bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L2 learning online: Self-directed learning and gender influence in Indonesian university students
Authors: Subekti Adaninggar Septi
Published: January 2022

The present study was conducted to investigate Indonesian second language (L2) learners’ Self-Directed Learning (SDL) in English during the online classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to investigate whether there was a significant difference in SDL between female and male learners. As online learning is implemented nationwide in Indonesia due to the pandemic, it becomes paramount to investigate learners’ SDL, considered very critical in online learning settings where teachers' ability to check learners' progress is not as extensive as it is in the face-to-face mode of instruction. The participants of the study were 187 undergraduate students taking English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes. Through the data obtained from the online questionnaire, the study found that learners, in general, reported a high level of SDL even though many of them still embraced procrastination behaviours and considered the pragmatic need to pass the EAP class more important than the actual L2 learning. It also found that there was no significant difference between female learners’ SDL and that of male learners. Based on the findings and analysis of the possible factors, possible contributions of the study are presented along with the possible limitations and suggested directions for future research in the field.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Learners, in general, reported a high level of SDL.

Despite that, many of them still embraced procrastination behaviours and considered the pragmatic need to pass the English for Academic Purposes class more important than the actual L2 learning.
Digital fundus image quality assessment
Authors: Starovoitov V. V. , Golub Y. I. , Lukashevich M. M.
Published: January 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a disease caused by complications of diabetes. It starts asymptomatically and can end in blindness. To detect it, doctors use special fundus cameras that allow them to register images of the retina in the visible range of the spectrum. On these images one can see features, which determine the presence of DR and its grade. Researchers around the world are developing systems for the automated analysis of fundus images. At present, the level of accuracy of classification of diseases caused by DR by systems based on machine learning is comparable to the level of qualified medical doctors.

The article shows variants for representation of the retina in digital images by different cameras. We define the task to develop a universal approach for the image quality assessment of a retinal image obtained by an arbitrary fundus camera. It is solved in the first block of any automated retinal image analysis system. The quality assessment procedure is carried out in several stages. At the first stage, it is necessary to perform binarization of the original image and build a retinal mask. Such a mask is individual for each image, even among the images recorded by one camera. For this, a new universal retinal image binarization algorithm is proposed. By analyzing result of the binarization, it is possible to identify and remove imagesoutliers, which show not the retina, but other objects. Further, the problem of no-reference image quality assessment is solved and images are classified into two classes: satisfactory and unsatisfactory for analysis. Contrast, sharpness and possibility of segmentation of the vascular system on the retinal image are evaluated step by step. It is shown that the problem of no-reference image quality assessment of an arbitrary fundus image can be solved.

Experiments were performed on a variety of images from the available retinal image databases.
Inequality Kills: The unparalleled action needed to combat unprecedented inequality in the wake of COVID-19
Authors: Ahmed Nabil , Marriott Anna , Dabi Nafkote , Lowthers Megan , Lawson Max , Mugehera Leah
Published: January 2022

The wealth of the  world’s 10 richest men has doubled since the pandemic began. The incomes of 99% of humanity are worse off because of COVID-19. Widening economic, gender, and racial inequalities—as well as the inequality that exists between countries—are tearing our world apart. This is not by chance, but choice: “economic violence” is perpetrated when structural policy choices are made for the richest and most powerful people. This causes direct harm to us all, and to the poorest people, women and girls, and racialized groups most. Inequality contributes to the death of at least one person every four seconds. But we can radically redesign our economies to be centered on equality. We can claw back extreme wealth through progressive taxation; invest in powerful, proven inequality-busting public measures; and boldly shift power in the economy and society. If we are courageous, and listen to the movements demanding change, we can create an economy in which nobody lives in poverty, nor with unimaginable billionaire wealth—in which inequality no longer kills.
Cost-effective Network Disintegration through Targeted Enumeration
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Deng Ye , Holme Petter , Di Zengru , Lu Linyuan , Wu Jun
Published: January 2022

We live in a hyperconnected world---connectivity that can sometimes be detrimental. Finding an optimal subset of nodes or links to disintegrate harmful networks is a fundamental problem in network science, with potential applications to anti-terrorism, epidemic control, and many other fields of study. The challenge of the network disintegration problem is to balance the effectiveness and efficiency of strategies. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective targeted enumeration method for network disintegration. The proposed approach includes two stages: searching candidate objects and identifying an optimal solution. In the first stage, we use rank aggregation to generate a comprehensive node importance ranking, upon which we identify a small-scale candidate set of nodes to remove. In the second stage, we use an enumeration method to find an optimal combination among the candidate nodes. Extensive experimental results on synthetic and real-world networks demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a satisfying trade-off between effectiveness and efficiency. The introduced two-stage targeted enumeration framework can also be applied to other computationally intractable combinational optimization problems, from team assembly, via portfolio investment, to drug design.
Erosion Analysis for the Carcass of Unbonded Flexible Pipes
Authors: Yu Jianxing , Li Haoda , Yu Yang , Liu Xin , Xu Weipeng , Liu Pengfei , Sun Ruoke
Published: January 2022

At present, unbonded flexible pipes (UFPs) are widely used in ocean engineering for oil exploitation. In practice, erosion will lead to premature failure of pipelines. There is a lack of researches on the erosion of interlock carcass of UFPs. As the authority in the field of offshore engineering, DET NORSKE VERITAS(DNV) suggested a way to estimate the erosion rate of pipes, however, it does not study the erosion mechanism of UFPs in detail and the relevant parameters are not specified. This paper modifies erosion prediction of UFPs based on a user defined Fortran subroutine. A series of CFD simulations have been conducted, and three widely used erosion models were used for comparative verification. The effect of geometric shape on erosion rate has been carefully studied. and the effect of velocity, particle size, and concentration are also studied to verify the reliability of the improved model.
WITHDRAWN: Floristic Composition, Diversity and Plant Community Along Elevational Gradients in the Afro-alpine Vegetation of Abohoy Gara Mountain, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Tahir Muhidin , Egzabher Yemane G. , Yonas Meheretu , Giday Kidane , Lemma Hayal , Kidane Leul
Published: January 2022

This research was conducted in Afro-alpine vegetation of Abohoy Gara Mountain in northern Ethiopia with the aim of analyzing floristic composition along elevational gradients, threats and conservation methods. Data were collected from 53 quadrats (15 m x 15 m) laid at 100 m interval along parallel vertical transects spaced at 500m to each other to record shrubs and trees, whereas 1 m x 1 m plots were used to record herbs. Cover abundance data were used to do community analysis using R version 3.1.2 software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to determine significant level of species richness; abundance and Shannon diversity index along elevational gradient, whereas pearson’s correlation test was applied to check the relationship between environmental variables with species richness, species abundance and Shannon diversity index (H’) using SPSS v20. Ninety-seven plant species composed of 82 genera under 40 families were recorded. The mean number of plant species showed significant difference along elevational gradient (P < 0.05). Besides, significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation of elevation with the plant richness, abundance as well as Shannon diversity index had been observed. Based on dominant species, a total of five plant communities were identified. The maximum plant diversity occurred in community type III (3.79), whereas the least plant diversity occurred in community type IV and community type V. Vegetation cover and species composition of Abohoy Gara Mountain is being endangered by agricultural expansion, over grazing and logging of wood for construction material. Hence, it needs application of complementary on-site and offsite conservation approaches. This calls for further joint management of the Abohoy Gara Mountain by the local people and administrative bodies in the overall conservation actions that can save and rehabilitate the plant resources and their habitats.
An Electrical Stimulation Method to Control Deep Muscle Contraction using Surface Electrodes
Authors: Ohara Hiroki , Hasegawa Shoichi
Published: January 2022

Conventional EMS technology cannot stimulate deep muscles to induce muscle contraction using surface electrodes. Several treatments use electrical stimulation for various neurological conditions, including stroke and spinal cord injury. One such treatment is functional electrical stimulation (FES), a form of rehabilitation in which electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is provided while the muscles are being moved. Here, we show whether two interfering electrical stimulation pulses could stimulate the deep muscles of the forearm to control muscle contraction. The results showed that the strongest torques were generated across the subjects when the reference frequency was mid-frequency (4,000 Hz) and the beat frequencies were low (20 Hz, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz and 320 Hz). This study is the first counterexample to demonstrate that it is possible to control muscle contraction in the deep muscles of the forearm using surface electrodes, which was previously thought to be impossible.
Evaluating Climate Change Impact of Rainfed Maize Production Yield in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Disasa Kinde Negessa , Yan Haofang
Published: January 2022

A developing country like Ethiopia suffers a lot from the effects of climate change due to its limited economic capability to build irrigation projects to combat climate change's impact on crop production. This study evaluates climate change's impact on rainfed maize production in the Southern part of Ethiopia. AquaCrop, developed by FAO that simulates the crop yield response to water deficit conditions, is employed to assess potential rainfed maize production in the study area with and without climate change. The Stochastic weather generators model LARS-WG of the latest version is used to simulate local-scale level climate variables based on low-resolution GCM outputs. The expected monthly percentage change of rainfall during these two-time horizons (2040 and 2060) ranges from -23.18 to 20.23% and -14.8 to 36.66 respectively. Moreover, the monthly mean of the minimum and maximum temperature are estimated to increase in the range of 1.296 0C to 2.192 0C and 0.98 0C to 1.84 0C for the first time horizon (2031-2050) and from 1.860C to 3.40C and 1.560C to 3.180C in the second time horizon (2051-2070), respectively. Maize yields are expected to increase with the range of 4.13–7% and 6.36–9.32% for the respective time horizon in the study area provided that all other parameters were kept the same. In conclusion, the study results suggest that rainfed maize yield responds positively to climate change if all field management, soil fertility, and crop variety improve were kept the same to baseline; but since there is intermodal rainfall variability among the seasons planting date should be scheduled well to combat water stress on crops. The authors believe that this study is very likely important for regional development agents (DA) and policymakers to cope up with the climate change phenomenon and take some mitigation and adaptation strategies.
What's the 'Big' Deal with Shared Micromobility? Evolution, Curb Policy, and Potential Developments in North America
Authors: Shaheen Susan , Cohen Adam , Broader Jacquelyn
Published: January 2022

Shared micromobility – or short-term access to shared bikes and scooters – provides a flexible alternative for households living in urban areas, individuals seeking first- and last-mile connections to public transportation, and those without access to a private vehicle trying
to reach jobs and essential services. In this paper, the authors discuss the history, growth, and evolution of bike and scooter sharing in North America; summarize the demographics and impacts of shared micromobility; and explore shared micromobility policies and practices for managing devices
and operations such as: device caps, service area limitations, designated parking areas, fees, equipment/operational requirements, and enforcement. In the future, enhancements in device automation, battery range, charging times, and weight are likely to contribute to the evolution and development
of additional devices and service models, which could allow improved range and e-hail for shared micromobility devices.
Anti-Zika Virus Effects, Placenta Protection and Chemical Composition of Passiflora edulis Seeds Ethanolic Extract
Authors: Xavier Jadriane , Santos Jaqueline , Vila Nova Monique , Gonçalves Camilla , Borbely Karen , Pires Keyla , dos Santos Flávia , Valentim Iara , Barbosa Júnia , da Silva Felipe , Santos Josué , Pinho Danielle , Lopes Norberto , Borbely Alexandre , Goulart Marília
Published: January 2022

Various beneficial biological activities have been reported for passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), grown in tropical and subtropical regions. However, no study has yet demonstrated its action against the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-ZIKV of the ethanolic passion fruit seed extract (PFSE), from which, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis allowed to putatively annotate the occurrence of piceatannol, astringin, scirpusin A, scirpusin B, isookanin-7-O-glucoside and naringenin-7-O-glucoside, two quadranguloside derivatives, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. PFSE is well tolerated by cell lines (Vero E6 and HTR-8/SVneo) and tissue explants from the human placenta. With 1- and 24-h treatments, PFSE consistently reduced the viral load and NS1 protein expression of the two strains of ZIKV (MR766 and PE243) in placental explants and cell lines. Thus, PFSE has a promising potential for developing anti-ZIKV treatments, protecting the placenta against infection caused by ZIKV, along with relevant antioxidant potential, represented by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 390.5 Trolox eq per g dry extract and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) of 12.1 μg mL–1, and more than 90% protection from lipid peroxidation. Although further studies need to be conducted, PFSE treatment was safe and effective in trophoblast cells and placental explants, thus representing a promising class of all-accessible products based on the reuse of industrial by-products.
Phytoplankton Communities and Cyanotoxin Production in Some Bulgarian Lowland Lakes and Reservoirs
Authors: Belkinova Detelina , Teneva Ivanka , Kazakov Stefan , Stamenova Silvia
Published: January 2022

One of the most evident consequences of eutrophication of waters is the progressive spreading of persistent cyanobacterial blooms. They are often accompanied by the production of cyanotoxins in concentrations, which are hazardous for human health. In this research, we analysed phytoplankton communities in four lowland water bodies, for the presence of cyanobacterial blooms and toxin production. The cyanobacterial biovolumes we found, determine three of the lowland water bodies: Onogur Reservoir (OR), Asparuhov Val Reservoir (AVR), and Srebarna Lake (SL) as “Alert Level 1” of potentially hazardous levels of cyanotoxins. Cyanobacterial biovolume exceeds the threshold value of 8 mm3 L-1 (recreational waters) in AVR and SL at the end of the summer period. In OR, we registered sustainable bloom of Microcystis spp. during the whole summer season, and extremely high average seasonal value of the total biovolume (146.5 mm3 L-1). Micro-cystins were reported in all four analysed water bodies, with the highest concentration in OR (6 µg L-1). Cylindrospermopsin was detected in AVR and OR, while saxitoxins were in AVR and SL. The concentrations of cyanotoxins do not exceed the guideline values in recreational waters. However, the increased biovolumes of cyanobacteria are a signal that in three of the analysed water bodies, monitoring is recommended at the levels of cyanotoxins during the summer period.
Ezetimibe Prevents IL-1β-induced Inflammatory Reaction in Mouse Chondrocytes via Modulating NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Crosstalk
Authors: Zhang Yong , Luo Jianning , Weng Qiuyan , Hu Tongzhou , Shen Xiaohan , Han Jinming
Published: January 2022

Background:

Osteoarthritis is a type of age-related, chronic, and degenerative joint disease. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, is widely used for the treatment of various diseases. However, the role of ezetimibe in osteoarthritis remains unclear.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammation effect of ezetimibe on mouse chondrocytes.

Method:

In the present study, ELISA, qPCR and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ezetimibe. In addition, enzymes that are highly associated with the anabolism and catabolism of the extracellular matrix of the articular cartilage were also evaluated.

Results:

Treatment with ezetimibe attenuated the IL-1β-induced degradation of the extracellular matrix, including aggrecan and collagen II. Ezetimibe also attenuated the IL-1β-induced expression levels of MMP3, MMP13 and ADAMTS5, thus exerting protective effects against IL-1β- induced extracellular matrix degradation. The complex mechanism of the anti-inflammatory reaction contributed to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the suppression of the NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion:

On the whole, the present study demonstrates that ezetimibe may be a promising agent for further osteoarthritis therapy.
Thymoquinone: A Review on its Pharmacological Importance, and its Association with Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy
Authors: Taysi Seyithan , Algburi Firas Shawqi , Mohammed Zaid Rakan , Ali Omeed Akbar , Taysi Muhammed Enes
Published: January 2022

Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems, such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine protease 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer antiproliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for treatment of other diseases.
Recent Advancement and Novel Application of Organocatalyzed Aldol
Condensation Reactions: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Verma Ajay Kumar , Kishor Braj Nandan , Prakash Om
Published: January 2022

Background:

Aldol reactions play an important role in the development of organic synthesis-
owing to their critical importance for the conjugation of carbon-carbon bonds while concurrently,
one or two chiral centers are reported. In the modern scenario, the Aldol condensation reaction
has arisen as perhaps the most significant reaction for the formation of novel medicinal agents,
revealing promising pharmacological activities.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to present newer synthetic approaches through Aldol condensation
reaction for the synthesis of diverse scaffolds to explore the numerous remarkable biological
activities.

Methods:

Aldol condensation concerns the nucleophilic addition reaction of a ketone enolate to an
aldehyde to form aldol or β- hydroxy ketone. Occasionally, the aldol addition product losing water
molecule yields an α, β-unsaturated ketone.

Results:

Results showed that peptides of amino acids are utilized as chiral catalysts. As of now, the
arrangement of catalysts is intensely one-sided towards proline

Conclusion:

The present study thus provides useful insight concerning the promising coherent way
for the synthesis of prolinamide analogue of proline, through a direct asymmetric aldol condensation
reaction. Thus, the current study summarizes various Aldol condensation reactions for the synthesis
of novel agents as well as their promising pharmacological importance.
Forms of community participation in preserving local wisdom in the traditional ceremony of bersih desa
Authors: Permatasari Rizky , Saddhono Kundharu , Wardani Nugraheni Eko
Published: January 2022

Society has an essential role in the implementation and development of a tradition in its environment. The traditional ceremony of Bersih Desa in Kedungbendo Village is one of the traditions still carried out today. The community also plays a role in the implementation of the traditional ceremony of Bersih Desa in Kedungbendo Village. This study used the descriptive qualitative method. The sources of data in this study came from informants, places, events, and documents. The data was collected by using interviews, direct observation, and documents. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that the reason people still carry out the tradition of Bersih Desa is that it belongs as a legacy from their ancestors. Since it is a legacy, its existence must be preserved. The traditional ceremony of Bersih Desa is also used as a medium between humans to express gratitude to God for the blessings and redemption given. The traditional ceremony of Bersih Desa is also carried out with the purpose and hope that the village community's life will be much better with the blessings received so that nothing terrible happens to the village community.
La ciencia de la información y su objeto de estudio: problemas históricos y conceptuales
Authors: Saraiva Ignacio
Published: January 2022

A historical review of information science in the second half of the 20thcentury is carried out. It is identified that, historically, there has been an attempt to specify what is its objectof study. The objective is to make explicit that it has been accepted as valid to determine an object for the discipline as an essential element for its scientificity. A bibliographic analysis is carried out, which allows us to examine the history of the discipline and study various theoretical contributions. It is observed that several of the discussions respond to the need to establish limits with respect to the different areas. The characteristics of Thomas Kuhn's philosophy are exposed, which offer another perspective regarding disciplinary consolidation which do not refer to the search for an object of study. It is concluded that the search for an object of study does not contribute or impact on the improvement of its scientific claims.
O Facebook como instrumento de comunicação das Universidades públicas em Portugal
Authors: Gomes Sofia Manuela de Sousa dos Santos
Published: January 2022

Portuguese public universities (UPP) use Facebook to communicate with their target audience.Firstly, we identified which UPP getFacebook and how they position themselves in terms of likes, comments and shares. In the analysis of the use of this tool, the frequency in number of posts andthe type of information conveyed were examined and we tried to identifythe extent related to the use of hashtags, inclusion of photography and/or video. The results obtained revealed that UPP use Facebook to communicate, however they position themselves in different ways on the network. There is a lot of work to be done iftheychoose to bet on Facebook as theirprimary communication tool. The posts are mostly short texts with images proving concern inmaking communication more humane with successful posts. They make use of news from external media to promote themselves and the use of hastags and videos in the posts is not observed.
SOCIALIZATION, LITERACY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SHARIA BANKING PRODUCTS
Authors: Fitria Mustapita Arini
Published: January 2022

The banking world is currently experiencing rapid growth, new banks have emerged such as Islamic banks, so it is inevitable that a competitive and tight banking business will emerge. This service activity is expected to provide provisions for the participants to improve the Islamic economy. Understanding Islamic banking products will provide benefits for them in terms of the Islamic economy. The systematics of the implementation of this service activity is Socialization, Literacy and Implementation with the assisted subjects who are partners of this community service activity are Karang Taruna and Dinoyo Residents in Lowokwaru District, Malang City. The activity is carried out in three stages: problem identification, activity implementation, and implementation evaluation. The result of the implementation of this activity was that the participants expressed their gratitude to us for being allowed to take part in the Islamic banking literacy and socialization activities so that they could open their minds who had so far felt that conventional banks and Islamic banks were the same. This shows that the literacy and socialization of Islamic banking in society are still not active enough, so activities like this should be carried out more frequently.
A meshless local Galerkin integral equation method for solving a type of Darboux problems based on the radial basis functions
Authors: Assari Pouria , Asadi-Mehregan Fatemeh , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: January 2022

The main goal of this paper is to solve a class of Darboux problems by converting them into the two-dimensional nonlinear Volterra integral equation of the second kind. The scheme approximates the solution of these integral equations using the discrete Galerkin method together with local radial basis functions, which use a small set of data instead of all points in the solution domain. We also employ the Gauss–Legendre integration rule on the influence domains of shape functions to compute the local integrals appearing in the method. Since the scheme is constructed on a set of scattered points and does not require any background meshes, it is meshless. The error bound and the convergence rate of the presented method are provided. Some illustrative examples are included to show the validity and efficiency of the new technique. Furthermore, the results obtained demonstrate that this method uses much less computer memory than the method established using global radial basis functions.
doi:10.1017/S1446181121000377
Numerical solutions to a fractional diffusion equation used in modelling dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Maldon Benjamin J. , Lamichhane Bishnu , Thamwattana Ngamta
Published: January 2022

Dye-sensitized solar cells consistently provide a cost-effective avenue for sources of renewable energy, primarily due to their unique utilization of nanoporous semiconductors. Through mathematical modelling, we are able to uncover insights into electron transport to optimize the operating efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells. In particular, fractional diffusion equations create a link between electron density and porosity of the nanoporous semiconductors. We numerically solve a fractional diffusion model using a finite-difference method and a finite-element method to discretize space and an implicit finite-difference method to discretize time. Finally, we calculate the accuracy of each method by evaluating the numerical errors under grid refinement.
doi:10.1017/S1446181121000353
Selective Prediction With Long Short-term Memory Using Unit-Wise Batch Standardization for Time Series Health Data Sets: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Nam Borum , Kim Joo Young , Kim In Young , Cho Baek Hwan
Published: January 2022

Background

In any health care system, both the classification of data and the confidence level of such classifications are important. Therefore, a selective prediction model is required to classify time series health data according to confidence levels of prediction.

Objective

This study aims to develop a method using long short-term memory (LSTM) models with a reject option for time series health data classification.

Methods

An existing selective prediction method was adopted to implement an option for rejecting a classification output in LSTM models. However, a conventional selection function approach to LSTM does not achieve acceptable performance during learning stages. To tackle this problem, we proposed a unit-wise batch standardization that attempts to normalize each hidden unit in LSTM to apply the structural characteristics of LSTM models that concern the selection function.

Results

The ability of our method to approximate the target confidence level was compared by coverage violations for 2 time series of health data sets consisting of human activity and arrhythmia. For both data sets, our approach yielded lower average coverage violations (0.98% and 1.79% for each data set) than those of the conventional approach. In addition, the classification performance when using the reject option was compared with that of other normalization methods. Our method demonstrated superior performance for selective risk (12.63% and 17.82% for each data set), false-positive rates (2.09% and 5.8% for each data set), and false-negative rates (10.58% and 17.24% for each data set).

Conclusions

Our normalization approach can help make selective predictions for time series health data. We expect this technique to enhance the confidence of users in classification systems and improve collaborative efforts between humans and artificial intelligence in the medical field through the use of classification that considers confidence.
Early Identification of Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Through Sourcing and Preparing Electronic Health Record Data: Machine Learning Study
Authors: Shara Nawar , Anderson Kelley M , Falah Noor , Ahmad Maryam F , Tavazoei Darya , Hughes Justin M , Talmadge Bethany , Crovatt Samantha , Dempers Ramon
Published: January 2022

Background

Health care data are fragmenting as patients seek care from diverse sources. Consequently, patient care is negatively impacted by disparate health records. Machine learning (ML) offers a disruptive force in its ability to inform and improve patient care and outcomes. However, the differences that exist in each individual’s health records, combined with the lack of health data standards, in addition to systemic issues that render the data unreliable and that fail to create a single view of each patient, create challenges for ML. Although these problems exist throughout health care, they are especially prevalent within maternal health and exacerbate the maternal morbidity and mortality crisis in the United States.

Objective

This study aims to demonstrate that patient records extracted from the electronic health records (EHRs) of a large tertiary health care system can be made actionable for the goal of effectively using ML to identify maternal cardiovascular risk before evidence of diagnosis or intervention within the patient’s record. Maternal patient records were extracted from the EHRs of a large tertiary health care system and made into patient-specific, complete data sets through a systematic method.

Methods

We outline the effort that was required to define the specifications of the computational systems, the data set, and access to relevant systems, while ensuring that data security, privacy laws, and policies were met. Data acquisition included the concatenation, anonymization, and normalization of health data across multiple EHRs in preparation for their use by a proprietary risk stratification algorithm designed to establish patient-specific baselines to identify and establish cardiovascular risk based on deviations from the patient’s baselines to inform early interventions.

Results

Patient records can be made actionable for the goal of effectively using ML, specifically to identify cardiovascular risk in pregnant patients.

Conclusions

Upon acquiring data, including their concatenation, anonymization, and normalization across multiple EHRs, the use of an ML-based tool can provide early identification of cardiovascular risk in pregnant patients.
The Use of Mobile Apps to Improve Diabetes Self-Management: A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Kato Kenji , Abe Kozue , Kawamoto Takeshi , Takahashi Hiroaki , Matsuda Tomokazu
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Background: Healthcare apps on smartphones are used to retrieve health information and manage health. A number of healthcare apps have been employed to support diabetes self-management, and evidence has accumulated on the outcomes of interventions using individual apps. However, only a small percentage of all healthcare apps have a proven effect on people with diabetes, and it is unclear which apps should be recommended in non-English-speaking countries. Verifying that the healthcare apps used by people with diabetes are useful for diabetes management behaviors will help healthcare providers know which apps to recommend.

OBJECTIVE

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether and how the use of healthcare apps affects the self-management behavior of people with diabetes.

METHODS

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was given to patients with type 2 diabetes who were pre-registered with an Internet research company. The items on the questionnaire involved the use of smartphone healthcare apps, diabetes self-management behaviors (Japan Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities [J-SDSCA]), motivations for diabetes self-management (autonomous motivation and controlled motivation), and feelings of competence in self-management (Perceived Competence for Diabetes Scale). To examine whether a healthcare app had an effect on the self-management behavior score, a multiple regression analysis was conducted with the J-SDSCA score as the objective variable.

RESULTS

Results: Of the 253 participants, 61 (24.1%) indicated that they were currently using a healthcare app. Those using a healthcare app had a significantly higher J-SDSCA score than those not using one (beta =.15, 95% CI 0.60–3.54, P <.001). Regarding the frequency of exercise, the use of apps for steps and walking distance led to a significant difference (beta =.22, 95% CI 0.59–1.90, P <.001). For general diet, the use of any healthcare app had no significant effect (P =.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions: The use of healthcare apps was beneficial for diabetes self-management. Given that even non-specialized apps can improve diabetes self-management behaviors, health care providers should encourage patients to use apps that are tailored to their preferences and that are easy to use long-term. The use of healthcare apps was particularly associated with increased exercise regimen efforts. Recommending the use of healthcare apps, especially apps that include pedometers, could be useful when patients have problems with exercise.
Tebyan: Fake News Detection System (Preprint)
Authors: Alderywsh Lamya , Aldawood Aseel , Alasmari Ashwag , Aldeijy Farah , Alqubisy Ghadah , Alawwad Sarah
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

There is a serious threat from fake news spreading in technologically advanced societies, including those in the Arab world, via deceptive machine-generated text. In the last decade, Arabic fake news identification has gained increased attention, and numerous detection approaches have revealed some ability to find fake news throughout various data sources. Nevertheless, many existing approaches overlook recent advancements in fake news detection, explicitly to incorporate machine learning algorithms system.

OBJECTIVE

Tebyan project aims to address the problem of fake news by developing a fake news detection system that employs machine learning algorithms to detect whether the news is fake or real in the context of Arab world.

METHODS

The project went through numerous phases using an iterative methodology to develop the system. This study analysis incorporated numerous stages using an iterative method to develop the system of misinformation and contextualize fake news regarding society's information. It consists of implementing the machine learning algorithms system using Python to collect genuine and fake news datasets. The study also assesses how information-exchanging behaviors can minimize and find the optimal source of authentication of the emergent news through system testing approaches.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the main deliverable of this project is the Tebyan system in the community, which allows the user to ensure the credibility of news in Arabic newspapers. It showed that the SVM classifier, on average, exhibited the highest performance results, resulting in 90% in every performance measure of sources. Moreover, the results indicate the second-best algorithm is the linear SVC since it resulted in 90% in performance measure with the societies' typical type of fake information.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concludes that conducting a system with machine learning algorithms using Python programming language allows the rapid measures of the users' perception to comment and rate the credibility result and subscribing to news email services.
A 3-Item Measure of Digital Health Care Literacy: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nelson Lyndsay A , Pennings Jacquelyn S , Sommer Evan C , Popescu Filoteia , Barkin Shari L
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

With increased reliance on digital health care, including telehealth, efficient and effective ways are needed to assess patients’ comfort and confidence with using these services.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to develop and validate a brief scale that assesses digital health care literacy.

METHODS

We first developed an item pool using existing literature and expert review. We then administered the items to participants as part of a larger study. Participants were caregivers of children receiving care at a pediatric clinic who completed a survey either on the web or over the telephone. We randomized participants into development and confirmatory samples, stratifying by language so that exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis could be performed with separate samples of participants. We assessed the scale’s validity by examining its associations with participants’ demographics, digital access, and prior digital health care use.

RESULTS

Participants (N=508) were, on average, aged 34.7 (SD 7.7) years, and 89.4% (454/508) were women. Of the 508 participants, 280 (55.1%) preferred English as their primary language, 157 (30.9%) preferred Spanish, and 71 (14%) preferred Arabic; 228 (45%) had a high school degree or less; and 230 (45.3%) had an annual household income of <US $35,000. Using exploratory factor analysis, 3 items were retained in a reduced scale with excellent reliability (Cronbach α=.90) and a high variance explained (78%). The reduced scale had excellent fit, with factor loadings between 0.82 and 0.94. All fit statistics exceeded the criteria for good fit between the proposed factor structure and the data. We refer to this scale as the Digital Health Care Literacy Scale. The scale was positively associated with education (ρ=0.139; P=.005) and income (ρ=0.379; P<.001). Arabic speakers had lower scores than English (P<.001) and Spanish speakers (P=.02), and Spanish speakers had lower scores than English speakers (P<.001). Participants who did not own a smartphone (P=.13) or laptop computer (P<.001) had lower scores than those who owned these devices. Finally, participants who had not used digital tools, including health apps (P<.001) and video telehealth (P<.001), had lower scores than those who had used these tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the potential for digital health care to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes, many individuals may not have the skills to engage with and benefit from it. Moreover, these individuals may be those who already experience worse outcomes. A screening tool such as the Digital Health Care Literacy Scale could be a useful resource to identify patients who require additional assistance to use digital health services and help ensure health equity.
Toxicity of Legiayu incense as Insecticide and Larvicide Against Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Mortality
Authors: I Made Dwi Mertha Adnyana  , Ni Luh Gede Sudaryati  , Israil Sitepu
Published: January 2022

Community-based DHF vector control has been implemented in Indonesia but has not yet obtained optimal results. Thus, in the community choosing synthetic insecticides to control disease vectors. However, irregular and excessive use of insecticides has a toxic effect and resistance to mosquitoes. Burning mosquito coils and incense containing synthetic dyes and fragrances have the potential to reduce environmental quality. Therefore, this research was conducted to analyze the toxicity of Legiayu incense as an insecticide and larvicide against Aedes aegypti mosquito mortality. The research design is experimental with a completely randomized design. Testing was conducted by providing exposure to smoke and ash of Legiayu incense five times on twenty-five Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA, LSD, and probit test. The test result as insecticide value (p=0.000) effective exposure for 20 minutes with a durability of 6 hours. The test result as larvicide value (p=0.000) effective exposure for 24 hours. Thus, exposure toismoke and ash of iLegiayuiincense has a very noticeable effect on the mortality of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Exposureito Legiayu incense smoke obtained an LT50 value of 0,9012 ≤ 5 (super toxic category) with a time of 15 minutes 39 seconds, coefficient determination of 99.24%, and correlation coefficient of 99.62% while exposure to the ash of Legiayu incense obtained LT50 value of 0,05896 ≤ 5 (super toxic category) with time 19 hours 15 minutes 34 seconds, coefficient determination and correlation coefficient of 100%. Histopathological test results showed that Legiayu incense smoke did not cause tissue degeneration, necrosis, hyperplasia, and metaplasia in the lung tissue of mice (mus musculus) within a period of 12 weeks. Thus, Legiayu incense is effective as insecticides and larvicides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Legiayu incense has potential substitute for mosquito repellent coils, temephos, and synthetic incense circulating in the market.
THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE OF CURCUMIN WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON MDR CANCER CELLS AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING PHARMACODYNAMICS.
Authors: MUHASINA.K.M  , Dhanabal S. Palaniswamy  , Deepika.N.P  , Divya jyothi Palati
Published: January 2022

Curcuma longa or turmeric is a plant that is used as a spice and as a phytoconstituent in many formulations from Vedic age. Curcuminoids are the most important Phyto constituents present in turmeric with various pharmacological activities. The present study reveals various pharmacological activities of curcumin with special emphasis on MDR cancer cells. The curcuminoids are the Phyto constituents showing potent activity against neurological disorders, cardio vascular diseases, auto immune disorders, Metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, Skin allergies and disorders. This review give emphasis on anticancer activity of curcumin and its possible mechanism of actions. Many studies revealing that various formulations and combination therapy of curcumin is increasing its bioavailability and there by effective against various diseases. This review is lighting to a treasure buried inside the soil a potential therapeutic agent without side effects.
INFLUENCES OF CENTELLA ASIATICA AND CURCUMA LONGA ON ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN A HYPERTENSIVE ANIMAL MODEL
Authors: Hasimun Patonah , Mulyani Yani , Setiawan Adinda R
Published: January 2022

There is a strong relationship between arterial stiffness and high blood pressure. Arterial stiffness increases the risk of a cardiovascular event and sudden death, especially in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to determine the effective combination of Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa on arterial stiffness in hypertensive animal models. Twenty-five male rats aged 2-3 months were randomly into five groups. The groups comprising the negative control and positive control group (receiving drug carriers), the test drug group receiving captopril 2.5 mg/kg, the combination of Centella asiatica (CA) and Curcuma longa (CL) doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Except for the control group, all groups received a high-fat diet and 25% fructose drinking water for 28 days. On day 15, they received test medicines. On days 0, 14, and 28, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the PWV (pulse wave velocity), were assessed. Nitric oxide levels in serum were measured using Griess reagents on day 28. The results showed that a combination of CA and CL doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure accompanied by a decrease in PWV and a statistically significant increase in serum NO levels (p <0.05). It concluded that a combination of CA and CL has the potential as antihypertensive, improving arterial elasticity.
Phytosomes of Naphthoquinone enriched Extract of Root bark of Onosma echioides exhibit wound healing activity in Rats
Authors: PANANCHERY JEEJA , Gadgoli Chhaya
Published: January 2022

The present study is aimed at evaluation of phytosomal gel of the petroleum ether extract of root bark of Onosma echiodes for wound healing activity in rats. Extract of root bark of O. echioides was standardized by isolated naphthoquinone dimer using HPTLC. Phytosomes (equivalent to 2% w/w of naphthoquinones) of the standardized extract were prepared by thin film hydration technique. The wound healing efficacy of the formulation was evaluated in rats by inflicting excision and incision wounds followed by treatment of the wounds topically. The parameters evaluated for healing included determination of breaking strength and tensile strength of healed skin for incision model and percentage wound contraction, hydroxyproline content, granulation tissue free radicals and catalase in excision wound model. The formulation treated group showed a significant healing (p<0.005) of both the excision and incision wounds with respect to wound contraction and tensile strength respectively, as compared to vehicle treated group. The oxidative stress of the granulation tissue was also found to be reduced as indicated by reduced lipid peroxidation and increase in catalase activity. The phytosomal gel of O. echioides effectively exhibited wound healing effect.