bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Floating of Non-metallic Inclusions when Pouring Steel into a Mold in Top Casting
Authors: Andriukhin R. P. , Mamuzic I. , Molchanov L. S. , Synehin Y. V.
Published: February 2021

It is described in the paper the physical modeling of the metal flows pattern and the floating of non-metallic inclusions in the mold when pouring steel in top casting. The study of the effect of the speed and direction of metal flows in the mold on the time of floating up of nonmetallic inclusions is very important for finishing alloying and modification of steel in the mold during casting. The purpose of this study was to substantiate the similarity numbers for physical modeling of this process and determine their influence on the surfacing time and the determination of the rational casting method for the final alloying steel from the point of view of NMI removal and the mode of additives. In the course of the literature analysis, it was found that the movement of flows during steel casting can be described by the Reynolds, Froude, and Weber numbers, but their simultaneous compliance is impossible. Since no substantiation of the insignificant influence of the Weber number, in contrast to the Reynolds number, was found in early studies, the authors developed a technique, assembled an experimental facility, and carried out physical modeling. The results of physical modeling confirm the Weber number’s self-similarity in the range from 104.75 to 105.5. According to the results of this study, the insignificant effect of the Weber number on floating up non-metallic inclusions when filling the mold in top casting was confirmed. It was found that the removal of deoxidation products occurs faster in top casting, and the time for their removal is significantly reduced with an increase in the liquid level in the mold at the time of additives.
Effect of Ethyl Acetate, Time and Particle Size on the Kinetics of the Oleoresin Extraction Process
Authors: Olakunle M.S. , Ameh A.O. , Oyegoke T. , Shehu H.U.
Published: February 2021

The kinetics of the extraction of oleoresin from ginger using ethyl acetate as the solvent was studied in this work. The effects of particle size and extraction time on oleoresin’s solvent extraction were studied to obtain optimization data. The temperature of the process was kept constant at 40 °C. The Ginger particle sizes considered ranged between 1200-250 microns at extraction times ranging between 10–70 minutes. Experimental data generated were fitted into an empirical model to determine the kinetic parameters. The oleoresin yield increases with increasing extraction time up to an optimum time, after which the yield remains constant and yield also increase with decreasing particle size. The results obtained from the kinetics studies revealed that the introduction of the constant term accounting for the diffusion step separately (as an addition) into a single step first-order model (Patricelli’s first order model) raises the R-squared values from 87 % fitness of the model into becoming 99 % with the experimental data. This improved form of Patricelli’s first-order model was found to show a good agreement with Patricelli’s 2-step kinetic model. These findings confirmed that the oleoresin extraction process in the presence of ethyl acetate was found to be first-order kinetics involving two steps mechanism where the use of a single-step first-order model (Patricelli’s first-order kinetic model) and the choice of using ethyl acetate must have contributed to the strong resistance present in the first step of the extraction mechanism especially for the smaller particle size (250 microns). In getting the extraction yield improved, this study, therefore, recommends the use of small particle sizes (< 250 microns), higher temperatures (> 40 °C), and/or better alternative solvents like ethanol.
An Energy Balance Model for Predicting Berry Temperature and Scheduling Sprinklers for Cooling in Northern Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Yang Fan-Hsuan , Bryla David R. , Peters R. Troy
Published: February 2021

Heat-related fruit damage is a prevalent issue in northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in various growing regions, including the northwestern United States. To help address the issue, we developed a simple climatological model to predict blueberry fruit temperatures based on local weather data and to simulate the effects of using over-canopy sprinklers for cooling the fruit. Predictions of fruit temperature on sunny days correlated strongly with the actual values (R2 = 0.91) and had a root mean-square error of ≈2 °C. Among the parameters tested, ambient air temperature and light intensity had the greatest impact on fruit temperature, whereas wind speed and fruit size had less impact, and relative humidity had no impact. Cooling efficiency was estimated successfully under different sprinkler cooling intervals by incorporating a water application factor that was calculated based on the amount of water applied and the time required for water to evaporate from the fruit surface between the intervals. The results indicate that water temperature and nozzle flow rate affected the extent to which cooling with sprinklers reduced fruit temperature. However, prolonging the runtime of the sprinklers did not guarantee lower temperatures during cooling, because cooling efficiency declined as the temperature of the fruit approached the temperature of the irrigation water. Users could incorporate the model into weather forecast programs to predict the incidence of heat damage and could use it to make cooling decisions in commercial blueberry fields.
ViableTM AC-2, a New Adult Bovine Serum- and Colostrum-Based Supplement for the Culture of Mammalian Cells
Authors: Viander Britta , Ala-Uotila Sari , Jalkanen Markku , Pakkanen Raimo
Published: February 2021

In this study we have shown that ViableTM AC-2, a medium based on an ultrafiltrate fraction of bovine colostrum and adult bovine serum, can be used successfully as a fetal bovine serum (FBS) substitute in the culture of several anchorage-dependent and independent cell lines. Of the 15 cell lines cultured in 8% Viable AC-2 in microplates, 10 reached the maximum cell density of 65%-123% of that in 10% FBS, 4 cell lines reached maximum cell density of 35%-65% of that in 10% FBS and only one cell line, a human osteosawoma G-292, grew slowly in Viable AC-2. In a small-scale suspension culture, 8%-15% Viable AC-2 supports the growth of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) on microcarriers in spinner flasks significantly better than 10% FBS. Shionogi mouse mammary tumor cell line (S115) transfected with human α2-adrenergic receptor subtype C2 was used as a model to study recombinant protein production in Viable AC-2-supplemented medium. The results showed that in cell culture flasks and in an ACUSYST-RTM bioreactot, the α2-C2 receptor expression level per mg of total protein was similar in both Viable AC-2 and FBS.
Analysis of the enterprise`s readiness to implement modern tools of corporate culture development
Authors: Veretennykova Hanna , Tomakh Viktoriia
Published: February 2021

Corporate culture is a unique attribute of the enterprise that positively affects the socio-economic results of its activity and develops under the influence of external and internal factors. The paper suggests a group of factors influencing corporate culture that determine the effectiveness and speed of its development. This group includes the level of competence of HR managers; the level of influence on staff of formal and informal leaders and their attitude to changes; the presence of cultural bugs, the attitude of the existing culture to changes, the degree of hierarchy, the speed of communication channels, the level of staff satisfaction with the situation, the presence of feedback. An analysis of global trends of enterprises’ corporate culture development allowed formulating the following areas of its improvement for the domestic enterprises: formation of a passionate employee, ensuring a balance between work and personal life, an individual approach to personal development and the effectiveness of staff activities, the organization of a virtual office, diversification as a part of teams, and reduction of hierarchy levels. The assessment of the domestic enterprises readiness to implement measures in the framework of the identified areas indicates that the most enterprises are ready to introduce modern tools for the development of corporate culture. At the same time, the necessity was revealed to introduce the individual approach to identify areas for improving professional skills and ensuring a balance between work and personal life of employees.
Therapeutic-recreational Jerusalem Artichoke Products and Their Use in Medical Practice
Authors: Botsyurko Volodymyr , Kasiyanchuk Vasyl
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Current data on Jerusalem artichoke (topinambour) as a unique plant that has the ability to maximize the use of solar energy to accumulate in the tubers of the polysaccharide inulin in a very high concentration – more than 50% of their weight, are represented in the article. In this regard, topinambour is a record holder in the plant world. Inulin has the property of a prebiotic and promotes the reproduction of the most useful collibacillus – bifidumbacteria, as the second immune system of the human body. However, the composition of the intestinal microflora is normalized, 90% of which are bifidumbacteria. This makes it possible to use Jerusalem artichoke as an edible product in therapeutic practice in the intestinal diseases, immunodeficiency conditions, including diabetes mellitus, because fructose formed from inulin does not need to absorb insulin. For this purpose, the medicine “Biftop” was created in Ivano-Frankivsk Medical University; it includes topinambour powder and bifidumbacteria. Clinical trials performed have shown its high efficiency. In addition, dried Jerusalem artichoke extract can be used in the baking industry for baking diet bread, wheat buns, confectionery. Currently, the construction-and-installation and commissioning work on the production of dried fruits, including Jerusalem artichoke powder, which can be widely used for therapeutic-prophylactic purpose, is almost finished in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Air Transport: Overview and Implications
Authors:   Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, via Claudio 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy, Arena Maurizio , Aprea Claudia
Published: February 2021

The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to multiple changes in the international market as well as in the lifestyle of people worldwide. The transport sector has undoubtedly been one of the most affected sectors due to restrictions imposed by the governments across the world to protect the health of their citizens, particularly the restrictions imposed on the operation of airlines. On the other hand, the reduction in travel by means of transport has contributed in part to the improvement in the environmental conditions on account of reduction in the levels of CO2 emissions and pollution. The present paper discusses the major consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. The data and critical observations presented in this paper were collected from the detailed studies published on this crucial topic and thus provide a broad overview to the reader.
Addressing Symptom Clusters with Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies in Palliative Care Populations: A Narrative Review
Authors:   University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, United States, Marchand Lucille , Lewin Donna , Kozak Leila
Published: February 2021

Both palliative care (PC) and integrative medicine (IM) focus on the whole person to optimize wellbeing. Integrative palliative care combines the best of both approaches in relieving the distressing symptoms of serious illness and its treatment by combining evidence informed, pharmacological and nonpharmacological modalities that are aligned with the person’s goals, values and preferences. Healing is valued, as well as symptom relief, shared decisionmaking, person empowerment, compassionate care, and nurturing of hope. Increasingly, symptom clusters in serious illness are being recognized and addressed in both PC and IM. Symptom clusters arise from the complexity of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of a person interacting with serious illness. Many complementary and integrative health (CIH) modalities address symptom clusters effectively, and may allow for reduced doses of medication and their resulting side effects, or help alleviate the need for medication altogether, and increase health, healing and well being. Research reveals that the public desires more access to CIH including palliative care settings although actual delivery of these services in health care settings remains limited. This review explores the evidence for a combined palliative care and integrative medicine approach to symptom clusters experienced by people with serious illness through increased access and funding of these services in the community and health care settings with quality practitioners.
Factors Influencing Depression and Mental Distress Related to COVID-19 Among University Students in China: Online Cross-sectional Mediation Study
Authors: Yu Yanqiu , She Rui , Luo Sitong , Xin Meiqi , Li Lijuan , Wang Suhua , Ma Le , Tao Fangbiao , Zhang Jianxin , Zhao Junfeng , Li Liping , Hu Dongsheng , Zhang Guohua , Gu Jing , Lin Danhua , Wang Hongmei , Cai Yong , Wang Zhaofen , You Hua , Hu Guoqing , Lau Joseph Tak-Fai
Published: February 2021

Background

The COVID-19 epidemic may elevate mental distress and depressive symptoms in various populations in China.

Objective

This study investigates the levels of depression and mental distress due to COVID-19, and the associations between cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, and depression and mental distress due to COVID-19 among university students in China.

Methods

A large-scale online cross-sectional study (16 cities in 13 provinces) was conducted among university students from February 1 to 10, 2020, in China; 23,863 valid questionnaires were returned. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression. Structural equation modeling was performed to test mediation and suppression effects.

Results

Of the 23,863 participants, 47.1% (n=11,235) reported high or very high levels of one or more types of mental distress due to COVID-19; 39.1% (n=9326) showed mild to severe depression. Mental distress due to COVID-19 was positively associated with depression. All but one factor (perceived infection risks, perceived chance of controlling the epidemic, staying at home, contacted people from Wuhan, and perceived discrimination) were significantly associated with mental distress due to COVID-19 and depression. Mental distress due to COVID-19 partially mediated and suppressed the associations between some of the studied factors and depression (effect size of 6.0%-79.5%).

Conclusions

Both mental distress due to COVID-19 and depression were prevalent among university students in China; the former may have increased the prevalence of the latter. The studied cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors related to COVID-19 may directly or indirectly (via mental distress due to COVID-19) affect depression. Interventions to modify such factors may reduce mental distress and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 epidemic.
State of the Art in Adoption of Contact Tracing Apps and Recommendations Regarding Privacy Protection and Public Health: Systematic Review
Authors: Kolasa Katarzyna , Mazzi Francesca , Leszczuk-Czubkowska Ewa , Zrubka Zsombor , Péntek Márta
Published: February 2021

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, contact tracing apps have received a lot of public attention. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of the adoption of data-driven innovation. We reflect on how to ensure an appropriate level of protection of individual data and how to maximize public health benefits that can be derived from the collected data.

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze available COVID-19 contact tracing apps and verify to what extent public health interests and data privacy standards can be fulfilled simultaneously in the process of the adoption of digital health technologies.

Methods

A systematic review of PubMed and MEDLINE databases, as well as grey literature, was performed to identify available contact tracing apps. Two checklists were developed to evaluate (1) the apps’ compliance with data privacy standards and (2) their fulfillment of public health interests. Based on both checklists, a scorecard with a selected set of minimum requirements was created with the goal of estimating whether the balance between the objective of data privacy and public health interests can be achieved in order to ensure the broad adoption of digital technologies.

Results

Overall, 21 contact tracing apps were reviewed. In total, 11 criteria were defined to assess the usefulness of each digital technology for public health interests. The most frequently installed features related to contact alerting and governmental accountability. The least frequently installed feature was the availability of a system of medical or organizational support. Only 1 app out of 21 (5%) provided a threshold for the population coverage needed for the digital solution to be effective. In total, 12 criteria were used to assess the compliance of contact tracing apps with data privacy regulations. Explicit user consent, voluntary use, and anonymization techniques were among the most frequently fulfilled criteria. The least often implemented criteria were provisions of information about personal data breaches and data gathered from children. The balance between standards of data protection and public health benefits was achieved best by the COVIDSafe app and worst by the Alipay Health Code app.

Conclusions

Contact tracing apps with high levels of compliance with standards of data privacy tend to fulfill public health interests to a limited extent. Simultaneously, digital technologies with a lower level of data privacy protection allow for the collection of more data. Overall, this review shows that a consistent number of apps appear to comply with standards of data privacy, while their usefulness from a public health perspective can still be maximized.
Engaging Caregivers and Providers of Children With Sickle Cell Anemia in Shared Decision Making for Hydroxyurea: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hood Anna M , Strong Heather , Nwankwo Cara , Johnson Yolanda , Peugh James , Mara Constance A , Shook Lisa M , Brinkman William B , Real Francis J , Klein Melissa D , Hackworth Rogelle , Badawy Sherif M , Thompson Alexis A , Raphael Jean L , Yates Amber M , Smith-Whitley Kim , King Allison A , Calhoun Cecelia , Creary Susan E , Piccone Connie M , Hildenbrand Aimee K , Reader Steven K , Neumayr Lynne , Meier Emily R , Sobota Amy E , Rana Sohail , Britto Maria , Saving Kay L , Treadwell Marsha , Quinn Charles T , Ware Russell E , Crosby Lori E
Published: February 2021

Background

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder that puts children at a risk of serious medical complications, early morbidity and mortality, and high health care utilization. Until recently, hydroxyurea was the only disease-modifying treatment for this life-threatening disease and has remained the only option for children younger than 5 years. Evidence-based guidelines recommend using a shared decision-making (SDM) approach for offering hydroxyurea to children with SCA (HbSS or HbS/β0 thalassemia) aged as early as 9 months. However, the uptake remains suboptimal, likely because caregivers lack information about hydroxyurea and have concerns about its safety and potential long-term side effects. Moreover, clinicians do not routinely receive training or tools, especially those that provide medical evidence and consider caregivers’ preferences and values, to facilitate a shared discussion with caregivers.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand how best to help parents of young children with sickle cell disease and their clinicians have a shared discussion about hydroxyurea (one that considers medical evidence and parent values and preferences).

Methods

We designed our study to compare the effectiveness of two methods for disseminating hydroxyurea guidelines to facilitate SDM: a clinician pocket guide (ie, usual care) and a clinician hydroxyurea SDM toolkit (H-SDM toolkit). Our primary outcomes are caregiver reports of decisional uncertainty and knowledge of hydroxyurea. The study also assesses the number of children (aged 0-5 years) who were offered and prescribed hydroxyurea and the resultant health outcomes.

Results

The Ethics Committee of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center approved this study in November 2017. As of February 2021, we have enrolled 120 caregiver participants.

Conclusions

The long-term objective of this study is to improve the quality of care for children with SCA. Using multicomponent dissemination methods developed in partnership with key stakeholders and designed to address barriers to high-quality care, caregivers of patients with SCA can make informed and shared decisions about their health.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03442114; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03442114

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/27650
Establishing Classifiers With Clinical Laboratory Indicators to Distinguish COVID-19 From Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dai Wanfa , Ke Pei-Feng , Li Zhen-Zhen , Zhuang Qi-Zhen , Huang Wei , Wang Yi , Xiong Yujuan , Huang Xian-Zhang
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The initial symptoms of patients with COVID-19 are very much like those of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP); it is difficult to distinguish COVID-19 from CAP with clinical symptoms and imaging examination.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to construct an effective model for the early identification of COVID-19 that would also distinguish it from CAP.

METHODS

The clinical laboratory indicators (CLIs) of 61 COVID-19 patients and 60 CAP patients were analyzed retrospectively. Random combinations of various CLIs (ie, CLI combinations) were utilized to establish COVID-19 versus CAP classifiers with machine learning algorithms, including random forest classifier (RFC), logistic regression classifier, and gradient boosting classifier (GBC). The performance of the classifiers was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and recall rate in COVID-19 prediction using the test data set.

RESULTS

The classifiers that were constructed with three algorithms from 43 CLI combinations showed high performance (recall rate >0.9 and AUROC >0.85) in COVID-19 prediction for the test data set. Among the high-performance classifiers, several CLIs showed a high usage rate; these included procalcitonin (PCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), uric acid, albumin, albumin to globulin ratio (AGR), neutrophil count, red blood cell (RBC) count, monocyte count, basophil count, and white blood cell (WBC) count. They also had high feature importance except for basophil count. The feature combination (FC) of PCT, AGR, uric acid, WBC count, neutrophil count, basophil count, RBC count, and MCHC was the representative one among the nine FCs used to construct the classifiers with an AUROC equal to 1.0 when using the RFC or GBC algorithms. Replacing any CLI in these FCs would lead to a significant reduction in the performance of the classifiers that were built with them.

CONCLUSIONS

The classifiers constructed with only a few specific CLIs could efficiently distinguish COVID-19 from CAP, which could help clinicians perform early isolation and centralized management of COVID-19 patients.
Prognosis Score System to Predict Survival for COVID-19 Cases: a Korean Nationwide Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cho Sung-Yeon , Park Sung-Soo , Song Min-Kyu , Bae Young Yi , Lee Dong-Gun , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, an initial risk-adapted allocation is crucial for managing medical resources and providing intensive care.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to identify factors that predict the overall survival rate for COVID-19 cases and develop a COVID-19 prognosis score (COPS) system based on these factors. In addition, disease severity and the length of hospital stay for patients with COVID-19 were analyzed.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a nationwide cohort of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases between January and April 2020 in Korea. The cohort was split randomly into a development cohort and a validation cohort with a 2:1 ratio. In the development cohort (n=3729), we tried to identify factors associated with overall survival and develop a scoring system to predict the overall survival rate by using parameters identified by the Cox proportional hazard regression model with bootstrapping methods. In the validation cohort (n=1865), we evaluated the prediction accuracy using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The score of each variable in the COPS system was rounded off following the log-scaled conversion of the adjusted hazard ratio.

RESULTS

Among the 5594 patients included in this analysis, 234 (4.2%) died after receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis. In the development cohort, six parameters were significantly related to poor overall survival: older age, dementia, chronic renal failure, dyspnea, mental disturbance, and absolute lymphocyte count <1000/mm3. The following risk groups were formed: low-risk (score 0-2), intermediate-risk (score 3), high-risk (score 4), and very high-risk (score 5-7) groups. The COPS system yielded an area under the curve value of 0.918 for predicting the 14-day survival rate and 0.896 for predicting the 28-day survival rate in the validation cohort. Using the COPS system, 28-day survival rates were discriminatively estimated at 99.8%, 95.4%, 82.3%, and 55.1% in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, high-risk, and very high-risk groups, respectively, of the total cohort (P<.001). The length of hospital stay and disease severity were directly associated with overall survival (P<.001), and the hospital stay duration was significantly longer among survivors (mean 26.1, SD 10.7 days) than among nonsurvivors (mean 15.6, SD 13.3 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed predictive COPS system may assist in making risk-adapted decisions for the allocation of medical resources, including intensive care, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Personalized Ontology-based Decision Support System for Complex Chronic Patients: Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Román-Villarán Esther , Alvarez-Romero Celia , Martínez-García Alicia , Escobar-Rodríguez German Antonio , García-Lozano María José , Barón-Franco Bosco , Moreno-Gaviño Lourdes , Moreno-Conde Jesús , Rivas-González José Antonio , Parra-Calderón Carlos Luis
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Due to an increase in life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise too. Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) provide recommendations for suitable interventions regarding different chronic diseases. But a deficit in the implementation of these CPGs could be identified. The PITeS-TIiSS tool, a personalized ontology-based Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS), aims to reduce the variability, prevent errors and consider interactions between different CPGs recommendations, among other benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To design, develop and validate an ontology-based CDSS which provides personalized recommendations related to drug prescription. The target population is elderly patients with chronic diseases and polypharmacy aiming to reduce complications related to these types of conditions and, also, offering integrated care.

METHODS

A study scenario about atrial fibrillation and treatment with anticoagulants was selected to validate the tool. After this, a series of knowledge sources were identified, such as CPGs, PROFUND index, LESS/CHRON criteria, and STOPP/START criteria, to extract the information. Modeling was carried out using an ontology, and mapping was done with HL7 FHIR and SNOMED CT. Once the CDSS was developed, validation was carried out by using a retrospective case study.

RESULTS

This project was funded in January 2015 and approved by the Ethics Committee on 24 November 2015. Two different tasks have been carried out to test the functioning of the tool. On the one hand, retrospective data from a real patient who met the inclusion criteria were used. In addition, the analysis of an adoption model has been performed through the study of the requirements and characteristics that a CDSS must meet in order to be well accepted and used by health professionals. The results have been favourable and allow the proposed research to continue to the next phase.

CONCLUSIONS

An ontology-based CDSS has been successfully designed, developed, and validated. However, as future work, the validation in a real environment should be performed to ensure the tool is usable and reliable.

CLINICALTRIAL
Mental Health Care Professionals’ Appraisal of Patients’ Use of Web-Based Access to Their Electronic Health Record: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: van Rijt Antonius Mattheus , Hulter Pauline , Weggelaar-Jansen Anne Marie , Ahaus Kees , Pluut Bettine
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients in a range of health care sectors can access their medical health records using a patient portal. In mental health care, the use of patient portals among mental health care professionals remains low. Mental health care professionals are concerned that patient access to electronic health records (EHRs) will negatively affect the patient’s well-being and privacy as well as the professional’s own workload.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide insights into the appraisal work of mental health care professionals to assess and understand patient access to their EHRs through a patient portal.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study that included 10 semistructured interviews (n=11) and a focus group (n=10). Participants in both the interviews and the focus group were mental health care professionals from different professional backgrounds and staff employees (eg, team leaders and communication advisors). We collected data on their opinions and experiences with the recently implemented patient portal and their attempts to modify work practices.

RESULTS

Our study provides insights into mental health care professionals’ appraisal work to assess and understand patient access to the EHR through a patient portal. A total of four topics emerged from our data analysis: appraising the effect on the patient-professional relationship, appraising the challenge of sharing and registering delicate information, appraising patient vulnerability, and redefining consultation routines and registration practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health care professionals struggle with the effects of web-based patient access and are searching for the best ways to modify their registration and consultation practices. Our participants seem to appraise the effects of web-based patient access individually. Our study signals the lack of systematization and communal appraisal. It also suggests various solutions to the challenges faced by mental health care professionals. To optimize the effects of web-based patient access to EHRs, mental health care professionals need to be involved in the process of developing, implementing, and embedding patient portals.

CLINICALTRIAL
Correction: Estimated Sleep Duration Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Major Metropolitan Areas on Different Continents: Observational Study of Smartphone App Data (Preprint)
Authors: Robbins Rebecca , Affouf Mahmoud , Weaver Matthew D , Czeisler Mark É , Barger Laura K , Quan Stuart F , Czeisler Charles A
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

REMOVE
App-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment to Enhance Clinical Care for Postpartum Depression: Pilot Acceptability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Krohn Holly , Guintivano Jerry , Frische Rachel , Steed Jamie , Rackers Hannah , Meltzer-Brody Samantha
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Wearable tracking devices and mobile health technology are increasingly used in an effort to enhance clinical care and the delivery of personalized medical treatment. Postpartum depression is the most frequently diagnosed complication of childbirth; however, significant gaps in screening and treatment remain.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the clinical utility, predictive ability, and acceptability of using ecological momentary assessment to collect daily mood, sleep, and activity data through the use of an Apple Watch and mobile app among women with postpartum depression.

METHODS

This was a pilot study consisting of 3 in-person research visits over the course of a 6-week enrollment period. Questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, and maternal functioning were periodically collected, along with daily self-reported symptoms and passively collected physiological data via an Apple Watch. Feedback was collected from study participants and the study clinician to determine the utility and acceptability of daily tracking. Logistic regression was used to determine whether mood scores in the 2 weeks before a visit predicted scores at follow-up. Compliance with daily assessments was also measured.

RESULTS

Of the 26 women enrolled, 23 (88%) completed the 6-week study period. On average, the participants completed 67% (34.4/51.5 days) of all active daily assessments and 74% (38/51.5 days) of all passive measures. Furthermore, all 23 participants completed the 3 required visits with the research team. Predictive correlations were found between self-reported mood and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score at follow-up, self-reported anxiety and EDPS, and sleep quality and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Using ecological momentary assessment to track daily symptoms of postpartum depression using a wearable device was largely endorsed as acceptable and clinically useful by participants and the study clinician and could be an innovative solution to increase care access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mediating Influence of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology on the Relationship Between Internal Health Locus of Control and Mobile Health Adoption: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ahadzadeh Ashraf Sadat , Wu Shin Ling , Ong Fon Sim , Deng Ruolan
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) as an innovative form of information and communications technology can efficiently deliver high-quality health care by enhancing communication and health management, reducing costs, and increasing access to health services. An individual’s internal health locus of control (HLOC) is found to be associated with the behavioral intent to adopt mHealth. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of this association.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to test the mediation influence of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) on the relationship between internal HLOC and the behavioral intention to use mHealth.

METHODS

A total of 374 responses were collected from Malaysian adult users of mHealth, using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Data were collected for variables, including demographics, internal HLOC, and modified UTAUT constructs (ie, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence).

RESULTS

The results showed that there was no direct relationship between internal HLOC and the behavioral intention to use mHealth (β=−0.039, P=.32). The indirect relationship between internal HLOC and the intent to adopt mHealth was supported, indicating that the UTAUT constructs performance expectancy (β=0.104, P<.001), effort expectancy (β=0.056, P=.02), and social influence (β=0.057, P=.002) mediated this relationship. The results showed full mediation, with total variance explained at 47.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed an integrative model, where a health-related disposition (internal HLOC), mHealth-related beliefs (performance expectancy and effort expectancy), and normative pressure (social influence) were combined to explain the underlying mechanism of the behavioral intent to adopt mHealth. The results showed that the intention to adopt mHealth is mediated by the influence of UTAUT factors, while HLOC has no direct effect on adoption intention. The findings provide insights into augmenting mHealth adoption among the public by enhancing the perceived benefits of mHealth, helping design more effective and user-friendly mHealth tools, and capitalizing on social normative influence to adopt mHealth. This study utilized the constructs of the UTAUT model to determine the intention to use mHealth. Future research should focus on other health- and technology-related theories to ascertain other possible factors influencing the behavioral intent of mHealth adoption.
Psychological Crisis Intervention for COVID-19 Lockdown Stress in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Survey Study and Qualitative Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna , Dudek Dominika , Małecki Maciej Tadeusz , Matejko Bartłomiej , Klupa Tomasz
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the worldviews of most people. Social isolation after the COVID-19 lockdown has not only led to economic difficulties but also resulted in adverse psychological reactions. As in most countries, including Poland, this situation has been very challenging for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). In Poland, a crisis intervention team for patients with T1DM was established. The goal of the team was to provide psychological support for these patients, if needed, and to present information concerning how these patients may obtain medical consultations and prescriptions.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the psychological parameters and main emotional reactions of patients with T1DM during the COVID-19 lockdown.

METHODS

An email with information concerning the possibility of having a web-based consultation with psychologists and psychiatrists and an attached set of psychological tests was sent to all patients with T1DM who were under the care of an outpatient diabetes clinic. The consultations were performed by licensed clinical psychologists and psychologists. This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.

RESULTS

The patients who decided to use psychological support had statistically higher levels of anxiety (state P=.043; trait P=.022), stress (P=.001) than those of patients from the group who did not seek support.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented intervention team may be perceived as an example of important and successful cooperation and communication between specialists of different fields of medicine (diabetology, psychiatry, and psychology) in a crisis situation.
Good Governance & Government Performance: Empirical Evidence from Ethiopian Public Sectors. The Case of Hosaena City Administration
Authors: Teklemariam Manbcho Felekech , Guohua Wang
Published: February 2021

This study has tried to deal with good governance by taking into account the public service issue, and it is functioning in delivering effective and efficient Government performance. To deal with this study, the researcher has incorporated seven key indicators of good governance that are transparency responsiveness, Accountability, Participation, Rule of low Efficiency, and effectiveness to assess the situation of good governance in the city administration concerning government performance. The researcher incorporates these seven indicators because the more the indicators are incorporated, for an in-depth study; to get enough information. The investigation result shows the good governance principles are not implemented as expected in government organizations’ to push for the admirable result of government performance. Because results indicate that good governance principles are significantly correlated to government performance. Implications of these findings are discussed, and suggestions for future studies are recommended.
EVROREGIONI – BUDUĆNOST EVROPSKE UNIJE?
Authors: Petrovic Rajko
Published: February 2021

Predmet analize ovog rada su evroregioni kao specifični oblici transnacionalne saradnje na prostoru Evropske unije. Tokom proteklih decenija, Evropska unija je intenzivno radila na sprovođenju principa decentralizacije, odnosno na približavanju vlasti shvaćene kao servisera usluga građanima. Jačanje njenih regionalnih kapaciteta jedan je od koraka koje Evropska unija preduzima. U tom kontekstu treba posmatrati i evroregione kao oblike saradnje između različitih evropskih naroda. Cilj ovog rada je, pored opisa nekih od postojećih evroregiona i njihovih prednosti, razumevanje značaja evroregiona za opstanak ideje o ujedinjenoj Evropi, kao i posmatranje istih kao moguće alternative između dva modela organizacije vlasti koji se danas nameću – globalističkog i nacionalnog. U tom kontekstu, razmotrićemo dalje mogućnosti razvoja koncepta evroregiona i prepreke sa kojima se može suočavati u budućnosti. U teorijskom smislu, koristićemo se teorijom o regionalizaciji i regionalizmu, a u pogledu metoda koristićemo istorijsku metodu, metodu studije slučaja, statističku i komparativnu metodu.
NACIONALNI MODEL DUALNOG OBRAZOVANjA U REPUBLICI SRBIJI Normativni i institucionalni okvir, implementacija, izazovi, problemi i rizici
Authors: Lazic Nikola
Published: February 2021

Dualno obrazovanje je oblik srednjeg stručnog obrazovanja, a dualnost podrazumeva to da se obrazovanje i obuka realizuju na dva mesta, u školi i kod poslodavca, odnosno trening centru koji odgovara određenom radnom mestu. Dualni model obrazovanja u Republici Srbiji nije prepisan zakon iz neke zemlje sa primerom dobre prakse, već je donet u skladu sa obrazovnim sistemom naše zemlje, socijalnim, institucionalnim, ekonomskim i privrednim okvirima. Ovaj model obrazovanja u Republici Srbiji je za sada dobrovoljni model i svaki učenik se u svakom trenutku može vratiti klasičnom modelu učenja. Zakon je donet 2017. godine a potpuna primena je otpočela 2019. godine. Sprovođenje dualnog obrazovanja zahteva veće resurse od onih koji su nam trenutno na raspolaganju, nedostaje osoblje, stručnost i finansiranje u procesu sprovođenja dualnog modela obrazovanja. Potrebno je više informisati sve aktere i zainteresovane strane i uključiti ih u sam proces. Oko 2600 učenika je upisalo prvi razred po dualnom modelu, a prema internim podacima Ministarstva prosvete nauke i tehnološkog razvoja u sistemu dualnog obrazovanja ima oko 7000 učenika i kreiranih 37 dualnih obrazovnih obrazovnih profila, 104 škole i 460 kompanija koje će realizovati učenje kroz rad, a uključeno je oko 900 kompanija.
POTREBA ILI LUKSUZ: SEKSUALNO OBRAZOVANjE U SRBIJI
Authors: Mladenovic Andrija
Published: February 2021

Poslednjih nekoliko godina, seksualno obrazovanje kao tema gotovo je iščezlo iz javnog diskursa zbog čega istraživanje i polazi od pitanja da li je Srbiji određeni vid seksualnog obrazovanja uistinu neophodan. Seksualno obrazovanje nije koncepcijski jednoznačno i može podrazumevati čitav niz različitih vrednosno uslovljenih programa zbog čega odgovoru na ovo pitanje prethodi analiza uporedne prakse i rezultata implementacije različitih programa seksualnog obrazovanja u državama širom sveta. Uprkos nedovoljnom broju sistematičnih i metodološki ispravnih studija, nalazi pokazuju da su programi seksualnog obrazovanja efikasni i delotvorni dok tzv. programe sveobuhvatnog seksualnog obrazovanja izdvajaju kao najkorisnije. Situacija u oblasti reproduktivnog zdravlja i porodičnog planiranja u Srbiji, jako je nepovoljna i u nekim aspektima alarmantno loša što je prepoznato i od strane zakonodavca koji je normativni okvir uredio tako da dopušta, a u nekim slučajevima i predviđa uvođenje seksualnog obrazovanja u školama. Iako se u prethodnom periodu u Srbiji ne može identifikovati mnogo inicijativa u pogledu uvođenja seksualnog obrazovanja, činjenica je i da su te malobrojne inicijative češće privlačile negativne reakcije raznih društveno-relevantnih aktera. Konačno, analizom mogućnosti i izazova u svrhe implementacije seksualnog obrazovanja, rad pruža i konkretne preporuke za njegovo uvođenje.
Crítica de libro: Del Investigar (en la arquitectura)
Authors: Arboix-Alió Alba
Published: February 2021

El verbo investigar tiene dos acepciones según nos refiramos a su uso transitivo o intransitivo. En cuanto al primer significado, la Real Academia de la Lengua Española nos dice que investigar es “indagar para descubrir algo”. Pero es la acepción intransitiva del verbo la que aquí verdaderamente nos interesa; la que está definida como “realizar actividades intelectuales y experimentales de modo sistemático con el propósito de aumentar los conocimientos sobre una determinada materia”.El libro Del investigar (en la arquitectura) es una pequeña joya del arquitecto y profesor universitario Eduardo Delgado Orusco que, desde una óptica poliédrica y con una narrativa sincera y cercana, nos ayuda a entender cómo se pueden realizar tales actividades sistemáticas –intelectuales y experimentales– para aumentar los conocimientos sobre arquitectura; es decir, cómo se aplica el significado intransitivo del verbo investigar en esta disciplina.
Interaction Effect of Soilless Media and Organic Amendments for Eco-Friendly Root-Knot Nematode Management in Brinjal and Tomato Nursery
Authors: Bhardwaj Ambuj , Sharma Abhishek , Goswami B.K. , Bhardwaj Vijay
Published: February 2021

Brinjal and tomato are the most important transplanted vegetable crops of the Solanaceae family. The successful cultivation of these crops is vital for meeting the nutritional dietary requirement of India’s population and earning foreign exchange for the country by exporting vegetables to foreign countries. However, there are several abiotic and biotic impediments in the cultivation of these crops. Among biotic impediments , plant-parasitic nematodes have become one of the critical factor adversely affecting the cultivation of these vegetables. In general, Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematode) is the most common, widespread and economically damaging plant parasitic nematode species in tomato and brinjal crop. In addition to the damage caused by root – knot nematode, it stimulates the entry of soil-borne pathogens leading to development of the disease complex. The present study was undertaken to study the interaction effect of soil & soilless growing media viz. cocopeat and vermicompost along with organic amendments i.e., Trichoderma, AM fungus, and Cabbage residue incorporated individually as well as in different combinations for eco-friendly root-knot nematode management in brinjal and tomato nursery. The results indicated that treatment C-8 (Cocopeat + Trichoderma + AM fungus + Cabbage residues) recorded the superior germination count, germination percentage, days to 50% germination, root length, shoot length, fresh weight, root weight, shoot weight and root: shoot ratio. It is pertinent to mention that the soilless media, along with various organic amendments, were found to be superior for all the root and shoot attributes as compared to the conventional soil media for growing healthy nursery of tomato and brinjal in root knot nematode infested geographies. Our findings provide an effective and sustainable method of growing healthy plant nursery in nematode infested regions.