bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the effect of market risks on bank profitability: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Al-Rdaydeh Mahmoud , Hamouri Basem , Aziz Abdul Rahman Abdul , Meero Abdelrhman , I. Tabash Mosab
Published: April 2022

This paper observes the dynamic impact of market risks on the profitability of banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2010 to 2018 in Jordan. To identify the link, the relevant data were retrieved from the annual statements of Jordanian banks and one-step Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach was employed to diagnose the error regarding endogeneity. The results of the applied methodology showed that market risks impacted the profitability of Jordanian banks. Furthermore, the study also presented factors that affected the banks’ profitability, such as capitalization and bank size. The previous year profitability has a positive effect on the next year profitability. Moreover, stock market returns (SMRs) directly affect ROA and ROE because when SMRs enhances, bank profitability will increase. Bank managers should ponder the volatility of the market risk while enhancing the profitability of a bank. This relationship of the variables regarding Jordanian banks listed on the ASE was not considered before in the financial economics literature. Recommendations were also provided for Jordanian bank managers to mitigate market risks.
PERTURBAÇÕES AUDITIVAS: O CONHECIMENTO COMO CAMINHO PARA A PREVENÇÃO
Authors: Neves Roberta , Baptista Ana Catarina , Carvalho Graça Simões de
Published: April 2022

Introdução: A otite média serosa e a perturbação do processamento auditivo são perturbações de difícil diagnóstico em crianças pequenas, pelo que, iniciativas de prevenção disseminam o conhecimento e a tomada de consciência, permitindo identificar precocemente tais perturbações. Com a colaboração da Universidade do Minho e da Universidade do Algarve promoveu-se um Ciclo de Conferências inserido numa ação de prevenção primária sobre um importante fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da linguagem: a otite média serosa, uma patologia altamente frequente e que acomete sobretudo crianças pequenas e que pode ter impacto na linguagem, bem como, atingir um pilar importante para o desenvolvimento linguístico: o processamento auditivo central. Objetivos: partilhar a experiência deste ciclo e o eventual impacto do conhecimento transmitido aos participantes. Metodologia: utilizou-se um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e de percepção/satisfação, com utilização de estatística descritiva para análise dos dados.  Resultados: os dados iniciais demonstram que houve impacto positivo na ampliação dos conhecimentos dos participantes e do reconhecimento dos mesmos da necessidade de mais formações nesta área. Conclusão: há interesse relevante na temática deste ciclo, sendo fundamental continuar-se a investir nestas atividades de prevenção, pelo seu potencial transformador nas práticas profissionais de todos os que lidam diretamente com crianças.
K2O SUPORTADO EM ZEÓLITA NATURAL: SÍNTESE, CARACTERIZAÇÃO E APLICAÇÃO PRODUÇÃO DE BIODIESEL A PARTIR DO ÓLEO DE GIRASSOL
Authors: Castro Karoline , Araujo Aruzza , Batista Alyxandra , Fernandes Valter , Pergher Sibele , Gondima Amanda
Published: April 2022

K2O SUPPORTED ON NATURAL ZEOLITE: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM SUNFLOWER OIL. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel, a substitute for fossil diesel, which is important for reducing GHG in Brazil. Therefore, this work aims to synthesize and characterize the catalyst using the support of natural zeolite impregnated with K2O and apply it in the production of biodiesel through the transesterification reaction. Through the analysis of characterizations such as XRD, characteristic peaks of Clinoptilolite and Mordenite zeolites were verified in the natural zeolite, in addition to evidencing the characteristic peaks of KI and K2O in this microporous support. Thermal and FTIR analyzes revealed the presence of KI and K2O in the presence of the decomposition region of composite compounds (500 to 800 °C) and corresponding vibration bands, while EDS analysis indicated the efficiency of KI to K2O conversion after calcination. To evaluate the application of the catalyst in the production of biodiesel, the following reaction conditions were studied: percentage of catalyst in relation to oil mass (6% and 8%), methanol:oil mass ratio (15: 1 and 30: 1) and temperature (60 °C and 90 °C). The catalyst presents good results reaching a conversion of 98.96% in esters using 6% catalyst, mass ratio oil:methanol 1:30 and reaction temperature of 90 °C.
Performance evaluation of vetiver and pampas plants in reducing the hazardous ions of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation water use
Authors: Mirzaee Morvarid Mohammad , Zakerinia Mehdi , Farasati Masoumeh
Published: April 2022

Phytoremediation is one of the simple and cost-effective methods introduced in recent years as a solution for eliminating environmental pollution. This study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using vetiver grass and pampas grass plants in removing the main pollutants and improving the physical and chemical properties of the treated municipal wastewater, for use in agriculture and drip irrigation systems. This study was conducted in the form of a factorial experiment with two factors of plant type (vetiver grass and pampas grass) and residence time (in five levels: 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days) and in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that although both plant types had a high potential to reduce the undesirable properties of treated wastewater with a residence time of 15 days, pampas grass exhibited better performance in most of the studied characteristics. This plant, even with a residence time of 3 days, reduced the concentration of chloride, sodium, calcium, carbonate, and bicarbonate and also the sedimentation index by 58.82, 38.64, 40.03, 73.91, 45.44, and 88.16%, respectively. Moreover, pampas grass reduced the salinity and hardness of water by 48.84 and 23.32%, respectively, and the electrical conductivity and TDS by at least 18.32% in 3 days. According to the findings of this study, pampas grass is a better option than its competitor, vetiver grass, to reduce pollution in treated urban wastewater and improve wastewater quality for use in agriculture and drip irrigation systems.
Boron isotopes in the Huaihe River, China: An exploration of anthropogenic contamination
Authors: Da Chunnian , Yu Jin , Huang Qinghui , Wu Linjun , Ji Peng , Huang Dukai
Published: April 2022

Thirty-four water samples were collected to measure their boron concentrations and δ11B values. The results indicated that the concentrations of boron in the Huaihe River ranged from 37.99 to 105.99 μg/L, much lower than those of groundwater, farmland irrigation water and sewage water. The δ11B values were between −3.12‰ and 3.21‰, with a mean value of −0.44‰. There were obvious variations trend of boron and δ11B between upstream, midstream and downstream. δ11B had a relatively high correlation with pH, boron and chlorine. Boron was positively correlated with EC, Na+, K+, F−, Li+, As and δ11B, while negatively correlated with Ca2+and Mg2+ in water. The structural equation model suggested industrial structure, population, economic development and pollution emission had positive effects on boron, whereas industrial structure and pollution emission had positive effects on δ11B. The contents of boron and δ11B showed a slight difference between the farmland, groundwater, sewage treatment plant and the Huaihe River. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the same source was occurred between the Huaihe River and groundwater, between farmland and sewage treatment plant. A stable isotope analysis in R model revealed that detergent provided the greatest proportion of boron sources, followed by washing powder, municipal wastewater and contaminated groundwater.
Significados de calidad de la educacion pública chilena de promociones estudiantiles interreformas
Authors:   Universidad de Valparaíso, Castañeda Meneses Patricia , Castañeda Meneses Marta ,   Universidad de Playa Ancha
Published: April 2022

l artículo presenta resultados de investigación interuniversitaria que analiza comparativamente significados respecto de la calidad de la educación pública chilena de las promociones estudiantiles de períodos interreformas correspondientes a: antes de 1965, 1965-1981, 1981-1996 y 1996-2015. Se define calidad educativa desde las categorías excepción, perfección o consistencia, aptitud para logro de misión o propósito, valor agregado y transformación. El diseño de investigación es cualitativo fenomenológico, de representatividad estructural intencionada y recolección de información por entrevista biográfica. Los resultados reconocen situación de rezago de la educación pública respecto de su histórica tradición de excelencia, marcando como causa estructural la Reforma Educacional de 1981 que fracturó su funcionamiento académico, administrativo y económico.
COVID-19 and Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Balta Sevket , Balta Ilknur
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes mild illness to serious infection with lung
involvement, thrombosis, and other complications potentially resulting in fatal outcomes. Recognised
inflammatory biomarkers play important roles in managing patients with COVID-19; for example, diagnosis,
follow-up, assessment of treatment response, and risk stratification. Inflammatory markers in
COVID-19 disease were analysed in two categories. Well-known inflammatory markers include complete
blood count, C-reactive protein, albumin, cytokines, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Asymmetric
dimethylarginine, endocan, pentraxin 3, serum amyloid A, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator
receptor, total oxidant status and total antioxidant status, and galectin-3 are considered among the
emerging inflammatory markers. This brief narrative review assesses the relationship between these
inflammatory markers and COVID-19 infection.
Inborn Errors of Metabolism Screening in Neonates: Current Perspective with Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Mukherjee Sukhes , Ray Suman Kumar
Published: April 2022

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are rare hereditary or acquired disorders resulting from an enzymatic deformity in biochemical and metabolic pathways influencing proteins, fats, carbohydrate metabolism, or hampered some organelle function. Even though individual IEMs are uncommon, together, they represent a diverse class of genetic diseases, with new issues and disease mechanisms being portrayed consistently. IEM includes the extraordinary multifaceted nature of the fundamental pathophysiology, biochemical diagnosis, molecular level investigation, and complex therapeutic choices. However, due to the molecular, biochemical, and clinical heterogeneity of IEM, screening alone will not detect and diagnose all illnesses included in newborn screening programs. Early diagnosis prevents the emergence of severe clinical symptoms in the majority of IEM cases, lowering morbidity and death. The appearance of IEM disease can vary from neonates to adult peo-ple, with the more serious conditions showing up in juvenile stages along with significant morbidity as well as mortality. Advances in understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular eti-ologies of numerous IEMs by means of modalities, for instance, the latest molecular-genetic tech-nologies, genome engineering knowledge, entire exome sequencing, and metabolomics, have prompted remarkable advancement in detection and treatment in modern times. In this review, we analyze the biochemical basis of IEMs, clinical manifestations, the present status of screening, on-going advances, and efficiency of diagnosis in treatment for IEMs, along with prospects for further exploration as well as innovation.
Thin-catheter Surfactant Application for Respiratory Distress Syndrome
in Spontaneously Breathing Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis of Randomized
Clinical Trials
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Kesler Hanan , Lohmeier Klaus , Hoehn Thomas , Kribs Angela
Published: April 2022

Background:

Surfactant application by a thin catheter represented by the term less inva-sive surfactant administration (LISA) for respiratory distress syndrome in spontaneously breathing preterm infants was developed as an alternative to endotracheal intubation.

Method:

We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of LISA when compared to the so-called intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) and the standard endotracheal intubation and me-chanical ventilation (MV). The primary outcome was the composite incidence of death or bron-chopulmonary dysplasia at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks. The secondary outcome was the com-posite incidence of seven other severe adverse events. On 06 October 2021, we searched random-ized clinical trials (RCTs) in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ICTRP Registry.

Results:

We included 18 RCTs. The pooled data on the primary outcome favored LISA when com-pared to either INSURE (risk ratio 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.88) or MV (risk ratio 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99). The pooled data on the second outcome also favored LISA when compared to INSURE (risk ratio 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.94) and MV (risk ratio 0.73; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.96).

Conclusions:

The findings showed that surfactant application by non-intubation respiratory support and the use of a thin catheter may decrease the composite risk of death or bronchopulmonary dys-plasia. The included data support the view that LISA should be considered the preferred treatment option in eligible infants.
Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt via the Right Adrenal Vein in an
Asymptomatic Cirrhotic Patient
Authors: Gündoğdu Elif , Küçükhüseyin Abdullah , Yazici Celal , Kebapçi Mahmut
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSSs) draining to the inferior vena cava (IVC)
via the right adrenal vein has been reported as very rare, and all the patients who have been recorded
have had hepatic encephalopathy. Here, we present a patient with intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal
vein diagnosed incidentally without encephalopathy.

Case Presentation:

A 51-year-old patient, who was diagnosed with chronic liver parenchyma disease
and a suspecting nodule on the ultrasound was examined by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). A 4 cm in diameter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was detected. In addition
to HCC, an abnormal shunt between the right posterior portal vein and the IVC via the right adrenal
vein was also detected.

Results:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal
vein diagnosed incidentally in the absence of encephalopathy and the fourth case with this abnormal
shunt in English literature.

Conclusions:

Intrahepatic PSS via the right adrenal vein is rare. It may be asymptomatic at the time of
diagnosis but has the potential to cause various problems, later on, especially hepatic encephalopathy.
The radiologist must be aware of this abnormal shunt.
Even After Vaccination, is the Second Wave of COVID-19 in India More
Dangerous?
Authors: Veer Karan , Kumar Pooja , Kumar Sachin
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 infection has already had a significant impact on the global health system. Nowadays, the second wave of the disease is surging in India. One significant difference between the two waves is that they are too virulent in terms of infection rate. During the surge of the second wave, the mortality rate is highest in the age group of 50-70 years old. In three age groups, below 10, 30 to 40 years, and above 80, the mortality rate is increased. Symptoms are also different in both waves. The second wave is becoming more dangerous due to the double mutant variant of the virus.
In silico Study of Some Dexamethasone Analogs and Derivatives against
SARs-CoV-2 Target: A Cost-effective Alternative to Remdesivir for Various
COVID Phases
Authors: Pandey Ruchi , Dubey Itishree , Ahmad Iqrar , Mahapatra Debarshi Kar , Patel Harun , Kumar Pranesh
Published: April 2022

Aim:

The black market for Remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 is surging in the
world. This condition leads to the uprising of drugs from the common hospital inventory, of which
Dexamethasone is an effective weapon to be employed against the coronavirus.

Background:

Remdesivir is an intravenous nucleotide prodrug of an adenosine analog. Dexamethasone
was tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the UK’s national clinical trial and
was found to benefit critically ill patients. Therefore, it could be a better alternative.

Objective:

A computational approach of molecular docking was performed to determine the binding
interactions ability between the selected 3D-models of COVID-19 protease and inflammatory targets
with suggested modified ligand compounds through Autodock v.1.5.6 software that also establishes
the plausible mechanism.

Method:

Dexamethasone had a constructive response where we utilized the structural modification
technique in which molecules (icomethasone, betnesol, topicort, flumethasone, paramethasone, triamcinolone,
and doxi-betasol) bearing the same pharmacophore as in dexamethasone (ring-A as it is
responsible for the binding of the compound to the steroidal receptor), were selected from available
drug bank to observe the response of these modified structures against SARs-CoV-2. Desmond
Simulation Package was used to run MD simulations for 100 ns following the docking calculations
to assess the steady nature and conformational stability of the Dexamethasone-17-acetate-SARs-
CoV-2 main protease complexes.

Result:

Dexamethasone-17-acetate, the best analog, demonstrated a better pharmacological response
than the parent compound and provided information for further designing active inhibitors
against inflammatory targets activated by the coronavirus attack. The maximum RMSD value of the
Cα-backbone of the SARs-CoV-2 main protease protein is 3.6Å, indicating that the Dexamethasone-
17-acetate-6LU7 protein complex was retained continuously throughout the simulation time.

Conclusion:

The present investigation was a search for inhibitors that will help recover patients
suffering from COVID and for prophylactic use.
All-Cellulose Composites Derived from Natural Plant Fibers
Authors: Delgado J.F.
Published: April 2022

A promising approach to prepare high performance cellulose-reinforced biodegradable materials is the production of innovative composites made completely from cellulose according to the concept of single-polymer composites. All-cellulose composites (ACCs) are distinguished for the excellent interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the reinforcement which results in outstanding mechanical properties, and for their enhanced recyclability. In this context, the current chapter will focus on the most important processing routes and the main properties of ACCs and ACNCs (all-cellulose nanocomposites) totally or partially derived from natural plant fibers, using either the entire fibers or the cellulose isolated from them.
The Role of Advanced Polymers in Surgery & Medical Devices
Authors: Rajput A.
Published: April 2022

Polymers find a variety of applications in our day-to-day life. A wide range of synthetic polymers which have become a part of our daily life. Synthetic resin has a variety of applications in our life. Synthetic polymers are uses in craft and biomedical and surgical operation. Medical devices include simple devices; test equipment and implants. Polymers of different types are used extensively in these devices, for weight, cost, and performance benefits. The chapter focuses on some advanced polymers like resin, copolymers and thermoplastics which are therefore used in different fields like medical or surgical in large scale on the basis of structure activity relationship. Advanced polymeric materials and biodegradable polymers and their application in surgical devices were also discussed.
Applications of Polymers in Neurosurgery
Authors: Naureen Z.
Published: April 2022

The advancement in regenerative medicine has made it possible to offer new strategies and novel materials that have brought a revolution in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and cosmetic surgeries. The area of tissue engineering has mainly focused to develop such materials that can mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). The material used widely for this purpose as well as for scaffolds for temporary support is known as a polymer. Polymers both natural and synthetic are being used as biomaterial and it has brought about significant changes in the area of neuronal repair. This chapter discusses the potential areas in neurosurgery where the application of polymers is possible.
Advancements in Polymeric Denture Lining Materials
Authors: Khan G.
Published: April 2022

Denture liners are elastomeric materials that are applied on the fitting surface of a partial or complete removable denture. They are mainly used to improve the fit of dentures and provide a cushioning effect, to relieve pain and discomfort of the patient. Denture liners are broadly categorized into three main groups (1) Soft liners (2) Tissue Conditioners and (3) Hardliners and can be either heat cured, light cured, or self-cured. Although these materials have advantageous properties each one of these has its disadvantages as well. Therefore, the selection of material for a specific condition is of great importance and depends on the properties of the selected material. In this chapter, we will discuss the different types of denture liners, their clinical application, properties, limitations, and recent advances in these denture liners.
Identifying Workplace Lactation Room Design Gaps
Authors: Muhammad Roslan Aresha Suraya , Zaharin Puteri Mayang Bahjah , Amanda Fellicia
Published: April 2022

Exclusive breastfeeding among employed mothers in Malaysia remains low despite numerous health benefits to mothers and children. Inadequate provision of a lactation room at the workplace contributed to the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. The objective of this paper is to identify the design gaps in the lactation room at the workplace in Selangor. The results suggest that adopting the first step of the user-centred design (UCD) method enables the identification of design gaps in the lactation room: location, room size, allocation of table and chair, milk storage, sink, and additional storage facilities.
Keywords: breastfeeding, working mothers, lactation room, user-centred design
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3126
Health-Related Quality of Life of HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Pregnant Women in an Impoverished Area: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Qu Shuiling , Wang Ailing , Wang Xiaoyan , Yang Yehuan , Pan Xiaoping , Zhang Tong
Published: April 2022

Background

Liangshan prefecture of Sichuan province was an impoverished mountainous area in China, where the annual number of HIV-positive pregnant women accounted for approximately 10% of China’s total population in the decades before 2020. In general, pregnant women living here are likely to be physically and mentally different from those in other places.

Objective

This study aims to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of pregnant women living with HIV in an impoverished area.

Methods

From December 2018 to January 2019, HIV-positive and HIV-negative parturients within 18 months after delivery were recruited in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Questionnaires were designed to collect their demographic data, while the EuroQol 5-Dimension, 3-Level questionnaire was used to measure their HRQoL when they were in the second trimester from 4 to 6 months of pregnancy, and their quantitative health scores were converted to corresponding healthy utility values by using the Chinese Utility Value Integral System (time trade-off coefficient).

Results

A total of 250 pregnant women (133 HIV-positive and 117 HIV-negative) were enrolled in the study. Among them, 55 (41.35%) and 75 (64.10%) of HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women self-reported full health (healthy state 11111), respectively. The median health utility value of the 250 pregnant women was 0.961 (IQR –0.046 to 0.961), and those of the HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women were 0.875 (0.424-0.961) and 0.961 (IQR –0.046 to 0.961), respectively. We observed a significant difference only in the dimension of anxiety or depression between the two groups (P=.002) and no significant difference in the distribution of health utility indices between the two groups in terms of maternal age, education level, occupation, annual household income, prenatal care visits, family size, and medical insurance category. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, P<.05) and prenatal care visit (OR 0.29, P<.01) were independent risk factors for health status.

Conclusions

Most pregnant women self-reported satisfactory HRQoL in this impoverished mountainous area. HIV-negative pregnant women had an edge over HIV-positive pregnant women, and there were significant differences in anxiety or depression dimensions between the two groups.
Supporting shared decision making about personalised surveillance after breast cancer: the development of a patient decision aid integrating personalised recurrence risk calculations (Preprint)
Authors: Ankersmid Jet Wies , Siesling Sabine , Strobbe Luc J A , Bode-Meulepas José M , van Riet Yvonne E A , Engels Noel , Prick Janine C M , The Regina , Takahashi Asako , Velting Mirjam , van Uden-Kraan Cornelia F , Drossaert Constance H C
Published: April 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

Background and objective: The aim of this study was to develop a patient decision aid (PtDA), integrating personalised risk calculations on risks for recurrences, to support shared decision-making (SDM) about personalised surveillance after curative treatment for invasive breast cancer.
Methods: For the development of the PtDA, the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) development process was combined with a mixed-methods design consisting of decisional needs assessment studies, prototyping, and alpha and beta testing. The composed steering group convened in regular working group sessions throughout the development process.
Results: The “Breast Cancer Surveillance Decision Aid” consists of three components that each support a step in the SDM process: 1) a handout sheet on which personalised risks for recurrences, calculated using the INFLUENCE-nomogram, can be visualised and which contains explanation about the decision for post-treatment surveillance and a login code for an online deliberation tool; 2) an online deliberation tool, including a patient reported outcome measure on fear of cancer recurrence; and 3) a summary sheet summarising patients’ preferences and considerations. The PtDA was assessed as usable and acceptable during alpha testing.
Conclusions: We developed an acceptable and usable PtDA integrating personalised risk calculations on risks for recurrences to support SDM about surveillance after breast cancer. The implementation and effects of the use of the “Breast Cancer Surveillance Decision Aid” are currently being investigated in a clinical trial.
Programmatic adoption and implementation of Video-observed therapy in Minnesota: Prospective Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bachina Preetham , Lippincott Christopher Kirk , Perry Allison , Munk Elizabeth , Maltas Gina , Bohr Rebecca , Rock Robert Bryan , Shah Maunank
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

In-person directly observed therapy (DOT) is commonly used for tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence monitoring in the US, with increasing usage of video-DOT (vDOT). In Minneapolis, vDOT became available in 2019.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the programmatic utilization and effectiveness of vDOT over time, and the impact of COVID-19 on TB treatment adherence and technology adoption.

METHODS

We abstracted routinely collected data on individuals receiving therapy for TB disease in Minneapolis, MN between September 2019 and June 2021. Our primary outcomes were to assess vDOT utilization and treatment adherence, defined as the proportion of prescribed doses (7 days per week) verified by observation (in-person versus video-DOT), comparing individuals receiving therapy in the pre-COVID (before March 2020), early-COVID (March-August 2020), and intra-COVID (after August 2020) period.

RESULTS

Among 49 TB patients (mean age 41, 55% female, 96% non-US born), 18 (36.7%) received treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, verified adherence (proportion of observed doses) was significantly higher when using vDOT (median 86% [IQR 71-99%]) compared to in-person DOT (median 57% [47%-63%], P=.001). The adoption of vDOT increased significantly from 35% of TB patients in the pre-COVID period, to 67% in the post-COVID periods (P=.035). Consequently, overall verified (i.e., observed) adherence among all TB patients in the clinic improved across the study periods (56%, 67%, 79%, P=.001 for the pre-, early-, intra-COVID periods, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

vDOT utilization increased post-COVID, was more effective than in-person DOT at verifying ingestion of prescribed treatment, and led to overall increased verified adherence in the clinic despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare-Resource Allocation Before and During the COVID Pandemic: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Hao , Lu Xiaoyu , Wang Hanyu
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Imbalanced healthcare-resource distribution has been central in unequal health outcomes and political tension around the world. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for facilitating resource distribution, especially during emergencies. However, no comprehensive review exists on the use and ethics of AI in healthcare-resource distribution.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a systematic scoping review of the application of AI in healthcare-resource distribution and to explore the ethical and political issues in such situations.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic and comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted in Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from inception to February 2022. The review included qualitative and quantitative studies investigating the application of AI in healthcare-resource allocation.

RESULTS

The review involved 22 articles, including 9 on model development and 13 on theoretical discussion, qualitative studies, or review studies. Of the 9 on model development and validation, 5 were conducted in emerging economies, 3 in developed countries, and one study in a global context. In terms of content, 4 focused on resource distribution at the health-system level and 5 on resource allocation at the hospital level. Of the 13 qualitative studies, 8 were discussions on the COVID pandemic and the rest on hospital resources, outbreaks, screening, human resources, and digitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review synthesised evidence on AI in health resource distribution, focusing on the COVID pandemic. The results suggest that the application of AI has potential to improve efficacy in resource distribution, especially during emergencies. Efficient data sharing and collecting structures are needed to make reliable and evidence-based decisions. Health inequality, distributive justice, and transparency must be considered when deploying AI models in real-world situations.
Healthcare Provider Perceptions of Virtual Reality: An Exploratory Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Preston A'mie M , Brown Lana , Padala Kalpana , Padala Prasad
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR), a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, has become increasingly useful within the psychiatric and medical fields. This VR technology has been applied in medical school trainings, exposure therapy for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Reminiscence Therapy associated with mood disorders for older adults. Perceptions about VR from the healthcare provider lens requires further exploration. VR has grown in popularity; however, this modality continues to be underutilized in most Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

A quality improvement online survey was used to explore healthcare provider perceptions of VR availability and use in older adults as well as to identify potential barriers for VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

An 8-item online survey was developed to obtain healthcare provider feedback. This survey was disseminated throughout a single Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN). The VR survey was developed via the Survey Monkey© platform and distributed through the secure VA email network. Providers were asked to voluntarily participate in the brief, anonymous survey and offer their perceptions of VR use within their patient population. Survey data was reviewed and interpreted using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 49 respondents completed the survey over a 15-day period. Thirty-six respondents (73%) had heard of a VR device; though the majority 44 (90%) had never used or prescribed a VR device. Respondents identified several potential barriers to VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment (e.g., hearing difficulties, perceptions of technology, cognitive concerns, access to resources and visual impairment). Despite the barriers identified, providers still reported that they would feel comfortable prescribing VR as an intervention for their patient population (98%).

CONCLUSIONS

Survey findings revealed healthcare providers within this VA VISN have heard of VR; though, may have not actively engaged in its use. The majority of providers reported that they would prescribe use of a VR intervention for their older adult patients. This key point highlights the desire to implement VR strategies for patient use by their providers. If underlying barriers can be addressed and relatively resolved, this technological intervention has the potential to create substantial breakthroughs in clinical care.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
Pertaining the Feminist Vision of Ecocriticism for Environmental Justice against Gender Biases and Women Critics: A Literature on the International and National Perception
Authors: Begum Md Shahazadi
Published: April 2022

To explore environmental literature from a feminist perspective, a large diversity of feminist eco-critical approaches to affirm the continuing contribution, it is necessary and relevant to present a feminist perspective in environmental literature, culture, and science. Feminist ecocriticism is considered as a substantial history that defines women's environmental writing and social change activism with the eco-cultural critic. This research mainly defines the connection of the feminist vision of eco-criticism by taking the international and national perception against gender biases and women critics. The main purpose of the study is the elaboration of ecocriticism for environmental justice against gender biases and women’s critics.
Folk Literature and Social Space: Interdependences and Correlations
Authors: Jaimini Ms. Rajni , Raghav Dr. Priya
Published: April 2022

Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” this dictum attributed to famous playwright Bertolt Brecht as quoted by Bleeker et al., (2019) sums up the interdependence and correlation between art and literature and society. The world has never been a singular entity. There have always been groups that lived a powerful, privileged existence and it is their experience that has passed down the generations as literature, as the core narrative of human existence at a given time. For long ‘Literature’ did not include ‘Folk’ or their culture as was relegated to the peripheries of academic discourse as belonging to the savage, subaltern people. However, it is now increasingly being recognised as an archive of vernacular knowledge systems and a great contributor to the social and cultural development of the people. Both social space and folk literature affect and mould each other. What happens in social space gets reflected in folk literature and what folk literature depicts becomes part of social space. Saang as a form of folk performance tradition has been the source of or a defining influence on the various forms of Folk performance traditions of North India. It has been called “a north Indian Folk Opera” by Vatuk, V. P., & Vatuk, S. (1967) because the dialogues between characters are sung. Taking it as a representative form of North Indian folk performative tradition, my paper attempts to analyse issues of representation of culture, society and morality on the Saang stage. The paper, would focus on some selected Saangs of Lakhmi Chand (1905-1945), as compiled by Sharma, P. Chand. (2006) in Lakhmi Chand Granthavali. He is known as the greatest exponent of the Saang form and often referred to as the Shakespeare of North India. His Saangs invariably represent the values and experiences that formed the core of the society of his times. He has taken tales from history, myth and local legends as the basis for his performances. The present paper analyses the content of some Saangs composed and performed by Lakhmi Chand to analyse the knotty question of representation of culture and morality and how one can see reflected in the tales performed by the Saangi, the major social concerns of the times.
Adquisición de los clasificadores numerales en q’anjob’al
Authors: Mateo Pedro Pedro
Published: April 2022

En el presente estudio se discute la adquisición de los clasificadores numerales -eb’, -k’on y -wan en q’anjob’al evaluando datos de tres niños de las siguientes edades: Xhuw (1;9-3;0), Xhim (2;3-4;0) y Tum (2;7- 3;6). Los resultados muestran que en este rango de edades los niños comienzan a usar de forma gradual y esporádica estos clasificadores, aunque los errores de uso muestran que utilizan el sistema de clasificadores numerales de modo diferente a los adultos, dado que tienen problemas al asignar su valor semántico en la clasificación de seres humanos, animales y cosas. La poca frecuencia de -k’on (clasificador para animales) y -wan (para seres humanos), y el uso frecuente de -eb’ (para cosas) en el habla parental podría ser el motivo del uso de -eb’ como una forma dominante en los datos de los niños. También cometen errores en el uso de heb’ (propio de seres humanos) para pluralizar seres humanos y animales, lo cual no se esperaría entre adultos q’anjob’ales.
Cuentos y relatos indígenas (Vol. 1)
Authors: Encino Gómez Marcos , Encino Sánchez Jorge , Girón Gómez Juan , Gómez Gómez Antonio , Gómez López Mariano , López Gómez Juana , Lunes Hernández Juan , Palacios Sántiz Juan , Ruiz Sánchez Diego , Sántiz Díaz Miguel , Sántiz López Domingo , Suama Marco Antonio , Gómez Gómez Antonio
Published: April 2022

Publicación que contiene varios textos, contados desde una perspectiva histórica y antropológica que, manifiestan expresiones culturales y simbólicas que traducen vivencias y sentimientos de la práctica y experiencia social de los mayas tzotzil-tzeltales.
Geolocalización, uso y riesgo de contaminación del agua subterránea en San Simón Almolongas, Oaxaca, México
Authors: Aragón Cruz Abisaí , López Hernández José Rudier , Ávila Flores Omar
Published: April 2022

Los países que integran la región de Norteamérica enfrentan dificultades hídricas relacionadas con la salubridad del agua, donde las comunidades rurales y poblaciones indígenas son las más afectadas por esta problemática. El diverso uso que se le da a las fuentes de abastecimiento complejiza el escenario, pues la utilización de agua contaminada afecta considerablemente al acceso y disposición suficiente, aceptable y asequible. Bajo este escenario, en la investigación se identificó el uso y el riesgo de contaminación de manantiales en San Simón Almolongas, Oaxaca, México. Los principales resultados indican que la utilización predominante del recurso es para consumo humano y actividades de agricultura, además existen factores potenciales de contaminación como el uso de fertilizantes y la presencia de viviendas habitadas sin drenaje, por lo que es necesario fortalecer los sistemas de gestión e instituciones para el manejo adecuado del recurso.
Microrreservas: una alternativa para las zonas áridas y semiáridas de México
Authors: Brailovsky Signoret David
Published: April 2022

La conservación biológica es compleja. Aunque existen avances sustanciales en cuanto al establecimiento de áreas naturales protegidas, falta mucho por hacer en cuanto a zonas áridas y semiáridas. La selección de dichas áreas frecuentemente se basa en atributos paisajísticos, cercanía a poblaciones importantes y especies animales carismáticas o icónicas. En el desierto chihuahuense no sólo se tiene una densidad de protección menor a la del lado norteamericano, sino que únicamente dos reservas en México consideran significativamente a las plantas y en específico a las cactáceas: Mapimí y Real de Guadalcázar, y quizá la nueva reserva de Huiricuta. El problema de la representatividad de especies desérticas se incrementa debido al fenómeno de microendemismos y a las distribuciones disyuntas, tan frecuentes en los cactus. La integración de microrreservas es una buena opción para complementar el actual panorama de conservación, que requiere más que decretos y visitas ocasionales.
GENÉTICA, BIOACÚSTICA Y MORFOLOGÍA REVELAN UNA NUEVA ESPECIE OCULTA EN Pristimantis dorsopictus (ANURA: STRABOMANTIDAE)
Authors: Patiño-Ocampo Eliza , Duarte-Marín Sebastián , Rivera Correa Mauricio
Published: April 2022

La variación fenotípica de algunas especies a nivel geográfico, las convierte en excelentes modelos para evaluar los diferentes atributos evolutivos y responder preguntas relacionadas con su diversidad. Sumado a ello, el constante esfuerzo de muestreo en ecosistemas altoandinos que incluyan las localidades tipo de las especies y la integración de un novedoso conjunto de datos, puede conducir a hallazgos taxonómicos insospechados. En este estudio proporcionamos evidencia genética, bioacústica y morfológica para soportar la delimitación y descripción de una nueva especie de los bosques al norte de los Andes, históricamente confundida con Pristimantis dorsopictus (Rivero & Serna, 1988). Esta última y la nueva especie no fueron recuperadas como linajes hermanos en nuestros análisis filogenéticos, y aunque son relativamente similares, ambas se diferencian fenotípicamente en tamaño corporal, patrón de coloración, textura de piel, duración del canto y frecuencia dominante, entre otros atributos. Nuestra inferencia filogenética sugiere que la nueva especie es parte del grupo P. boulengeri, y fue recuperada como hermana del clado que incluye a P. urani, P. angustilineatus P. boulengeri, P. brevifrons y P. dorsopictus. Los resultados sugieren que los cantos de anuncio constituyen una fuente de información importante para comprender la diversidad acústica del grupo de P. boulengeri y para la delimitar la especies del género Pristimantis, que a pesar su gran diversidad, presenta un limitado conocimiento acústico en aquellas con distribución en Colombia.
Implementation Paper on Detection of Malicious URLs Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Pohane Miss. Mayuri Arvind
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Detecting and preventing the user from the malicious site attacks are significant tasks. A huge number of attacks have been observed in last few years. Malicious attack detection and prevention system plays an immense role against these attacks by protecting the system’s critical information. The internet security software and fire walls are not enough to provide full protection to the system. Hence efficient detection systems are essential for web security. These existing methods have some drawbacks results into numbers of victims to increase. Hence we developed a system which helps the user to identify whether the website is malicious or not. Our system identifies whether the site is malicious or not through URL. Keywords: Malicious URLs, Classifier, Feature Extraction, ID3 Algorithm
Path Planning Robot Using PI-CAM
Authors: Srivastava Ankit , Singh Prabhat , Verma Sushil Kumar , Kartikey Kumar , Shukla Prof. Shubham
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Currently, the path planning robot is one among the foremost researched topics in autonomous robotics technology. Path planning has important applications in many areas, for example industrial robotics, autonomous systems, and 3D digital representation that can perform various types of simulations iteratively about product performances. The utilization of versatile robots for modern purposes like arranging, moving, and putting is at this point not an inclination however a need. Our path planning robot is using OpenCV, image processing and various hardware’s such as raspberry pi 4, Arduino uno , motor driver and pi -cam. The analysis of image will be done using image processing through raspberry pi and for edge detection canny edge algorithm is used. Keywords: OpenCV, Raspberry pi 4, Pi-Cam, Canny Edge Detection, Image Processing.
Selection of Optimum Assembly Gap Tolerance for Motor Assembly
Authors: G V Madhavi Reddy , S Vani , A Sreenivasulu Reddy
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The parts in the motor assembly are divided into two types: fixed and variable. The tolerances of the fixed parts cannot be changed and the tolerances of the variable parts are calculated using three methodologies such as ME boost, ANFIS, and Cost function optimization.ME boost is an Excel add in used to calculate the tolerances of the variable parts. ANFIS is a neural network based optimization tool in matlab. Cost function is formulated for the variable parts in the assembly and optimized to calculate the tolerances. Then the tolerance for the assembly gap is calculated. The tolerances for the gap from the three methodologies are compared and optimum tolerance is considered for manufacturing. Keywords: Motor assembly, Tolerance, Assembly gap, ME boost, ANFIS, Cost function Optimization.
Docverifer
Authors: Peyyala Jashuva
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In this digital world, everything is digitalized but still, some practices are a bit unvarying, one of those is the certificate verification process. The foremost important documents are certificates for graduates from universities and other educational institutions. However, it is costly and time-consuming to check certificates using traditional methods. This paper aims to introduce a theoretical model, which can give the possible infusion for the issue and verification process of any type of document. We need to consider strong points on blockchain apart from finance, those are tracking, supply chain, etc. In this model, we are using blockchain and distributed storage. There are many functions such as hash, public and private key cryptography, digital signatures, peer-to-peer networks and work evidence in blockchain technology. In This model, we are using IPFS for distributed storage (peer-to-peer) everything in ipfs is globally available with the appropriate hash generated by ipfs, for this reason, we added multi-layer security at the Client-side, as an encryption mechanism. To Protect the documents uploaded by the issuer, we enabled an encryption mechanism at the client This Dapp (decentralize) has been divided into two parts one is the document issuer and the other one is the verifier.