bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redesigning a Web-Based Stakeholder Consensus Meeting About Core Outcomes for Clinical Trials: Formative Feedback Study
Authors: Katiri Roulla , Hall Deborah A , Hoare Derek J , Fackrell Kathryn , Horobin Adele , Buggy Nóra , Hogan Nicholas , Kitterick Pádraig T ,   Core Rehabilitation Outcome Set For Single-Sided Deafness (CROSSSD) Initiative
Published: May 2021

Background

Clinical trials that assess the benefits and harms of an intervention do so by measuring and reporting outcomes. Inconsistent selection and diversity in the choice of outcomes make it challenging to directly compare interventions. To achieve an agreed core set of outcomes, a consensus methodology is recommended, comprising a web-based Delphi survey and a face-to-face consensus meeting. However, UK government regulations to control the pandemic prohibited plans for a face-to-face consensus meeting as part of the Core Rehabilitation Outcome Set for Single-Sided Deafness (CROSSSD) study.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the modifications made by the CROSSSD study team to achieve consensus using web-based methods, but with minimal deviation from the original study protocol.

Methods

The study team worked with health care users and professionals to translate the planned face-to-face consensus meeting in a web-based format, preserving the key elements of the nominal group technique. A follow-up survey gathered evaluation feedback on the experiences of the 22 participating members. Feedback covered premeeting preparation, the process of facilitated discussions and voting, ability to contribute, and perceived fairness of the outcome.

Results

Overall, 98% (53/54) of feedback responses agreed or strongly agreed with the statements given, indicating that the web-based meeting achieved its original goals of open discussion, debate, and voting to agree with a core outcome set for single-sided deafness. Hearing-impaired participants were fully engaged, but there were some methodological challenges. For the participants, challenges included building rapport, understanding, and delivering the tasks in hand. For the study team, challenges included the need for thorough preparation and management of the unpredictability of tasks on the day.

Conclusions

Sharing our experiences and lessons learned can benefit future core outcome set developers. Overcoming the challenges of delivering a web-based consensus exercise in the face of the pandemic can be applied more generally to maximize inclusiveness, enhance geographical access, and reduce research costs.
The Use of Social Media in Detecting Drug Safety–Related New Black Box Warnings, Labeling Changes, or Withdrawals: Scoping Review
Authors: Lee Jae-Young , Lee Yae-Seul , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Han Sol , Yang Bo Ram , Kim Myeong Gyu
Published: May 2021

Background

Social media has become a new source for obtaining real-world data on adverse drug reactions. Many studies have investigated the use of social media to detect early signals of adverse drug reactions. However, the trustworthiness of signals derived from social media is questionable. To confirm this, a confirmatory study with a positive control (eg, new black box warnings, labeling changes, or withdrawals) is required.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the use of social media in detecting new black box warnings, labeling changes, or withdrawals in advance.

Methods

This scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A researcher searched PubMed and EMBASE in January 2021. Original studies analyzing black box warnings, labeling changes, or withdrawals from social media were selected, and the results of the studies were summarized.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included in this scoping review. Most studies (8/14, 57.1%%) collected data from a single source, and 10 (71.4%) used specialized health care social networks and forums. The analytical methods used in these studies varied considerably. Three studies (21.4%) manually annotated posts, while 5 (35.7%) adopted machine learning algorithms. Nine studies (64.2%) concluded that social media could detect signals 3 months to 9 years before action from regulatory authorities. Most of these studies (8/9, 88.9%) were conducted on specialized health care social networks and forums. On the contrary, 5 (35.7%) studies yielded modest or negative results. Of these, 2 (40%) used generic social networking sites, 2 (40%) used specialized health care networks and forums, and 1 (20%) used both generic social networking sites and specialized health care social networks and forums. The most recently published study recommends not using social media for pharmacovigilance. Several challenges remain in using social media for pharmacovigilance regarding coverage, data quality, and analytic processing.

Conclusions

Social media, along with conventional pharmacovigilance measures, can be used to detect signals associated with new black box warnings, labeling changes, or withdrawals. Several challenges remain; however, social media will be useful for signal detection of frequently mentioned drugs in specialized health care social networks and forums. Further studies are required to advance natural language processing and mine real-world data on social media.
Chinese Students’ Use of Digital Resources for Their Learning in UK Higher Education
Authors: Simmons Tracy , Edirisingha Palitha , Jiang Mengjie
Published: May 2021

This paper explores Chinese students’ use of digital resources during their postgraduate studies in the UK. The study is important in contemporary Higher Education (HE) context where internet-based technologies, resources, online platforms and digital devices play a significant role in providing access to learning resources. A significant portion of students in HE also come from diverse cultures with arguably varying orientations to learning and using technologies. Based on qualitative data collected from focus group interviews with Chinese postgraduate students at Leicester, we explore some of the challenges that they face during their transition from learning in China (Nguyen et al., 2006; Leedham, 2015) to the UK HE learning environment. We identify the strategies that these students use, including a variety of digital tools and resources that they use to help in their formal studies during and beyond this transition stage. We also highlight their development of digital literacy skills and the responsibility that the UK HEIs have in this regard.
The Significance of Emotional Intelligence in Business
Authors: Rostomyan Dr. Anna M. , Rostomyan Dr. Armen M. , Von Hattburg Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès
Published: May 2021

Emotions constitute a large part in our daily lives, particularly in these challenging times. They not only help us feel certain sensations, perceive the reality and express our diverse emotions and feelings, but also support in analyzing the outward situation, hence becoming a part of higher cognitive processes. Here, emotional intelligence comes to the forefront and directs you in taking diverse decisions. We have also considered the concept of WeQ.It is our firm belief that emotions contribute to the success and quality of your daily life, your interpersonal relations, as well as the development of your business.The present case study has sought for ways to enlighten the awareness of EQ, both in our private lives and in the business world.
Strategic Outsourcing and Corporate Performance in Nigerian Banking Industry
Authors: O. Ugbomhe Ugbomhe , Olu Ojo , Ernest Monday Ebomah
Published: June 2021

This study examined strategic outsourcing and corporate performance of commercial banks in Nigeria. The decision to outsource is driven by the perception of management on how organization can achieve corporate effectiveness and efficiency with outsourcing strategy. This study specifically focused on two objectives; to investigate the relationship between strategic outsourcing and corporate performance and to ascertain the correlation between recruitment outsourcing and corporate performance. The study used a total number of twenty two (22) commercial banks listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as at 31st January 2021 in its study. Primary data were collected from the population of the study with the aid of structured questionnaire and data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and the two hypotheses formulated were tested by Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results of the study revealed a significant positive relationship between strategic outsourcing and corporate performance and a significant positive relationship between recruitment outsourcing and corporate performance. The study concluded that strategic outsourcing and recruitment outsourcing have positive relationship with corporate performance. The study, therefore, recommends that corporate organizations that want to achieve significant performance in their operations should outsource some of their activities that are outside its core competence.
The Impact of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) to Socio-Economic of Poor Families; A Case Study
Authors: Dulkiah Moh. , Sari Avid Leonardo , Irwandi Irwandi
Published: June 2021

Poverty is a multidimensional problem such as political dimension, social dimension, environmental dimension, economic dimension and asset dimension. Indonesian government creates program to alleviate poverty. Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) is one of Indonesian government program. Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) is a social protection program through the provision of conditional cash transfers to very poor families. This program focuses on improving the quality of life to achieve social welfare through behavioral changes to education and health. The article aims to explore the impact of Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) on the socio-economic of poor families in Linggo Sari Baganti district,  Pesisir Selatan regency. Data were collected from interviews, observations, and documentation by referring to descriptive research method with a qualitative approach. Research findings evaluate the provision of Conditional Cash Transfers. It has not been effective in improving the socio-economic life of poor families in Linggo Sari Baganti district, Pesisir Selatan regency.
O Pará nos jornais do Porto: Entre anúncios, economia, exotismo e outras ambiguidades
Authors: Cancela Cristina Donza
Published: June 2021

O trabalho analisa as matérias que foram publicadas sobre o Pará, entre os anos de 1900 a 1910, em dois dos maiores jornais de circulação na cidade do Porto (Portugal)- Jornal de Notícias e O Commercio do Porto. O Objetivo é discutir o perfil das notícias vinculadas, e analisar em que medida o aumento da imigração lusa para o Pará, no auge da economia da borracha, refletiu em um maior volume de informações sobre o Estado nos periódicos.
Telejornalismo na era da convergência: a participação do público pelo WhatsApp no “Bom Dia MS” de Campo Grande, MS.
Authors: Tellaroli Taís Marina , Lima Ana Carolina
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo pesquisar a participação do público a partir do uso do aplicativo WhatsApp no telejornal da afiliada da Rede Globo, Bom Dia MS de Campo Grande, MS. Utilizou-se como metodologia a Análise de conteúdo para compreender como este aplicativo tem sido usado como ferramenta para o jornalismo participativo em uma dimensão regional e local. Foram analisados 43 programas de 1h20 cada, e realizadas entrevistas abertas presenciais com os apresentadores do telejornal. Discute-se no estudo o uso de tecnologias digitais móveis no jornalismo e a participação do público neste cenário.
Editorial
Authors: Contracampo Revista
Published: May 2021

Desejamos a todos uma boa leitura.Editores-chefes Marco Roxo, Beatriz Polivanov e Thaiane Oliveira,e equipe editorial da Revista Contracampo.
Crise e catástrofe como categorias interpretativas das experiências humanas do tempo
Authors: Carvalho Carlos Alberto , Costa Verônica Soares , Jácome Phellipy Pereira , Leal Bruno Souza
Published: May 2021

O artigo aborda crise e catástrofeem suas dimensões temporais referenciadas na narrativa e implicações relativas à ação e à imaginação. O objetivo é tomar os termos como categorias heurísticas que permitem alcançar dimensões da experiência temporal, inclusive nos processos midiáticos. Recuperam-se usos e sentidos associados aos dois termos, em suas interconexões e presença no cotidiano e na vida acadêmica. Pelas noções de narrativa, de tessitura da intriga e suas interconexões com o tempo identifica-se como crisee catástrofepodem ser entendidas positivamente, ao explicitarem dimensões da ação e da imaginação humanas. Por fim, crise e catástrofe são relacionadas com a própria estruturação ocidental e moderna do tempo e a experiências culturais que fogem ao Moderno.
Polarização, Hiperpartidarismo e Câmaras de Eco: Como circula a Desinformação sobre Covid-19 no Twitter
Authors: Recuero Raquel , Soares Felipe , Zago Gabriela
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo, analisamos a circulação de links desinformativos sobre a pandemia de Covid-19 no Twitter, a partir de um conjunto de 159.560 links coletados da API do Twitter entre os meses de março e julho de 2020. Através de um mapeamento da rede e da observação da vizinhança dos links e dos links mais compartilhados, observamos uma polarização e redução da circulação dos links de acordo com seu sentido (pró-hidroxicloroquina ou anti-hidroxicloroquina). Os resultados também apontam para uma maior atividade na divulgação de links pró-hidroxicloroquina, grupo onde também circula a maior quantidade de desinformação e de veículos hiperpartidários. Do mesmo modo, a circulação de veículos de mídia tradicional e institucionais é bastante reduzida neste grupo, fortalecendo a associação entre mídia hiperpartidária e desinformação.
Futebol midiatizado, identidade cultural e reconhecimento nos fluxos comunicativos digitais
Authors: Teixeira Filho Clóvis , Silva de Souza Lívia , Moni Gabriel
Published: May 2021

O futebol é um dos traços culturais do Brasil, amplamente divulgado, capaz de mobilizar diferentes temáticas em sua condição midiatizada. Este artigo objetiva explorar a constituição da identidade cultural pautada pelo futebol brasileiro midiatizado e as decorrentes expressões comunicativas de reconhecimento. Para tanto, realiza um percurso inicial a partir de múltiplos casos, envolvendo racismo, machismo e homofobia. O exame do corpus é realizado por meio de análise de conteúdo e do discurso. Como resultados destacam-se a presença de iniciativas independentes em causas, além das categorias de degradação ou ofensa e retomada histórica nas mensagens com menções de perfis pessoais. A análise de discurso evidencia como se constituem as identidades no interdiscurso nas mediações e midiatização do futebol.
A vacina em pauta: a produção de sentidos na cobertura da Folha de S. Paulo
Authors: Massarani Luisa , Leal Tatiane , Waltz Igor , Modesto Michelle , Pereira Brotas Antonio Marcos
Published: May 2021

A mídia é uma das principais fontes para o consumo de informações sobre as vacinas. Com o crescimento da desinformação e da hesitação vacinal, é fundamental compreender como o jornalismo produz sentidos sobre esse recurso de saúde pública. Neste artigo, analisamos a cobertura da Folha de S. Paulo durante um ano com o objetivo de investigar de que formas as vacinas são pautadas pelo jornal. Observamos aspectos como enquadramentos, fontes, explicação de conceitos, e benefícios e riscos da vacina. Os resultados mostram que as matérias analisadas assumem importante papel ao aproximar a vacinação do cotidiano e promover seus benefícios. No entanto, a abordagem de riscos e controvérsias e a participação cidadã aparecem em menor escala, demonstrando que há espaço para ampliar as relações entre jornalismo, ciência e sociedade.
A sustentabilidade na visão de colaboradores de rádios comunitárias: estudo no semiárido do Piauí
Authors: Sousa Elinara Soares Barros de , Gomes Reis Lopes Wilza , De Carvalho Berti Orlando Maurício
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção dos colaboradores de rádios comunitárias do Semiárido do Piauí, estado do Nordeste do Brasil, quanto ao desenvolvimento sustentável e como tratam a questão nos programas. A pesquisa foi realizada em oito municípios e foram realizadas 25 entrevistas, em visitas in loco ocorridas no mês de agosto de 2019. Foi possível perceber que os colaboradores vinculam desenvolvimento sustentável mais intensamente à dimensão ambiental e que essa temática é tratada apenas nos programas jornalísticos, não tendo espaço nos programas musicais; algumas das rádios pesquisadas possuem a autorização de rádio comunitária, mas atuam como rádio comercial; e que o pouco número de colaboradores e a falta de qualificação dos colaboradores são fatores limitantes para as produções dessas rádios.
Physical and mineral characterisation of natural zeolites from Taiz, South-western Yemen
Authors:   Geology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia, Al Muhammadi N.A.S. , Hussin A. ,   Geology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: To investigate the physical, minerals and geochemical composition of Taiz natural zeolites. Methodology: Each zeolite sample were assessed for its characterization via optical microscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques, X-ray Fluorescence Methods (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) to examine their mineral composition and geochemistry properties. Further, physical properties like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), plasticity, specific surface area, water content and brightness were estimated by standard methods. Results: Natural zeolite in the studied area occurs within pyroclast of volcanic tuffs. It consists mainly of perlite and rhyolite as lenses grey to light green in color with fine granulation texture. Petrography analysis showed that the Taiz zeolites are mainly classified as clinoptilolite – heulandite and are mixed with various types of others zeolite minerals such as analcime, chabazite and mazzite. Small amounts of impurities like K-.feldspar (orthoclase) and clay mineral such as montmorillonite, kaolinite and illite were also detected. The mean ratio of SiO2:Al2O3 for representative zeolite sample from the study area ranged between of 6.34-6.98. Interpretation: Zeolites showed fairly medium to high brightness and on comparing with the commercial zeolites, Taiz zeolite showed significant industrial potential to be used as a filler in paper industry.
Abundance of anuran parasites and pesticide pollution from lowland and highland golf courses
Authors:   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Agustar H.K. , Jansar K.M. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Ali A.H. ,   Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Ghani N.F.A. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: This study aimed to determine the pesticide pollution and prevalence of protozoa in anurans from lowland and highland golf courses in Malaysia and to observe the relationship between environmental factors (water quality index and pollutants) and the presence of protozoa in anurans. Methodology: Water quality index and pesticide levels (metsulfuron methyl) were measured at three locations, i.e. Jeriau river, Fraser's hill golf course in Pahang, and UKM Danau golf club in Selangor. Microscopy techniques were used to identify and examine the prevalence of protozoa and haemoparasites in anuran organs (stomach, kidney, liver, intestine, rectum, and blood). Results: A total of 140 anurans were collected from the study areas. Jeriau river had the highest water quality compared to Fraser's hill golf course and UKM Danau golf club. Metsulfuron methyl concentrations at all three locations were under permissible level (0.001–0.01 mg l-1). Approximately, 30% of the anurans were infected with ≥ 1 protozoa, of which 22.14% were from phylum Opalinata and 10.71% were from phylum Ciliophora (Nyctotherus cordiformis). Approximately 44.44% of the anurans were infected with ≥ 1 groups of haemoparasites, which included Trypanosoma, Haemogregarina, Lankesterella, Aegyptianella and Microfilaria. Interpretation: No significant relationship was found between the environmental parameters and the abundance of protozoa and haemoparasites in anurans from three locations, indicating that the prevalence of protozoa and haemoparasites in anurans is not influenced by environmental factors.
Estrategias de lectura y la comprensión lectora en textos digitales de los estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios, Perú
Authors: Paricahua-Peralta Jimmy Nelson , Quispe-Layme Wilian
Published: May 2021

La investigación busca conocer como inciden las estrategias docentes en la capacidad de estudiantes para comprender textos digitales. El estudio fue no experimental, cuantitativo y correlacional, con una muestra de 126 estudiantes. Se utilizó la encuesta y el cuestionario. El parámetro de comparación fue la R de Spearman. La estrategia de lectura fue excelente con el 61,11% y la comprensión lectora de textos digitales fue alta con 81,75%. La correlación muy alta (R = 0,818) y un R2 = 0,67.
Propuesta de un instrumento para la evaluación de la docencia superior en la UNAN-MANAGUA.
Authors: Romero-Díaz Tonys , Martínez-Gimeno Almudena
Published: May 2021

Este artículo describe el procedimiento seguido para proponer un instrumento de evaluación docente en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, como respuesta a la transformación curricular recientemente aprobada, presentando los resultados del Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio en la aplicación de un cuestionario, compuesto por una escala de cuatro adjetivos con medición ordinal. Con una muestra de 773 estudiantes, se analiza la fiabilidad y validez estructural del instrumento, cuyos resultados indican que el modelo de tres factores propuesto presenta muy buenos índices de ajuste. El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio constata que el cuestionario reúne las exigencias para usarse como instrumento de evaluación.
Perfil profesional del administrador de oficinas: requerimientos de las empresas de la zona de Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Authors: Valverde-López Lizeth , Ureña-Hernández Mariam
Published: May 2021

Este trabajo expone los requerimientos de las empresas de la zona de Pérez Zeledón en Costa Rica en relación con el perfil profesional del egresado de la carrera de Administración de Oficinas. Se trabajó mediante una estrategia metodológica mixta. Se obtuvo la información mediante entrevistas abiertas y grupos focales que permitieron a la población expresar sus sentimientos y emociones. Dentro de los resultados se encuentra que existe un alto acople del perfil de salida de la carrera y lo requerido por las empresas para los puestos administrativos. Para lo que se concluye que el estudiantado cumple con los requerimientos que solicitan las empresas y posee el dominio técnico para enfrentarse a los retos laborales.
Competencia digital: análisis en personal docente de la Escuela Ciencias de la Administración de la UNED de Costa Rica
Authors: Barboza-Robles Yansin Rebeca
Published: May 2021

Este estudio analiza la competencia digital docente (CDD) de 29 personas tutoras pertenecientes a dos cátedras de la Escuela Ciencias de la Administración de la UNED de Costa Rica. El enfoque fue cuantitativo descriptivo. Se estudió toda población y los datos se recolectaron a través de un instrumento.

Como resultados, se logró clasificar los 22 indicadores de la CDD en tres grupos (grave, moderado y satisfactorio). Se identificaron 5 indicadores graves, 13 moderados y 14 satisfactorios. Los primeros conciernen a retroalimentación, trabajo colaborativo, sesiones sincrónicas y seguimiento del aprendizaje y la participación en los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, lo cual preocupa por el papel que juegan dichos aspectos en el éxito del estudiantado y su permanencia en el proceso educativo. Se determinó que la mayoría de la población tiene un nivel general medio de la CDD y está anuente a capacitarse sobre el tema.

Para futuras investigaciones, se recomienda aprovechar el instrumento utilizado en esta pesquisa y construir otros con la misma metodología, uno sobre las competencias requeridas antes de ofrecer la asignatura y otro sobre las que se requieren después para evaluar la experiencia y tomar decisiones para mejorar la oferta académica virtual de la universidad.
¿Cómo definir un problema de investigación? Propuesta ABP para la Gestión Educativa.
Authors: Orellana-Guevara Catty
Published: May 2021

El artículo es una propuesta metodológica para la persona docente de la asignatura “Fundamentos y metodología en la investigación en educación”; busca ser un insumo para la enseñanza del planteamiento de un problema de investigación dando respuesta a la pregunta: ¿Cómo definir un problema? Se sustenta en el “Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas”, un método autodirigido que promueve la responsabilidad, el trabajo colaborativo, el desarrollo de habilidades de pensamiento crítico y creativo para la toma de decisiones, por medio de la experiencia simulada, donde la investigación y el análisis de la mayor cantidad de alternativas de solución le permite a la persona en formación universitaria, conocer y comprender las situaciones propias del ejercicio profesional en Administración Educativa.
Reacreditación de carreras de la Universidad de Costa Rica: lo cumplido y lo pendiente.
Authors: Guido-Guido Elsiana
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se analiza el contenido de quince compromisos de mejoramiento (CM) presentados por carreras de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) que se han reacreditado por primera vez, con la Agencia Sistema Nacional de Acreditación de la Educación Superior (SINAES) utilizando el Manual de acreditación oficial de carreras de grado vigente, que corresponde al año 2009. Estos CM corresponden a carreras reacreditadas entre los años 2011 y el primer semestre del 2020.  Los hallazgos obtenidos en este estudio se presentan de acuerdo con las cuatro dimensiones y los veintiún componentes del modelo de acreditación, de manera que se detallan los criterios y componentes que, con mayor frecuencia, presentan debilidades en los CM analizados. Según esto, los CM presentan debilidades en todas las dimensiones del modelo; asimismo, contienen criterios con debilidades en todos los componentes. Los componentes con mayor cantidad de criterios asociados a una debilidad son correspondencia con el contexto, plan de estudios, personal académico, infraestructura, gestión de la carrera, investigación, vida estudiantil y graduados. Más de una cuarta parte de los criterios no están contemplados como debilidades.  A partir de los hallazgos, se presentan características que comparten las carreras reacreditadas, considerando las dimensiones del modelo, así como los asuntos atendidos y pendientes a nivel institucional.
The value of hospital data for covid-19 pandemic surveillance and planning
Authors: Manuel Douglas G , Walraven Carl van , Forster Alan J
Published: May 2021

Hospital data for covid-19 surveillance, planning and modelling are
challenging to find well into the pandemic. Data for new covid-19
admissions are particularly challenging to find. Accurate hospital data
are the best source of information for short-term forecasts of health
care capacity, and they improve long-term covid-19 models that are
typically based on cases. We describe the role of hospital data for
studying covid-19, why admission data are hard to find, and how improved
data infrastructure can meet surveillance and planning needs over the
next year. Critical infrastructure includes a well-maintained list of
patients hospitalized with covid-19 that is integrated with public
health information systems.
Comparison of Ring and Suture Annuloplasty in the Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Tamba Mateus , Fu Quinling , Han Kaili , Sun Xiaoke , Zhang Liang , Luo Hong , Zhang Xin , Qiao Chenhui
Published: May 2021

Background: Significant TR is common in patients with cardiac disease
and because of its prognostic importance, TV came to the spotlight in
the last decades. Functional TR is mostly treated when undergoing
left-sided valve surgery, whereas idiopathic TR surgery is uncommon. The
aim of this study is to compare the durability of tricuspid valve
annuloplasty techniques, and to explore the optimal method for TV repair
surgery. Methods: 1005 patients who underwent tricuspid valve repair
from February 2012 to March 2019, were retrospectively studied. The
patients had tricuspid valve repair while receiving surgery for other
cardiac conditions. The study population was divided into Suture group
(n=483, 48.1%), and Ring group (n=522, 51.9%). Data variation between
and within the groups was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon
rank-sum test, and Radit analysis. Results: At two-year follow-up, in
the Suture group, none/trace TR subjects were 63.9%, and 1.4% had
severe TR; In the Ring group were: 63.9% none/trace, and 0.6% severe.
Both groups’ two-year follow-up TR status was significantly different
with preoperative TR status (p<0.05). At two-year follow-up,
Suture group had 63.9% none/trace and 1.4% severe; and Ring group had
63.9% none/trace and 0.6% severe TR and there was no significant
difference between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: Both
annuloplasty techniques have good short-term outcomes. However, suture
annuloplasty deteriorates faster than ring annuloplasty, making the
latter to be the ideal technique for TV repair.
Heat Transfer Analysis of MHD Viscous Fluid in A Ciliated Tube with Entropy Generation
Authors: Akbar Noreen , Akhtar Salman , Maraj E. , Anqi Ali
Published: May 2021

This investigation aims to explain the study of heat transfer and
entropy generation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscous fluid flowing
through a ciliated tube. Heat transfer study has massive importance in
various biomedical and biological industry problems. The metachronal
wave propagation is the leading cause behind this viscous creeping flow.
A low Reynolds number is used as the inertial forces are weaker than
viscous forces, and also creeping flow limitations are fulfilled. For
the cilia movement, a very large wavelength of a metachronal wave is
taken into account. Entropy generation is used to examine the heat
transfer through the flow. Exact mathematical solutions are calculated
and analyzed with the help of graphs. Streamlines are also plotted.
Assessment of Myocardial Mechanics in Acute Rheumatic Fever Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Pamuk Utku , Gursu Hazım , Azak Emine , Çetin İlker
Published: May 2021

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the role of speckle tracking
echocardiography (STE) to identify myocardial deformation abnormalities
in acute rheumatic fever. Methods: Twenty-seven patients and
twenty-seven healthy children were studied prospectively. The patients
were divided into two subgroups as moderate/severe carditis and mild/no
carditis according to valve involvement. The left ventricular global
longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and strain rate (LVGLSR), left ventricular
global circumferential strain (LVGCS) and strain rate (LVGCSR), and
right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and strain rate
(RVGLSR) were examined by STE. Results: Left ventricular global
longitudinal strain, LVGLSR, LVGCS, LVGCSR, RVGLS and RVGLSR were
significantly lower in patients in acute phase of disease than controls.
There were no differences in strain and strain rates between patient
subgroups before treatment. After acute phase, statistically significant
improvements were found in LVGLS, LVGLSR, LVGCSR values of the patients
with moderate/severe carditis and LVGLS, LVGCS, LVGCSR, RVGLS, RVGLSR
values of the patients with mild/no carditis. The strain parameters of
the patients and controls did not differ significantly after the
treatment. Conclusions: In acute phase of rheumatic heart disease,
patients have reduced left and right ventricular strain and strain
rates, which shows improvements after treatment.
Negative birth experience – what matters most? Risk factors from three time periods during pregnancy: a register-based study
Authors: Viirman Frida , Hesselman Susanne , Wikstrom Anna-Karin , Svanberg Agneta Skoog , Skalkidou Alkistis , Poromaa Inger Sundström , Wikman Anna
Published: May 2021

Objective: To explore the impact of risk factors from three
different time periods on negative birth experience. Design:
Register-based cohort study. Setting: Sweden.
Population: Nulliparous women giving birth to singleton, term
infants in 2013–2018 (n = 83 335), elective caesarean sections (CS)
excluded. Methods: Hierarchical logistic regression was
performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence
intervals (CIs) in three blocks, each representing risk factors from one
of three time periods: I) before pregnancy, II) pregnancy, III) labour.
Main Outcome Measurement: Negative birth experience, defined as
ratings of ≤ 4 on a ten-point scale. Results: Poor self-rated
health (SRH) was the only pre-gestational factor remaining associated
with negative birth experience after adjustment for pregnancy- and
labour-related factors (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.36). Fear of
childbirth and treatment for psychiatric disorder during pregnancy were
both associated with negative birth experience (aOR 1.53, 95% CI
1.36–1.73; aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.35–1.68), as were all labour-related
factors included in the model. Women giving birth by operative vaginal
delivery or unplanned CS under regional anaesthesia had three-fold
higher ORs for rating their overall birth experience as negative (aOR
3.23, 95% CI 2.99–3.50; aOR 3.04, 95% CI 2.77–3.33). The highest OR,
5.38, was seen among women undergoing unplanned CS under general
anaesthesia (95% CI 4.52–6.40). Conclusions: The main
contributing factors to a negative birth experience are labour-related.
Poor SRH, psychiatric treatment and fear of childbirth places the woman
in a vulnerable position requiring extra attention.
Development of an E. coli strain for cell-free ADC manufacturing
Authors: Groff Dan , Carlos Nina , Chen Rishard , Hanson Jeff , Liang Shengwen , Armstrong Stephanie , Li Xiaofan , Zhou Sihong , Steiner Alexander , Hallam Trevor , Yin Gang
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in cell-free protein synthesis have enabled the folding
and assembly of full-length antibodies at high titers with extracts from
prokaryotic cells. Coupled with the facile engineering of the E. coli
translation machinery, E. coli based in vitro protein synthesis
reactions have emerged as a leading source of IgG molecules with
non-natural amino acids incorporated at specific locations for producing
homogeneous antibody drug conjugates. While this has been demonstrated
with extract produced in batch fermentation mode, continuous extract
fermentation would facilitate supplying material for large-scale
manufacturing of protein therapeutics. To accomplish this, the
IgG-folding chaperones DsbC and FkpA, and orthogonal tRNA for
non-natural amino acid production were integrated onto the chromosome
with high strength constitutive promoters. This enabled co-expression of
all three factors at a consistently high level in the extract strain for
the duration of a five-day continuous fermentation. Cell-free protein
synthesis reactions with extract produced from cells grown continuously
yielded titers of IgG containing non-natural amino acids above those
from extract produced in batch fermentations. In addition, the quality
of the synthesized IgGs and the potency of ADC produced with
continuously fermented extract were indistinguishable from those
produced with batch extract. These experiments demonstrate that
continuous fermentation of E. coli to produce extract for cell-free
protein synthesis is feasible and helps unlock the potential for
cell-free protein synthesis as a platform for biopharmaceutical
production.
Potential Allosteric Sites Captured in Glycolytic Enzymes via Residue-Based Network Models: Phosphofructokinase, Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Pyruvate Kinase
Authors: Celebi Metehan , İnan Tuğçe , Kurkcuoglu Ozge , Akten Ebru
Published: May 2021

Likelihood of new allosteric sites for glycolytic enzymes,
phosphofructokinase (PFK), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
(GADPH) and pyruvate kinase (PK) was evaluated for bacterial, parasitic
and human species. Allosteric effect of a ligand binding at a site was
revealed on the basis of low-frequency normal modes via Cα-harmonic
residue network model. In bacterial PFK, perturbation of the proposed
allosteric site outperformed the known allosteric one, producing a high
amount of stabilization or reduced dynamics, on all catalytic regions.
Another proposed allosteric spot at the dimer interface in parasitic PFK
exhibited major stabilization effect on catalytic regions. In parasitic
GADPH, the most desired allosteric response was observed upon
perturbation of its tunnel region which incorporated key residues for
functional regulation. Proposed allosteric site in bacterial PK produced
a satisfactory allosteric response on all catalytic regions, whereas in
human and parasitic PKs, a partial inhibition was observed. Residue
network model based solely on contact topology identified the ‘hub
residues’ with high betweenness tracing plausible allosteric
communication pathways between distant functional sites. For both
bacterial PFK and PK, proposed sites accommodated hub residues twice as
much as the known allosteric one. Tunnel region in parasitic GADPH with
the strongest allosteric effect among species, incorporated the highest
number of hub residues. These results clearly suggest one-to-one
correspondence between the degree of allosteric effect and the number of
hub residues in that perturbation site, which increases the likelihood
of its allosteric nature.
Character Displacement Through and Evolutionary Change in Ontogenetic niche shifts
Authors: Anaya-Rojas Jaime , Bassar Ronald , Matthews Blake , Goldberg Joshua , Reznick David , Travis Joseph
Published: May 2021

In communities structured by body size, coexistence can occur through
combinations of ontogenetic changes in competitive ability and dietary
niche. Using stable isotopes, we examined ontogenetic niche shifts in
Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and killifish (Rivulus hartii)
in three types of natural communities (both species with predators, KGP;
both without predators, KG; killifish only, KO) and four experimental KG
communities, initiated with KGP guppies and KO killifish between 13 and
45 years ago. In all communities, killifish occupied higher trophic
positions and changed their diet (δ^13 C) with body size. Only KGP
guppies displayed an ontogenetic niche shift. The KG guppies displayed a
significant difference in trophic niche from KGP guppies, a character
displacement that can facilitate coexistence with killifish. In the
experimental communities, the guppy trophic niche was intermediate
between those in KGP and KG communities, indicating that evolution has
driven the niche shift in KG guppies.
Collaboration between Pre-School Institution and Family
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Paula Liga , Valaine-Rohnana Linda ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: May 2021

Collaboration in all educational institutions including pre-school establishments is a topical issue especially within the framework of competence-based learning approaches. The aim of the study was to find out what is the collaboration between pre-school and parents in relation to the acquisition of pre-school curriculum which in Latvia is defined as compulsory for children in the age of 5 to 6 (7) years. A quantitative approach was used in the research and two surveys were conducted in April 2020. Both parents and pre-school teachers who work with 5 to 6 (7) year old children were asked to participate in the on-line survey, which was developed in the platform VisiDati.lv. Analysis of collaboration between parents and preschool was based on the framework of six types of school-family-community involvement created by J.L. Epstein. The research analysis revealed that pre-school teachers and parents have different understandings of the child’s need for parental support so that parents can get involved and promote the acquisition of compulsory pre-school curriculum. Teachers and parents have clear communication channels to fully exchange the necessary information, however, to form collaboration, teachers have difficulties in developing individual curricula in some cases. The research results are useful to understand what hinders cooperation and how to improve it.
Self-Assessment of Career Counsellor Competencies in the Field of Career Guidance Depending on the Place of Residence
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Dislere Vija , Vronska Natalja ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Published: May 2021

The importance of career guidance and the competences of a career counsellor is described and highlighted in this article. The counsellors are seen as key professionals assisting individuals in their educational and job transitions during their career, addressing both individual and labour market requirements. The aim of the study is to analyse the self-assessment of career counsellor competencies in the field of career guidance depending on the place of residence in Latvia. The self-evaluation of career counsellors regarding their competence was used. In the study 340 respondents took part from all Latvia regions, they were graduates of the last eleven years of the Career Counsellors Master's Program and other in-service career counsellors and school career counsellors working in schools, employment agencies and private consulting companies. The data were analysed statistically by using SPSS computer program: 1) crosstab method, 2) chi-squared test. The significance of the results and the most important conclusion: analysing the frequency of respondents’ responses of excellent and good career counsellor competence depending on the place of residence, it can be concluded that excellent (Pearson Chi-Square p-value = 0.867) and good (Pearson Chi-Square p-value = 0.892) career counsellor competence not depending on the place of residence of the respondents, the excellent and good career counsellor competence is equally good everywhere in Latvia.
Not Even Close to a (Fair) Fight: Technology and the Future of War
Authors: Kling Jennifer
Published: June 2021

The exponential expansion and advancement of wartime technology has the potential to wipe out ‘war’ as a meaningful category. Assuming that the creation of new wartime technologies continues to accelerate, it could soon be the case that there will no longer be wars, but rather mass killings, slaughters, or genocides. This is because the concept of ‘war’ entails that opposing sides either will, or are able to, fight back against one another to some recognizable degree. In fact, this is one of the differences between war and wholesale killing, slaughter, or genocide. With the asymmetric proliferation of killing and maiming wartime technologies, there may soon no longer be even the possibility of a fair, or somewhat fair, fight; there will only be scorched earth.
What is a Digital Weapon? Towards a Functional Approach to Hypermodern Warfare Media
Authors: De Cesaris Alessandro
Published: June 2021

There is a wide debate concerning cyberwar and the new dangers of the Internet, but this debate focuses too often on practical issues, while the conceptual and somehow strictly “philosophical” dimension remains unquestioned. In this article, I will try to show that a better understanding of what we mean when we speak about weapons, or at least a better understanding of the new difficulties entailed by digital technologies in the field of military devices, can help us to provide a better analysis of the risks and of the ethical issues connected to contemporary fighting. In particular, I will argue that the so-called “digital turn” entails a blurring of the distinction between weapons and non-weapons, because in what I will call our “hypermodern era” the criteria we traditionally used in order to make this distinction have become obsolete.
Virtual Internationalization – we did it our way
Authors: Tjulin Åsa , MacEachen Ellen , Vinberg Stig , Selander John , Bigelow Philip , Larsson Robert
Published: June 2021

Using virtual internationalization as a key concept, this article adds to the body of experiencebased knowledge on how to build partnerships and develop courses within higher education. The purpose of this article is to disseminate knowledge about the collaborative process that took place when Swedish and Canadian universities created an international online course focused on work and health. The article presents the challenges and mitigating strategies during course implementation and preconditions that enabled the co-production of the course. The conclusion provides critical reflections, questions and lessons learned that arose from the instructors reflections in relation to virtual internationalization. The self-reflexive experiences were analysed through the lens of internationalization in higher education and virtual internationalization literature, and the theory of social coordination and bureaucracy to enable an understanding of how we did it our way.
Response and Recovery through Event Portfolio Management A Case Study from Des Moines, Iowa (Smita Singh and Eric D Olson)
Authors: Singh Smita , Olson Eric D.
Published: May 2021

Des Moines, Iowa, hosts a variety of diverse events and festivals, reaping quite an event portfolio. A balanced portfolio of events is shaped by long term strategy: “a full portfolio will consist of various types of events, for different target markets, held in different places, and at different times of the year, in pursuit of multiple goals” (Getz, 2013, p. 23). Diversified and multiple events can bring more profits to the event organizers and the stakeholders by identifying overall risk-reward characteristics and minimizing the risk of not attracting the target audiences (Ziakas, 2014). Portfolio management of events also involves multiple stakeholders with distinct needs, priorities, and expectations (Reid, 2011). Thus, stakeholder theory is also considered a strategic tool within the events sector (Niekerk & Getz, 2019) which emphasizes the engagements between the events or the event portfolio and its stakeholders, hence putting the event at the core of the evaluation. This chapter utilizes the festival and event sector in Des Moines, Iowa as a case study to highlight the challenges of recovery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and examines how Des Moines’s portfolio management of festivals and events will position the city for a strong recovery in the festival and event sector. This chapter is organized as follows. First, we highlight key festivals and events in Des Moines. Next, we discuss how festivals and events in Des Moines have been responding to the impact of COVD-19. We then present four propositions, based on stakeholder interviews, how Des Moines can mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on its event portfolio.