bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic Violence and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Soron Tanjir , Ashiq Md Ashiqur Rahman , Al-Hakeem Marzia , Chowdhury Zaid Farzan , Uddin Ahmed Helal , Afrooz Chowdhury Chaman
Published: April 2021

Background

The COVID-19 lockdown, the advent of working from home, and other unprecedent events have resulted in multilayer and multidimensional impacts on our personal, social, and occupational lives. Mental health conditions are deteriorating, financial crises are increasing in prevalence, and the need to stay at home has resulted in the increased prevalence of domestic violence. In Bangladesh, where domestic violence is already prevalent, the lockdown period and stay-at-home orders could result in more opportunities and increased scope for perpetrators of domestic violence.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of domestic violence during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in Bangladesh and the perceptions of domestic violence survivors with regard to mental health care.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional web-based study among the Bangladeshi population and used a semistructured self-reported questionnaire to understand the patterns of domestic violence and perceptions on mental health care from August to September 2020. The questionnaire was disseminated on different organizational websites and social media pages (ie, those of organizations that provide mental health and domestic violence services). Data were analyzed by using IBM SPSS (version 22.0; IBM Corporation).

Results

We found that 36.8% (50/136) of respondents had faced domestic violence at some point in their lives; psychological abuse was the most common type of violence. However, the prevalence of the economical abuse domestic violence type increased after the COVID-19 lockdown was enforced. Although 96.3% (102/136) of the participants believed that domestic violence survivors need mental health support, only 25% (34/136) of the respondents had an idea about the mental health services that are available for domestic violence survivors in Bangladesh and how and where they could avail mental health services.

Conclusions

Domestic violence is one of the most well-known stressors that have direct impacts on physical and mental health. However, the burden of domestic violence is often underreported, and its impact on mental health is neglected in Bangladesh. The burden of this problem has increased during the COVID-19 crisis, and the cry for mental health support is obvious in the country. However, it is necessary to provide information about available support services; telepsychiatry can be good option for providing immediate mental health support in a convenient and cost-effective manner.
Potential Impact of a Paper About COVID-19 and Smoking on Twitter Users’ Attitudes Toward Smoking: Observational Study
Authors: Tao Chunliang , Diaz Destiny , Xie Zidian , Chen Long , Li Dongmei , O’Connor Richard
Published: April 2021

Background

A cross-sectional study (Miyara et al, 2020) conducted by French researchers showed that the rate of current daily smoking was significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 than in the French general population, implying a potentially protective effect of smoking.

Objective

We aimed to examine the dissemination of the Miyara et al study among Twitter users and whether a shift in their attitudes toward smoking occurred after its publication as preprint on April 21, 2020.

Methods

Twitter posts were crawled between April 14 and May 4, 2020, by the Tweepy stream application programming interface, using a COVID-19–related keyword query. After filtering, the final 1929 tweets were classified into three groups: (1) tweets that were not related to the Miyara et al study before it was published, (2) tweets that were not related to Miyara et al study after it was published, and (3) tweets that were related to Miyara et al study after it was published. The attitudes toward smoking, as expressed in the tweets, were compared among the above three groups using multinomial logistic regression models in the statistical analysis software R (The R Foundation).

Results

Temporal analysis showed a peak in the number of tweets discussing the results from the Miyara et al study right after its publication. Multinomial logistic regression models on sentiment scores showed that the proportion of negative attitudes toward smoking in tweets related to the Miyara et al study after it was published (17.07%) was significantly lower than the proportion in tweets that were not related to the Miyara et al study, either before (44/126, 34.9%; P<.001) or after the Miyara et al study was published (68/198, 34.3%; P<.001).

Conclusions

The public’s attitude toward smoking shifted in a positive direction after the Miyara et al study found a lower incidence of COVID-19 cases among daily smokers.
The GIMEMA-ALLIANCE Digital Health Platform for Patients With Hematologic Malignancies in the COVID-19 Pandemic and Postpandemic Era: Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Breccia Massimo , Fazi Paola , Cottone Francesco , Holzner Bernhard , Vignetti Marco
Published: April 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised unprecedented challenges in the management of patients with cancer and has increased the demands for digital health tools that, for example, could facilitate remote monitoring of patients. Based on this, the Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche dell’Adulto (GIMEMA) has recently developed a digital health tool dedicated to patients with hematologic malignancies: the GIMEMA-ALLIANCE platform.

Objective

The main objectives of this web-based platform are to generate relevant data to better understand quality of life, symptoms, and medication adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpandemic era; to develop a prospective real-life registry on outcomes of patients with hematologic cancer, with or without a diagnosis of COVID-19; and to facilitate patient-centered care in routine practice.

Methods

The platform consists of physician- and patient-secure portals and enables electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) assessments with real-time graphical presentation to physicians of individual patient symptoms and quality-of-life outcomes. Automated alerts are sent to treating hematologists based on the following predetermined criteria: presence of clinically important problems and symptoms, problems with adherence to therapy, and risk of COVID-19 diagnosis. The platform also allows physicians to set up video consultations. Clinical information regarding disease and treatment as well as clinical and survival outcomes are also prospectively collected.

Results

Recruitment of participants started in December 2020. As of April 2021, a total of 116 patients have been enrolled in this study. Use of this platform may help to improve patient-physician communication and help hematologists in the early recognition of clinically important problems and symptoms of their patients. More than 20 community and university-based hospitals have currently agreed to participate. In addition to patient-reported outcome data, the prospective collection of disease- and treatment-related information, as well as data on possible COVID-19 diagnosis and COVID-19 vaccination, will allow the development of a large database to also identify subgroups of patients at risk of poor outcomes.

Conclusions

Data generated via this platform will help to answer clinically relevant questions for patients with hematologic malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpandemic era. The use of the GIMEMA-ALLIANCE platform in routine practice may also contribute to enhancing patient-centered care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04581187; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04581187

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/25271
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health in China and Spain: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Cuiyan , López-Núñez María Inmaculada , Pan Riyu , Wan Xiaoyang , Tan Yilin , Xu Linkang , Choo Faith , Ho Roger , Ho Cyrus , Aparicio García Marta E
Published: April 2021

Background

Differences in physical and mental health impact across continents during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown.

Objective

This study compared the levels of impact of COVID-19 on mental health among people from Spain and China and correlated mental health parameters with variables relating to symptoms similar to COVID-19, COVID-19 knowledge, and precautionary measures.

Methods

We collected information on demographic data, physical symptoms, contact history with persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 knowledge, and precautionary measures. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 Items (DASS-21). To analyze the differences in the mental health parameters, the mean scores between Chinese and Spanish respondents were compared using the independent samples t test. The differences in categorical variables between the two samples were analyzed by the chi-square test. Linear regression was used to calculate the univariate associations between the independent variables and mental health parameters for both groups separately, with adjustments made for age, gender, and education.

Results

A total of 1528 participants (Spain: n=687; China: n=841) were recruited. The mean age of the Chinese respondents was 24.73 years (SD 7.60; range 18-65 years), and the mean age of the Spanish respondents was 43.06 years (SD 11.95; range 18-76 years). Spanish participants reported significantly more symptoms similar to COVID-19 infection (eg, fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties), contact history with COVID-19, higher perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, frequent use of medical services, and less confidence in medical services compared with their Chinese counterparts (P<.001). Spanish participants reported significantly higher DASS-21 stress and depression scores, while Chinese participants reported significantly higher IES-R scores (P<.001). Chinese participants encountered more discrimination from other countries (P<.001). Significantly more Chinese participants reported using face masks than Spanish ones (P<.001). More exposure to health information was associated with adverse mental health in Spain (depression: P=.02; anxiety: P=.02; stress: P=.001).

Conclusions

Our study found that Spanish respondents reported higher levels of stress and depression as well as more symptoms and use of medical services. In preparation for the next pandemic, Spain needs to establish a prompt policy to implement rapid response and enhance medical services to safeguard physical and mental health.
Novice and Advanced Learners’ Satisfaction and Perceptions of an e-Learning Renal Semiology Module During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Zamberg Ido , Schiffer Eduardo , Stoermann-Chopard Catherine
Published: April 2021

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is a unique clinical disorder, which provides interesting teaching opportunities that connect physiological and pathological aspects to clinical practice. During the current COVID-19 outbreak, in-person teaching in our institution was not permitted, thus creating a unique challenge for clinical skills teaching. A case-based electronic learning (e-learning) activity was designed to replace the traditional in-person teaching of renal semiology. e-Learning activities have been shown to be effective for knowledge retention and increasing novice learners’ performance. However, major knowledge gaps exist concerning the satisfaction of learners with e-learning activities as the sole form of teaching, specifically for undergraduate clinical skills education.

Objective

Our study aimed to prospectively assess undergraduate medical students’ perceptions of and satisfaction with an e-learning activity teaching renal semiology.

Methods

All second-year medical students (novice learners) from the medical faculty of the University of Geneva, Switzerland, undertook the e-learning activity and were invited to participate in a nonmandatory, validated web-based survey, comprising questions answered using a 10-point Likert scale and one qualitative open-ended question. For comparison and to provide further insights, 17 fourth- to sixth-year students (advanced learners) were prospectively recruited to participate in both the e-learning activity and the evaluation. A mixed methods analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 88 (63%) out of 141 novice learners and all advanced learners responded to the evaluation survey. Advanced learners reported significantly higher satisfaction with the e-learning activity (mean 8.7, SD 1.0 vs mean 7.3, SD 1.8; P<.001), clarity of objectives (mean 9.6, SD 0.8 vs mean 7.7, SD 1.7; P<.001), and attainability of objectives (mean 9.8, SD 0.5 vs mean 7.3, SD 1.3; P<.001). Both groups showed high interest in the inclusion of the activity as part of a blended learning approach; however, there was low interest in the activity being the sole means of teaching.

Conclusions

Case-based e-learning activities might be better suited for advanced learners and could increase learners’ satisfaction within a blended teaching instructional design. More research on students’ satisfaction with e-learning activities in the field of clinical skills education should be done. In addition, more effort should be put into finding alternative teaching tools for clinical skills education in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future health crises.
Salivary Telomere Length in Obese and Nonobese Young Adults of South Indian urban city: cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Piplani Dr.Shobhit , Shah Dr. Tejas , Kumbar Mr. Vijay , Somannavar Dr Manjunath
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Obesity is defined as a condition of possessing excessive body fat, which reduces life expectancy and accelerates ageing. According to WHO (2014), it was estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight out of which 600 million were obese. In India about 3% of male and 12.6% of the female population is obese. Obesity accelerates the rate by which telomeres shortens which is an indicator of cellular ageing. To date, no study has been conducted in India to assess the variation of various anthropometric factors using a questionnaire based on the subject’s physical activity and eating habits, and relating obesity with Telomere Length (TL). No one has done a similar study using saliva as a tool for studying TL.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the variation of various anthropometric factors using a questionnaire based on the subject’s physical activity and eating habits, and relating obesity with Telomere Length (TL)

METHODS

Young adults were randomly selected from different colleges of the city and their BMI, Waist to Hip Ratio was calculated. Individuals were then categorized as obese or non-obese based on their BMI and a questionnaire was given to each participant to assess their daily physical activity and eating habits. Saliva was collected from 77 participants and DNA was extracted. Following this, Real-time PCR(RT-PCR) was performed on these samples. Numerical outcomes were summarized as Mean ± Standard deviation and Chi square test was performed for associations. Data analysis of questionnaire was performed (using SPSS) and was correlated to calculated the telomere length.

RESULTS

After RT-PCR was done, Ct values were obtained for TELO and 36B4 for each sample and the relative telomere length was determined by calculating the relative ratio of telomere (T) and single copy gene (S) PCR products which is expressed as T/S. It was found that 30 males, among whom 18 were obese, shared an inverse relation with TL (p<0.05), whereas in 47 females, no significant results were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, TL is negatively co-related to obesity. A significant variation of TL and obesity was observed in males (p<0.05) while no significant relationship was established among females. However further study or larger sample size is needed to draw firm conclusions.
Correction: Health Care Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions Under the Climate of COVID-19: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: He Ying , Aliyu Aliyu , Evans Mark , Luo Cunjin
Published: April 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVE
Correction: Authors’ Response to Peer Reviews of “Impact of COVID-19 Testing Strategies and Lockdowns on Disease Management Across Europe, South America, and the United States: Analysis Using Skew-Normal Distributions” (Preprint)
Authors: De Leo Stefano
Published: April 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVE
Low-temperature applied to rice seed storage: an efficient protection method against fungal contamination
Authors: Aguiar Raimundo Wagner Souza , Brito Deyvid Rocha , Nascimento Vitor L , Fidelis Rodrigo Ribeiro , Ferreira Talita Pereira de Souza , Santos Gil Rodrigues
Published: April 2021

Low-temperatures have long been thought to enhance seed health during storage. Here we tested the effect of low-temperature on the mycoflora associated with rice seeds. Seeds of the IRGA 423 and 424 cultivars were stored in refrigeration (8 and -50°C) or at room temperature (25 ± 10°C). Following storage (1, 45, and 90 days) was investigated the fungi associated with the seeds. We found that, for both cultivars, low-temperature stored seeds had a lower fungal load than the seeds at room temperature. After 90 days of storage, there is a decrease in its incidence rate average of more than 85% in the lower temperature (-50°C). All mycroflora was eliminated at 90 days except for Fusarium sp. The Trichoderma sp. was detected only in IRGA 423 seeds, whereas all other fungi were detected in the treatments in both cultivars. Only Bipolaris sp. was observed in seed-to-seedlings transmission analyses, in both cultivars, at 8°C, and was not detected at -50°C. Based on our results, we recommend low-temperature storage (at -50ºC) of rice seeds.
Avaliação de desempenho de smart home: um mapa da literatura
Authors: Nascimento Débora Rosa , Esslin Sandra Rolim
Published: April 2021

O uso de smart home é um tema emergente que demanda criação de estratégias para atender às necessidades dos usuários. As ferramentas da avaliação de desempenho podem ser um auxílio nesse processo. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é identificar as características dos estudos na área de avaliação de desempenho de smart home. Foi utilizado o ProKnow-C como instrumento de intervenção metodológica que orientou a seleção de 30 artigos selecionados nas bases de dados Scopus e Web of Science. Com base no portfólio bibliográfico selecionado: (i) a análise bibliométrica permitiu a constatação da existência de discussões de características emergentes em três períodos temporais e (ii) os mapas da literatura construídos sintetizam a abordagem de smart home em termos da tecnologia, serviços e usuários. A análise sistemática possibilitou a direção de novos estudos para investigar a lacuna existente na literatura relacionada à gestão da avaliação de desempenho de smart home.
O CHOQUE DA MULHER RISKY(QUÉ ): A FEMINILIDADE E O TRAUMA NA ERA DA PRIMEIRA GUERRA MUNDIAL NA DANÇA DE MAUD ALLAN E ANNA PAVLOVA
Authors: Thoms Victoria
Published: April 2021

Qual foi o papel da figura da dançarina feminina na negociação das ansiedades culturais na era da Primeira Guerra Mundial? Eu exploro essa questão analisando a performer Maud Allan, famosa por suas interpretações dançadas de Salomé na Londres do pré-guerra e a causa de um extraordinário processo por difamação em 1918, que une sexualidade feminina desviante e espionagem em tempos de guerra. Justaponho Allan com a bailarina Anna Pavlova, sua contemporânea, modelo por excelência de uma feminilidade adequada. Esses dois exemplos oferecem uma rica comparação a partir da qual podemos discutir como a dança e a feminilidade foram as bases para incitar e atenuar o profundo trauma cultural da era da Primeira Guerra Mundial. Palavras-chaveDança. Feminilidade. Trauma cultural. Era da Primeira Guerra Mundial.
LABORATÓRIO DE EXPERIÊNCIA: A EXPERIÊNCIA TEATRAL EM GRUPO, ATELIER FAN AL-HAYAT [A ARTE DA VIDA]
Authors: Reyad-Mamdoh Samir , D. Massa Trad. de Clóvis
Published: April 2021

Esta pesquisa se propõe a estudar uma experiência teatral conduzida em grupo para explorar as poten­cialidades do trabalho teatral. Foi estabelecido um protocolo de trabalho: treinamentos visando traba­lhar as posições dinâmicas, o contacto e a plasti­cidade corporal, e preparação para o jogo teatral, conduzido com o objetivo de estabelecer um dis­tância entre os atores e os acontecimentos que os afetam, a fim de superá-los. A ação teatral foi fonte de descoberta, de trabalho sobre si, um meio eficaz de ajudá-los a se libertar, a compartilhar seus sen­timentos, a controlar sua fragilidade, recuperando uma capacidade de agir até então ignorada. Eles se reconstruíram, reencontrando a autoconfiança e se reapropriando de outras habilidades e outras atitudes. É um caminho que pode levar à resiliência. Nosso estudo empírico combina duas dimensões in­trínsecas: a teoria, permitindo-nos pensar sobre nos­sa abordagem e incluí-la em um processo reflexivo; e a prática que nos oferece a possibilidade de reali­zar em cena a experiência de trabalhar sobre si, na exploração dos obstáculos e das inibições pessoais. Palavras-chave Resiliência. Revivescência. Potencialidades tea­trais. Criação Coletiva. Experiência Cênica.
ABORDAGEM ARTÍSTICA DO TRAUMA DE GUERRA NO TEATRO POLONÊS NA SEGUNDA METADE DO SÉCULO XX: O EXEMPLO DO ESPETÁCULO AKRÓPOLIS DO TEATRO LABORATÓRIO DAS 13 FILEIRAS ENCENADO POR JERZY GROTOWSKI
Authors: Tyszka Juliusz , Wegner Trad. de Ana Cristine
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo discorre sobre o teatro polonês pós segunda guerra mundial, trazendo como exemplo o espetáculo Akrópolis encenado por Jerzy Grotowski com influência direta do regime nazista para sua concepção. Embasando historicamente a situação da Polônia nesses períodos entre guerras, o artigo estabelece uma reflexão sobre as perdas e os traumas que uma guerra pode causar em um país e no seu panorama artístico-teatral. Palavras-chaveTeatro Polonês. Grotowski. Trauma. Nazismo.
Gayet Wernicke encephalopathy after cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: mirali houda , aichouni narjisse , berkhli Hayat , Nasri Siham , kamaoui imane , serji badr , skiker imane
Published: April 2021

Commonly related to abuse of alcohol or hyperemesis gravidarum, Gayet
wernicke encephalopathy is neurological disorder due to a deficiency of
thiamine. The diagnosis is based on a triade made of ophthalmoplegia,
ataxia and mental disturbance. MRI imaging confirms the diagnosis.
Preparation of Blackened Ca-based Composite Particles and Their Carbonation Kinetics Features
Authors: Teng Liang , XUAN Yimin , Liu Xianglei , Ding Yulong
Published: April 2021

The calcium looping thermochemical thermal energy storage is one of the
best high-temperature heat storage schemes for 3th concentrating solar
power photothermal power, but its application is restricted by the
inherent low solar absorptance and poor cyclic stability of CaCO3/CaO.
Herein, the solar absorptance of CaCO3 particles is enhanced by doping
Mn-Fe oxides, meanwhile, awns of setaria faberis and microcrystalline
cellulose are used as bio-templates to generate pores inside the
particles. The test results show that the prepared particles possess
adequate anti-crushing strength, high cyclic stability, high solar
absorption, and high carbonation rate. In addition, the carbonation
kinetic equation of the composite porous particles is studied with the
influence factors such as CO2 partial pressure, reaction temperature,
and particle morphology taken into consideration. is of great
significance for the design and regulation of the carbonator achieving
highly stable heat output in the CaL thermochemical heat storage system.
Impact of nonpharmacological COVID-19 interventions in hospitalizations for pneumonia in Brazil
Authors: Friedrich Frederico , Garcia Laura e , Petry Lucas , Pieta Marina , Carvalho Gustavo , Zocche Giovani , Ongaratto Renata , Lumertz Magali , Brum Marcos , Stein Renato , Scotta Marcelo , Jones Marcus , Pinto Leonardo
Published: April 2021

Background and Objective: The knowledge about the impact of the
nonpharmacological measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic can give
insight to ways in which they can also be applied for other respiratory
diseases. To assess the impact of containment measures of the COVID-19
pandemic on pneumonia hospitalizations in children from 0 to 14 years of
age in Brazil. Methods: Data from hospital admissions for pneumonia were
obtained from the Department of Informatics of Brazilian Public Health
System database in the period of 2015–2020 and analyzed by
macro-regions and age groups. To evaluate the effect of containment
measures, used in the pandemic, on the incidence of pneumonia, the
absolute reduction and relative reduction were calculated by analyzing
the subsets 2015-2019 vs 2020. Results: Comparing the subsets of
April-August 2015-2019 vs April-August 2020, there was an expressive
reduction in the average incidence of hospitalizations, with numbers
ranging from -87% [IRR 0.12 (0.10 to 0.14)] for < 4
years, -79% [IRR 0.21 (0.07 to 0.57)] for 5-9 years, -73% [IRR
0.26 (0.05 to 1.21)] for 10-14 and -86% [IRR 0.14 (0.06 to 0.29)]
for <14 years. Conclusion: We found a significant decrease in
cases of pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonpharmacological
public health interventions can contribute to the decline of other
respiratory infectious diseases.
THE VALUES OF ΔfHo298.15 AND So298.15 OF THE RADICALS, FORMED BY THE ABSTRACTION OF H ATOM FROM THE p-BENZYLPHENOL AND DIMETHYL PHTHALATE
Authors: Poskrebyshev Gregory
Published: April 2021

In the present work, the standard thermochemical properties of the most
thermochemically stable radicals (p-Benzylenephenol and
1-Methyl-2-methylene phthalate), formed by abstraction of the hydrogen
atom from the p-Benzylphenol and Dimethyl phthalate are determined using
the results of B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) and RO/CBS-4M
calculations. The consistent values of the standard enthalpies of
formation of these structures are determined using the corrected
thermochemistry of the homodesmotic and atomization reactions. The
values of the standard entropies of these compounds and the temperature
dependencies of their thermochemical properties are also calculated in
the present work. It is found that the H-transfer reaction of HO2 with
p-Benzylenephenol is thermochemically favorable and can lead to the
chain oxidation of p-Benzylenephenol at relatively low temperatures.
Cor-Knot automated fastener in distal anastomosis of total aortic arch replacement: a case report
Authors: Sharaf Omar , Martin Tomas , Jeng Eric
Published: April 2021

A kyphotic gentleman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and
Marfan syndrome whose history was significant for thoracoabdominal
aortic replacement secondary contained rupture, presented with chest
pain and an acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection. In this anatomically
challenging total arch replacement, Cor-Knot fastener was employed
without short-term or long-term complications.
Using the messenger software opportunities in distance education
Authors: Fazliakhmetov Timur R. , Salekhova Leila L. , Muhutdinova Gulnur I. , Aslanov Ramiz M.
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, the use of distance learning in the educational process of a university is becoming relevant. The current conditions stimulate and intensify the use of innovative training tools, in particular, network software products. This paper analyzed the possibilities and costs of using various digital products in an educational environment. In particular, they consider the use of mobile digital solutions for distance learning, as well as the requirements for the development of such tools by teachers who do not have the skills to create software at a professional level. The Telegram messenger example describes the experience of using instant messengers in the learning process, namely, a chat bot was created to organize the control of knowledge of students in a higher educational institution. The original chat bot, which was developed using the Telegram API interface and the Chattera chat bot designer, tests the knowledge and skills of students undergoing “General and professional pedagogy” educational discipline. This study showed that the potential of the messenger is not only in communication between users in the form of sending audio, video, and text messages, but also in its educational capabilities.
Modernization of Higher School teachers’ professional training as a strategy of forming their professionalism
Authors: Gurianov Igor Olegovich , Konopleva Natalia Vyacheslavovna , Gluzman Nelya Anatolyevna , Gorbunova Nataliia Vladimirovna
Published: April 2021

The relevance of modernization process of professional training of future academic staff of higher educational institutions consists of a comprehensive update of the system of professional training of teachers and academic staff. These processes are focused on a scientifically and practically oriented improvement of the educational process. As well as professional and pedagogical interaction of its participants in the educational and professional environment. Theoretical and methodological foundations of increasing the professional training of teachers of higher schools in the conditions of master programmes are grounded; the author’s concept of improving the professional training of teachers of higher schools in the conditions of these programmes is formulated and tested; substantiated the content of the modernization of professional training of teachers of higher education; affordable author's model of modernized professional training of higher education teaching staff in the conditions of a master programmes. Experimentally verified effectiveness of the proposed scientific and methodological support for the professional training of teachers of higher educational institutions.
Organization of individual project activities with sports-gifted children
Authors: Kamahina Rina Samatovna , Shamsuvaleeva Ehlmira Shamilevna , Davletova Nailya Chanifovna , Muratova Irina Rafisovna
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the experience of individual project activity organization with gifted children in a summer sports camp, where 64 young athletes of the Republic of Tatarstan participated in pedagogical testing and experiment and were involved in table tennis, wrestling, athletics and showed high performance. The implementation of the individual project for their body self-control proposed by the authors within the framework of the “Champion's Way” educational program implies the creative, research activities of a young athlete, coordinated with the trainer and parents, and contributes to the development of the necessary competencies. The result of individual project activity is a socially important product obtaining - an individual project work “Self-monitoring of physical condition”, in which an athlete describes and analyzes his body in detail, observing his health. The main goal of the project as a young athlete is to learn how to examine himself to improve his athletic performance without compromising his own health. The paper presents specific proposals for project activity organization through a system of laboratory exercises and specialized trainings relevant in the field of physical culture and sports activities and aimed at skill development necessary for health-saving behavior of young athletes and coaches.
Possibilities of online education in teaching the discipline “History of Domestic Journalism”
Authors: Sabirova Lyailya Rashitovna , Galiamutdinov Adel Ilsurovich
Published: April 2021

In a pandemic COVID-19, where we are now, there is an urgent need to move to a new stage of development and reconstruction of the existing methods of teaching, in particular, the active use of digital technologies. Over the past decades, the number of students using distance technologies has been growing very rapidly. This indicates that this form of training has received recognition. Certain experience has been accumulated and positive results have been obtained. An increase in the number of universities providing training in these technologies signals a global trend towards a transition to non-traditional forms of education. All this is reflected in the system of training specialists in higher educational institutions. Global integration processes, affecting all spheres of human activity, pose significant new tasks. Such a task is the training of professional journalists. This article talks about the new possibilities of online education in the teaching of journalism disciplines. We tried to analyze these technologies and identify the positive aspects of online learning. Also on the basis of the analysis of questionnaires among students of Kazan Federal University and with the aim of increasing students' motivation and effectiveness, some recommendations are given on the example of mastering the course “History of Domestic Journalism”.
Some characteristics of the systematization of Joint International Programmes in Higher Education
Authors: Nizamov Ilnar Damirovich , Nasibullov Ramis Rafagatovich , Oleynikova Olga Nikolaevna , Gorylev Alexander Ivanovich
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the issue of systematization of international joint programmes in higher education. The authors analyze the criteria for differentiating between various types of international joint programmes. In particular, the authors propose to distinguish between international double degree programmes and dual degree programmes. Different classifications of international joint programmes are substantiated through the analysis of successful experience of their implementation in Russia and abroad in the context of globalization and international educational integration. The article also gives ground to the general criteria of the effectiveness of the implementation of various types of joint educational programmes. It is concluded that the systematization of international joint programmes will allow to avoid confusing terminology, and considering the fact such programmes are developed and implemented by universities with different backgrounds from different regions of the world, sometimes even from different education systems, this approach will greatly simplify academic cooperation between universities of different countries in the context of cultural differences and particular features of different national legislative regulations. Considering the different types of joint international programmes and the practice of their implementation in universities, the authors proceed from the fact that all these programmesrepresent effective ways of creating a single European higher education area, an important tool for implementing the principles of the Bologna process. Regarding the task of improving the competitiveness of universities that implement international joint programmes, the article also identifies the significant benefits for students acquiring specific intercultural, communicative, as well as interdisciplinary professional competencies and, respectively, advantages in employment, both in their own country and abroad.
New classes of recurrence relations involving hyperbolic functions, special numbers and polynomials
Authors: Simsek Yilmaz
Published: April 2021

By using the calculus of finite differences methods and the umbral calculus, we construct recurrence relations for a new class of special numbers. Using this recurrence relation, we define generating functions for this class of special numbers and also new classes of special polynomials. We investigate some properties of these generating functions. By using these generating functions with their functional equations, we obtain many new and interesting identities and relations related to these classes of special numbers and polynomials, the Bernoulli numbers and polynomials, the Euler numbers and polynomials, the Stirling numbers. Finally, some derivative formulas and integral formulas for these classes of special numbers and polynomials are given. In general, this article includes results that have the potential to be used in areas such as discrete mathematics, combinatorics analysis and their applications.
Upper bounds on the energy of graphs in terms of matching number
Authors: Akbari Saieed , Alazemi Abdullah , Andjelic Milica
Published: April 2021

The energy of a graph G, ?(G), is the sum of absolute values of the
eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix. The matching number ?(G) is the number
of edges in a maximum matching. In this paper, for a connected graph G of
order n with largest vertex degree ? ? 6 we present two new upper bounds for
the energy of a graph: ?(G) ? (n-1)?? and ?(G) ? 2?(G)??. The latter
one improves recently obtained bound ?(G) ? {2?(G)?2?e + 1, if ?e is
even; ?(G)(? a + 2?a + ?a-2?a), otherwise, where ?e stands for the
largest edge degree and a = 2(?e + 1). We also present a short proof of this
result and several open problems.
Development of an intelligent preamplifier for semiconductor detectors
Authors: Kondratjev Vladimir , Litvinsky Vasily , Pohuliai Serhii
Published: April 2021

The results of engineering an intelligent preamplifier for high purity germanium gamma-detectors are presented. An intelligent preamplifier is a low-noise, high speed resistive feedback charge-sensitive preamplifier with a built-in microcontroller and additional units that enable control of preamplifier and detector parameters. It also allows the performance managing of the internal testing pulser, sensor of liquid nitrogen level in a Dewar, humidity, pressure and temperature sensors in a sealed preamplifier section. Intelligent preamplifier operation, set-up, and parameter measurements are controlled by a software.
Analysis of thermal hydraulic behavior of KONVOI PWR during a design extension condition
Authors: Helmy Salwa , Kandil Magy , Refaey Ahmed
Published: April 2021

In nuclear power plants the design extension conditions are more complex and severe than those postulated as design basis accidents, therefore, they must be taken into account in the safety analyses. In this study, many hypothetical investigated transients are applied on KONVOI pressurized water reactor during a 6 inches (182 cm2) cold leg small break loss-of-coolant-accident to revise the effects of all safety systems ways through their availability/non-availability on the thermal hydraulic behaviour of the reactor. The investigated transients are represented through three cases of small break loss-of-coolant-accident as, Case-1, without scram and all of the safety systems are a failure, Case-2, the normal scram actuation with a failure of all safety systems (non-availability), and finally Case-3, with normal actuation scram sequence and normal sequential actuation of all safety systems (availability). These three investigated transient cases are simulated by creating a model using analysis of thermal-hydraulics of leaks and transient code. In all transient cases, all types of reactivity feed- backs, boron, moderator density, moderator temperature, and fuel temperature are considered. The steady-state results are nearly in agreement with the plant parameters available in previous literature. The results show the importance of the reactivity feedback effects in loss-of-coolant-accident on the fallouts power as they are considered the key parameters for controlling the clad and fuel temperatures to maintain them below their melting point. Moreover, the calculated results in all cases show that the thermal-hydraulic parameters are in acceptable ranges and encounter the safety criterion during loss-of-coolant-accident design extension conditions accidents processes. Furthermore, the results show that the core uncover and fuel heat up do not occur in KONVOI pressurized water reactor the design extension conditions simulations, as all safety systems provide adequate core cooling by sufficient water inventory into the core to cover it.
Semi-automatic positioning of the protective screen based on integration with C-arm X-ray device
Authors: Antic Vojislav
Published: April 2021

In fluoroscopy guided interventional procedures, a ceiling suspended screen is used to protect personnel for scattered X-ray radiation arising from patient treatment. The correct positioning of the screen is crucial for proper occupational radiation protection. The proposed solution in this paper provides reliable and efficient protection from scattered radiation, based on an X-ray device and the protective screen merging into one system via an appropriate interface. After the initial manual positioning, automatic repositioning of the screen is executed, by curving the screen laterally, clockwise or counterclockwise, and then with the upper or lower edge forward. All potential clinical situations were analyzed, considering the need for screen position correction: the semi-automatic solution is designed and realized to follow medical procedure in order to maintain an efficient level of staff radiation protection. Furthermore, the assessment of the occupational radiation dose, provided for screen position optimization, will be included into the radiation dose structural report. With application of the universal interface, the presented solution can be applied not only to newly manufactured ones, but to existing C-arm X-ray devices as well.
The spatial and planning aspect of solving the issue of radioactive waste disposal in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Stefanovic Nebojsa , Krunic Nikola , Danilovic Hristic Natasa
Published: April 2021

In the Republic of Serbia, radioactive waste has been stored for many years at the Vinca location near Belgrade. However, the location is not suitable for this purpose. It is necessary to define a location for radioactive waste disposal in Serbia in accordance with international criteria, strict spatial conditions, and planning solutions of national interest. The need to conduct research that will define potential zones for radioactive waste disposal is the basic starting point in this paper. The framework of the research is the development of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia from 2021 to 2035, on the basis of which it is possible to determine potential zones for the construction of a radioactive waste disposal. In this paper, the authors present the results of research on spatial constraints from the aspects of geological and hydrological conditions, spatial protection, and distribution of the population, settlements and buildings, etc. A special contribution it makes is the additional analysis of conditionality in relation to the planned purposes and activities of national and priority importance in Serbia. The collection, processing, and presentation of spatial data is the result of analyses conducted with the support of geographic information systems. The research contributes to a definition of potential zones, within the scope of which it is necessary to conduct further research and select the optimal location for a radioactive waste disposal. The paper provides methodological guidelines for further scientific research into the spatial aspects of radioactive waste disposal in Serbia, at the same time pointing out possible directions for further resolution of this issue in practice.
Regional scale screening of selected regions of Bangladesh to identify potential sites for the disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive waste
Authors: Sakib Khondokar , Haydar Abu , Ali Idris , Paul Debasish , Alam Shah
Published: April 2021

Disposal of radioactive wastes has emerged as a vital issue for Bangladesh as the country is actively working to have a nuclear power plant operating in the country by 2023-2024. The current study aims to find potential sites for a near-surface disposal facility using a geographic information system software and multi-criteria analysis method. Previously six regions (Region-1 to Region-6) were identified upon performing continental scale screening of the whole territory of Bangladesh. In the current study, regional scale screening has been performed of Region-1 and Region-2 using five criteria divided into fifteen sub-criteria: earthquakes, wind speed, rainfall, cultivated-vegetated land, forests, buildings-facilitie-built up areas (area), buildings-facilities-industries-institutions (Point), population density, medium-broad road and railway, narrow road, monument, power line, ground water table, surface water body, and lastly flooding were used in the analysis. The suitability map and relative importance weighting of these sub-criteria were determined by using the geographic information system and multi-criteria analysis method. The overlay analysis was performed of suitability maps of each sub-criterion and found the final suitability map of Region-1 and Region-2. These suitability maps were divided into six categories: the excluded area, most suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, unsuitable, and completely unsuitable. Nineteen potential sites with a maximum and minimum area of 7.90 km2 and 1.15 km2 were identified from these most suitable and suitable areas. Detailed field investigation and site characterization are needed to be performed on selected potential sites to choose a final disposal site for the low and intermediate levels of radio-active waste.
The Incremental Value Relevance of Media Coverage of Earnings Announcements: Evidence from the Trading of Short Sellers
Authors: Rees Lynn , Twedt Brady J.
Published: April 2021

SYNOPSIS

We investigate the relation between media coverage and the trading behavior of short sellers around earnings announcements. Prior research provides conflicting evidence on the role of the media, with some studies finding that the media can impede the price discovery process. Our evidence indicates that short sellers increase their activity in line with the tone of media coverage around earnings announcements, after controlling for earnings news and other factors that affect relative levels of short selling. Furthermore, we show that information in the media successfully forecasts earnings information in the days leading up to the earnings announcement, and that short sellers trade in a manner consistent with information reflected in media coverage preceding the earnings announcement. Our findings are consistent with information contained in the media having value relevance, and suggest that the media may help to facilitate the price discovery process around the release of earnings.
Use of Corporate Disclosures to Identify the Stage of Blockchain Adoption
Authors: Stratopoulos Theophanis C. , Wang Victor Xiaoqi , Ye Hua (Jonathan)
Published: April 2021

SYNOPSIS

Several studies have pointed to the transformative effects of blockchain on a wide spectrum of firms, industries, and professions. Despite the arguable consensus within the business community that blockchain will have a real impact on the way firms do business, views diverge when it comes to the timing of diffusion (i.e., when blockchain will achieve mass adoption). We propose that information gathering helps potential adopters form expectations regarding payoffs from blockchain adoption. Information-gathering activities and the resulting information sources, such as web searches, news articles, book titles, and corporate disclosures, can proxy the expectations of potential adopters. Corporate disclosures directly reflect firms' expectations and interests in the new technology. We leverage the corporate disclosure data from the SEC Edgar database to identify the current stage of blockchain adoption. Our analysis shows that while blockchain adoption is still nascent, the focus has been shifting from cryptocurrencies to business applications.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M15.