bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Fine Grid NO2 Modeling around a Thermal Power Station: A Case Study
Authors: Karim Md Masud , Bindra Navin , Mukteruzzaman Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of fine grid
modeling on top of a courser grid to predict the NO2 concentration more accurately in an
airshed and at sensitive receptors.

Methods:

This study assessed the cumulative NO2 impact of all major emission sources in
an airshed using USEPA regulatory model AERMOD. A 50 km by 50 km airshed is considered
in the study. Micro-environmental pollution was modeled using a refined grid
analysis. An area (4 km x 4 km) close to GTPS, with receptors at every 150 m apart and a
further fine grid (500 m x 500 m) with receptors at every 50 m apart, was modeled.

Results:

Coarse grid modeling showed annual average NO2 concentration levels within
applicable standards. However, when fine grid modeling was conducted, the predicted annual
average NO2 concentration levels were found to exceed World Bank Guidelines and
Bangladesh Standards. A source contribution analysis showed that a quick rental power
plant (natural gas generators) without proper stacks contributed a significant portion of the
maximum 1-hr and annual average NO2 concentration (76% and 86%, respectively).

Conclusion:

The findings of fine grid modeling can be used at the policy level of the government
to enforce environmental regulations on the minimum height requirements of
stacks and city planning, avoiding downwind directions and the close proximity of powerplants
to safeguard human health.
Withdrawal Notice: Comprehensive Optimization Management of Engineering Project Based on Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Xiang Yong , Zheng Huidan , Cao Wuwen , Gong Dong , Huang Jiazhen
Published: August 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor of the journal Recent Advances in Computer Science and
Communications due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
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of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
From the Editor
Authors: Van Fleet David D.
Published: August 2020

Introduction to the January 2007 issue.
Kiasu Tendency and Tactics: A Study of their Impact on Task Performance
Authors: Kirby Eric G. , Ross, III John K.
Published: August 2020

Kiasu reflects an “obsessive concern with getting the most out of every transaction and a desire to get ahead of others” (Hwang, Ang, & Francesco, 2002: 75). It can have both positive and negative effects. This paper generates three hypotheses about kiasuism and task performance. Using hierarchical regression to analyze the results of a survey of 261 senior-level undergraduate business students in the United States, all three hypotheses are supported. The results indicate that the kiasu construct is generalizable to the United States, and that the key to obtaining competitive advantage through kiasuism lies in selecting and implementing the right tactic for the situation.
Is Artificial Intelligence Better Than Human Clinicians in Predicting Patient Outcomes?
Authors: Lee Joon
Published: August 2020

In contrast with medical imaging diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), in which deep learning has led to breakthroughs in recent years, patient outcome prediction poses an inherently challenging problem because it focuses on events that have not yet occurred. Interestingly, the performance of machine learning–based patient outcome prediction models has rarely been compared with that of human clinicians in the literature. Human intuition and insight may be sources of underused predictive information that AI will not be able to identify in electronic data. Both human and AI predictions should be investigated together with the aim of achieving a human-AI symbiosis that synergistically and complementarily combines AI with the predictive abilities of clinicians.
How Internet Contracts Impact Research: Content Analysis of Terms of Service on Consumer Product Websites (Preprint)
Authors: Weiger Caitlin , Smith Katherine C , Cohen Joanna E , Dredze Mark , Moran Meghan Bridgid
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Companies use brand websites as a promotional tool to engage consumers on the web, which can increase product use. Given that some products are harmful to the health of consumers, it is important for marketing associated with these products to be subject to public health surveillance. However, terms of service (TOS) governing the use of brand website content may impede such important research.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore the TOS for brand websites with public health significance to assess possible legal and ethical challenges for conducting research on consumer product websites.

METHODS

Using Statista, we purposefully constructed a sample of 15 leading American tobacco, alcohol, psychiatric pharmaceutical, fast-food, and gun brands that have associated websites. We developed and implemented a structured coding system for the TOS on these websites and coded for the presence versus absence of different types of restriction that might impact the ability to conduct research.

RESULTS

All TOS stated that by accessing the website, users agreed to abide by the TOS (15/15, 100%). A total of 11 out of 15 (73%) websites had age restrictions in their TOS. All alcohol brand websites (5/15, 33%) required users to enter their age or date of birth before viewing website content. Both websites for tobacco brands (2/15, 13%) further required that users register and verify their age and identity to access any website content and agree that they use tobacco products. Only one website (1/15, 7%) allowed users to display, download, copy, distribute, and translate the website content as long as it was for personal and not commercial use. A total of 33% (5/15) of TOS unconditionally prohibited or put substantial restrictions on all of these activities and/or failed to specify if they were allowed or prohibited. Moreover, 87% (13/15) of TOS indicated that website access could be restricted at any time. A total of 73% (11/15) of websites specified that violating TOS could result in deleting user content from the website, revoking access by having the user’s Internet Protocol address blocked, terminating log-in credentials, or enforcing legal action resulting in civil or criminal penalties.

CONCLUSIONS

TOS create complications for public health surveillance related to e-marketing on brand websites. Recent court opinions have reduced the risk of federal criminal charges for violating TOS on public websites, but this risk remains unclear for private websites. The public health community needs to establish standards to guide and protect researchers from the possibility of legal repercussions related to such efforts.
Parental Experiences of the Pediatric Day Surgery Pathway and the Needs for a Digital Gaming Solution: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rantala Arja , Jansson Miia M , Helve Otto , Lahdenne Pekka , Pikkarainen Minna , Pölkki Tarja
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The parents of hospitalized children are often dissatisfied with waiting times, fasting, discharge criteria, postoperative pain relief, and postoperative guidance. Parents’ experiences help care providers to provide effective, family-centered care that responds to parents’ needs throughout the day surgery pathway.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to describe parental experiences of the pediatric day surgery pathway and the needs for a digital gaming solution in order to facilitate the digitalization of these pathways.

METHODS

This was a descriptive qualitative study. The participants (N=31) were parents whose children were admitted to the hospital for the day surgical treatments or magnetic resonance imaging. The data were collected through an unstructured, open-ended questionnaire; an inductive content analysis was conducted to analyze the qualitative data. Reporting of the study findings adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

RESULTS

Parental experiences of the children’s day surgery pathway included 3 main categories: (1) needs for parental guidance, (2) needs for support, and (3) child involved in his or her own pathway (eg, consideration of an individual child and preparation of child for treatment). The needs for a digital gaming solution were identified as 1 main category—the digital gaming solution for children and families to support care. This main category included 3 upper categories: (1) preparing children and families for the day surgery via the solution, (2) gamification in the solution, and (3) connecting people through the solution.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents need guidance and support for their children’s day surgery care pathways. A digital gaming solution may be a relevant tool to support communication and to provide information on day surgeries. Families are ready for and are open to digital gaming solutions that provide support and guidance and engage children in the day surgery pathways.
The Current Situation and Future Prospects of Simulators in Dental Education (Preprint)
Authors: Li Yaning , Ye Hongqiang , Ye Fan , Liu Yunsong , Lv Longwei , Zhang Ping , Zhang Xiao , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: August 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The application of virtual reality has become increasingly extensive as this technology has developed. In dental education, virtual reality is mainly used to assist or replace traditional methods of teaching clinical skills in preclinical training for several subjects, such as endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and dental surgery. The application of dental simulators in teaching can make up for the deficiency of traditional teaching methods and reduce the teaching burden, improving convenience for both teachers and students. However, because of the technology limitations of virtual reality and force feedback, dental simulators still have many hardware and software disadvantages that have prevented them from being an alternative to traditional dental simulators as a primary skill training method. In the future, when combined with big data, cloud computing, 5G, and deep learning technology, dental simulators will be able to give students individualized learning assistance, and their functions will be more diverse and suitable for preclinical training. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current dental simulators on related technologies, advantages and disadvantages, methods of evaluating effectiveness, and future directions for development.
Association Between Step Count Measured With a Smartphone App (Pain-Note) and Pain Level in Patients With Chronic Pain: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ogawa Takahisa , Castelo-Branco Luis , Hatta Kotaro , Usui Chie
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability, affecting between 20% and 50% of the global population. The key recommended treatment is physical activity, which can be measured in daily life using a pedometer. However, poor adherence to pedometer use can result in incorrect measurements. Furthermore, only a few studies have investigated a possible curvilinear association between physical activity and chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we developed the Pain-Note smartphone app to collect real-world data on step count, using the smartphone’s built-in pedometer. The aims of our research are (1) to evaluate the association between daily step count and pain level among patients with chronic pain and (2) determine if the association between daily step count and pain level was curvilinear.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study based on step count data collected with the app and on the results of questionnaires, which measured the duration and intensity of pain, the widespread pain index, the symptom severity score, and the insomnia severity scale, including 7 questions for symptoms of depression. We analyzed the association between step count and pain level as a nonlinear relationship using a restricted cubic spline model. A prespecified subgroup analysis was also conducted based on fibromyalgia criteria.

RESULTS

Between June 1, 2018, and June 11, 2020, a total of 6138 records were identified, of which 1273 were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 38.7 years, 81.9% (1043/1273) were female, and chronic pain was present for more than 5 years in 43.2% (550/1273) of participants. Participants in the third and fourth quartiles for step count (more than 3045 and 5668 steps a day, respectively) showed a significant positive association between higher step count and lower numerical pain rating scale (mean difference –0.43, 95% CI –0.78 to –0.08, P=.02; –0.45; 95% CI –0.8 to –0.1, P=.01, respectively) than those in the first quartile (less than or equal to 1199 steps a day). The restricted cubic spline model for the association between step count and pain scale displayed a steep decline followed by a moderate decrease as the step count increased; the inflection point was 5000 steps. However, this association was not observed among participants who met the fibromyalgia criteria (491/1273), who showed a steep positive increase below 2000 steps. Data were collected between June 1, 2018, and June 11, 2020, and were analyzed on November 18, 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

Step count measured with the Pain-Note app showed a nonlinear association with pain level. Although participants with and without fibromyalgia showed a negative correlation between step count and pain level, participants who meet the criteria for fibromyalgia may present a different relationship between walking and pain perception compared to those in the general chronic pain population.
Trends and Characteristics of the US Adult Population’s Behavioral Patterns in Web-Based Prescription Filling: National Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Lin-Ya , Lyons Jennifer G , Erickson Steven R , Wu Chung-Hsuen
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Filling a prescription on the web has become an alternative to in-person pharmacies for individuals to access their medications. However, the adoption of web-based filling has been gradual, and the use patterns remain to be unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to estimate the trend and prevalence of web-based prescription-filling behavior and identify associated factors among adults in the United States.

METHODS

We used data from the US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2009 to 2018. Adult respondents (aged ≥18 years and over) self-reported their behavior of web-based prescription filling, which was defined as having filled a prescription using the internet in the past 12 months during the survey year. We reported trends using weighted percentages adjusted by the NHIS complex sampling design. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to examine trends and identify factors associated with web-based prescription-filling behavior.

RESULTS

The estimated number of adults reporting web-based prescription-filling behavior significantly increased from 13,319,877 (13,319,877/225,217,942, 5.91%) in 2009 to 28,308,262 (28,308,262/246,611,125, 11.48%) in 2018 (P<.001). Those who were more likely to report filling a prescription on the web were aged between 35 and 74 years, female, White, and frequent users of the computer or internet; these adults also reported higher education, higher income, insurance coverage, and poorer health status.

CONCLUSIONS

Web-based prescription-filling behavior among US adults has increased significantly from 2009 to 2018. Health care providers should be aware of the upward trend in the use of web-based pharmacies and ensure the clinical safety of web-based prescriptions.
Impact of Teleconsultation on Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the Brazilian Public Health System: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (TELEconsulta Diabetes Trial) (Preprint)
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela Laranja Gomes , Belber Gisele Silvestre , Padilha Frederica Valle De Queiroz , Spinel Ligia Fonseca , Moreira Frederico Rafael , Maeyama Marcos Aurélio , Pinho Ana Paula Neves Marques , Júnior Álvaro Avezum
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Although the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) offers universal health coverage, access to quality care is often limited by social inequality and location. Although telemedicine has been shown to be an important tool in the efforts to overcome this problem, because it can provide access to specialist care and break the geographical barriers to health care, there are no national studies demonstrating its use in public health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the hypothesis that remote consultation can be as effective as standard face-to-face consultation for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Brazilian public health system and to assess the associated costs related to teleconsultation in public health scenarios, for patients referred from Primary Health Care units of the SUS for specialist care.

METHODS

This is a pragmatic, phase 2, unicentric, open-label, noninferiority, blinded allocation, data-blinded, centrally randomized clinical trial. The inclusion criteria will be adults, both sexes, ≥18 years old, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥8%. Outcomes will be evaluated by assessing symptoms, laboratory exams, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, adverse events, and satisfaction level for 6 months. The costs of the teleconsultation will be assessed using the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method to compare the costs with the face-to-face consultations. The noninferiority margin was set at 0.5%. Assuming an SD of 1.3% for both groups, true difference between the means of zero, and a type I error level of 5% (one-sided), it was estimated that 117 individuals per group would be necessary to achieve 90% power. Statistical analysis of the efficacy will be done using intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches.

RESULTS

The results from this trial will be reported according to the CONSORT guidelines. The trial was approved by the institutional review board on October 5, 2019. Data collection started in January 2019 and is expected to finish in 2022. At the time of manuscript submission, 18 participants were recruited.

CONCLUSIONS

Our expectations are that providing remote access to health care will result in improvements in the health and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes and reduce costs and that both patients and clinicians will benefit from and be satisfied with this technology.

CLINICALTRIAL

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos RBR-8gpgyd; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8gpgyd

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/23679
Perception of Game-Based Rehabilitation in Upper Limb Prosthetic Training: Survey of Users and Researchers (Preprint)
Authors: Garske Christian Alexander , Dyson Matthew , Dupan Sigrid , Nazarpour Kianoush
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Serious games have been investigated for their use in multiple forms of rehabilitation for decades. The rising trend to use games for physical fitness in more recent years has also provided more options and garnered more interest for their use in physical rehabilitation and motor learning. In this study, we report the results of an opinion survey of serious games in upper limb prosthetic training.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates and contrasts the expectations and preferences for game-based prosthetic rehabilitation of people with limb difference and researchers.

METHODS

Both participant groups answered open and closed questions as well as a questionnaire to assess their user types. The distribution of the user types was compared with a Pearson chi-square test against a sample population. The data were analyzed using the thematic framework method; answers fell within the themes of usability, training, and game design. Researchers shared their views on current challenges and what could be done to tackle these.

RESULTS

A total of 14 people with limb difference and 12 researchers participated in this survey. The open questions resulted in an overview of the different views on prosthetic training games between the groups. The user types of people with limb difference and researchers were both significantly different from the sample population, with χ25=12.3 and χ25=26.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the respondents not only showed a general willingness and tentative optimism toward the topic but also acknowledged hurdles limiting the adoption of these games by both clinics and users. The results indicate a noteworthy difference between researchers and people with limb difference in their game preferences, which could lead to design choices that do not represent the target audience. Furthermore, focus on long-term in-home experiments is expected to shed more light on the validity of games in upper limb prosthetic rehabilitation.
Noncommunicable disease control program of Bangladesh: current status and future direction to achieve universal health coverage (Preprint)
Authors: Islam Khaleda , Huque Rumana , Rahman K.M. Saif-Ur , Hussain AHM Enayet
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Bangladesh is having 572,600 (67%) estimated deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases annually with 22% probable premature deaths.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to have a closer look into the overall readiness of Bangladesh to address NCDs, explore the barriers and suggest the best possible ways of reaching the target.

METHODS

The study reviewed relevant policy documents, NCDs related reports, publications, observed NCD service delivery at Upazila Health Complexes (UzHC) and validated the findings of desk review through discussion with key policy and program personnel.

RESULTS

NCDs are highlighted and prioritized in key policy documents, however, implementation of the policies remains weak with several gaps in service delivery systems. The operation plan (OP) indicators, which are the guiding factors of OP implementation, focus mostly on process not outcome or impact. Health system at primary health care facilities is not yet fully ready to deliver the NCD care, and mental health at primary care is rarely available. Health workforce (HWF) are getting oriented on national NCD management protocol though there is reluctance to follow the protocol. Record keeping is poor as it is manual. District health information software 2 (DHIS2) is not yet updated to capture the monthly service provision and tracking of indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Weak health system is hampering delivery of NCD care at PHC, and tracking of indicators is difficult due to lack of electronic database. Implementation of NCD management protocol, ensuring availability of drugs, maintaining electronic database, and monitoring program and indicators are the way forward to achieve universal health coverage for NCD.
Digitalizing a Brief Intervention to Reduce Intrusive Memories of Psychological Trauma: Qualitative Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gamble Beau , Depa Katherine , Holmes Emily A , Kanstrup Marie
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the global need for remotely delivered and scalable interventions after psychological trauma. A brief intervention involving a computer game as an imagery-competing task has shown promising results for reducing the number of intrusive memories of trauma—one of the core clinical symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. To date, the intervention has only been delivered face-to-face. To be tested and implemented on a wider scale, digital adaptation for remote delivery is crucial. An important first step is to develop digitalized intervention materials in a systematic way based on feedback from clinicians, researchers, and students in preparation for pilot testing with target users.

OBJECTIVE

The first aim of this study is to obtain and analyze qualitative feedback on digital intervention materials, namely two animated videos and two quizzes that explain the target clinical symptoms and provide intervention instructions. The second aim is to refine the digitalized materials based on this feedback.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 12 participants who had delivered or had knowledge of the intervention when delivered face-to-face. We obtained in-depth feedback on the perceived feasibility of using the digitalized materials and suggestions for improvements. Interviews were assessed using qualitative content analysis, and suggested improvements were evaluated for implementation using a systematic method of prioritization.

RESULTS

A total of three overarching themes were identified from the data. First, participants were highly positive about the potential benefits of using these digital materials for remote delivery, reporting that the videos effectively conveyed key concepts of the symptom and its treatment. Second, some modifications to the materials were suggested for improving clarity. On the basis of this feedback, we made nine specific changes. Finally, participants raised some key challenges for remote delivery, mainly in overcoming the lack of real-time communication during the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians, researchers, and clinical psychology students were overall confident in the use of digitalized materials to remotely deliver a brief intervention to reduce intrusive memories of trauma. Guided by participant feedback, we identified and implemented changes to refine the intervention materials. This study lays the groundwork for the next step: pilot testing remote delivery of the full intervention to trauma survivors.

CLINICALTRIAL
Leprosy Screening Based on Artificial Intelligence: Development of a Cross-Platform App (Preprint)
Authors: De Souza Márcio Luís Moreira , Lopes Gabriel Ayres , Branco Alexandre Castelo , Fairley Jessica K , Fraga Lucia Alves De Oliveira
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organization, achieving targets for control of leprosy by 2030 will require disease elimination and interruption of transmission at the national or regional level. India and Brazil have reported the highest leprosy burden in the last few decades, revealing the need for strategies and tools to help health professionals correctly manage and control the disease.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to develop a cross-platform app for leprosy screening based on artificial intelligence (AI) with the goal of increasing accessibility of an accurate method of classifying leprosy treatment for health professionals, especially for communities further away from major diagnostic centers. Toward this end, we analyzed the quality of leprosy data in Brazil on the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN).

METHODS

Leprosy data were extracted from the SINAN database, carefully cleaned, and used to build AI decision models based on the random forest algorithm to predict operational classification in paucibacillary or multibacillary leprosy. We used Python programming language to extract and clean the data, and R programming language to train and test the AI model via cross-validation. To allow broad access, we deployed the final random forest classification model in a web app via shinyApp using data available from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System.

RESULTS

We mapped the dispersion of leprosy incidence in Brazil from 2014 to 2018, and found a particularly high number of cases in central Brazil in 2014 that further increased in 2018 in the state of Mato Grosso. For some municipalities, up to 80% of cases showed some data discrepancy. Of a total of 21,047 discrepancies detected, the most common was “operational classification does not match the clinical form.” After data processing, we identified a total of 77,628 cases with missing data. The sensitivity and specificity of the AI model applied for the operational classification of leprosy was 93.97% and 87.09%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed app was able to recognize patterns in leprosy cases registered in the SINAN database and to classify new patients with paucibacillary or multibacillary leprosy, thereby reducing the probability of incorrect assignment by health centers. The collection and notification of data on leprosy in Brazil seem to lack specific validation to increase the quality of the data for implementations via AI. The AI models implemented in this work had satisfactory accuracy across Brazilian states and could be a complementary diagnosis tool, especially in remote areas with few specialist physicians.
Using an Ontology to Facilitate More Accurate Coding of Social Prescriptions Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jani Anant , Liyanage Harshana , Okusi Cecilia , Sherlock Julian , Hoang Uy , Ferreira Filipa , Yonova Ivelina , de Lusignan Simon
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

National Health Service (NHS) England supports social prescribing in order to address social determinants of health, which account for approximately 80% of all health outcomes. Nevertheless, data on ongoing social prescribing activities are lacking. Although NHS England has attempted to overcome this problem by recommending 3 standardized primary care codes, these codes do not capture the social prescribing activity to a level of granularity that would allow for fair attribution of outcomes to social prescribing.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we explored whether an alternative approach to coding social prescribing activity, specifically through a social prescribing ontology, can be used to capture the social prescriptions used in primary care in greater detail.

METHODS

The social prescribing ontology, implemented according to the Web Ontology Language, was designed to cover several key concepts encompassing social determinants of health. Readv2 and Clinical Terms Version 3 codes were identified using the NHS Terms Browser. The Royal College of General Practitioners Research Surveillance Centre, a sentinel network of over 1000 primary care practices across England covering a population of more than 4,000,000 registered patients, was used for data analyses for a defined period (ie, January 2011 to December 2019).

RESULTS

In all, 668 codes capturing social prescriptions addressing different social determinants of health were identified for the social prescribing ontology. For the study period, social prescribing ontology codes were used 5,504,037 times by primary care practices of the Royal College of General Practitioners Research Surveillance Centre as compared to 29,606 instances of use of social prescribing codes, including NHS England’s recommended codes.

CONCLUSIONS

A social prescribing ontology provides a powerful alternative to the codes currently recommended by NHS England to capture detailed social prescribing activity in England. The more detailed information thus obtained will allow for explorations about whether outputs or outcomes of care delivery can be attributed to social prescriptions, which is essential for demonstrating the overall value that social prescribing can deliver to the NHS and health care systems.
Intergenerational financial supports and the mental health of the elderly in China (Preprint)
Authors: Xiao Jiao
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

With the increasing of the elderly population, the mental health problems of the elderly have attracted the attention of scholars. Although the risk factors from the adulthood of mental health have been widely explored in existing studies, how factors from both adulthood and childhood, especially financial supports received impact mental health are still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to investigate the impacts of intergenerational financial supports from both adulthood and childhood on mental health of the elderly in China.

METHODS

This paper collects information of 1,587 respondents who are 65 and older from two-wave data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to conduct the empirical analysis.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that financial supports as a whole significantly influence elderly people’s mental health. Specifically, individuals have different loneliness and depression levels due to different family financial conditions in childhood and financial supports from children in adulthood. Moreover, financial supports in adulthood negatively moderate the relationship between the family financial condition and the mental health of elderly people.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings point to the importance of continued inter-generational financial support in maintaining the elderly’s psychological health. Raising the retirement income or appeal to children to provide supports to the elderly can promote the mental health of the elderly, especially for these elderly people with poor family financial conditions in their childhood.
The use of software packages of R factoextra and FactoMineR and their application in principal component analysis for authentication of oils
Authors: Irnawati Irnawati , Riswanto Florentinus Dika Octa , Riyanto Sugeng , Martono Sudibyo , Rohman Abdul
Published: August 2020

Several oils have been reported as nutritional source and providing potential benefits for human life. Oil adulteration becomes major issue due to economical attempt to reduce the price of high cost oils. The employment of FTIR spectroscopy combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique can be applied in oils authentication study. Two of R software packages namely factoextra and FactoMineR were exploited to perform PCA for analysis sixteen various oils from market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results showed that PCA model have been successfully generated using these two statistical packages. Individual plot, variable plot, and biplot were presented to visualize the PCA model. It was also proved that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has similar chemical characteristics to palm oil (PO) as reported in the previous study.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Earnings Management of Listed Companies in Power Industry
Authors: Leying Li , Xinpeng Xu
Published: August 2020

Due to the particularity of business operation of electric power industry enterprises, their social responsibility will have an important impact on national economic development and residents’ life. In this paper, 303 Listed Companies in the power industry from 2013 to 2018 are taken as samples to measure the degree of social responsibility of the power industry based on the contribution of the power industry enterprises to the government, employees, shareholders, creditors, suppliers and customers, and to test the correlation between the Listed Companies in the power industry and earnings management. The empirical results show that the more the power industry enterprises pay to the outside world, the lower the degree of earnings management, that is, the better the degree of social responsibility of listed companies in the power industry, the lower the degree of earnings management. Through the research results of this paper, we can think that the social responsibility behavior of power industry enterprises is “altruistic” rather than “egoistic”, which explains the importance of non-marketization of large state-owned power enterprises such as State Grid Corporation of China.
College Students’ Access to Academic Accommodations Varies as a Function of School Type, Selectivity, and Cost
Authors: Cohen Tema A. , Ray Sullivan D. , Audette Cassidy , Weis Robert
Published: August 2020

Students with disabilities face many challenges in their pursuit of higher education. Academic accommodations and other educational supports can allow these students to learn, and to demonstrate their learning, in a manner similar to their classmates without disabilities. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the percent of students classified with disabilities and receiving accommodations in college and (2) to see if students’ access to accommodations varies as a function of their college’s type, selectivity, and cost. Overall 4.6% of undergraduate students are formally registered with their school’s disability office. Contrary to expectations, the highest percentage of students with disabilities receiving accommodations are found in America’s most selective and expensive private colleges and universities. The prevalence of students with disabilities at private, liberal arts colleges in particular is almost three times higher than the prevalence at two-year public (i.e., community) colleges. These findings suggest that public colleges should be more proactive in identifying and accommodating students with disabilities and private colleges should be more judicious in their accommodation granting. Colleges should also use principles of universal design to promote the academic success of all students, regardless of their disability status.
Ciencia e ideología en la administración pública: una perspectiva de las Naciones Unidas
Authors: ARGYRIADE DEMETRIOS
Published: August 2020

Me uno a ustedes en este importante Foro sintiendo cierta inquietud y a la vez felicidad. Encontrarme una vez más en esta hermosa ciudad y en este país de gran historia es una fuente de orgullo y alegría. Me siento especialmente honrado por haber sido invitado a disertar por segunda vez en este evento, que tiene lugar una vez al año en la más grande, más prestigiada y más antigua universidad de Latinoamérica. Sin embargo, ello es precisamente lo que constituye el origen de mi ansiedad; espero no defraudarlos.
La construction de l'éthique de l'entreprise ou éthique des affaires première partie. Les formes à partir de l'adoption de l'éthique
Authors: CUEVAS MORENO RICARDO
Published: August 2020

DANS CET ARTICLE NOUS MONTRONS LA FAON DE L'ENTREPRISE OU L'ÉTHIQUE DES AFFAIRES SE CONSTRUIT PARTIR DE LA CONTRIBUTION DE LA SCIENCE DE L'ÉTHIQUE. CELA EST L'ORIGINE DES FORMES DONT NOUS NOMMONS : L'ENTREPRISE DU RESPECT ET DE LA BONNE VOLONTÉ, LA VOIX DU PROPHËTE ET L'ÉLAN D'AMOUR, HABERMAS DANS LA GESTION, LA SOLUTION DE LA CONTRAINTE MORALE ET LE TRANSFERT DES VALEURS DE L'ÉTHIQUE L'ENTREPRISE. L'ANALYSE DES FORMES ILLUMINE LE CONTENU IDELOGIQUE DE L'ÉTHIQUE DE L'ENTREPRISE ET LES CONTRADICTIONS INSURMONTABLES DANS SA CONSTRUCTION. POUR CE FAIRE, NOUS MOBILISONS LA MÉTHODE DE L'ÉCONOMIE POLITIQUE, DE MARX (1965, 1857: 254-263) EN NOTRE EXPOSÉ SUR LA CONSTRUCTION DE L'ÉTHIQUE DE L'ENTREPRISE. DE CETTE FAON NOUS CONTINUONS LE PARCOURS ÉTABLI PAR LA MÉTHODE DE L'ÉCONOMIE POLITIQUE DE MARX (1857) EN NÔTRE L'EXPOSÉ DE LA CONSTITUTION DE L'ÉTHIQUE DE L'ENTREPRISE LA FRANAISE.
La búsqueda de motores de crecimiento bajo condiciones de liberalización económica
Authors: RAMÍREZ CEDILLO EDUARDO
Published: August 2020

BAJO UN CONTEXTO DE LIBERALIZACIÓN ECONÓMICA SE EXIGE TRABAJAR CON NIVELES DE BAJA INFLACIÓN Y TIPO DE CAMBIO ESTABLE. EL OBJETIVO DE BAJA INFLACIÓN Y TIPO DE CAMBIO ESTABLE IMPIDEN EL BUEN DESEMPEÑO DEL SISTEMA PARA GENERAR GANANCIAS; POR LO TANTO, LOS TRES SECTORES DE LA ECONOMÍA (PÚBLICO, PRIVADO Y EXTERNO) SON INCAPACES DE PROPICIAR CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO. SE MANTIENE LA ESTABILIDAD DE LAS VARIABLES MONETARIAS A COSTA DEL DETERIORO DE LAS VARIABLES REALES; PARA REVERTIR LA SITUACIÓN SE HACE NECESARIA UNA PARTICIPACIÓN MÁS ACTIVA DEL SECTOR PÚBLICO DONDE ÉSTE SE CONSOLIDE NUEVAMENTE COMO BUJÍA DEL CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO, PASANDO POR LA REVISIÓN DE LA APERTURA ECONÓMICA.
Crítica a la estructura tributaria actual en México
Authors: Ramírez Cedillo Eduardo
Published: August 2020

El presente documento tiene por objeto realizar una revisión crítica de la política tributaria en México, partiendo de dos puntos principales: las características de los principales impuestos y las características de una estructura tributaria eficiente. Tal como está diseñada la estructura tributaria del país resulta clara su ineficiencia para cerrar la brecha entre los ingresos potenciales y los reales, además de su incapacidad para lograr la distribución del ingreso. Ante tal situación se ha intentado el cambio de los tributos sobre la renta por los dedicados al consumo y su generalización, tratando de evitar con ello la evasión fiscal. A pesar de que se concede que puede resultar un sistema tributario regresivo se asume que puede ser subsanado mediante una correcta aplicación del gasto.
Hacia un nuevo sistema de reparto de utilidades
Authors: Bojórquez Carril Ana Laura
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo presenta en primer lugar un análisis del actual sistema de la participación de los trabajadores en las utilidades de las empresas (PTU) en México como factor productivo y como sistema flexible, así como las controversias legales por las que ha atravesado este sistema, básicamente enfocadas a la inconstitucionalidad de la base gravable y la no deducibilidad de las empresas por el pago de la PTU. En segundo lugar se presentan las conclusiones del análisis de este sistema, las recomendaciones para mejorarlo a través de la propuesta de un sistema de participación de los trabajadores basado en la productividad del proceso de trabajo y las ventajas del sistema propuesto sobre el actual.
Las formas de la ética de los negocios: la síntesis o las formas propiamente dichas. La doctrina social de la Iglesia cristiana
Authors: Cuevas Moreno Ricardo
Published: August 2020

En este artículo exponemos algunas de las formas de la ética de los negocios. Éstas sintetizan las contribuciones de la ciencia de la ética, de la ciencia de la economía y de la administración, pero de una manera distinta. La razón es que el discurso sabio se funde con los principios religiosos dando lugar la forma llamada la ética de los negocios y la religión. El estudio se completa con el tema de la confusión de palabras forma creada en la construcción de la ética de los negocios y que revela, al igual que las otras formas, su contenido ideológico. En este quehacer movilizamos el método de la economía política de Marx (1965, 1857: 254-263) haciendo énfasis en el momento de síntesis o reproducción espiritual de nuestro objeto de estudio.
El cluster de la industria del software en Merida, Yucatán
Authors: Caro Encalada Manuel , LEYVA MORALES CARLO
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se analizan las empresas de software ubicadas en Mérida, Yucatán, caracterizando su situación, tipo de cluster, potencial de desarrollo y posibles nichos de mercado a futuro. Se encontró que esta industria pertenece al cluster denominado anclado en el estado con empresas sólidas en su producción, que poseen una estructura organizacional definida y capital humano de alto nivel de escolaridad y productividad. En materia de comercialización, cuentan con condiciones óptimas al respecto (ventas, distribución, precios y funciones comerciales). El destino principal de sus productos es el país y poco más de la mitad de ellas no tienen dificultades para contratar personal calificado en las tecnologías para atender al mercado interno, aunque sí para el externo. Las finanzas de la mayoría de ellas son sólidas, están equipadas adecuadamente para desarrollar sus procesos productivos y comerciales e internamente presentan más fortalezas que debilidades en sus áreas. Asimismo, son negocios que en su mayoría crecieron en cuanto a su producción, ventas y planta laboral, por lo que esperan que éstos aumenten. Por último, se encontró que existen las condiciones necesarias y suficientes para potenciar el desarrollo de este cluster (entorno regional como nacional); los destinos donde sus productos presentan futuro potencial de ventas son la región sureste y el mercado exterior del país.
Evaluación nacional e internacional del medio ambiente por expertos
Authors: SOSA ECHEVERRÍA RODOLFO , HERRERÍAS ARISTI EDUARDO , BRAVO ÁLVAREZ HUMBERTO
Published: August 2020

EL MEDIOAMBIENTE ES EL PATRIMONIO COMPARTIDO DE LA HUMANIDAD; DE SU CUIDADO DEPENDE EL FUTURO DEL MUNDO; PARTE DE LA SABIDURÍA DEL HOMBRE RADICA EN SU CAPACIDAD DE APRENDER DE LO BUENO Y LO MALO QUE ADVIERTE EN SUS SEMEJANTES; DE AHÍ QUE EN VARIAS OCASIONES LOS ESPECIALISTAS RECOMIENDEN APRENDER TANTO DE LOS ÉXITOS COMO DE LOS FRACASOS, TENIENDO NUESTRO PAÍS GRAN CANTIDAD DE SITUACIONES QUE LOS EJEMPLIFICAN. CONSIDERADO LO ANTERIOR, PARA ESTE TRABAJO, ENTREVISTAMOS A 16 DESTACADOS EXPERTOS, NACIONALES Y EXTRANJEROS, EN MEDIOAMBIENTE Y CON AMPLIO COMPROMISO EN VALORES AMBIENTALES Y QUE SE HAN DESEMPEÑADO EN IMPORTANTES PUESTOS EN LOS SECTORES ACADÉMICO, PÚBLICO, PRIVADO Y DE ORGANISMOS INTERMEDIOS CON EL FIN DE CONOCER SUS OPINIONES SOBRE LA SITUACIÓN DEL MEDIOAMBIENTE EN MÉXICO Y EL MUNDO. PARA LLEVAR A CABO ESTO, SE ELABORÓ UN CUESTIONARIO CUYAS PREGUNTAS ATIENDEN AL NIVEL DE CONOCIMIENTO EVALUATIVO QUE MARCA LA TAXONOMÍA DE BLOOM; DE ESTA MANERA, SE ESTRUCTURARON 40 INTERROGANTES, CUYOS PLANTEAMIENTOS ESTÁN CENTRADOS EN LOS RECURSOS: AIRE, AGUA, SUELO Y ENERGÍA. DE LA SUMA DE OPINIONES, DETERMINAMOS 135 PRECISIONES; EL RESULTADO FINAL PUEDE CONSTITUIR UNA APORTACIÓN IMPORTANTE PARA PAÍSES QUE SE ENCUENTRAN EN VÍAS DE DESARROLLO Y CUYOS LIMITADOS RECURSOS ECONÓMICOS DEBEN OPTIMIZARSE A FAVOR DEL MEDIOAMBIENTE
Los ajustes por devengo como medida de discrecionalidad directiva. Una revisión bibliográfica
Authors: CASTILLO LARA LUIS ÁNGEL , SAN MARTÍN REYNA JUAN MIGUEL
Published: August 2020

LA PRÁCTICA OPORTUNISTA QUE PUEDE EJERCER LA GERENCIA PARA AUMENTAR SUS GANANCIAS PERSONALES, INCLUSO EN DETRIMENTO DEL VALOR TOTAL DE LA EMPRESA, SE CONOCE COMO "DISCRECIONALIDAD DIRECTIVA". ESTA PRÁCTICA DESHONESTA ES OBVIAMENTE DESVENTAJOSA PARA LOS ACCIONISTAS. POR DÉCADAS, VARIOS INVESTIGADORES HAN TRATADO DE IDENTIFICAR Y MEDIR ESTA ACTIVIDAD Y LOS PROCEDIMIENTOS USADOS PARA MANIPULAR LAS FINANZAS. NUESTRO OBJETIVO EN ESTE TRABAJO ES DESCRIBIR LOS ESTUDIOS EXISTENTES SOBRE "DISCRECIONALIDAD DIRECTIVA". EN PRIMER LUGAR, EXPONEMOS Y ANALIZAMOS LAS CONDICIONES QUE POSIBILITAN LA MANIPULACIÓN DE LAS GANANCIAS POR LA GERENCIA. POSTERIORMENTE, EXAMINAMOS LOS MÉTODOS EXISTENTES PARA DETECTAR Y MEDIR LA ACTIVIDAD DE "DISCRECIONALIDAD DIRECTIVA", ASÍ COMO LA "MANIPULACIÓN DE LOS REPORTES DE GANANCIAS" A TRAVÉS DEL ESCRUTINIO DE LAS FINANZAS REPORTADAS. FINALMENTE, NO ESTÁ DEL TODO CLARO HASTA QUÉ PUNTO ESTOS MODELOS SON CAPACES DE CAPTURAR CORRECTAMENTE ESTA DISCRECIONALIDAD DIRECTIVA.
Anticipating turbulent periods in Latin American emerging markets
Authors: FUENZALIDA DARCY , MONGRUT SAMUEL , NASH MAURICIO , ROSALES FRANCISCO
Published: August 2020

ALGUNOS DE LOS MERCADOS LATINOAMERICANOS SE HAN VISTO AFECTADOS SERIAMENTE POR LOS EPISODIOS DE CRISIS FINANCIERAS QUE HAN SUCEDIDO DURANTE LOS ÚLTIMOS QUINCE AÑOS. UNA FORMA DE ENFRENTAR LAS CRISIS CONSISTE EN ENCONTRAR MECANISMOS Y POLÍTICAS QUE PUEDAN SER IMPLEMENTADOS CON EL FIN DE PREVENIR ESTE TIPO DE EPISODIOS. ALTERNATIVAMENTE, SE PUEDE TRATAR DE CARACTERIZAR Y ANTICIPAR PERIODOS DE TURBULENCIA EN LOS MERCADOS DE CAPITALES EMERGENTES A TRAVÉS DE UN ANÁLISIS TÉCNICO HISTÓRICO. EN ESTE TRABAJO SE SIGUE ESTA ÚLTIMA PERSPECTIVA, PUES SE ESTUDIAN LAS PROPIEDADES MULTIFRACTALES DE LOS RENDIMIENTOS ACCIONARIOS ANTE LA CRISIS FINANCIERA MEXICANA DE 1994 EN TRES DE LOS MERCADOS LATINOAMERICANOS: ARGENTINA, BRASIL Y PERÚ. EL ANÁLISIS DE LOS RENDIMIENTOS SE REALIZA MEDIANTE EL ESTUDIO DE SUS ESPECTROS DE SINGULARIDAD DURANTE EL PERIODO 1989-2000. POSTERIORMENTE, MEDIANTE EL USO DE UN INDICADOR DE CRISIS CON UN UMBRAL EMPÍRICO ESTABLECIDO SE MUESTRA QUÉ CAMBIOS REPENTINOS EN LA SECUENCIA DE LOS EXPONENTES DE HÃ–LDER PRECEDEN A LOS PERIODOS DE TURBULENCIA EN LOS MERCADOS ESTUDIADOS CON 60 DÍAS DE ANTICIPACIÓN.