bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Selection on Population-level Mating Opportunities Drives Morph Ratios in a Fig Wasp with Extreme Male Dimorphism
Authors: Cook James M.
Published: October 2020

Background Alternative mating tactics are widespread in animals and associated with extreme morphological polymorphism in some insects. Some fig wasps have both highly modified wingless males and dispersing winged males. Wingless males mate inside figs before females disperse, while winged males mate elsewhere after dispersal. Hamilton proposed a model for this system with morphs determined by alternative alleles. This has an equilibrium where the proportion of winged males equals the proportion of females dispersing unmated; i.e. the proportion of matings they obtain. Previously, we have shown qualitative support for this prediction across nine fig wasp species. Here I test the quantitative prediction in a population of the fig wasp Pseudidarnes minerva. In addition, while Hamilton envisaged simple Mendelian strategies, some fig wasp species with two wingless male morphs (but no winged males) show a conditional strategy with morph determination influenced by the number of wasps developing in a patch - I also test for this pattern in P. minerva. Results I sampled 114 figs that contained a mean of 2.1 P. minerva wasps from 44 trees across four sites in Sydney, Australia. At the whole population level, the proportion of winged males (0.84 or 0.79 corrected for sampling bias) did not differ significantly from the proportion of unmated females (0.84), providing strong quantitative support for the prediction of Hamilton’s model. In addition, there was no evidence for other factors, such as local mate competition or fighting between wingless males, that could violate simplifying assumptions of the model. Meanwhile, the proportion of winged males was not correlated with the number of wasps per fig, providing no evidence for a conditional strategy. Conclusions Morph ratios in P. minerva are consistent with Hamilton’s simple Mendelian strategy model, where morph ratios are set by average mating opportunities at the population level. This contrasts with some fig wasps from another subfamily that show conditional morph determination, allowing finer scale adaptation to fig-level mating opportunities. However, these conditional cases do not involve wing polymorphism. Male polymorphism is common and variable in fig wasps and has evolved independently in multiple lineages with apparently different underlying mechanisms.
Identification of a Bridge-specific Intramolecular Exciton Dissociation Pathway in Donor-π-acceptor Alternating Conjugated Polymers 
Authors: Jiao Zhaoyong , Jiang Tingting , Zhou Zhongpo , Qin Chaochao , Long Jinyou , Liu Yufang , Jiang Yuhai
Published: October 2020

Intramolecular exciton dissociation is critical for high efficient mobile charge carrier generations in organic solar cells. Yet despite much attention, the effects of π bridges on exciton dissociation dynamics in Donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) alternating conjugated polymers remain still unclear. Here, using a combination of femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy and steady-state spectroscopy, we track ultrafast intramolecular exciton relaxation dynamics in three D-π-A alternating conjugated polymers which were synthesized by Qin's group and named HSD-A, HSD-B, HSD-C. It is found that the addition of thiophene unit as π bridges will lead to the red shift of steady-state absorption spectrum. Importantly, we reveal the existence of a new intramolecular exciton dissociation pathway mediated by a bridge-specific charge transfer (CT') state with the TA fingerprint peak at 1200 nm in π-bridged HSD-B and HSD-C. This CT' state results in higher electron capture rates for HSD-B and HSD-C as compared to HSD-A. Depending on the proportion of CT' state and nongeminate recombination are important step for the understanding of high power conversion efficiencies in HSD-B than in HSD-C. We propose that this bridge-specific exciton dissociation pathway plays an important role in ultrafast intramolecular exciton dissociation of organic photovoltaic material D-π-A alternating conjugated polymers.
Reported Change in Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning during the Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Kapetanovic Sabina , Gurdal Sevtap , Ander Birgitta , Sorbring Emma
Published: October 2020

What effect the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has on adolescents’ psychosocial functioning is unknown. Using data of N = 1789 (50% females) adolescents in Sweden we described adolescents’ thoughts and behaviors, as well as perceived changes in substance use, everyday life, relations, victimization, and mental health during the outbreak. Results show that a) adolescents tend to comply with regulations from the government, b) although most adolescents do not experience psychosocial changes, a critical number report increase in substance use and negative relational changes and c) most of the adolescents report poorer control of their everyday life and mental health. Adolescent females and adolescents with distance schooling were likely to report negative changes in their psychosocial functioning during the Covid-19 outbreak. Based on these findings, we suggest that the society should pay close attention to changes in adolescents’ psychosocial functioning during the time of crisis.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bashir Shahid , Alsultan Fahad , Iqbal Muhammad , Alabdulkarim Nouf , Alammari Khawla , Almousa Abdullah , Alsultan Atheer , almousa Bashaer , Albaradie Raidah , Mir Ali , Alregaiey Khalid , Habib Shahid , Abualait Turki
Published: October 2020

Background: The world is facing a devastating challenge in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) outbreak. Healthcare workers (HCWs) provide the first line of defense against any disease outbreak. Thus, the present study is designed to assess HCWs’ attitudes towards, knowledge of, and awareness of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey on social media; the participants were 597 adults. The study was conducted from March to April, 2020. The questionnaire was randomly administered on Arabic-language social media applications; the 26-item survey assessed knowledge levels, attitudes, and practices.Results: The analysis includes 597 complete responses from HCWs; participants included physicians, nurses, medical students, and pharmacists. Most participants were females aged 18 to 25 years. Most participants agreed that the virus can spread via direct and indirect contact. Most participants indicated that they wash their hands; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth; and avoid crowded places to protect themselves against infection. Most indicated that a bat was the original source of the virus. Most participating HCWs indicated that the symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Most of the participants also indicated that there is no specific treatment for patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings of this work can support the design of effective measures to prevent and control COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. The results also highlight where improvement is needed to HCWs’ knowledge of and attitudes towards COVID-19; the findings also highlight the best healthcare practices regarding this illness.
Pollination Timing and Hybrid Seed Production of Neoregelia
Authors: Liang Chyun-Chien , Wei Tzu-Yao , Yeh Der-Ming
Published: October 2020

Neoregelia cultivars have been used in many areas for landscaping and indoors in a variety of creative ways, but scientific reports of their pollination and hybridization are presently limited. Cross-combinations of Neoregelia cultivars were created to define conditions for pollination timing and to evaluate cross-compatibility. Neoregelia cultivars have short-lived flowers. Hybrid seeds were obtained only when cross-pollination was performed before 1200 hr. Results of 19 cross-combinations including six reciprocal crosses revealed that hybrid seeds were obtained in the female parents with a 1.9- to 2.0-cm style length, but not in those with a 2.6- to 3.0-cm style length. The pollen tube penetrated the ovule as early as 1 day after pollination in the compatible cross, whereas swollen pollen tubes were observed at half and two-thirds of the style in the incompatible cross. Removal of 50% of the style length of the female parents could overcome the fertilization barrier for those incompatible crosses and hybrid seeds could be successfully obtained.
Assessing functional adequacy across tasks: A comparison of learners’ and native speakers’ written texts
Authors: Nuzzo Elena , Bove Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

This study aims to explore further the applicability of the six-point rating scale elaborated by Kuiken and Vedder (2017) to assess functional adequacy. According to the authors, functional adequacy (FA) is a multidimensional construct combining successful task completion and the effective transmission of a message from a speaker or writer to a hearer or reader. Kuiken and Vedder’s scale has been mainly applied to written L2 output in previous research, whereas in this study it is tested on both L1 and L2 written texts, elicited by means of different tasks. The texts, produced by 20 non-native and 20 native speakers of Italian, were rated by seven non-expert raters, trained to use the scale. The results showed low levels of absolute inter-rater agreement and consistency, especially for L1 texts. On the other hand, our findings are more encouraging with regard to the reliability of the scale and its applicability across tasks. The results also revealed a strong correlation between FA scores and those obtained in a C-test used as an independent measure of general L2 proficiency.
Review: Balboni, Paolo E. (2018). A theoretical framework for language education and teaching. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Authors: Pizziconi Sergio
Published: October 2020

The volume is a reflection on the status of educational linguistics as a field of investigation in its own right. The author’s objective is to outline a theoretical framework for language education and teaching that is independent from the cultural features of the context in which the language curriculum is implemented. This goal seems to be intended by the author as a way to organize the many and often fragmentary trends and threads of research in the field and to provide scholars and practitioners with a benchmark against which they can contrast their research and professional practice decisions.
Children’s Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19: How Things Stand and the Aftermath
Authors: Ramadhan Mohammad Hilal Atthariq , Putri Ayu Kartika , Melinda Diana , Habibah Umrohtul , Fajriyah Utami Nurul , Aini Syarifah , Prananjaya Bintang Arroyantri , Ikhsan Diyaz Syauqi
Published: October 2020

Currently, the world is facing immediate and unexpected changes every day due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These environmental stimulations have an impact on mental health, particularly in the case of children. Worldwide measures such as quarantine, social and physical distancing, and school closure can potentially take a toll on children’s mental health, in both the short and long terms. Grief, adjustment disorder and acute stress disorder (ASD) are some of the mental health issues that children are prone to suffer during a pandemic, leading to mood disorder, psychosis and even suicidal tendency, if not addressed and treated timely. As the pandemic continues, it is crucial to monitor children’s mental health status. Parents/ caregivers must receive continuous guidance on handling the situation appropriately. Both professionals and families/caregivers must tend to children’s mental health needs to safeguard their overall well-being.
Estimating Information Seeking-Behaviour of Public in Malaysia During COVID-19 by Using Google Trends
Authors: Lim Jin Lee , Ong Chong Yau , Xie Beiqi , Low Lian Leng
Published: October 2020

The public was reported to be anxious and concerned during the pandemic. It is unknown whether these reactions had a relationship with the statistics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Malaysia. We used Google Trends (GT) to understand whether the publics’ inquisitiveness towards COVID-19 and its recommended precautionary measures had increased during the initial duration of the pandemic in Malaysia.
Single-Layered Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices Made by Paint-Spraying Technique with Great Barrier Resistance for Colorimetric Assays
Authors: Nie Beixi , Zhao Shaoyu , Deng Muhan , Yu Peng , Yang Yi , Lei Weixin , Yin Lu
Published: October 2020

The single-layered paint-spraying paper based microfluidic devices (sp-μPADs) have been for the first time integrated with the colorimetric assay. The polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) board was applied as the mask instead of the iron mask, reducing the power requirement of the cutting machine. The paint was sprayed into the paper, which blocked the pores of the paper and constructed the hydrophobic barrier on the paper. The paint barrier was highly resistant to the various kind of chemicals and the minimum channel dimensions was 1.4 mm. By using the PMMA masks with different designs, the sp-μPADs with different designs have been fabricated and successfully applied to the single analyte assay of iron or bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the simultaneous assay of copper and nickel. Moreover, the feasibility of the multiplexed assay of eight analytes was also demonstrated. The analytical performances indicated that the fabricated sp-μPADs offered a promising platform in the colorimetric assays of either single or multiple analytes.
Decentralization policies and clean water practitioners: using hollow fiber membrane water filters to reduce the prevalence of GI-related symptoms and diagnoses in rural Honduras
Authors: Swearingen Colin , Schubert Rachel , Marcelli Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

Illnesses caused by dirty water are still prevalent in developing countries, resulting in significant health problems. This study explores how hollow fiber membrane point-of-use filters can reduce the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI)-related symptoms and diagnoses. We summarize the current approach and policies regarding clean water in Honduras, which is marked by decentralization, and note the resulting challenges for clean water provision. To highlight how this works in practice, we combine medical brigade diagnosis data with survey data to explore the effect of point-of-use water filters on the prevalence of GI-related symptoms and diagnoses in rural south-central Honduras. Using OLS and penalized logistic regression, we find that hollow fiber membrane filters are effective in reducing GI-related diseases. Specifically, they reduce the number of GI-related symptoms by 0.30, and specifically those patients complaining of stomach aches (39 percent), diarrhea (39 percent), and vomiting (70 percent). We also find that they reduce the likelihood of a patient receiving an infectious disease/parasitic diagnosis (48 percent in all patients and 87 percent in children under the age of 13 years). These results have significant implications on those working with non-profit and non-governmental organizations to bring clean water to those living in developing nations.
Authentication and Authorization in Microservice-Based Systems: Survey of Architecture Patterns
Authors:   Advanced Software Technology Laboratory, Huawei, Barabanov Alexander , Makrushin Denis ,   Advanced Software Technology Laboratory, Huawei
Published: October 2020

Abstract Objective. Service-oriented architecture and its microservice-based approach increase an attack surface of applications. Exposed microservices become a pivot point for advanced persistent threats and completely change the threat landscape. Correctly implemented authentication and authorization architecture patterns are basis of any software maturity program. The aim of this study is to provide a helpful resource to application security architect and developers on existing architecture patterns to implement authentication and authorization in microservices-based systems. Method. In this paper, we conduct a systematic review of major electronic databases and libraries as well as security standards and presentations at the major security conferences. Results and practical relevance. In this work based on research papers and major security conferences presentations analysis, we identified industry best practices in authentication and authorization patterns and its applicability depending on environment characteristic. For each described patterns we reviewed its advantages and disadvantages that could be used as decision-making criteria for application security architects during architecture design phase.
Neural Cryptographic Information Security System of Recurrent Convergent Neural Networks
Authors:   Krasnodar Higher Military University of name General of Army S.M. Shtemenko, Vlasov Konstantin
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The purpose: to construct an algorithm for information transformation by recurrent convergent neural networks with a given set of local minima of the energy functional for its subsequent application in the field of information security. Method: system analysis of the existing neural network paradigms that can be used for classification of images. Neural cryptographic system synthesis is with analogy methods, recurrent convergent neural networks, noise- resistant encoding and block ciphers algorithms. The result: a promising neural cryptographic system is proposed that can be used to develop an algorithm for noise-resistant coding, symmetric or stream data encryption based on the generation of various variants of the distorted image representing the sequence of bits to mask the original message. An algorithm for block symmetric data encryption based on Hopfield-type neural networks has been created. Key information includes information on the selected (using radial basic functions) structural characteristics of the potential with a given set of energy minima, which determines the dynamics of the neural network as a potential dynamic system, whose attractors are symbols (several symbols) of the alphabet of the input text. The size of the key depends on the power of the alphabet of the original message and the form of representation of the energy functional. The presented neural cryptographic system can also be used in the authentication system.
Individual and Combined Assessment of Ser680Asn FSH Receptor and FSHβ-211 G>T Gene Polymorphisms in Ovarian Response in IVF/ICSI Program
Authors: Anagnostou Elli , Kafkoutsou Alexia , Mavrogianni Despina , Domali Ekaterini , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Mathiopoulos Dimitris , Drakakis Peter , Loutradis Dimitris
Published: October 2020

Background:

Molecular biology tools, such as the detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
(SNPs), have been considered to assist in the management of ovarian stimulation protocols.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two polymorphisms, the Asn680Ser polymorphism
of the FSHR gene, and the FSH β subunit (FSHβ) gene polymorphism -211 G>T, in a
Greek population of women undergoing IVF/ICSI program in our center. In addition, a control group
of fertile women was studied to verify whether there are differences in the genotype distribution between
fertile and infertile population for both polymorphisms, as the FSHβ gene polymorphism -211
G>T is studied for the first time in the Greek population.

Results :

The FSH β-211 G>T polymorphism, studied for the first time in the infertile Greek population,
appears to be quite rare. When studying the two polymorphisms separately, statistically significant
differences were obtained that concerned the LH levels.

Discussion:

According to the combination analysis of the two polymorphisms by the number of alleles,
women with 2-3 polymorphic alleles needed more days of stimulation, but there were no differences
in pregnancy rates.

Conclusion:

This molecular genetic study helps to elucidate whether the polygenic combination of the
Asn680Ser and FSH β subunit -211 G>T gene polymorphisms is of additive value in the prediction of
ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins.
The Potentials of Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis for the Treatment of Migraine: Targeting CGRP in the Trigeminovascular System
Authors: Chong Cheong-Meng , Zhong Zhangfeng , Vong Chi Teng , Wang Shengpeng , Lu Jin-Jian , Zhong Hai-Jing , Su Huanxing , Wang Yitao
Published: October 2020

Migraine is a common chronic neurovascular disease characterized by headaches. Calcitonin
gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling in the trigeminovascular system plays a critical role in
the development of migraine. The monoclonal antibodies against CGRP and its receptor have been
used clinically for the prevention of migraine; however, they may not be a cost-effective option for
patients with low-frequency episodic migraine. Thus, it is quite valuable to search for an alternative
strategy to downregulate CGRP signaling. Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis (UR) has a longterm
history for the treatment of cardiovascular and central nervous systems disorders in China and
Eastern Asia. Several clinical studies showed that famous herbal formulas comprising UR were
able to improve headaches in migraineurs. In addition, increasing in vivo studies further indicated
that migraine-related changes, such as CGRP increase, inflammation, nitric oxide increase, and
spontaneous behavior problems could be reduced by UR extraction and its active constituents. In
this review, we summarize the pathophysiological factors affecting abnormal CGRP release in the
trigeminovascular system during a migraine, and for the first time, analyze the effects of UR on these
factors and evaluate the potentials of UR for the treatment of migraine.
COVID-19 and Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Saad Mariam Ahmed , Alfishawy Mostafa , Nassar Mahmoud , Mohamed Mahmoud , Esene Ignatius N. , Elbendary Amira
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Over 4.9 million cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have
been confirmed since the worldwide pandemic began. Since the emergence of COVID-19, a number
of confirmed cases reported autoimmune manifestations. Herein, we reviewed the reported
COVID-19 cases with associated autoimmune manifestations.

Methods:

We searched PubMed database using all available keywords for COVID-19. All related
studies between January 1st, 2020 to May 22nd, 2020 were reviewed. Only studies published in English
language were considered. Articles were screened based on titles and abstracts. All reports of
confirmed COVID-19 patients who have associated clinical evidence of autoimmune disease were
selected.

Results:

Among the 10006 articles, searches yielded thirty-two relevant articles for full-text assessment.
Twenty studies has met the eligibility criteria. The twenty eligible articles reported 33 cases
of confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis who developed an autoimmune disease after the onset of
covid-19 symptoms. Ages of patients varied from a 6 months old infant to 89 years old female
(Mean=53.9 years of 28 cases); five cases had no information regarding their age. The time between
symptoms of viral illness and onset of autoimmune symptoms ranged from 2 days to 33
days (Mean of the 33 cases=9.8 days). Autoimmune diseases were one case of subacute thyroiditis
(3%), two cases of Kawasaki Disease (6.1%), three cases of coagulopathy and antiphospholipid
syndrome (9.1%), three cases of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (9.1%), eight cases of autoimmune
hemolytic anemia (24.2%), and sixteen cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (48.5%).

Conclusions:

COVID-19 has been implicated in the development of a range of autoimmune diseases,
which may shed light on the association between autoimmune diseases and infections.
Association of Hippo Signalling Pathway with Epigenetic Changes in Cancer Cells and Therapeutic Approaches: A Review
Authors: Motavalli Roza , Marofi Faroogh , Nasimi Maryam , Yousefi Mehdi , Khiavi Farhad M.
Published: October 2020

Hippo signalling pathway that is evolutionarily conserved affects diver’s pathology and physiology
processes, including tissue repair, wound healing, tissue size and tissue regeneration. Epigenetic changes are
post-translational modifications in DNA proteins and histones. Epigenetic changes including histone acetylation
and deacetylation, miRNAs dysregulation, and aberrant DNA methylation, inflammatory genes actives abnormal
in Hippo signaling pathway. Using some treatments, including Histone Deacetylases (HDACs), herbal
composition, siRNAs and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) for suppressing cancer cells by targeting Hippo
pathways, may open new views in cancer target therapy fields. The aim of this review study is firstly to
demonstrate the importance of Hippo signalling and its association with epigenetic changes in cancer and then to
demonstrate progress in targeting Hippo signalling in cancer therapy.
Radioprotective Effects of Plants from the Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Karpiński Tomasz M. , Adamczak Artur , Ożarowski Marcin
Published: October 2020

Background:

Edible and medicinal plants are still an interesting source of promising biologically active
substances to drug discovery and development. At a time of increasing cancer incidence in the world, alleviating the
bothersome side effects of radiotherapy in debilitated cancer patients is becoming an important challenge.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to overview the literature data concerning the radioprotective activity of extracts,
essential oils, and some chemical compounds obtained from 12 species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, gathering of
numerous spice and medicinal plants rich in valuable phytochemicals.

Results and Conclusion:

The analysis of available publications showed radioprotective effectiveness of essential oils and
complex extracts containing phenolic acids and flavonoids in various in vitro and in vivo models. Relatively welldocumented preventive properties exhibited the following species: Mentha × piperita, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Origanum
vulgare, and Rosmarinus officinalis. However, few plants such as Lavandula angustifolia, Mentha arvensis, M. spicata,
Plectranthus amboinicus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, S. officinalis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zataria multiflora should be more
investigated in the future. Among the mechanisms of radioprotective effects of well-studied extracts and phytochemicals, it
can be mentioned mainly the protection against chromosomal damage, scavenging free radicals, decreasing of lipid
peroxidation and elevating of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels as well
as the reduction the cell death. The plant substances protected the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and lung fibroblasts.
In conclusion, studied species of Lamiaceae family and their active chemical compounds are potent in alleviating the side
effects of radiotherapy and should be considered as a complementary therapy.
Terminalia catappa Fruit Extract Reverses Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats
Authors: Behl Tapan , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Kotwani Anita
Published: October 2020

Objective and Background:

Diabetic retinopathy is amongst the most common microvascular
complications associated with diabetes. Controlling blood glucose level alone cannot manage diabetes
associated complications. Thus, mechanisms that additionally prevent diabetes associated complications
are the need of the hour, driving the researchers towards herbal therapies. Terminalia catappa
is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-angiogenic activity.
The current study explores the effect of Terminalia catappa fruit extract on streptozotocin-induced
diabetic retinopathy in rats.

Methods:

Streptozotocin-induced chronic diabetic rat model was utilized in the study. The hydroalcoholic
fruit extract of T. catappa in 20mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 40mg/kg dose and standard anti-diabetic
drug, glibenclamide (10mg/kg) was given orally. Retinopathy was evaluated by monitoring lenticular,
fundus images and measuring arteriole and venule tortuosity index. Oxidative, angiogenic and inflammatory
biomarkers were assessed at the 12th week in the retinal homogenate. Histopathological
changes in the retina were also examined. Data was analyzed using one-way Repeated Measure
ANOVA followed by the Mann-Whitney test.

Results:

The hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of T. catappa significantly decreased blood glucose
(p<0.001) in a dose-dependent manner in diabetic rats. Cataract lens was observed in all experimental
groups and became clear (grade 0) with 40mg/kg and with 40mg/kg along with glibenclamide at the
eighth and sixth week, respectively. The hydro-alcoholic fruit extract in all three doses significantly
reduced (p<0.01) arteriole and venule tortuosity in diabetic rats.
T. catappa in all three doses in diabetic rats showed a modulatory effect in oxidative, angiogenic and
inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion:

T. catappa reverses diabetes-induced retinopathy by anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant,
anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, and thus has a potential to be used in diabetes-induced
retinopathy.
Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence
Authors: Byram Michael
Published: October 2020

This revised edition of Michael Byram’s classic 1997 book updates the text in light of both recent research and critiques and commentaries on the 1st edition. The book is an invaluable guide for teachers and curriculum developers, taking them from a definition of Intercultural Communicative Competence through planning for teaching to assessment.
A Patient-Centered Framework for Measuring the Economic Value of the Clinical Benefits of Digital Health Apps: Theoretical Modeling
Authors: Powell Adam , Torous John
Published: October 2020

Background

As digital health tools such as smartphone apps evolve and enter clinical use, questions regarding their value must be addressed. Although there are scarce generalizable data on the value of health apps given their nascency and diverse use cases, it is possible to estimate the economic value of the clinical improvement they bring to patients using a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)-based approach and generalized values from existing literature.

Objective

This paper aims to provide a patient-centered framework for assessing the economic value of the clinical benefits delivered by digital health apps.

Methods

We proposed a model based upon 5 levers: country-specific monetary value of a QALY, QALYs lost due to the condition, engagement rate of app users, average effect size of the app’s health impact, and duration of the app’s impact before remission.

Results

Using 2 digital health apps from the United States and United Kingdom as examples, we explored how this model could generate country-specific estimates of the economic value of the clinical benefits of health apps.

Conclusions

This new framework can help drive research priorities for digital health by elucidating the factors that influence the economic value.
Academic Nurse-Managed Community Clinics Transitioning to Telehealth: Case Report on the Rapid Response to COVID-19
Authors: Sutter Rebecca , Cuellar Alison E , Harvey Megan , Hong Y Alicia
Published: October 2020

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care organizations have adopted telehealth. The current literature on transitioning to telehealth has mostly been from large health care or specialty care organizations, with limited data from safety net or community clinics.

Objective

This is a case report on the rapid implementation of a telehealth hub at an academic nurse-managed community clinic in response to the national COVID-19 emergency. We also identify factors of success and challenges associated with the transition to telehealth.

Methods

This study was conducted at the George Mason University Mason and Partners clinic, which serves the dual mission of caring for community clinic patients and providing health professional education. We interviewed the leadership team of Mason and Partners clinics and summarized our findings.

Results

Mason and Partners clinics reacted quickly to the COVID-19 crisis and transitioned to telehealth within 2 weeks of the statewide lockdown. Protocols were developed for a coordination hub, a main patient triage and appointment telephone line, a step-by-step flowchart of clinical procedure, and a team structure with clearly defined work roles and backups. The clinics were able to maintain most of its clinical service and health education functions while adapting to new clinic duties that arose during the pandemic.

Conclusions

The experiences learned from the Mason and Partners clinics are transferable to other safety net clinics and academic nurse-led community clinics. The changes arising from the pandemic have resulted in sustainable procedures, and these changes will have a long-term impact on health care delivery and training.
Population Size Estimation Methods: Searching for the Holy Grail
Authors: Neal Joyce J , Prybylski Dimitri , Sanchez Travis , Hladik Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Accurate size estimates of key populations (eg, sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people, and men who have sex with men) can help to ensure adequate availability of services to prevent or treat HIV infection; inform HIV response planning, target setting, and resource allocation; and provide data for monitoring and evaluating program outcomes and impact. A gold standard method for population size estimation does not exist, but quality of estimates could be improved by using empirical methods, multiple data sources, and sound statistical concepts. To highlight such methods, a special collection of papers in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance has been released under the title “Key Population Size Estimations.” We provide a summary of these papers to highlight advances in the use of empirical methods and call attention to persistent gaps in information.
UTAUT2-Based Questionnaire: Translation to Canadian French, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Cognitive Debriefing (Preprint)
Authors: Pagé Isabelle , Roos Marianne , Collin Olivier , Lynch Sean Dean , Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Massé-Alarie Hugo , Blanchette Andréanne K.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

From the early stages of development of a new tool or device to its implementation in real-life settings, it is crucial to take the perception of potential users into consideration. A number of theories have been proposed to better understand acceptance of technology. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) combines eight of these theories and has been shown to accurately predict technology acceptance. An extended version, the UTAUT2, was proposed in 2012 and includes three new concepts to accurately analyze acceptance and usage of technology from a consumer perspective. No validated Canadian French version of this tool currently exists.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to cross-culturally adapt the UTAUT2-based questionnaire for use in the French-Canadian population. A cognitive debriefing involving potential users (workers) and experts (rehabilitation clinicians) was included to confirm clarity and relevance of questionnaire content.

METHODS

The procedure was developed in line with published guidelines and included five steps: (1) Forward translation by two bilingual members of the research team, (2) Synthesis of the translated versions by the research team, (3) Backward translation by two other bilingual members, (4) Synthesis by a multidisciplinary committee and proposal of the Pre-final Canadian French UTAUT2-based questionnaire, and (5) Cognitive debriefing. Cognitive debriefing consisted in the assessment of the clarity of the pre-final version content by a French-Canadian sample of potential responders (i.e. workers) and by an expert panel of rehabilitation professionals. Experts also appraised the relevance of each item of the pre-final version. Any questionnaire content or item not reaching an 80% inter-rater agreement for clarity or relevance was re-evaluated by the multidisciplinary committee until a final version was unanimously approved.

RESULTS

The multidisciplinary committee (n=6) was composed of researchers and clinicians from four different backgrounds. Twelve workers and 12 experts participated in the cognitive debriefing step. Each content or item (n=40) was judged as "clear" by at least 92% of the worker sample. When clarity was assessed by the experts, six terms/phrases did not reach 80% agreement and were therefore reviewed by the multidisciplinary committee. Four of the 27 items were also reviewed by the committee following the experts’ relevance assessment. The final version of the Canadian French UTAUT2-based questionnaire was approved unanimously by the members of the multidisciplinary committee.

CONCLUSIONS

The final version of the Canadian French version of the UTAUT2-based questionnaire is culturally appropriate for use in French-speaking Canada. Further studies are necessary to determine its psychometric properties.
The Resilience of Cardiac Care Through Virtualized Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Heart Function Clinic (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Amika , Guessi Milena , Wali Sahr , Ware Patrick , McDonald Michael , O'Sullivan Mary , Posada Juan Duero , Ross Heather , Seto Emily
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Virtual care has historically faced barriers to widespread adoption. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid adoption and expansion of virtual care technologies. Although the intense and prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed people’s interest in health systems resilience, which includes how services adapt or transform in response to shocks, evidence regarding the role of virtual care technologies in health systems resilience is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

At Toronto General Hospital in Ontario, Canada, the rapid virtualization of cardiac care began on March 9, 2020, as a response to the pandemic. The objective of this study was to understand people’s experiences with and the barriers and facilitators of the rapid virtualization and expansion of cardiac care resulting from the pandemic.

METHODS

A single-case study was conducted with 3 embedded units of analysis. Patients, clinicians, and staff were recruited purposively from an existing mobile, phone-based telemonitoring program at a heart function clinic in Toronto, Canada. Individual, semistructured phone interviews were conducted by two researchers and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis at the semantic level was used to analyze transcripts and develop themes.

RESULTS

A total of 29 participants were interviewed, including patients (n=16), clinicians (n=9), and staff (n=4). The following five themes were identified: (1) patient safety as a catalyst for virtual care adoption; (2) piecemeal virtual care solutions; (3) confronting new roles and workloads; (4) missing pieces in virtual care; and (5) the inequity paradox. The motivation to protect patient safety and a piecemeal approach to virtual care adoption facilitated the absorptive and adaptive resilience of cardiac care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ad hoc changes to clinic roles and workflows, challenges in building relationships through remote methods, and widened inequities were barriers that threatened virtual care sustainment.

CONCLUSIONS

We contend that sustaining virtual care hinges upon transformative actions (rather than adaptive actions) that strengthen health systems so that they can face the dynamic and emergent challenges associated with COVID-19 and other shocks. Based on the barriers and facilitators we identified, we present the lessons we learned and recommend transformations for sustaining virtual care during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Theory- and Evidence-Based Digital Intervention Tool for Weight Loss Maintenance (NoHoW Toolkit): Systematic Development and Refinement Study (Preprint)
Authors: Marques Marta M , Matos Marcela , Mattila Elina , Encantado Jorge , Duarte Cristiana , Teixeira Pedro J , Stubbs R James , Sniehotta Falko F , Ermes Miikka , Harjumaa Marja , Leppänen Juha , Välkkynen Pasi , Silva Marlene N , Ferreira Cláudia , Carvalho Sérgio , Palmeira Lara , Horgan Graham , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , Evans Elizabeth H , Palmeira António L
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Many weight loss programs show short-term effectiveness, but subsequent weight loss maintenance is difficult to achieve. Digital technologies offer a promising means of delivering behavior change approaches at low costs and on a wide scale. The Navigating to a Healthy Weight (NoHoW) project, which was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, aimed to develop, test, and evaluate a digital toolkit designed to promote successful long-term weight management. The toolkit was tested in an 18-month, large-scale, international, 2×2 factorial (motivation and self-regulation vs emotion regulation) randomized controlled trial that was conducted on adults with overweight or obesity who lost ≥5% of their body weight in the preceding 12 months before enrollment into the intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the development of the NoHoW Toolkit, focusing on the logic models, content, and specifications, as well as the results from user testing.

METHODS

The toolkit was developed by using a systematic approach, which included the development of the theory-based logic models, the selection of behavior change techniques, the translation of these techniques into a web-based app (NoHoW Toolkit components), technical development, and the user evaluation and refinement of the toolkit.

RESULTS

The toolkit included a set of web-based tools and inputs from digital tracking devices (smart scales and activity trackers) and modules that targeted weight, physical activity, and dietary behaviors. The final toolkit comprised 34 sessions that were distributed through 15 modules and provided active content over a 4-month period. The motivation and self-regulation arm consisted of 8 modules (17 sessions), the emotion regulation arm was presented with 7 modules (17 sessions), and the combined arm received the full toolkit (15 modules; 34 sessions). The sessions included a range of implementations, such as videos, testimonies, and questionnaires. Furthermore, the toolkit contained 5 specific data tiles for monitoring weight, steps, healthy eating, mood, and sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic approach to the development of digital solutions based on theory, evidence, and user testing may significantly contribute to the advancement of the science of behavior change and improve current solutions for sustained weight management. Testing the toolkit by using a 2×2 design provided a unique opportunity to examine the effect of motivation and self-regulation and emotion regulation separately, as well as the effect of their interaction in weight loss maintenance.
The Role of Literary Theory in Literary Translation
Authors: Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2020

In literary translation, the way quality of translation is judged shows some special features. The translator’s understanding of the source language text and his creative reconstruction of the target language text place the whole process of translation under the influence of literary theories. With a case analysis of three different translation versions of John Keats’ Ode on a Grecian Urn, this paper argues that based on the given features of literary translation, the relationships between the translator and the text, and the creative role of the translator in the process of translation, literary theory plays an essential role in literary translation.
El tesauro de infraestructura cultural universitaria: investigación y metodología
Authors: Naumis-Peña Catalina
Published: October 2020

Se explica la metodología de investigación-acción para conformar un tesauro sobre infraestructura cultural universitaria en el marco de un proyecto institucional que promueve la investigación universitaria, la difusión de sus resultados y el aprendizaje de los alumnos. Un tesauro es el resultado de una investigación de los significados de los términos en un ámbito específico para fomentar el entendimiento entre los usuarios finales de un sistema de información. La metodología desarrollada permitió obtener un tesauro y fomentar el aprendizaje de un grupo interdisciplinario de alumnos para cumplir con los objetivos del proyecto respaldado por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
El rebusque, una estrategia de integración social de los migrantes colombianos en Francia
Authors: González Olga L.
Published: October 2020

Este artículo examina las acciones de los migrantes colombianos en París para obtener sus derechos sociales. Estas se clasifican en dos ejes: el primero, habitual en la sociología, que las discrimina en individuales o colectivas. El segundo, propuesto por la autora, las ordena según obedezcan a estrategias de rebusque o de reivindicación. De la observación empírica se evidencia la tendencia de los migrantes colombianos hacia las acciones de rebusque individual, situación que contrasta con la de otros colectivos nacionales. El artículo desarrolla la noción de rebusque y la propone como filtro de lectura para descifrar otro tipo de acciones.
Archivos coloniales y el arte de gobernar
Authors: Stoler Ann Laura , Sierra Josué
Published: October 2020

Los antropólogos dedicados a los estudios poscoloniales adoptan cada vez más una perspectiva histórica y recurren a los archivos, aunque esta actividad tiende a ser más extractiva que etnográfica. Los documentos son todavía fragmentos que se examinan en silencio para confirmar la invención de ciertas prácticas coloniales o recalcar reivindicaciones culturales. Sin embargo, la extracción del contenido de comisiones, informes y otras fuentes rara vez presta atención a su disposición y forma particular. Es necesario cambiar el enfoque del archivo-como-fuente al archivo-como-objeto. Este artículo, sostiene que los archivos se deben considerar no como lugares de recuperación del conocimiento, sino de producción de conocimiento, como documentos legales y sitios de la etnografía del Estado. Este enfoque exige un compromiso continuo con los archivos como agentes culturales de producción de “hechos”, de taxonomías en desarrollo y de la autoridad estatal. Aquello que constituye un archivo, qué forma adopta y qué sistemas epistemológicos y de clasificación señalan el camino en momentos específicos que conforman (y reflejan) las características esenciales de la política y el poder estatal colonial.
Espacios de educación musical en Quibdó (Chocó-Colombia)
Authors: Arango Ana María
Published: October 2020

A partir del examen de los diferentes escenarios de aprendizaje musical en una sociedad, este artículo analiza cómo sectores dominantes instrumentalizan la música para el adoctrinamiento y la construcción de nuevos sujetos sociales. El quehacer musical de dichos sujetos es el resultado no sólo de una serie de asimilaciones, sino también de resistencias dentro de mecanismos de aprendizaje complejos y eclécticos. En Quibdó (departamento del Chocó, Colombia), además de los espacios más visibles de educación musical, en los últimos años han surgido otros escenarios que se nutren de los anteriores pero que se caracterizan por responder a los discursos y a las dinámicas transnacionales de cooperación internacional y a los movimientos sociales. En estos espacios de educación las relaciones de poder están lejos de ser una simple historia de transmisión de conocimientos o un relato de imposiciones y asimilaciones de unos sectores sobre otros.