bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Experiences of New and Existing Teledermatology Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Survey Study
Authors: Hamad Judy , Fox Amy , Kammire Maria Suzanne , Hollis Alison Nancy , Khairat Saif
Published: April 2021

Background

As teledermatology has been widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to examine patients’ experiences and satisfaction with teledermatology.

Objective

We aimed to assess the teledermatology experiences of new and existing clinic patients in the context of the rapid shift toward teledermatology practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 184 teledermatology patients who were assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic at a major southeastern medical center from May 13 to June 5, 2020. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction levels among new and existing patients. The secondary outcome was patients’ willingness to use teledermatology in the future.

Results

Of the 288 teledermatology patients who were assessed during the study period, 184 (63.9%) completed the survey. Patients reported high overall satisfaction with teledermatology, with 86.4% (159/184) of participants reporting positive overall satisfaction and experiences with teledermatology. New patients had significantly higher Likert scores for overall satisfaction with teledermatology than those of follow-up patients (new patients: mean 4.70; existing patients: mean 4.43; P=.03). Overall, patients’ satisfaction with teledermatology did not significantly differ based on age (P=.36), race and ethnicity (P=.46), education level (P=.11), residence (P=.74), or insurance status (P=.74). There were no significant differences in overall satisfaction between patients with and without prior telehealth experience (P=.53), between the video and telephone visit types (P=.17), and among platform types (P=.22). Prior telehealth experience was associated with higher odds of being willing to use telehealth in the future (odds ratio 2.39, 95% CI 1.31-4.35; P=.004).

Conclusions

This cross-sectional survey study demonstrates that during the rapid expansion of teledermatology, new clinic patients had significantly higher scores for overall satisfaction with their teledermatology experience compared to those of established clinic patients (P=.03). Prior telehealth experience was associated with higher odds of being willing to use teledermatology in the future. Overall, teledermatology expansion was met with high levels of patient satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of an mHealth App for Patients With Psoriasis Undergoing Biological Treatment: Participatory Design Study
Authors: Trettin Bettina , Danbjørg Dorthe Boe , Andersen Flemming , Feldman Steven , Agerskov Hanne
Published: April 2021

Background

In Denmark, patients with psoriasis undergoing biological treatment have regular follow-ups, typically every 3 months. This may pose a challenge for patients who live far away from the hospital. Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising and reliable tool for the long-term management of patients with psoriasis undergoing biological treatment because the disease course can be properly monitored. Despite recent developments in mHealth, the full potential of teledermatology remains to be tapped by newer, more attractive forms of services focused on patients’ needs.

Objective

This study aims to design and develop an mHealth app to support the self-management of patients with psoriasis using a participatory design.

Methods

Using participatory design, we conducted 1 future workshop, 4 mock-up workshops, and 1 prototype test with patients and health care professionals to co-design a prototype. The process was iterative to ensure that all stakeholders would provide input into the design and outcome; this approach enabled continuous revision of the prototype until an acceptable solution was agreed upon. Data were analyzed according to the steps—plan, act, observe, and reflect—in the methodology of participatory design.

Results

Health care professionals and patients emphasized the importance of a more patient-centered approach, focusing on the communication and maintenance of relationships. Patients perceived consultations to be impersonal and repetitive and wanted the opportunity to contribute to the agenda while attending a consultation. Patients also stated they would prefer not to attend visits in person every 3 months. On the basis of these findings, we designed an mHealth app that could replace in-person visits and support patients at in-person visits. Video consultations, self-monitoring, and registration of patient-reported outcome data were embedded in the app.

Conclusions

Using participatory design facilitated mutual learning and democratic processes that gave end users a significant influence over the solution. Despite the advantages of using participatory design in developing mHealth solutions, organizational conditions may still represent a barrier to the optimization of solutions.
Brain Exercising Games With Consumer-Grade Single-Channel Electroencephalogram Neurofeedback: Pre-Post Intervention Study
Authors: Israsena Pasin , Jirayucharoensak Suwicha , Hemrungrojn Solaphat , Pan-Ngum Setha
Published: April 2021

Background

The aging population is one of the major challenges affecting societies worldwide. As the proportion of older people grows dramatically, so does the number of age-related illnesses such as dementia-related illnesses. Preventive care should be emphasized as an effective tool to combat and manage this situation.

Objective

The aim of this pilot project was to study the benefits of using neurofeedback-based brain training games for enhancing cognitive performance in the elderly population. In particular, aiming for practicality, the training games were designed to operate with a low-cost consumer-grade single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) headset that should make the service scalable and more accessible for wider adoption such as for home use.

Methods

Our training system, which consisted of five brain exercise games using neurofeedback, was serviced at 5 hospitals in Thailand. Participants were screened for cognitive levels using the Thai Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Those who passed the criteria were further assessed with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) computerized cognitive assessment battery. The physiological state of the brain was also assessed using 16-channel EEG. After 20 sessions of training, cognitive performance and EEG were assessed again to compare pretraining and posttraining results.

Results

Thirty-five participants completed the training. CANTAB results showed positive and significant effects in the visual memory (delayed matching to sample [percent correct] P=.04), attention (median latency P=.009), and visual recognition (spatial working memory [between errors] P=.03) domains. EEG also showed improvement in upper alpha activity in a resting state (open-eyed) measured from the occipital area (P=.04), which similarly indicated improvement in the cognitive domain (attention).

Conclusions

Outcomes of this study show the potential use of practical neurofeedback-based training games for brain exercise to enhance cognitive performance in the elderly population.
Relevance of Anthropometric Measurements in a Multiethnic Obesity Cohort: Observational Study
Authors: Bhatti Rahila , Warshow Usama , Joumaa Mona , ElSaban Mariam , Nawaz Faisal A , Khamis Amar Hassan
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and the Middle East is not an exception to this increasing trend. Obesity increases the risk of multiple metabolic complications, such as diabetes mellitus. Measurement of obesity has primarily relied on the BMI to identify risk; however, both bedside and office-based anthropometric measures of obesity can provide more detailed information on risk.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obesity-related diseases in a multidisciplinary weight management population and to determine its relationship with obesity anthropometric indices.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital (Dubai, the United Arab Emirates). In total, 308 patients have been evaluated from January to September 2019 as part of a multidisciplinary weight management program. Key demographics, anthropometrics, and clinical data were analyzed using SPSS (version 25, SPSS Inc).

Results

Our cohort of 308 patients included 103 (33%) males and 205 (67%) females of 38 nationalities. The mean age of the cohort was 41 (SD 9.6) years, with a median BMI of 34.5 (IQR 6.7) and 33.7 (IQR 7.8) for males and females, respectively. The mean waist circumference (WC) was 113.4 (SD 23.3) cm and 103.5 (SD 16.2) cm, fat percentage was 33.7% (SD 11.6%) and 45% (SD 6.8%), fat mass was 41 (SD 15.2) kg and 41.1 (SD 14.1) kg, and visceral fat mass was 6.5 (SD 3.2) kg and 3.1 (SD 1.8) kg for males and females, respectively. There was a strong correlation between BMI and WC (r=0.65 and r=0.69 in males and females, respectively; P=.01) and visceral fat (r=0.78 and r=0.90 in males and females, respectively). Furthermore, visceral fat was significantly associated with WC in both sexes (r=0.73 and r=0.68 in females and males respectively; P=.01). Furthermore, WC was significantly associated with a risk of diabetes, hypertension, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusions

BMI and WC are the most representative measures of obesity in our population and correlate with abdominal adiposity– and obesity-related diseases. Further studies are required to assess the benefits of these measures during weight reduction interventions.
Crowdsourcing for Machine Learning in Public Health Surveillance: Lessons Learned From Amazon Mechanical Turk (Preprint)
Authors: Shakeri Hossein Abad Zahra , Butler Gregory P , Thompson Wendy , Lee Joon
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Crowdsourcing services, such as Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT), allow researchers to use the collective intelligence of a wide range of web users for labor-intensive tasks. As the manual verification of the quality of the collected results is difficult because of the large volume of data and the quick turnaround time of the process, many questions remain to be explored regarding the reliability of these resources for developing digital public health systems.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore and evaluate the application of crowdsourcing, generally, and AMT, specifically, for developing digital public health surveillance systems.

METHODS

We collected 296,166 crowd-generated labels for 98,722 tweets, labeled by 610 AMT workers, to develop machine learning (ML) models for detecting behaviors related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality among Twitter users. To infer the ground truth labels and explore the quality of these labels, we studied 4 statistical consensus methods that are agnostic of task features and only focus on worker labeling behavior. Moreover, to model the meta-information associated with each labeling task and leverage the potential of context-sensitive data in the truth inference process, we developed 7 ML models, including traditional classifiers (offline and active), a deep learning–based classification model, and a hybrid convolutional neural network model.

RESULTS

Although most crowdsourcing-based studies in public health have often equated majority vote with quality, the results of our study using a truth set of 9000 manually labeled tweets showed that consensus-based inference models mask underlying uncertainty in data and overlook the importance of task meta-information. Our evaluations across 3 physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep quality data sets showed that truth inference is a context-sensitive process, and none of the methods studied in this paper were consistently superior to others in predicting the truth label. We also found that the performance of the ML models trained on crowd-labeled data was sensitive to the quality of these labels, and poor-quality labels led to incorrect assessment of these models. Finally, we have provided a set of practical recommendations to improve the quality and reliability of crowdsourced data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the importance of the quality of crowd-generated labels in developing ML models designed for decision-making purposes, such as public health surveillance decisions. A combination of inference models outlined and analyzed in this study could be used to quantitatively measure and improve the quality of crowd-generated labels for training ML models.
Model Indicators and Evaluation Criteria of Strength Readiness of Highly Qualified Arm-Wrestlers
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kamayev Oleg , Bezkorovainyi Dmytro ,   O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Mulik Vyacheslav ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Mazurenko Igor ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Gradusov Volodymir ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Zvyagintseva Iryna ,   O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Plotnytskyi Leonid ,   Kharkiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: April 2021

In the arm-wrestling technique, the main element is the attack phase, which aims to achieve a quick superiority over the enemy. Researchers Zhivora and Usanov classified four main attack methods: top attack, hook attack, push attack, and side attack. During a side attack, a great deal of stress is placed on the flexors of the hand. In connection with this, four strength exercises were selected as test indicators: flexion of the fingers, stretch with a hammer, hook and bending of the hand. These exercises were chosen to determine the level of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers. The work aimed to determine the model indicators of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers of different weight categories. The study involved 24 arm-wrestlers, 8 in the weight category up to 80 kg, 8 – from 80 to 100 kg and 8 – over 100 kg. Three test athletes are world champions in arm-wrestling, 7 are winners of European and world championships, 9 are participants in European and world championships, 5 are winners of national championships of Ukraine. The following research methods were used in work: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific, methodological and notable information, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. The analysis of the strength capabilities of highly qualified arm-wrestlers and their strength readiness models made it possible to develop assessment criteria for the level of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers of three weight categories. Three levels of strength readiness have been identified: low (х ̅ - σ), high (х ̅ + σ) and medium – more (х ̅ - σ), but less (х ̅ + σ). The conducted research allowed to establish the peculiarities of the levels of strength readiness development among highly qualified arm-wrestlers by weight categories. Model indicators of strength readiness of highly qualified arm-wrestlers were also determined. The analysis made it possible to state that athletes of lightweight categories (up to 80 kg and 80-100 kg) are more harmoniously developed according to the test results. Heavy arm-wrestlers (over 100 kg) showed worse results than expected.
End-Users Housing Requirements in Tumfure Housing Estate in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors:   Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Adamu Dahiru , Ibrahim Tafida Adamu ,   Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Sabo Ibahim Abdullahi ,   Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Ibrahim Iliyasu ,   Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Published: April 2021

One of the critical success indicators of projects is to meet the requirements of end-users on which their satisfaction depend upon. This study aimed to examine end-users housing requirements in a Tumfure housing estate in Gombe metropolis, Nigeria, to improve end-user satisfaction. The study objectives were: To identify end-users housing requirements in Tumfure housing estate in Gombe metropolis. The survey design was used to collect responses from occupants of the estate using a structured questionnaire that produced a 65 % response rate. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistical tools of tables and means. The research found that end-users basic housing requirements in the Tumfure housing estate were the flow of natural ventilation and illumination, rooms suitable for a family unit, modern convenience, circulation spaces, and adequate security. The research recommended that end-users requirements and their peculiarities be the primary consideration in designing and developing public housing estate to ensure higher end-user residential satisfaction.
Features of Legal Relations that Arise on the Internet
Authors:   Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Kovaliv Myroslav , Yesimov Serhii ,   Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Skrynkovskyy Ruslan ,   Lviv University of Business and Law, Krasnytskyi Ivan ,   Lviv State University of Internal Affairs, Mazur Yuriy ,   Lviv Regional Council, Harasym Pavlo ,   General Directorate of the National Police in the Lviv region, Kniaz Sviatoslav ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: April 2021

Based on the methodology of system analysis, the article examines the features of legal relations that arise on the Internet. It is defined that Internet legal relations are legally regulated public relations under the state's protection, which arise based on digital technologies in cyberspace. It is stated that there are many entities on the Internet which can be grouped into: technical entities, people responsible for the functioning of the Internet; individual subjects and users; collective subjects, among which are the governmental entities, which provide legal regulation of relations on the Internet, policy development and implementation; non-governmental entities - business; civil society, stakeholders in the expansion of the Internet and infrastructure development; international organizations that coordinate issues, develop technical and legal standards related to the Internet. The legal personality of the subjects of Internet relations is described. It is noted that the subjects exercise the rights that are aimed at certain interest groups: services, goods, information. The specifics of the Internet legal relations are that the rules of administrative, informational, civil, criminal law, etc. will be applied, depending on the object to which the subjects' interests are directed.
Monitoring the Economic Efficiency of Implementation of the System-Functional Approach in the Management of Innovative Development of Construction Enterprises
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Kniaz Sviatoslav , Skrynkovskyy Ruslan ,   Lviv University of Business and Law, Heorhiadi Nellі ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Sopilnyk Lyubomyr ,   Lviv University of Business and Law, Rusyn-Hrynyk Roman ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Mainka Marcel Kurt ,   Lviv University of Business and Law
Published: April 2021

The article aims to develop recommendations for improving the mechanism of monitoring the economic efficiency of implementing the system-functional approach in the management of innovative development of construction enterprises. During the research, there was used morphological analysis – to structure the object of study, models and methods of system analysis, tools for forming topological spaces and axiomatics of set theory – to explain object monitoring's logic Bayesian equation – estimate the probability of alternative events. As a result of the study, the object of monitoring is morphologically structured, topologies for analysis of the state of the object of monitoring are presented, and equations for estimating the probability of alternative events that characterize changes in the object of monitoring are constructed. The scientific novelty of the study lies in improving the mechanism for monitoring the economic efficiency of the system-functional approach in the management of innovative development of construction enterprises, which, unlike the existing ones, is based on morphological analysis tools, identification of topological and metric spaces, construction and solution of Bayes' equations. The practical value of the research results lies in developing methodological tools for managing the innovative development of construction companies based on a system-functional approach, particularly in terms of improving the monitoring mechanism. The author's proposals can be used in practical business structures (construction companies) of all forms of ownership.
Drivers of Solidago species invasion in Central Europe---Case study in the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains and their foreground
Authors: Perera Chathura , Szymura Tomasz , Zając Adam , Chmolowska Dominika , Szymura Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Abstract Aim: The invasion process is a complex, context-dependent
phenomenon; nevertheless, it can be described using the PAB framework.
This framework encompasses the joint effect of propagule pressure (P),
abiotic characteristics of the environment (A), and biotic
characteristics of both the invader and recipient vegetation (B). We
analyzed the effectiveness of proxies of PAB factors to explain the
spatial pattern of Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea invasion using
invasive species distribution models. Location: Carpathian Mountains and
their foreground, Central Europe. Methods: The data on species presence
or absence were from an atlas of neophyte distribution based on a 2 × 2
km grid, covering approximately 31,200 km2 (7752 grid cells). Proxies of
PAB factors, along with data on historical distribution of invaders were
used as explanatory variables in Boosted Regression Trees models to
explain the distribution of invasive Solidago. The areas with
potentially lower sampling effort were excluded from analysis based on a
target species approach. Results: Proxies of the PAB factors helped to
explain the distribution of both S. canadensis and S. gigantea.
Distributions of both species were limited climatically because a
mountain climate is not conducive to their growth; however, the S.
canadensis distribution pattern was correlated with proxies of human
pressure, whereas S. gigantea distribution was connected with
environmental characteristics. The varied responses of species with
regard to distance from their historical distribution sites indicated
differences in their invasion drivers. Main conclusions: Proxies of PAB
are helpful in the choice of explanatory variables as well as the
ecological interpretation of species distribution models. The results
underline that human activity can cause variation in the invasion of
ecologically similar species.
Functional assembly of tropical montane tree islands in the Atlantic forest is shaped by stress-tolerance, bamboo-invasion and facilitation
Authors: Christmann Tina , Rosado Bruno H.P. , Delhaye Guillaume , MATOS ILAINE , Roland Helena , Moraes Yan , Drummond Julia , Oliveras Imma
Published: April 2021

Aims: Amidst the Campos the Altitude (Highland Grasslands) in the
Brazilian Atlantic Forest, woody communities grow either clustered in
tree islands or interspersed within the herbaceous matrix. The
functional ecology, diversity and biotic processes shaping these
communities are largely unstudied. We characterised the functional
assembly and diversity of these tropical montane woody communities and
investigated how those communities fit within the Grime’s CSR (C –
competitor, S – stress-tolerant, R – ruderal) scheme, what trade-offs
they exhibit and how traits and functional diversity vary in response to
bamboo invasion. Methods: We sampled five leaf traits and wood density
along transects covering the woody communities both inside tree islands
and outside (i.e. woody plants in the grasslands community) to
characterise the functional ecology of the community. We used
Kruskal-Wallis test, t-test and variation partitioning to determine
effects of inside vs outside the tree island and bamboo invasion on
traits, woody species diversity and functional diversity. Results: We
found a general SC/S strategy with drought-related functional
trade-offs. Woody plants in tree islands had more acquisitive traits,
whereas woody plants within the grasslands had more conservative traits.
Trait variation was mostly taxonomically driven, and species composition
varied between inside and outside tree islands. Leaf thickness, wood
density and foliar water uptake were unrelated to CSR-strategies,
suggesting independent trait dimensions and multiple drought-coping
strategies within the predominant S-strategy. Bamboo-invaded islands
showed lower Simpson diversity, lower functional dispersion, lower
foliar water uptake and greater leaf thickness than non-invaded tree
islands. Conclusions: The observed functional assembly in response to
bamboo and facilitation have implications for future forest expansion
and response of the communities to climate change. Further studies on
eco-physiological and establishment traits and the mechanisms behind
biotic interactions are needed to better understand the response of
these communities to future environmental changes.
Effects of Hormone Therapy on survival, cancer, cardiovascular and dementia risks in 1.5 million women over age 65: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Baik Seo , McDonald Clement
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To examine the effects of estrogen on all-cause mortality,
cancers, cardiovascular (CV) conditions, and dementia. Design:
Retrospective observational study Setting: United States 2007-2018
Population: 1.5 million women aged over 65 in Medicare. Method: Cox
regression with time-varying estrogen type, route, and strength as well
as patient’s characteristics. Main Outcome(s): all-cause mortality; 5
cancers- breast, lung, endometrial, colorectal, ovarian cancers; 6 CV
conditions- ischemic heart diseases, heart failure, venous
thromboembolism, stroke, atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial
infarction; and dementia. Results: Compared to counterparts, estrogen
monotherapy (ET) exhibited a significant, 21% (HR=0.79; 95% CI
0.77-0.81), reduction in mortality risk. The reduction was greater with
estradiol (HR=0.76; 95% CI 0.73-0.78) than conjugated estrogen
(HR=0.83; 95% CI 0.80-0.86), and with topical (HR=0.69; 95% CI
0.66-0.71) than oral preparations (HR=0.86; 95% CI 0.83-0.89). ET also
exhibited significant risk reductions for all study cancers, breast
(HR=0.83; 95% CI 0.80-0.85), lung (HR=0.89; 95% CI 0.85-0.93),
endometrial (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.63-0.73), colorectal (HR=0.87; 95% CI
0.82-0.92) and ovarian (HR=0.86; 95% CI 0.80-0.92). Different dose
levels exhibited similar risk reduction in mortality and cancers. ET
slightly increased the overall CV risk, mostly risks of ischemic heart
diseases and stroke. However, such risks occurred with CEE, oral, and
high dose ET. Both combination therapy (HR=1.19; 95% CI 1.08-1.31) and
progestogen monotherapy (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.08-1.26) exhibited a
significantly increased risk of breast cancer. No HT exhibited an
increased risk of dementia. Conclusions: Among senior female Medicare
beneficiaries, the effect of hormone therapy varies by type, route, and
strength of estrogen.
Isolation and Characterization of Seneca Valley Virus Spread from Pig to Mink
Authors: Chen Chao , Nai Zida , Wang Yao , Qin Ziliang , Niu Qinjian , Li Yuwen , Tian Yaguang , Ma Yuhui , He Xinmiao , Liu Di , Jiang Xinpeng
Published: April 2021

Seneca Valley Virus (SVV) infection has recently spread to pig farms in
Canada, America, and China. Humans, mice, and houseflies have been
identified as hosts and reservoirs. Although such cross-species
transmission events are often limited, sustained outbreaks in a new
mammalian host can occur. To determine if mink are a new mammalian host
of SSV, we studied the molecular characteristics of isolated SVV genomes
and analyzed challenge, pathology, and immune response data. The study
was the first systemic analysis of a newly isolated strain of SVV from
pigs. The strain caused an intestinal infection with associated
pathologic changes in mink. SVV stimulated the production of a specific
neutralizing antibody. The findings highlight the importance of
identifying SVV infection in mink and the host to detect mutated SSV
that could threaten livestock and pose public health and economic risks.
SLEEP APNEA AS A RISK FACTOR FOR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Al-Sadawi Mohammed , Theodoropoulos Kleanthis , saeidifard farzane , Kiladejo Adekunle , Erwin Patricia , Al-Ajam Mohammad , Salciccioli Louis , Budzikowski Adam
Published: April 2021

Abstract: Background: This meta-analysis assessed the relationship
between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and echocardiographic parameters
of diastolic dysfunction (DD), which are used in the assessment of Heart
Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We searched
the databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase Scopus, Web of
Science, Google Scholar, and EBSCO CINAHL from inception up to December
26th, 2020. The search was not restricted to time, publication status or
language. Comparisons were made between patients with OSA, diagnosed
in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT),
and patients without OSA in relation to established markers of diastolic
dysfunction. Results: Primary search identified 2512 studies. A total of
18 studies including 2509 participants were included. The two groups
were free of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Significant
structural changes were observed between the two groups. Patients with
OSA exhibited greater LAVI (3.94 CI [0.8, 7.07]; p=0.000) and left
ventricular mass index (11.10 CI [2.56,19.65]; p=0.000) as compared
to control group. The presence of OSA was also associated with more
prolonged DT (10.44 ms CI [0.71,20.16]; p=0.04), IVRT (7.85 ms
CI[4.48, 11.22]; p=0.000), and lower E/A ratio (-0.62 CI
[-1,-0.24]; p=0.001) suggestive of early DD. The E/e’ ratio (0.94
CI[0.44, 1.45]; p=0.000) was increased. Conclusion: An association
between OSA and echocardiographic parameters of DD was detected that was
independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. OSA may be
independently associated with DD perhaps due to higher LV mass.
Investigating the role of CPAP therapy in reversing or ameliorating
diastolic dysfunction is recommended.
Context of salinization and adaptation preferences in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: Bringing together farmers’ salinity perspectives into policy to achieve SDGs
Authors: Islam Md Aminul , Bruyn Lisa Lobry de , Koech Richard , Warwick Nigel
Published: April 2021

The increasing salinization of coastal areas of Bangladesh reduces
options for rice intensification but offers a suitable environment for
shrimp and salt farming. Under these contested land use settings,
adaptation decisions to address salinity require an understanding of the
salinity perspectives of all farmer types. Primary data was collected
from randomly selected rice, shrimp and salt farmers in two coastal
sub-districts through semi-structured interviews at household level.
Also, key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with personnel from
research and extension organisations from different levels (e.g.
national and local). Salinity perceptions among the various types of
farmer differed. While the majority of rice farmers (87%) perceived
increased salinity, just over half of the salt and shrimp farmers
perceived that salinity has decreased over the past 20 years. Most rice
farmers (62%) perceived anthropogenic factors as the main cause of
increased salinity, while the majority of shrimp and salt farmers
focused more on natural factors. Rice farmers perceived under saline
conditions a yield loss (42%), followed by less income (30%). In
contrast, shrimp farmers (70%) and salt farmers (55%) perceived
production gains when high salinity prevailed. Rice farmers’ adaptation
preferences to cope with salinity is development of salinity-tolerant
rice varieties that have greater tolerance at the reproductive stages,
while shrimp and salt farmers’ preferences are engineering-based
solutions. Thus, research and extension services on integrated coastal
resources management need to consider all livelihood perspectives, as
this approach could accelerate the pace of achieving the SDGs (i.e..
SDG-1, SDG-2 and SGD-3).
RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE UNCERTAIN FRACTIONAL-ORDER DYNAMIC SYSTEM WITH STATE CONSTRAINT
Authors: Jin Ting , Xia Hongxuan , Gao Shangce
Published: April 2021

Uncertain fractional-order differential equations driven by Liu process
are of significance to depict the heredity and memory features of
uncertain dynamical systems. This paper primarily investigates the
reliability analysis of the uncertain fractional-order dynamic system
with a state constraint. On the basis of the first-hitting time (FHT), a
novel uncertain fractional-order dynamic system considering a state
constraint is proposed. Secondly, in view of the relation between the
initial state and the required standard, such uncertain fractional-order
dynamic systems are subdivided into four types. The concept of
reliability of proposed uncertain system with a state constraint is
presented innovatively. Corresponding reliability indexes are ulteriorly
formulated via FHT theorems. Lastly, the uncertain fractional-order
dynamic system with a state constraint is applied to different physical
and financial dynamical models. The analytic expression of the
reliability index is derived to demonstrate the reasonableness of our
model. Meanwhile, expected time response and American barrier option
prices are calculated by using the predictor-corrector scheme. A
sensitivity analysis is also illustrated with respect to various
conditions.
Pericostal tuberculosis in a patient with systemic sclerosis：the relationship of two rare diseases
Authors: Takizawa Naoho , Mizutani Tetsushi , Fujita Yoshiro
Published: April 2021

Autoimmune diseases including systemic sclerosis (SSc) increase risk of
developing TB. Pericostal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare presentation of
skeletal TB. This case report describes pericostal TB in a SSc patient,
and emphasizes significance of suspecting pulmonary and extra-pulmonary
TB when patients with autoimmune disease follow atypical clinical
courses.
Pyroptosis targeting via mitochondria: an educated guess to fast-track COVID-19 therapies
Authors: Campanella Michelangelo , Singh Aarti , Strobbe Daniela
Published: April 2021

Pyroptosis, is a specialized form of inflammatory cell death which aids
the defensive response against invading pathogens. Its tight regulation
is lost during infection by the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) and thus uncontrolled pyroptosis disrupts the immune system
and the integrity of organs defining the critical conditions in patients
with high viral load. Molecular pathways engaged downstream to the
formation and stabilization of the inflammasome -required to execute the
process- have been uncovered and drugs are available for their
regulation. On the contrary, pharmacological inferring of the upstream
events -which are critical to sense and interpret the initial damage by
the pathogen- is far from being elucidated. This limits our capacity to
identify early markers and targets to ameliorate SARS-CoV-2 linked
pyroptosis. Here we aim to raise attention on mitochondria and pathways
leading to its dysfunction with the goal to inform early steps of
inflammasome and devise tools to interpret and counteract diseases by
the SARS-CoV-2.
Estimating proportion of clones and genotype richness in aquatic microalgae
Authors: Sassenhagen Ingrid , Erdner Deana , Lougheed Bryan , Richlen Mindy , Sjöqvist Conny
Published: April 2021

Although the majority of microalgal species reproduce asexually for
large parts of the growth season, most population genetic studies have
rarely found clones in microalgal blooms. Instead, population genetic
studies have identified large intraspecific diversity in most microalgal
species. This paradox of frequent asexual reproduction but low number of
clones creates challenges when interpreting the proportion of clones and
distinct genotypes in natural microalgal populations. To estimate the
proportion of clones and genotype richness, we created a computer model
that simulates the composition of microalgal populations after a defined
period of exponential growth. We simulated the probability of picking
clones of the same genotype from this population as a function of
initial genotype diversity, intraspecific differences in growth rates
and sample size. This model was applied to five microalgal species for
which high-resolution population genetic data and population growth
rates based on monitoring data were available. The number of distinct
genotypes in each population was extrapolated from the model outputs and
the observed proportion of clones in the respective population genetic
studies. The estimates from our simulation suggested that the genotype
richness in most blooms exceeds several thousand distinct genotypes with
very high variability among microalgal species. The highest numbers of
distinct genotypes (500,000 and 2,000,000 genotypes) were estimated for
species with very low numbers of observed clones in population genetic
studies (< 5%), but genotype richness was also strongly
impacted by intraspecific variability in growth rates. Furthermore, the
probability of finding clones and presumably sampling a representative
fraction of genotypes increased significantly with higher sample sizes,
challenging the detection of differences in genotype diversity between
sub-samples with few isolates.
Quantitative evaluation of fetal ventricular function by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Luo Ling , Liu Hanmin , Zhou Shu , Zhao Fuming , Zhu Qi , guo nan , Chen Jiao
Published: April 2021

Methods The study included 59 patients with normal fetal heart
structure, blood flow, and heart rhythm (fetal abnormality-negative
group) and 50 patients with abnormal fetal heart structure, blood flow,
and/or heart rhythm (fetal abnormality-positive group). aCMQ was
performed in both groups to obtain left and right ventricular
endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSendo), mid-myocardial global
longitudinal strain (GLSmid), and epicardial global longitudinal strain
(GLSepi). Parameters between the two groups were compared and
correlation analyses performed. A deformation analysis was performed by
two trained observers, and reproducibility was assessed. Results The
fetal left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strain
(LV-GLS and RV-GLS, respectively) decreased in a gradient from the
endocardium to the epicardium. LV-GLS and RV-GLS of all myocardial
layers were lower in the fetal abnormality-positive than -negative group
(all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that neither LV-GLS
nor RV-GLS was significantly correlated with gestational age in the
fetal abnormality-negative group (all P>0.05), whereas left
ventricular GLSendo, GLSmid, and GLSepi were negatively correlated with
gestational age in the fetal abnormality-positive group (r=−0.39 to
−0.44, all P<0.05). Repeatability testing showed that the
inter-observer and intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficients
for LV-GLS and RV-GLS in each myocardial layer were >0.75
(all P<0.001). Conclusions As a new speckle tracking
echocardiography tool, aCMQ has feasibility and repeatability in
evaluating myocardial deformation of the fetal ventricle. This technique
might provide helpful information on ventricular myocardial deformation
in fetal hearts with abnormal structure or rhythm for clinical guidance
in pregnancy.
Asthma control and psychological health in pediatric severe asthma: Why is child phenotyping necessary? Suggestions from a multidisciplinary “Stress-Asthma Working Group”
Authors: Liccardi Gennaro , Milanese Manlio , Bilo' Maria Beatrice , Martini Matteo , Habetswallner Francesco , Liccardi Maria Vittoria , Rogliani Paola
Published: April 2021

An increased basal cholinergic tone, induced by psychological health
impairment, could be a likely link between psychological/psychiatric
disorders and severe bronchial asthma in children, as well as in
adolescents and adults. This link can explain the high rate of anxiety
in asthmatics in comparison to non-asthmatics of all ages.
Pelatihan Pemamfaatan Pestisida alami Berbahan lokal untuk Pencegahan Vektor Demam Berdarah Dengue (DBD) di Kelurahan Kelapa Lima Kota Kupang
Authors: Detha Annytha -
Published: April 2021

Community Service Activities have been carried out in Kelapa Lima Village. This activity aims to provide information and knowledge to the public about the dangers of dengue hemorrhagic fever and its preventive measures through the use of potential mosquito repellent plants. Mosquito repellent plants can be found in the yard of the house so that the community can provide land in the yard of their house to plant these plants that have the potential to act as mosquito repellent. The method used in this service activity is in the form of counseling, training, and cultivating plants as an anti-mosquito agent that causes dengue hemorrhagic fever. The conclusion obtained is an increase in the knowledge of the public's understanding of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, an increase in public understanding of the bio-ecology of the vector that causes dengue hemorrhagic fever, utilizing plants that have the potential to act as mosquito repellents.
JOVENS MULHERES: MOTIVOS DO ABANDONO ESCOLAR NA EDUCAÇÃO DE JOVENS E ADULTOS EM DUAS ESCOLAS DO ESTADO DE MATO GROSSO
Authors: Candido Gomes Enerci , Graças Campos Maria das , Pereira Bilio Maria Geni , Oliveira Nair Mendes de
Published: April 2021

O artigo tem por objetivo abordar as questões relativas ao abandono escolar na modalidade da EJA – Educação de Jovens e Adultos, em duas escolas do Estado de Mato Grosso. Para atender aos objetivos do estudo foi empregada a pesquisa qualitativa, com a utilização de fontes bibliográficos, documental e a história oral. O abandono escolar demarca a grande incidência de evasão que ocorre na EJA na perspectiva da educação noturna, em especial com as mulheres. Os registros documentais coletados nas duas unidades escolares legitimam a veracidade desse problema, cujo contexto epistêmico conta com o aporte teórico de pensadores que discutem o tema, como Heleieth Saffioti, Paul Thompson e outros, cujos trabalhos dão suporte para entender a dificuldade presente na trajetória de considerável parcela da sociedade, que busca a formação escolar como um direito social. A análise dos dados mediante instrumentos utilizados na pesquisa contribuiu para legitimar a existência do problema anunciado nesta produção, que denuncia o abandono escolar de jovens alunas da EJA.
Dynamic Fractioning of the Gravitational Hydrostatic Pressure: A hemodynamic model for the venous pressure control by the valvo-muscular pump
Authors: Franceschi Claude , Cappelli Massimo , Escribano José Maria , Mendoza Erika
Published: April 2021

Dynamic Fractioning of the Gravitational Hydrostatic Pressure (DFGHSP) is a pillar of a hemodynamic model of the venous pathophysiology. It describes how the valvo-muscular pump varies the distal venous pressure in the lower limbs. It results from an inductive reasoning based on clinical signs and instrumental data at rest and during the action of the valvo-muscular pump of the calf. It does not claim to be the final truth, but a new "as if" model that improved the diagnosis and the treatment of the venous insufficiency (CHIVA, French acronym for Cure Conservatrice et Hémodynamique de l’Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire) according to several randomized studies and meta-analyses. That approach overturns the classic diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency because it is conservative and opposes the widely spread destructive based view. It needs a minimal study of basic fluid mechanics which can explain venous hemodynamics, the core of venous pathophysiology. The proposed DFGHSP fluid mechanics model is compared with the hemodynamic clinical and instrumental data in order to assess its pathophysiologic relevance.
Capital Structure and Firm Financial Performance: Moderating Effect of Board Financial Literacy in Nigerian Listed Non-Financial Companies
Authors: Tanko Udisifan Michael , SIYANBOLA Akeem Adetunji , Bako Paul Matudi , DOTUN Olalere Victor
Published: April 2021

Objective – The study examined the moderating effect of board financial literacy on the relationship between capital structure and firm financial performance of listed non-financial companies in Nigeria.  Design/methodology – Capital structure was measured by long term debts to total assets, short term debts to total assets equity to total debt ratio and board financial literacy was measured by ratio of board members that have professional and academic qualification in accounting, finance and economics. Meanwhile financial performance was measured by return on assets. Secondary data was extracted from the sampled firms annual report and accounts and analyzed using Panel Least Square. Results – The study revealed a positive and significant relationship between long term debt and ROA. It also shows that board financial literacy moderate capital structure significantly and increase firm performance. The study recommended that the management of Nigerian listed non-financial firms should optimize the capital structure in order to increase the financial performance. They can do that through ensuring that their capital structure is optimal by using more of current debts and non-current debt than equity. The Board of Directors of Nigerian listed company should be concerned about the level of long term debt, short term debt and include members that are financially literate who will contribute in financing decision of firm in order make optimal capital structure for better financial performance. This is because the findings of this study revealed a positive significant moderating relationship between long term debt, short term debt and financial performance.
The COVID-19 Outbreak and Stock Market Return: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Nurcahyono Nurcahyono , Hanum Ayu Noviani , Sukesti Fatmasari
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on stock market returns in Indonesia stock exchange. Number of positive cases, mortality, recovery, and capital market data were collected for 136 days since the first case was announced in Indonesia (2 March 2020). Panel data regression was employed to test the research hypothesis. The results show that COVID-19 has a negative impact on Indonesian stock market returns. The growth of positive case and deaths decreased the market returns. Meanwhile, the increase of recovered cases is a positive signal for the capital market but it has not contributed to the rise of stock prices and market returns.