bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Intervention in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (CFS/FMS) A Unique Porcine Serum Polypeptide Nutritional Supplement
Authors: Teitelbaum Jacob , Morello Gaetano , Goudie Sarah
Published: January 2021

Background:

Clinical experience suggested that a unique porcine serum polypeptide extract, used in hospitals for people with severe malnutrition, serendipitously resulted in a dramatic improvement in many fibromyalgia cases.

Aims:

The study aims to determine the effectiveness of a unique polypeptide serum extract in improving the symptoms of CFS and fibromyalgia (CFS/FMS).

Methods:

An open-label prospective study of 43 people with CFS or Fibromyalgia recruited worldwide.

Interventions:

Four 500 mg tablets twice daily for five weeks.

Outcome Measures:

Assessed baseline at five weeks of treatment using a VAS(1-10 points) rating energy, sleep, cognitive function, pain, overall well-being, anxiety, and digestive health, as well as the FIQR. The primary outcome measure was the pre- and post-treatment VAS composite score for the first five symptoms.

Results:

43 subjects completed the three-week treatment trial. 60.5% of subjects rated themselves as improved, with 18.6% rating themselves as much better.

In the 60.5% of subjects that rated themselves as improved, the significant average improvement was seen in all categories:
1. 69.4% increase in energy(p<.001)
2. 69.2% increase in overall well-being(<.001)
3. 53.8% improvement in sleep(<.001)
4. 60.5% improvement in mental clarity(<.001)
5. 37.9% decrease in pain(<.013)
6. 34.8% decrease in anxiety(<.001)
7. 54.6% improvement in digestive symptoms(<.001)
8. FIQR 59.2 to 39.3(<.001)
In six individuals who also had pre- and post IgG antibody levels, total IgG increased by 13.8% on average, with similar improvements seen in the IgG 1-4 subsets.

Conclusion:

Recovery Factors® resulted in markedly improved energy, sleep, cognition, pain relief, calming, digestion and overall well-being in those with CFS/FMS.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04381793.
Diagnosis and Possible Use of Traditional Medicinal Plant to combat COVID-19
Authors: Konyak M. Beyau , Naredi Richa , Rana Ekta , Pandey Ramendra Pati
Published: January 2021

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 has turned into a serious public health concern around the globe. Due to its
high adaptability in every environment, this novel virus has outspread like fire as compared to SARS and MERS but the
fatality rate is lower. This outbreak has caused illness to many people worldwide. Specially, people with lung problems and
other chronic diseases are at high risk. Although there has been a convincing result in the use of chemically synthesis drugs,
it has various limitations and needs performance for the treatment of the novel coronavirus. Therefore, a medicinal plant
might provide a solution for the novel virus along with the recent advancement in computational methods that have paved a
new path to operate complex molecules which will ultimately result in discovering new and advanced drugs.
In this review, we have summarized and analyze plant-based natural product which can be used to boost the immune system
or act as a remedy for patients suffering from a novel virus. This review also focuses on the structure of COVID-19, various
diagnostics tools, preventive measures, and data analysis of the novel Coronavirus of India.
Evolutionary dynamics in discrete time for the perturbed positive definite replicator equation
Authors: Albrecht Amie , Avrachenkov Konstantin , Howlett Phil , Verma Geetika
Published: January 2021

The population dynamics for the replicator equation has been well studied in continuous time, but there is less work that explicitly considers the evolution in discrete time. The discrete-time dynamics can often be justified indirectly by establishing the relevant evolutionary dynamics for the corresponding continuous-time system, and then appealing to an appropriate approximation property. In this paper we study the discrete-time system directly, and establish basic stability results for the evolution of a population defined by a positive definite system matrix, where the population is disrupted by random perturbations to the genotype distribution either through migration or mutation, in each successive generation.
doi: 10.1017/S1446181120000140
Improving Mood Through Community Connection and Resources Using an Interactive Digital Platform: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Ortiz Robin , Southwick Lauren , Schneider Rachelle , Klinger Elissa V , Pelullo Arthur , Guntuku Sharath Chandra , Merchant Raina M , Agarwal Anish K
Published: January 2021

Background

COVID-19 continues to disrupt global health and well-being. In April-May 2020, we generated a digital, remote interactive tool to provide health and well-being resources and foster connectivity among community members through a text messaging platform.

Objective

This study aimed to prospectively investigate the ability of a health system–based digital, remote, interactive tool to provide health and well-being resources to local community participants and to foster connectivity among them during the early phases of COVID-19.

Methods

We performed descriptive and nonparametric longitudinal statistical analyses to describe and compare the participants’ mood ratings over time and thematic analysis of their responses to text messages to further assess mood.

Results

From among 393 individuals seeking care in an urban emergency department in an academic setting, engaged in a two-way text messaging platform, we recorded 287 mood ratings and 368 qualitative responses. We observed no difference in the initial mood rating by week of enrollment [Kruskal-Wallis chi-square H(5)=1.34; P=.93], and the average mood rating did not change for participants taken together [Friedman chi-square Q(3)=0.32; P=.96]. However, of participants providing mood ratings at baseline, mood improved significantly among participants who reported a low mood rating at baseline [n=25, 14.97%; Q(3)=20.68; P<.001] but remained stable among those who reported a high mood rating at baseline [n=142, 85.03%; Q(3)=2.84; P=.42]. Positive mood elaborations most frequently included words related to sentiments of thankfulness and gratitude, mostly for a sense of connection and communication; in contrast, negative mood elaborations most frequently included words related to anxiety.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the feasibility of engaging individuals in a digital community with an emergency department facilitation. Specifically, for those who opt to engage in a text messaging platform during COVID-19, it is feasible to assess and respond to mood-related queries with vetted health and well-being resources.
Development and Feasibility of a Family-Based Health Behavior Intervention Using Intelligent Personal Assistants: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Carlin Angela , Logue Caomhan , Flynn Jonathan , Murphy Marie H , Gallagher Alison M
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Intelligent personal assistants such as Amazon Echo and Google Home have become increasingly integrated into the home setting and, therefore, may facilitate behavior change via novel interactions or as an adjunct to conventional interventions. However, little is currently known about their potential role in this context.

OBJECTIVE

This feasibility study aims to develop the Intelligent Personal Assistant Project (IPAP) and assess the acceptability and feasibility of this technology for promoting and maintaining physical activity and other health-related behaviors in both parents and children.

METHODS

This pilot feasibility study was conducted in 2 phases. For phase 1, families who were attending a community-based weight management project were invited to participate, whereas phase 2 recruited families not currently receiving any additional intervention. Families were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (received a smart speaker for use in the family home) or the control group. The IPAP intervention aimed to promote positive health behaviors in the family setting through utilization of the functions of a smart speaker and its linked intelligent personal assistant. Data were collected on recruitment, retention, outcome measures, intervention acceptability, device interactions, and usage.

RESULTS

In total, 26 families with at least one child aged 5 to 12 years were recruited, with 23 families retained at follow-up. Across phase 1 of the intervention, families interacted with the intelligent personal assistant a total of 65 times. Although device interactions across phase 2 of the intervention were much higher (312 times), only 10.9% (34/312) of interactions were coded as relevant (related to diet, physical activity or well-being). Focus groups highlighted that the families found the devices acceptable and easy to use and felt that the prompts or reminders were useful in prompting healthier behaviors. Some further intervention refinements in relation to the timing of prompts and integrating feedback alongside the devices were suggested by families.

CONCLUSIONS

Using intelligent personal assistants to deliver health-related messages and information within the home is feasible, with high levels of engagement reported by participating families. This novel feasibility study highlights important methodological considerations that should inform future trials testing the effectiveness of intelligent personal assistants in promoting positive health-related behaviors.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN16792534; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16792534
Examining the Relationship Between the Use of a Mobile Peer-Support App and Self-Injury Outcomes: Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kruzan Kaylee Payne , Whitlock Janis , Bazarova Natalya N
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Many individuals who self-injure seek support and information through online communities and mobile peer-support apps. Although researchers have identified risks and benefits of participation, empirical work linking participation in these web-based spaces to self-injury behaviors and thoughts is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between behavioral and linguistic traces on a mobile peer support app and self-injury outcomes.

METHODS

Natural use data and web-based surveys (N=697) assessing self-injury outcomes were collected from 268 users (aged 13-38 years; median 19; 149/268, 55.6% female) of a mobile peer-support app for 4 months. Participants were identified as having posted self-injury content using an internal classifier. Natural log data was used to predict self-injury outcomes in a series of multilevel logistic and linear regressions.

RESULTS

Greater engagement on a mobile peer-support app was associated with a decreased likelihood of self-injury thoughts (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95% CI 0.09-0.73) and fewer intentions to self-injure (b=−0.37, SE 0.09), whereas posting triggering content was associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in behaviors (OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.25-23.05) and having self-injury thoughts (OR 17.87, 95% CI 1.64-194.15). Moreover, viewing triggering content was related to both a greater ability to resist (b=1.39, SE 0.66) and a greater intention to self-injure (b=1.50, SE 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to connect naturally occurring log data to survey data assessing self-injury outcomes over time. This work provides empirical support for the relationship between participation in online forums and self-injury outcomes, and it articulates mechanisms contributing to this relationship.

CLINICALTRIAL
The Classification of Six Common Skin Diseases Based on Xiangya-Derm: Development of a Chinese Database for Artificial Intelligence (Preprint)
Authors: Huang Kai , Jiang Zixi , Li Yixin , Wu Zhe , Wu Xian , Zhu Wu , Chen Mingliang , Zhang Yu , Zuo Ke , Li Yi , Yu Nianzhou , Liu Siliang , Huang Xing , Su Juan , Yin Mingzhu , Qian Buyue , Wang Xianggui , Chen Xiang , Zhao Shuang
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Skin and subcutaneous disease is the fourth-leading cause of the nonfatal disease burden worldwide and constitutes one of the most common burdens in primary care. However, there is a severe lack of dermatologists, particularly in rural Chinese areas. Furthermore, although artificial intelligence (AI) tools can assist in diagnosing skin disorders from images, the database for the Chinese population is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to establish a database for AI based on the Chinese population and presents an initial study on six common skin diseases.

METHODS

Each image was captured with either a digital camera or a smartphone, verified by at least three experienced dermatologists and corresponding pathology information, and finally added to the Xiangya-Derm database. Based on this database, we conducted AI-assisted classification research on six common skin diseases and then proposed a network called Xy-SkinNet. Xy-SkinNet applies a two-step strategy to identify skin diseases. First, given an input image, we segmented the regions of the skin lesion. Second, we introduced an information fusion block to combine the output of all segmented regions. We compared the performance with 31 dermatologists of varied experiences.

RESULTS

Xiangya-Derm, as a new database that consists of over 150,000 clinical images of 571 different skin diseases in the Chinese population, is the largest and most diverse dermatological data set of the Chinese population. The AI-based six-category classification achieved a top 3 accuracy of 84.77%, which exceeded the average accuracy of dermatologists (78.15%).

CONCLUSIONS

Xiangya-Derm, the largest database for the Chinese population, was created. The classification of six common skin conditions was conducted based on Xiangya-Derm to lay a foundation for product research.
Machine Learning Algorithms to Detect Subclinical Keratoconus: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Maile Howard , Li Ji-Peng Olivia , Gore Daniel , Leucci Marcello , Mulholland Padraig , Hau Scott , Szabo Anita , Moghul Ismail , Balaskas Konstantinos , Fujinami Kaoru , Hysi Pirro , Davidson Alice , Liskova Petra , Hardcastle Alison , Tuft Stephen , Pontikos Nikolas
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Keratoconus is a disorder characterized by progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea. If detected at an early stage, corneal collagen cross-linking can prevent disease progression and further visual loss. Although advanced forms are easily detected, reliable identification of subclinical disease can be problematic. Several different machine learning algorithms have been used to improve the detection of subclinical keratoconus based on the analysis of multiple types of clinical measures, such as corneal imaging, aberrometry, or biomechanical measurements.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to survey and critically evaluate the literature on the algorithmic detection of subclinical keratoconus and equivalent definitions.

METHODS

For this systematic review, we performed a structured search of the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science and Cochrane Library from January 1, 2010, to October 31, 2020. We included all full-text studies that have used algorithms for the detection of subclinical keratoconus and excluded studies that did not perform validation. This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations.

RESULTS

We compared the measured parameters and the design of the machine learning algorithms reported in 26 papers that met the inclusion criteria. All salient information required for detailed comparison, including diagnostic criteria, demographic data, sample size, acquisition system, validation details, parameter inputs, machine learning algorithm, and key results are reported in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning has the potential to improve the detection of subclinical keratoconus or early keratoconus in routine ophthalmic practice. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the corneal parameters that should be included for assessment and the optimal design for the machine learning algorithm. We have identified avenues for further research to improve early detection and stratification of patients for early treatment to prevent disease progression.
A Comparison Of Text Mining Versus Diagnostic Codes To Identify Opioid Use Problem: A Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Alzeer Abdullah H. , Jones Josette F. , Bair Matthew J. , Liu Xiaowen , Alfantoukh Lina A. , Patel Jay S. , Dixon Brian E.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

As opioid prescriptions have risen, there has also been a rise in opioid overdose deaths and substance use disorders. Public health systems have tried to improve their ability to detect and intervene in opioid use disorders to prevent death due to overdose.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare two approaches to identify opioid use problems (OUP) using electronic health record data- text mining versus diagnostic codes.

METHODS

Our sample consisted of adults on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), defined as at least ≥ 70 days of supply within 90 days, and who visited a large multi-hospital network within a two-year period, between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. We excluded patients with active cancer or schizophrenia. Text mining results were validated by a semi-assisted human review process and positive predictive value and level of agreement was reported. Each algorithm sought to identify patients who visited a health care facility due to an opioid poisoning event, opioid abuse, or opioid dependence. Population characteristics for positive OUP identified by text mining and ICD cohorts were compared. Chi-square and Fishers exact test were used for categorical data analysis and independent t-test was used to compare means for continuous variables. We further compared the demographics of the cohorts identified by the two methods.

RESULTS

We identified 14,298 eligible LTOT patients. Text mining of relevant electronic clinical notes yielded 127 positive OUP cases compared to 45 cases using International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 codes for the same population. Just eight OUP patients were identified using both methods. The two cohorts differed significantly with respect to age, gender, and other characteristics

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to diagnostic codes, text mining identified more OUP cases with distinct characteristics. Incorporating text-mining techniques into OUP surveillance methods may support better detection of OUP and more accurate estimates of prevalence.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
Implementation of E-prescription for Multidose Dispensed Drugs: Qualitative Study of General Practitioners’ Experiences (Preprint)
Authors: Gullslett Monika Knudsen , Strand Bergmo Trine
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Increased use of pharmaceuticals challenges both capacity and safety related to medication management for patients and changes in how general practitioners (GPs) and other health personnel interact with and follow up with patients. E-prescribing of multidose drug dispensing (eMDD) is 1 of the national measures being tested in Norway.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore GPs’ experiences with the challenges and benefits of implementing eMDD in Norway.

METHODS

Qualitative in-depth and group interviews were conducted with a total of 25 GPs between 2018 and 2020. Transcribed files were saved in NVivo to conduct a step-by-step content analysis. NVivo is a software tool for organizing, managing, and analyzing qualitative data.

RESULTS

The study revealed that eMDD offers many benefits. At the same time, there are several challenges related to information, training, and initiation, as well as to the responsibility for the medication, interactions, and the risk of incorrect medication. An important activity in the start-up phase was an information meeting with pharmacies and technology suppliers, as well as exchanging information and instructions with pharmacies on how to get started. Four analytic themes emerged through the extraction of data: (1) start-up with eMDD (“Be patient”); (2) the need for training; (3) interaction, safety, and efficiency; and (4) the working day with eMDD.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a variation in different GPs’ needs regarding training and information, and considerable variation in competence and motivation related to the use of digital tools. There are also different degrees of understanding the everyday work of the other actors in the medication chain. In particular, the harmonization of medication lists related to the use of time, expenditures, and challenges with technological solutions in the introduction phase was emphasized as a challenge. Overall, GPs who have started using the system report great benefits; these are largely related to an increased overview of patients’ total medication lists, less time spent on prescribing prescriptions, and increased collaboration with pharmacies and nurses, both in service from providers in homes and in nursing homes.
Determinants of Willingness-to-Pay A Premium Price for Integrated Pest Management Produced Fruits and Vegetables in Trinidad
Authors: Kathiravan G , Duraisamy Saravanakumar , Chowdhury Ataharul , Ganpat Wayne
Published: January 2021

Overuse of pesticide in crop production poses enormous challenges to the health of farm families, consumers, and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem approach to crop production that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides. As a result of increasing awareness, education and per capita income, there is an increasing concern for food safety and demand for safe products among consumers of high-income countries. Consequently, this study was conducted among 266 randomly surveyed consumers of an affluent Caribbean country, Trinidad to ascertain the factors influencing consumers Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) a premium price for IPM grown-fruits and vegetables. The consumers responses for the dichotomous question, Would you be Willing to Pay an additional cost of 10% for the IPM produces from the current market prices? were analysed using Binary logit regression model. Results indicated that females ageing over 26 years and having children, those with higher annual income and higher level of education were all most likely to pay a premium to obtain IPM grown fruits and vegetables. Willingness-to-purchase IPM produce was found to increase with income, education and age. The findings of this study are promising to those developing marketing strategies, besides enabling the producers to understand that producing fruits and vegetables through IPM would fetch them premium.
Glycerol Reduces Cross Hybridization on Nitrocellulose Membrane
Authors: Hendarta Narendra Yoga , Aman Abu Tholib , Kusumawati Asmarani , Wibawa Tri
Published: January 2021

Lateral flow assay (LFD) based nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF)  method has been developed recently. The method met point of care testing (POCT) as simple and rapid procedures, less equipment, and can be performance by less skilled technician. NALF based on nucleic acid hybridizationis  more economical then immunochromatography assay which use antibody-antigen recognition. Cross hybridization has issued while used to differentiate organism with high GC content and high homology as high similarity genome. Some techniques has applied to give high stringency condition avoid cross hybridization reaction but need more procedure to apply. We found glycerol applied to buffer assay could reduce cross hybridization on nitrocellulose membrane. The study used 2 kinds of high stringency buffer as PBS and SSC bases and high concentration of ssDNA amplicon as sample. Without glycerol ingredient gave cross hybridization signal on test line. But used glycerol could reduce those even omitted with PBS based buffer assay. Beside those, glycerol could significantly increased hybridization signal in SSC based buffer assay (p<0.05).
KORELASI ANTARA PADAT TEBAR DENGAN INFESTASI EKTOPARASIT PADA UDANG VANAME (Litopenaeus vannamei) DI TAMBAK SUPER INTENSIF
Authors: Adiacahya Eren , Koesdarto Setiawan , Mahasri Gunanti
Published: January 2021

Teknologi budidaya udang yang sudah banyak digunakan di pertambakan di Indonesia, adalah teknologi budidaya yang menggunakan pola super intensif, dengan menggunakan padat tebar yang tinggi, yaitu lebih dari 150 ekor/meter persegi. Padat tebar yang tinggi tersebut dapat mengakibatkan kondisi air sebagai  media mengalami penurunan, sehingga menyebabkan udang mengalami stres dan penurunan pertahanan tubuh, sehingga udang akan mudah terserang penyakit. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk  mengetahui korelasi antara padat tebar dengan infestasi ektoparasit protozoa pada udang vaname (Litopenaeus vannamei) pada tambak super intensif. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Survei, dengan Rancangan Penelitian Cross Sectional Study, pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode proporsive sampling, yang  dilakukan di daerah pertambakan di Kabupaten Tuban. Sampel udang yang diambil masing-masing sebanyak 50 ekor dari 3 petak tambak dengan padat tebar 150, 200 dan 300 ekor/m2. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ektoparasit yang ditemukan pada udang vaname yang dipelihara pada tambak dengan padat tebar tinggi (super intensif) adalah  Zoothamnium, Epistylis dan Vorticella, dengan intensitas berturut-turut sebesar 278,32 ; 391,34 dan 466,02 dengan derajat infestasi berat, pada semua udang yang dipelihara baik pada padat tebar 150, 200 dan 300 ekor/m2. Tidak ada korelasi antara padat tebar dengan infestasi ektoparasit pada udang vaname pada tambak super intensif,  dengan nilai R = 0,394, adanya peningkatan padat tebar tidak diiringi dengan infestasi ketiga genus ektoparasit tersebut.
Overhead for simulating a non-local channel with local channels by quasiprobability sampling
Authors: Mitarai Kosuke , Fujii Keisuke
Published: January 2021

As the hardware technology for quantum computing advances, its possible applications are actively searched and developed. However, such applications still suffer from the noise on quantum devices, in particular when using two-qubit gates whose fidelity is relatively low. One way to overcome this difficulty is to substitute such non-local operations by local ones. Such substitution can be performed by decomposing a non-local channel into a linear combination of local channels and simulating the original channel with a quasiprobability-based method. In this work, we first define a quantity that we call channel robustness of non-locality, which quantifies the cost for the decomposition. While this quantity is challenging to calculate for a general non-local channel, we give an upper bound for a general two-qubit unitary channel by providing an explicit decomposition. The decomposition is obtained by generalizing our previous work whose application has been restricted to a certain form of two-qubit unitary. This work develops a framework for a resource reduction suitable for first-generation quantum devices.
Structure optimization for parameterized quantum circuits
Authors: Ostaszewski Mateusz , Grant Edward , Benedetti Marcello
Published: January 2021

We propose an efficient method for simultaneously optimizing both the structure and parameter values of quantum circuits with only a small computational overhead. Shallow circuits that use structure optimization perform significantly better than circuits that use parameter updates alone, making this method particularly suitable for noisy intermediate-scale quantum computers. We demonstrate the method for optimizing a variational quantum eigensolver for finding the ground states of Lithium Hydride and the Heisenberg model in simulation, and for finding the ground state of Hydrogen gas on the IBM Melbourne quantum computer.
Образы неассоциативных мультилинейных полиномов на алгебре камня, ножниц и бумаги с единицей и её подалгебрах
Authors: Малев Сергей , Пинс Коби
Published: January 2021

Для произвольного поля ${\mathbb F}$ мы рассматриваем коммутативную неассоциативную четырёхмерную алгебру ${\mathfrak M}$ камня, ножниц и бумаги с единичным элементом над полем ${\mathbb F}$ и доказываем, что образ произвольного неассоциативного мультилинейного полинома над ${\mathfrak M}$ является линейным пространством. Тот же вопрос мы рассматриваем и для двух подалгебр: алгебры камня, ножниц и бумаги без единицы, а также, алгебры элементов нулевого следа и нулевой скалярной части.Кроме того, в работе поставлены задачи и рассмотрены вопросы о возможных образах однородных полиномов на этих алгебрах.
Математическое моделирование напряженно-деформированного состояния в металлических средах на основе концепции силовых линий
Authors: Чуканов Александр Николаевич , Терёшин Валерий Алексеевич , Цой Евгений Владимирович
Published: January 2021

В данной статье на базе классических работ Г.~Кирша, \textit{К. Inglis}, Г.~В.~Колосова, Н.~И.~Мусхелишвили в рамках теории упругости и линейной механики разрушения продолжена разработка математического аппарата, который позволяет получать решения ряда трёхмерных задач механики разрушения в упрочнённой металлической среде.

Опираясь на работы \textit{G. R. Irwin}, Г.~И.~Баренблатта, Вестергарда (\textit{Westergaard}), Л.~Д.~Ландау, Е.~М.~Лившица авторы выполнили математическое моделирование напряженно"=деформированного состояния в объёме нагруженного стального образца в окрестностях пор различной морфологии, возникающих в результате эксплуатационных нагрузок и агрессивных воздействий окружающих сред.

Привлечение авторами представлений о силовых линиях поля напряжений в металлической среде позволило им разработать алгоритм определения компонент тензора напряжений около концентраторов в виде пор различной формы. Был рассмотрен стационарный случай при фиксированном соотношении величин внешнего напряжения и предела текучести металлической среды (стали). Разработана методика и создан математический аппарат для расчёта уравнений силовых линий для трёхмерного случая - «поры в форме сферической линзы». Предлагаемый подход подтвердил наличие в окрестностях поры зон, свободных от напряжений, и выявил связь их размеров с морфологией пор и внешним напряжением.
UM OLHAR SOBRE A RECENTE PRODUÇÃO HABITACIONAL DE INTERESSE SOCIAL EM LAJEADO-RS
Authors: Manfredini Tainá , Gonçalves Alice Rauber
Published: January 2021

A produção habitacional de interesse social tem se intensificado desde a criação do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida (PMCMV), com a construção de moradias em larga escala. A implantação de empreendimentos habitacionais afeta desde a urbanização da cidade até a qualidade de vida dos moradores. O presente estudo discute a inserção urbana dos empreendimentos do PMCMV, investigando a recente produção habitacional de interesse social produzida no município de Lajeado – RS, por meio da análise de uma amostra de empreendimentos habitacionais. A análise conta com o auxílio da Ferramenta de Avaliação elaborada pelo Instituto de Políticas de Transporte e Desenvolvimento (ITDP) e possibilita a identificação de quais elementos impactam na qualidade da inserção urbana e da moradia. Os resultados obtidos apontam relação entre o padrão de urbanização do município e os problemas identificados nos empreendimentos habitacionais. A principal contribuição do trabalho está em evidenciar, por meio de indicadores objetivos, os problemas decorrentes do modelo de urbanização atual, como, por exemplo, a precariedade ou total ausência de certas infraestruturas que dão suporte à moradia, como transporte público e passeios adequados.
Tetrandrine modulates SQSTM1-mediated selective autophagy and protects pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Zhong Wenshan , Zhang Jinming , Chen Weimou , Lu Ye , Qiao Yujie , Zeng Zhaojin , Huang Haohua , Zou Fei , Meng Xiaojing , cai shaoxi , Dong Hangming
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive
fatal disease characterized by interstitial remodeling, with high
lethality and a lack of effective medical therapies. Tetrandrine has
been proposed to present anti-fibrotic effects, but the efficacy and
mechanisms of tetrandrine against lung fibrosis has not been
systematically evaluated. We sought to study the potential therapeutic
effects and mechanisms of tetrandrine in lung fibrosis. Experimental
Approach The anti-fibrotic effects of tetrandrine were evaluated in
bleomycin-induced mouse models and TGF-β1-stimulated murine lung
fibroblasts. We performed Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP),
Immunoprecipitation (IP) and mRFP-GFP-MAP1LC3B adenovirus construct to
investigate the novel mechanisms of tetrandrine-induced autophagy. Key
Results Tetrandrine decreased TGF-β1-induced expression of α-smooth
muscle actin, fibronectin, vimentin and type 1 collagen and
proliferation in fibroblasts. Tetrandrine restored TGF-β1-induced
impaired autophagy, accompanied by the up-regulation and enhanced
interaction of SQSTM1 and MAP1LC3-Ⅱ. ChIP studies revealed that NRF2
bound to SQSTM1 promoter in tetrandrine-induced autophagy. Furthermore,
TGF-β1-induced phosphorylated mTOR was inhibited by tetrandrine, with
reduced activation levels of Rheb. In vivo tetrandrine suppressed the
bleomycin-induced expression of fibrotic markers and improved pulmonary
function. Conclusion and Implications Our data suggest that tetrandrine
might be recognized as a novel autophagy inducer, thus attenuating lung
fibrosis. Tetrandrine should be investigated as a novel therapeutic
strategy for IPF.
Impacto físico e psicossocial na criança com câncer em tratamento: avaliando sua qualidade de vida
Authors: Andrade Ana Carolina Machado de , Filipini Rosangela , Liubartas Natália , Coelho Patricia Granja , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida da criança e do adolescente e o impacto físico/psicossocial nesses sujeitos com câncer em tratamento. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo e descritivo com 35 crianças e adolescentes entre 1,7 e 18 anos de idade, na Clínica Pediátrica do Hospital Estadual Mário Covas e no Ambulatório de Oncologia da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, em Santo André, São Paulo. A coleta consistiu em aplicação de questionário para pais e filhos, com o instrumento Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) — Módulo Câncer Versão 3.0 e questionário pediátrico sobre qualidade de vida 4.0 Brasil. Os dados foram analisados e processados pelo software Epi Info, versão 5.3.1. Resultados: Entre 35 crianças, 60% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 8,1 anos, tendo em média os diagnósticos recentes 12,3 meses; e, conforme o diagnóstico, 54,3% eram portadores de leucemias. A dor foi frequente em mais de 50% dos casos, e os aspectos de qualidade de vida afetados ultrapassaram 40% de acordo com os pacientes e seus pais/cuidadores. Conclusões: A qualidade de vida está alterada pelas implicações que a doença desencadeou ao desenvolvimento físico e psicossocial dos indivíduos. A percepção dessas alterações, por parte da maioria dos pais/cuidadores, é similar à de seus filhos.
Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional-20: proposta de classificação e hierarquização entre os idosos identificados como frágeis
Authors: Moraes Edgar Nunes , Carmo Juliana Alves , Machado Carla Jorge , Moraes Flávia Lanna
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar quais os idosos em risco de vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional que devem ser encaminhados para a atenção geriátrica-gerontológica especializada, tendo por base o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico- Funcional-20 (IVCF-20) comparado com os escores da utilização da avaliação geriátrica ampla, utilizado como padrão ouro. Método: O estudo foi transversal, no qual foram comparados os resultados obtidos no IVCF-20 com os resultados verificados na Avaliação Geriátrica Ampla (AGA). Tendo em vista que idosos com escores acima de 6 estão em risco de vulnerabilidade clínico-funcional, objetivou-se definir, entre estes, a partir de qual escore os idosos seriam considerados em alto risco de vulnerabilidade, com base em alta especificidade (igual ou superior a 95%) e sensibilidade não inferior a 50%. Resultados: Identificou-se um ponto de corte de 15 pontos, com sensibilidade de 52% e especificidade de 98%. Conclusão: A elevada especificidade obtida indica que, provavelmente, poucos idosos em risco com pontuação igual ou superior a 15 seriam encaminhados desnecessariamente para a atenção gerontológica especializada, otimizando assim o uso dos recursos em saúde.
Hong Kong’s Stand-off: Indigenous Dynamics and International Perspective
Authors: Salitskii A. I. , Vinogradov A. V.
Published: January 2021

In February 2019, Administration of Hong Kong initiated Extradition Bill, which sparked mass protests in June. The scale of the protests was unprecedented in the history of the SAR and resulted in violent clashes between police force and young radicals organized by ‘localist’ groups. The authors present a short history of interaction between pro-Beijing and pan-democratic camps in the territory concentrated on the reform of the election system of the SAR. They conclude that exacerbation of the political stand-off in Hong Kong started in 2007 when the authorities promised a possible transit to universal suffrage in 2017. The demands for this transit were not satisfied in 2014 leading to ‘Umbrella revolution’ – the first manifestation of radical youth movements. Detecting the causes of the conflict the authors look into the concept of ‘Hong Kong identity’ as opposed to ‘Chinese identity’ popular in sociological studies of the public opinion in the SAR. They try to investigate other reasons for the growing distress and protests of young generation of Hongkongers, both indigenous and exogenous. The latter correlate strongly with a general trend towards deterioration in Sino-American relations. A wide picture showing interference of the US in Hong Kong’s political life and instigation of protests in 2019-2020 is presented. In the stormy 2020, however, political situation in Hong Kong became more stable following adoption of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong by the China’s parliament in late June. Closing some loopholes in the SAR legislation the Law facilitates the fight with radical groups. Still, a major healing in interaction of pan-democrats and loyalists is ahead to address gloomy economic and social situation in the territory.
The Problem of the Deep South of Thailand – Separatism of the Malay Muslims
Authors: Rogozhina N. G.
Published: January 2021

The article examines the history of the development of the nationalist movement of Malay Muslims living inthe south of Thailand, which is more thanhalf a century old and is a demonstrationof their identify in conditions of being inan alien and even hostile religious, cultural and ethnic environment and a form ofprotest against the government policy offorced assimilation. The desire of MalayMuslims for independence, which has taken the form of armed resistance to the central government, is a response to the marginalization of their economic and political position and to the discriminatory policy of the government. Separatism as anideology of ethno-nationalism and as a political movement of Malay Muslims, whichoriginated in the 1940s of the last century, has transformed in the last fifteen yearsinto a religious jihad with an accompanying increase in violence. It is based onsmall groups of militant separatists recruiting their supporters from studentsof traditional Muslim schools. Having almost completely abandoned political activity, the separatists concentrated on carrying out acts of terror. With the emergenceof ISIS and its attempts to create its basein the Muslim countries of Southeast Asia,a threat arose that a local conflict woulddevelop into a transnational one. However, local jihadists, following the interests ofself-survival and adhering to a nationalist ideology, show their distance from ISIS,avoiding involvement in the internationalterrorist movement. The author notes thatdespite the limited social base of terroristseparatist groups, the idea of independenceremains widely demanded in local society. The prolonged nature of the ethno-religious conflict poses the task to resolve it byThai government. Attempts to suppress theseparatism of Malay Muslims by force havebeen unsuccessful, which prompts the Thaigovernment to look for political ways to resolve the conflict in the framework of thenegotiation process with insurgent groups.However, differences in the positions of theparties on the hard core of the problemcomplicate reaching consensus. The authorconcludes that as long as Thai society is divided into “we” and “they”, the basis for thegrowth of Malay nationalism remains.
هيئة الزكاة الوطنية الأندونيسية)بازناس) تقييم إقتصادي إسلامي
Authors: Agustina Ria
Published: January 2021

هدفت هذه الدراسة الي بيان الواقع الميداني والتشريعي للزكاة ومؤسستها في اندونيسية وفي هذه الحالة هيئة الزكاة الوطنية (بازناس)، وبيان عن الهيكل التنظيمي للهيئة ونظامها الداخلي وبيان مدى موافقة وامتثال الواقع التشريعي  المعمول لأنشطة الهيئة مع الأصول الشرعية، وبيان عن كفائتها في الجباية والتوزيع، بالإضافة الى الكشف عن  المشكلات التي تواجهها الهيئة ومحاولة إيجاد الحلول لها، وتميزت الدراسة في انها تبحث عن مؤشر الزكاة الوطني كأداة للتقييم وأداء الزكاة في أندونيسية على مستوي الكل بجميع أنحاء الدولة ولم تختص بفروع المعين. وتوصلت الدراسة إلى النتائج منها : وجود القصور والفجوة بين إجمالي حصيلة الزكاة التي يمكن تحصيلها وحصيلة الزكاة التي تم تحصيلها فعليا، وضعف الوعي المزكي في أداء واجباته، وذلك بناء" على ضعف الدعم الحكومي لمؤسسات الزكاة سواء كانت الدعم في شكل القوانين أو دعم في شكل تخصيص الميزانية الحكومية لتتحمل تكاليف الهيئة في القيام بوظائفها، وضعف ثقة الجمهور لدي الهيئة وذلك بناء على ضعف الكوادر البشرية لدي مؤسسات الزكاة في القيام بوظائفهم ولم يظهر آثار الزكاة على رفاهية المستحق على الوجه الملموس، فينبغي للهيئة تحسين إدارتها في الجباية وتوزيع الزكاة وتنويع آليات دفع الزكاة من ناحية وتنويع برامج التوزيع من ناحية آخرى وكذلك تحسين الاستراتيجية وذلك من اجل تفعيل الزكاة وتأثيرها على المستحقين، بالإضافة الى تحسين نظام قائمات / قائمة البيانات، والتوعية عن الآداة للتقييم أداء الزكاة حتي تتمكن من خلالها معرفة كفاءة الهيئة في الجباية والتوزيع وتصحيح الحالات السيئة في المجتمع.
Evaluation of Hypermedia Tools in Terms of Usability Heuristics for English Language Teaching
Authors: Rao Naidu Vikas , Srinivas Shyamala , Al Raisi Mahmood , Dattana Vishal
Published: January 2021

The technology-assisted teaching and learning process has seen a spurt in growth in the last two decades. The education technology field has rapidly embraced new tools and techniques to enhance the student learning experience. With the evolution of multimedia elements such as digital images, audio, video, graphics, and animation, the learning supported by technology has made learning flexible and accessible in terms of time and place. With Wi-Fi enabled campuses, it is much easier for students to learn using their smart devices enabled by hypermedia content. Hypermedia, also known as active media, is the multimedia content that brings in interactivity, where the user can interact with the system, rather than viewing the content in passive mode. This helps in generating a dialogue between the system and user, sustaining user interest. Some examples of hypermedia are interactive quizzes, games, interactive videos, etc. This study aims to investigate and evaluate four interactive tools, namely FluentU, Duolingo, Livemocha, and Hello English, which are designed for language learning. A qualitative assessment of the applications, including a review of past literature on language learning using tools, was undertaken. The expert evaluation or assessment was done using Jakob Nielsen’s ten heuristics or design guidelines. The objective was to compare the applications by measuring their usability against the standard heuristics. The goal of any usability study is user satisfaction. Through this interface evaluation, the researchers have concluded for designers that could be considered during future development of hypermedia-based tools.
The Effective Integration of Flipped Classroom in ELT Contexts: A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Haghi Maryam
Published: January 2021

The emergence of new technological tools has affected and changed the realm of education to a great extent which has led many language practitioners to adopt gradual innovative steps in their teaching methods. Accordingly, flipped learning has been adopted and implemented in different contexts such as ELT. The purpose of this paper is to provide information regarding the definition of flipped learning, its recent literature, its advantages and disadvantages, and to focus on how to apply this approach in English language teaching and learning contexts. The review shows that this approach meets the principles of personalized learning, constructivism, and student-centered instruction which has brought many benefits for both teachers and students and clearly shows teachers’ and students’ roles have been significantly changed comparing with traditional methods of teaching and learning. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it has brought numerous insights and implications for ELT practitioners. The paper concludes with the recommendations in the literature on promoting flipped classroom environments in ELT teaching and learning contexts, which will help ELT teachers and practitioners who are thinking of implementing new technological tools in their teaching practices.
Motive of Pparthenogenesis: the Uranian Factor and Folklore Tradition
Authors: Dugarov B. S.
Published: January 2021

The motive of parthenogenesis associated with the significance of the uranian factor in the beliefs of the nomadic societies of Central Asia and in the ideological attitudes of the ruling elite is considered. It is noted that the seal of the celestial origin of the steppe rulers — from the Huns to the Turks and Mongols — acted as the guarantor of the legitimacy and sacralization of their supreme power. A comparative analysis of this phenomenon is carried out using the example of the legends about Tanshihai and Ambagan — the founders of the Xianbei and Khitan powers, as well as about Bodonchar — the ancestor of Genghis Khan. Special attention is paid to the solar myth about Alan-goa, the ancestor of the khan’s clan Borjigin, as well as the legend of the birth of Temujin with a wonderful sign of chosenness, which has analogies in the Turkic-Mongol epic legends. The novelty of the research is seen in the attraction for the analysis of oral genealogical myths of different times and the written version contained in the “Secret Legend of the Mongols” and also revealing folklore sources. It is stated that all these plots related to different eras and ethnic formations are typologically close to each other, united by a similar motive of parthenogenesis. It is concluded that this circumstance testifies to a single Tengrian dominant in the worldview and ethnocultural tradition of the nomads, which determined the relevance of the idea of the celestial genesis of the rulers of the Great Steppe and was reflected in folklore.