bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of digital education on traditional education
Authors: Yarychev N U , Mentsiev A U
Published: December 2020

The traditional learning methods were based on schools, print media and teachers. The learners first enrolled themselves in schools to reach teachers and libraries. Contrary to the digital era knowledge and education was not accessible to the most and majority of the people even those to whom it was accessible were unaware of the current situations of the world as they were unable to obtain current world affairs related news as compared to the modern and digitalized world. Digital education replaced the traditional education. People want to know that what is happening around them how and why is it happening. Modern world has moved from information to knowledge society. Education is given the highest rank and priority by almost every state and organization. Educated students became the vulnerable assets of their state. Advance inventions in technologies made education more accessible to people. Information reaches with a speed of light from one place to another. This paper aims to explain the digitalized education and its impacts over traditional education, and will briefly explain the major developments occurred in digitized education and its impacts on today’s students.
The use of new training forms and methods in the context of digitalization
Authors: Vereschagina L S , Olkhova L A , Kozyreva O N , Padalka E A , Nelyubina E G
Published: December 2020

The paper substantiates that the problem of implementation of modern forms and methods of teaching, including distance learning, remains insufficiently studied at the moment, taking into account the impact of factors of computerization and digitalization of socio-economic relations and the characteristics of national experience. The article defines the essence of personnel development, considers the forms and methods of personnel training, classified by stages, roles of the teacher, the nature of cognitive activity, types, place, and degree of innovation. The purpose of the study is, on the basis of a comparative analysis and systematization of forms and methods of teaching, determining the essence and content of distance learning, to identify the advantages and limitations in the implementation of methods of remote learning in the context of digitalization. The stages of distance learning development, the essence of distance learning as a set of specific forms, means, methods through which the content of training is carried out, a set of cognitive procedures that determine the operational part and structure of students’ activities, opportunities, advantages and limitations, forms of distance learning-chats, online classes, internet conferences and webinars, telepresence.
Modern methodological approaches to environmental education at the university
Authors: Fomina N V
Published: December 2020

The results of pedagogical experience on improvement of methodological approaches of environmental education at the university are presented. The formation of an environmental worldview among students is part of the practical and long-term work of the teacher. The application of a comprehensive original approach to environmental research can be carried out in one properly structured discipline with high-quality laboratory and practical exercises and coursework. The introduction of environmental disciplines into the curricula of the educational program will provide modern practical environmental knowledge that enhances the scientific professional training of students. One of the methods of improving the quality of environmental education in universities is the use of the research method of learning and the method of problem learning. The scientific level of discipline content is ensured by providing students with the opportunity to independently study and choose methods for ecological assessment of the state of ecosystems. Adaptability and interchangeability of discipline to different objects of research increases its scientific and practical status.
Diagnostic testing of Russian EMERCOM cadets on their readiness for research activities
Authors: Troyak E Yu , Pozharkova I N , Troyak A Yu
Published: December 2020

The article discovers the substance of the readiness for research activities of cadets of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM). It considers the structure of this readiness and describes its components (motivational, cognitive, organizational and practical, evaluative and reflexive); determines criteria characteristics reflecting the three-level manifestation of the readiness for research activities of the Russian EMERCOM cadets; proposes a set of methods for assessing the level of their readiness for research activities by motivational, cognitive, organizational and practical, evaluative and reflexive criteria; describes diagnostic methods and result-measuring tools for each of the above criteria used in studying the level of readiness for research activities of cadets of the Siberian Fire Rescue Academy of Russian SFS EMERCOM; presents the results of diagnostic testing on the readiness for research activities; It was found that 59% of the cadets have a low level of readiness to organize and carry out research activities.
Assessment of digital equipment of higher educational institutions
Authors: Morkovkin D E , Gibadullin A A , Nezamaikin V N , Isaichykova N I
Published: December 2020

The article considers the assessment of the digital equipment of higher educational institutions. As part of the work carried out, the indicators of the digital equipment of higher educational institutions were considered, which indicate that there is one personal computer for four students and a computer with Internet access for five students. In libraries of higher educational institutions, this indicator is lower, here there is one personal computer with Internet access for about six students, while in private educational institutions this indicator is one personal computer for three students. At the end of the study, mechanisms were proposed to increase the level of digital equipment in higher education institutions.
Integration of educational and industrial organizations in the implementation of the roadmap in the field of engineering and industrial design
Authors: Drukarenko S P , Kovalev I V , Testoyedov N A , Voroshilova A A , Efa S G
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the integration of educational and industrial organizations. I this case we are taking into account the goals and objectives of the roadmap in the field of engineering and industrial design. The Russian Union of scientific and engineering public associations is an integrator of public scientific and technical organizations that are voluntary self-governing non-profit associations of scientists, engineers, teachers and teachers. The article presents the activities of RUSEA to preserve the history of science and technology, in which a large number of commemorative events have been implemented. Network structure of RUSEA, which includes the basic centers of science and technology, provides training and retraining of personnel, provides opportunities for additional education for specialists of different levels, enables the international scientific-technical conferences, seminars. round tables on topical issues of science and education.
Online education: steps into the future
Authors: Idrisova J V , Idigova L S , Alikhadzhiev S Kh
Published: December 2020

This article reveals the essence, perspectives and role of online education. Such a concept as EdTech (Educational Technologies) is considered. The stages of development of education built by means of information technologies are presented. The concepts of VR, AR, MR and their possibilities in online learning are also discussed. The problems of traditional education, the advantages and disadvantages of online education and its possibilities are revealed.
Distance learning online technologies as a promising form of the educational process for the humanities
Authors: Limarev P V , Limareva Yu A , Zinovyeva E G , Vikulina V V , Votchel L M , Grygoryants I A
Published: December 2020

The integrated implementation of distance learning online technologies in higher education organizations allows educational organizations to implement educational programs taking into account the individual characteristics of students, in accordance with their educational needs and abilities. Such a personality-oriented education paradigm helps to increase the effectiveness of the learning process, enhance the cognitive activity of students, increase the capabilities of the educational organization in organizing independent work of students. The goal of introducing distance educational online technologies is to increase the effectiveness of training through the implementation of a personality-oriented learning model. The article analyzes the problems of training using remote online technologies, the requirements for the interaction of students and teachers during the educational process, as well as methods for solving these problems. The possibilities of online technologies as an instrument of the educational process, the positive and negative sides of their use are shown.
Linguo-conceptual analysis as an effective technology for organizing scientific and educational activities
Authors: Chernikova Natalia V , Sidorova Inna V , Shvetsova Victoria M
Published: December 2020

The technology of linguo-conceptual analysis is demonstrated, which allows interpreting cultural meanings (concepts) at different historical stages of society through the study of language units, which is relevant both for the scientific sphere and for educational activities. An informative sign (sociocultural concept) integrates the mental picture of an ethnos, its culture and language. On the example of the study of the concept of property and linguistic units representing it, the effectiveness of linguo-conceptual analysis is shown, which revealed an obvious connection between semantic and socio-cultural meanings (concepts), language and culture. The dynamic development of the content structure of the concept and the semantic-pragmatic zone of meaning of its verbal representatives is due to external (social, cultural) factors. In accordance with socio-cultural realities in a specific historical period, the concept actualizes semantic components that are significant for the ethnos, which is reflected in the linguistic picture of the world.
Technology for assessing students’ satisfaction with studying at a higher state education institution
Authors: Veretekhina S V , Krapivka S V , Mnatsakanian O L , Kireeva O I , Romanova E Yu
Published: December 2020

The technology for evaluating student satisfaction includes conducting a social survey of students based on eight main criteria. Based on the results of a social survey, an assessment of overall satisfaction with studying at a state University is given. The introduction provides an overview of changes in regulatory and legal documents. The main goal of the research is to analyze the social survey of students. The article describes a sociological survey of University students, the criterion of "satisfaction with learning conditions". The evaluation criteria included eight main factors. 890 students were interviewed. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction were identified. The study describes students’ suggestions for improving the educational process in conditions of self-isolation, during the COVID-19 period. Each indicator was evaluated. Identified activities that Satisfy/unsatisfactory student learning. The strengths of the Russian state social University are revealed. The scientific novelty of the proposed research is a social survey of students "satisfaction with the learning conditions" during the period of forced self-isolation. In conclusion, the results of the social survey are summarized. The best quotes of students are given. There are useful links to the University’s information sources. International student exchange programs are listed. Countries for the exchange of education have been identified. In conclusion, the statistics of the analysis of satisfaction with training are given. The University trains students with disabilities. The University has excellent material and technical equipment and a virtual educational environment. The final review of training at the Russian state social University is positive. A natural science study was conducted to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Use of distance technologies in education of pupils with disabilities
Authors: Duda I V
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to the consideration of the problem of using distance educational technologies in the educational process of a comprehensive school for pupils with disabilities in the context of modern educational practice. Education is the basis and resource for creating ideas about the values of the world and a human among schoolchildren, therefore, the development and use of pedagogical technologies, the formation of value knowledge and attitudes towards the world, and the involvement of schoolchildren in value-semantic activities are necessary in the conditions of modern inclusive education. The methodological approaches to the organization and implementation of the educational process using distance technologies in a general education school for children with disabilities are described. Significant results are shown and deficiencies in the use of distance learning technologies in the educational process of a comprehensive school for children with disabilities are indicated.
Fundamentalization of mathematical training: looking for promising solutions
Authors: Bogomaz Irina V , Stepanova Inga Yu
Published: December 2020

Mathematics has a special place in ensuring the interdisciplinary integration of various Sciences. Its language is universal. It acts as a tool in various scientific fields of knowledge, as well as in many technological and industrial spheres of human activity. This means that the importance of functional mathematical training of the younger generation increases, which leads to the search for promising solutions for training future teachers of physical and mathematical, natural science, and technological profiles. The article discusses one of the solutions proposed by the authors. The authors’ proposals are aimed at solving the problem of training teachers who will be able to make the school mathematics course accessible to many students without losing quality, providing fundamental and functional mathematical knowledge. And the first necessary step in the proposed proposals is the implementation of the process of forming the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in the construction of models of real objects, processes, and phenomena. The authors propose a scheme of such a process, which allows the studied mathematical models to be embedded in a holistic context, and to study them from the point of view of practical applicability in solving various problems. The experimental work carried out confirmed the effectiveness of the implementation of the process under consideration. It showed that the formation of the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in the construction of models of real objects, processes, phenomena in future teachers of physics and mathematics, natural science, technology ensures fundamentalization of their mathematical background. The next necessary step to solve problem proposed by authors consists in changing the pattern of methodical training of future teachers.
Project technology as a means of schoolchildren communication skills development
Authors: Morgacheva N V , Sotnikova E B , Shcherbatykh S V , Shcherbatykh L N
Published: December 2020

Abstarct. Project technology is the basis for creating a practical research environment in the framework of school education and is seen as a master unit in the formation of a teenager’s communication skills, which requires the development of a framework, both educational and scientific. Research projects involve collaboration between students, as well as a student and a teacher, which develops interpersonal skills, contributes to the development of emotional intelligence, conscientiousness, citizenship in children and, at the same time, innovation, identity. The purpose of this article is to study the main contributions of the practical application of design technologies for the development of the communication skills of the school audience through the formation of cognitive, motivational and activity-practical components. In the article, the authors present the results of the correlation between the data on the application of design technology in the experimental group, using the Fisher criterion (φ-criterion), proving the positive dynamics of improving self-determination, empathy, tolerance and creativity as the main characteristics of the criteria for the selected components of the formation of the communicative abilities of schoolchildren.
Alternative quantisation condition for wavepacket dynamics in a hyperbolic double well
Authors: Kufel D , Chomet H , Figueira de Morisson Faria C
Published: December 2020

We propose an analytical approach for computing the eigenspectrum and corresponding eigenstates of a hyperbolic double well potential of arbitrary height or width, which goes beyond the usual techniques applied to quasi-exactly solvable models. We map the time-independent Schrödinger equation onto the Heun confluent differential equation, which is solved by using an infinite power series. The coefficients of this series are polynomials in the quantisation parameter, whose roots correspond to the system’s eigenenergies. This leads to a quantisation condition that allows us to determine a whole spectrum, instead of individual eigenenergies. This method is then employed to perform an in depth analysis of electronic wave-packet dynamics, with emphasis on intra-well tunneling and the interference-induced quantum bridges reported in a previous publication Chomet et al (2019 New J. Phys.
21 123004). Considering initial wave packets of different widths and peak locations, we compute autocorrelation functions and Wigner quasiprobability distributions. Our results exhibit an excellent agreement with numerical computations, and allow us to disentangle the different eigenfrequencies that govern the phase-space dynamics.
Ternary VOCl single-crystal as efficient gate dielectric for 2D field-effect transistors
Authors: Zhu W , Cui Q , Adam M L , Liu Z , Zhang L , Dai Z , Yin Y , Chen S , Song L
Published: December 2020

Field-effect transistors (FETs) based on van der Waals heterostructures without the traditional lattice mismatch constraints are highly promising for electronics. As the devices’ scale decreases, it is crucial to find a dielectric layer with a high dielectric constant to ensure gate capacitance and low leakage current. Herein, a layered insulator VOCl single crystal synthesized by chemical vapor transport is demonstrated as a high-performance gate dielectric. Notably, the dielectric constant of VOCl can reach up to 11.7, estimated through measuring the capacitance of the metal–insulator-metal device. The MoSe2 FET with VOCl dielectric exhibits a significant decrease in the subthreshold swing from 4906 to 169 mV dec−1, indicating a low trap density at the interface of MoSe2/VOCl. Besides, the threshold voltage (V
th) of bottom-gated MoSe2 FET is as low as 0.2 V, further confirming the high potential of VOCl as an ideal two-dimensional gate dielectric.
Fabrication and characterization of entirely inkjet-printed polysilicon thin film transistors
Authors: Ito Mao , Kamath Arvind
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the fabrication and material innovation involved in the first and only entirely inkjet-printed polysilicon thin film transistors (TFTs) are described. To form TFT layers, five inkjet printing inks were developed with the goal of fabricating TFTs by using purely additive processing without vacuum deposition or conventional lithography. A silicon ink was developed to form both the channels and polysilicon gates, and boron and phosphorus dopant inks were developed for N+ and P+ doping. In addition, a silver nanoparticle (NP) ink was developed to form interconnect traces, and a palladium chloride ink was formulated to create palladium silicide for the ohmic contacts between the source and the drain. The first N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) polysilicon TFT was fabricated with a top-gate self-alignment scheme. This exhibited a mobility of approximately 80 cm2 V s−1. Next, P-type MOS transistors as well as complementary MOS devices were also successfully fabricated.
Proteolytic cleavage of Arabidopsis thaliana phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 modifies its allosteric regulation
Authors: Rojas Bruno E , Hartman Matías D , Figueroa Carlos M , Iglesias Alberto A
Published: December 2020

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) plays a crucial role in gluconeogenesis. In this work, we analyze the proteolysis of Arabidopsis thaliana PEPCK1 (AthPEPCK1) in germinating seedlings. We found that the amount of AthPEPCK1 protein peaks at 24–48 h post-imbibition. Concomitantly, we observed shorter versions of AthPEPCK1, putatively generated by metacaspase-9 (AthMC9). To study the impact of AthMC9 cleavage on the kinetic and regulatory properties of AthPEPCK1, we produced truncated mutants based on the reported AthMC9 cleavage sites. The Δ19 and Δ101 truncated mutants of AthPEPCK1 showed similar kinetic parameters and the same quaternary structure as the wild type. However, activation by malate and inhibition by glucose 6-phosphate were abolished in the Δ101 mutant. We propose that proteolysis of AthPEPCK1 in germinating seedlings operates as a mechanism to adapt the sensitivity to allosteric regulation during the sink-to-source transition.
eHealth in cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Frederix Ines , Dendale Paul
Published: December 2020

TeleCR is an innovative and (cost-)effective preventive care delivery strategy that can overcome the challenges associated with traditional centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This chapter describes how it can be implemented in daily practice. From an organizational point of view, it implies a shift in traditional and operational workflows and reorganization of the (non-)human resources for care delivery. The establishment of a well-coordinated tele-team, the definition of clear goals, profound progress monitoring and follow-up, and the creation of an environment that promotes sustained delivery of teleCR are paramount. Tackling the current legal and technological challenges is another prerequisite for successful implementation.
Cost-Effectiveness of Neonatal Hearing Screening Programs: A Micro-Simulation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Verkleij Mirjam L. , Heijnsdijk Eveline A.M. , Bussé Andrea M.L. , Carr Gwen , Goedegebure André , Mackey Allison R. , Qirjazi Birkena , Uhlén Inger M. , Sloot Frea , Hoeve Hans L.J. , de Koning Harry J. ,   on behalf of Country-Committees Joint-Partnership of EUSCREEN Study Consortium
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Early detection of neonatal hearing impairment moderates the negative effects on speech and language development. Universal neonatal hearing screening protocols vary in tests used, timing of testing and the number of stages of screening. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of various protocols in the preparation of implementation of neonatal hearing screening in Albania.

Design:

A micro-simulation model was developed using input on demography, natural history of neonatal hearing impairment, screening characteristics and treatment. Parameter values were derived from a review of the literature and expert opinion. We simulated multiple protocols using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (aABR), varying the test type, timing and number of stages. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed over a life-time horizon.

Results:

The two best protocols for well infants were OAE followed by aABR (i.e., two-stage OAE-aABR) testing in the maternity ward and single-aABR testing. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were €4181 and €78,077 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, respectively. Single-aABR screening led to more cases being detected compared to a two-stage screening program. However, it also resulted in higher referral rates, which increased the total costs of diagnostics. Multi-staged screening decreased referral rates but may increase the number of missed cases due to false-negative test results and nonattendance.

Conclusions:

Only the 2-stage OAE-aABR (maternity ward) protocol was below the willingness-to-pay threshold of €10,413 for Albania, as suggested by the World Health Organization, and was found to be cost-effective. This study is among the few to assess neonatal hearing screening programs over a life-time horizon and the first to predict the cost-effectiveness of multiple screening scenarios.
Optimization of Contact Lenses for Corneal Protection During Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Sang Shan , Miao Jinxin , Hu Zizhong , Yuan Songtao , Xie Ping , Liu Qinghuai
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To optimize parameters of contact lenses (CLs) and evaluate their ability to protect the cornea during vitreoretinal surgery.

Methods:

We compared the protective effects of balanced saline solution, viscoelastic agent, and CLs on rabbit corneas under conditions simulating vitreoretinal surgery. We evaluated CLs of different thicknesses and compared the protective effects of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and gas-permeable fluorosilicone acrylate (XO) lenses on the corneas of rabbits and patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The corneal fluorescein staining score (FSS) was measured to compare the protective effects of CLs.

Results:

The FSS was significantly lower in the PMMA group than in the balanced saline solution and viscoelastic agent groups. The thickness of the PMMA lenses had no significant effect on the FSS. The FSS was significantly higher in the PMMA group than in the XO group. In patients with PDR, on day 1 after vitreoretinal surgery, the FSS was significantly higher in the PMMA group than in the XO group, although no significant difference was observed on postoperative day 7.

Conclusion:

The XO lens offers better corneal protection during noncontact wide-angle vitreoretinal surgery and protects the corneal epithelium more efficiently during vitrectomy in patients with PDR, irrespective of its thickness.
Brainstem trigeminal fiber microstructural abnormalities are associated with treatment response across subtypes of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Tohyama Sarasa , Walker Matthew R. , Zhang Jia Y. , Cheng Joshua C. , Hodaie Mojgan
Published: December 2020

Neurosurgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can provide long-lasting pain relief; however, some patients fail to respond and undergo multiple, repeat procedures. Surgical outcomes can vary depending on the type of TN, but the reasons for this are not well understood. Neuroimaging studies of TN point to abnormalities in the brainstem trigeminal fibers; however, whether this is a common characteristic of treatment nonresponse across different subtypes of TN is unknown. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to determine whether the brainstem trigeminal fiber microstructure is a common biomarker of surgical response in TN and whether the extent of these abnormalities is associated with the likelihood of response across subtypes of TN. We studied 98 patients with TN (61 classical TN, 26 TN secondary to multiple sclerosis, and 11 TN associated with a solitary pontine lesion) who underwent neurosurgical treatment and 50 healthy controls. We assessed treatment response using pain intensity measures and examined microstructural features by extracting pretreatment DTI metrics from the proximal pontine segment of the trigeminal nerves. We found that microstructural abnormalities in the affected pontine trigeminal fibers (notably, lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity) highlight treatment nonresponders (n = 47) compared with responders (n = 51) and controls, and that the degree of abnormalities is associated with the likelihood of surgical response across subtypes of TN. These novel findings demonstrate the value of DTI as an objective, noninvasive tool for the prediction of treatment response and elucidate the features that distinguish treatment responders from nonresponders in the TN population.
Histological grades and prognostic markers of well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (WDPNET)
Authors: Li Yongchao , Rowan Daniel , Williamson Claire P. , Fan Meiyun , Saad Ali G. , Zhang Lizhi
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are the second most common neoplasm of the pancreas after ductal adenocarcinoma. The clinical behavior of PNETs is very difficult to predict, especially for well-differentiated PNETs. Several classification systems have been developed to differentiate benign from malignant PNETs. The current 5th edition WHO (2019) updated the grading system of PNETs which is now entirely based on proliferative rate (either mitotic count or Ki-67 index). In this article, we systemically reviewed the evolution of the histologic classification and grading systems for well-differentiated PNETs. Meanwhile, we also report a comprehensive summary of immunohistochemical and molecular prognostic factors for PNETs patients, including CK19, KIT, PD-L1/PD-L1, UCH-L1 and CNPY2. We believe that more reliable grading systems and prognostic markers are emerging and will change the landscape of treatment for well-differentiated PNETs.
Radiomics in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a state of art review
Authors: He Ming , Xue Huadan , Jin Zhengyu
Published: December 2020

Radiomics analysis extracts a large number of features from conventional radiological cross-sectional images that were traditionally undetectable by the naked human eye. It identifies tumor heterogeneity in a comprehensive and noninvasive way, reflecting the biological behaviour of lesions, and thus assists in clinical diagnosis and treatment evaluation. This review describes the radiomics approach and its uses in the evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This discipline holds the potential to characterize lesions more accurately, assesses the primary tumour and predicts the response to therapy and prognosis in PDAC. Existing studies have provided significant insights into the application of radiomics in managing the PDAC. However, a variety of challenges, including data quality and quantity, imaging segmentation, and the standardization of the radiomics process need to be solved before its widespread clinical implementation.
Effect of Cochlear Implantation on the Endocochlear Potential and Stria Vascularis
Authors: McClellan Joseph , He Wenxuan , Raja Joseline , Stark Gemaine , Ren Tianying , Reiss Lina
Published: December 2020

Hypothesis:

Animals with cochlear implantation-induced hearing loss will have a lower endocochlear potential (EP) and decreased strial vascular density.

Background:

The cause of residual hearing loss following cochlear implantation remains poorly understood. Recent work from our lab has shown a correlation between vascular changes in the cochlear lateral wall and postimplantation hearing loss, suggesting a role of the stria vascularis and EP.

Methods:

Fourteen young, normal-hearing male albino guinea pigs underwent cochlear implantation using either a cochleostomy (CI-c, n = 9) or an extended round window (CI-eRW, n = 5) approach. Hearing sensitivity was assessed pre- and postoperatively using auditory brainstem response thresholds. Three weeks after implantation, EP measurements were obtained from the first and second turns. Hair cell counts and stria vascularis capillary density measurements were also obtained.

Results:

The implanted group experienced significant threshold elevations at 8 to 24 kHz (mean threshold shift 9.1 ± 1.1 dB), with a more robust threshold shift observed in the CI-eRW group compared to the CI-c group. Implanted animals had a significantly lower first turn EP (81.4 ± 5.1 mV) compared with controls (87.9 ± 6.1 mV). No differences were observed in the second turn (75.8 ± 12.0 mV for implanted animals compared to 76.5 ± 7.0 mV for controls). There were no significant correlations between turn-specific threshold shifts, EP measurements, or strial blood vessel density.

Conclusions:

Reliable EP measurements can be obtained in chronically implanted guinea pigs. Hearing loss after implantation is not explained by changes in strial vascular density or reductions in EP.
Evaluation of a New Material From an Allogenic Collagen Scaffold as a Suitable Coupling Option for Round Window Vibroplasty
Authors: Wolber Philipp , Stürmer Konrad , Pazen David , Cimen Tim , Klußmann Jens Peter , Lüers Jan-Christoffer , Schwarz David
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

In round window vibroplasty the most efficient coupling technique for contact of the floating mass transducer (FMT) to the round window membrane (RWM) is yet to be determined. Various materials placed between the FMT and the RWM have been proposed to enable better stimulation of the cochlea. Collagenous scaffolds derived from decellularized extracellular cartilage matrices as a commercially available biomaterial are already used for other applications in ear surgery. We aimed to examine the coupling properties of collagen scaffolds compared with commonly used other materials (round window soft coupler, porcine perichondrium, and cartilage) as interponate between the FMT and the RWM in vibroplasty.

Methods:

A well-established in vitro temporal bone model was used. Volume velocities were measured with collagen scaffold compared with different interponates (round window soft coupler, porcine perichondrium, and cartilage) at 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3150, and 4000 Hz levels.

Results:

Statistical analysis revealed no superiority of commonly used materials compared with collagen scaffolds at all tested volume velocities (p > 0.05).

Discussion:

We could demonstrate that collagenous scaffolds of decellularized extracellular cartilage matrices have similar vibrational properties as conventional coupling materials of the FMT to the RWM in vibroplasty. Therefore, as a commercially available new material they display a suitable coupling option for round window vibroplasty.
Droplet and Aerosol Generation With Mastoidectomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of Baseline Risk and Mitigation Measures With a High-performance Cascade Impactor
Authors: Freiser Monika E. , Dharmarajan Harish , Sri Kavya Boorgu Devi Sai , Sim Edward S. , Corcoran Timothy E. , Jabbour Noel , Chi David H.
Published: December 2020

Hypothesis:

Aerosols are generated during mastoidectomy and mitigation strategies may effectively reduce aerosol spread.

Background:

An objective understanding of aerosol generation and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies can inform interventions to reduce aerosol risk from mastoidectomy and other open surgeries involving drilling.

Methods:

Cadaveric and fluorescent three-dimensional printed temporal bone models were drilled under variable conditions and mitigation methods. Aerosol production was measured with a cascade impactor set to detect particle sizes under 14.1 μm. Field contamination was determined with examination under UV light.

Results:

Drilling of cadaveric bones and three-dimensional models resulted in strongly positive aerosol production, measuring positive in all eight impactor stages for the cadaver trials. This occurred regardless of using coarse or cutting burs, irrigation, a handheld suction, or an additional parked suction. The only mitigation factor that led to a completely negative aerosol result in all eight stages was placing an additional microscope drape to surround the field. Bone dust was scattered in all directions from the drill, including on the microscope, the surgeon, and visually suspended in the air for all but the drape trial.

Conclusions:

Aerosols are generated with drilling the mastoid. Using an additional microscope drape to cover the surgical field was an effective mitigation strategy to prevent fine aerosol dispersion while drilling.
Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation With Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide for Pediatric Acute Leukemia is Safe and Effective
Authors: Sharma Anil , Rastogi Neha , Chatterjee Goutomi , Kapoor Rohit , Nivargi Sagar , Yadav Satya P.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Haploidentical family donor is universally available and is fast emerging as an alternative donor choice for children with leukemia needing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Here we describe our experience of treating children with acute leukemia by haploidentical HSCT with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the outcome data of 17 children with acute leukemia who underwent related haploidentical HSCT. Fifteen were in complete remission (CR) before HSCT: CR1-6, CR2-7, and CR3-2 and 2 were not in remission. Donors were mobilized with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. The conditioning was nonmyeloablative in 4 and myeloablative in 13. All received PTCy 50 mg/kg on days 3 and 4 as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis along with tacrolimus or cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. A median of 8.94 million of CD34+ cells/kg was infused.

Results:

All patients were engrafted for neutrophil and platelets, except 1 child with refractory acute myeloid leukemia disease who relapsed before engraftment. Five children relapsed (4 died and 1 child with CD20-positive leukemia is disease free after Rituximab therapy). There was 1 transplant-related mortality due to grade IV GVHD. Remaining 11 patients are in CR. Acute GVHD was seen in 4 patients. Of 4, 3 children later developed chronic GVHD and all are alive and disease free. Three of 4 children who received nonmyeloablative conditioning have relapsed. Overall survival is 70.5% and event-free survival is 64.7%. Median follow-up of all patients was 393 days.

Conclusion:

Haploidentical HSCT with PTCy is a safe and effective therapy for children with acute leukemia. Myeloablative conditioning and chronic GVHD lead to improved disease-free survival.
Improving Care for Critical Care Patients by Strategic Alignment of Quality Goals With a Physician Financial Incentive Model
Authors: Shittu Atinuke , Hannon Emily , Kyriacou Jonathan , Arnold Desiree , Kitz Michael , Zhang Ziya , Chan Christy , Kohli-Seth Roopa
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives:

The passage of the Affordable Care Act has ignited a shift from the pay-for-performance model to value-based care with a particular relevance in critical care settings. Provider incentive programs are widely considered as a means to reward providers based on the achievement of preset quality metrics. This article aims to demonstrate the effects of a provider incentive program in the critical care delivery system in a large academic center in the Northeastern United States.

Methods:

This article describes the results of a retrospective analysis of a performance-driven quality improvement initiative at a critical care facility of an academic medical center using a quasi-experimental pre-/posttest design. A set of quality measures was selected as outcome metrics. Selection criteria for the process measures are as follows: (i) the metric goals should be influenced by the physician's input to a large degree; (ii) the measure must be transparent and accessible within the hospital-wide data reporting system; (iii) the metric that required group effort and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve; and (iv) the measure must directly affect patient outcome. The outcome metrics are central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), standardized infection ratio (SIR), Foley catheter and central line utilization standardized utilization ratio (SUR), hand hygiene compliance, and adherence to respiratory recovery pathway goals. These metrics were tracked from for 3 years with success defined as achieving set benchmarks for each metric.

Results:

The average CLABSI SIR and CAUTI SIR across all intensive care units (ICUs) decreased by 44% (P = .05) and 87% (P = .02) over 3 years as well as the central line and Foley catheter utilization falling by 41% and 30%, respectively. Hand hygiene compliance in the ICUs improved for the same period by 27 percentage points, as did compliance with the respiratory recovery pathway program by 4 percentage points.

Conclusion:

The use of a physician-driven financial incentive model in a critical care setting measured by outcome metrics dependent on physician input is successful with rigorous implementation and careful evaluation.
Effective Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behavior Using Fuzzy Logic to Obtain the Optimal Relationship
Authors: Ajlouni Wajdee Mohammadkair Ebrheem , Kaur Gurvinder , Alomari Saleh Ali
Published: December 2020

Background:

Organizational justice (OJ) is important for organizational success; it reflects employee perceptions of fair treatment. OJ promotes employee retention and work engagement toward high performance. Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is a discretionary behavior, describing how employees contribute to a smoother organizational performance. OCB enhances employee satisfaction, quality of care, patients' satisfaction with hospital performance, and the use of best hospital practices. Moreover, OJ increases employee satisfaction and is perceived as a factor that encourages workers to go “above and beyond” their responsibilities, while avoiding OCB in the workplace may reduce awareness of justice. Previous efforts have shown that perceptions of a just workplace promoted OCB at different industrial companies. Still, few studies have investigated this relationship in hospitals.

Objectives:

This study addressed this gap by investigating the significant relationships of OJ and OCB in a large Jordanian hospital.

Methods:

A fuzzy approach to Pearson's correlation was applied to test the formulated hypothesis, with an aim to better understand causal correlation of vague data.

Results:

A statistically significant, positive correlation existed between OJ and OCB. Maximum correlations existed between distributive justice and altruism, procedural justice, courtesy, and interactional or interpersonal justice and conscientiousness. This study showed that procedural justice was the best predictor of OCB.

Conclusion:

This study revealed a correlation between OJ and OCB, reflecting the diversity of these correlation relationships, which can help decision makers to form their strategic plans.
Expert Consensus Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Donor Hepatectomy for Living Donor Liver Transplantation From Innovation to Implementation
Authors: Cherqui Daniel , Ciria Ruben , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Kim Ki-Hun , Broering Dieter , Wakabayashi Go , Samstein Benjamin , Troisi Roberto I. , Han Ho Seong , Rotellar Fernando , Soubrane Olivier , Briceño Javier , Alconchel Felipe , Ayllón María Dolores , Berardi Giammauro , Cauchy Francois , Luque Irene Gómez , Hong Suk Kyun , Yoon Young-Yin , Egawa Hiroto , Lerut Jan , Lo Chung-Mau , Rela Mohamed , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Suh Kyung-Suk
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The Expert Consensus Guidelines initiative on MIDH for LDLT was organized with the goal of safe implementation and development of these complex techniques with donor safety as the main priority.

Background:

Following the development of minimally invasive liver surgery, techniques of MIDH were developed with the aim of reducing the short- and long-term consequences of the procedure on liver donors. These techniques, although increasingly performed, lack clinical guidelines.

Methods:

A group of 12 international MIDH experts, 1 research coordinator, and 8 junior faculty was assembled. Comprehensive literature search was made and studies classified using the SIGN method. Based on literature review and experts opinions, tentative recommendations were made by experts subgroups and submitted to the whole experts group using on-line Delphi Rounds with the goal of obtaining >90% Consensus. Pre-conference meeting formulated final recommendations that were presented during the plenary conference held in Seoul on September 7, 2019 in front of a Validation Committee composed of LDLT experts not practicing MIDH and an international audience.

Results:

Eighteen Clinical Questions were addressed resulting in 44 recommendations. All recommendations reached at least a 90% consensus among experts and were afterward endorsed by the validation committee.

Conclusions:

The Expert Consensus on MIDH has produced a set of clinical guidelines based on available evidence and clinical expertise. These guidelines are presented for a safe implementation and development of MIDH in LDLT Centers with the goal of optimizing donor safety, donor care, and recipient outcomes.
Bayesian back-calculation and nowcasting for line list data during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Tenglong , White Laura F.
Published: December 2020

Surveillance is the key of controling the COVID-19 pandemic, and it typically suffers from reporting delays and thus can be misleading. Previous methods for adjusting reporting delays are not particularly appropriate for line list data, which usually have lots of missing values that are non-ignorable for modeling reporting delays. In this paper, we develop a Bayesian approach that dynamically integrates imputation and estimation for line list data. We show this Bayesian approach lead to accurate estimates of the epidemic curve and time-varying reproductive numbers and is robust to deviations from model assumptions. We apply the Bayesian approach to a COVID-19 line list data in Massachusetts and find the reproductive number estimates correspond more closely to the control measures than the ones based on the reported curve.