bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to choose the right real-time RT-PCR primer sets for the SARS-CoV-2 genome detection? 
Authors: Anantharajah Ahalieyah , Helaers Raphael , Defour Jean-Philippe , Olive Nathalie , Kabera Florence , Croonen Luc , Deldime Françoise , Vaerman Jean-Luc , Barbée Cindy , Bodéus Monique , Scohy Anais , Verroken Alexia , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Kabamba-Mukadi Benoît
Published: June 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for rapid large-scale diagnostic testing. Currently, several quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays recommended by the World Health Organization are being used by clinical and public health laboratories and typically target regions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N) coding region. However, it is currently unclear if results from different tests are comparable. The present study demonstrates substantial differences in SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection sensitivity among the primer/probe sets recommended by the World Health Organization especially for low-level viral loads. The alignment of thousands of European SARS-CoV-2 sequences against the primers/probe highlights single mismatches which might also contribute to false negatives. An understanding of the limitations depending on the targeted genes and primer/probe sets may influence the selection of molecular detection assays by clinical laboratories.
Understanding the spiritual and emotional needs of siblings of chronically sick children with a rare disease
Authors: NASH Sally , Bryson Laura , Nash Paul , Gray Susannah
Published: June 2020

Background

Family morbidity is a concern in the treatment of paediatric patients but guidance and research lacks reference to siblings. Siblings of chronically sick children are at risk of adverse outcomes if needs are not recognized and met. Positive outcomes are possible with appropriate support.
Objective

To identify emotional and spiritual needs of children and young people (CYP) with a sibling with a chronic disease.
Method

A mixed methods study including: validated, UK normed 52-item Kidscreen questionnaire for siblings, proxy version for parents; interviews of each sibling and focus groups drawn from these siblings were recorded, transcribed and subjected to iterative thematic analysis. The setting was Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHSFT, UK. Participants were 16 siblings and 16 parents of children with a chronic rare disease aged 8–16, one specialist nurse.
Results

The mean of parents’ scores on the questionnaire rated the sibling below the 50th percentile on all ten areas covered. A mean of 34.9 (median 31) for home life shows a significant impact of having a sick child. Siblings consistently rated themselves higher than parents. From the thematic analysis, largely negative consequences of having a sick sibling appeared in all domains. Coping mechanisms were in two main categories: 1. Creative and leisure activities, 2. Family and friends.
Discussion and Conclusion

Having a chronically unwell sibling negatively impacts global wellbeing, and, specifically in this study, their emotional and spiritual development. Further research will be needed to determine if this can be ameliorated
Evaluation of two commercial multiplex PCR tests for the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children
Authors: Wang Le , Yang Shuo , Yan Xiaotong , Liu Teng , Zhao Mengchuan , You Dianping , Li Guixia
Published: June 2020

Background

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI), including the common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia are the most common diagnoses among pediatric patients and account for the majority of antibiotic prescriptions. A clear and rapid diagnosis is the key to preventing antibiotic abuse. Recently, based on different detection principles, many multi-target molecular analyses that can simultaneously detect dozens of pathogens have been developed, thereby greatly improving sensitivity and shortening turnaround time. In this work, we conducted a head-to-head comparative study between melting curve analysis (MCA) and capillary electrophoresis assay (CE) in the detection of nine respiratory pathogens in sputum samples collected from hospitalized ARTI childre.
Methods

Through MCA and CE analysis, nine common respiratory pathogens were tested on hospitalized children under the age of 13 who met the ARTI criteria.
Results

A total of 237 children with sputum specimens were tested. For all the targets combined, the positive detection rate of XYRes-MCA was significantly higher than ResP-CE (72.2% vs. 63.7%, p = .002). Some pathogens were detected more often with MCA, such as parainfluenza virus, influenza B and coronavirus, and some pathogens do the opposite, such as adenovirus and influenza A (all p < .01). Very good kappa values for most of pathogens were observed, except for Influenza B and coronavirus (both κ = .39).
Conclusions

Multiplex melting curve and capillary electrophoresis assays performed similarly for the detection of common respiratory pathogens in hospitalized children, except for Influenza B and coronavirus. Higher sensitivity was observed in the melting curve assay. By using this sensitive and rapid test, it may improv patient prognosis and antimicrobial management.
Farklı Malzemeler ve Geosentetiklerin Yol Dolgusu Güvenliğine ve Davranışına Etkileri
Authors: ÇİÇEK Elif
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışmada, doğal ve atık malzemelerin geri kazanımından elde edilen yeni malzemeler ile oluşturulmuş yol dolgusu modelleri sonlu elemanlar yöntemi kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Kumlu silt, kaya agregası, beton, cam gibi farklı malzemelerin yol dolgusuna etkileri incelenmiş ve atık liflerin yol dolgusunda kullanıldığı modellerin analiz sonuçları doğal koşullar ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca farklı geosentetik donatı sayıları ile güçlendirilmeye çalışılan yol dolgusu modelleri için de hesaplamalar yapılmıştır. Böylece oluşturulan yol modelinin güvenlik sayısına farklı malzemelerin, liflerin ve geosentetik sayısının etkileri incelenmiştir. Yolun ani göçmesine karşı değerlendirmeler yapılarak, dolgu altındaki yeraltı suyundan kaynaklanacak konsolidasyon davranışının da etkileri farklı malzeme koşulları için karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca, farklı malzemeler kullanılarak inşa edilen dolgularda yolun farklı bölgelerinde trafik yükünden oluşabilecek oturma farkları da değerlendirilmiş ve geosentetiğin etkileri de belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Sonuçlar incelendiğinde hem çevreci hem de daha verimli çözümler için değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Atık malzemelerin geri dönüşümü ile elde edilen malzemelerin, yol dolgularının stabilite ve güvenlikleri için önemli katkılar sağlayabileceği gözlenmiştir.
An empirical analysis of Thai village funds and saving groups’ financial performance
Authors: Hemtanon Wittawat , Gan Christopher
Published: June 2020

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play an important role in enabling poor households to escape poverty. MFIs cannot help borrowers if their own performance is poor. This study evaluates financial performance of Village Funds (VFs) and Saving Groups for Production (SGPs) to determine how well the MFIs are performing financially and how to improve the institutions’ future performances. The study evaluates MFIs’ performance, including MFI characteristics, outreach, productivity, financial structure and financial performance. Data are collected from the annual reports of MFIs between 2014 and 2016. VF and SGP annual reports were collected by the Government Savings Bank between 2014 and 2016. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as means, to compare the VFs’ and SGPs’ performance. The result shows that SGPs are bigger than VFs in terms of the average number of members and borrowers. However, VFs provide more loans than SGPs to poorer clients. In terms of loan management, SGP staff are more efficient than VF staff. SGPs’ profits are significantly higher than VFs’ profits. In the context of financial structure, SGPs are funded through member deposits, while VFs receive government subsidies. The results indicate that both VFs and SGPs are profitable and financially sustainable.
Earnings management and seasoned equity offerings: evidence from Taiwan started Go Incubation Board for Startup and Acceleration firms
Authors: Chiu An-An , Yan Huang Shaio , Chen Ling-Na , Lin Wei-Hua
Published: June 2020

Although a large body of empirical research focuses on listed companies, less is done regarding small and medium enterprises. Under the authorities’ support, Taipei Exchange (TPEx) started Go Incubation Board for Startup and Acceleration Firms (GISA) in January 2014. This research yields insight into earnings management activities around seasoned equity offerings (SEO) based on GISA firms in Taiwan and the effectiveness of external corporate governance. Data for the study come from the GISA Market Observation Post System of TPEx and Taiwan Economic Journal. The results reveal that GISA firms with the incentives of raising funds are prone to upward accrual-based earnings management during SEO to avoid long-term negative consequences. Especially, firms with paid-in capital more than TWD (NT$) 30 million, higher fundraising amounts, or smaller-sized firms, tend to increase discretionary accruals. Finally, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Big 4 accounting firms effectively serve as external corporate governance on mitigating earnings management. This study makes some contributions to GISA literature. First, expands the prior research, the different earnings management level before and listed on GISA, to the firms listed on GISA. Second, link up the relationship between the SEO and earnings management of GISA in Taiwan. Finally, it provides several contributions to regulators, for instance, the effectiveness of the counseling system provided by CPAs or Big 4 accounting firms. Also, the CPAs and Big 4 accounting firms serve as supervisors on corporate governance.
Assessment of natural radioactivity and consequent radiological hazard in different brands of commercialized bottled mineral water produced in China
Authors: Yu Lang , Feng Guangwen , Liu Qian , Tang Chao , Wu Baoshan , Mao Peihong , Cai Changlong
Published: June 2020

As one of the drinking water quality parameters, natural radioactivity parameters are recommended to prevent a potential health threat to the public. In this study, the gross-α and gross-β activity concentrations in 15 different brands of commercial bottled mineral water consumed in China were analyzed to evaluate the quality and corresponding health impact on the population. The activity concentrations of gross-α and gross-β in different samples varied from 4.4 to 130.6 and 17.3–320.3 mBq L–1, respectively. The values of the annual effective dose equivalent rate (AED) for infants, children and adults ranged from 1.3 to 21.6, 2.9–52.5 and 5.5–97.8 μSv y–1, respectively. The average excess lifetime cancer risk caused by the consumption of bottled mineral water samples was estimated as 6.0 × 10–5. These results show that all the measured gross-α and gross-β are found to be obviously less than the guidance level by WHO and the domestic standard. The values of AED are below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 0.1 mSv y–1. Combined with the lifetime cancer risk assessment, it is concluded that there is no significant risk for consumption of the observed brands of bottled mineral water and it can be consumed safely.
INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO, INTERCÂMBIO ACADÊMICO E RELAÇÕES DE ACOLHIMENTO NAS DIMENSÕES SINGULAR E COLETIVA
Authors: SARTORI FABIOLA CARLA , Cappellano dos Santos Marcia Maria
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo, de teor ensaístico, considera a importância da proposição de estudos científicos tendo por objeto relações de acolhimento de intercambistas acadêmicos estrangeiros, para cuja argumentação convergem o contexto histórico das mobilidades internacionais e interações humano-sociais entre acolhedor e acolhido aí implicadas. Assim, no percurso reflexivo, Internacionalização, Intercâmbio acadêmico e relações de acolhimento nas dimensões singular e coletiva instituem-se como tópicos textuais centrais, o último assumindo o caráter de foco analítico dos dois outros e encerrando a relevância que a ele é conferida ao ser abordada essa temática. Tem-se aí o suposto de que as concepções teóricas constitutivas dos marcos conceituais de hospitalidade/acolhimento evocadas, pelas quais se pauta a racionalidade tecida no desenvolvimento dos processos analítico-descritivos, permitem que se as tomem como um referente de sustentação à proposição de que a forma como se efetiva a dialética de demandas e disposições de sujeitos em relação na sociodinâmica do acolhimento, repercute na significação dada à experiência de intercâmbio, na consecução de expectativas e nas marcas mnêmicas impressas durante a estada do estudante e após seu retorno – o que abre espaço a diferentes e oportunos projetos investigativos.
SPORT CLUBS, EVENTS AND TOURISM: THE CASE OF SPORT EVENTS IN NITERÓI USING STAKEHOLDERS’ VIEWS
Authors: Tadini Rodrigo , Gauna Ruíz de León Carlos , Gandara José Manoel
Published: June 2020

This present study aims to understand the relationship between clubs and sporting events in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using the perspective of sports tourism. This town, located on the eastern bank of the Guanabara Bay, in front of the famous and now Olympic city of Rio de Janeiro, is a city with a high tourism potential and a solid sports tradition, accommodating the first three Olympic clubs in Brazil founded in the 1880. In terms of the development of this study, an exploratory qualitative-quantitative analysis was planned to observe the impact of Olympic clubs and their successors at Niterói sporting events. For this purpose, between February and April of 2018, 7 interviews were conducted with different stakeholders of the sporting events in order to collect official data and detect the culture of sporting events in the city nowdays. The results of the study showed the main sports modalities and areas of sporting events in the city. In addition, this research pointed out that after years of development of their sports clubs, changes in the Niteroi’s society affected the participation of people in traditional sports practices within the club environment. These changes directly influenced the consumption of sports activities and automatically the routine of sports clubs and sporting events in the city.
Dádiva e Hospitalidade: o encontro com as Louceiras do Maruanum, no Amapá
Authors: Gomes e Silva Elloane Carinie , Rossini Diva de Mello
Published: June 2020

Este ensaio teórico é um recorte de uma pesquisa realizada acerca do fazer cultural das mulheres ceramistas do Maruanum, no Estado do Amapá, extremo norte do Brasil. O enfoque está no “encontro” como aspecto essencial no discurso das louceiras sob a luz dos conceitos de dádiva e hospitalidade. Partiu-se do estudo bibliográfico acerca da teoria da dádiva por Marcel Mauss (2003) e sua relação com os estudos sobre a hospitalidade e o turismo, de onde destacamos os estudos de Camargo (2015); em adição, a pesquisa de campo forneceu as narrativas como dados para a discussão. Os resultados apresentados apontam para a importância da reflexão acerca da hospitalidade no contexto das comunidades tradicionais, identificando as nuances da dádiva na interpretação sobre a dinâmica social do lugar turístico, o que pode ajudar na valorização da cultura local, na preservação do fazer cultural das mulheres ceramistas e na manutenção dos modos de vida da comunidade anfitriã como próprio símbolo de sua hospitalidade.
Influência do Patrimônio Cultural como elemento de Atração: Comparativo entre hotéis design em Santa Catarina
Authors: Garcia Gisele Magrini , Armstrong Mayara de Borba , Rossini Diva de Mello , Tricárico Luciano Torres
Published: June 2020

Um patrimônio cultural tem a capacidade de criar valor a arquitetura ou design de um local, podendo atraindo pessoas e gerar turismo. Este estudo, de abordagem qualitativa com caráter exploratório, teve como principal objetivo identificar como a apropriação de um Patrimônio cultural influencia na percepção dos hóspedes de uma rede hoteleira. A coleta de dados foi realizada por um levantamento online do Conteúdo Gerado pelo Usuário (CGU), na agência de viagens Booking.com. Ao todo, foram analisados 816 comentários de dois hotéis design da mesma rede localizados em cidades distintas. Verificou-se, a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, todas as três categorias das dimensões de design propostos por Homburg et al. (2015), sendo elas: Design Simbólico, Design Estético e Design Funcional. Em todas as categorias o hotel que se apropriou ao patrimônio cultural imaterial obteve melhores resultados, principalmente nas categorias de Design Simbólico, destacando-se a temática, e na categoria Design Estético, destacando a decoração. Assim, os resultados ressaltam significações positivas em relação ao apelo emocional e maior atração dos hospedes indicado pela apropriação de um Patrimônio Cultural para a ambientação e design do hotel.
Withdrawal Notice: Recent Advances in Sonogashira Cross-Coupling Reactions Under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Wang Teng , Liu Zongrui , Wang Songlin , Vessally Esmail
Published: June 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of editor of the journal Current Organic Chemistry:

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused. The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously submitted or
published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright
permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree
that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By
submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted
for publication.
3P4SW and 3P9SW Based UPQC Topologies to Improve the Power Quality in Medium Voltage Distribution System
Authors: Uthirapathi Senthil V. , Belur Keshavan
Published: June 2020

Background:

The undesirable effect of power quality issues on distribution system due to power electronics based controllers; it is highly desired to design a novel power quality conditioner with a minimum number of switches. The proposed configuration reduces the switching loss and also effectively alleviates the power quality issues. This paper introduces the configuration of 3P4SW (Three Phase Four Switch) UPQC (Unified Power Quality Conditioner) for both shunt and series APF (Active Power Filter) as well as 3P9SW (Three Phase Nine Switch) UPQC topologies, which can be implemented in medium voltage power grid. The major challenge of phase balance with only four switches in UPQC is accomplished by adaptive Self-tuning PID using neuro-fuzzy logic control and adaptive reference current generation scheme. This controller improves sag and swells compensation with better angle control via shunt and series converter performance and passive components design. The efficacy of proposed topology is tested on MATLAB/Simulink software and results are compared with the existing three phase six switch configuration (3P6SW).

Methods:

The main objective of this work is to identify the most suitable configuration of UPQC to mitigate the power quality issues in power distribution system. to achieve this goal a Synchronous reference frame theory is used to generate the pulses in the back to back connected VSI in UPQC.

Results:

The suggested topologies should not compromise with the nominal functions of the controller; hence from the simulation analysis it clear that the 3P4SW UPQC, as well as 3P9SW UPQC topologies, will fulfill the given constraints and also it maintains the magnitude of the load voltage as per the standard values. Also, the THD percentage is maintained well within the IEEE standard.

Conclusion:

The proposed topologies can be implemented for medium voltage distributed system with improved power quality.
An Efficient Approach for Vehicle Number Plate Recognition in Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Saif Ur , Ahmad Moiz , Nawaz Asif , Ali Tariq
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Recognition of Vehicle License Number Plates (VLNP) is an important task. It is valuable in numerous applications, such as entrance admission, security, parking control, road traffic control, and speed control. An ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) is a system in which the image of the vehicle is captured through high definition cameras. The image is then used to detect vehicles of any type (car, van, bus, truck, and bike, etc.), its’ color (white, black, blue, etc.), and its’ model (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic etc.). Furthermore, this image is processed using segmentation and OCR techniques to get the vehicle registration number in form of characters. Once the required information is extracted from VLNP, this information is sent to the control center for further processing.

Aim:

ANPR is a challenging problem, especially when the number plates have varying sizes, the number of lines, fonts, background diversity, etc. Different ANPR systems have been suggested for different countries, including Iran, Malaysia, and France. However, only a limited work exists for Pakistan vehicles. Therefore, in this study, we aim to propose a novel ANPR framework for Pakistan VLNP recognition.

Methods:

The proposed ANPR system functions in three different steps: (i) - Number Plate Localization (NPL); (ii)- Character Segmentation (CS); and (iii)- Optical Character Recognition (OCR), involving template-matching mechanism. The proposed ANPR approach scans the number plate and instantly checks against database records of vehicles of interest. It can further extract the real=time information of driver and vehicle, for instance, license of the driver and token taxes of vehicles are paid or not, etc.

Results:

Finally, the proposed ANPR system has been evaluated on several real-time images from various formats of number plates practiced in Pakistan territory. In addition to this, the proposed ANPR system has been compared with the existing ANPR systems proposed specifically for Pakistani licensed number plates.

Conclusion:

The proposed ANPR Model has both time and money-saving profit for law enforcement agencies and private organizations for improving homeland security. There is a need to expand the types of vehicles that can be detected: trucks, buses, scooters, bikes. This technology can be further improved to detect the crashed vehicle’s number plate in an accident and alert the closest hospital and police station about the accident, thus saving lives.
Effect of Canine Dimensions on Smile Aesthetics among General Dentists, Dental Students and Laypersons
Authors: Al Taki Amjad , Abuhijleh Eyas
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

Canines and their dimensions play a major role in the appearance of the smile. The aim of the study was to determine the perception of smile aesthetics among General dentists, Dental students, and laypersons, with respect to different levels of maxillary canine (canine tip height and gingival height in reference with central incisors) and Golden Proportions in regards to lateral incisor.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst three different populations; students of dentistry, general dentists and laypersons. A convenient sample size of 109 participants was accepted for the present study, out of which there were 41 students of dentistry, 38 general dentists and 30 laypersons. We used digitally altered photographs (n=15)for data collection.

Statistical analysis:

Kruskal Wallis Test was applied as a test of significance and the level of significance was set at <0.05.

Results:

The most of the dental students found the canine tip (-0.5), the gingival height of (+0.5) and the Golden Proportion 62% attractive. The majority of general dentists found the canine tip (-0.5), the gingival height of (+1) and the Golden Proportion 72% attractive. In comparison, laypersons found the canine tip (+0.5), the gingival height of (0) and the Golden Proportion 57% attractive.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that the perceptions of dental students, general dentists and laypersons had a significant difference.
Academic Stress and Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Academic Satisfaction among Nursing Students
Authors: Shehadeh Jumana , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman M. , Halasa Suhaila N. , Hani Manar H. Bani , Nabolsi Manar M. , Thultheen Imad , Nassar Omayyah S.
Published: June 2020

Background:

number of factors contribute to psychological disturbances among university students. Most important, such psychological factors may influence their academic satisfaction that associates with their performance.

Purpose:

To examine prediction power of academic stress and academic self-efficacy on academic satisfaction among nursing students.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 117 nursing students recruited from two nursing programs in Jordan; one private and one governmental. Self-report format was used to collect data from students regarding academic stress, academic self-efficacy, and academic satisfaction.

Results:

Nursing students had moderate level of academic self-efficacy, high level of academic stress, and low to moderate level of satisfaction about curriculum and faculty performance. Positive relationship found between students Grade Point Average and academic stress and self-efficacy, while there was negative relationship with academic satisfaction (p < .05). None of the demographic variables had was a significant predictor of academic satisfaction (p > .05). regression showed that self-efficacy, interaction, explained 36% of academic satisfaction about faculties.

Conclusion:

Academic self-efficacy anxiety among nursing students found to contribute to their academic satisfaction. Therefore, academics and psychological counselors at academic institutions need to give more attention to the psychosocial interaction and enhance mentoring and counseling skills to their students.
Withdrawn: A New Secret Sharing Scheme of Large-scale Electronic Voting
Authors: Liu Ting , Cui Zhe , Pu Hongquan , Rao Jintao
Published: June 2020

The article for the journal Recent Advances in Electrical and Electronic Engineering has been withdrawn on the request
of the authors due to some technical errors in the article.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may cause.

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published
elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and
by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action
against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript the authors agree that the
copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers
Authors: Hammons Amber Jean , Villegas Elizabeth , Olvera Norma , Greder Kimberly , Fiese Barbara , Teran-Garcia Margarita ,   The Abriendo Caminos Team
Published: June 2020

Background

Given the protective effects of shared family mealtimes and the importance of family in the Hispanic culture, this context should be explored further to determine how it can be leveraged and optimized for interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to explore contextual factors associated with family mealtimes in Mexican and Puerto Rican families.

Methods

A total of 63 mothers participated in 13 focus group interviews across 4 states. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts.

Results

Seven overarching themes were identified through the thematic analysis. Themes reflected who was present at the mealtime, what occurs during mealtime, the presence of television, the influence of technology during mealtime, and how mealtimes have changed since the mothers were children.

Conclusions

Hispanic mothers may be adapting family mealtimes to fit their current situations and needs, keeping the television and other devices on during mealtimes, and making additional meals for multiple family members to appease everyone’s tastes. All of these are areas that can be incorporated into existing culturally tailored obesity prevention programs to help families lead healthier lives.
Identification of Symptoms Prognostic of COVID-19 Severity: Multivariate Data Analysis of a Case Series in Henan Province
Authors: Li Jitian , Chen Zhe , Nie Yifei , Ma Yan , Guo Qiaoyun , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

Background

The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been declared a global pandemic. Identifying individuals whose infection can potentially become severe is critical to control the case fatality rate of COVID-19. However, knowledge of symptoms that are prognostic of COVID-19 severity is lacking.

Objective

The objective of our study was to identify symptoms prognostic of COVID-19 infection severity.

Methods

We analyzed documented symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, expectoration, sore throat, chest distress, headache, diarrhea, rhinorrhea, stuffed nose, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint ache, shortness of breath, and their associations with disease severity using a case series, including 655 confirmed cases from January 23 to February 5, 2020 in Henan Province, China. We also analyzed the influence of individual characteristics, including age, gender, and comorbidities, on symptoms with prognostic value.

Results

Fatigue (95% CI 0.141 to 0.334, P<.001), expectoration (95% CI 0.107 to 0.305, P<.001) and stuffed nose (95% CI –0.499 to –0.082, P=.006) were identified as the prognostic symptoms of COVID-19 patients from the multivariate analysis. Fever occurred in 603/655 (92.1%) of the patients but was not associated with disease severity. Fatigue accounted for 184/655 (28.1%) of the patients and was linearly associated with infection severity with statistical significance. Expectoration occurred in 169/655 (25.8%) patients in the cohort and was the sole prognostic factor for patients with cardiovascular complications, including hypertension. Shortness of breath, chest distress, muscle or joint ache, and dry cough, which occurred in 33 (5%), 83 (12.7%), 78 (11.9%), and 276 (42.1%) of the 655 patients, respectively, were significantly enriched among patients classified as severe. Stuffed nose and nausea were associated with favorable disease severity, especially among male patients. More female than male patients were documented as having muscle or joint ache. Headache was most enriched in patents aged 15 to 39 years, followed by those aged 40 to 64 years, with statistical significance.

Conclusions

Fatigue and expectoration are signs of severe COVID-19 infection. Shortness of breath, chest distress, muscle or joint ache, and dry cough are prevalent in severe patients. Expectoration is commonly present in older individuals and patients with cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Shortness of breath is prognostic of severe infection in male patients. Stuffed nose and nausea are favorable prognostic factors of severe infection, especially among male patients.
Health Care Consumer Shopping Behaviors and Sentiment: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gordon Deborah , Ford Anna , Triedman Natalie , Hart Kamber , Perlis Roy
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Although some health care market reforms seek to better engage consumers in purchasing health care services, health consumer behavior remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to characterize the behaviors and sentiment of consumers who attempt to shop for health care services.

METHODS

We used a semistructured interview guide based on grounded theory and standard qualitative research methods to examine components of a typical shopping process in a sample size of 54 insured adults. All interviews were systematically coded to capture consumer behaviors, barriers to shopping behavior, and sentiments associated with these experiences.

RESULTS

Participants most commonly described determining and evaluating options, seeking value, and assessing or evaluating value. In total, 83% (45/54) of participants described engaging in negotiations regarding health care purchasing. The degree of positive sentiment expressed in the interview was positively correlated with identifying and determining the health plan, provider, or treatment options; making the decision to purchase; and evaluating the decision to purchase. Conversely, negative sentiment was correlated with seeking value and making the decision to buy.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumer shopping behaviors are prevalent in health care purchasing and can be mapped to established consumer behavior models.
Artificial Intelligence and Human Trust in Healthcare: Focus on Clinicians (Preprint)
Authors: Asan Onur , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah , Choudhury Avishek
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Artificial intelligence (AI) can transform health care practices with its increasing ability to translate the uncertainty and complexity in data into actionable—though imperfect—clinical decisions or suggestions. In the evolving relationship between humans and AI, trust is the one mechanism that shapes clinicians’ use and adoption of AI. Trust is a psychological mechanism to deal with the uncertainty between what is known and unknown. Several research studies have highlighted the need for improving AI-based systems and enhancing their capabilities to help clinicians. However, assessing the magnitude and impact of human trust on AI technology demands substantial attention. Will a clinician trust an AI-based system? What are the factors that influence human trust in AI? Can trust in AI be optimized to improve decision-making processes? In this paper, we focus on clinicians as the primary users of AI systems in health care and present factors shaping trust between clinicians and AI. We highlight critical challenges related to trust that should be considered during the development of any AI system for clinical use.
Identifying Explosive Epidemiological Cases with Unsupervised Machine Learning (Preprint)
Authors: Dolgikh Serge
Published: June 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

An analysis of a combined dataset of Wave 1 and 2 cases, aligned at approximately Local Time Zero + 2 months with unsupervised machine learning methods such as Principal Component Analysis and deep autoencoder dimensionality reduction allows to clearly separate milder background cases from those with more rapid and aggressive onset of the epidemics. The analysis and findings of the study can be used in evaluation of possible epidemiological scenarios and as an effective modeling tool to design corrective and preventative measures to avoid developments with potentially heavy impact.
Consumer Reported Care Deferrals Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the Role and Potential of Telemedicine: Cross-Sectional Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Atherly Adam , Van Den Broek-Altenburg Eline , Hart Victoria , Gleason Kelsey , Carney Jan
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many health systems to proactively reduce care delivery to prepare for an expected surge in hospitalizations. There have been concerns that care deferral may have negative health effects, but it is hoped that telemedicine can provide a viable alternative.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand what type of health care services were being deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the role played by telemedicine to fill in care gaps, and changes in attitudes toward telemedicine.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey responses from 1694 primary care patients in a mid-sized northeastern city. Our main outcomes were use of telemedicine and reports of care deferral during the shutdown.

RESULTS

Deferred care was widespread—48% (n=812) of respondents deferred care—but it was largely for preventive services, particularly dental and primary care, and did not cause concerns about negative health effects. In total, 30.2% (n=242) of those who delayed care were concerned about health effects, with needs centered around orthopedics and surgery. Telemedicine was viewed more positively than prior to the pandemic; it was seen as a viable option to deliver deferred care, particularly by respondents who were over 65 years of age, female, and college educated. Mental health services stood out for having high levels of deferred care.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary health system shutdowns will give rise to deferred care. However, much of the deferrals will be for preventive services. The effect of this on patient health can be moderated by prioritizing surgical and orthopedic services and delivering other services through telemedicine. Having telemedicine as an option is particularly crucial for mental health services.
Health vs. hedonism: public communication of nutrition science
Authors: Lockley Catherine
Published: June 2020

Do differences in narrative approach; hedonic language vs. scientific language, influence public perception and opinion of Nutrition and food consumption? Our study investigated this question using qualitative research via Focus Group (FG). The stimulus films and subsequent meals exemplified hedonic language and biomedical language respectively. The FG was chosen to elucidate alternative narrative tools for further research and public health communication. Five sessions were held over 4 weeks with 8–10 non-repeating participants at each session. Film clips were viewed in a dining room environment and food served in buffet style after viewing. 47 people participated in the focus groups (15 males, and 32 females [ages 18–78]). Recruitment was by social media, local news outlets, word of mouth, and printed material and followed up via email. Study eligibility included self-identifying as primary food provider/cook, being over eighteen years old, and providing informed consent. Qualitative content analysis and grounded theory was used for coding and analysis. Interpretive reading of the transcript identified manifest and latent content before a coding frame was arrived at based on the frequency of relevant categories. Cross-coding was undertaken and patterns identified according to our primary research question. Communication disparities suggested by previous research were confirmed in our findings with participants emphasizing that the personal impact of hedonic and psychosocial narrative on their personal food experience held greater weight than the ‘health’ narrative alone. We conclude that scientific nutrition communication paradigms are less effective than emotional narrative that engages passion, memory and deep feeling. The findings support a move towards nutrition communication strategies that incorporate wider human emotional experience through gastronomic narratives.
How a climate change sceptic politician changed their mind
Authors: Calyx Cobi , Low Jenny
Published: June 2020

This is a story of how an Australian in a position of power changed their mind about climate change, in response to deliberations of a panel of scientists broadcast on television. The politician then put on record their thought processes in changing mind, sparking public response. The unexpectedly positive outcomes of a speech to parliament and role of social media in shaping action are explored. Given Australia contributes disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, this story of science and political communication and has global value in climate change research.
INTERPRETACIÓN JURISPRUDENCIAL DE LA OBLIGACIÓN ALIMENTICIA DE LOS ABUELOS
Authors: Gómez de la Torre Maricruz
Published: June 2020

INTERPRETACIÓN JURISPRUDENCIAL DE LA OBLIGACIÓN ALIMENTICIA DE LOS ABUELOS
La comprensión lectora, una estrategia que se comunica con base en vocabulario, lenguaje y predicción
Authors: Jiménez Atencio Janeiro , Murillo López Jorge Luis , Martínez Lozano Luis Fernando
Published: June 2020

El presente artículo es producto de un proyecto de investigación en el contexto de la Maestría en Educación de la Universidad de Medellín, cuyo objetivo fue fortalecer la comprensión lectora en los estudiantes del grado noveno de la Institución Educativa de Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, mediante la implementación de una secuencia didáctica relacionada con la estrategia vocabulario, lenguaje y predicción (VLP). La recolección de la información se hizo mediante entrevistas, ejercicios en clase por parte de los investigadores quienes tuvieron como base los textos narrativos de la literatura afrocolombiana. Las variables se midieron con pruebas relacionadas con los niveles de lectura sintáctica, semántica y pragmática. Los resultados se expresaron de acuerdo a cada nivel específico. Estos revelan que los estudiantes tenían un bajo nivel de lectura, no reconocían correctamente la estructura de los textos, no encontraban las ideas principales, ni realizaban inferencias. Tras la implementación de la secuencia didáctica se observan mejoras importantes en sus desempeños que se sustentan en los procedimientos realizados.
DIAGNÓSTICO E TRATAMENTO DE SIALOLITÍASE: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA
Authors: Carneiro Fernandes Natália
Published: June 2020

A sialolitíase corresponde a cerca da metade de todos os casos de doenças das glândulas salivares, tendo a submandibular comoo principal sítio acometido. Há uma maior prevalência em indivíduos do sexo masculino entre 30 e 60 anos de idade, com localização na porção distal do ducto e no hilo submandibulares e sendo de forma assintomática. Os sintomas se desenvolvem quando os cálculos atingem grandes proporções para ocasionar obstrução do fluxo salivar, onde é comum ocorreraumento de volume doloroso na região, especialmente durante as refeições. Em decorrência da obstrução, podem se desenvolver inflamação crônica ou infecção aguda e, mais raramente, abscessos. O objetivo deste trabalho, foi realizar uma revisão da literatura auxiliando ao profissional de Odontologia  sobre o correto diagnóstico, tratamento e possíveis complicações da sialolitíase.Palavras-chave: Cálculos das Glândulas Salivares; Glândula Submandibular.ABSTRACT Sialolithiasis corresponds to about half of all cases of diseases of the salivary glands, with the submandibular as the main affected site. There is a higher prevalence in male individuals between 30 and 60 years of age, located in the distal portion of the submandibular duct and hilum and asymptomatic. Symptoms develop when the stones reach enough sizes to cause obstruction of the salivary flow, where it is common to report an increase in painful volume in the region, especially during meals. As a result of the obstruction, chronic inflammation or acute infection and, more rarely, abscesses may develop. The objective of this work was to carry out a literature review assisting the dental professional on the diagnosis, treatment and possible complications of sialolithiasis. Key words: Salivary Gland Calculi; Submandibular Gland.
Das viagens e exílios de Alejo Carpentier
Authors: Moreno Amanda Brandão
Published: June 2020

Alejo Carpentier, a exemplo de outros grandes nomes da literatura universal, foi um grande viajante. Seus deslocamentos tiveram motivações múltiplas e não raro se deveram ao exílio, à impossibilidade do dizer e do existir num determinado lugar tal como se entendia e queria ser. No entanto, na dimensão da experiência, nem sempre os relatos do autor sobre os tempos de exílio e expatriação denotam necessariamente uma fratura identitária, uma forma de não ser. Percebemos, ao contrário, relatos biográficos de exílios marcados por descobrimentos e aprendizados sobre sua terra natal, menos que por saudades e sofrimentos. Nesse sentido, este trabalho busca analisar e enfatizar o que é dito textualmente, em detrimento do não dito, buscando observar como se dá a representação da experiência do exílio vivido por Alejo Carpentier, sobretudo no conjunto de sua biografia. Balizam as discussões propostas, entre outros, os trabalhos de Said (2003), Bolaño (2001), Ianni (2003), Montañés (2006) e Rolemberg (1999). Os cotejos realizados apontam para a ideia de que, para o autor em questão, ao contrário do que expressa uma forte corrente sobre o tema, o exílio não foi tanto um trauma, mas um agente propiciador da reflexão e configuração de uma identidade e projeto literário ancorado nesta.
A Tebaida como refúgio espiritual e estético em Jacopo de Varazze, Gustave Flaubert e Joris-Karl Huysmans
Authors: Lemos Rodrigo De Oliveira
Published: June 2020

A região desértica do Egito denominada Tebaida está associada, na história do cristianismo, à figura de Santo Antônio e, de maneira mais geral, à tradição do monasticismo e do eremitismo como via ascética de vivência de Deus. É esse o sentido da Tebaida em textos medievais como a Legenda Áurea, de Jacopo de Verrazze, na qual episódios da vida de Santo Antônio ganham uma dimensão de exemplaridade. Na literatura francesa da segunda metade do século XIX, esse espaço de refúgio ganha outros sentidos. São as significações da Tebaida próprias a essa literatura que investigaremos neste artigo, a partir de uma análise do espaço em La Tentation de Saint Antoine (1874), de Gustave Flaubert, e em À rebours (1884), de Joris-Karl Huysmans. Mostraremos como, nessas duas narrativas, a Tebaida surge como um espaço (ora referencial, ora metafórico) que evoca um versão moderna do eremitismo, em que o isolamento, sem despir-se totalmente do imaginário religioso, vai de par com uma experiência, em primeiro lugar, estética. Essa é vivida por um sujeito visionário que, desgostoso quanto à vida em sociedade e a exemplo de Santo Antônio, retira-se em um espaço fechado onde dá livre curso às visões interiores sugeridas por sua imaginação.
Entrevista: Ilma Passos A. Veiga
Authors: Uesb Rid-
Published: June 2020

Entrevista