bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ONLINE-SERVICES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN DISTANCE LEARNING
Authors: Vishniakou U. A. , Kovalev A. P.
Published: July 2018

The article deals with the analysis of distance learning (DL) methods, approaches, technologies, tools, the use as known online services so and developing the new ones. The terminology in area of DL is discussed and differences between correspondence course and DL are done. The development tendencies of distance learning are analyzed. Their technical and organization components are done. The course programs for DL are realizing by software which functions are shown. The typical lines of DL, their advances and lacks are conceded. As DL advances are self activity, individuality, independence and so on. As DL lacks are insufficiently individual, psychological, practical aspects, writing forms of DL and so on.

Technologies and organization of DL including IT are discussed. The tutor activity is divided on two stages: decision of methodological, organizational problems and realization of distance courses. The various kind of online services in DL such as chats, web, TV, video conferences multimedia, robot learning, web-services are shown. Such IT for DL as CD, net, TV, satellite, cloud are discussed.

The models of integration decisions for DL development such as Remote Procedure Calls (RPS), Enterprise Application Integration (EAL), Web-Services (WS), Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) are proposed. The content of e-learning online services including intellectual technologies and cloud computing are done. As new one integration method for DL is Semantic Web and Web-service (SWWS) with knowledge representation support on ontology base and knowledge processing on agents support are representation.
ITEM RESPONSE THEORY AS A TOOL FOR THE ESTIMATION OF A LANGUAGE TEST
Authors: Makarych M. V.
Published: July 2018

Being a part of applied linguistics a language test plays an important role in a modern society. It is used for evaluating person’s language skills not only at educational establishments but also while acquiring citizenship or getting a job. The purpose of the article is the development of a special technique for language test estimation using Item Response Theory (IRT). Short historical review of methods for learning ability estimation is represented. Fundamental principles of Classical and Modern Test Theory is described. The author considers a linguodidactical test as a classical test that patterns four main principles by Kockota V. A. The methodology for the evaluation process of English linguodidactical test with the help of IRT is described in details. Such a linguodidactical test will take into account the level of tasks difficulty, the total amount of tasks, the level of person’s knowledge and testing conditions. This methodology helps to create a test that can assess the real grade of a person being tested.
ALGORITHMIC AND PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAGIARISM DEFINITION IN LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Popova Y. B. , Goloburda A. V.
Published: July 2018

The main advantage of using information technologies in education, which consists in speeding up and simplifying of information exchange, is also its drawback, because it raises the problem of plagiarism. The purpose of this paper is to develop testing text software for uniqueness in learning management systems. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve a range of problems related to the choice of a method for determining plagiarism, its algorithmization and software implementation. The work deals with the methods of shingles, super-shingles, signature methods, vector models of text representation, as well as cluster analysis of text information. The authors suggest a modification of the vector model to improve the accuracy of determining similar documents by creating an N-list of each document separately. As a result, a pairwise comparison of the documents and the formation of the image of one document relative to the N-list of the other will occur. Thus, in the i-th row of the similarity matrix, the coefficients of similarity of all the documents considered relative to the i-th document will be recorded. The proposed modification will also speed up the calculation process, since there is no need to search for common terms for all documents. To analyze a large number of student’s works in order to test them for plagiarism, the authors propose using a cluster approach. Its application showed that the time for determining duplicates for one document and for all documents included in the sample is the same. For the same time it is possible to get all the options for the same works of students. Thus, the use of cluster analysis of text information in determining plagiarism significantly saves both the teacher’s time and computing resources. The software implementation of the proposed algorithms is implemented as a web service in the Java language.
Plant Species Diversity of Naturalized Roughs as Affected by Conversion Strategies
Authors: Pornaro Cristina , Macolino Stefano , De Luca Alessandro , Sallenave Rossana , Leinauer Bernhard
Published: July 2018

Core Ideas

Natural rough areas on a golf course contained 131 plant species.

The botanical composition of the naturalized areas is dominated by only a few species.

Cultural practices can improve species richness and botanical composition.

The efficacy of cultural practices in naturalized roughs depends on the dominant species.

A single cut can improve biodiversity, but can not reduce dominant species.

Golf courses can be characterized as plant communities with a simplified botanical composition. Improving roughs to achieve more naturalized areas can help to enhance the botanical biodiversity on golf courses. A 3‐yr study was conducted in a Mediterranean climate zone with the objectives of investigating the botanical composition of naturalized roughs by analyzing species richness and effective species number, and assessing the effectiveness of different cultural practices to increase biodiversity. Two sites dominated by either Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski (Site 1) or by Festuca rubra L. (Site 2) were selected for the study. Three management practices were randomly assigned to plots within each site in May 2013: (i) mowing followed by biomass removal and verticutting, and subsequent supply of hay to provide seeds of local species; (ii) mowing followed by biomass removal and verticutting; and (iii) areas left unmowed (control). Cultural practices had a significant effect on biodiversity in the short‐term. The number of plant species at Site 1 was higher in plots receiving Management Practices A and B, and at Site 2 in plots receiving Management Practice A. In contrast, management practice had no effect on the percentages of dominant species. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a shift in botanical composition in plots receiving treatments A and B in the second year, while in the last year of the study, the botanical composition of all plots returned to its original state. A single cut in spring was not sufficient to counteract the dominance of highly competitive species.
Genome‐Wide Association Study of Resistance to Cassava Green Mite Pest and Related Traits in Cassava
Authors: Ezenwaka Lydia , Del Carpio Dunia Pino , Jannink Jean-Luc , Rabbi Ismail , Danquah Eric , Asante Isaac , Danquah Agyemang , Blay Essie , Egesi Chiedozie
Published: July 2018

Cassava green mite [CGM, Mononychellus tanajoa (Bondar)] is a dry‐season pest that usually feeds on the underside of young leaves causing leaf chlorosis, stunted growth, and root yield reduction by 80%. Since cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves and roots serve as a primary staple food source, a decline in cassava yield can lead to household food, nutrition, and income insecurity. To evaluate the existence of CGM resistance alleles in the available germplasm, a diversity panel of 845 advanced breeding lines obtained from IITA, CIAT, and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) were evaluated for CGM severity (CGMS), leaf pubescence (LP), leaf retention (LR), stay green, shoot tip compactness, and shoot tip size. A genome‐wide association mapping detected 35 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers significantly associated with CGMS, LP, and LR on chromosome 8. Colocalization of the most significant SNP associated with CGMS, LP, and LR on chromosome 8 is possibly an indication of pleiotropy or the presence of closely linked genes that regulate these traits. Seventeen candidate genes were found to be associated to CGM resistance. These candidate genes were subdivided into seven categories according to their protein structure namely, Zn finger, pentatricopeptide, MYB, MADS, homeodomain, trichome birefringence‐related protein, and ethylene‐responsive transcription factor genes. This study revealed significant loci associated with CGM, not previously reported, which together represent potential sources for the ongoing effort to develop multiple pest‐ and disease‐resistant cassava cultivars.
Biofortification of Hard Red Winter Wheat by Genes Conditioning Low Phytate and High Grain Protein Concentration
Authors: Venegas Jorge P. , Graybosch Robert A. , Wienhold Brian , Rose Devin J. , Waters Brian M. , Baenziger P. Stephen , Eskridge Kent , Bai Guihua , Amand Paul St.
Published: July 2018

Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were used to determine whether the combination of low grain phytate (LPA) conditioned by lpa1‐1 and Gpc‐B1 (where GPC stands for grain protein content) alleles would simultaneously increase beneficial mineral concentrations and grain protein without pleiotropic effects on grain yield. Four different genotypes (LPA‐GPC, LPA‐wild type [WT], WT‐GPC, or WT‐WT) were used as treatments in field experiments in Nebraska. Genotypic effects on senescence, grain yield, grain volume weight, grain protein, Fe, Zn, and other mineral grain concentrations were determined. Low grain phytate alone and in combination with GPC increased dialyzed Zn, Ca, and Mn. Gpc‐B1 had a slight effect on grain protein concentration in the tested genetic backgrounds and environments. The combination of LPA and GPC did not lower grain yield, grain protein, or total grain Fe and Zn concentrations. However, the LPA‐GPC combination significantly reduced grain volume weight. The LPA allele alone reduced grain protein concentration. Introgression of lpa1‐1 alleles into adapted Great Plains winter wheat materials can improve dialyzed Zn, Ca, and Mn concentrations without reducing grain yield and, coupled with introgression of Gpc‐B1, provide more nutritious wheat kernels.
Summary of Advances in the Heat‐Pulse Technique: Improvements in Measuring Soil Thermal Properties
Authors: Wen Minmin , Liu Gang , Horton Robert , Lu Yili , Ren Tusheng
Published: July 2018

Core Ideas

The dual probe heat‐pulse (DPHP) method is used to measure soil thermal properties.

Special care is needed to obtain accurate DPHP measurements in field soil.

A review of theory, instrumentation and procedures needed is presented for DPHP.

This essay provides a summary of “Advances in the Heat‐Pulse Technique: Improvements in Measuring Soil Thermal Properties” recently appearing in Methods of Soil Analysis. Series.
Freely Accessible Chemical Database Resources of Compounds for In Silico Drug Discovery
Authors: Yang JingFang , Wang Di , Jia Chenyang , Wang Mengyao , Hao GeFei , Yang GuangFu
Published: July 2018

Background:

In silico drug discovery has been proved to be a solidly established
key component in early drug discovery. However, this task is hampered by the limitation of
quantity and quality of compound databases for screening. In order to overcome these obstacles,
freely accessible database resources of compounds have bloomed in recent years. Nevertheless,
how to choose appropriate tools to treat these freely accessible databases is crucial. To
the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on this issue.

Objective:

The existed advantages and drawbacks of chemical databases were analyzed and
summarized based on the collected six categories of freely accessible chemical databases from
literature in this review.

Results:

Suggestions on how and in which conditions the usage of these databases could be
reasonable were provided. Tools and procedures for building 3D structure chemical libraries
were also introduced.

Conclusion:

In this review, we described the freely accessible chemical database resources
for in silico drug discovery. In particular, the chemical information for building chemical database
appears as attractive resources for drug design to alleviate experimental pressure.
The Potential Impacts of Tylophora Alkaloids and their Derivatives in Modulating Inflammation, Viral Infections, and Cancer
Authors: Bach Duc-Hiep , Lee Sang Kook
Published: July 2018

Cancer chemotherapies or antitumor agents mainly remain the backbone of current
treatment based on killing the rapidly dividing cancer cell such as tylophora alkaloids and
their analogues which have also demonstrated anticancer potential through diverse biological
pathways including regulation of the immune system. The introduction of durable clinically
effective monoclonal antibodies, however, unmasked a new era of cancer immunotherapies.
Therefore, the understanding of cancer pathogenesis will provide new possible treatment options,
including cancer immunotherapy and targeted agents. Combining cytotoxic agents and
immunotherapies may offer several unique advantages that are complementary to and potentially
synergistic with biologic modalities. Herein, we highlight the dynamic mechanism of
action of immune modulation in cancer and the immunological aspects of the orally active
antitumor agents tylophora alkaloids and their analogues. We also suggest that future cancer
treatments will rely on the development of combining tumor-targeted agents and biologic
immunotherapies.
Gut Mycobiota and Fungal Metabolites in Human Homeostasis
Authors: Mogilnicka Izabella , Ufnal Marcin
Published: July 2018

Background:

Accumulating evidence suggests that microbiota play an important role in host’s homeostasis. Thus far, researchers have mostly focused on the role of bacterial microbiota. However, human gut is a habitat for several fungal species, which produce numerous metabolites. Furthermore, various types of food and beverages are rich in a wide spectrum of fungi and their metabolites.

Methods:

We searched PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify clinical and pre-clinical studies on fungal metabolites, composition of human mycobiota and fungal dysbiosis.

Results:

Fungal metabolites may serve as signaling molecules and exert significant biological effects including trophic, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial actions. Finally, research suggests an association between shifts in gut fungi composition and human health. Changes in mycobiota composition have been found in obesity, hepatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Conclusion:

The influence of mycobiota and dietary fungi on homeostasis in mammals suggests a pharmacotherapeutic potential of modulating the mycobiota which may include treatment with probiotics and fecal transplantation. Furthermore, antibacterial action of fungi-derived molecules may be considered as a substitution for currently used antibacterial agents and preservatives in food industry.
Vasculitis: Decade in Review
Authors: Demir Selcan , Sönmez Hafize Emine , Özen Seza
Published: July 2018

Background:

In the last decade, we have come to better understand and manage the vasculitides. The classification of vasculitides has been revised. Genome- wide association studies and linkage analyses have been undertaken in hope of better understanding the pathogenesis of vasculitides. Comprehensive genetic studies have highlighted new pathways that may guide us in more targeted therapies. Description of the monogenic forms of vasculitis, such as deficiency of adenosine deaminase type 2 (DADA2), Haploinsufficiency of A20 (HA20), have introduced a new perspective to vasculopathies, and introduced alternative treatments for these diseases.

Conclusion:

In this review, the important discoveries in pathogenesis and consensus treatment recommendations from the past decade will be summarized.
Recent Advances in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Diseases and Development of Treatment Modalities
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Jhaveri Vasanti M. , Kay Sae-In Samantha , Greer Aubrey , Sutherland Kyle J. , McMurry Hannah S. , Lin Nicole , Mittal Jeenu , Malhotra Arul K. , Patel Amit P.
Published: July 2018

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The underlying pathology for cardiovascular disease is largely atherosclerotic in nature and the steps include fatty streak formation, plaque progression and plaque rupture. While there is optimal drug therapy available for patients with CVD, there are also underlying drug delivery obstacles that must be addressed. Challenges in drug delivery warrant further studies for the development of novel and more efficacious medical therapies. An extensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of disease in combination with current challenges in drug delivery serves as a platform for the development of novel drug therapeutic targets for CVD. The objective of this article is to review the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, first-line medical treatment for CVD, and key obstacles in an efficient drug delivery.
ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES OF PROJECT COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT IN IRAQ
Authors: Al-Mayahi Hala Taleb , Ismail Syuhaida , Wahab Mohammad Hussaini , Wan Mohd Rani Wan Nurul Mardiah , Che Amat Rohayah
Published: July 2018

Architects are significant initiators for the built environment projects, while architecture is all about communicating effectively with clients. Yet, some problems occur in regard to the mutual transfer of project information between those two parties. Thus, it is essential to enrol a proper system for managing project communication through communication management. Communication management is a notable part of the project management body of knowledge that coordinates and manages the process of exchanging information of the designing projects. However, studies confirmed that practices of communication management are often underestimated and overlooked. This article discusses communication management from architects’ perspectives with the objectives of determining the current practice in Iraq and examining the required communication competencies to improve it. An online questionnaire survey was administered via surveymonkey.com to 100 architects working in private firms in Basra City, south of Iraq. The collected data were analysed with Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The analyses for the two objectives showed that Iraqi architects have little information and knowledge in project communication management, where standards and methodologies are not followed. The results also indicated the top-rated competencies to be obtained. Thus, this article concludes that there is a need to introduce communication management as an evolving knowledge area to the architects in Iraq, and develop its implementation through communication competencies that attempt to fulfil clients’ requirement and aspirations regarding the architectural design.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AMONG AGEING RESIDENTS OF HOUSING COMPLEXES IN SUBURBAN TOKYO: THE CASE OF HARAICHI-DANCHI AND OYAMADAI-DANCHI IN AGEO CITY
Authors: Nordin Nadhirah , Nakamura Hitoshi
Published: July 2018

Globally, developed nations such as Japan are currently facing an ageing population. The health and social care system in the living environment for the elderly population in Japan must engender strong social ties and social networks that can connect the elderly people and promote active ageing. This research aims to identify the extent of social capital among the ageing population in Haraichi-danchi and Oyamadai-danchi, which are housing complexes located in Ageo City, a suburb of Tokyo. This article focuses on residents in the 60s and 70s age groups. A questionnaire survey was conducted and was divided into three parts which include the basic attributes of the residents, the elements of bonding social capital and bridging social capital. Then, cross-tabulations were done between the age groups and both the social capital categories. Next, chi-square and further post-hoc analyses were conducted to determine the strongest association between the variables. The results show a significant association between the 60s and 70s age groups for both bonding and bridging social capital. The variation of results may be influenced by the physical environment of the housing complexes in which they are currently living.
COMFORT CHARACTER OF LANDSCAPE FEATURES OF TRADITIONAL STREETS IN AMMAN, JORDAN
Authors: Alamoush Saja Jamil , Jaafar Nor Haslina , Mohd Husini Elina , Wan Ismail Wan Norisma
Published: July 2018

Fast expanding of urban development changes the street function and gives priority for vehicles, which effects the urban fabric and cultural life of the city. It makes walking in the street difficult and uncomfortable. Hence, this research aims to explore the influence of landscape features towards comfort character of traditional streets in Amman, Jordan. The case study was Rainbow Street in Amman, the capital city in Jordan. Mixed-method approach was used in this study, which involved direct observation (visual and behavioural) and user perception (survey and in-depth interviews) techniques. The data was analysed through thematic analyses for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. The results show that landscape features that contribute towards comfort character could be divided into two main categories, namely, pedestrian amenities and sidewalk. This should be taken into consideration in the design of the existing and future streets in Jordan.
SEGREGATED LAND USE SPRAWL: TOD APPROACH FOR MIXEDUSE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN KUALA LUMPUR
Authors: Rosni Nur Aulia , Ponrahono Zakiah , Mohd Noor Noorzailawati
Published: July 2018

Spatial analysis of current land use provides useful insight on urban development trend specifically in measuring sprawl growth. Remote sensing and GIS technologies were applied in this research to measure the phases of segregated urban sprawl growth, focusing on the aspect of mixed land use planning. The findings proved that Kuala Lumpur is currently facing segregated land use sprawl based on the measurement derived from one of LUGI component. This type of sprawl transpired within the residential zone in Kuala Lumpur city, demoting mixed-use development by unravelling different classes of land uses into singleuses, thus promoting high dependency on motorised vehicle and discouraging public and pedestrian modes of transportation. The transit-oriented development is one of necessary approaches to control segregated sprawl and promotes mixed-use development in housing areas within the city.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY WARNING SYSTEM AT TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD SULTAN ABU BAKAR HYDROELECTRIC SCHEME, LEMBAH BERTAM, CAMERON HIGHLAND
Authors: Mohd Hussain Mohd Ramzi , Zen Ismawi , Muda Rahsidi Sabri , Thiruchelvam Sivadass , Tukiman Izawati , Ahmad Shazili Aishah Naqiah
Published: July 2018

This article presents the community awareness on the implementation of Early Warning System (EWS) in a well-planned Integrated Community-Based Disaster Management (ICBDM) that covers all Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) hydroelectric schemes. In Cameron Highland, Lembah Bertam and further downstream villages were reported to have the highest occurrence of floods especially during monsoon season, which makes the area vulnerable. This study incorporates and synergizes three major stakeholders; the community; local authority; and TNB; gearing towards minimizing loss of life and property damages in the event of a dam related disaster. The aim of this article is to assess the level of awareness and perceptions of the directly affected communities towards the implementation of EWS. Their heightened awareness would help to reduce their vulnerability in the event of future disaster. This study opted for a quantitative approach, which included a questionnaire survey. The findings revealed that the demographic characteristics influenced community awareness regarding the implementation of EWS. Most of the respondents accepted the EWS positively and understood the importance of EWS. Thus, the community members have the right to know and understand the hazard they should be expecting so they can plan for themselves and make informed choices to reduce their vulnerability.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN URBAN PUBLIC SPACES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY. CASE STUDY OF TEHRAN, IRAN
Authors: Esfandfard Elnaz , Wahab Mohammad Hussaini , Che Amat Rohayah
Published: July 2018

Urban public spaces play important role in providing good quality of life to the people living in the city. This is in line with the social goal on sustainable development, which the purpose is to attain a higher social equity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of global population are disabled. During the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq, many of the victims in Iran were left disabled. The war left many people injured and this has significantly increased the impairment rate. Amongst the problems faced by people with disability in Tehran are difficulty traveling in the city, lack of public facilities and accessibility to particular facilities such as urban public spaces. This study first sought a definition of urban public spaces and Universal Design, and then finding solution for increasing interaction of people with disability in urban public spaces through Universal Design approach. This research was based on applied theory and qualitative method of field observation was engaged. One of the city district in Tehran was chosen for a case study. Based on the findings, urban design methods and solutions were suggested to increase the interaction and comfort of disabled people in urban public spaces.
MEASURING THE SWAY OF IMPERCEPTIBLE FACTORS IN SHAPING THE DISTINCT CHARACTER OF ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE AND CITY PLANNING
Authors: Kelly Tamara
Published: July 2018

In India, great obey to nature is evident in architecture, and the essence of life is fairly apparent in city planning. Human kind reflects his perception of life in architecture by locating the spaces within the dwelling in particular order to ensure great harmony with positive and negative forces of the cosmos. Modern architecture shaped by political and economic factors resulted in sameness among most of contemporary capitals or developments, ignoring farming and human needs that has caused decays in urban fabric, and resulting in high level of gas emissions in mega cities. By contrast, ancient architecture in India connects the occupants with surrounding environment and ensure harmony between humans and nature through many aspects, and scale is a great element being considered in space and city planning leading into the Mandala graph. In Indian philosophy, disproportion and detachment of mankind from nature and surrounding environment lead to disaster. Hence, the Mandala diagram addresses all the existence taking into account farming, human scale and needs. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of intangible factors such as traditional beliefs and religions in shaping the astonishing character of Indian architecture. Furthermore, it delves ino many metaphysic theories to test their influences on evolving the Mandala diagram and the logic behind the distribution of functions within its parts.
URBAN MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK FOR CONSERVATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mohamed Syahidah Amni , Harun Nor Zalina , Abdullah Alias
Published: July 2018

A closer look on scientific research and professional practice concerning on the planning and management of historic towns significantly reveals the absence of integrated approaches for urban morphological analysis as a diagnostic tool to interpret the evolutionary process of its physical form. Such circumstances have influenced the transformation of urban fabric which eventually contributed to fragmented urban landscape. This study aims to provide a unifying conceptual framework represented by morphological aspects of city block as spatial units. Through a conceptual comparative approach, the framework draws upon a typo-morphological approach that integrates the process typological approach and historico-geographical approach. The findings revealed that there were three main phases in construing the framework. Firstly, the pertinent basis of urban analysis can be delineated at the typological scale of city (citta); representing by building typology at its most basic level. Consequently, to establish the interrelationship between elements of urban form, the most relevant level of resolution is on the taxonomy of sertum (block) and textus (plot series); emphasizing the representation of urban block as spatial unit. In the final phase, the inherited spatial structure of the town is unveiled according to four process of morphological region. The framework developed will ensure a clear urban form which is necessary for technical functioning and visual legibility for conservation of Early Malay town.
Mobile Health Systems for Community-Based Primary Care: Identifying Controls and Mitigating Privacy Threats (Preprint)
Authors: Iwaya Leonardo Horn , Fischer-Hübner Simone , Åhlfeldt Rose-Mharie , Martucci Leonardo A
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Community-based primary care focuses on health promotion, awareness raising, and illnesses treatment and prevention in individuals, groups, and communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the leading actors in such programs, helping to bridge the gap between the population and the health system. Many mobile health (mHealth) initiatives have been undertaken to empower CHWs and improve the data collection process in the primary care, replacing archaic paper-based approaches. A special category of mHealth apps, known as mHealth Data Collection Systems (MDCSs), is often used for such tasks. These systems process highly sensitive personal health data of entire communities so that a careful consideration about privacy is paramount for any successful deployment. However, the mHealth literature still lacks methodologically rigorous analyses for privacy and data protection.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for MDCSs is presented, providing a systematic identification and evaluation of potential privacy risks, particularly emphasizing controls and mitigation strategies to handle negative privacy impacts.

METHODS

The privacy analysis follows a systematic methodology for PIAs. As a case study, we adopt the GeoHealth system, a large-scale MDCS used by CHWs in the Family Health Strategy, the Brazilian program for delivering community-based primary care. All the PIA steps were taken on the basis of discussions among the researchers (privacy and security experts). The identification of threats and controls was decided particularly on the basis of literature reviews and working group meetings among the group. Moreover, we also received feedback from specialists in primary care and software developers of other similar MDCSs in Brazil.

RESULTS

The GeoHealth PIA is based on 8 Privacy Principles and 26 Privacy Targets derived from the European General Data Protection Regulation. Associated with that, 22 threat groups with a total of 97 subthreats and 41 recommended controls were identified. Among the main findings, we observed that privacy principles can be enhanced on existing MDCSs with controls for managing consent, transparency, intervenability, and data minimization.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there has been significant research that deals with data security issues, attention to privacy in its multiple dimensions is still lacking for MDCSs in general. New systems have the opportunity to incorporate privacy and data protection by design. Existing systems will have to address their privacy issues to comply with new and upcoming data protection regulations. However, further research is still needed to identify feasible and cost-effective solutions.
The Quality of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Information Resources for Patients on the Internet in Korea (Preprint)
Authors: So In Tae , Jang Byoung Kuk , Lee Yoo Jin , Jung Hye In , Hwang Jae Seok
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The Internet has a wide range of health information resources, and many patients uses the internet to obtain information about their diseases. However, there is increasing concern regarding the quality of internet information.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we aimed to systematically evaluate the quality of websites containing educational information about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Korea.

METHODS

Naver™, Daum™, and Google™ search engines were searched using the term "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" in Korean. Two reviewers independently evaluated website quality using the quality evaluation instrument (QEI), which awarded websites scores for specific information on various aspects of NAFLD, as well as a five-point Likert scale (1-5), the DISCERN instrument, and a global quality scale (GQS).

RESULTS

Forty-seven websites met the inclusion criteria. We found that the quality of the internet information about NAFLD is generally poor. The mean QEI score with standard deviation was 10.31 ± 5.09 (range 4-22), with only 17% of websites scoring higher than 10 points. The median GQS of the websites was 2.0, with no website achieving a score of 4 or 5. The QEI score was highly associated with the GQS score (r = 0.74, p<0.01). For each DISCERN question from question 1 to question 15, the mean score was less than 3. The intraclass scores, which indicate inter-rater agreement, for the QEI, GQS, and the total DISCERN score were 0.85 (p<0.01), 0.84 (p<0.01), and 0.89 (p<0.01) respectively, indicating an acceptable agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the internet health information for patients regarding NAFLD is poor and in need of much improvement. There is a need for institutional support, qualitative regulation of internet information, and development of an accreditation system to provide patients with internet health information of appropriate quality.
Magnesium for the Management of Chronic Noncancer Pain in Adults: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Park Rex , Ho Anthony M-H , Pickering Gisèle , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Mohiuddin Mohammed , Gilron Ian
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent and complex health problem that is associated with a severe symptom burden, as well as substantial economic and social impact. Many patients with chronic pain still suffer from unrelieved or undertreated pain due to the incomplete efficacy and dose-limiting adverse effects of current therapies. Long-term and high-dose opioid use has considerably increased in the past 20 years despite limited evidence supporting its effectiveness in several chronic pain conditions, and serious concerns have emerged regarding adverse effects and potential misuse. Until recently, the steady increase in opioid prescribing rates has been associated with rising opioid-related mortality and other serious problems, emphasizing the need for better nonopioid therapies. Emerging evidence supports the safe use of magnesium in controlling chronic pain, but its overall efficacy and safety is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to assess the efficacy and safety of magnesium compared with a placebo for the treatment of chronic noncancer pain.

METHODS

We will conduct a detailed search on Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE from their inception until the date the searches are run to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The reference lists of retrieved studies as well as Web-based trial registries will also be searched. We will include randomized double-blind trials comparing magnesium (at any dose, frequency, or route of administration) with placebo using participant-reported pain assessment. Two reviewers will independently evaluate studies for eligibility, extract data, and assess trial quality and potential bias. Risk of bias will be assessed using criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions. Primary outcomes for this review will include any validated measure of pain intensity or pain relief. Dichotomous data will be used to calculate the risk ratio and number needed to treat or harm. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

This protocol is grant-funded and has undergone a peer-review process through the Queen’s University Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Vandewater Endowed Studentship. This project is also supported, in part, by the Chronic Pain Network of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research. The electronic database search strategies are currently being developed and modified. The entire review is expected to be completed by January 1, 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The completion of this review is expected to identify available high-quality evidence describing the efficacy and safety of magnesium for the treatment of chronic noncancer pain.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

PRR1-10.2196/11654
Additional Value and Business Efficiency of Various Processing Bananas Product in The Border Area of Sebatik Island
Authors: Indana Fairuz , Irham Irham , Mulyo Jangkung Handoyo
Published: July 2018

People who are living in banana production centers such as Sebatik Island have the opportunity to develop the products. Therefore, the purpose of this research are: (1) to know the added value from banana processing business in the border area of Sebatik Island and (2) to know the relative efficiency level of each banana processing business in the border area of Sebatik Island. The method used in this research was the added value of Hayami method which is to know the added value and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method of CCR with input orientation which is to know the relative efficiency level of banana processing business. The study of the added value of various proceed banana in the border area of Sebatik Island showed that the banana processing commodities provided an average added value of  IDR 16,375.28 /kg. The relative efficiency analysis of 15 DMU of banana processing agroindustry showed that most of the banana processing agroindustry in the border area of Sebatik Island is not efficient yet. 40% of banana processing agroindustry is efficient and other 60% is inefficient. The average relative efficiency value of banana processing agroindustry is 0.737.
Feasibility of Chrysanthemum Farming in Tomohon City
Authors: Lagana Christy Adeleine , Darwanto Dwidjono Hadi , Masyhuri Masyhuri
Published: July 2018

This research entitled “Feasibility of Chrysanthemum Farming in Tomohon City”. Chrysanthemum is one of floriculture commodities that people are interested and popular due to its many species and its beautiful shape and colour. Tomohon is a town in North Sulawesi Province that having potential to develop cut flower chrysanthemum. This research was intended to identify cost and income of chrysanthemum farming in Tomohon and its farming feasibility. Cost and income approach was used to identify costs and income of chrysanthemum farming in Tomohon, while feasibility of chrysanthemum farming was analyzed using R/C ratio, π/C ratio and break even point analysis. Sample was taken using simple random sampling in 4 Villages on North Tomohon Sub-district that is centre of chrysanthemum farming in Tomohon. Results of the research indicated that cost for the chrysanthemum farming is Rp 128,330,475.42 per farming per year, while its income reaches Rp 169,750,054.50 per farming per year. Result of feasibility study indicated that chrysanthemum farming in Tomohon has R/C ratio of 2.63 (R/C >1), p/C ratio of 113.58% (p/C>9%), and feasible BEP, where BEP of revenue of Rp 27,472,521.11 (farming  revenue Rp 274,086,000 per year), BEP of production of 9,156 stems (production 91,362 stems per year) and BEP of price of Rp 1,142.01 per stem (price Rp 3,000 per stem). Therefore, chrysanthemum farming in Tomohon is profitable and feasibly to develop.
Editorial
Authors: Ulloa Hung Jorge
Published: July 2018

No precisa de un resumen.
Voces con caudal, de Carlos Enrique Cabrera
Authors: Guerrero José G.
Published: July 2018

Se presenta aquí una reseña del libro más reciente del profesor del INTEC Carlos Enrique Cabrera: Voces con Caudal.
Trump, Snakes and the Power of Fables
Authors: Stevens Katharina
Published: July 2018

At a recent rally, Donald Trump resumed a habit he had developed during his election-rallies and read out the lyrics to a song. It tells the Aesopian fable of The Farmer and the Snake: A half frozen snake is taken in by a kind-hearted person but bites them the moment it is revived. Trump tells the fable to make a point about Islamic immigrants and undocumented immigrants from Southern and Central America: He claims the immigrants will cause problems and much stricter immigration-policies are needed.

I assume that Trump treats the fable as an argumentative device for supporting his stance on immigration. He uses it as a source-analogue both for the conclusion that immigrants will cause problems and for changing the frame in which immigrants and those willing to let them enter are seen. This gives me opportunity to examine the effect fables have as argumentative devices. Fables are a popular and effective choice for political argumentation. They are slimmed down, semi-abstract narratives, well suited for directing the audience's attention to a few properties of an otherwise complex situation. However, this also makes it easy to use them for manipulating an audience into oversimplifying complex contexts and stereotyping human beings.
The Epistemic Value of Deep Disagreements
Authors: Lougheed Kirk
Published: July 2018

In the epistemology of disagreement literature an underdeveloped argument defending the claim that an agent need not conciliate when she becomes aware of epistemic peer disagreement is based on the idea that there are epistemic benefits to be gained from disagreement. Such benefits are unobtainable if an agent conciliates in the face of peer disagreement. I argue that there are good reasons to embrace this line of argument at least in inquiry-related contexts. In argumentation theory a deep disagreement occurs when there is a disagreement between fundamental frameworks. According to Robert J. Fogelin disagreements between fundamental frameworks are not susceptible to rational resolution. Instead of evaluating this claim I argue that deep disagreements can lead to epistemic benefits, at least when inquiry is in view. Whether rational resolution is possible in cases of deep disagreements, their existence turns out to be epistemically beneficial. I conclude by examining whether this line of argument can be taken beyond research-related contexts.Dans la littérature sur l'épistémologie du désaccord, un argument sous-développé pour une approche non conciliatoire se fonde sur l'idée qu'il y a des bénéfices épistémiques à tirer du désaccord. De tels bénéfices sont impossibles à obtenir si un agent se concilie face au désaccord avec ses pairs, du moins dans les contextes liés à la recherche. Dans la théorie de l'argumentation, un désaccord profond se produit lorsqu'il y a un désaccord entre des propositions cadres. Je soutiens que des désaccords profonds peuvent mener à des avantages épistémiques, du moins dans le contexte de la recherche. Que la résolution rationnelle soit ou non possible en cas de désaccord profond, leur existence s'avère être bénéfique sur le plan épistémologique.
Composing with Gaia: Isabelle Stengers and the Feminist Politics of the Earth
Authors: TOLA MIRIAM
Published: July 2018

This essay brings the work of Isabelle Stengers into the fold of feminism to propose a feminist politics of the earth that disrupts the fantasy of human exceptionalism underpinning much Anthropocene discourse. I begin by situating Stengers’s political use of Gaia theory in current debates on the Anthropocene. Next, I show how Stengers’s reworking of Gaia helps in reconsidering the relations between two bodies of feminist theory—Deleuzian feminism and Marxist ecofeminism—that are rarely brought into conversation. On this basis, I explore what a feminist politics of composition with the earth might look like.
Sacred Genealogies: Spiritualities, Materiality and the Limits of Western Feminist Frames
Authors: HOLMES CHRISTINA M.
Published: July 2018

After a turbulent period during which feminist studies disavowed ecofeminism, the field is finding new popularity with strains that have made their way into gender and sustainable development studies and new material feminisms. To do so, they have had to evacuate all traces of spirituality. This essay reviews the circumstances under which spiritual ecofeminisms fell from favor before turning to theologians, religious studies scholars, and Chicana feminist theorists and artists for whom spirituality plays a central role. It asks: how can we take spirituality and religion seriously again in ecofeminism? Is there room to respect spirituality even in feminist environmental safe houses, whether socialist and development oriented or science-infused new material approaches? This essay concludes with artist Amalia Mesa-Bains’s installations as a case study to illustrate what Chicana environmentalisms could teach us about materiality and spirituality within a decolonial framework.
A Roundtable on Thomas Nail’s "The Figure of the Migrant"
Authors: WESTMORELAND Prepared by MARK WILLIAM
Published: July 2018

This international ensemble of scholars discuss Thomas Nail’s The Figure of the Migrant (Stanford UP, 2015). These scholars represent various disciplines within the academy and divergent methodologies. One thing we share in common, though, is the opinion that the migrant needs to occupy a more significant place within our political theory and policy. Nail’s book is one of kinopolitics, that is, a politics of movement. It provides a kind of theory of social motion. According to Nail, the book offers a remedy to problems in how the migrant is typically theorized, namely that (a) the migrant is understood as a derivative figure in contrast to the stable denizen and (b) the migrant is discussed through the lens of the state. His remedial maneuver mobilizes the potential to understand the figure of the migrant by placing the migrant in the primary position, by offering a political philosophy of the migrant.
Meillassoux, Correlationism, and the Ontological Difference
Authors: Bruno G. Anthony
Published: July 2018

Meillassoux defines “correlationism” as the view that we can only access the mutual dependence of thought and being—specifically, subjectivity and objectivity—which he attributes to Heidegger. This attribution is inapt. It is only by accessing being—via existential analysis—that we can properly distinguish beings like subjects and objects. I propose that Meillassoux’s misattribution ignores the ontological difference that drives Heidegger’s project. First, I demonstrate the inadequacy of Meillassoux’s account of correlationism as a criticism of Heidegger and dispense with an objection. Second, I argue that Meillassoux’s neglect of the ontological difference stems from a question-begging appeal to transcendental realism, which is at odds with Heidegger’s twin claims for a variety of transcendental idealism in Being and Time. Third, I offer a reflection on three general marks of transcendental idealism.