bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Modification of a Domeless Net Radiometer
Authors: Cobos Douglas R. , Baker John M.
Published: October 2021

The use of net radiation as a critical variable in models of surface–atmosphere exchange is routine; however, its measurement is not. The discrete measurement of incoming and outgoing solar radiation with pyranometers and long‐wave radiation with pyrgeometers is widely thought to be the most accurate method for estimating net radiation, but deployment at multiple sites is cost prohibitive. A recently developed single‐sensor net radiometer differs from other commonly used net radiometers in that it has no domes covering the thermopile sensor. Long‐term field data from this net radiometer were compared to reference net radiation calculated as the sum of the four independently measured components. The domeless net radiometer agreed well with the reference measurements, out‐performing a similarly priced, widely used, domed net radiometer under most conditions. However, our analyses suggest that the domeless net radiometer has differing sensitivities to short and long‐wave radiation, which is not accounted for in the calibration. Additionally, precipitation affected the domeless net radiometer much more severely than the domed model, which could be a significant limitation in areas with frequent rainfall. Despite these shortfalls, the domeless net radiometer evaluated here could be useful in a variety of field settings.
Soil Texture Involvement in Germination and Emergence of Buried Weed Seeds
Authors: Benvenuti Stefano
Published: October 2021

Laboratory trials were performed to test germination and emergence characteristics of jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) seeds buried in 10 different soil types (with or without the control of soil external gas environment) with pronounced sandy or clay texture. The aim of the experiments was to investigate if the physical characteristics of the soils were involved in both buried‐seed ecology and emergence dynamics. Germination inhibition due to burial depth was found to be directly proportional to clay content and inversely proportional to sand content. Measurement of soil air permeability showed a close relation between gas exchange potential and depth‐mediated germination inhibition. Comparative analysis of the germination response in nonsoil and soil hypoxia suggested that inhibition is caused not so much by hypoxia per se as by the presence of fermenting metabolites that could not easily be eliminated due to decreased respiratory activity. In situ inspection of buried seeds also revealed that the increased time required for emergence in clay soils is primarily due to increased mean germination time rather than greater difficulty in seedling penetration upwards through the soil before emergence. Partial removal of germination inhibition of buried seeds was facilitated by elevated air oxygen availability but only with sandy soils, showing that inhibition is closely linked to soil ability to induce gas exchange with external air. At excessive burial depth (12 cm), seeds exhibited induction of secondary dormancy independent of soil texture. In conclusion, these experiments demonstrated that soil physical properties have a strong effect on buried‐seed ecology and consequently on seedbank dynamics in the agroecosystem.
Genetic Coefficients in the CROPGRO–Soybean Model
Authors: Boote K. J. , Jones J. W. , Batchelor W. D. , Nafziger E. D. , Myers O.
Published: October 2021

Crop growth models are tools with valuable uses in research synthesis and crop management. This paper discusses genetic coefficients in the CROPGRO–Soybean model in terms of definitions, implications for genetic improvement, relationships to field performance, and linkage to genomics. As used in crop models, genetic coefficients are mathematical constructs designed to mimic the phenotypic phenotypic outcome of genes under different environments to influence: (i) life cycle including fractional allocation to different phases, (ii) photosynthetic, (iii) vegetative, (iv) rooting, and (v) reproductive processes. Model sensitivity analyses was used to hypothesize genetic coefficients of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and impact on field performance. Yield improvement from increased leaf photosynthesis was shown to be small if coupled to specific leaf weight. Yield improvement with longer seed filling duration was enhanced by traits such as slower N mobilization to sustain leaf photosynthesis or by genetic traits and management factors allowing adequate leaf area index before seed fill. Yield improvement under water‐deficit appeared feasible from rate of root‐depth increase, shift in root profile, and a slow senesce trait. Modeled genetic coefficients showed mostly additive effects on yield when evaluated in combinations; and combinations of minor changes gave yield increases of 13 to 17%, comparable to recent genetic improvement. More than additive effects occurred under good crop management or under projected rise in global CO2. Information from genomics, physiology, and yield performance trials can be used to derive genetic coefficients for crop models. Interaction of molecular geneticists, physiologists, and crop modelers is needed to facilitate the translation of genetic knowledge to modes of action, and finally to integrated field performance under multiple stress environments.
Gene‐Based Approaches to Crop Simulation
Authors: White Jeffrey W. , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: October 2021

Use of process‐based models of plant growth and development is increasing in both basic and applied research. Advances in genomics suggest the possibility of using information on gene action to improve simulation models, particularly where differences among genotypes are of interest. This paper reviews issues related to incorporating gene action in crop models, starting with an introduction to basic concepts of functional genomics. We recognize six levels of genetic detail in modeling approaches. Modeling gene action through linear estimates of effects on model parameters (Level 4) has shown promise in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) model GeneGro. However, this approach requires extensive data on the genetic makeup of cultivars, and such data are still not routinely available. Software for simulating complex biochemical pathways offers the prospect of simulating processes such as photosynthesis or photoperiod control of flowering by considering interactions of regulators, gene‐products, and other metabolites (Level 6), but such software applications may require an understanding of the reaction kinetics of large biomolecules existing at concentrations as low as one or two molecules per cell. Over the next decade, genetic information probably has the most to contribute in understanding temporal and tissue‐level variation in the genetic control of specific processes and, for more applied modeling, in improving the representation of cultivar differences. Strategic decisions are needed on prioritization among species and traits to be modeled, as well as on how to improve collaboration with molecular biologists to better access and harness the data resulting from their research.
Pedagogical Transformation and Teacher Learning for Knowledge Building: Turning COVID-19 Challenges into Opportunities
Authors: Teo Chew Lee , Tan Seng Chee , Chan Carol
Published: October 2021

This paper reports on the continual effort of the Knowledge Building Community (KBC) connecting teachers within and across schools for knowledge creation and community building during the COVID-19 disruptions. During this crisis, schools around the world are challenged with the issues of implementing online learning. Three areas of misalignment were identified: disjoint in learning with home-school separation, piecemeal technologies to mimic physical teaching, and disconnect between teacher professional development and classroom practices and we discussed emerging realignment efforts for transformative learning. Through analyzing the three case examples of how teachers responded to COVID-19 challenges in inter-related areas of curriculum, pedagogy, technology and community, we identified several themes on emerging alignments conducive for transformative pedagogy and technology through community advancement. These themes include: innovating practice around the centrality of ideas; perceiving knowledge building as pervasive; transformative use of technology, and symmetrical advancement of knowledge. These case examples show that in these disruptive times, the teachers were more actively building new practices supported by community dynamics and systemic processes of the KBC.  Consequently, the interactions between stakeholders shifted from disjointed relations in different hierarchical levels to a networked community of people, ideas, and resources, and teachers continually advancing their knowledge-building practice in these challenging times.
Giant cell reparative ethmoid granuloma: a clinical case with a review of the literature
Authors: Rodina A. D. , Gorbunova T. V. , Krylov A. S. , Odzharova A. A. , Merkulov O. A. , Ivanova N. V. , Kozlov N. A. , Boronoeva M. V. , Polyakov V. G.
Published: October 2021

Giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) is a rare benign tumor that develops in the first two decades of life. Data on the incidence of GCRGin children vary significantly depending on the number of observations and methods of statistical data processing. GCRG is more common inlong bones, but rare cases of damage to the bones of the facial skeleton, which account for only 2–12 %, have been described. The etiologicalfactors of GCRG are unknown, but genetic predisposition and intraosseous hemorrhages after an injury are the predisposing factors. Despiteits benign nature, the process can be locally aggressive. Rapid invasive growth, complex anatomy of the base of the skull in childhood makesurgical treatment in this place quite difficult. The clinical symptoms of ethmoid GCRG are nonspecific and depend on the site involved andthe degree of local destruction. Distinctive morphological features of this neoplasm are the presence of multinucleated giant cells, cellularfibrous tissue and hemorrhages. Diagnostics of this disease includes endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx, magneticresonance and X-ray computed tomography of the skull base, paranasal sinuses with intravenous contrast, radioisotope research methods.We report a case of the development of GCRG in a 6-year-old child, along with the clinical picture, X-ray, scintigraphic and morphologicaldata. The method of choice for the treatment of GCRG was its complete surgical removal.
Transpupillary laser thermotherapy of retinoblastoma
Authors: Yarovoy A. A. , Volodin D. P. , Yarovaya V. A. , Ushakova T. L. , Kotova E. S. , Chochaeva A. M. , Polyakov V. G.
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Despite the fact that transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) is one of the main local methods of small retinoblastoma (RB) destruction, only a few studies have been published on the use of this method, and they are devoted only to certain aspects of the application of TTT.Purpose of the study – to evaluate the effectiveness of TTT in the treatment of children with RB.Material and methods. In the period from 2011 to 2020, 177 children (224 eyes, 1156 tumors) with RB were treated by TTT. Of these, 99 (56 %) patients were boys, 78 (44 %) – girls. The mean age at the time of treatment was 16.8 months (from 0 to 86 months). Bilateral RB was observed in 128 (72.3 %) patients, monolateral – in 49 (27.7 %). In 51 (28.8 %) cases, TTT was performed on an only eye. TTT was performed on eyes that had RB of groups A (n = 43; 19 %), B (n = 81; 36 %), C (n = 31; 14 %), D (n = 63; 28 %), E (n = 6; 3 %). In total, 1156 tumors were treated by TTT. 488 (42 %) tumors were localized post-equatorially (of which 27 were located juxtapapillary, 23 – in the macular zone, 22 – paramacular). 668 (58 %) foci had pre-equatorial localization (on the middle and far periphery of the fundus). The number of foci in one eye varied from 1 to 48 (mean – 5). The mean tumor thickness was 1.1 mm (from 0.2 to 4.5), the mean base diameter was 2.2 mm (from 0.3 to 13.4). TTT was performed using a diode laser with the following parameters: wavelength – 810 nm, spot diameter – 1200 microns, power from 200 to 800 mW (mean – 350 mW), exposure-from 3 to 15 s in the application mode, and continuous in the scanning mode.Results. Complete tumor regression after TTT was achieved in 92 % of cases (1064 tumors). Incomplete regression of the tumor with stabilization was achieved in 0.7 % (8 tumors). The average number of TTT sessions to achieve full regression was 1.7 (from 1 to 10). Complete tumor regression after 1 TTT session was achieved in 54 % of cases (622 tumors), after 2 sessions – in 11 % (132 tumors), after 3 sessions – in 7 % (85 tumors), after 4 or more sessions– in 19 % (225 tumors). In 7 % of cases (82 tumors), due to the progression of the tumor, other treatment methods (brachytherapy, cryotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery) were applied. 209 (93 %) eyes were preserved. 15 (7 %) eyes were enucleated due to continued tumor growth, total retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or subatrophy of the eyeball. The mean follow-up after TTT was 35.5 months (from 3 to 112 months).Conclusion. TTT is a highly effective method of RB treatment and can be used for destruction of small primary foci of both post-equatorial and pre-equatorial localization, residual tumors after inefficiency of other local methods. TTT is also effective in the treatment of large cavitary tumors located in functionally significant areas of the retina.
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Seniors with Heart Failure: Present Dilemmas
and Therapeutic Considerations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mene-Afejuku Tuoyo O , Bamgboje Abayomi O , Ogunniyi Modele O , Akinboboye Ola , Ibebuogu Uzoma N
Published: October 2021

Background:

Heart Failure (HF) is a global public health problem, which affects over
23 million people worldwide. The prevalence of HF is higher among seniors in the USA and other
developed countries. Ventricular Arrhythmias (VAs) account for 50% of deaths among patients
with HF. We aim to elucidate the factors associated with VAs among seniors with HF, as well as
therapies that may improve the outcomes.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases, Science Direct, and Google
Scholar were searched using specific keywords. The reference lists of relevant articles were
searched for additional studies related to HF and VAs among seniors as well as associated outcomes.

Results:

The prevalence of VAs increases with worsening HF. A 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram
may be useful in risk stratifying patients for device therapy if they do not meet the criterion of low
ventricular ejection fraction. Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) are superior to anti-arrhythmic
drugs in reducing mortality in patients with HF. Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT)
together with device therapy may be required to reduce symptoms. In general, the proportion of seniors
on GDMT is low. A combination of ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy may improve
outcomes in selected patients.

Conclusion:

Seniors with HF and VAs have high mortality even with the use of device therapy
and GDMT. The holistic effect of device therapy on outcomes among seniors with HF is equivocal.
More studies focused on seniors with advanced HF as well as therapeutic options are, therefore,
required.
Empirical Analysis of Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network for Ultrasound Image Synthesis
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Mehta Mayuri A. , Chatterjee Indranath
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Recent research on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) in the biomedical field has proven the effectiveness in generating synthetic images of different modalities. Ultrasound imaging is one of the primary imaging modalities for diagnosis in the medical domain. In this paper, we present an empirical analysis of the state-of-the-art Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) for generating synthetic ultrasound images.

Aims:

This work aims to explore the utilization of deep convolutional generative adversarial networks for the synthesis of ultrasound images and to leverage its capabilities.

Background:

Ultrasound imaging plays a vital role in healthcare for timely diagnosis and treatment. Increasing interest in automated medical image analysis for precise diagnosis has expanded the demand for a large number of ultrasound images. Generative adversarial networks have been proven beneficial for increasing the size of data by generating synthetic images.

Objective:

Our main purpose in generating synthetic ultrasound images is to produce a sufficient amount of ultrasound images with varying representations of a disease.

Methods:

DCGAN has been used to generate synthetic ultrasound images. It is trained on two ultrasound image datasets, namely, the common carotid artery dataset and nerve dataset, which are publicly available on Signal Processing Lab and Kaggle, respectively.

Results:

Results show that good quality synthetic ultrasound images are generated within 100 epochs of training of DCGAN. The quality of synthetic ultrasound images is evaluated using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM). We have also presented some visual representations of the slices of generated images for qualitative comparison.

Conclusion:

Our empirical analysis reveals that synthetic ultrasound image generation using DCGAN is an efficient approach.

Other:

In future work, we plan to compare the quality of images generated through other adversarial methods such as conditional GAN, progressive GAN.
GSM and Arduino Based Vital Sign Monitoring System
Authors: Austin Rachel , Lobo Fiona , Rajaguru Swarnalatha
Published: October 2021

Aims:

Analysis of the vital signs of patients can aid in early disease diagnosis and care. There are many illnesses which can be diagnosed and managed by monitoring this medical information periodically.

Background:

Detection of various early-stage medical diseases can be simply done by monitoring Human vital signs, as they show the standard body's essential functions, indicating the status of an individual's health condition.

Objective:

In many cases it so happens that patients do not receive appropriate medical treatment on time, as a result of which unexpected incidents happen due to ignorance of one’s health status. Since pulse rate and vital sign area unit are the foremost crucial parameters, an affordable device to detect such parameters is useful for human health.

Methods:

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a photosensitive technique that measures difference in blood volume of the pulse (usually in the body's soft tissues) by specifically interfering with the differences in the photo-emitter's absorption, reflection, volume and dispersion of light, and then it is registered by the photoreceptor. Then, the PPG waveform reflects shifts in arterial blood supply. The waveform obtained with a pulse oximeter illuminates skin and processes variations in the absorption of light.

Results:

The embedded systems-Arduino, GSM module and the various sensors used in this research provide a simple monitoring method which does not require a smartphone or internet connectivity.

Conclusion:

This paper aims at illustrating the significance of constantly monitoring vital signs. The device proposed has been developed as an Arduino program that is straightforward and inexpensive, a conveyable system that acquires the vital signs data and sends a text message as warning messages during a health emergency.
Essentials of Predicting Epileptic Seizures Based on EEG Using Machine Learning: A Review
Authors: Patel Vibha , Tailor Jaishree , Ganatra Amit
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Epilepsy is one of the chronic diseases, which requires exceptional attention. The unpredictability of the seizures makes it worse for a person suffering from epilepsy.

Methods:

The challenge to predict seizures using modern machine learning algorithms and computing resources would be a boon to a person with epilepsy and its caregivers. Researchers have shown great interest in the task of epileptic seizure prediction for a few decades. However, the results obtained have not clinical applicability because of the high false-positive ratio. The lack of standard practices in the field of epileptic seizure prediction makes it challenging for novice ones to follow the research. The chances of reproducibility of the result are negligible due to the unavailability of implementation environment-related details, use of standard datasets, and evaluation parameters.

Results:

Work here presents the essential components required for the prediction of epileptic seizures, which includes the basics of epilepsy, its treatment, and the need for seizure prediction algorithms. It also gives a detailed comparative analysis of datasets used by different researchers, tools and technologies used, different machine learning algorithm considerations, and evaluation parameters.

Conclusion:

The main goal of this paper is to synthesize different methodologies for creating a broad view of the state-of-the-art in the field of seizure prediction.
The Gut Microbiota Changes in Obese People: A New Perspective for the
Modern Medicine
Authors: Abenavoli Ludovico , Procopio Anna Caterina , Scarpellini Emidio
Published: October 2021

:

Obesity is one of the major health problems of the modern era. Obesity has been asso-ciated with rapidly rising growth rates that affect every age group of the population indiscrimi-nately, particularly the younger ones. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to identify increasingly effec-tive therapies in order to avoid the possible complications of the syndrome. In this context, the microbiota can represent one of the therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity. We highlight the role of the microbiota as a therapeutic target in obesity.
The Effectiveness of Science E-Modules for Class VII Junior High Schools Based on Socioscientific Issues to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Suastrawan Komang Edi , Suardana I Nyoman , Sudiatmika A. A. I. Agung Rai
Published: October 2021

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of science e-modules for class VII junior high schools based on socioscientific issues to improve students' critical thinking skills. The type of research used is Pre-Experimental with one group pretest-posttest design. This research was conducted at SMP Negeri 2 Seririt in class VII A with a total of 30 students. Data were collected with 12 items of critical thinking skills test on global warming material through pretest and posttest. Data were analyzed using Paired Sample T-Test and gain score test. The Paired Sample T-Test was used to calculate the significance of increasing students' critical thinking skills, but the gain scores were used to calculate the increase in students' critical thinking skills. The results of this research showed that there was a significant difference in students’ critical thinking skills before and after used science e-module in learning (sig. < 0.05). The normalized N-gain test also showed an increase in students' critical thinking skills with a value of 0.55 in the medium category. Based on the results of the Paired Sample T-test and the normalized gain score, it can be concluded that the e-module based on socioscientific issues is effectively used to improve students' critical thinking skills.
El diseño del hábitat en el postconflicto: una tarea proyectual de recomposición comunitaria. Caso Cambimba – Sucre
Authors: Sierra Franco Angélica María , Ghysais Chadid Guillermo Alfonso , Albis Romero María Cristina
Published: October 2021

Desde inicios del siglo XX Colombia ha sufrido las consecuencias de la violencia en todas sus dimensiones, tanto sociales y económicas, como culturales y territoriales, este último hecho, ha dejado múltiples afectaciones en el tejido que conforma los procesos de comunicación entre los sujetos y los territorios, tales como el desarraigo y la desterritorialización producida por el desplazamiento forzado. Tener claras las consecuencias de este acto atroz y en contrapartida el acto del retorno, como una acción de reconciliación y recomposición de la urdimbre elemental, es poner a disposición una serie de retos que se deben enfrentar de cara a la planeación y construcción del territorio en el marco del postconflicto, para los habitantes, las comunidades académicas y las entidades territoriales. La investigación en el aula, realizada desde la asignatura de Diseño y Metodología y la proyección social del programa de Arquitectura de la Corporación Universitaria del Caribe CECAR.
El papel de la mujer dentro de la gestión de la política pública en Colombia
Authors: Gómez Pérez Carlos Augusto , Morales Tuesca Noel Alfonso , Morales Tuesca Jorge Neil
Published: October 2021

Esta investigación analiza el papel desempeñado por la mujer dentro de la gestión de la política pública en Colombia precisamente, la participación de las mujeres en la gestión de la política pública en Colombia forma parte de las luchas y/o movilizaciones que han realizado las mujeres para que existan iguales derechos y oportunidades en todas las esferas de la sociedad colombiana. En el corpus de esta investigación se revisan las políticas públicas relacionadas con el desempeño de la mujer tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. El estudio es de tipo descriptivo – cualitativo, ya que se establece la actuación de la mujer dentro del contexto de la administración pública colombiana. Por lo tanto, esta investigación se apoya en las técnicas de recolección de información de tipo secundaria, mediante una exploración bibliográfica acerca del tema propuesto.
Comparing Neuroplasticity Changes Between High and Low Frequency Gait Training in Subacute Stroke: Protocol for a Randomized, Single-Blinded, Controlled Study
Authors: Ahmedy Fatimah , Mohamad Hashim Natiara , Lago Herwansyah , Plijoly Leonard Protasius , Ahmedy Ismail , Idna Idris Mohd Yamani , Gani Abdullah , Sybil Shah Syahiskandar , Chia Yuen Kang
Published: October 2021

Background

Walking recovery post stroke can be slow and incomplete. Determining effective stroke rehabilitation frequency requires the assessment of neuroplasticity changes. Neurobiological signals from electroencephalogram (EEG) can measure neuroplasticity through incremental changes of these signals after rehabilitation. However, changes seen with a different frequency of rehabilitation require further investigation. It is hypothesized that the association between the incremental changes from EEG signals and the improved functional outcome measure scores are greater in higher rehabilitation frequency, implying enhanced neuroplasticity changes.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify the changes in the neurobiological signals from EEG, to associate these with functional outcome measures scores, and to compare their associations in different therapy frequency for gait rehabilitation among subacute stroke individuals.

Methods

A randomized, single-blinded, controlled study among patients with subacute stroke will be conducted with two groups: an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). Each participant in the IG and CG will receive therapy sessions three times a week (high frequency) and once a week (low frequency), respectively, for a total of 12 consecutive weeks. Each session will last for an hour with strengthening, balance, and gait training. The main variables to be assessed are the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and quantitative EEG indices in the form of delta to alpha ratio (DAR) and delta-plus-theta to alpha-plus-beta ratio (DTABR). These will be measured at preintervention (R0) and postintervention (R1). Key analyses are to determine the changes in the 6MWT, MAS, BBS, MBI, DAR, and DTABR at R0 and R1 for the CG and IG. The changes in the DAR and DTABR will be analyzed for association with the changes in the 6MWT, MAS, BBS, and MBI to measure neuroplasticity changes for both the CG and IG.

Results

We have recruited 18 participants so far. We expect to publish our results in early 2023.

Conclusions

These associations are expected to be positive in both groups, with a higher correlation in the IG compared to the CG, reflecting enhanced neuroplasticity changes and objective evaluation on the dose-response relationship.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/27935
Electronic data capture system (REDCap) for healthcare research and training in a resource-constrained environment: Adoption and growth at a South African institution (Preprint)
Authors: Maré Irma Adele , Kramer Beverley , Hazelhurst Scott , Nhlapho Mapule Dorcus , Zent Roy , Harris Paul , Klipin Michael John
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Electronic data capture (EDC) in academic healthcare organizations provides an opportunity for the management, aggregation and secondary use of research and clinical data. It is especially important in resource constrained environments such as the South African public healthcare sector, where paper records are still the main form of clinical record-keeping.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the strategies followed by the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits FHS), during the period of 2013-2021 to overcome resistance and encourage adoption of the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) system by academic and clinical staff. REDCap has found wide use in varying domains including clinical studies, research projects and administrative, financial and human resource applications. Given REDCap’s global footprint in more than 5 000 institutions worldwide and potential for future growth, the strategies followed by the Wits FHS to support users and encourage adoption may be of interest to others utilizing the system, particularly in resource-constrained setting.

METHODS

The strategies to support users and encourage adoption included: 1) Top-down organizational support; 2) Secure and reliable hosting infrastructure and systems administration 3) An enabling and accessible REDCap support team 4) Regular hands-on training workshops covering data collection instrument design and use of REDCap; 5) Annual local symposia to promote networking and awareness of all the latest software features and best practices for using them 6) Participation in REDCap Consortium activities; and 7) Regular and ongoing mentorship from members of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

RESULTS

During the period 2013-2021, utilization of the REDCap EDC system by individuals in the Wits FHS increased from 129 active user accounts in 2013 to 3 447 active user accounts respectively in 2021. The number of REDCap projects numbered 149 in 2013 and increased to 12 865 in 2021. REDCap at Wits also supported various publications and research outputs including journal articles and postgraduate monographs. As of 2020, a total of 233 journal articles and 87 postgraduate monographs acknowledged the use of the Wits REDCap system.

CONCLUSIONS

By providing reliable infrastructure and accessible support resources, we were able to successfully implement and grow the REDCap electronic data capture system at the Wits FHS and its associated academic medical centers. We believe that the increase in use of REDCap was driven by offering a dependable, secure service with a strong end-user training and support model. This model may be applied by other academic and healthcare organizations in resource-constrained environments planning to implement EDC technology.
Measuring Daily Diurnal Rhythms Using Passively Collected Smartphone Data (Preprint)
Authors: Ren Benny , Xia Cedric Huchuan , Gehrman Philip , Barnett Ian , Satterthwaite Theodore
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Irregularity in circadian, diurnal, and social rhythms have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Regularity of rhythms can be quantified using passively collected smartphone data to provide clinically relevant biomarkers of routine.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a metric to quantify the regularity of diurnal rhythms and evaluate the relationship between routine and mood as well as demographic covariates.

METHODS

Passively sensed smartphone data from a cohort of 38 individuals from Penn/CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute and Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania was fitted with two-state continuous-time hidden Markov models (CT-HMMs), representing active and rest states. Regularity of routine was modeled as the hour of the day random effects on probability of state transition, i.e. the association between hour-of-day and state membership. A regularity score, Diurnal Rhythm Metric (DRM), was calculated from the CT-HMMs and regressed on clinical and demographic covariates.

RESULTS

Regular diurnal rhythms were associated with longer sleep durations (P=.0088), older individuals (P=.001) and less-severe depression (P=.0496).

CONCLUSIONS

Passively sensed DRMs are comparable to the existing Social Rhythm Metrics but do not require burdensome survey based assessments. Low-burden, passively sensed metrics based on smartphone data are a promising and scalable alternative to traditional measurements.
Creating Effective, Evidence-Based Video Communication of Public Health Science (COVCOM Study): Protocol for a Sequential Mixed Methods Effect Study (Preprint)
Authors: Røislien Jo , O'Hara Jane K , Smeets Ionica , Brønnick Kolbjørn , Berg Siv Hilde , Shortt Marie Therese , Lungu Daniel Adrian , Thune Henriette , Wiig Siri
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The nonlinear nature of contagious diseases and the potential for exponential growth can be difficult to grasp for the general public. This has strong implications for public health communication, which needs to be both easily accessible and efficient. A pandemic is an extreme situation, and the accompanying strict societal measures are generally easier to accept if one understands the underlying reasoning behind them. Bringing about informed attitude change and achieving compliance to strict restrictions requires explanations of scientific concepts and terminologies that laypersons can understand.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the project is to develop effective, evidence-based modes of video communication for translating complex, but important, health messages about pandemics to both the general population and decision makers. The study uses COVID-19 as a case to learn and prepare society for handling the ongoing and future pandemics, as well as to provide evidence-based tools for the science communication toolbox.

METHODS

The project applies a mixed methods design, combining qualitative methods (eg, interviews, observational studies, literature reviews) and quantitative methods (eg, randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). The project brings together researchers from a wide range of academic fields, as well as communication industry professionals.

RESULTS

This study has received funding from the Trond Mohn Foundation through the Research Council of Norway’s “COVID-19 Emergency Call for Proposals” March 2020. Recruitment and data collection for the exploratory first phase of the project ran from February 2021 to March 2021. Creative communication work started in May 2021, and the production of videos for use in the RCTs in the final phase of the project started in September 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVCOM project will take on several grand challenges within the field of communicating science and provide evidence-based tools to the science communication toolbox. A long-term goal of the project is to contribute to the creation of a more resilient health care system by developing communication responses tailormade for different audiences, preparing society for any future pandemic.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/34275
Subclinical hypothyroidism: do you always need hormone replacement therapy? A modern view of the problem
Authors: Kravchun N.O. , Dunaeva I.P.
Published: October 2021

Subclinical hypothyroidism is the initial stage of development of hypothyroidism, in which there are no clear clinical symptoms and there is a slow decline in thyroid function. It is known that subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in the population much more often than overt one, its prevalence depends on gender, age of patients and it is much more often diagnosed in elderly women. The literature review considers the effectiveness of the combined herbal preparation to improve the quality of life in hypothyroidism — Endomar, which contains 50 % of Potentilla alba, 25 % of Skutellaria baicalensis and 25 % of Rhodiola rosea. All three components of Endomar are synergistic in hypothyroidism. This multicomponent herbal product has a wide range of therapeutic properties and can be recommended for subclinical forms of thyroid hypofunction. Potentilla alba has been used in medical practice since ancient times. Biologically active components of Potentilla alba extract are flavonoids that regulate the permeability and elasticity of blood vessel walls, thereby neutralizing free radi-cals, phenolcarboxylic acids having antimutagenic and diuretic properties, saponin glycosides, which have a cardiotonic, neurotropic effect, hypocholesterolemic, adaptogenic, sedative action. Rhodiola rosea, an extract of the roots and rhizomes of this plant, is an adaptogen that increases the body’s resistance to stress, exhaustion, fatigue. Rhodiola rosea includes the following active substances: phenols and their derivatives aurol, salidroside; flavonoids: kaempferol, rhodiolin, rhodionin, rhodiosine, trace elements. Endomar includes Skutellaria baicalensis, which has unique properties. This plant contains flavonoid baicalin, which has a neuroprotective and neotropic effect, flavonoids scutellarin and vagonin that maintain normal vascular tone. In general, all components have an antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory effect, they are also adaptogens and include trace elements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium.
Detection of Inducible Resistance to Clindamycin among Methicillin Resistant and Sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus from India
Authors: Bala Rosy , Kaur Narinder , Gupta Nitin , Chauhan Jyoti , Garg Ritu , Kumar Harit , Saini Adesh K
Published: October 2021

The resistance to MLSB antibiotics, i.e. Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B (MLSB), is an increasing problem among Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci. The resistance to macrolides can be by efflux mechanism or via inducible or constitutive resistance. Unfortunately, routine clindamycin susceptibility testing fails to detect the inducible resistance, which commonly results in treatment failure and necessitates incorporating a simple D-test to detect such resistance. A retrospective observational study was performed on S. aureus isolates from patients. The strains were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing followed by detection of mecA gene by a polymerase chain reaction and, the ‘D-test’ was performed to know the inducible resistance to clindamycin. A total of 235 isolates were identified as S. aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility test indicated 190 MRSA and 45 are sensitive to MLSB (MS). Inducible clindamycin resistance was found among 48 (20.4%) isolates and constitutive resistance in 104 (44.2%). MRSA strains had higher inducible and constitutive resistance than MSSA strains (22.1%, 51.6% and 13.3%, 13.3%, respectively). Clindamycin is a commonly used antibiotic in patients with MRSA infections to spare higher-end anti-MRSA antibiotics like linezolid and vancomycin. To detect inducible clindamycin to avoid treatment failures; the study showed the importance of incorporating the D-test in routine testing.
Efficacy and Safety of the Antidiabetic effect of Hwangryunhaedok-tang for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients without Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baek Ji-soo , Shin Seon-mi , Shin Dong-guk , Cho Chung-sik
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to assess the efficacy and safety of Hwangryunhaedok-tang for type 2 diabetes without complications by systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: We searched the following up to March 31. 2021: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CiNii, KISS, KMBASE, OASIS, ScienceON. Data extraction and assessment of Cochrane’s risk of bias (RoB) tool were performed by two independent authors, and if there was disagreement between two researchers, it was resolved through the intervention of a third researcher.Results: A total of seven trials are included in this systemic review. The treatment group (Hwangryunhaedok-tang plus conventional treatment) showed more statistically significant effects than did the control group (conventional treatment only) in fasting plasma glucose level, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose level, glycated hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin level, and HOMA-IR. There was no significant difference between the treatment group (Hwangryunhaedok-tang alone) and the control group (metformin alone).Conclusion: Hwangryunhaedok-tang might have efficacy and safety in controlling blood sugar level and improving insulin-resistance. However, the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was insufficient, and the Hwangryunhaedok-tang used in the included studies was not standardized. Also, the quality of the involved studies was generally low. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of Hwangryunhaedok-tang treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Fibrossarcoma: relato de caso
Authors: Da Silveira Fontoura Heloisa Emília , Franco Neto da Costa Carlos Alfredo , Batista Burzlaff João , Gilberto Rosa Lauro , Quadros Onofre
Published: October 2021

A case report of a fibrosarcoma of the mandible on a 13-years-old male pacient is discussed. The tumor was located on

gengival tissue in a region of teeth 44 and 45. The histological findings after biopsy were compatible with a fibromixoma,

but after surgery the final histological diagnosis were fibrosarcoma.
Disjunção palatina através de uma expansão mais vagarosa aplicada na fase precoce da dentadura mista: apresentação de um caso clínico
Authors: Ott Humberto , Ferreira Ênio
Published: October 2021

The authors show a clinical case of a patient in her mixed dentition, with maxillary deficient that was used a modified Haas appliance, with a slower expansion than e rapid maxillary expansion.
Autoetnografía y reflexiones en la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Archila-Hernandez Edwin Dario , Vergara-Escobar Oscar Javier
Published: October 2021

La pandemia de la COVID 19 es un problema mundial que no solo ha causado muertes y enfermos, sino que ha afectado la vida de los trabajadores de la salud. Para este artículo se desarrolla un relato a través de la autoetnografía, lo que permite hacer un acercamiento a los cambios generados dentro de una institución en salud a causa de esta situación, permitiendo trasladar las experiencias de la práctica a la teoría y analizar situaciones de lo sucedido en la atención de pacientes infectados. El objetivo es describir algunas vivencias de profesionales y auxiliares de la enfermería sobre la atención de pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital universitario de Colombia y lo que implica el cuidado de la enfermería en una pandemia, usando los metaparadigmas y evidenciando el impacto de todos estos cambios en las personas y en la sociedad en general. Conclusión: los profesionales de la enfermería siempre estarán en primera línea, brindando las mejores experiencias de cuidado a las personas, sus familias y además acompañándolos en los procesos de nacer, crecer, vivir y morir. Aunque exista tecnología, pandemias, problemas sociales en el mundo, la enfermería seguirá participando, expresando sus sentires y trascendiendo en la vida de las personas con los actos de cuidado humano.
Defect induced cracking and modeling of fatigue strength for an additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy in very high cycle fatigue regime
Authors: Chi Weiqian , Wang Wenjing , Sun Chengqi
Published: October 2021

Additively manufactured (AM) alloy usually inevitably contains defects
during manufacturing processor in service. Defects, as a harmful factor,
could significantly reduce the fatigue performance of materials. This
paper shows that the location and introduced form of defects play an
important role in high cycle and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) behavior
of selective laser melting Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The fatigue life descends
linearly with stress amplitude for interior defect induced failure.
While for artificial surface defect induced failure, the fatigue life
descends at first, and then exhibits a plateau region feature. We also
observed competition of interior crack initiation with fine granular
area feature in VHCF regime. The paper indicates that only the size or
the stress intensity factor range of the defect is not an appropriate
parameter describing the effect of defect on the fatigue crack
initiation. Finally, the effect of artificial surface defect on high
cycle and VHCF strength is modeled, i.e. the fatigue strength  σ,
fatigue life  N and defect size ( area)
 (square root of projection area of defect
perpendicular to principal stress direction) is expressed as  σ=
CN( area)
for  N0 and 
σ= CN (
area) for 
N≥N , where  C,  a and 
n are constants, N  is the number of cycles at
the knee point.
Desire for Control Moderates the Relationship between Perceived Control and Depressive Symptomology
Authors: Myles Liam , Merlo Emanuele , Obele Antonia
Published: October 2021

Background. The prevalence of psychological difficulties is rising at an alarming rate, with an increasing number of individuals reporting symptoms of depression. A decline in both perceived control and desire for control has previously been associated with the onset of depression. However, previous research has failed to examine whether perceived control and desire for control interact in their relationship with depressive symptomology. Methods. A sample of 350 participants completed the Spheres of Control Scale, the Desirability of Control Scale and Beck’s Depression Inventory. Process Macro was used to examine whether desire for control moderated the relationship between perceived control and depressive symptomology. Results. Desire for control significantly moderated the relationship between perceived control and depressive symptomology. The results indicated that variations in perceived control had a greater effect on the manifestation of depressive symptomology in individuals with lower desire for control than those with higher desire for control. Discussion. This study provides novel evidence that desire for control moderates the relationship between perceived control and depressive symptomology. The clinical implications of the results are discussed, with reference to future research. Conclusions. The results indicate that individuals with lower desire for control are more sensitive to variations in perceived control, such that decrements in perceived control contribute to a greater increase in depressive symptomology, and vice versa.
Ricci curvature of contact CR-warped product submanifolds in generalized Sasakian space forms admitting a trans-Sasakian structure
Authors: Khan Meraj , Ozel Cenep
Published: October 2021

The objective of this paper is to achieve the inequality for Ricci curvature
of a contact CR-warped product submanifold isometrically immersed in a
generalized Sasakian space form admitting a trans-Sasakian structure in the
expressions of the squared norm of mean curvature vector and warping
function. We provide numerous physical applications of the derived
inequalities. Finally, we prove that under a certain condition the base
manifold is isometric to a sphere with a constant sectional curvature.
Fractional order convergence rate estimate of finite-difference method for the heat equation with concentrated capacity
Authors: Sredojevic Bratislav , Bojovic Dejan
Published: October 2021

The convergence of difference scheme for initial-boundary value problem for
the heat equation with concentrated capacity and time-dependent coefficient of
the space derivatives, is considered. Fractional order convergence rate
estimate in a special discrete Sobolev norms, compatible with the
smoothness of the coefficient and solution, is proved.