bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian Cysts Classification Using Novel Deep Q-Learning With Harris Hawks Optimization Method
Authors: C Narmatha , P Manimegalai , J Krishnadass , Valsalan Prajoona , S Manimurugan
Published: September 2021

This research presents an essential solution for classifying ultrasound diagnostic images describing seven types of ovarian cysts: Follicular cyst, Hemorrhagic cyst, Corpus luteum cyst, Polycystic-appearing ovary, endometriosis cysts, Dermoid cyst, and Teratoma. This work proposed a novel technique using images of ovarian ultrasound cysts from an ongoing database with this motivation. Initially, the work is followed by removing noise in preprocessing, feature extraction, and finally classifying using new Deep Q-Network with Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) classifier. Automatic feature extraction is implemented using the recent popular convolutional neural network (CNN) technique that extracts image features as conditions in the reinforcement learning algorithm. With this, through the procedure of a new deep Q-learning algorithm, Deep Q-Network (DQN) is generated to train a Q-network. The swarm-based method of HHO utilized the optimization method to produce optimal hyperparameters in the DQN model known as HHO-DQN, a novel technique for classifying ovarian cysts. Extensive experimental evaluations on datasets show that the proposed HHO- DQN approach outperforms existing active learning approaches for ovarian cyst classification. Compared with the ANN, CNN, and AlexNet models, the performance of the proposed model is better in terms of precision, f-measure, recall, accuracy, and IoU. The proposed model has achieved 96% precision, 96.5% f-measure, 96% recall, 97% accuracy, and 0.65 IoU.
The Effects of Medium-to-Low Dose Glucocorticoids on Glucose Profiles in Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF) Evaluated by Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS): An Observational Study
Authors: Li Jiapei , Shi Juhong , Dong Yingyue , Yuan Tao , Fu Yong , Xu Tao , Zhao Weigang
Published: September 2021

Background: Few studies focused on the effects of medium-to-low dose glucocorticoids on glucose profiles and glucose metabolism in patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF). Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) can provide more detailed glucose features than fingertip blood samplings.Methods: This was a observational study in a teaching hospital. Outpatients with IPAF on 15mg prednisone per day for at least 3 months were recruited to receive CGMS and blood tests. The primary data of CGMS were analyzed to demonstrate the glucose features. Data were compared between subjects with a glucocorticoid treatment duration of more than 2 years(Group 1) and subjects with that of less than 2 years(Group 2). In subgroup analysis, among all subjects, subjects who tapered the daily dose to 7.5mg for at least 3 months received second tests. Results: 93% (27/29) on daily 15mg prednisone and all subjects on daily 7.5mg prednisone were with glucocorticoid induced hyperglycemia(GIH). Among subjects on daily 15mg prednisone, glucose AUC of 3 hours post-lunch was significantly higher than those post-breakfast and post-dinner, and mean glucose levels of half an hour pre-lunch and pre-dinner were significantly higher than that pre-breakfast. 81.9% of nocturnal glucose nadirs presented after 5AM, leading to relatively low fasting glucose values. There were no significant differences of glucose profiles between Group 1 and Group 2. No significant differences of CGMS and laboratory parameters were found between on daily 15mg prednisone and on daily 7.5mg prednisone.Conclusions: A large proportion of outpatients on medium-to-low-dose glucocorticoids are with GIH. Post-lunch glucose or post-dinner glucose are good indicators, while fasting glucose is not. The similar glycemic effects of daily 15mg and 7.5mg prednisone provide evidence for physicians to choose long-term maintaining glucocorticoid dose.Clinical Research Registration: This research is registered at clinicaltrials.gov(No.NCT02824757) with the registry named The Effects of Glucocorticoids on Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease. The URL is https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02824757?term=NCT02824757&draw=2&rank=1.This research is registered at July 7th,2016, retrospectively.
Investigating how the accuracy of teacher expectations of pupil performance relate to socioeconomic and genetic factors
Authors: Barry Ciarrah-Jane , Davies Neil , Morris Tim
Published: September 2021

Teacher expectations of pupil ability can influence pupil’s educational progression, impacting subsequent streaming and exam level entry. Systematic errors in the accuracy of teacher expectations of pupil achievement may therefore have a lasting detrimental effect on a child’s education and life prospects. Associations between socioeconomic and demographic factors with teacher expectation accuracy have been previously investigated, but it is not known how expectation accuracy may relate to genetic factors. We investigated these relationships using data on nationally standardized exam results at ages 11 and 14 from a UK longitudinal cohort study. We found that teacher expectation of achievement was strongly correlated with subsequent achievement, that teacher expectation accuracy was patterned by pupil socioeconomic background but not teacher characteristics, and that teacher expectation accuracy related to pupil’s genetic liability to education. We find no strong evidence for heritability in teacher reporting accuracy, suggesting that the majority of variation in teacher expectation accuracy can be attributed to non-genetic factors.
Tailoring Dissemination of Evidence to Preferences of Tobacco Control Partners: Results From an Academic-community Partnership
Authors: Mckay Virginia , Vogel Mia , Combs Todd , Brossart Laura , Endrizal Amy , Andersen Stephanie , Poor Timothy , Mahoney Margaret , Luke Douglas
Published: September 2021

BackgroundTobacco control program leaders and their partners, who often present evidence to policymakers, can increase the use of evidence in program and policy development. However, up-to-date, evidence-based information from the scientific community about what works is slow to reach leaders. We describe efforts to understand and utilize tobacco control leaders’ preferences for receiving evidence and report on resulting dissemination strategies, translational products and outcomes.MethodsThis work is part of the Advancing Science and Practice in the Retail Environment (ASPiRE) Center, an interdisciplinary research center focused on understanding and evaluating tobacco retail policy. Participants were members of the ASPiRE Community Advisory Board (CAB), comprised of tobacco control leaders from 30 metropolitan areas representing all regions of the US plus nine representatives from leading national tobacco control organizations (N=39). During meetings in February 2019 and October 2020, all CAB members were invited to participate in live polls consisting of six survey questions each. Questions addressed preferences for receiving scientific evidence and their anticipated use of ASPiRE translational products. Responses were analyzed descriptively and informed translational product development and communications with ASPiRE contact list members (N»125). ASPiRE email and website interactions were tracked from March 2019 to May 2021 as a complementary indication of content use.ResultsResponse rates for 2019 and 2020 CAB meetings were 66% (n=26) and 59% (n=23), respectively. CAB members indicated preferences for email communication (33%) and webinars (31%), communications once per month (46%), and short-format documents (28%). In response, the team developed translational short-format products including case studies, fact sheets, and research briefs. On average, 52% (SD=14%) of recipients opened the newsletter and 17% (SD=9%) clicked a link within the newsletter. Overall, 95% of responding CAB members found the products useful and all responding CAB members reported using them to communicate evidence to policymakers, staff, and coalition members. ConclusionsOur successful dissemination approach to making evidence more accessible and useable for tobacco control leaders could be adapted by researchers working with community partners to assess and respond to stakeholders’ preferences for receiving evidence in other areas of health policy.
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and Add-on Bevacizumab in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Glioma
Authors: Furuse Motomasa , Kawabata Shinji , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Shiba Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Koji , Kondo Natsuko , Tanaka Hiroki , Sakurai Yoshinori , Suzuki Minoru , Ono Koji , Miyatake Shin-Ichi
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has shown excellent survival data but increases in radiation necrosis against recurrent malignant glioma (MG) in previous studies. We proposed that bevacizumab may reduce radiation injury from BNCT by re-irradiation. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of BNCT and add-on bevacizumab in patients with recurrent MG.Methods: Patients with recurrent MG were treated with reactor-based BNCT. Treatment with bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) was initiated 1–4 weeks after BNCT irradiation and was re-administered every 2–3 weeks until disease progression. Initially diagnosed glioblastomas were categorized as primary glioblastoma (pGBM) and other forms of MG were categorized as non-pGBM. Results: Twenty-five patients (14 with pGBM and 11 with non-pGBM) were treated with BNCT and add-on bevacizumab. The 1-year survival rate for pGBM and non-pGBM was 63.5% (95% CI, 33.1–83.0) and 81.8% (95%CI, 44.7–95.1), respectively. The median OS was 21.4 months (95% CI, 7.0–36.7) and 73.6 months (95% CI, 11.4–77.2) for pGBM and non-pGBM, respectively (p = 0.0428). The median PFS was 8.3 months (95%CI, 4.2–12.1) and 15.6 months (95% CI, 3.1–29.8) for pGBM and non-pGBM, respectively (p = 0.0207). Alopecia occurred in all patients. Six patients experienced adverse events ≥ grade 3.Conclusions: BNCT and add-on bevacizumab were found to provide both a long OS and a long PFS, compared to the previous studies of BNCT alone for recurrent MG. The add-on bevacizumab may reduce the detrimental effects of BNCT radiation, including pseudoprogression and radiation necrosis.
Seaside Petunia Susceptibility to Herbicides Used in Dry Bulb Onion
Authors: Schutte Brian J. , Rashid Abdur , Marquez Israel , Lehnhoff Erik A. , Beck Leslie L.
Published: September 2021

Seaside petunia (Calibrachoa parviflora) is a mat-forming plant species that was recently reported in fall-seeded onion (Allium cepa) in the southwestern United States. To initiate development of herbicide recommendations for seaside petunia in onion, we conducted a study to determine seaside petunia susceptibility to commonly used herbicides for broadleaf weed control after onion emergence. Our study included herbicides applied at below-label rates, which provided insights on seaside petunia responses to reductions in the amount of herbicide available for plant absorption. For herbicides with preemergence activity, our growth chamber study indicated that soil applications of flumioxazin or oxyfluorfen (0.06 and 0.25 lb/acre, respectively) prevented seaside petunia seedling emergence when applied at 0.125×, 0.25×, 0.5×, and 1.0× the labeled rates for onion. Labeled rate treatments of dimethenamid-P (0.84 lb/acre) and S-metolachlor (0.64 lb/acre) inhibited seedling emergence similar to labeled rate treatments of flumioxazin and oxyfluorfen; however, below-label rate treatments of dimethenamid-P and S-metolachlor resulted in diminished control of seaside petunia compared with the labeled rate treatments. Following labeled rate applications of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate [DCPA (6 lb/acre)] and pendimethalin (0.71 lb/acre), more than 50% of seaside petunia seedlings emerged compared with the nontreated control. For herbicides with postemergence activity on weeds, our greenhouse study indicated that bromoxynil at 0.37 lb/acre, flumioxazin at 0.06 lb/acre, and oxyfluorfen at 0.25 lb/acre equally reduced growth of seaside petunia plants that were small at the time of spraying (stem length, 1–2 cm). Postemergence control of seaside petunia with oxyfluorfen and flumioxazin decreased as plant size at spraying increased; however, bromoxynil effects on seaside petunia remained high as stem length at spraying increased from 5 to 12 cm. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that promising herbicide programs for seaside petunia in onion include oxyfluorfen or flumioxazin for preemergence control and bromoxynil for postemergence control. These herbicides, alone and in combination, should be evaluated for seaside petunia control and onion phytotoxicity in future field trials.
Mudanças de Hábitos e Rotinas nos Controles de Gestão Provocadas pelo Sped em um Grupo Empresarial do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Almeida Dalci Mendes , Gasparetto Valdirene , Schnorrenberger Darci
Published: September 2021

A pesquisa objetiva verificar as mudanças de hábitos e rotinas que ocorreram nos controles de gestão a partir da implantação do Sistema Público de Escrituração Digital (SPED), sob a abordagem institucional, em um grupo empresarial do sul do Brasil. O pressuposto teórico é de que as empresas para atenderem ao SPED tiveram que mudar seus hábitos e rotinas em termos de controles de gestão. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um estudo de caso, em um grupo empresarial formado por seis empresas.  O instrumento de pesquisa utilizado foi um roteiro de entrevista. Como coleta de dados utilizou-se a entrevista, análise documental e observação. Os achados apontaram que a implantação do SPED gerou necessidades de investimentos em recursos humanos e tecnológicos, trouxe benefícios, dificuldades e acarretou em mudanças nos controles de gestão em aspectos como eficiência, informações geradas, frequência de utilização, investimentos em tecnologia da informação e recursos humanos que os geram. A pesquisa contribuiu no sentido de evidenciar que o SPED exigiu maior organização, planejamento e controle das operações, o que permitiu proporcionar controles mais eficientes e que possam ser utilizados no processo de gestão de forma segura. Conclui-se, com base nas análises realizadas, que as mudanças de hábitos e rotinas nos controles de gestão, provocadas pelo SPED, resultaram na institucionalização de novas regras e rotinas nos moldes preconizados por Burns e Scapens (2000).
Yang-Baxter and the Boost: splitting the difference
Authors: de Leeuw Marius , Paletta Chiara , Pribytok Anton , Retore Ana L. , Ryan Paul
Published: September 2021

In this paper we continue our classification of regular solutions of
the Yang-Baxter equation using the method based on the spin chain boost
operator developed in [1]. We provide details on how to find all
non-difference form solutions and apply our method to spin chains with
local Hilbert space of dimensions two, three and four. We classify all
16\times1616×16
solutions which exhibit \mathfrak{su}(2)\oplus \mathfrak{su}(2)𝔰𝔲(2)⊕𝔰𝔲(2)
symmetry, which include the one-dimensional Hubbard model and the
SS-matrix
of the {AdS}_5 \times {S}^5AdS5×S5
superstring sigma model. In all cases we find interesting novel
solutions of the Yang-Baxter equation.
Софроније Опујић као вечити младожења: интертекстуалност у Последњој љубави у Цариграду Милорада Павића
Authors: Кличковић Татјана Н.
Published: September 2021

Овај рад се бави једним од кључних проблема романа Последња љубав у Цариграду Милорада Павића. То је проблем оклевања пред женидбом главног јунака, које је тесно повезано са компликованим односом према оцу. Значај мотива вечитог младожење у српској књижевности истицао је и сам аутор романа у једном свом небелетристичком тексту који се бави овом тематиком. Компаративним приступом овом роману уочава се, између осталих, интертекстуална релација између лика Софронија Опујића и лика Павла Исаковича из Друге књиге Сеоба Милоша Црњанског. Овом интертекстуалном релацијом објашњава се одлагање женидбе и специфичан однос према женама Павићевог лика. Интертекстуалним везама које се уочавају између Последње љубави у Цариграду и Мемоара Симеона Пишчевића, то објашњење се продубљује и проширује на проблематичан однос према оцу. Функционализацијом интертекстуалних веза кроз бављење проблема породичних односа у Последњој љубави Цариграду, овај рад смешта један од мање проучаваних Павићевих романа у шири контекст традиције српске књижевности.
Editorial
Authors: Maria de Araújo Marta
Published: September 2021

.
Drug Discovery and Target Identification against Schistosomiasis: A
Reality Check on Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Cheuka Peter Mubanga
Published: September 2021

:

Schistosomiasis ranks among the most important infectious diseases, with over 200
million people currently being infected and > 280,000 deaths reported annually. Chemotherapeutic
treatment has relied on one drug, praziquantel, for four decades, while other drugs, such as oxamniquine
and metrifonate, are no longer preferred for clinical use due to their narrow spectrum
of activity - these are only active against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Despite
being cheap, safe, and effective against all schistosome species, praziquantel is ineffective against
immature worms, which may lead to reinfections and treatment failure in endemic areas; a situation
that necessitates repeated administration besides other limitations. Therefore, novel drugs are
urgently needed to overcome this situation. In this paper, an up to date review of drug targets
identified and validated against schistosomiasis while also encompassing promising clinical and
preclinical candidate drugs is presented. While there are considerable efforts aimed at identifying
and validating drug targets, the pipeline for new antischistosomals is dry. Moreover, the majority
of compounds evaluated preclinically are not really advanced because most of them were evaluated
in very small preclinical species such as mice alone. Overall, it appears that although a lot of
research is going on at discovery phases, unfortunately, it does not translate to advanced preclinical
and clinical evaluation.
Aktivitas olahraga bulu tangkis dan respon perubahan asam urat darah usia produktif
Authors: Kinasih Angkit , Djara Ronaldo Lomi , Karwur Ferry Fredy
Published: September 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya respon perubahan pada kadar asam urat akibat aktivitas olahraga bulu tangkis.  Desain penelitian ini adalah quasi eksperimen. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak delapan responden dengan kriteria tertentu. Perlakukan aktivitas fisik dilakukan dua kali pada hari yang berbeda dengan 4 kali pengukuran kadar asam urat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah repeated measure analysis. Ketika subyek diukur berulang kali dengan jumlah yang sedikit per percobaan maka repeated measures analysis dapat digunakan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakukan olahraga bulu tangkis memberikan respon perubahan yang signifikan terhadap perubahan kadar asam urat dengan nilai probabilitas sebesar 0,038. Hasil ini diperoleh dengan menggunakan uji Greenhouse-Geisser dimana asumsi normalitas dan homogenitas telah terpenuhi. Pada hasil uji marginal menggunakan pairwise comparisons, terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada rata-rata kadar asam urat 15 menit setelah olahraga dan jam 09.00 hari berikutnya, dimana terjadi penurunan sebesar 1,169 mg/dl. Olahraga bulu tangkis dapat menurunkan kadar asam urat yang ditandai dengan adanya penurunan sebesar 0,15 mg/dl pada jam 09.00 hari berikutnya dibandingkan dengan sebelum olahraga. Secara marginal, penurunan ini tidak signifikan secara statistik, namun olahraga bulu tangkis yang rutin dapat menjadi salah satu pilihan aktifitas fisik bagi yang ingin menurunkan kadar asam urat.The sports activity of badminton and responses to changes in blood uric acid at productive ageAbstractThis study aims to determine whether there was a response to changes in uric acid levels due to the physical activity of badminton. The design of this study is a quasi-experimental. The sample used in this study was eight respondents with certain criteria. Treat physical activity twice on different days with 4 measurements of uric acid levels. The method of this study is repeated measure analysis. When subjects are measured repeatedly, requiring fewer subjects per experiment, then repeated measures analysis can be used. The results showed that the treatment of badminton had a significant effect on changes in uric acid levels with a probability value of 0,038. These results were obtained by using the Greenhouse-Geisser test where the assumptions of normality and homogeneity were satisfied. From the marginal test results using pairwise comparisons, there was a significant difference in the average uric acid levels at 15 minutes after exercise and 9 hours the following day, where there was a decrease of 1.169 mg/dl. Badminton can reduce uric acid levels, which is indicated by a decrease of 0.15 mg/dl at 09.00 the next day compared to before exercise. Marginally, this decrease is not statistically significant, but regular badminton can be an option for physical activity for those who want to reduce uric acid levels.
Social Semiotics of Gangstalking Evidence Videos on YouTube: Multimodal Discourse Analysis of a Novel Persecutory Belief System
Authors: Lustig Andrew , Brookes Gavin , Hunt Daniel
Published: September 2021

Background

Gangstalking refers to a novel persecutory belief system wherein sufferers believe that they are being followed, watched, and harassed by a vast network of people in their community who have been recruited as complicit perpetrators. They are frequently diagnosed as mentally ill, although they reject this formulation. Those affected by this belief system self-identify as targeted individuals (TIs). They seek to prove the veracity of their persecution and dispute the notion that they are mentally ill by posting videos online that purport to provide evidence of their claims.

Objective

The objective of the study was to characterize the multimodal social semiotic practices used in gangstalking evidence videos.

Methods

We assembled a group of 50 evidence videos posted on YouTube by self-identified TIs and performed a multimodal social semiotic discourse analysis using a grounded theory approach to data analysis.

Results

TIs accomplished several social and interpersonal tasks in the videos. They constructed their own identity as subjects of persecution and refuted the notion that they suffered from mental illness. They also cultivated positive ambient affiliation with viewers of the videos but manifested hostility toward people who appeared in the videos. They made extensive use of multimodal deixis to generate salience and construe the gangstalking belief system. The act of filming itself was a source of conflict and served as a self-fulfilling prophecy; filming was undertaken to neutrally record hostility directed toward video bloggers (vloggers). However, the act of filming precipitated the very behaviors that they set out to document. Finally, the act of filming was also regarded as an act of resistance and empowerment by vloggers.

Conclusions

These data provide insight into a novel persecutory belief system. Interpersonal concerns are important for people affected, and they construe others as either sympathetic or hostile. They create positive ambient affiliation with viewers. We found that vloggers use multimodal deixis to illustrate the salience of the belief system. The videos highlighted the Derridean concept of différance, wherein the meaning of polysemous signifiers is deferred without definitive resolution. This may be important in communicating with people and patients with persecutory belief systems. Clinicians may consider stepping away from the traditional true/false dichotomy endorsed by psychiatric classification systems and focus on the ambiguity in semiotic systems generally and in persecutory belief systems specifically.
Use of an Online Ultrasound Simulator to Teach Basic Psychomotor Skills to Medical Students During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown: Quality Control Study
Authors: Meuwly Jean-Yves , Mandralis Katerina , Tenisch Estelle , Gullo Giuseppe , Frossard Pierre , Morend Laura
Published: September 2021

Background

Teaching medical ultrasound has increased in popularity in medical schools with hands-on workshops as an essential part of teaching. However, the lockdown due to COVID-19 kept medical schools from conducting these workshops.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to describe an alternative method used by our medical school to allow our students to acquire the essential psychomotor skills to produce ultrasound images.

Methods

Our students took online ultrasound courses. Consequently, they had to practice ultrasound exercises on a virtual simulator, using the mouse of their computer to control a simulated transducer. Our team measured the precision reached at the completion of simulation exercises. Before and after completion of the courses and simulator’s exercises, students had to complete a questionnaire dedicated to psychomotor skills. A general evaluation questionnaire was also submitted.

Results

A total of 193 students returned the precourse questionnaire. A total of 184 performed all the simulator exercises and 181 answered the postcourse questionnaire. Of the 180 general evaluation questionnaires that were sent out, 136 (76%) were returned. The average precourse score was 4.23 (SD 2.14). After exercising, the average postcourse score was 6.36 (SD 1.82), with a significant improvement (P<.001). The postcourse score was related to the accuracy with which the simulator exercises were performed (Spearman rho 0.2664; P<.001). Nearly two-thirds (n=84, 62.6%) of the students said they enjoyed working on the simulator. A total of 79 (58.0%) students felt that they had achieved the course’s objective of reproducing ultrasound images. Inadequate connection speed had been a problem for 40.2% (n=54) of students.

Conclusions

The integration of an online simulator for the practical learning of ultrasound in remote learning situations has allowed for substantial acquisitions in the psychomotor field of ultrasound diagnosis. Despite the absence of workshops, the students were able to learn and practice how to handle an ultrasound probe to reproduce standard images. This study enhances the value of online programs in medical education, even for practical skills.
Empowering Dementia Carers With an iSupport Virtual Assistant (e-DiVA) in Asia-Pacific Regional Countries: Protocol for a Pilot Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Tran Kham , Esterman Adrian , Brijnath Bianca , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Schofield Penelope , Bhar Sunil , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Sinclair Ronald , Dang Thu Ha , Cullum Sarah , Turana Yuda , Hinton Ladson , Seeher Katrin , Andrade Andre Q , Crotty Maria , Kurrle Susan , Freel Stefanie , Pham Thang , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Brodaty Henry
Published: September 2021

Background

Dementia is a global public health priority with an estimated prevalence of 150 million by 2050, nearly two-thirds of whom will live in the Asia-Pacific region. Dementia creates significant care needs for people with the disease, their families, and carers. iSupport is a self-help platform developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide education, skills training, and support to dementia carers. It has been adapted in some contexts (Australia, India, the Netherlands, and Portugal). Carers using the existing adapted versions have identified the need to have a more user-friendly version that enables them to identify solutions for immediate problems quickly in real time. The iSupport virtual assistant (iSupport VA) is being developed to address this gap and will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Objective

This paper reports the protocol of a pilot RCT evaluating the iSupport VA.

Methods

Seven versions of iSupport VA will be evaluated in Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Vietnam in a pilot RCT. Feasibility, acceptability, intention to use, and preliminary impact on carer-perceived stress of the iSupport VA intervention will be assessed.

Results

This study was funded by the e-ASIA Joint Research Program in November 2020. From January to July 2023, we will enroll 140 dementia carers (20 carers per iSupport VA version) for the pilot RCT. The study has been approved by the Human Research Committee, University of South Australia, Australia (203455).

Conclusions

This protocol outlines how a technologically enhanced version of the WHO iSupport program—the iSupport VA—will be evaluated. The findings from this intervention study will provide evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of the iSupport VA intervention, which will be the basis for conducting a full RCT to assess the effectiveness of the iSupport VA. The study will be an important reference for countries planning to adapt and enhance the WHO iSupport program using digital health solutions.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001452886; https://tinyurl.com/afum5tjz

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/33572
Participatory Surveillance of COVID-19 in Lesotho via Weekly Calls: Protocol for Cell Phone Data Collection (Preprint)
Authors: Greenleaf Abigail R , Mwima Gerald , Lethoko Molibeli , Conkling Martha , Keefer George , Chang Christiana , McLeod Natasha , Maruyama Haruka , Chen Qixuan , Farley Shannon M , Low Andrea
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The increase in cell phone ownership in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) has created an opportunity for low-cost, rapid data collection by calling participants on their cell phones. Cell phones can be mobilized for a myriad of data collection purposes, including surveillance. In LMIC, cell phone–based surveillance has been used to track Ebola, measles, acute flaccid paralysis, and diarrheal disease, as well as noncommunicable diseases. Phone-based surveillance in LMIC is a particularly pertinent, burgeoning approach in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participatory surveillance via cell phone could allow governments to assess burden of disease and complements existing surveillance systems.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the protocol for the LeCellPHIA (Lesotho Cell Phone PHIA) project, a cell phone surveillance system that collects weekly population-based data on influenza-like illness (ILI) in Lesotho by calling a representative sample of a recent face-to-face survey.

METHODS

We established a phone-based surveillance system to collect ILI symptoms from approximately 1700 participants who had participated in a recent face-to-face survey in Lesotho, the Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) Survey. Of the 15,267 PHIA participants who were over 18 years old, 11,975 (78.44%) consented to future research and provided a valid phone number. We followed the PHIA sample design and included 342 primary sampling units from 10 districts. We randomly selected 5 households from each primary sampling unit that had an eligible participant and sampled 1 person per household. We oversampled the elderly, as they are more likely to be affected by COVID-19. A 3-day Zoom training was conducted in June 2020 to train LeCellPHIA interviewers.

RESULTS

The surveillance system launched July 1, 2020, beginning with a 2-week enrollment period followed by weekly calls that will continue until September 30, 2022. Of the 11,975 phone numbers that were in the sample frame, 3020 were sampled, and 1778 were enrolled.

CONCLUSIONS

The surveillance system will track COVID-19 in a resource-limited setting. The novel approach of a weekly cell phone–based surveillance system can be used to track other health outcomes, and this protocol provides information about how to implement such a system.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/31236
COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates eating disorder by social and intrafamilial isolations: importance of familial relationships (Preprint)
Authors: Katsumi Yoshiki , Kodo Kazuki , Goto Sachiko
Published: September 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic makes children and their parents psychologically stressed. We present a patient with an eating disorder (ED) that rapidly worsened due to stresses and isolations and that was improved by family meeting to reconstitute their relationships, during the pandemic.
Case presentation: A father found that his 9-year daughter rapidly lost her weight because of poor oral intake. Her weight had already stopped gaining before the pandemic and rapidly decreased to 22 kg during the pandemic. We diagnosed her as having an ED and administrated nasogastric tube feeding. We guessed that not only social isolations but a disruption of relationship between her and her parents, both of which occurred by the pandemic, also caused her ED. In a family meeting, she revealed that she felt anxious more during the pandemic. After the meeting, her parents rescheduled their works and have dinners together every night. She could eat sufficiently and weigh 31.8 kg.
Conclusions: ED children, whose symptoms worsened during the pandemic, are increased during the pandemic since they feel loneliness by social and intrafamilial isolations. Furthermore, the parents are also stressed during the pandemic. Children including those with ED experienced stress directly from the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and indirectly from their parents. Pediatricians should be concerned that children might experience great stress during and after the pandemic.
Bretton Woods: ¿Nos acercamos al final del fin?
Authors: Galbraith James K.
Published: September 2021

Este artículo destaca las principales tendencias históricas y políticas después del abandono del sistema monetario de Bretton Woods y cómo décadas de política económica neoliberal desmantelaron pieza por pieza la legislatura del New Deal y la cooperación internacional que durante décadas lograron limitar la desigualdad económica y las crisis financieras. También propone que el neoliberalismo global nunca pudo conquistar completamente el mundo, y cómo el ascenso de China puede presentar hoy un desafío a la hegemonía global del dólar.

 

 
De Bretton Woods y Keynes a las crisis del siglo XXI: ¿hay piloto a bordo?
Authors: Ülgen Faruk
Published: September 2021

El sistema monetario y financiero internacional de Bretton Woods gobernó la economía mundial durante más de dos décadas y dejó un legado de instituciones y prácticas que todavía se utilizan ampliamente en las relaciones internacionales. Después del fin de los acuerdos de tipo de cambio fijo anclados en la convertibilidad del dólar en oro en 1971, el mundo comenzó a experimentar repetidas crisis monetarias y financieras de mucha mayor magnitud y duración que las experimentadas en las dos décadas posteriores a la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Además, con cada nueva crisis de magnitud mundial, se hizo costumbre una nueva coordinación/cooperación internacional y, desde finales de la década de 1990, de un nuevo Bretton Woods. Este artículo ofrece una revisión sintética de la evolución del sistema monetario y financiero internacional a la luz de los objetivos del Plan Keynes, cuyos aspectos revolucionarios habían sido descartados en Bretton Woods. Se sostiene que este plan contiene al menos las semillas de un esquema de coordinación internacional que podría ofrecer vías de reforma para fortalecer la estabilidad del sistema monetario y financiero que constituye el corazón de las economías capitalistas.

 
La estética de la escucha: diálogos sensoriales, lúdicos y poéticos con la ciudad
Authors: Apolonio Laura , Garrido-Román Mar
Published: September 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es revindicar el potencial creativo de la escucha como experiencia estética y herramienta artística. Al partir de consideraciones sobre el urbanismo sensorial, la semiótica y la poética de la ciudad, iremos profundizando nuestra investigación en la fenomenología de la escucha, analizaremos el soundwalking (paseo sonoro) desde sus orígenes hasta algunos de los ejemplos más sugerentes de artistas contemporáneos, mostraremos cómo la escucha, unida al paseo, constituye una potente herramienta capaz de ampliar y transformar nuestra percepción del mundo. Por último, presentaremos nuestro proyecto de Cartografías sonoras de Granada, una creación de paseos sonoros por la ciudad para invitar a los caminantes a descubrir una nueva dimensión estética que abre la conciencia a un mundo sugerente, frágil y efímero, siempre presente, aunque a menudo invisibilizado por la vida apresurada en su afán productivo.
(Auto)biografía de un fracaso: el pintor-funcionario Adolfo Moreno Sanjuán a través de sus memorias
Authors: Allepuz García Pablo
Published: September 2021

Adolfo Moreno Sanjuán (1888-1965) completó su formación en la Escuela Especial de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado de Madrid, pero recién egresado aceptó un puesto administrativo en el Ministerio de Fomento. En adelante su trabajo creativo quedaría limitado a un par de admisiones en las Exposiciones Nacionales, el consuelo insuficiente de los Salones de Otoño y la participación esporádica en eventos menores. El cotejo de sus memorias inéditas con diversas fuentes de archivo y hemeroteca, por una parte, permite reconstruir su larga trayectoria y completar la imagen que tenemos sobre el sistema del arte del momento, pues ofrece una perspectiva frecuentemente escamoteada por los relatos hegemónicos. Por otra parte, dentro del contexto específico de la autobiografía de artista, el análisis de los discursos desplegados en su texto permite problematizar este tipo de egodocumento y proponer un contramodelo de representación tanto identitario como historiográfico.
Las Bienales Interamericanas de México y la Guerra Fría en el hemisferio
Authors: Martínez Rodríguez Fabiola
Published: September 2021

In 1957 the Mexican government decided to embark on the organization of high profile Interamerican biennials. Although successful in convening a broad representation of countries in the continent, only two biennials successfully opened in 1958 and 1960. By situating these exhibitions, together with the Sao Paulo Biennials and the Bienales Hispanoamericanas in the complex geopolitics created by the Iron Curtain, this essay analyses the role that Mexico’s Biennials played in the hemisphere’s Cultural Cold War. In an effort to challenge US economic and cultural hegemony in the continent, the Interamerican Biennials became one of the last battlefields for Mexico’s famed revolutionary artists, and ultimately an important, if largely neglected, chapter in the history of Latin America’s Cold War.
¿Qué es la ópera? Una tipología general de ideas filosóficas
Authors: Martín Sáez Daniel
Published: September 2021

Desde su nacimiento a finales del siglo XVI, se han escrito muchas teorías sobre la ópera desde una perspectiva histórica, poética, musicológica, estética, política, entre otras. Sin embargo, no ha existido ningún intento sistemático por organizar estas teorías y plantear la pregunta fundamental: ¿qué es la ópera? Se mostrará que el término “ópera” responde a una idea filosófica, que desborda a cualquier disciplina positiva. De hecho, no existe una idea de ópera, sino varias, algunas de ellas contradictorias entre sí. En este artículo presento una tipología de ideas con base en tres criterios lógicos, que he obtenido tras analizar los propios materiales: la distinción sujeto/objeto, la distinción sincrónico/diacrónico y la distinción singular/plural. Esto ya enseña mucho sobre nuestra forma de entender la ópera, pero también nos obliga a preguntarnos si estas ideas son adecuadas para comprender el género
Intervenciones del arquitecto Francisco Ferriol en Alcañices (Zamora) a principios del siglo xx
Authors: Hernández Luis José Luis
Published: September 2021

La arquitectura ha sido utilizada a lo largo de la historia como herra-mienta de representación del poder político, económico y social. En muchos casos recurriendo a destacados profesionales. El azaroso proceso de gestación de varios inmuebles diseñados a principios del siglo XX en Alcañices (Zamora) por Francisco Ferriol, introductor del modernismo en la provincia, muestra las dificultades de la administración pública española para dotarse de unas infraestructuras dignas, que repercutiesen en una imagen moderna, atractiva y respetable. Al mismo tiempo, la investigación pone de relieve la utilización de la vivienda burguesa como elemento de diferenciación social, mediante la implantación de una arquitectura moderna y urbana en un contexto rural tradicional.
Estimation of Parameters of Pert Distribution by Using Method of Moments
Authors: Rao K. Srinivasa
Published: September 2021

Abstract: The method of moments has been widely used for estimating the parameters of a distribution. Usually lower order moments are wont to find the parameter estimates as they're known to possess less sampling variability. The method of moments may be a technique for estimating the parameters of a statistical model. It works by finding values of the parameters that end in a match between the sample moments and therefore the population moments (as implied by the model). the Method of moment Estimator is used to find out Estimates the parameters of PERT Distribution. We also compare equispaced and unequispaced Optimally Constructed Grouped data by the method of an Asymptotically Relative Efficiency. We also computed Average Estimate (AE), Variance (VAR), Standard Deviation (STD), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Square Error (MSE), Simulated Error (SE) and Relative Absolute Bias (RAB) for both the parameters under grouped sample supported 1000 simulations to assess the performance of the estimators. Keywords: Method of Moments, PERT Distribution, equispaced and unequipped Optimal Grouped sample
Estimasi Pertumbuhan Penduduk Di Kabupaten Tasikmalaya Menggunakan Metode Regresi Linear Berganda
Authors: Sri Mulyani Evi Dewi , Sahrin Algi Muhamad , Pratama Dea Rizki , Puspitasari Dinda Regina , Pamungkas Eka Suparman , Rahman Luthfi Fauzi , Ali Mufti
Published: September 2021

Estimasi merupakan salah satu cara unutk menentukan jumlah data dalam waktu terntentu. Dalam sehari – hari estimasi digunakan untuk menghitung perkiraan waktu ataupun memperkiraan pertumbuhan data. Pertumbuhan penduduk yang semakin meningkat dari tahun ketahun secara tidak langsung mengakibatkan jumlah lowongan kerja semakin sedikit, Oleh karena itu kami memilih estimasi untuk menghitung laju pertumbuhan penduduk beserta pengangguran di kabupaten tasikmalaya untuk membantu pemerintah dalam menyiapkan program mendatang seperti membuat pelatihan sumber daya manusia agar penduduk dikabupaten tasikmalaya menjadi penduduk yang mandiri. Dalam penelitian ini Kami menggunakan metode Regresi Linear Berganda. Hasil yang di peroleh adalah banyakanya jumlah pengangguran pada tahun  2018 yang mencapai 62352 orang, Maka dari itu estimasi menggunakan metode regresi linear berganda dapat dijadikan referensi dalam melakukan perhitungan jumlah pengangguran di Tasikmalaya.
Association between Protein Kinase C â€“B Isoform Level and Insulin Resistance in Pathogenesis of Iraqi Patients with Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Complications
Authors: Al-Maiyaly Zahraa Abdul Adheem , Al-Tuâ€™ma Fadhil Jawad , Al-Tuâ€™ma Amir F.
Published: September 2021

Objective:  The aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between serum PKC-B isoform activity levels and various biomarkers such as insulin resistance in sera of Iraqi patients with diabetic nephropathy complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 100 samples obtained from Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al-Hussein Medical City, Kerbala Health Directorates / Kerbala â€“ Iraq during Nov., 2019 to Sep. 2020. Thirty patients have type 2 diabetic nephropathy, 40 patients with type 2 diabetic without nephropathy and 30 samples as apparently healthy control. Biochemical data, comprising serum PKC-B level, lipid profile, blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR  and renal function tests such as urea, creatinine and GFR were investigated.
Results: The study included 63% male and 37% female. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in blood glucose, HbA1c%, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), urea, creatinine, GFR and PKC-B between diabetic nephropathy and non-diabetic nephropathy groups (P-value <0.05). Serum PKC-B activity was significantly correlated with blood glucose, HOMA-IR, creatinine and GFR among diabetic nephropathy group, while, HbA1c% and blood glucose was positively correlated with PKC-B level in non-diabetic nephropathy  group.
Conclusion: The observed data conclude that PKC-B level is higher in patients with diabetic nephropathy complication as compared with T2DM and healthy control. Also there is a significant correlation between PKC-B level and renal function tests in DN group which indicate an important role of PKC-B level in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy complications.
Epidemiology of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria among diabetic patients in Tikrit City, Iraq
Authors: Al-Khashmani Ahmed Juwameer Khairo , Salman Abid Ahmed , Raad Alaa Zanzal
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to show the Epidemiology of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria  among diabetic patients in Tikrit City, Iraq.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Tikrit city among diabetic and non-diabetic patients from General Salahalddin Hospital and from outpatient clinics. This study conduct 270 persons, including 155 diabetes sufferers and 115 non-diabetics. Consented subjects had their mid-stream urine collected, and each sample was examined using microscopy and culture techniques. Standard microbiological assays to determine the presence of pus cells and bacteria in urine were used to identify isolates.
Results: Asymptomatic Bacteriuria  (ASB) was found in 21.5 % of subjects, with diabetics having 26.4 % and non-diabetics having 14.8 %.  ASB is higher in the age group above 51 years 29 (50%),  Females 51 (88%) demonstrated a higher prevalence than males 7(12%) in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common bacterium isolated from urine in both diabetics and non-diabetics (22.4 %). Other bacterium isolates included  E. coli (19%) , Enterococcus fecalis (13.7%), Klebsiella pneumonia (12%), and Enterobacter sp (12%), Staph aureus (10.3%), Staph saprophyticus (6.8%), Pseudomonas aerogenosa (3.4%). The most of isolated microorganisms were resistance to gentamycin, trimethoprim and cefotrixone.  Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most sensitive  to uropathogens caused by bacteria .
Conclusion: Diabetic sufferers had a higher prevalence of ASB (26.4%) than non-diabetics, according to the study (14.8 %). The majority of ASB was caused by Staphylococcus sp, indicating a shift in the aetiologic spectrum. The majority of isolates demonstrated multiple resistance in both diabetics and non-diabetics, indicating the necessity to increase antibiotic sensitization in Tikrit.