bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR IN OPEN SPACE AROUND SPRING WATER IN A CENTRAL AREA OF MITO-CITY IN JAPAN
Authors: Kumazawa Takayuki
Published: November 2021

In this study, this study demonstrated a transition of surround environment and human behavior around each spring water. Firstly, 38 places of spring water remaining in Mito city were investigated. As results, spring water was used as drinking water, washing water and fire water. Spring water close to farmland was used as water for agriculture. However, in recent years, although water quality was degraded, it could no longer be used as drinking water. Therefore, a park with hydrophilic water is recently building. Some water located around shrines was sacred place as a God of water and place for cleanse themselves. In addition, some spring water was used as a method of environmental education, prevention training and ponds for fish. From these findings, this study proposes multipurpose spring water use in future.
MEASURING THE DIMENSIONS AND ATTRIBUTES OF LIVEABILITY OF LOW-INCOME HOUSING COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Iyanda Sule Abass , Mohit Mohammad Abdul
Published: November 2021

Housing is a basic human need and its liveability transcends beyond the perimeter of the housing unit. The quality of the living environment is important for an individualâ€™s wellbeing. The factors that contribute to the inhabitantsâ€™ satisfaction in a living environment are essential inputs in monitoring the success of housing policies of the government. This paper measured the dimensions and attributes of the living environment of the public low income housing estates in Minna, Niger State. A questionnaire was administered to 400 household heads in the three selected housing estates based on stratified random sampling. 366 questionnaires were returned and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Results showed that residents are satisfied with housing unit and economic vitality, but dissatisfied with neighbourhood facilities, and socialinteraction was lacking among the residents. Also, residents are apprehensive of their safety. This study recommends an immediate improvement of neighbourhood facilities in these housing estates.
REVITALIZATION OF CHINATOWN AREA AS SUSTAINABLE URBAN HERITAGE IN THE CITY OF MANADO
Authors: Lahamendu Verry , O. Waani Judy , E. Tungka Aristotulus
Published: November 2021

China Village or Town is an urban region with Chinese as majority of the community. The China Town is located at the old part of the city of Manado and is well known as one of the oldest trade centres in Manado. As one of the urban heritage in the city of Manado, the Chinatown has unique landmarks with temples that are religious buildings for the Chinese community. With time, the quality of the environment has degraded and the image of the Chinatown has become vague.This paper investigates the existing condition of the town through site observation. It then proposes several suggestions with regard to the revitalisation of the Chinatown without discarding its existing function as a one of the trade centres in Manado. It is hoped that the revitalisation of the town would improve the quality of its urban environment that at the end would positively impact the quality of life of its dwellers, and construct the image of the city as a whole.
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN MELAKA UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE AREA: A SUCCESS IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE SECTOR?
Authors: Amir Syakir , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Bachok Syahriah , Ibrahim Mansor , Zen Ismawi
Published: November 2021

Community-based Tourism (CBT) is a tool for local economic development due to its capability and strength to provide economic sources to the resident destination. Given its focus on benefiting the local community, CBT has attracted a significant degree of academic attention. However, to date, there has been little discussion and evidence based on comprehensive studies on local economicbenefits with regards to tourism activities in Malaysia as compared to other regions. This study examined touristsâ€™ expenditure on food and beverage, and its contribution to the local economic in Melaka UNESCO World Heritage area. A total of 1,000 diary record survey were collected. Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) was used to model interaction of domestic and international tourists. The results revealed 22.1% of the tourists spent between RM16.00-RM147.50 per trip for breakfast, lunch and dinner. However, only 9% (breakfast), 34% (lunch) and 43% (dinner) were channelled to local economy
PERCEPTION OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ON SAFE DISTANCE FOR CHILDREN TO TRAVEL TO PUBLIC AREAS
Authors: Mohamed Osman Mariana , Abdullah Muhammad Faris , Khalid Najihan , Bachok Syahriah , Rabe Noor Suzilawati , Shuid Syafiee , Ponrahono Zakiah
Published: November 2021

Children safety is of utmost important. Children are susceptible to safety risk while traveling to public areas such as schools, parks and bus stops. Perception of parents and guardians on the safety of their children determines their decision whether or not to allow their children to travel to public areas and how. This study looks at the perception of parents and guardians on the safe distance for children to travel to public areas. 4,500 respondents were surveyed. It was found thatparents and guardians perception of safe distance is heavily influenced by distance and childrenâ€™s age factors.
THE BENEFITS OF RIVER INDICATORS TO ASSESS THE ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF IIUM CAMPUS
Authors: Harun Nor Zalina , Mansor Mazlina , Abu Noh Safiah
Published: November 2021

The concept of sustainable campus has emerged from the social, economic and environmental impacts due to anthropogenic activities around the world. One of the initiatives of sustainable campus is the application of ecological indicators. The indicators provide information about the current condition and early warning on the possible risks of environmental impacts to the campus environment. However, lack of understanding on the values of natural ecosystem in campusand the lack of proper planning has led to the depletion of natural ecosystem. The study seeks to examine river degradation in IIUM campus and to explore the benefits of river indicators towards achieving IIUM as an ecologically sustainable campus. Data were gathered using a qualitative approach involving three methods of data collection namely: (i) document analysis, (ii) semi-structured interview and (iii) site inventory. The finding reveals that the application of river channel morphology indicators is an important basis for physical planning in making a campus ecologically sustainable. Further analysis suggests that the suitable indicators to assess the condition of IIUM River are the river channel morphology indicators such as width, depth, channel pattern and slope ratio. The process of selecting the indicators are carried out based on six criteria of good indicators discussed in this study. The study concluded that the application of river channelmorphology indicators is a critical process in physical planning of a sustainable campus as it contributes in preventing the loss of natural ecosystem and it offers a credible basis for creating a conducive place for campus residents.
THE INTEGRATION OF MOSQUES AND CHURCHES TO URBAN PLANNING OF IBADAN NIGERIA: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Authors: Mikail Abiola Ibraheem
Published: November 2021

In the face of the uncontrolled expansion of Nigerian towns and cities since independence, urban planners and other stakeholders have accepted that development policies for urban and rural areas have failed or have not worked as expected. Cities in Nigeria, especially, Ibadan have been observed to have changed in size, spatial organization or morphology, quality and distribution of public services and infrastructure, and in its employment base. Despite many efforts aimed at resolving the urban problems through the enactment of plethora of planning laws and regulations, the administration and implementation of these laws and regulation have been problematic, especially due to the rapid increase of religious sites (places of worship) such as churches and mosques in Ibadan. The objective of this paper is to propose a solution to the problems created by religious sites in the planning of Ibadan. The study employs a qualitative research design using survey method, with field observation as the research instrument used for data collection.
A REVIEW ON SUSTAINABLE WELLBEING INDICATORS FOR HUMAN INTERRELATIONSHIPS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah , Mohamed Osman Mariana , Bachok Syahriah , Zen Ismawi , Abdullah Muhammad Faris
Published: November 2021

The environment should appear not only as a commodity to humans but as an inspiring source that appeals to humansâ€™ ethical ability. In Malaysia, studies concerning factors influencing pro-environmental behaviours are vast. However, studies on interrelationships between humans and the contextual surroundings are scarce. Towards achieving sustainable well-being, it is undoubtedly important for humans to have conforming emotions, behaviours, cognitions and motivations towards the environment. This study intends to identify the determinants of human values and ethical behaviour concerning the environment towards developing a theoretical framework of interrelationship between human and environment.
SOCIAL IMPACT OF AGRO-TOURISM ON LOCAL URBAN RESIDENTS. CASE STUDY: CAMERON HIGHLANDS, MALAYSIA
Authors: Hoon Leh Oliver Ling , Che Mohd Noor Mohd Hafizol , Marzukhi Marlyana Azyyati , Mohamed Musthafa Siti Nur Afiqah
Published: November 2021

Agro-tourism is a new tourism product introduced in Malaysia based on agricultural attraction. Cameron Highlands is the largest agricultural based highland resort area in Malaysia. The cool climate, farms, and natural environment make Cameron Highlands a famous tourist destination. Agrotourism has become one of the important economic sectors in Cameron Highlands. The study is aimed to examine the social impact of the agro-tourism industry on the local urban residents in Cameron Highlands. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the local urban residents to examine the social impact based on the respondentsâ€™ experience and perceptions. A sample of 100 respondents were selected from three main urban settlements in Cameron Highlands. The social impacts were analysed based on the changes over the period of five (5) years. The study covered four (4) main aspects, i.e. safety, job and business opportunity, migration, and social-cultural (language, religious and educational level). The findings indicate that the local urban residents were positively and also negatively affected by the agro-tourism activities and development in Cameron Highlands. Proper planning and policies are crucial to manage the agro-tourism and related development in Cameron Highlands.
INTEGRATED PLANNING MODEL OF CREATIVE INDUSTRY-BASED KAMPUNG TOURISM IN JAYENGAN SURAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Astuti Winny , Permana Ariva Sugandi , Qomarun Qomarun , Febela Alpha , Andisetyana Rufia
Published: November 2021

Creative Industry-based tourism has been popular as several cities in Indonesia have also been declared as “Creative City”. In sustainability viewpoint, the integration of creative industry activities with other planning elements and efforts towards social and economic development is necessary. The inter-organizational collaboration is essential by integrating various disciplines in managing the complexity and the dynamics in tourism development. This research aims at developing an Integrated Planning Model of Creative Industry-based Tourism in Jayengan Surakarta. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach using detailed observations and interviews, as well as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the primary actors to understand the process. The study suggests that creative industry-based kampung tourism in Jayengan Surakarta, must be developed with integrated manner through interrelationships among tourism components, developing problem-solving model, promoting a conceptual system to guide the process and strengthening the inter-organizational collaboration. It is also understood that this concept might promote rural development since the potential sources of local industries and tourism are abundantly available in the rural areas.
PLANNING EDUCATION, ACCREDITATION AND INTER-PROFESSIONAL LINKS
Authors: Alithamby Mohamed Thalha
Published: November 2021

Planning education is changing with the changing vision on the needs of society for the 21st century. The core ideas of planning centres on: (a) spatial - the management of competing uses of land and the making of places; (b) sustainable - that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; ( c) integrative - that takes account of the wider set of issues plus bringing together a range of professional skills and disciplines to influence spatial planning delivery mechanisms; and ( d) inclusive - that recognises a wide range of people and opinions that shape planning. Planning is also value driven and action oriented. Professional status of planners comes through providing critical thinking that aims at achieving outcomes and not just procedures, emphasising locational relationships and inter-relationships of the sectoral on the spatial and focusing on what could and should be done based on ethics, values and facts. Based on this the paper outlines the proposed content of planning education. Accreditations of planning schools are then discussed based on the new RTPI recommendation of partnership agreements that are less regulatory and more constructive. Under this topic the qualities possessed by effective planning schools are discussed. Good examples of inter-professional links are then examined with a view towards encouraging similar programs in other Commonwealth countries.
THE TECHNOLOGY OF ASSET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE CULTURE IN ENSURING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Talha Khairiah , Leong KC
Published: November 2021

Much of the developing world is facing rapid urban development. The UN statistics indicate that 70 per cent of the World's urban population will be concentrated in developing nations by 2030. As cities continue to expand, city governments continuously struggle to provide services to the people. Clean water, sanitation, sewerage services, housing and waste disposal are some of the myriad of services that have to be provided in order to maintain a certain level of acceptable services for human consumption and for the health, safety and comfort of urban dwellers. Yet as city managers continue to expand infrastructure, there is also the hidden but real costs of maintenance of these infrastructure and services. Cities are built environments and so too are the infrastructure that are built to serve commnunities. Thus, communities and infrastructure are intemvined. To achieve quality of life for communities in the urban environ1nent, the service delivery must be there. If there is a break in electricity supply, or there is lack of water supply, or even when a lift within an apartment complex breaks down, the quality of life of its residents deteriorates. As city governments and service providers spend more to upgrade urban service delivery systems, more resources will be used, much more energy and costs incurred to keep the urban assets in working order. This will ultimately lead to unsustainable development. A new technology called Asset Management will be introduced in this paper. Although the technology has been in practice in countries such as Australia and New Zealand in the last 20 years, it remains a new phenomenon in many developed as well as developing nations. This paper will examine the systemic approach in the planning and management of the urban environment, such that this relationship between communities, service systems, quality oflife and urban sustainability, may be revealed.
DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATIVE PLANNING APPROACH TO RESOLVE LAND USE CONFLICTS IN JELUTONG AREA OF GEORGETOWN, PENANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohit Mohammad Abdul , B.R.M Harun Raja Mohd Firdous
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the urban land use conflict cases which have generated several environmental problems in a small area of Jelutong in Georgetown, Malaysia. Three cases of land use conflicts were identified in the area. The first case was the location of two industries adjacent to a residential area; the second involved the location of a factory within a river reserve area; and the third case was the location of a bus workshop within surrounding residential land uses. The conflicts of interest and spatial environmental implications of each of the conflict cases were analyzed. Based on the findings, the paper also identifies the reasons for the occurrence of those conflicts. Five alternative approaches were developed, with a recommendation to adopt a communicative approach (consensus building) to deal with the environmental problems and improve the living environment of the area.
GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION MODELLING FOR KUALA LUMPUR WATER RESOURCE PLANNING
Authors: Stek Pieter E.
Published: November 2021

Portable water consumption in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding area is expected to grow by 34% from 2005 to 2010. This increase in demand will be met by the construction of new reservoirs. However, reservoirs are dependent on rainfall and during prolonged periods of drought, as occurred in 1998, they could become empty. Therefore it is of great importance to develop alternative sources of water supply, including groundwater, to mitigate the effects of a serious water crisis. In this paper, results from a preliminary study on Kuala Lumpur's groundwater resources are presented. Modelling of the city's groundwater resources is extremely difficult given the limitations imposed by data availability and the karstic nature of some aquifers. Hence, the research presented here serves as a starting point for further studies rather than providing any definitive conclusions. In addition to the study results, the planning implications of groundwater extraction are discussed.
CITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES (CDS) CONTRIBUTION TOWARD SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Badarulzaman Nurwati , Jaafar Mastura
Published: November 2021

Today one of the important concerns of cities is growth by sustainable development. However sustainable urban development has been used in various forms and explained by various definitions, this subject is accompanied by uncertainty. New approaches in urban planning have attempted to achieve sustainable development. One of these is City Development Strategies (CDS), a new strategic planning approach that has been employed in more than 200 cities worldwide to achieve sustainable growth. However, CDS achieve different levels of success in sustainability. This paper takes the initiative to investigate the contribution of CDS toward sustainable urban development by looking for inclusion of principle of sustainable urban development in CDS themes. However CDS themes are various such as sustainable urban development definitions, therefore this inclusion is different. This paper highlights this relationship and inclusion for one the latest definition of CDS presented by Cities Alliance in 2006. This definition can succeed to achieve sustainability on some aspects, especially environmental and economic sustainability and fail to achieve some ones. This output is discussed in relation to CDS themes that have been applied in developing countries.
Characterizing Patient-Clinician Communication in Secure Medical Messages: Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Ming , Fan Jungwei , Prigge Julie , Shah Nilay D , Costello Brian A , Yao Lixia
Published: November 2021

Background

Patient-clinician secure messaging is an important function in patient portals and enables patients and clinicians to communicate on a wide spectrum of issues in a timely manner. With its growing adoption and patient engagement, it is time to comprehensively study the secure messages and user behaviors in order to improve patient-centered care.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to analyze the secure messages sent by patients and clinicians in a large multispecialty health system at Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

Methods

We performed message-based, sender-based, and thread-based analyses of more than 5 million secure messages between 2010 and 2017. We summarized the message volumes, patient and clinician population sizes, message counts per patient or clinician, as well as the trends of message volumes and user counts over the years. In addition, we calculated the time distribution of clinician-sent messages to understand their workloads at different times of a day. We also analyzed the time delay in clinician responses to patient messages to assess their communication efficiency and the back-and-forth rounds to estimate the communication complexity.

Results

During 2010-2017, the patient portal at Mayo Clinic, Rochester experienced a significant growth in terms of the count of patient users and the total number of secure messages sent by patients and clinicians. Three clinician categories, namely “physician—primary care,” “registered nurse—specialty,” and “physician—specialty,” bore the majority of message volume increase. The patient portal also demonstrated growing trends in message counts per patient and clinician. The “nurse practitioner or physician assistant—primary care” and “physician—primary care” categories had the heaviest per-clinician workload each year. Most messages by the clinicians were sent from 7 AM to 5 PM during a day. Yet, between 5 PM and 7 PM, the physicians sent 7.0% (95,785/1,377,006) of their daily messages, and the nurse practitioner or physician assistant sent 5.4% (22,121/408,526) of their daily messages. The clinicians replied to 72.2% (1,272,069/1,761,739) patient messages within 1 day and 90.6% (1,595,702/1,761,739) within 3 days. In 95.1% (1,499,316/1,576,205) of the message threads, the patients communicated with their clinicians back and forth for no more than 4 rounds.

Conclusions

Our study found steady increases in patient adoption of the secure messaging system and the average workload per clinician over 8 years. However, most clinicians responded timely to meet the patients’ needs. Our study also revealed differential patient-clinician communication patterns across different practice roles and care settings. These findings suggest opportunities for care teams to optimize messaging tasks and to balance the workload for optimal efficiency.
Individuals With SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the First and Second Waves in Catalonia, Spain: Retrospective Observational Study Using Daily Updated Data
Authors: Alves-Cabratosa Lia , Comas-Cufí Marc , Blanch Jordi , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Ponjoan Anna , Castro-Guardiola Antoni , Hurtado-Ganoza Abelardo , Pérez-Jaén Ana , Rexach-Fumaña Maria , Faixedas-Brunsoms Delfi , Gispert-Ametller Maria Angels , Guell-Cargol Anna , Rodriguez-Batista Maria , Santaularia-Font Ferran , Orriols Ramon , Bonnin-Vilaplana Marc , Calderón López Juan Carlos , Sabater-Talaverano Gladis , Queralt Moles Francesc Xavier , Rodriguez-Requejo Sara , Avellana-Revuelta Esteve , Balló Elisabet , Fages-Masmiquel Ester , Sirvent Josep-Maria , Lorencio Carol , Morales-Pedrosa Josep Miquel , Ortiz-Ballujera Patricia , Ramos Rafel
Published: November 2021

Background

A description of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection comparing the first and second waves could help adapt health services to manage this highly transmissible infection.

Objective

We aimed to describe the epidemiology of individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the characteristics of patients with a positive test comparing the first and second waves in Catalonia, Spain.

Methods

This study had 2 stages. First, we analyzed daily updated data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals from Girona (Catalonia). Second, we compared 2 retrospective cohorts of patients with a positive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2. The severity of patients with a positive test was defined by their admission to hospital, admission to intermediate respiratory care, admission to the intensive care unit, or death. The first wave was from March 1, 2020, to June 24, 2020, and the second wave was from June 25, 2020, to December 8, 2020.

Results

The numbers of tests and cases were lower in the first wave than in the second wave (26,096 tests and 3140 cases in the first wave versus 140,332 tests and 11,800 cases in the second wave), but the percentage of positive results was higher in the first wave than in the second wave (12.0% versus 8.4%). Among individuals with a positive diagnostic test, 818 needed hospitalization in the first wave and 680 in the second; however, the percentage of hospitalized individuals was higher in the first wave than in the second wave (26.1% versus 5.8%). The group that was not admitted to hospital included older people and those with a higher percentage of comorbidities in the first wave, whereas the characteristics of the groups admitted to hospital were more alike.

Conclusions

Screening systems for SARS-CoV-2 infection were scarce during the first wave, but were more adequate during the second wave, reflecting the usefulness of surveillance systems to detect a high number of asymptomatic infected individuals and their contacts, to help control this pandemic. The characteristics of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first and second waves differed substantially; individuals in the first wave were older and had a worse health condition.
Health Education Through a Campaign and mHealth to Enhance Knowledge and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in Bangladesh: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sarker Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Moriyama Michiko , Rashid Harun Ur , Rahman Md Moshiur , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Das Sumon Kumar , Jahan Yasmin , Saha Samir Kumar , Arifeen Shams El , Ahmed Tahmeed , Faruque A S G
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD), disease knowledge and understanding are still lacking, especially in Bangladesh.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a health education intervention in order to enhance knowledge, health-related quality of life (QOL), and motivation regarding healthy lifestyles among rural and periurban adults suffering from CKD.

Methods

A parallel-group (1:1) randomized controlled trial is ongoing in the Mirzapur subdistrict, Bangladesh, where two groups of patients with CKD are being compared. Patients aged 18 years and over with CKD (stages 1-3) were enrolled in November 2020. Patients were randomly allocated into either the intervention group (n=63) or the control group (n=63). The control group received usual treatment, while the intervention group received health education through a CKD campaign facilitated by a nephrologist and via mHealth (ie, periodic mobile phone calls) from community health workers. Both groups were followed up for a period of 6 months. The primary endpoint is patients’ increased knowledge measured using the Chronic Kidney Disease Knowledge Questionnaire. The secondary endpoints are improved QOL measured using the standardized EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire as well as improvements in the levels of blood pressure, BMI, serum creatinine, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin to creatinine ratio.

Results

Enrollment of participants began in November 2020; the intervention and follow-up were completed in May 2021. We enrolled 126 patients in the study. Patients’ mean ages were 57.97 (SD 15.03) years in the control group and 57.32 (SD 14.37) years in the intervention group. There were 45 out of 63 (71%) females in the control group and 38 out of 63 (60%) females in the intervention group. In addition, there were 38 out of 63 (60%) literate patients in the control group and 33 out of 63 (52%) literate patients in the intervention group.

Conclusions

It is expected that a combined approach, incorporating both a CKD campaign and mHealth, for health education may be an effective tool for increasing knowledge and improving QOL among patients with CKD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04094831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04094831

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/30191
Momentary Manifestations of Negative Symptoms as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in People at High Risk for Psychosis: Experience Sampling Study
Authors: Paetzold Isabell , Hermans Karlijn S F M , Schick Anita , Nelson Barnaby , Velthorst Eva , Schirmbeck Frederike ,   EU-GEI High Risk Study, van Os Jim , Morgan Craig , van der Gaag Mark , de Haan Lieuwe , Valmaggia Lucia , McGuire Philip , Kempton Matthew , Myin-Germeys Inez , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Background

Negative symptoms occur in individuals at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis. Although there is evidence that observer ratings of negative symptoms are associated with level of functioning, the predictive value of subjective experience in daily life for individuals at UHR has not been studied yet.

Objective

This study therefore aims to investigate the predictive value of momentary manifestations of negative symptoms for clinical outcomes in individuals at UHR.

Methods

Experience sampling methodology was used to measure momentary manifestations of negative symptoms (blunted affective experience, lack of social drive, anhedonia, and social anhedonia) in the daily lives of 79 individuals at UHR. Clinical outcomes (level of functioning, illness severity, UHR status, and transition status) were assessed at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups.

Results

Lack of social drive, operationalized as greater experienced pleasantness of being alone, was associated with poorer functioning at the 2-year follow-up (b=−4.62, P=.01). Higher levels of anhedonia were associated with poorer functioning at the 1-year follow-up (b=5.61, P=.02). Higher levels of social anhedonia were associated with poorer functioning (eg, disability subscale: b=6.36, P=.006) and greater illness severity (b=−0.38, P=.045) at the 1-year follow-up. In exploratory analyses, there was evidence that individuals with greater variability of positive affect (used as a measure of blunted affective experience) experienced a shorter time to remission from UHR status at follow-up (hazard ratio=4.93, P=.005).

Conclusions

Targeting negative symptoms in individuals at UHR may help to predict clinical outcomes and may be a promising target for interventions in the early stages of psychosis.
Differences in Secure Messaging, Self-management, and Glycemic Control Between Rural and Urban Patients: Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A , Netherton Dane , Zocchi Mark , Purington Carolyn , Ash Arlene S , Shimada Stephanie L
Published: November 2021

Background

Rural patients with diabetes have difficulty accessing care and are at higher risk for poor diabetes management. Sustained use of patient portal features such as secure messaging (SM) can provide accessible support for diabetes self-management.

Objective

This study explored whether rural patients’ self-management and glycemic control was associated with the use of SM.

Methods

This secondary, cross-sectional, mixed methods analysis of 448 veterans with diabetes used stratified random sampling to recruit a diverse sample from the United States (rural vs urban and good vs poor glycemic control). Administrative, clinical, survey, and interview data were used to determine patients’ rurality, use of SM, diabetes self-management behaviors, and glycemic control. Moderated mediation analyses assessed these relationships.

Results

The sample was 51% (n=229) rural and 49% (n=219) urban. Mean participant age was 66.4 years (SD 7.7 years). More frequent SM use was associated with better diabetes self-management (P=.007), which was associated with better glycemic control (P<.001). Among rural patients, SM use was indirectly associated with better glycemic control through improved diabetes self-management (95% CI 0.004-0.927). These effects were not observed among urban veterans with diabetes (95% CI –1.039 to 0.056). Rural patients were significantly more likely than urban patients to have diabetes-related content in their secure messages (P=.01).

Conclusions

More frequent SM use is associated with engaging in diabetes self-management, which, in turn, is associated with better diabetes control. Among rural patients with diabetes, SM use is indirectly associated with better diabetes control. Frequent patient-team communication through SM about diabetes-related content may help rural patients with diabetes self-management, resulting in better glycemic control.
Quality of Primary Care for the Adult Population With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Aylward Shannon Marion , Farrell Alison , Walsh Anna , Godwin Marshall , Chafe Roger , Asghari Shabnam
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

A strong primary care system is vital to overall health. Research on the primary care of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has mostly focused on children. A synthesis of the existing literature related to the quality of primary care for the adult population with ASD would elucidate what is known about the topic as well as inform future research and clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our scoping review is to describe what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD and identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS

Prior to beginning the literature search, we reviewed literature related to defining both primary care and primary care quality to establish the context and concept of the research question. The search strategy was designed and executed by a research librarian. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases were searched for relevant literature. Grey literature will include relevant reports from government websites and associations with a focus on ASD. Two members of the research team will independently screen the academic and grey literature. Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods study designs involving the quality of primary care services or patient-centered care for adults with ASD are eligible for inclusion in our scoping review. Studies that make it past the full-text review will undergo data extraction and quality appraisal by 2 independent reviewers. The data extraction results will be presented in a tabular format to clearly present what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD; this table will be accompanied by a narrative synthesis. Literature selected for extraction will be coded for themes, which will form the basis of a thematic synthesis. The scoping review will follow the guidance proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS

The search of electronic databases was conducted in October 2020, and it returned 2820 results. This research is still in progress. The results from our scoping review are expected to be available by fall 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from our scoping review will be useful for guiding future research on the quality of primary care for adults with ASD.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/28196
Opening the Black Box of Daily Life in Nonsuicidal Self-injury Research: With Great Opportunity Comes Great Responsibility (Preprint)
Authors: Kiekens Glenn , Robinson Kealagh , Tatnell Ruth , Kirtley Olivia J
Published: November 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)—deliberate damaging of body tissue without suicidal intent—is a behavior that occurs in interaction with real-world contexts, studying NSSI in the natural environment has historically been impossible. Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies have revolutionized our ability to do exactly that, providing myriad research and clinical practice opportunities. In this viewpoint paper, we review new research pathways to improve our ability to understand, predict, and prevent NSSI, and provide critical perspectives on the responsibilities inherent to conducting real-time monitoring studies on NSSI. Real-time monitoring brings unique opportunities to advance scientific understanding about (1) the dynamic course of NSSI, (2) the real-time predictors thereof and ability to detect acute risk, (3) the ecological validity of theoretical models, (4) the functional mechanisms and outcomes of NSSI, and (5) the promotion of person-centered care and novel technology-based interventions. By considering the opportunities of real-time monitoring research in the context of the accompanying responsibilities (eg, inclusive recruitment, sound and transparent research practices, participant safety and engagement, measurement reactivity, researcher well-being and training), we provide novel insights and resources to open the black box of daily life in the next decade(s) of NSSI research.
Differences in Secure Messaging, Self-management, and Glycemic Control Between Rural and Urban Patients: Secondary Data Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Robinson Stephanie A , Netherton Dane , Zocchi Mark , Purington Carolyn , Ash Arlene S , Shimada Stephanie L
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Rural patients with diabetes have difficulty accessing care and are at higher risk for poor diabetes management. Sustained use of patient portal features such as secure messaging (SM) can provide accessible support for diabetes self-management.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored whether rural patients’ self-management and glycemic control was associated with the use of SM.

METHODS

This secondary, cross-sectional, mixed methods analysis of 448 veterans with diabetes used stratified random sampling to recruit a diverse sample from the United States (rural vs urban and good vs poor glycemic control). Administrative, clinical, survey, and interview data were used to determine patients’ rurality, use of SM, diabetes self-management behaviors, and glycemic control. Moderated mediation analyses assessed these relationships.

RESULTS

The sample was 51% (n=229) rural and 49% (n=219) urban. Mean participant age was 66.4 years (SD 7.7 years). More frequent SM use was associated with better diabetes self-management (P=.007), which was associated with better glycemic control (P<.001). Among rural patients, SM use was indirectly associated with better glycemic control through improved diabetes self-management (95% CI 0.004-0.927). These effects were not observed among urban veterans with diabetes (95% CI –1.039 to 0.056). Rural patients were significantly more likely than urban patients to have diabetes-related content in their secure messages (P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

More frequent SM use is associated with engaging in diabetes self-management, which, in turn, is associated with better diabetes control. Among rural patients with diabetes, SM use is indirectly associated with better diabetes control. Frequent patient-team communication through SM about diabetes-related content may help rural patients with diabetes self-management, resulting in better glycemic control.
Well-being of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and Spouses of Veterans During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Forchuk Callista A , Nazarov Anthony , Plouffe Rachel A , Liu Jenny J W , Deda Erisa , Le Tri , Gargala Dominic , Soares Vanessa , Bourret-Gheysen Jesse , St Cyr Kate , Nouri Maede S , Hosseiny Fardous , Smith Patrick , Dupuis Gabrielle , Roth Maya , Marlborough Michelle , Jetly Rakesh , Heber Alexandra , Lanius Ruth , Richardson J Don
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to everyday life, including social distancing mandates, changes to health care, and a heightened risk of infection. Previous research has shown that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans are at higher risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. Veterans and their families may face unique social challenges that can compound with pandemic-related disruptions to negatively impact well-being.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to longitudinally characterize the mental health of CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans throughout the pandemic and to understand the dynamic influences of pandemic-related stressors on psychological health over time.

METHODS

We employed a prospective longitudinal panel design using an online data collection platform. Study participation was open to all CAF veterans and spouses of CAF veterans residing in Canada. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive battery of assessments representing psychological well-being, chronic pain, health care access patterns, physical environment, employment, social integration, and adjustment to pandemic-related lifestyle changes. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 months over an 18-month period. This study was approved by the Western University Health Sciences and Lawson Health Research Institute Research Ethics Boards.

RESULTS

Baseline data were collected between July 2020 and February 2021. There were 3 population segments that participated in the study: 1047 veterans, 366 spouses of veterans, and 125 veterans who are also spouses of veterans completed baseline data collection. As of November 2021, data collection is ongoing, with participants completing the 9- or 12-month follow-up surveys depending on their date of self-enrollment. Data collection across all time points will be complete in September 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to veterans and spouses of veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from occupational, demographic, social, mental, and physical domains, to perceptions and experiences with health care treatments and access. The results of this study will be used to inform policy for veteran and veteran family support, and to best prepare for similar emergencies should they occur in the future.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/34984
Temporal Trends of Dietary Risk Factors after a Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
Authors: Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Cunha Tamara Da Silva , Taylor Eric N. , Curhan Gary C.
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Diet is an important contributor to kidney stone formation, but there are limited data regarding long-term changes in dietary factors after a kidney stone.

Design, setting, participants & measurements

We analyzed data from three longitudinal cohorts, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and Nurses’ Health Study I and II, comparing changes in dietary factors in participants with and without kidney stones during follow-up. The daily intake of dietary calcium, supplemental calcium, animal protein, caffeine, fructose, potassium, sodium, oxalate, phytate, vitamin D, vitamin C, sugar-sweetened beverages, fluids, net endogenous acid production, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score were assessed by repeat food frequency questionnaires and computed as absolute differences; a difference-in-differences approach was used to account for temporal changes using data from participants without kidney stones from the same calendar period.

Results

Included were 184,398 participants with no history of kidney stones, 7095 of whom became confirmed stone formers. Several intakes changed significantly over time in stone formers, with some showing a relative increase up to 8 years later, including caffeine (difference in differences, 8.8 mg/d; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.4 to 14.1), potassium (23.4 mg/d; 95% CI, 4.6 to 42.3), phytate (12.1 mg/d; 95% CI, 2.5 to 21.7), sodium (43.1 mg/d; 95% CI, 19.8 to 66.5), and fluids (47.1 ml/d; 95% CI, 22.7 to 71.5). Other dietary factors showed a significant decrease, such as oxalate (−7.3 mg/d; 95% CI, −11.4 to −3.2), vitamin C (−34.2 mg/d; 95% CI, −48.8 to −19.6), and vitamin D (−18.0 IU/d; 95% CI, −27.9 to −8.0). A significant reduction was observed in sugar-sweetened beverages intake of −0.5 (95% CI, −0.8 to −0.3) and −1.4 (95% CI, −1.8 to −1.0) servings per week and supplemental calcium of −105.1 (95% CI, −135.4 to −74.7) and −69.4 (95% CI, −95.4 to −43.4) mg/d for women from Nurses’ Health Study I and II, respectively. Animal protein, dietary calcium, fructose intake, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, and net endogenous acid production did not change significantly over time.

Conclusions

After the first episode of a kidney stone, mild and inconsistent changes were observed concerning dietary factors associated with kidney stone formation.
Making Astrology Look Respectable: On the Extraordinary Abuse of Economic Models in the EU Referendum Debate
Authors: Blake Professor David
Published: November 2021

In June 2016, I released an article entitled: “Measurement without Theory: On the extraordinary abuse of economic models in the EU Referendum debate” in advance of the referendum on 23 June 2016 on whether the UK should leave the European Union. That article heavily criticised two reports that had been released by the UK Treasury on the consequences of Brexit, calling them “dodgy dossiers” for “grossly exaggerating the impact of the economic consequences of Brexit and providing no analysis of the risks from remaining in the EU”. This article reproduces the 2016 article and also provides an update on the state of the UK economy five years after the publication of the reports. It confirms that the only purpose the two Treasury reports was to make astrology look respectable.
Chinese Diplomacy Discourse in the Prism of the Relations with the Sub-Saharan Region
Authors: Levtov Marianna
Published: November 2021

Chinese economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping have given China the necessary push for the development and growth of the domestic economy. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) under Xi Jinping claims, that the originally planned transformation is completed, and China is ready for achieving new goals, such as first peripherical and, later, global dominance, leadership in manufacturing and technology and probably even the moral benchmark. The PRC presents a new model of global order with its active position as the super nation.Chinese current behaviour on the international stage is the direct illustration of the political thought of Xi Jinping. To understand the main principles and the vision of the PRC under Xi, his principles of diplomacy have been analysed.This paper claims, that the rhetoric of Xi Jinping and his administration is a neo-pragmatic approach, which includes nativism, anti-traditionalism and pragmatism within.The article takes as a case study for the implementation of the Chinese foreign policy the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) member states.Contrarily to the American dominance, China suggests guidance, collaboration with mutual benefits and growth, which involves both sides. “Shift in space” stresses the concrete steps for achieving the “China’s dream” of rejuvenation.
ВЫСОКОВОЛЬТНАЯ ИНТЕГРАЛЬНАЯ СХЕМА УПРАВЛЯЕМОГО КЛЮЧА HEMT НА ГЕТЕРОСТРУКТУРАХ ALXGA1-XN / GAN / ALYGA1-YN
Authors: Максимов А.Н. , Краснов А.А. , Корнеев С.В. , Крымко М.М.
Published: November 2021

Рассмотрены особенности высоковольтных ИС управляемого ключа HEMT с двумя барьерными слоями. Введение второго барьерного слоя приводит к лучшему удержанию электронов в канальном слое GaN, при этом происходят снижение максимальной плотности концентрации носителей (ДЕГ) в канале и сдвиг порогового напряжения в положительную сторону. Рассмотрено влияние концентрации мольных долей AI как в верхнем, так и в нижнем барьерных слоях на величину носителей в канальном слое (двумерного электронного газа). Разработана ИС управляемого ключа HEMT, приведены ее характеристики.
КОНЦЕПЦИЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ СВЧ-ИЗМЕРЕНИЙ ПАРАМЕТРОВ GAAS МИС-УСИЛИТЕЛЕЙ МОЩНОСТИ ДО 40 ГГЦ НА ЗОНДОВОЙ СТАНЦИИ В СЕРИЙНОМ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕ. ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПУТИ ИХ РЕШЕНИЯ
Authors: Воеводин А.А.
Published: November 2021

В данной работе представлены основные подходы к организации рабочего места по финальному СВЧ-контролю параметров МИС-усилителей мощности (далее МИС УМ) до 40 ГГц на пластинах GaAs (4 и 6 дюймов) на базе полуавтоматической зондовой станции как на стадии прототипирования изделия, так и при постановке в мелкосерийное производство.