bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Overall Survival in Patients with Second Primary Small Cell Lung Cancer After Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Zhu Ju , Ran Hao-yu , Lai Qian-cheng , Ye Liu , Shao Yue
Published: December 2021

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors are at an increased risk of developing second primary malignancies, such as small cell lung cancer. This paper sought to establish a prognostic nomogram to assess overall survival (OS) in patients with second primary small cell lung cancer (SPSCLC) after NSCLC.Methods: 420 patients who developed SPSCLC after NSCLC were randomly split into the training and validation groups. A nomogram was established by stepwise regression. Area under the curve (AUC) and calibration plots were applied to assess the prognostic performance of the nomogram. Concordance index (C-index), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), net reclassification index (NRI) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to compare the nomogram with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th staging system. Survival risk classification was constructed based on the nomogram.Results: Five variables were chosen to construct the nomogram. The AUC showed that it had a satisfactory discrimination ability. All calibration plots displayed good concordance between nomogram and observation. The C-index, IDI, NRI and DCA showed the nomogram was superior to the AJCC 8th staging system. The Kaplan-Meier curves suggested huge differences in prognosis among the three risk groups.Conclusions: This study build a nomogram and risk stratification system for predicting probabilities of OS in patients with SPSCLC after NSCLC, which can help clinicians in individualized survival assessment and treatment decisions.
REA: Resource Exergy Analysis - A basic guidline for application
Authors: Jentsch Andrej
Published: December 2021

This publication provides a basic guideline to the application of Resource Exergy Analysis (REA). REA is a proven application of exergy analysis to the field of technology comparison. REA aims to help decision makers to obtain an indicator in addition to GHG emissions, that is grounded in science. Resource exergy consumption can replace the less comprehensive primary energy consumption as an indictor and reduce the risk of suboptimal decisions. Evaluating energy systems using REA is key to ensure that climate targets are reached in time.
Enhanced removal of ibuprofen by heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like process over sludge-based Fe3O4-MnO2 catalysts
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Zheng Xiaoqian , Zhang Shufen , Sun Shujuan
Published: December 2021

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like catalysts with low cost, little hazard, high effectiveness and facile separation from aqueous solution were highly desirable. In this study, sludge-based catalysts combining nano Fe3O4-MnO2 and sludge activated carbon were successfully synthesized by high-temperature calcination method and then characterized. These synthetic materials were applied to remove ibuprofen in the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process. The preparation conditions of sludge-based catalysts optimized by orthogonal experiments were 2.0 M of ZnCl2, a temperature of 500 °C, a pyrolysis time of 60 min, and a sludge ratio: Fe3O4-MnO2 of 25:2. In batch experiments, the optimal experimental conditions were determined as catalyst dosage of 0.4 g·L−1, hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3.0 mL·L−1, pH value of 3.3, and contact time of 2.5 h. The degradation rate sludge/Fe3O4-MnO2 catalyst to ibuprofen is up to 95%. The removal process of ibuprofen fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the photocatalytic degradation process was the main factor controlling the reaction rate. The catalytic mechanism was proposed according to the Fourier transform infrared analysis and mass spectrometry product analysis; it was mainly attributed to the interaction between hydroxyl groups and benzene rings.
Wayfinding em ambientes informacionais: proposta de recomendações para avaliação no contexto da encontrabilidade da informação
Authors: Miranda Ewerton Bezerra Siqueira de , Vechiato Fernando Luiz
Published: December 2021

Objetiva compreender de que modo é possível avaliar a orientação espacial (wayfinding) em ambientes informacionais analógicos e digitais, favorecendo a encontrabilidade da informação disponível. Utiliza pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória para elaboração do referencial teórico e para a proposta de recomendações para a avaliação de ambientes informacionais na perspectiva de wayfinding. Apresenta uma contextualização conceitual a respeito de wayfinding e destaca seus principais elementos, além de descrever o processo de orientação espacial em ambientes informacionais analógicos e digitais. Contextualiza a encontrabilidade da informação e cria um diálogo entre ela e wayfinding. Apresenta, por fim, recomendações de wayfinding que foram definidas com base nos autores estudados, as quais podem ser utilizadas para o projeto e para a avaliação de ambientes informacionais analógicos e digitais.
Histórico do uso do DSpace no Brasil com foco na tecnologia
Authors: Shintaku Milton , Vechiato Fernando Luiz
Published: December 2021

O DSpace é uma ferramenta tecnológica, livre de pagamento de licença, altamente customizável por meio de configurações, de código aberto, sendo um dos softwares livres mais utilizados nas instituições para criarem seus repositórios. Entretanto, mesmo com todo o seu uso, ainda há certa carência de documentos científicos que tratem da tecnologia em si, na Ciência da Informação, visto que parte dos estudos neste campo científico aborda os resultados do uso da ferramenta propriamente dita. Assim, o presente estudo tem por objetivo apresentar um histórico do uso do DSpace no Brasil, com foco na tecnologia. O estudo revelou que tanto as instituições de ensino e pesquisa quanto as não acadêmicas possuem necessidades que transcendem a instalação padrão do DSpace, requerendo extensões das funcionalidades padrão deste software, bem como que há pouco compartilhamento dessas funcionalidades estendidas, revelando a necessidade de maior divulgação e interação, principalmente, entre as equipes de tecnologia da informação que atuam no DSpace no Brasil.
Gestão da informação do estágio não obrigatório na coordenação de curso de pedagogia presencial da UFRN
Authors: Rocha Teresinha Pereira da , Barbosa Neto Pedro Alves
Published: December 2021

O estágio não obrigatório é uma atividade que faz parte da formação profissional dos alunos do ensino superior. A documentação produzida para controle da atividade oferece um volume de informações pouco trabalhadas a partir da perspectiva da gestão da informação. Assim, este artigo teve como objetivo identificar as principais informações referentes à atividade de estágio supervisionado não obrigatório na Coordenação do Curso de Pedagogia presencial, com vistas à obtenção de informações relevantes para os processos de trabalho e tomadas de decisão. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi feita por pesquisa documental, nos sistemas de controles disponíveis. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e do modelo de gestão da informação de McGee e Prusak (1994). As informações disponíveis apontaram que o estágio não obrigatório é uma atividade de grande interesse dos alunos, existindo estagiários em todos os períodos do curso em que há sua permissão. Porém, houve diminuição de 21% nas vagas oferecidas no período analisado. Constatou-se, também, que a maior parte das instituições concedentes são entidades privadas, no município de Natal. Concluiu-se que é importante promover a gestão das informações, incrementando o tratamento das informações armazenadas e produzindo material referente às condições de realização do estágio não obrigatório, para uso nas decisões no âmbito da Coordenação de Curso.
Międzynarodowe czy krajowe? Analiza bibliometryczna polskich czasopism pedagogicznych
Authors: Drabek Aneta , Bemke-Świtilnik Magdalena
Published: December 2021

W artykule przedstawiono analizę umiędzynarodowienia 73 polskich czasopism reprezentujących dyscyplinę pedagogiki. Analizowane parametry umiędzynarodowienia dotyczyły: języka publikacji, afiliacji redaktorów i członków rad naukowych oraz autorów. Nie uwzględniono analizy afiliacji recenzentów ze względu na różne praktyki redakcji w umieszczaniu informacji w tym zakresie i w związku z tym brakiem reprezentatywnej próby czasopism. Źródłem danych były strony internetowe czasopism i zawartość numerów opublikowanych w 2019 roku. W wyniku badania ustalono, że niewielka liczba polskich czasopism pedagogicznych posiadała wysokie wartości wybranych parametrów umiędzynarodowienia: 17 czasopism wyłącznie angielskojęzycznych (23 proc.), dziewięć czasopism z wysokim odsetkiem redaktorów i członków rad naukowych spoza Polski (12 proc.), pięć czasopism z wysokim odsetkiem autorów spoza Polski (7 proc.). Współpraca z redaktorami i członkami rad naukowych oraz autorami spoza Europy była na niskim poziomie. Na podstawie analizy nakreślono możliwe (międzynarodowe i krajowe) kierunki rozwoju polskich czasopism pedagogicznych. Przygotowano również rekomendacje o charakterze formalnym dla redaktorów i wydawców tych czasopism.
Education for security versus education for sustainable development
Authors: Klimska Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

The article presents issues related to the practice of sustainable development against the background of selected strategies and models of education. In the face of the ecological crisis, as well as growing threats to the social and natural environment, the need to modify education for sustainable development programmes appears more apparent. It has been proposed that this model of education should be supported by education for security, since security is a need, value, and a dynamic social process, and any actions in its favour, offer a strong incentive for people to be active and adopt new attitudes.
A Comprehensive Review on Pyranoindole-containing Agents
Authors: Catalano Alessia , Iacopetta Domenico , Ceramella Jessica , Saturnino Carmela , Sinicropi Maria Stefania
Published: December 2021

:

A huge number of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are ubiquitous
in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and bioactive molecules. Among these, the pyranoindole
represents an important structural motif, as it constitutes the central subunit in
both the biologically active natural products and therapeutic agents. Talathermophilins,
notoamides, norgeamides, carneamides, and versicamides are examples of naturally occurring
pyranoindoles, while the well-known etodolac and pemedolac are a tetrahydropyrano[
3,4-b]indole deriving from synthetic procedures. Besides the well-known antiinflammatory
and fibrinolytic activity, molecules comprising the pyranoindole framework
have been demonstrated to exhibit various biological activities, such as antiulcer, antidepressant,
analgesic, and antiproliferative. Herein, we report the most common natural and
synthetic products bearing a pyranoindole nucleus, their syntheses, and biological activities.
Recent Insights into COVID-19 in Children and Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Castellar-López Jairo , Villamizar-Villamizar Wendy , Amaranto-Pallares Aldo , Rosales-Rada Wendy , De Los Angeles Vélez Verbel Maria , Chang Aileen , Jiménez Franklin Torres , Mendoza-Torres Evelyn
Published: December 2021

:

Pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome
in children (MIS-C) have been recognized in multiple countries globally. In this review, we
provide recent insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection in children from epidemiological, clinical, and
laboratory perspectives, including reports on the disease course and therapy. We highlight key features
of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, the relationship between MIS-C and Kawasaki disease,
and summarize treatment guidelines for COVID-19 in children from institutional protocols from
Colombia, case reports, recommendations based on expert consensus, and official statements from
organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Center for Disease
Control (CDC), Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases, and the Colombian Society of Pediatrics.
Finally, we discuss gaps in research with suggestions for future research on the pathogenesis
underlying pediatric COVID-19.
Whole-Brain Volume CT Angiography can Effectively Detect Early Ischemic
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Xiang Shi-Feng , Li Jun-Tao , Yang Su-Jun , Ding Fang-Fang , Wang Wei-Wei , Huo Shuang , Li Jian-Wen , Zhang Wei-Yong , Gao Bu-Lang
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To investigate the role of whole-brain volume computed tomography (CT)
perfusion in assessing early ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-two patients with early ischemic cerebrovascular diseases who
had undergone routine CT scan and 320-row volume CT whole-brain perfusion imaging within 8 h
after admission were retrospectively enrolled in this one-center case-sectional study. The perfusion
parameters of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT),
time to peak (TTP), and dynamic CT angiogram (4D-CTA) were obtained and analyzed.

Results:

Among 72 patients, 29 cases with 37 cerebral ischemic lesions were found in plain CT
scan, whereas 51 cases with 76 lesions were found in whole-brain CT perfusion, with 30.6% more
patients being detected. The CBF value was significantly lower in the abnormal than normal corresponding
perfusion area in the healthy hemisphere (P<0.05), while the MTT and TTP values were
significantly higher in the abnormal than the normal corresponding area (P<0.05). 4D-CTA image
suggested that 59 cases had different degrees of stenosis or occlusion, including 11 mild, 18 moderate,
21 severe, and 9 occlusive cases. Four-D-CTA imaging could detect significantly (P<0.05)
more patients with abnormal perfusion in severe cerebral vascular stenosis or occlusion than those
with no, mild or moderate stenosis (93.33% vs. 16.67%) (P<0.05). The stenosis of intracranial and
carotid arteries was positively correlated with MTT and TTP values (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Whole-brain volume CT angiography can comprehensively display early cerebral ischemic
lesions, cerebral blood perfusion status, and cerebral vascular stenosis, providing valuable
information for early detection of ischemic cerebral diseases and appropriate treatment planning.
A Critical Analysis of Quercetin as the Attractive Target for the Treatment
of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Acıkara Ozlem Bahadır , Karatoprak Gökçe Şeker , Yücel Çiğdem , Akkol Esra Küpeli , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo , Khayatkashani Maryam , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Kashani Hamid Reza Khayat
Published: December 2021

:

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifaceted disorder with various factors suggested to play a
synergistic pathophysiological role, such as oxidative stress, autophagy, pro-inflammatory events, and
neurotransmitter abnormalities. While it is crucial to discover new treatments in addition to preventing
PD, recent studies have focused on determining whether nutraceuticals will exert neuroprotective
actions and pharmacological functions in PD. Quercetin, a flavonol-type flavonoid, is found in many
fruits and vegetables and is recognised as a complementary therapy for PD. The neuroprotective effect
of quercetin is directly associated with its antioxidant activity, in addition to stimulating cellular defence
against oxidative stress. Other related mechanisms are activating sirtuins (SIRT1) and inducing
autophagy, in addition to induction of Nrf2-ARE and paraoxonase 2 (PON2). Quercetin, whose neuroprotective
activity has been demonstrated in many studies, unfortunately, has a disadvantage because
of its poor water solubility, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability. It has been reported that
the disadvantages of quercetin have been eliminated with nanocarriers loaded with quercetin. The role
of nanotechnology and nanodelivery systems in reducing oxidative stress during PD provides an
indisputable advantage. Accordingly, the present review aims to shed light on quercetin's beneficial
effects and underlying mechanisms in neuroprotection. In addition, the contribution of nanodelivery
systems to the neuroprotective effect of quercetin is also discussed.
Designing Freeform Optical Surfaces by the Monge-Ampère Equations:
A Review
Authors: Ji Kangsong , Shou Huahao , Liu Yan
Published: December 2021

Background:

The equations of Monge-Ampère type which arise in geometric optics are
used to design illumination lenses and mirrors. The optical design problem can be formulated as an
inverse problem: determine an optical system consisting of a reflector and/or refractor that converts
a given light distribution of the source into a desired target light distribution. For two decades, the
development of fast and reliable numerical design algorithms for the calculation of freeform surfaces
for irradiance control in the geometrical optics limit is of great interest in current research.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to summarize the types, algorithms, and applications of
Monge-Ampère equations. It helps scholars better grasp the research status of Monge-Ampère
equations and further explore the theory of Monge-Ampère equations.

Methods:

This paper reviews the theory and applications of Monge–Ampère equations from four aspects. We first discuss the concept and development of Monge–Ampère equations. Then we derive two different cases of Monge–Ampère equations. We also list the numerical methods of Monge–Ampère equation in actual scenes. Finally, the paper gives a brief summary and an expectation.

Results:

This paper reviews the theory and applications of Monge-Ampère equations from four
aspects. We first discuss the concept and development of Monge-Ampère equations. Then we derive
two different cases of Monge-Ampère equations. We also list the numerical methods of the
Monge-Ampère equation in actual scenes. Finally, the paper gives a brief summary and an expectation.

Conclusion:

Monge-Ampère equation has been widely applied in the geometric optics field since
the predetermined energy distribution and the boundary condition creation can be well satisfied.
Although the freeform surfaces designed by the Monge-Ampère equations is developing rapidly,
there is still plenty of room for development in the design of the algorithms.
Turkish Validity And Reliability Study of Spirituality Index of Well-Being
Authors: SERBEST Esra , AKGÜN ŞAHİN Zümrüt
Published: December 2021

Objective: The study's goal was to determine the validity and reliability of the Spirituality Index of Well-Being by adapting it to Turkish in accordance with the methodological research type. Methods: This study was conducted on 107 elderly people who applied to four family health centers in the Kars province's center between May 2017 and January 2018 and met the research criteria. A written permission was obtained from the index's creator, the ethical committee, the institution, and individuals. Tools such as the "Introductory Information Form" and the "Spirituality Index of Well-Being" were used to collect data. Results: For the language validity of the index, expert opinions were taken, and a factor analysis was performed for construct validity. According to explanatory factor analysis, it was found out that the index demonstrates a two-factor construct and factor values are in an appropriate range, and according to confirmatory factor analysis it was determined that the two-factor construct of the index is valid and the fit values are appropriate. It was found out that the Cronbach alpha coefficient is 0.858 and total item score correlation coefficient takes value above 0.44. Conclusion: The Spirituality Index of Well-Being was determined to be a valid and reliable assessment instrument for Turkish society. As a result, it was determined that the scale can be used in clinical practices and research to assess the spiritual well-being of elderly individuals in Turkish society.
İDENTİFY RİSK BEHAVİORS OF STUDENTS HİGH SCHOOLS
Authors: DANIŞ Zeynep , KAHRAMAN Selma
Published: December 2021

Objectives: The aim of this descriptive and cross-sectional study is to identify the risk behaviors of adolescents attending high schools in Şanlıurfa. Methods: The population of this study was 44217 students in high schools in Şanlıurfa. The minimum sample size of the study according to the known population sampling formula was calculated as approximately 1000 participants. Within the scope of the stratified sampling method, the number of students going to high schools in each district was determined. A high school was chosen from each district using the simple random sampling method. The data of the study were obtained by using a “Socio-Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire” and the “Risky Behaviors Scale”. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis H test were used to analyze the data. Results: The finding that the students had a high mean score of 144±22.2 on the Risky Behaviors Scale revealed that the students in the study engaged in a variety of risky behaviors. The sub-behavior in the scale with the largest mean value was alcohol consumption with the mean score of 32.7±5.0. The students at higher grades tended to show fewer risky behaviors (p<0.05). Those who had more educated fathers showed fewer anti-social behaviors (p<0.05). In this study, female students, those under the age of 15, prep-school students, and 9th graders had a higher median score for the sub-behavior of smoking. (p<0.05). Male students had a higher risk of suicide than female students. (p<0.05). The median score for smoking was higher for those who did not work outside the school (p<0.05). The level of tendencies towards risky behaviors were higher for the students who enjoyed school and attended classes in comparison to those who did not like school and skipped classes (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, risky behaviors were found to be common among the students, and these behaviors were found to be affected by the students’ socio-demographic characteristics. In this regard, establishing nurse-led school health initiatives is advocated.
Disability Profile and Accessibility Limitations among Persons with Physical Disability in Nigeria
Authors: Mbada Chidozie , Ibidunmoye Daniel , Yusuff Jamiu , Idowu Opeyemi , Oke Kayode , Oyewole Isaiah , Fatoye Clara , Olatoye Funminiyi , Olatoye Oluwatoyin , Fatoye Francis
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate disability profile and accessibility limitations among Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Nigeria.

Methods: 61 PLWDs (44 men, 17 women) consented for this study. World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, Facilitators and Barriers Survey for People with Mobility Limitations version 2, Barthel Index, and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Questionnaires were used to obtain data on physical disability profile, level of access barriers, activities of daily living and quality of access to health care respectively. A proforma was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level set at p< 0.05.

Results: Prevalence of mobility, visual and hearing impairments were 60.7%, 21.3% and 6.6% respectively, There was a 11.5% rate of functional limitation while mild difficulty with ‘cognition’ and ‘life activities’ were reported among 96.7% and 65.6% of the respondents. 24.6% of the respondents had partial mobility dependence. There was low quality of access to health care (67.2%), high access barrier to home environment (73.8%) and transportation (93.4%). Conclusion: The PLWDs have high mobility impairment and face barriers in accessing healthcare, transportation and environment.
Readiness of Special-Needs Schools in Developing Oral Language Skills Programs for Deaf Students
Authors: Aprilia Imas Diana
Published: December 2021

Limited learning programs in developing spoken language, as well as the inconsistency of teachers in implementing oral language communication, are allegedly the main causes of poor communication skills, especially for hearing impaired students. In contrast to this, oral language skills are a prerequisite for having communication with others. The present study draws attention to receive a description of the school (teacher) readiness in developing oral language skills programs for students with hearing impairment. Conducted through descriptive qualitative method, the current project explores data from the chosen teachers of grade 2, 3, and 4, as well as PKPBI teachers through interviews, observation and documentation study. The data analysis technique is performed through data reduction, data presentation, drawing conclusions and verification. The findings disclosed that the oral language program planning is based on incidental needs analysis. The oral language skills program is still developed separately from the PKPBI program and communication training (either speaking or articulation). Likewise, conversational competence as a basis for developing communication has not become a definite program and is only applied to certain themes. The implementation of the oral language skills program is carried out partially with different learning patterns and methods, namely the global word method and the maternal reflective method (MMR). The teacher’s evaluation was limited to correcting phonemes, repeating simple sentences and once into integrated thematically. The faced constraints are the availability of supporting infrastructure such as PKPBI room and articulation room that have not been optimized and the limited number of speech experts and PKPBI teachers. For such obvious reason, the seriousness and consistency of schools are highly necessary in developing oral language skills programs as the main focus during the learning process at each grade level by providing opportunities for all teachers to possess integration with PKPBI program and thematic articulation training programs using the reflective maternal method (MMR).
Entre Todos contra el gobierno: las críticas de política económica en la revista del Movimiento Todos por la Patria (1985-1988)
Authors: Rossi Ignacio
Published: December 2021

Este trabajo indaga las posturas políticas y económicas de la revista de izquierda Entre Todos los que queremos la liberación (Entre Todos), editada en los años de la transición democrática argentina, con el gobierno de Raúl Alfonsín (1983-1989), y vinculada al Movimiento Todos por la Patria (MTP). Se han revisado las discusiones sobre la evolución económica, la política económica, los funcionarios económicos del gobierno y los proyectos de los columnistas de Entre Todos con el objetivo de caracterizar una visión económica homogénea y representativa de las izquierdas de aquellos años. Así, fue posible identificar que a pesar de la poca intención que recibió la política económica en los análisis del MTP en relación a otros temas, se desarrollaron debates y posturas importantes en torno a la reconfiguración capitalista mundial y la crítica a los actores económicos e internacionales, así como a ciertos proyectos económicos concretos, hecho que hace posible dar una fisonomía económica y de política económica a la publicación.
Life Cycle Assessment of alkali activated materials: preliminary investigation for pavement applications
Authors: Lolli Francesca , Kurtis Kimberly E.
Published: December 2021

The capital investment in the US for construction and maintenance of the infrastructure road network is $150 billion/year. Investments in OECD countries will likely stabilize, while other countries will face an exponential growth of investments for infrastructures driven by the development of metropolitan cities. Continued “business-as-usual” practice for portland and asphalt cement concrete pavement construction ignores the increasing warning calls for the identification of more sustainable and less energy intensive paving materials.

Alkali activated materials concrete (AAM) have been studied with growing interest during the last three decades. AAM show promising results in terms of mechanical performance, while also having a global warming potential impact 30-80% less than that of portland cement concrete. The global warming potential of AAM is closely dependent on the: 1) activating solution used to activate the raw material and 2) origin of the raw material. Specifically, the impact of the transport for both of these components is ~ 10% of its global warming potential. Hence, to increase the adoption of AAM for pavements, it is fundamental to analyze the existing literature to clarify the link between environmental impact and mechanical performance, identifying opportunities for applications that are tailored to the local availability of raw material.
Covid-19: Prevalencia de emociones negativas y malestar psicológico en una muestra de adultos de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Flores-Morales Rogelio , Reidl-Martínez Lucy María , Adame-Rivas Adriana Karime
Published: December 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la prevalencia de emociones negativas y malestar psicológico en una muestra no representativa de 824 personas adultas de la Ciudad de México –la región más afectada del país por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)–, y analizar si existen diferencias según el género, edad y escolaridad. El levantamiento de datos se realizó a finales de la fase 1 y al inicio de la fase 2 de la pandemia. La metodología empleada en esta investigación es cuantitativa y el diseño exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal. Los resultados globales muestran una prevalencia de 31.6% de malestar psicológico y una alta presencia de emociones negativas, siendo la incertidumbre (58.6%), la preocupación (51.7%), el fastidio (49.8%) y la impotencia (47.1%) las más presentes. Las mujeres y las personas jóvenes obtuvieron indicadores significativamente más elevados en todas las variables analizadas. También se identificó que la escolaridad no representó un factor de protección o de regulación con respecto a la presencia de emociones negativas y de malestar psicológico. Estas cifras corroboran, en términos cuantitativos, el fuerte impacto psicoemocional del Covid-19 en un contexto urbano latinoamericano, y enfatizan la necesidad de fortalecer políticas públicas que atiendan esta problemática psicosocial y sanitaria.
The Role of Education, Monitoring, and Symptom Perception in Internet-Based Self-management Among Adolescents With Asthma: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Beerthuizen Thijs , Rikkers-Mutsaerts E R V M , Snoeck-Stroband Jiska B , Sont Jacob K
Published: December 2021

Background

Internet-based self-management programs improve asthma control and the asthma-related quality of life in adults and adolescents. The components of self-management programs include education and the web-based self-monitoring of symptoms; the latter requires adequate perception in order to timely adjust lifestyle or medication or to contact a care provider.

Objective

We aimed to test the hypothesis that adherence to education and web-based monitoring and adequate symptom perception are important determinants for the improvement of asthma control in self-management programs.

Methods

We conducted a subgroup analysis of the intervention group of a randomized controlled trial, which included adolescents who participated in the internet-based self-management arm. We assessed the impacts that attendance in education sessions, the frequency of web-based monitoring, and the level of perception had on changes in asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ]) and asthma-related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) from baseline to 12 months after intervention.

Results

Adolescents who attended education sessions had significant and clinically relevant improvements in asthma control (ACQ score difference: −0.6; P=.03) and exhibited a nonsignificant trend of improvement in asthma-related quality of life (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score difference: −0.45; P=.15) when compared to those who did not adhere to education. Frequent monitoring alone did not improve asthma control (P=.07) and quality of life (P=.44) significantly, but its combination with education did result in improved ACQ scores (difference: −0.88; P=.02). There were no significant differences in outcomes between normoperceivers and hypoperceivers.

Conclusions

Education, especially in combination with frequent web-based monitoring, is an important determinant for the 1-year outcomes of asthma control in internet-based self-management programs for adolescents with partly controlled and uncontrolled asthma; however, we could not establish the effect of symptom perception. This study provides important knowledge on the effects of asthma education and monitoring in daily life.
COVID-19 Information Sources and Health Behaviors During Pregnancy: Results From a Prenatal App-Embedded Survey
Authors: Bohnhoff James , Davis Alexander , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Krishnamurti Tamar
Published: December 2021

Background

Pregnancy is a time of heightened COVID-19 risk. Pregnant individuals’ choice of specific protective health behaviors during pregnancy may be affected by information sources.

Objective

This study examined the association between COVID-19 information sources and engagement in protective health behaviors among a pregnant population in a large academic medical system.

Methods

Pregnant patients completed an app-based questionnaire about their sources of COVID-19 information and engagement in protective health behaviors. The voluntary questionnaire was made available to patients using a pregnancy app as part of their routine prenatal care between April 21 and November 27, 2020.

Results

In total, 637 pregnant responders routinely accessed a median of 5 sources for COVID-19 information. The most cited source (79%) was the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Self-reporting evidence-based protective actions was relatively common, although 14% self-reported potentially harmful behaviors to avoid COVID-19 infection. The CDC and other sources were positively associated with engaging in protective behaviors while others (eg, US president Donald Trump) were negatively associated with protective behaviors. Participation in protective behaviors was not associated with refraining from potentially harmful behaviors (P=.93). Moreover, participation in protective behaviors decreased (P=.03) and participation in potentially harmful actions increased (P=.001) over the course of the pandemic.

Conclusions

Pregnant patients were highly engaged in COVID-19–related information-seeking and health behaviors. Clear, targeted, and regular communication from commonly accessed health organizations about which actions may be harmful, in addition to which actions offer protection, may offer needed support to the pregnant population.
Prospective Prediction of Lapses in Opioid Use Disorder: Protocol for a Personal Sensing Study (Preprint)
Authors: Moshontz Hannah , Colmenares Alejandra J , Fronk Gaylen E , Sant'Ana Sarah J , Wyant Kendra , Wanta Susan E , Maus Adam , Gustafson Jr David H , Shah Dhavan , Curtin John J
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Successful long-term recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) requires continuous lapse risk monitoring and appropriate use and adaptation of recovery-supportive behaviors as lapse risk changes. Available treatments often fail to support long-term recovery by failing to account for the dynamic nature of long-term recovery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this protocol paper is to describe research that aims to develop a highly contextualized lapse risk prediction model that forecasts the ongoing probability of lapse.

METHODS

The participants will include 480 US adults in their first year of recovery from OUD. Participants will report lapses and provide data relevant to lapse risk for a year with a digital therapeutic smartphone app through both self-report and passive personal sensing methods (eg, cellular communications and geolocation). The lapse risk prediction model will be developed using contemporary rigorous machine learning methods that optimize prediction in new data.

RESULTS

The National Institute of Drug Abuse funded this project (R01DA047315) on July 18, 2019 with a funding period from August 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Sciences Institutional Review Board approved this project on July 9, 2019. Pilot enrollment began on April 16, 2021. Full enrollment began in September 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The model that will be developed in this project could support long-term recovery from OUD—for example, by enabling just-in-time interventions within digital therapeutics.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/29563
Surveillance and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 viral variants in the United States, May-October 2021 (Preprint)
Authors: Clark Cyndi , Singh Tanya , Schrecker Joshua , Feng Liang , Galanter Joel , Shah Amy , Smith-Ray Renae , Hardison Matthew , Taitel Michael
Published: December 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens has been critical in detecting and tracking variants of concern.
Methods: We analyzed a recent cohort of SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens collected from patients in over 5,000 testing locations across the United States. These data were combined with an online pre-screening questionnaire on symptoms, exposures and vaccination status to examine epidemiological trends related to virulence, transmissibility, and vaccine effectiveness.
Results: Between May and October 2021, 177,253 patient specimens were sequenced and approximately 400 different SARS-CoV-2 lineages identified. Within this cohort, 152,373 (86.0%) were aged 16 and older, and the percent of these patients that were fully vaccinated increased from 4.5% in May to 42.3% in October. Although positivity rates of fully vaccinated patients increased, unvaccinated patients were 30.4% (95% CI 26.5-34.3%) more likely to report shortness of breath and 34.0% (95% CI 32.1-35.9%) more likely to report fever, shaking, or chills.
Conclusions: Our nationally representative database of patient-reported measures and lineage data from SARS-CoV-2 specimens provides useful data to track emerging trends and lineages of concern.
The Acceptability of Virtual Characters as Social Skills Trainers: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Social skills training by human trainers is a well-established method to provide appropriate social interaction skills and strengthen social self-efficacy. In our previous work, we attempted to automate social skills training by developing a virtual agent that taught social skills through interaction. Previous research has not investigated the visual design of virtual agents for social skills training. Thus, we investigated the effect of virtual agent visual design on automated social skills training.

OBJECTIVE

The 3 main purposes of this research were to investigate the effect of virtual agent appearance on automated social skills training, the relationship between acceptability and other measures (eg, likeability, realism, and familiarity), and the relationship between likeability and individual user characteristics (eg, gender, age, and autistic traits).

METHODS

We prepared images and videos of a virtual agent, and 1218 crowdsourced workers rated the virtual agents through a questionnaire. In designing personalized virtual agents, we investigated the acceptability, likeability, and other impressions of the virtual agents and their relationship to individual characteristics.

RESULTS

We found that there were differences between the virtual agents in all measures (P<.001). A female anime-type virtual agent was rated as the most likeable. We also confirmed that participants’ gender, age, and autistic traits were related to their ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the effect of virtual agent design on automated social skills training. Our findings are important in designing the appearance of an agent for use in personalized automated social skills training.
Artificial Intelligence guided citizen-centric approach to enhance uptake of maternal health services among pregnant women living in urban slum settings in India. (Preprint)
Authors: Shrivastava Rahul , Singhal Manmohan , Gupta Mansi , Joshi Ashish
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women are considered to be a “high risk” group with limited access to health facilities in urban slums. Barriers to utilization of health services may lead to maternal and child mortality, morbidity, low birth weight, and children with stunted growth. Application of artificial intelligence (AI) can provide substantial improvements in all areas of healthcare from diagnostics to treatment. There have been several technological advances within the field of AI, however, AI not merely driven by what is technically feasible, but by what is humanly desirable is the need of the hour.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study is to develop and evaluate the AI guided citizen centric platform to enhance the uptake of maternal health services (antenatal care) amongst the pregnant women living in urban slum settings.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed method approach employed to collect data among pregnant women, aged 18-44 years, living in urban slums of South Delhi. A convenience sampling used to recruit 225 participants at the Anganwadi centres (AWC) after obtaining consent from the eligible participants. Inclusion criteria includes pregnant individuals residing in urban slums for more than 3 months, having smartphones, visiting AWC for seeking antenatal care. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected electronically using Open Data Kit (ODK) based opensource tool from eligible participants. Data will be collected on clinical as well as socio-demographic parameters (based on existing literature). We aim to develop an innovative AI guided citizen centric decision support platform to effectively manage pregnancy and its outcomes among urban poor populations. The proposed research will help policymakers to prioritize resource planning, resource allocation and development of programs and policies to enhance maternal health outcomes.

RESULTS

The AI guided citizen centric decision support platform will be designed, developed, implemented and evaluated using principles of human centred design and findings of the study will be reported to diverse stakeholders. The tested and revised platform will be deployed for use across various stakeholders such as pregnant women, healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and policymakers.

CONCLUSIONS

With the understanding, use and adoption of emerging and innovative technologies such as AI, maternal health informatics can be at the forefront to help pregnant women in crisis. The proposed platform will potentially be scaled up to different geographic locations for adoption for similar and other health conditions.
Deep Learning of Speech Data for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Elderly: Preliminary Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kong Hyoun-Joong , Ahn Kichan , Cho Minwoo , Kim Suk Wha , Lee Kyu Eun , Kim Sungwan , Yoo Seok , Jeon So Yeon , Kim Jeong Lan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and it is a disease that makes it difficult for patients and their families due to various symptoms. For these reasons, early detection is very important, and after early detection, symptoms can be alleviated through medication and treatment.

OBJECTIVE

Since Alzheimer's disease strongly induces language disorders, our research goal is detecting Alzheimer's disease quickly and easily through the analysis of language characteristics.

METHODS

Using the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), which is the most used in Korean public health centers, negative answers were obtained according to the questionnaire. Among the acquired voices, significant questionnaires and answers were selected, spectrogrammed, and converted into MFCC. After accumulating significant answers, training data was created, augmented, and then trained on various deep learning models and the results were observed.

RESULTS

Due to the lack of data, the results of the five-fold cross validation were more significant than the holdout method. the accuracy of separating AD patients from the control group using Densnet121 was 91.25%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this regard, the potential for remote health care can be increased by simplifying the AD screening process. By facilitating remote health care, the proposed method is expected to enhancing the accessibility of AD screening and increase the rate of early AD detection.

CLINICALTRIAL

IRB No. CNUH2019-02-068
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF PHARMACEUTICALS IN PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OF DESSIE CITY ADMINISTRATION, ETHIOPIA: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: BAYKED EWUNETIE MEKASHAW , KAHISSAY MESFIN HAILE , DEMEKE WORKNEH BIRHANU
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to assess inventory management practices of pharmaceuticals in public health institutions of Dessie City Administration, Ethiopia.

Methods: The research was conducted from February 5, 2019, to February 24, 2019, in 10 health facilities with a descriptive cross-sectional study using observation checklists.

Results: Receipts, issues, losses, and adjustments were correctly recorded in seven stores. Invoices and bin cards were available in all stores. Logistic management and information system, Internal Facility Report and Resupply, and Report and Requisition Form were available in nine stores. Five stores had stock cards, but only three recorded prices correctly. The maximum, minimum, reorder, and buffer stock levels were not properly maintained (or automated). All stores had freezers but wall thermometers and lockable cabinets were absent in eight stores; seven did not use first expired, first out storage technique. Humidity and fire control mechanisms were absent in all and seven institutions, respectively. Nine institutions lack fireproof areas for combustibles, but eight stores held them with drugs.

Conclusion: The inventory management practices of the institutions were not satisfactory. It is recommended that the health facilities should comply with standard operating procedures.
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL EFFECT IN THE COMBINATION OF ALCOHOL AND BENZENE ON THE KIDNEY OF RATTUS NOVERGICUS
Authors: OPEYEMI ADEBOLA ADETUNJI , ADEGOKE ADETUNJI OLUWASEYI , CHIGBOGU NWOBI JOSEPH , TOYIN ADETUNJI IYABODE , TOSIN OGUNBIYI BABAFEMI , LINDA NWOBI NNENNA
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study investigated the use of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is said to possess anti-inflammatory components as an ameliorative substance for the induced inflammation.
Methods: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were used for this study. They were divided into eight (1–8) groups (n=6); Control, Ethanol, Benzene, E+B, E+O, B+O, E+B+O with the administration of 25% Ethanol, 200 mg/kg/b.w Benzene, 2 ml (O) EVOO in respect to the tagged grouping names. Animals were euthanized through cervical dislocation after the last day of administration and the liver was excised and part was fixed in formalin solution of 10% for histological processing and the other part was homogenized for biochemical assay in phosphate buffer before centrifugation.
Results: Histological evidence creates an understanding of the nephrons in which benzene and ethanol manifest likewise the mitigated ability of EVOO. The relative organ weight provides information on the extent of the damage on nephrons. The kidney test level is significantly expressed.
Conclusion: Ethanol and benzene in combination cause serious damage; also, they separately induce nephrons dysfunction. EVOO was shown to mitigate these nephrons damages.