bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reverse order law for outer inverses and Moore-Penrose inverse in the context of star order
Authors: Kelathaya Umashankara , Karantha Manjunatha Prasad
Published: July 2022

The reverse order law for outer inverses and the Moore-Penrose inverse is discussed in the context of associative rings. A class of pairs of outer inverses that satisfy reverse order law is determined. The notions of left-star and right-star orders have been extended to the case of arbitrary associative rings with involution and many of their interesting properties are explored. The distinct behavior of projectors in association with the star, right-star, and left-star partial orders led to several equivalent conditions for the reverse order law for the Moore-Penrose inverse.
Sea grapes powder with the addition of tempe rich in collagen: An anti-aging functional food
Authors: Permatasari Happy Kurnia , Nurkolis Fahrul , Vivo Christopherous Diva , Noor Sutamara Lasurdi , Rahmawati Rahmawati , Radu Son , Hardinsyah Hardinsyah , Taslim Nurpudji Astuti , Mayulu Nelly , Wewengkang Defny Silvia , Kuswari Mury , Batubara Siti Chairiyah , Gunawan William Ben , Nahdi Maizer Said
Published: July 2022

Background: This study aimed to determine the potential anti-aging effects of sea grapes and tempe (fermented soybeans) collagen particle size, by measuring the activities of anti-glycation, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitors. Methods: Collagen was isolated from freeze-dried sea grapes and tempe powder and treated with different NaOH concentrations (0.10 M; 0.20 M; 0.30 M), and CH3COOH 1 M solution, separately. The collagen particle size was adjusted by stirring at 1000 rpm for 5 and 10 hours. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to measure the antioxidant activity, and L-tyrosine and L-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) was used as a marker of tyrosine inhibition. Results:  The collagen treated with 0.10 M NaOH produced the highest collagen yield (11.65%), and the largest particle size (2455 nm). Additionally, this collagen, when treated for 5 hours, exhibited 24.70% antioxidant activity, 62.60% anti-glycation, 8.97% L-tyrosine, and 26.77% L-Dopa inhibition activities. Meanwhile, the collagen treated for 10 hours had a 9.98% antioxidant activity, 41.48% anti-glycation, 7.89% L-tyrosine, and 2.67% L-Dopa inhibition activity. Conclusion: Sea grapes and tempe collagen powder treated with 0.10 M NaOH and stirred for 5 hours, possess the best potential anti-aging properties as a functional food.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BIOLOGICAL PREPARATION "ORGANITN" ON THE ADAPTABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF POTATOES OF THE VARIETY "REGGI" IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE ANCESTORS OF THE RT
Authors: nikiforova Liliya , Gaffarova Liliya
Published: July 2022

The results of the effectiveness of the preparation "OrganitN" containing live bacteria of the genus Azospirillum zeae on yield and starch index are presented. The experiments were laid on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil, agrochemical indicators: humus content – 4.2%, pHKCl = 6.6; P2O5 – 1028 mg/kg; K2O-377 mg/kg. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: 1) control; 2) "OrganitN" consumption rate of 5L /ha, pre-sowing treatment by soaking tubers; 3) "OrganitN consumption rate of 5L/ha without pre-soaking tubers, irrigation method. Pre-sowing treatment of potato tubers of the "Reggie" variety with the drug has a positive effect on potato growth. The greatest effect of the preparation "OrganitN" according to the results of harvesting potatoes of the variety "Reggi", a reliable increase in yield (16.4%) was obtained in option 2 with a consumption rate of 5 liters / ha, by soaking tubers, the yield was 21.7 t / ha, the method of watering without soaking was less effective. Soaking tubers gives a more stable connection between bacteria and the rhizosphere of the plant. The presence of a more extensive number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria led to a high content of alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen in the soil (190 mg/kg) compared to the control (136 mg/kg) and improved the nutritional regime of the soil. The activity of nitrogen fixers prolongs the growing season and affects the growth and formation of tubers. The use of the drug by soaking the seed material increased the yield of potatoes, also contributed to an increase in the number of tubers from one bush. Starch indicators are not increased. The use of bacteria in the agricultural sector will contribute to the improvement of the soil, increase the soil biota, achieve and create a quorum between them for joint action and the accumulation of soil organic matter
Tick Size, Trading Strategies, and Market Quality
Authors: Werner Ingrid M. , Rindi Barbara , Buti Sabrina , Wen Yuanji
Published: July 2022

We investigate the effects of a tick-size reduction on market quality in a multiperiod limit order book market. For illiquid stocks, reducing the tick size facilitates undercutting and discourages liquidity provision, resulting in deteriorating market quality but higher volume. For liquid stocks, reducing the tick size curtails queues, resulting in lower depth and volume but narrower spread. With a competing crossing network, a tick-size reduction results in worse market quality for all stocks due to migration of order flows. We empirically test our model predictions and find support for recent tick-size reductions in Japan and the United States.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4502 .
Linear Programming and Community Detection
Authors: Del Pia Alberto , Khajavirad Aida , Kunisky Dmitriy
Published: July 2022

The problem of community detection with two equal-sized communities is closely related to the minimum graph bisection problem over certain random graph models. In the stochastic block model distribution over networks with community structure, a well-known semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation of the minimum bisection problem recovers the underlying communities whenever possible. Motivated by their superior scalability, we study the theoretical performance of linear programming (LP) relaxations of the minimum bisection problem for the same random models. We show that, unlike the SDP relaxation that undergoes a phase transition in the logarithmic average degree regime, the LP relaxation fails in recovering the planted bisection with high probability in this regime. We show that the LP relaxation instead exhibits a transition from recovery to nonrecovery in the linear average degree regime. Finally, we present nonrecovery conditions for graphs with average degree strictly between linear and logarithmic.

Funding: A. Del Pia is partially funded by Office of Naval Research (ONR) [Grant N00014-19-1-2322]. D. Kunisky is supported by the ONR [Grant N00014-20-1-2335], a Simons Investigator Award to Daniel Spielman, and the National Science Foundation [Grants DMS-1712730 and DMS-1719545].
Severe Hydrocephalus due to Obstructive Basilar Dolichoectasia of the Third Ventricle
Authors: Laverdeur Clarice , Azongmo Tadjouteu Murielle , Ngah Berenger Claude , Gorur Yilmaz , Cardos Benoît , Lorenzo-Villalba Noel , Ali Deeba
Published: July 2022

Vertebro-basilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare pathology of unknown aetiology. Its clinical presentation is wide and prognosis is generally poor with a high mortality rate. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosis. We report an unusual case of intracranial dolichoectasia. VBD was revealed during investigation of a patient with altered mental status. CT brain imaging demonstrated severe obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to compression of the third ventricle. Management is always challenging and depends on the location and the mode of presentation. Our patient died despite surgical management with placement of an external ventricular shunt
O TRABALHO DE CAMPO COMO INTERVENÇÃO PRÁTICA NO ESTÁGIO CURRICULAR SUPERVISIONADO EM GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Brito Costa Thenilly Sérgia , Da Silva Cardozo Aline , Fernandes Flor de Souza Sara , Fernandes Moreira Marianna , Rodrigues Galvão Iapony
Published: July 2022

A pesquisa e o debate a respeito da Formação do Professor de Geografia e do Estágio Supervisionado têm crescido consideravelmente, sobretudo a partir da década de 1990. O estágio supervisionado na contemporaneidade representa um momento ímpar na formação do docente de Geografia, sendo entendido como um momento de preparação profissional, possibilitando a vivência, a reflexão e a intervenção do licenciando no ambiente escolar. O planejamento e a execução de intervenções educacionais são experiências que incorporam o conjunto de conhecimentos proporcionados pelos estágios, pois os discentes da licenciatura, a partir de uma perspectiva docente, idealizam as intervenções que os mesmos compreendem como significativas para o contexto escolar e educacional. O presente artigo busca contribuir com esta discussão, apresentando casos exemplares de intervenção de estagiários no ambiente escolar, destacando como o trabalho de campo pode ser uma alternativa profícua de intervenção, tanto para contribuir com uma aprendizagem significativa dos conteúdos da Geografia escolar, como para o processo de formação inicial e continuada dos licenciandos e dos professores supervisores. Palavras-chave: Estágio Curricular Supervisionado; Intervenções práticas; Metodologia de ensino; Trabalho de Campo.
Pemberdayaan Kelompok UMKM “Pokwan Sejahtera Abadi” Desa Sukosari Pelatihan dan Sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Ekonomi pada Masa Pandemi
Authors: Mashuri Mashuri
Published: July 2022

Adanya pembatasan sosial bersekala besar (PSBB) menjadi penyebab utama banyaknya perekonomian yang terhambat, hal ini salah satunya dialami oleh pelaku UMKM di Desa Sukosari, Kecamatan Babadan, Kabupaten Ponorogo, Jawa Timur. Terdapat beberapa masalah yang dijumpai pada UMKM di daerah ini, yakni (1) Kurangnya pengetahuan dan adaptasi terhadap internet serta perkembangan teknologi yang dialami pelaku UMKM dan mengakibatkan pemasaran produk kurang maksimal, (2) Minimnya pengetahuan mengenai packaging produk, dan kurangnya kesadaran tentang pentingnya manajemen dan branding sebagai parameter kemajuan dan keberhasilan usaha. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, Pengabdian Masyarakat ini merumuskan solusi melalui pengadaan beberapa tahap pelatihan dan pemberdayaan workshop dan seminar yang dilakukan yaitu workshop packaging, workshop pembuatan besek, serta seminar digitalisasi branding dan marketing. Tujuan dari pelaksanaan kegiatan ini adalah berkontribusi dalam memberdayakan UMKM agar bisa berdaya saing yang kuat dan meningkatkan kompetensi UMKM dalam produksi dan branding. Hasil pengabdian memperlihatkan peningkatan kesadaran para pelaku UMKM “Pokwan Sejahtera Abadi” mengenai branding,marketing, dan packaging, serta mendapatkan skill untuk menganyam besek.
Peningkatan Efisiensi Biaya Produksi Bata Merah melalui Penerapan Teknologi Inovatif dan Online Marketing di Kabupaten Banyuasin
Authors: SUSANTI EKA , Setyo Cahyono Endro , SUKARJO HB
Published: July 2022

Pangkalan Banteng merupakan sentra penghasil batu bata merah di Kabupaten Banyuasin. Di daerah ini, terdapat beberapa pengrajin bata merah yang tergabung dalam Paguyuban Usaha Batubata “Semidang Aji”. Mereka umumnya masih menggunakan cara tradisional untuk memproduksi bata merah yang menyebabkan kapasitas produksinya sangat terbatas, sehingga tidak mampu memenuhi kebutuhan bata merah di sekitarnya. Salah satu solusi untuk meningkatkan kapasitas produksi adalah melalui penggunaan teknologi inovatif produksi bata merah, diantaranya adalah mesin pencetak bata otomatis dan mesin pengaduk material, yang dikombinasikan dengan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS) sebagai sumber energinya. Melalui program ini, diharapkan bisa dihasilkan efisiensi biaya produksi melalui penggunaan teknologi inovatif tersebut dan penerapan online marketing untuk memperluas pasar mitra.

Metode yang akan dijalankan dalam program ini adalah pengembangan teknologi produksi batu bata merah yang inovatif dan online marketing. Tahapan kegiatan dimulai dari mengindentifikasi kebutuhan riil mitra, merancang dan membuat peralatan, melakukan pengujian terhadap mesin yang telah dibuat, melakukan serah terima peralatan, serta memberikan pelatihan dan pendampingan kepada pelaku mitra penerima kelompok usaha tersebut. Dari kegiatan pendampingan selama produksi, bisa dihitung efisiensi produksi bata merah dengan membandingkan profit dan biaya produksi sebelum dan sesudah menggunakan teknologi inovatif dan online marketing tersebut.

Luaran dari kegiatan ini adalah adanya paket teknologi mesin produksi batu bata merah yang inovatif dan bisa dioperasikan dengan baik, yaitu mesin pencetak batu bata otomatis dan mesin pengaduk material otomatis. Termasuk juga pembangkit listrik tenaga surya untuk menerangi lokasi produksi bata mitra. Selain itu telah dihasilkan sebuah sistem online marketing yang diharapkan bisa meningkatkan jangkauan pasar dari produk UMKM tersebut. Diharapkan melalui program ini, permasalahan warga dan UMKM dalam hal terbatasnya kapasitas produksi bata merah di Kabupaten Banyuasin dapat teratasi dan bisa meningkatkan kesejahteraan anggota kelompok pada khususnya dan masyarakat sekitar pada umumnya.
Teknologi Pembuatan Pakan Konsentrat Sapi Potong Sesuai Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) Berbasis Limbah Pertanian
Authors: Zullaikah Siti , Pramujati Bambang , Prasetyo Endry Nugroho , Jannah Afifatul , Wicaksono Sigit Tri , Nikmah Hikmatun , Haryanto Haryanto , Wardhana Adian Galihditya Sinarto , Prakoso Adidoyo , Mujiburrosyid Ahmad , Maulana Amri , Gianfranco Enrique , Ihsan Hamdan , Widagda Indra Cahya , Febrada Mayongga Heriz , Wilhan Ariawan Mohamad Emaldi , Darojat Muhamad Irfaid , Majid Alifan Muhammad , Rizky Sanjaya Muhammad , Solehuddin Mukhlis , Raja Risfanali
Published: July 2022

Limbah jagung dan padi merupakan limbah pertanian yang banyak ditemukan di Desa Bluri, Kec. Solokuro, Kab. Lamongan, Prov. Jawa Timur. Desa Bluri adalah salah satu desa binaan Direktorat Riset, Teknologi, dan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (DRTPM), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) yang juga memiliki potensi dibidang peternakan khususnya penggemukan sapi yang sampai saat ini masih dikelola secara tradisional. Ketersediaan dan harga pakan menjadi permasalahan utama pada proses penggemukan sapi. Mengingat pakan hijauan akan sulit diperoleh pada musim kemarau, dan pakan yang hanya mengandalkan pada limbah pertanian yang ada mempunyai kualitas (kandungan nutrisi) yang belum memenuhi mutu pakan untuk penggemukan sapi.  Oleh karena itu, untuk memenuhi pakan ternak sapi yang secara kualitas dan kuantitas memenuhi kebutuhan yang diperlukan, pada kegiatan abmas berbasis produk sebelumnya telah dilakukan pembuatan pakan ternak setara konsentrat sapi potong dari limbah pertanian setempat secara fermentasi aerob sehingga proses yang ditawarkan lebih murah, mudah, ramah lingkungan dan berkelanjutan. Pakan ternak yang diperoleh dapat dianggap sebagai konsentrat sapi potong penggemukan karena secara nutrisi sesuai dengan SNI 3148-2:2017 yaitu kadar air 12,83% (maks. 14%), kadar protein kasar 16,12% (min. 13%), dan kadar lemak kasar 0,96% (maks. 7%). Namun kadar abu dan TDN yaitu 14,62% dan 57,51%, masih diatas kadar abu dan TDN yang disyaratkan yaitu maks. 12% dan min 68%. Sehingga abmas berbasis produk yang dilakukan bertujuan memperbaiki kulitas pakan melalui penurunan kadar abu dan menaikkan kadar TDN dengan cara (1) modifikasi bahan pakan, (2) modifikasi biakan mikroba dengan menambahkan bakteri/jamur yang mampu mengurai bahan-bahan lignoselulosa, dan (3) memperlama waktu fermentasi. Dengan modifikasi bahan, biakan mikroba dan memperlama waktu fermentasi maka kadar protein kasar meningkat tajam menjadi 23,92% (C2/M2/7 hari fermentasi), kadar abu sedikit naik menjadi 9,52% (C3/M3/7 hari fermentasi), demikian juga TDN menjadi 66,07% (C3/M2/7 hari fermentasi). Uji coba pakan di lapangan menunjukkan kenaikan berat rata-rata sapi perhari yang masih memberikan keuntungan kepada para peternak. Sehingga penggunaan pakan ternak dari limbah pertanian dengan fermentasi aerob menggunakan biakan mikroba dari ITS dapat menjadi solusi para peternak di Desa Bluri yang hingga saat ini belum ada yang berhasil karena mahalnya biaya pakan.
A Software Reliability Model Using Fault Removal Efficiency
Authors: Haque Md. Asraful , Ahmad Nesar
Published: July 2022

With the increase of human dependency over computer software, considerable effort has been given to determine software reliability effectively. A huge variety of software reliability growth models (SRGMs) have been developed to explain statistically how system reliability varies over time by monitoring the failure data sets during the testing process. The paper proposes a new SRGM based on taking into account the fault removal efficiency which is the ratio of corrected and detected faults during the testing process. The new model is compared to some known model from the relevant literature for two certain data sets and it turns out to perform better in terms of four GOF benchmarks.
qPCR in a suitcase for rapid Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax surveillance in Ethiopia
Authors: Carlier Lise , Baker Sarah Cate , Huwe Tiffany , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Haileselassie Werissaw , Koepfli Cristian
Published: July 2022

Many Plasmodium spp. infections, both in clinical and asymptomatic patients, are below the limit of detection of light microscopy or rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Molecular diagnosis by qPCR can be valuable for surveillance, but is often hampered by absence of laboratory capacity in endemic countries. To overcome this limitation, we optimized and tested a mobile qPCR laboratory for molecular diagnosis in Ziway, Ethiopia, where transmission intensity is low. Protocols were optimized to achieve high throughput and minimize costs and weight for easy transport. 899 samples from febrile patients and 1021 samples from asymptomatic individuals were screened by local microscopy, RDT, and qPCR within a period of six weeks. 34/52 clinical Plasmodium falciparum infections were missed by microscopy and RDT. Only 4 asymptomatic infections were detected. No hrp2 deletions were observed among 25 samples typed, but 19/24 samples carried hrp3 deletions. The majority (25/41) of Plasmodium vivax infections (1371 samples screened) were found among asymptomatic individuals. All asymptomatic P. vivax infections were negative by microscopy and RDT. In conclusion, the mobile laboratory described here can identify hidden parasite reservoirs within a short period of time, and thus inform malaria control activities.
High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and stunting among school age children in communities along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Mulindwa Julius , Namulondo Joyce , Kitibwa Anna , Nassuuna Jacent , Nyangiri Oscar Asanya , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Boobo Alex , Nerima Barbara , Busingye Fred , Candia Rowel , Namukuta Annet , Ssenyonga Ronald , Ukumu Noah , Ajal Paul , Adriko Moses , Noyes Harry , de Dood Claudia J. , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , van Dam Govert J. , Elliott Alison M. , Matovu Enock ,   TrypanoGEN+ Research group
Published: July 2022

Background

Knowing the prevalence of schistosomiasis is key to informing programmes to control and eliminate the disease as a public health problem. It is also important to understand the impact of infection on child growth and development in order to allocate appropriate resources and effort to the control of the disease.

Methods

We conducted a survey to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school aged children in villages along the Albert-Nile shore line in the district of Pakwach, North Western Uganda. A total of 914 children aged between 10–15 years were screened for Schistosoma mansoni using the POC-CCA and Kato Katz (KK) techniques. The infection intensities were assessed by POC-CCA and KK as well as CAA tests. The KK intensities were also correlated with POC-CCA and with CAA intensity. Anthropometric measurements were also taken and multivariate analysis was carried out to investigate their association with infection status.

Results

The prevalence of schistosomiasis using the POC-CCA diagnostic test was estimated at 85% (95% CI: 83–87), being highest amongst children living closer to the Albert-Nile shoreline. Visual scoring of the POC-CCA results was more sensitive than the Kato Katz test and was positively correlated with the quantified infection intensities by the CAA test. The majority of the children were underweight (BMI<18.5), and most notably, boys had significantly lower height for age (stunting) than girls in the same age range (p < 0.0001), but this was not directly associated with S. mansoni infection.

Conclusion

High prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the region calls for more frequent mass drug administration with praziquantel. We observed high levels of stunting which was not associated with schistosomiasis. There is a need for improved nutrition among the children in the area.
USP5 enhances SGTA mediated protein quality control
Authors: Hill Jake , Nyathi Yvonne
Published: July 2022

Mislocalised membrane proteins (MLPs) present a risk to the cell due to exposed hydrophobic amino acids which cause MLPs to aggregate. Previous studies identified SGTA as a key component of the machinery that regulates the quality control of MLPs. Overexpression of SGTA promotes deubiqutination of MLPs resulting in their accumulation in cytosolic inclusions, suggesting SGTA acts in collaboration with deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) to exert these effects. However, the DUBs that play a role in this process have not been identified. In this study we have identified the ubiquitin specific peptidase 5 (USP5) as a DUB important in regulating the quality control of MLPs. We show that USP5 is in complex with SGTA, and this association is increased in the presence of an MLP. Overexpression of SGTA results in an increase in steady-state levels of MLPs suggesting a delay in proteasomal degradation of substrates. However, our results show that this effect is strongly dependent on the presence of USP5. We find that in the absence of USP5, the ability of SGTA to increase the steady state levels of MLPs is compromised. Moreover, knockdown of USP5 results in a reduction in the steady state levels of MLPs, while overexpression of USP5 increases the steady state levels. Our findings suggest that the interaction of SGTA with USP5 enables specific MLPs to escape proteasomal degradation allowing selective modulation of MLP quality control. These findings progress our understanding of aggregate formation, a hallmark in a range of neurodegenerative diseases and type II diabetes, as well as physiological processes of aggregate clearance.
Using a national level cross-sectional study to develop a Hospital Preparedness Index (HOSPI) for Covid-19 management: A case study from India
Authors: Duggal Bhanu , Duggal Mona , Panch Aparna , Chourase Mithlesh , Gedam Praveen , Singh Pushpendra , Saunik Sujata , Subramanian Lakshminarayan
Published: July 2022

Background

We developed a composite index–hospital preparedness index (HOSPI)–to gauge preparedness of hospitals in India to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We developed and validated a comprehensive survey questionnaire containing 63 questions, out of which 16 critical items were identified and classified under 5 domains: staff preparedness, effects of COVID-19, protective gears, infrastructure, and future planning. Hospitals empaneled under Ayushman Bharat Yojana (ABY) were invited to the survey. The responses were analyzed using weighted negative log likelihood scores for the options. The preparedness of hospitals was ranked after averaging the scores state-wise and district-wise in select states. HOSPI scores for states were classified using K-means clustering.

Findings

Out of 20,202 hospitals empaneled in ABY included in the study, a total of 954 hospitals responded to the questionnaire by July 2020. Domains 1, 2, and 4 contributed the most to the index. The overall preparedness was identified as the best in Goa, and 12 states/ UTs had scores above the national average score. Among the states which experienced high COVID-19 cases during the first pandemic wave, we identified a cluster of states with high HOSPI scores indicating better preparedness (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh), and a cluster with low HOSPI scores indicating poor preparedness (Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Uttarakhand).

Interpretation

Using this index, it is possible to identify areas for targeted improvement of hospital and staff preparedness to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
Fear and death anxiety in the shadow of COVID-19 among the Lebanese population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chalhoub Zeinab , Koubeissy Hiba , Fares Youssef , Abou-Abbas Linda
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most devastating health crises the world has seen. One of its mental health consequences includes fear of being infected, which could lead to anxiety. This study aimed to assess the fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors among the adult population in Lebanon.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between February 26th and April 29th, 2021. Data was collected through an online survey among adults aged 18 years and older. Information on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, fear and death anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, depression, and anxiety were collected. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to identify the predictors of fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 1840 participants were included in the analysis of which 62.9% were females and 62.2% were single. The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 70 years with a mean of 26.6 ±8.8 years. Of the total participants, 41.9% felt uncomfortable thinking about the novel Coronavirus and 35.4% of candidates became nervous/anxious when watching the news about COVID-19 on social media. About one-third of the participants (33.7%) were afraid of COVID-19 and 23.8% were afraid of losing their life because of the disease. Concerning somatic symptoms of fear, 7.9% reported increased heart races or palpitations whenever they thought about getting infected with COVID-19, 3.7% complained about sleep disturbances while 2.5% developed tremors or sweating in their hands when they thought about Coronavirus. In addition, Death anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most fear-related factors (B = 0.191, 95% CI (0.172 to 0.211), P-value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study provides insights on the impact of COVID-19 on individuals at the level of fear in Lebanon. Death anxiety was identified as the most significant predictor of fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the negative psychological effects of fear, it is necessary to educate the adults on how to deal with death anxiety and implement psychological interventions and counseling programs to relieve fear and improve the mental health of Lebanese adults.
A deep semantic vegetation health monitoring platform for citizen science imaging data
Authors: Khan Asim , Asim Warda , Ulhaq Anwaar , Robinson Randall W.
Published: July 2022

Automated monitoring of vegetation health in a landscape is often attributed to calculating values of various vegetation indexes over a period of time. However, such approaches suffer from an inaccurate estimation of vegetational change due to the over-reliance of index values on vegetation’s colour attributes and the availability of multi-spectral bands. One common observation is the sensitivity of colour attributes to seasonal variations and imaging devices, thus leading to false and inaccurate change detection and monitoring. In addition, these are very strong assumptions in a citizen science project. In this article, we build upon our previous work on developing a Semantic Vegetation Index (SVI) and expand it to introduce a semantic vegetation health monitoring platform to monitor vegetation health in a large landscape. However, unlike our previous work, we use RGB images of the Australian landscape for a quarterly series of images over six years (2015–2020). This Semantic Vegetation Index (SVI) is based on deep semantic segmentation to integrate it with a citizen science project (Fluker Post) for automated environmental monitoring. It has collected thousands of vegetation images shared by various visitors from around 168 different points located in Australian regions over six years. This paper first uses a deep learning-based semantic segmentation model to classify vegetation in repeated photographs. A semantic vegetation index is then calculated and plotted in a time series to reflect seasonal variations and environmental impacts. The results show variational trends of vegetation cover for each year, and the semantic segmentation model performed well in calculating vegetation cover based on semantic pixels (overall accuracy = 97.7%). This work has solved a number of problems related to changes in viewpoint, scale, zoom, and seasonal changes in order to normalise RGB image data collected from different image devices.
Lifelong impact of ENPP1 Deficiency and the early onset form of ABCC6 Deficiency from patient or caregiver perspective
Authors: O’Brien Christine , Khursigara Gus , Huertas Pedro , Leiro Beth , Molloy Liz , Nester Catherine
Published: July 2022

The ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 1 (ENPP1) and ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 6 (ABCC6) proteins play a prominent role in inhibiting ectopic calcification and arterial stenosis. Patients with ENPP1 Deficiency or infant onset ABCC6 Deficiency often present with pathological calcification, narrowed blood vessels, multiorgan dysfunction and high infant mortality. The heterogenous presentation and progression is well documented. Our objective was to characterize how these morbidities lead to burden of illness and poor quality of life across ages from the patient/caregiver perspective. Patients/caregivers were interviewed via phone using Institutional Review Board–approved questionnaires. Patient-reported outcomes were collected via validated instruments. Thirty-one caregivers and 7 patients participated: infant onset ABCC6 Deficiency, n = 6 (infants/children); ENPP1 Deficiency, n = 32 (13 infants, 12 children, 7 adults). ENPP1 and ABCC6-deficient children aged <8 years and aged 8–18 years reported poor school functioning (0.69 vs 0.72 effect size, respectively) and poor physical health (0.88 vs 1, respectively). In the total ENPP1 cohort, 72% (23/32) reported bone/joint pain and/or mobility/fatigue issues. Three of seven ENPP1-deficient adults reported moderate to severe pain (>4), as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), that interfered with daily activities despite pain medication. Top reported burdens for caregivers of infants with ABCC6/ENPP1 Deficiencies included heart-related issues and hospitalizations. Treatment/medications, and hearing loss were the highest burdens reported by caregivers/families of the pediatric ENPP1 Deficiency cohort, whereas adults reported bone/joint pain and mobility impairment as the greatest burdens. Individuals with ENPP1 Deficiency or infant onset ABCC6 Deficiency experience lifelong morbidity causing substantial physical and emotional burden to patients/caregivers.
Can additional funding improve mental health outcomes? Evidence from a synthetic control analysis of California’s millionaire tax
Authors: Thom Michael
Published: July 2022

California is the only one of its peers with a state-wide tax earmarked for mental health programs. The voter-approved levy applies to personal income above $1 million and has generated over $20 billion since 2005. But whether the additional funding improved population mental health remains unknown. This study applies the synthetic control method to the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System data to determine how the tax affected suicide deaths in California. Findings show that the state’s suicide mortality rate increased more gradually after the tax’s implementation than it would have otherwise. By 2019, the cumulative impact was approximately 5,500 avoided deaths. Multiple robustness and sensitivity checks confirm that result. However, the effect did not appear immediately, nor was it present within all demographic groups. Nevertheless, additional revenue was associated with improved mental health in California. Other governments may likewise yield beneficial outcomes.
Comparison of citation rates between Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 articles across 24 major scientific journals
Authors: Brandt Michael D. , Ghozy Sherief A. , Kallmes David F. , McDonald Robert J. , Kadirvel Ramanathan D.
Published: July 2022

Covid-19 has been front and center in the global landscape since the beginning of 2020. In response, the scientific field has dedicated enormous amounts of resources to researching the virus and its effects. The number of times Covid-19 publications are being cited throughout the literature appears remarkably high but has not been directly compared to non-Covid-19 papers in the same journals over an extended period. In our study, we use Clarivate’s Web of Science—Science Citation Index Expanded™ database to identify Covid-19 papers published in 24 major scientific journals over a period of 24 months from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. We conduct our search using keywords “Covid-19”, “coronavirus”, and “sars-cov-2” to locate publications with these words in the title. We then quantify the number of citations these papers have received and compare rates to non-Covid-19 papers in the same journals over the same timeframe. We find that, across 24 open-access and subscription-based scientific journals, Covid-19 papers published in the past 2 years currently have a median citation rate of 120.79 compared to 21.63 for non-Covid-19 papers. When negative binomial regression is used to minimize the influence of other variables such as article number variation and field of research, Covid-19 papers have still experienced more than 80% increase in citations relative to non-Covid-19 papers. These novel findings demonstrate that Covid-19 papers are being cited at remarkably higher rates than non-Covid-19 articles contained within the same journals. This suggests that journal impact factor, which is a product of the number of citations that recently published articles receive, will likely be drastically influenced by the number of Covid-19 papers that a journal has included within its pages in the previous years.
Negative emotions and personal well-being among incarcerated filicide mothers in Rwanda
Authors: Muziki Jean d’Amour , Uwera Thaoussi , Niyonsenga Japhet , Nshimiyimana Augustin , Sebatukura Siméon Gitimbwa , Mutabaruka Jean
Published: July 2022

Despite the tremendous evidence of the harmful effects of maternal filicide on the lives of offenders, there is a scarcity on studies of their negative emotions and personal wellbeing especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, this study was primarily aimed at assessing the prevalence of negative emotions experienced by filicide mothers and how they were associated with personal wellbeing in Rwanda. With an institutional-based cross-sectional study design, we measured the symptoms of anxiety, anger, shame, guilt, depression and personal well-being in a convenient sample of 55 filicidal mothers (mean age = 26.69; SD = 6.88) who were incarcerated in Nyarugenge prison. SPSS (version 24) was used to compute descriptive, Pearson correlation, independent t-test and regression analyses. The results indicated that the rates of shame were (100%), guilt (98.2%), anxiety (92.7%), depression (92.7%), low happiness and satisfaction with life (81.8%), and anger was (76.4%) in the current sample. Based on age category, there was no significant difference in anger scores, depression, guilt, shame and personal well-being scores between young and adult filicide mothers (p>.05). Young filicide mothers (M= 14.55,SD= 4.03), on the other hand, had higher anxiety scores than adult filicide mothers (M= 11.57,SD= 4.72), t = 2.52, p = .015. Finally, anxiety (β = -.507, t = -3.478, p = .001) and age (β = -.335, t = -2.685, p < .001) were negatively associated with personal well-being. The results emerged from this study highlight that filicide mothers experience substantial negative emotions and poor personal wellbeing regardless of their age category. However, poor personal wellbeing was associated with anxiety and age. Based on these results, mental health professionals should examine their mental state with respect to negative emotions and initiate programs that decrease the emotions as well as increase personal well-being.
Preoperative risk assessment and spirometry is a cost-effective strategy to reduce post-operative complications and mortality in Mexico
Authors: Mares-Gutiérrez Yolanda , Salinas-Escudero Guillermo , Aracena-Genao Belkis , Martínez-González Adrián , García-Minjares Manuel , Flores Yvonne N.
Published: July 2022

Aim

Combining preoperative spirometry with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalunia (ARISCAT) risk scale can reduce post-operative complications and improve patient survival. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of performing spirometry or not in conjunction with the ARISCAT scale, to reduce post-operative complications and improve survival among adult patients undergoing elective surgery in Mexico.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed to compare the specific cost and health outcomes associated with the combined use of the ARISCAT scale and preoperative spirometry (Group 1), and the use of the ARISCAT scale without preoperative spirometry (Group 2). The health outcomes evaluated were post-operative complications and survival. The perspective was from the health care provider (Hospital General de México) and direct medical costs were reported in 2019 US dollars. A decision tree with a time horizon of eight months was used for each health outcome and ARISCAT risk level.

Results

The combined use of the ARISCAT scale and spirometry is more cost-effective for reducing post-operative complications in the low and moderate-risk levels and is cost-saving in the high-risk level, than use of the ARISCAT scale without spirometry. To improve patient survival, ARISCAT and spirometry are also more cost-effective at the moderate risk level, and cost-saving for high-risk patients, than using the ARISCAT scale alone.

Conclusions

The use of preoperative spirometry among patients with a high ARISCAT risk level was cost-saving, reduced post-operative complications, and improved survival. Our findings indicate an urgent need to implement spirometry as part of preoperative care in Mexico, which is already the standard of care in other countries.
Physiological reactions to acute stressors and subjective stress during daily life: A systematic review on ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies
Authors: Weber Jeannette , Angerer Peter , Apolinário-Hagen Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Objective

This review aims to provide an overview of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies analyzing stress reactivity during daily life in terms of direct and moderated influence of acute stress on physiological responses.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed on November 29, 2021 using Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycINFO to identify prospective EMA studies targeting acute stressors or stress under naturalistic conditions, without restrictions of publication date or population. Study quality was assessed for multiple EMA-specific sources of bias.

Results

Out of 4285 non-duplicate records, 107 publications involving 104 unique studies were included. The majority of studies assessed acute physiological stress responses primarily through salivary cortisol (n = 59) and cardiovascular outcomes (n = 32). Most studies performed at least three measurements per day (n = 59), and had a moderate risk of recall bias (n = 68) and confounding (n = 85). Fifty-four studies reported a compliance of ≥80%. Direct, non-moderated positive associations were observed between acute stress exposure and concurrent cortisol levels (44%, n = 11/25), systolic (44%, 8/18) and diastolic blood pressure (53%, 8/15) and heart rate (53%, 9/17). Several inter- and intra-individual moderators were identified, such as age, gender, health status, chronic stress, work-related resources, physical activity and stress coping indicators.

Conclusions

About half of the reviewed EMA studies demonstrated direct associations between everyday acute stress exposure and physiological responses, including increased cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Results further suggested various moderator variables that could help develop tailored prevention strategies and identify groups at higher risk for dysfunctional stress responses.

Registration

PROSPERO—Reg.-No.: PROSPERO 2020CRD42020163178.
Factors associated with post-neonatal mortality in Ethiopia: Using the 2019 Ethiopia mini demographic and health survey
Authors: Fentaw Kenaw Derebe , Fenta Setegn Muche , Biresaw Hailegebrael Birhan , Yalew Mequanint Melkam
Published: July 2022

Background

Post-neonatal mortality is the number of deaths of infants aged 28 days through 11 months and is expressed as post-neonatal deaths per 1000 live births per year. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence post-neonatal death using the 2019 Ethiopia mini demographic and health survey (EMDHS2019).

Methods

The study included 2126 post neonates born from mothers who had been interviewed about births in the five years before the survey. The survey gathering period was carried out from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019. The data were first analyzed with a chi-square test of association, and then relevant factors were evaluated with binary logistic regression models and the results were interpreted using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval(CI) of parameters.

Results

The prevalence of post neonatal death was 16% (95% CI: 15.46, 17.78). The study also showed that not vaccinated post-neonates (AOR = 2.325, 95% CI: 1.784, 3.029), mothers who were not receiving any tetanus injection (AOR = 2.891, 95% CI: 2.254, 3.708), mothers age group 15-24(AOR = 1.836, 95% CI: 1.168, 2.886), Afar (AOR = 2.868, 95% CI: 1.264, 6.506), Somali(AOR = 2.273, 95% CI: 1.029, 5.020), Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region(SNNP) (AOR = 2.619, 95% CI: 1.096, 6.257), 2–4 birth orders (AOR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.225, 3.060), not attend antenatal care(ANC) visit (AOR = 6.491, 95% CI: 3.928, 10.726), and preceding birth interval less than 24 months (AOR = 1.755, 95% CI: 1.363,2.261) statistically associated with a higher risk of post neonatal death. Although not given anything other than breast milk (AOR = 0.604, 95% CI 0.462, 0.789), urban residents (AOR = 0.545, 95% CI: 0.338, 0.877), single births (AOR = 0.150, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.234), less than 3 children in a family (AOR = 0.665, 95% CI 0.470, 0.939) and the head of the male household (AOR = 0.442, 95% CI: 0.270, 0.724) were statistically associated with a lower risk of post-neonatal mortality.

Conclusions

It is highly suggested that maternal and child health care services (including antenatal care visits, postnatal care visits, and immunization) be strengthened and monitored during the early stages of infancy. Mothers from Somali, Afar, and SNNP regions, as well as multiple births, rural residents, and those giving birth to a child with a birth gap of fewer than 24 months, demand special care.
New York metropolitan: Urban modernity in The Age of Innocence
Authors: Basaldua-Sun Sophia
Published: July 2022

Edith Wharton consistently uses ‘metropolis’ as her crowning label of urban modernity. Throughout her body of work, she applies the word to two cities: Paris and New York, which is reflective of a broader trend in humanistic representations of the modern metropolis and urban modernity. In her 1920 novel The Age of Innocence, Wharton identifies and writes New York metropolitanism, laying the foundation for the later widespread representation of New York as the capital of the twentieth century, as Paris has been the emblematic capital of the nineteenth century. Her work connects our present urban modernity to the urban modernization projects of the nineteenth century, while The Age of Innocence, in particular, narrates the myriad forms the modern metropolis has taken over the last century, ranging from metropolitan geographical expansion, to the centre of culture, the centre of fashion (commercial and artistic) and the technological metropolis. Wharton’s The Age of Innocence is a compelling example of how the modern metropolis was used historically to represent the height of modern urbanity. It provides an exemplary case study of the concept as it became a part of the modern urban lexicon.
Pánik próbája a mérés : Avagy önvezető technológiák elfogadásának valós idejű vizsgálata neurotudományi mérésekkel
Authors: Prónay Szabolcs , Lukovics Miklós , Kovács Péter , Majó-Petri Zoltán , Ujházi Tamás , Palatinus Zsolt , Volosin Márta
Published: July 2022

There is a broad international research interest in the study of consumer acceptance of self-driving technology. Most researchers use questionnaires based on different versions of TAM and UTAUT models to investigate this topic. However, the vast majority of respondents fill out the questionnaires, without any first-hand experience of self-driving technology. Addressing this limitation, the authors offered their participants a short test drive as passengers in a self-driving vehicle. In addition to the questionnaires, in the course of these trials they collected real-time electroencephalography (EEG) and eye movement data from each participant. A linear regression model revealed high explanatory power (97%), when physiological measurements were combined with a follow-up UTAUT-2 questionnaire. The results suggest that when surveys are combined with in real-time in-situ measurements, explanatory variables for technology adoption relate to experience and emotion. Neuroscientific measures may play an important role in detecting the latter.
De denuncias, revisiones y nuevas miradas. El espacio escolar desde los planteos de Paulo Freire y el aporte de los teóricos del espacio social
Authors: Serra María Florencia , Colussi Javier Alejandro
Published: July 2022

En este ensayo nos proponemos explorar en los diálogos entre los planteos de Paulo Freire y los teóricos del espacio social, indagando en dos líneas: las relaciones entre saberes, educación y espacio, y la materialidad del espacio en el ámbito de lo escolar/educativo. Para esto indagamos en las producciones bibliográficas del pedagogo brasileño en sus últimos años (las que se corresponden con su vida después del exilio) y los planteos de Engels y Lefebvre. Sostenemos que es posible encontrar puntos comunes en los argumentos de uno y otros en relación a la denuncia sobre la falsa neutralidad de lo espacial.
Acercamiento a las competencias profesionales de enfermería a través de una propuesta didáctica
Authors: Zoloaga Silvana Alicia
Published: July 2022

Estamos transitando transformaciones inducidas por la incorporación de tecnologías es así que los educadores debemos promover y producir cambios en los modelos de enseñanza y de los aprendizajes, en los distintos escenarios donde ocurre la producción del conocimiento. 

Avanzar en el desarrollo de competencias y habilidades que se integren a la formación de los profesionales de enfermería, reorientando, modificando e implementando metodologías de enseñanza innovadoras, resulta necesario para producir de manera didáctica y real la integración de conocimientos que permitan afrontar las exigencias cognitivas, prácticas y tecnológicas del ambiente laboral y social, tomando como eje central el cuidado. 

Este trabajo, enmarcado en el Trabajo Final Integrador de la Especialización en Docencia Universitaria, plantea un abordaje integrador con sentido didáctico sobre las prácticas en la enseñanza y de los aprendizajes en la formación de los estudiantes de la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería, para que sus prácticas profesionales se brinden con mayores niveles de calidad a los usuarios de los servicios de salud, sin perder las concepciones del «ser, el saber hacer y saber ser» de la disciplina.