmampuan penggugat atau isteri mengasuh anak juga terlihat saat penggugat tidak melanjutkan gugatan hak ḥaḍānah, bahkan menarik kembali tuntutannya semula.
As rachaduras do olhar: para uma revisão do problema escópico em Janela Indiscreta
Authors: Pinto Eduardo Brandão
Published: August 2020

Nos anos 1950, Alfred Hitchcock realizou filmes como Janela Indiscreta e Um Corpo que Cai, que faziam do plano ponto de vista um instrumento estruturante de construção da narrativa fílmica. Durante as décadas seguintes, formou-se uma interpretação que entendia o olhar dos personagens de Hitchcock como a produção de um processo de espelhamento, no qual o eu-que-vê prolifera-se nas coisas-vistas. A janela, de Janela Indiscreta, estaria associada a uma metanarrativa, funcionando como a representação da tela cinematográfica e fazendo do protagonista, Jeffrey, um espectador inscrito dentro do próprio filme.Entretanto, buscando reconhecer as descontinuidades abertas dentro da criação de imagens e cenas desses dois filmes, procuro observar as linhas de força que distinguem a janela – dispositivo de fixidez e invariância espacial – e a tela cinematográfica – dispositivo de visibilização da ação e união de olhares. Com isso, trata-se de buscar um novo estatuto do problema escópico desenvolvido em Janela Indiscreta, menos afeito à unidade de um olhar subjetivo consistente, e mais interessado nas rachaduras abertas nos desacoplamentos entre olhares e dispositivos óticos.
O realismo contemporâneo: a estética do fluxo e o presentismo
Authors: Xavier de Lima Marília , Reis Filho Lúcio
Published: August 2020

O realismo contemporâneo incorpora certos elementos que resultam em um modo de experiência do tempo semelhante à que temos no presente. Logo, o realismo, a cada período histórico, contém modos específicos de trabalhar a experiência cinematográfica seja pelo tema ou pela forma. Procuramos assim entender como o realismo contemporâneo se articula com o modo pelo qual experienciamos o tempo atualmente.
Releituras de Gilberto Freyre pelo cinema brasileiro
Authors: Zan Vitor
Published: August 2020

Críticos, cineastas e acadêmicos fazem incontáveis referências ao livro Casa-grande & Senzalaao comentarem filmes como O som ao redor, Doméstica, Que horas ela volta?e Aquarius. Entretanto, a maioria dessas alusões não condiz com a perspectiva de Gilberto Freyre, e tampouco leva em conta aquilo que distancia os filmes do pensamento do sociólogo. Restringindo-se à esfera do conteúdo, tais aproximações deixam inexploradas uma vasta gama de correspondências possíveis.
Uma sinfonia silenciosa: A cidade contemporânea segundo Harun Farocki
Authors: Flores Luís , Guimarães César
Published: August 2020

Em Contra-música (2004), ao elaborar uma singular figuração da cidade de Lille, o cineasta Harun Farocki põe em questão a superfície visível que hoje constitui o espaço urbano, construída com os novos recursos das tele-tecnologias. Em contraste com as sinfonias pioneiras compostas por Vertov e Ruttman, essa nova partitura contemporânea baseia-se não mais na multiplicidade dos desejos e dos gestos daqueles que percorrem e habitam a cidade,  mas nas imagens que correm silenciosas nas veias de um organismo monitorado pelas câmeras que o perscrutam. Esvaziadas de sentido, reduzidas a operações técnicas ou a esquemas numéricos, tais imagens perdem a potência da invenção (cinematográfica) e acumulam-se incessantemente umas sobre as outras, produzidas pelo olhar maquínico das câmeras de vigilância. Neste artigo, buscamos compreender as peculiaridades do espaço urbano mapeado por Farocki e de que maneira seu trabalho de montagem restitui às imagens da cidade uma secreta dose de legibilidade.
O roteiro e suas relações com os modos de produção no cinema brasileiro dos anos 1950: uma análise a partir de quatro estudos de caso
Authors: Romanzoti Natasha
Published: August 2020

Os anos 1950 foram marcados por uma polarização de ideias no campo cinematográfico brasileiro. As discussões teóricas da década foram diversas vezes contextualizadas na oposição entre um cinema pretensamente industrial versus outro mais artesanal ou independente. O roteiro cinematográfico, por sua vez, se mostrou um ponto importante de separação ideológica entre essas duas vertentes. Enquanto o debate sobre a precisão e utilidade desses termos – cinema industrial e independente - é amplo e ainda não foi esgotado, este artigo pretende analisar como as supostas diferenças (se é que existem) entre estes modos de produção no contexto sociocultural brasileiro dos anos 1950 podem ter influenciado diferentes características da narrativa, como a técnica e o formato do roteiro nacional, bem como aprofundar a discussão até hoje complexa sobre cinema industrial versus independente, a partir de quatro estudos de caso: as análises dos roteiros de O Homem do Sputnik (1959), O Grande Momento (1958), Esquina da Ilusão (1953) e Agulha no Palheiro (1953).