bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic miR-20b-5p contributes malignant behavior via bidirectionally regulating CCND1 and E2F1 in breast cancer stem cells
Authors: xia liqin , li feng , qiu jun , feng zhongming , xu zihan , chen zhengtang , Sun Jian-Guo
Published: April 2020

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Therefore, it is of great significance to identify the biological mechanism of tumorigenesis and explore the development of breast cancer to achieve a better prognosis for individuals suffering from breast cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become a hot topic in cancer research, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.Methods The miRNA profile between breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs, CD44+CD24−/low) and control MCF-7 breast cancer cells was obtained in a previous study. Based on biological analysis, miR-20b-5p was hypothesized to be a key factor due to the malignant behavior of BCSCs. Then, agomir-20b-5p and antagomir-20b-5p were transfected into MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells to detect cell migration, wound healing and proliferation, and lentivirus vectors silencing or overexpressing miR-20b-5p were transfected into T47D-CSCs to detect proliferation and apoptosis. The effect of miR-20b-5p on xenograft growth was investigated in vivo by transfection of a lentivirus overexpression vector in T47D cells. The target genes were predicted by the online programs picTar, miRanda and TargetScan and verified by dual luciferase assay, and changes in protein expression were detected by western blot.Results miR-20b-5p had the highest degree in both the miRNA-gene network and miRNA-GO network to regulate BCSCs. Overexpression of miR-20b-5p significantly promoted the migration and wound healing ability of MCF-7 cells and T47D cells compared with the control (P < 0.05). In addition, miR-20b-5p facilitated the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and T47D-CSCs (P < 0.05) and inhibited the apoptosis of T47D-CSCs (P < 0.05). Moreover, miR-20b-5p promoted xenograft growth compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Accordingly, potential targets of both CCND1 and E2F1 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. miR-20b-5p directly targeted both CCND1 and E2F1 in a dual luciferase assay, while antagomir-20b-5p downregulated the protein levels of CCND1 and E2F1.Conclusions Oncogenic miR-20b-5p was confirmed to promote the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells and stem cells. The underlying mechanism lies in miR-20b-5p overall enhanced both CCND1 and E2F1 targets via bidirectional regulation probably involving direct downregulation and indirect upregulation.
Current issues in protocol registration for systematic review and meta-analysis studies: a survey of global researchers
Authors: Tawfik Gehad Mohamed , Giang Hoang Thi Nam , Ghozy Sherief , Altibi Ahmed M. , Kandil Hend , Le Huu-Hoai , Eid Peter Samuel , Radwan Ibrahim , Makram Omar Mohamed , Hien Tong Thi Thu , Sherif Mahmoud , Hossain As-Saba , Thang Tai Luu Lam , Puljak Livia , Salem Hosni , Numair Tarek , Moji Kazuhiko , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: April 2020

Background Although protocol registration of systematic reviews/meta-analysis (SR/MA) is still not mandatory, authors are strongly suggested to publish their SR/MA protocols prior to submitting their manuscripts for publication as recommended by the Cochrane guidelines for conducting SR/MAs. We aimed to assess awareness, obstacles, and opinions of SR/MA authors about the protocol registration process.Methods A cross-sectional survey study included all authors who published SR/MAs during the period from 2010 to 2016 were contacted for participation in our survey study. They were identified through the literature search of SR/MAs in Scopus database. Upon receiving their approval to join our study, an online questionnaire was sent via e-mail to each participant.Results A total of 270 authors' responses were complete and were included in the final analysis. Our results showed that PROSPERO was the most commonly used database for protocol registration (71.3%). The registration-to-acceptance interval in PROSPERO was less than one month (99.1%). Almost half of the authors (44.2%) did not register their protocols prior to publishing their SR/MAs and their lack of knowledge of its importance was the most commonly reported reason (44.9%). A significant proportion of respondents (37.4%) believed that people would steal their ideas from protocol databases, while only 5.3% reported that their SR/MA had been stolen. However, the majority (72.9%) of participants agreed that protocol registries have a role in preventing unnecessary duplication of reviews. Finally, 37.4% of participants agreed that SR/MA protocol registration should be mandatory.Conclusion Lack of knowledge about SR/MA protocol registration process seems to be the primary reason for not registering such protocols. Therefore, interventions for increasing awareness about the benefits of protocol registration among researchers would be welcome.
Current Methods For Development Of Rapid Reviews About Diagnostic Tests: An International Survey
Authors: Arevalo-Rodriguez Ingrid , Steingart Karen R. , Tricco Andrea C. , Nussbaumer-Streit Barbara , Kaunelis David , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Baxter Susan , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Emparanza José Ignacio , Zamora Javier
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND Rapid reviews (RRs) have emerged as an efficient alternative to time-consuming systematic reviews—they can help meet the demand for accelerated evidence synthesis to inform decision-making in healthcare. The synthesis of diagnostic evidence has important methodological challenges. Here, we performed an international survey to identify the current practice of producing RRs for diagnostic tests.METHODS We developed and administered an online survey inviting institutions that perform RRs of diagnostic tests from all over the world.RESULTS All participants (N = 25) reported the implementation of one or more methods to define the scope of the RR; however, only one strategy (defining a structured question) was used by ≥ 90% of participants. All participants used at least one methodological shortcut including the use of a previous review as a starting point (92%) and the use of limits on the search (96%). Parallelization and automation of review tasks were not extensively used (48% and 20%, respectively).CONCLUSION Our survey indicates a greater use of shortcuts and limits for conducting diagnostic test RRs versus the results of a recent scoping review analyzing published RRs. Several shortcuts are used without knowing how their implementation affects the results of the evidence synthesis in the setting of diagnostic test reviews. Thus, a structured evaluation of the challenges and implications of the adoption of these RR methods is warranted.
Aloe vera for Prevention of Acute Radiation Proctitis in Colorectal Cancer: A Preliminary Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Salehifar Ebrahim , sahebnasagh adeleh , saghafi fatemeh , alipour abbas , Ghasemi Arash , Akbari Jafar , Safdari Mohammadreza , Ghaleno Hassan Rezai
Published: April 2020

Background Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is a common complication of radiation therapy (RT). This adverse effect in severe cases ultimately results in interruption of RT and poor outcome. Aloe vera contains multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds This study was aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of Aloe vera in ARP in colorectal cancer.Method: twenty eligible colorectal cancer patients, who received radiation, were randomized to receive Aloe vera 3% ointment or placebo for six weeks. At each weekly visit, ARP symptoms were evaluated by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and clinical presentation criteria. The lifestyle impact of the symptoms, depression and anxiety for assessment of psychosocial status of patients, and quantitative CRP were evaluated as secondary endpoints.Results there was a significant improvement in the symptom index for diarrhea and total RTOG scores and quantitative CRP levels (between-subject differences or group effect) (p < 0.05) in Aloe group. The overall time trend (within-subject differences or time effect) was statistically significant for rectal bleeding, rectal pain, total clinical scores, proctitis, cystitis, and total RTOG (P < 0.05) in Aloe vera group. The median lifestyle score improved significantly with Aloe vera. Intervention patients had a lower probability of presenting anxiety in their overall HAD scale during RT.Conclusion The use of topical formulation of Aloe vera 3% diminished the severity of ARP in colorectal cancer patients. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials IRCT201606042027N6, registrations date: 2016-04-09.
Changes in D-Dimer after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in adults living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Teasdale Chloe A , Hernandez Cecilia , Zerbe Allison , Chege Duncan , Hawken Mark , El-Sadr Wafaa M
Published: April 2020

Background
Increased coagulation biomarkers are associated with poor outcomes among people living with HIV(PLHIV). There are few data available from African cohorts demonstrating the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on coagulation biomarkers.
Methods
From March 2014 to October 2014, ART-naïve PLHIV initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART were recruited from seven clinics in western Kenya and followed for up to 12 months. Demographics, clinical history and blood specimens were collected. Logistic regression models adjusted for intrasite clustering examined associations between viral load and D-Dimer at baseline. Mixed linear effects models were used to estimate mean change from baseline to six months overall, and by baseline viral load, sex and TB status at enrollment. Mean change in D-dimer at six months is reported on the log10 scale and as percentage change from baseline.
Results
Among 611 PLHIV enrolled, 66% were female, median age was 34 years (interquartile range (IQR) 29–43 years), 31 (5%) participants had tuberculosis and median viral load was 113,500 copies/mL (IQR: 23,600 − 399,000). At baseline, 311 (50.9%) PLHIV had elevated D-dimer (> 500 ng/mL) and median D-dimer was 516.4 ng/mL (IQR: 302.7-926.6) (log baseline D-dimer: 2.7, IQR: 2.5-3.0). Higher baseline D-dimer was significantly associated with higher viral load (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.02) and tuberculosis (p=-0.02). After six months on ART, 518 (84.8%) PLHIV had achieved viral load < 1,000 copies/mL and median D-dimer was 390.0 (IQR: 236.6-656.9) (log D-dimer: 2.6, IQR: 2.4–2.8). Mean change in log D-dimer from baseline to six months was − 0.12 (95%CI -0.15, − 0.09) (p < 0.0001) indicating at 31.3% decline (95%CI -40.0, -23.0) in D-dimer levels over the first six months on ART. D-dimer decline after ART initiation was significantly greater among PLHIV with tuberculosis at treatment initiation
Effect of the Pumping-injection flow rate on Heat Transfer Characteristic of Borehole Heat Exchangers for Coupling Ground-Source Heat Pump System
Authors: Ma Jiuchen , Jiang Qian , Zhang QuLi , Xie Yacheng , Wang Yahui , Yi Feiyu
Published: April 2020

A coupling ground source heat pump system (CGSHP) is established in areas where groundwater is shallow but the seepage velocity is weak, which sets up pumping and injection wells on both sides of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs). A convection-dispersion analytical model of excess temperature in aquifer that considers groundwater forced seepage and axial effects and thermal dispersion effects is proposed. A controllable forced seepage sandbox is built by equation analysis method and similarity criteria. Through indoor test and the proposed analytical model, the correctness and accuracy of the numerical simulation software FEFLOW7.1 is verified. The influence of different pumping-injection flow rate on the heat transfer characteristic of BHEs is studied by numerical simulation. The results show that the average heat efficiency coefficient of BHEs increases and the heat influence range of downstream BHEs expands with the increasing of pumping-injection flow rate. The relation curve between Pe and the increment of heat transfer rate per unit depth of BHEs (Δ`q) is distributed as Gaussian function. The pumping-injection flow rate that makes Darcy velocity reaches 0.6 × 10− 6~1.4 × 10− 6 m∙s− 1 in the aquifer is the best reference range for CGSHP system,so 400 ~ 600 m3∙d− 1 is taken as the best pumping-injection flow rate in this paper.
Pilot trial on the efficacy and safety of pantethine in children with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration: A single-arm, open-label study.
Authors: Chang Xuting , Zhang Jie , Jiang Yuwu , Yao Bufan , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye
Published: April 2020

Objective This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of pantethine in children with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).Methods A single-arm, open-label study was conducted. All subjects received pantethine during the 24-week period of treatment. The primary endpoints were change of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I–III and Fahn–Marsden (FM) score from baseline to week 24 after treatment.Results Fifteen children with PKAN were enrolled, and all patients completed the study. After 24 weeks of treatment with pantethine at 60 mg/kg per day, there was no difference in either UPDRS I–III (t = 0.516, P = 0.614) or FM score (t = 0.353, P = 0.729) between the baseline and W24. Whereas the rates of increase in UPDRS I-III (Z = 2.614, p = 0.009) and FM scores (Z = 2.643, p = 0.008) were slowed. Four patients (26.7%) were evaluated as “slightly improved” by doctors through blinded video assessment. Patients with lower baseline UPDRS I–III or FM scores were more likely to be improved. The living quality of family members improved after pantethine treatment, evaluated by PedsQL TM 2.0 FIM scores, whereas the living quality of the patients was unchanged at W24, evaluated by PedsQL TM 4.0 and PedsQL TM 3.0 NMM. Serum level of CoA was comparable between baseline and W24. There was no drug related adverse event during the study.Conclusions Pantethine could not significantly improve motor function in children with PKAN after 24 weeks treatment, but it could probably delay the progression of motor dysfunction in our study. 26.7% of patients showed slightly improved. Pantethine was well-tolerated at 60 mg/kg per day.
Menopause Is a Natural Stage of Aging: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ilankoon Ilankoon Mudiyanselage Prasanthi Sumudrika , Samarasinghe Kerstin , Elgán Carina
Published: April 2020

Background Menopause is a biopsychosocial phenomenon encompassing the transition in a woman’s life from being fertile to becoming infertile. Although menopause may result in extremely unpleasant physical symptoms such as recurrent urinary tract infections, hot flushes and night sweats there is evidence of a low rate of reported menopausal symptoms among women in Asian cultures. Women’s experiences, views, and responses to menopause affect how women handle their menopausal symptoms varies between different societies and cultures. Consequently, also influencing women’s daily life and well-being.Methods We explore and describe menopausal experiences among women in Sri Lanka using a qualitative exploratory research approach. Individual interviews with a purposive sample of 20 women were conducted, and data analysis was done using conventional content analysis. This study aligns with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.Results The results consist of one overriding theme, “Menopause is a natural stage of aging” and two categories “Entering a new stage” and “Remaining valuable.” The overriding theme, “Menopause is a natural stage of aging” elucidate that menopausal changes was perceived as a natural change in life, with health problems that are normal and these problems was handled with various self-care practices. The category “Entering a new stage” describes the women’s feelings of fear of being pregnant when the menstruation ceases and feelings of relief when realizing not being fertile anymore. It also involved becoming aware of and dealing with menopause related health risks. The category “Remaining valuable” describes women’s experiences of being competent and able to find their own remedies to ease the menopausal symptoms and by interacting with significant others, shifting focus to other people also was a way to deal with problems related to menopause.Conclusion Sri Lankan women manage menopausal problem on their own. Educational interventions with regard to menopausal issues and alternatives to ease menopausal symptoms need to be tailored according to the prevailing sociocultural context. By implementing community-based health centers led by nurses and/or midwives providing information about additional hormonal therapy and thereafter facilitate follow-up and evaluation would simplify Sri Lankan women’s transition into menopause.
Qualitative research on the psychological experience of female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
Authors: Zhou Feijing , Du Kun , Dong Yuezhi
Published: April 2020

Background: Infertility and fertility treatment exacerbate the intensity of stress that couples experience and negatively affects the patients’ quality of life. Stress is a crucial factor in reproductive health and is likely to be one of the psychological factors affecting ART success. The qualitative research method permitted an understanding of the patients’ experience during the diagnosis of and treatment for IVF and identified the sources of psychological stress. This understanding could urge medical workers, families, and society at large to provide targeted help to these patients.Methods: A qualitative research was conducted in the reproductive medicine center of our hospital. Women who received IVF treatment were randomly selected.Results: In total, 16 interviews were conducted with female patients undergoing IVF-ET between May and October 2019. The psychological experience of female patients undergoing IVF–ET can be summarized into four themes: (1) negative emotions due to infertility; (2) suffering under stress; (3) eager to obtain family and social support; (4) desire for medical knowledge related to infertility.Conclusion: Medical staff should fully understand the emotional state of the patient during the process of infertility treatment and careful attention should be paid to the patients’ psychological needs. According to the individual differences between the patients, we should provide positive factors of social support. Furthermore, corresponding health guidance and psychological support to reduce the psychological stress of patients and thus improve their chances of getting pregnant should be provided.
The influence of social media on recruitment to surgical trials.
Authors: Bisset Carly Nichola , Carter Ben , Law Jennifer , Hewitt Jonathan , Parmar Kat , Moug Susan Joan
Published: April 2020

Background Social media is changing the way surgeons communicate worldwide with a key role in disseminating trial results. However, it is unclear if social media could be used in recruitment to surgical trials. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Twitter in promoting surgical recruitment in The Emergency Laparotomy and Frailty (ELF) Study. Methods The ELF Study was a UK prospective, observational cohort that aimed to assess the influence of frailty on 90-day mortality in older adults undergoing emergency surgery. A power calculation required 500 patients to be recruited in 12 weeks to detect a 10% change in mortality associated with frailty. A Twitter handle was designed (@ELFStudy) with eye-catching logos to encourage enrolment and inform the public and clinicians involved in the study. Twitter Analytics and an online analytics tool (Twitonomy; Digonomy Pty Ltd) were used to analyse trends in user engagement. Results After 90 days of data collection, a total of 49 sites from Scotland, England and Wales recruited 952 consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Target recruitment (n=500) was achieved by week 11. A total of 591 tweets were published by @ELFStudy since its conception, making 218,136 impressions at time of writing. The number of impressions prior to March 20 th 2017 (study commencement date) was 23,335 (343.2 per tweet), compared to the recruitment period with 114,314 impressions (256.3 per tweet), ending on June 20 th 2017. Each additional tweet was associated with an increase in recruitment of 1.66 (95%CI 1.36 to 1.97; p<0.001). Conclusion The ELF Study over-recruited by nearly 100%, reaching over 200,000 people across the U.K. Branding enhanced tweet aesthetics and helped increase tweet engagement to stimulate discussion and healthy competition amongst clinicians to aid trial recruitment. Other studies may draw from the social media experiences of the ELF Study to optimise collaboration amongst researchers. Trial Registration This study is registered online at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02952430) and has been approved by the National Health Service Research Ethics Committee.
A qualitative study exploring the benefits and challenges of implementing client centered care in a substance dependence rehabilitation service
Authors: Davis Esther Louise , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Buckingham Mark , Breeze Danielle , Degan Tayla
Published: April 2020

Background Client centered care is strongly advocated as key to improving the quality of health care. However, there is a notable absence of research about the acceptability and feasibility of a client centered approach in substance dependence treatment settings. The aim of this study was to explore client and staff perspectives of a new client centered model of care implemented at Kedesh Rehabilitation Services, a residential substance dependence treatment service.Methods Participants were client and staff at Kedesh between April 2018 and April 2019. Clients were invited to take part in a focus group and staff in individual interviews. Questions elicited client and staff experience of client centered care at Kedesh, including advantages and disadvantages. Staff were also asked to describe how they would define the client centered model. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcriptions of audio recordings.Results Four focus groups were conducted amongst 18 clients and 8 individual interviews amongst staff. Staff identified the defining features of client centered care as that which is flexible, comprehensive, open-minded and inclusive. Clients and staff shared predominantly positive views on the client centered model, with an emphasis on the satisfaction in providing and receiving what felt like more authentic and comprehensive care. Shared themes emerged for clients and staff on the challenge of striking a balance between flexibility and structure, and managing comprehensive and individualized care within existing knowledge, skills and resources.Conclusions Client centered care encourages health care organisations and providers to strive for a more holistic and empowering standard of care. Results support the acceptability of client centered care in residential substance dependence treatment settings for both clients and staff. Future research is needed to develop knowledge in interpreting, implementing, and assessing client centered care in the treatment of substance dependence.
What methods are used to promote patient and family involvement in healthcare regulation? A case study across four countries
Authors: Wiig Siri , Rutz Suzanne , Boyd Alan , Churruca Kate , Kleefstra Sophia , Haraldseid-Driftland Cecilie , Braithwaite Jeffrey , O'Hara Jane , de Bovenkamp Hester van
Published: April 2020

Background In healthcare regulation, the subject of patient and family involvement figures increasingly prominently on the agenda. However, the literature on involving patient and families in regulation is still in its infancy. A systematic analysis of how patient and family involvement in regulation is accomplished across different health systems is lacking. We provide such an overview by mapping and classifying methods of patient and family involvement in regulatory practice in four countries; Norway, England, the Netherlands, and Australia. We thus provide a knowledge base that enables discussions about possible types of involvement, and advantages and difficulties of involvement encountered in practice.Methods The research design was a multiple case study of patient and family involvement in regulation in four countries. The authors collected 1) academic literature if available and 2) documents of regulators that describe user involvement. Based on the data collected, the authors from each country completed a pre-agreed template to describe the involvement methods. The following information was extracted and included if available: 1) Method of involvement, 2) Type of regulatory activity, 3) Purpose of involvement, 4) Who is involved and 5) Lessons learnt.Results Our mapping of involvement methods showed a range of methods being used in regulation, which we classified into four categories: individual proactive, individual reactive, collective proactive, and collective reactive methods. Reported advantages include: increased quality of regulation, increased legitimacy, perceived justice for those affected, and empowerment. Difficulties were also reported concerning: how to incorporate the input of users in decisions, the fact that not all users want to be involved, time and costs required, organizational procedures standing in the way of involvement, and dealing with emotions.Conclusions Our mapping of user involvement methods found a broad variety of involvement methods. These can serve as inspiration to regulators in healthcare. The paper shows that making involvement in regulation successful is a challenging and complex task. The fact that regulators are experimenting with different methods can be valued positively in this regard.
Availability of Essential Commodities and Related Bottlenecks for Community Health System: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pradhan Ami , Bogue Erin , Schreiber Benjamin , Dini Hannah Sarah , Hurkchand Hitesh , Briggs Jane , Ballard Madeleine
Published: April 2020

Background: This paper explores the extent of community-level stock-out of essential and program commodities for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and identifies the underlying bottlenecks leading to such stock-outs. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted of published and grey literature. 48 studies containing information on the number or percentage of CHWs or health facilities (HFs) stocked-out, or reasons for stock-outs at these levels, were included. In addition, interviews were conducted with domain experts from different organizations working on community health to identify primary reasons for stock-outs. The qualitative data regarding reasons for stock-outs were categorized under different themes, using a content analysis method. Results: 48.09% [CI 95%: 39.28 - 56.90] of the Community Health Workers and 54.76 % [CI 95%: 43.54 - 65.98] of the health facilities in SSA countries included in this study experienced stock-outs of essential commodities. A hypothesis test showed no significant difference in stock-out rates between CHWs and HFs. The most frequently cited reason for CHW stock-outs was a lack of financial resources, leading to inadequate national level stocks, affecting supply available at the last mile. Moreover, issues at HF and CHW levels in the following areas contributed to stock-outs: transportation, data and estimation of needs, human resources, and stock management and storage. These significant bottlenecks hinder the ability of CHWs to save lives. Conclusion: Stock-outs of health commodities impact almost half of CHWs, preventing effective service delivery. Many factors contribute to stock-outs, which occur at all levels of the health supply chain. A system strengthening approach is necessary to reduce CHW stock-outs. Sparse data, differing definitions of stock-outs, and inconsistent reporting metrics posed significant challenges to analyzing results from reviewed studies. Therefore, a set of standard metrics to measure the rate, period, and frequency of stock-outs in future studies is recommended.
Policymakers and institutional structures affecting health inequality in Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Abbe Kassa Mohammed , Dolamo Bethabile L
Published: April 2020

Background : Ethiopia generally provides a story of progress in child health, but unevenly distributed. The attitude, knowledge, political drives, interest groups and institutional dynamics in health equity policy setting and execution has not been explored in Ethiopia. Without addressing these issues, the right kind of policy choice and implementation cannot be attained. Methods : This study was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in Ethiopia. The study utilized a qualitative framework, grounded in social determinants for health and health policy. Semi-structured interviews; executed policy analysis; and reviewed the literature. In-depth interviews were conducted among twenty-one policymakers and reviewed 23 policy documents and over 350 literatures, Transcribed data, policy extracts and articles were synthesised and analysed by ATLAS.ti 7.1.4. Results: Ethiopia is in an early state of recognizing and intervening against health inequalities. The quality and level of knowledge is mixed and gets reduced as one goes to the rural areas. Consensus is slowly developing on the major underlying causes of inequality. The contents of health policy documents are neither comprehensive nor strongly supported by evidence. There are multiple interest groups with varying level of knowledge and power. Complex political and institutional relations affect policy making process negatively. Participants demonstrated denialism; blaming of victims; misconceptions; and one size fits all attitudes. Conclusions : Any future work for improving health equity needs to be build more on evidence and embrace more participatory processes to address all types of interest groups.
The compound role of a coordinator for home-dwelling persons with dementia and their informal caregivers: A qualitative feasibility study of the LIVE@Home.Path trial
Authors: Fæø Stein Erik , Tranvåg Oscar , Samdal Rune , Husebo Bettina S. , Bruvik Frøydis
Published: April 2020

Background As the number of persons with dementia is increasing, there has been a call for establishing sustainable clinical pathways for coordinating care and support for this group. The LIVE@Home.Path- trial is a multicomponent, multi-disciplinary intervention combining learning, innovation, volunteer support and empowerment. To implement the intervention, a municipal coordinator has a crucial role. Implementation research on multicomponent interventions is complex and we conducted a feasibility study, aiming to explore the coordinator role and how a coordinator may empower persons with dementia in decision-making processes.Methods Qualitative program evaluation combined with a hermeneutic interpretive approach was chosen as methodological approach. Sixteen dyads, consisting of the person with dementia and their main informal caregiver received the intervention by two coordinators. Of these, six dyads, three informal caregivers alone and the two care coordinators along with their leader participated in in-depth or focus group interviews, sharing their experiences with participation in the feasibility trial after six months intervention.Results We found that the coordinators fulfilled three functions for the participating dyads: being a safety net , meaning that the dyads had little needs at the moment, but established a relation to someone who might help if the situation should change; being a pathfinder , meaning that they supported the dyads in finding their way through the complicated system of care and support services; being a source for emotional care and support , meaning that they listened, acknowledged and gave counsel in times of distress. The coordinators emphasized that a trusting leader and work environment was crucial for them to fulfill these functions. We also found that it was challenging for the coordinators to build a relation to the persons with dementia in order to pursue genuine empowerment in decision-making processes. Conclusion We found the framework for follow-up to be a feasible starting point for establishing empowering coordination and a sustainable care pathway for persons with dementia and their informal caregivers. More meeting points between coordinator and person with dementia should be pursued in order to fulfill the persons’ fundamental rights to participate in decision-making processes.
Dental Faculty’s Knowledge and Attitude regarding COVID-19 disease in Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Asma Munir , Nawabi Shazia , Javed Muhammad Qasim
Published: April 2020

Background: Present study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty at Qassim University, regarding novel COVID 19 disease. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on the faculty at undergraduate dental school. The self-designed e-survey was administered to 78 faculty members to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards the COVID-19 disease. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were reported as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test was utilized to identify the correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The inferential statistics (Kruskal-Wallis tests and Mann-Whitney U test) were utilized for assessing the significance between study variables. The association between knowledge and attitude was evaluated by using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 55 faculty members (70.5%) responded. Mean knowledge score was 10± 2.71. 37 (67.3%) respondents showed positive attitude towards COVID-19 while 18(32.7%) displayed negative attitude. The mean attitude score was 4.08±0.50. Significant difference was found in knowledge (p-value=0.04) and attitude (p-value=0.015) of dental faculty based on designation.Conclusions: Qassim University dentists were mindful of the COVID-19 symptoms, means of transmission, Cross-infection control and operative protocols practiced within dental clinics. However, dentists exhibited inadequate knowledge about the specific dental procedures that safeguard the dental staff and patients from COVID-19 in context of current outbreak.
Contradições da pós-graduação em administração brasileira
Authors: Bispo Marcelo De Souza
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste ensaio é discutir contradições da pós-graduação em administração tomando como base o que acontece no Brasil e que pode ter ressonância em outros países de modo a considerar seus impactos no processo de avaliação dos programas de pós-graduação brasileiros e nas carreiras dos profissionais envolvidos no brasileiro de ensino superior. A partir da confusão criada entre os conceitos do que é ensino e o que é pesquisa, defendo que a pós-graduação não é “o” espaço da pesquisa em administração, mas o espaço do ensino da pesquisa. Apresento ao longo do meu raciocínio como esta confusão geram distorções nas práticas dos programas de pós-graduação em administração brasileiros, assim como no sistema de avaliação desses programas realizados pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES); que é a organização pública nacional responsável por esse processo. Ao final sugiro que seja definido o mestrado como nível de formação para o ensino e o doutorado como nível de formação para pesquisa.
Classe social e produção de desigualdades: uma análise culturalista de classe
Authors: Souza Eloisio Moulin de
Published: April 2020

Este artigo analisaEste artigo analisa qual a relevância de classe social como marcador social para alunos de administração e como os alunos definem classe social, utilizando-se para essa análise a abordagem culturalista de classe. Para tanto, foram aplicados questionários e conduzidos grupos focais com um roteiro semiestruturado de entrevista junto aos alunos de graduação de administração, sendo os dados produzidos investigados por meio da análise de conteúdo. Conclui-se que, apesar de autores declararem a morte de classe como marcador social, classe é um marcador social identitário no contexto estudado, produzindo hierarquias e desigualdades econômicas, culturais e sociais. Em uma análise culturalista, os alunos de administração definem classe considerando tanto aspectos objetivos quanto subjetivos, declarando a relevância de classe em sociedades menos desenvolvidas e evidenciando o alto nível de estratificação social presente na sociedade brasileira.
Whatsapp como ferramenta de ensino e aprendizagem por professores do ensino superior: uma avaliação utilizando o modelo de aceitação de tecnologia TAM
Authors: Santos Leonardo Campinha dos , Freitas Angilberto Sabino de , Ferreira Jorge Brantes
Published: April 2020

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar quais variáveis influenciam positivamente a intenção de aceitação do WhatsApp por professores universitários como ferramenta para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem, em um ambiente do ensino presencial. Para tal, utilizou-se o Modelo de Aceitação de Tecnologia (TAM). Foi aplicado um questionário on-line que resultou em uma amostra de 229 professores, que foi analisada por meio da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais (SEM). Os resultados apontam que o construto compatibilidade obteve grande influência sobre a facilidade de uso percebida, utilidade percebida e a atitude em relação ao uso. A atitude em relação ao uso também apresentou forte influência sobre a intenção de uso do WhatsApp. Por fim, os resultados sugerem que os professores universitários consideram como aspectos relevantes e influenciadores de uma atitude positiva em relação ao uso do WhatsAppa compatibilidade com seus valores, necessidades e experiências e a percepção do quanto útil pode ser o seu uso.
Revalidação da escala mobile users' information privacy concerns para o contexto brasileiro
Authors: Silva Junior Sady Darcy da , Luciano Edimara Mezzomo , Lübeck Rafael Mendes
Published: April 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi revalidar a escala Mobile Users' Information Privacy Concerns (MUIPC) ao contexto brasileiro, comparando os resultados obtidos aos do contexto norte-americano. Tratou-se de um estudo quantitativo composto por uma amostra de 309 respondentes brasileiros, que responderam via web as questões retrotraduzidas da escala MUIPC. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise fatorial exploratória e os resultados obtidos assemelharam-se a uma das pesquisas anteriores realizadas com respondentes norte-americanos. A principal contribuição do estudo foi a adaptação de uma escala de medição da preocupação com a privacidade das informações para usuários de apps de equipamentos mobile para a língua portuguesa, que poderá auxiliar pesquisadores brasileiros em investigações no contexto nacional.
Strategies of Writing Used by the Students of Higher and Lower Proficiency Level: A Case Study
Authors: Amin Md. Ruhul
Published: April 2020

The objectives of the current study were to determine the types of writing strategies used by the students and to describe the differences of writing strategies utilization between high and low achievers. This research was conducted at academic writing program, Language Training Center of NPI University of Bangladesh. The subjects were three of high achievers and three of low achievers who had enrolled in the program. The study applied a qualitative method approach. Structured interview and open-ended questionnaire based on Cazrl and Petric writing strategies, inventory were employed in collecting data. The result showed that all twenty writing strategies investigated in this research were employed by the subjects; secondly, high proficiencies employ writing strategies more frequently than those with low proficiencies. The implication of the study is that by understanding the writing strategies, employment of the high and the low students to upgrade the students writing quality into a better writing.
Gricean Maxims on Student-Teacher Talk in EFL Setting
Authors: Herdiawan Rama Dwika
Published: April 2020

The student-teacher talk is the foundation that creates interaction in the classroom. It happens when the teacher gives instruction, explains the material or ask for the students’ opinion in the class. However, sometimes one of the participants might not always follow conversational maxims proposed by Grice. The problem is considered as the non-observance of the conversational maxims. This problem might create misunderstanding between students and teacher during the lecturing. This study aims to reveal what kind of the non-observance of the conversational maxims are found in the classroom and to reveal the occurrence of them. This is a pragmatics-discourse analysis with a narrative inquiry as the design. The researcher employs observation checklist and the audio recording as the research instruments. The data collection includes recording the data, listening to the data and then transcribing it into written form. The findings reveal that the only non-observance of the conversational maxims that isn’t found is suspending maxim. There are fourteen times in which the conversational maxims are not fulfilled. The non-observance of the conversational maxims are done by the students only. The lecturer does not take part in the failure of fulfilling conversational maxims. Hopefully, this study is significant to help the teachers and the students to minimize the non-observance of conversational maxims in order to avoid a misunderstanding during the lecturing.
An Analysis on The Students’ Language Learning Strategies in Learning English
Authors: Sulaiman Sulaiman Sulaiman
Published: April 2020

Abstract

This study revealed the students’ language learning strategies in learning English. This study conducted on descriptive design which used quantitative approach to analyze the data. Therefore, the data is collected through Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) Questionnaire. The populations in this research were 116 students, while 90 of them were used as sample. The researcher uses purposive sampling as the technique sampling to select the sample.

The findings of the language learning strategies used by the students with high level of achievement and the students with low level of achievement are the students with high level of achievement is better than students with low level of achievement in the use of language learning strategies because they have higher average score in the use of six strategies, namely memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective and social strategies. The finding of the use of language learning strategies by female and male students are female students is better in the use of language learning strategies because they get higher average score.

The teachers should be equipped with a lot of strategies that they will be able to propose to students so that they can deal with difficult academic task. The teachers should design activities that the students use a variety of strategies and after the completion of the task they should held a discussion session with students about the strategies that they use, whether these strategies proved to be useful or not. In his way, the teachers have opportunity to see the success each students in the use of the strategies, the students will be able to see what their appropriate strategies use. Thus, they will be given the opportunity to make self  evaluation, decide which is better for them or learn an alternative way of doing a particular task.

Keyword: Language, Second Language Acquisition, Language Learning Strategies.
A Review of Properties and Functions of Narrow Band Internet of Things and its Security Requirements
Authors: Kakarash Zana Azeez , Mardukhi Farhad
Published: April 2020

IOT is a new web sample based on the fact that there are many things and entities other than humans that can connect to the Internet. This fact means that machines or things can automatically interconnected without the need of interacting with humans and thus become the most important entities that create Internet data. In this article, we first examine the challenges of IOT. Then we introduce features of NB- IOT through browsing current international studies on  NB- IOT technology in which, we focus on basic theories and key technologies , such as the connection number analysis theory, the theory of delay analysis, the coating increase mechanism , low energy consumption technology, and the connection of the relationship between signaling and data .Then we compare some functions of NB- IOT and other wireless telecommunication technologies in terms of latency, security, availability, data transfer speed, energy consumption, spectral efficiency, and coverage area .  Finally, we review and summarize NB- IOT security requirements that should be solved immediately. These topics are provided to overview NB- IOT which can offer a complete familiarity with this area.
Artificial Intelligence–Powered Digital Health Platform and Wearable Devices Improve Outcomes for Older Adults in Assisted Living Communities: Pilot Intervention Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wilmink Gerald , Dupey Katherine , Alkire Schon , Grote Jeffrey , Zobel Gregory , Fillit Howard M , Movva Satish
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Wearables and artificial intelligence (AI)–powered digital health platforms that utilize machine learning algorithms can autonomously measure a senior’s change in activity and behavior and may be useful tools for proactive interventions that target modifiable risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to analyze how a wearable device and AI-powered digital health platform could provide improved health outcomes for older adults in assisted living communities.

METHODS

Data from 490 residents from six assisted living communities were analyzed retrospectively over 24 months. The intervention group (+CP) consisted of 3 communities that utilized CarePredict (n=256), and the control group (–CP) consisted of 3 communities (n=234) that did not utilize CarePredict. The following outcomes were measured and compared to baseline: hospitalization rate, fall rate, length of stay (LOS), and staff response time.

RESULTS

The residents of the +CP and –CP communities exhibit no statistical difference in age (P=.64), sex (P=.63), and staff service hours per resident (P=.94). The data show that the +CP communities exhibited a 39% lower hospitalization rate (P=.02), a 69% lower fall rate (P=.01), and a 67% greater length of stay (P=.03) than the –CP communities. The staff alert acknowledgment and reach resident times also improved in the +CP communities by 37% (P=.02) and 40% (P=.02), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The AI-powered digital health platform provides the community staff with actionable information regarding each resident’s activities and behavior, which can be used to identify older adults that are at an increased risk for a health decline. Staff can use this data to intervene much earlier, protecting seniors from conditions that left untreated could result in hospitalization. In summary, the use of wearables and AI-powered digital health platform can contribute to improved health outcomes for seniors in assisted living communities. The accuracy of the system will be further validated in a larger trial.