bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why #WeAreNotWaiting—Motivations and Self-Reported Outcomes Among Users of Open-source Automated Insulin Delivery Systems: Multinational Survey
Authors: Braune Katarina , Gajewska Katarzyna Anna , Thieffry Axel , Lewis Dana Michelle , Froment Timothée , O'Donnell Shane , Speight Jane , Hendrieckx Christel , Schipp Jasmine , Skinner Timothy , Langstrup Henriette , Tappe Adrian , Raile Klemens , Cleal Bryan
Published: March 2021

Background

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia but are not universally available, accessible, or affordable. Therefore, user-driven open-source AID systems are becoming increasingly popular.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the motivations for which people with diabetes (types 1, 2, and other) or their caregivers decide to build and use a personalized open-source AID.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted to assess personal motivations and associated self-reported clinical outcomes.

Results

Of 897 participants from 35 countries, 80.5% (722) were adults with diabetes and 19.5% (175) were caregivers of children with diabetes. Primary motivations to commence open-source AID included improving glycemic outcomes (476/509 adults, 93.5%, and 95/100 caregivers, 95%), reducing acute (443/508 adults, 87.2%, and 96/100 caregivers, 96%) and long-term (421/505 adults, 83.3%, and 91/100 caregivers, 91%) complication risk, interacting less frequently with diabetes technology (413/509 adults, 81.1%; 86/100 caregivers, 86%), improving their or child’s sleep quality (364/508 adults, 71.6%, and 80/100 caregivers, 80%), increasing their or child’s life expectancy (381/507 adults, 75.1%, and 84/100 caregivers, 84%), lack of commercially available AID systems (359/507 adults, 70.8%, and 79/99 caregivers, 80%), and unachieved therapy goals with available therapy options (348/509 adults, 68.4%, and 69/100 caregivers, 69%). Improving their own sleep quality was an almost universal motivator for caregivers (94/100, 94%). Significant improvements, independent of age and gender, were observed in self-reported glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 7.14% (SD 1.13%; 54.5 mmol/mol, SD 12.4) to 6.24% (SD 0.64%; 44.7 mmol/mol, SD 7.0; P<.001), and time in range (62.96%, SD 16.18%, to 80.34%, SD 9.41%; P<.001).

Conclusions

These results highlight the unmet needs of people with diabetes, provide new insights into the evolving phenomenon of open-source AID technology, and indicate improved clinical outcomes. This study may inform health care professionals and policy makers about the opportunities provided by open-source AID systems.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/15368
Effects of User Characteristics on the Usability of a Home-Connected Medical Device (Smart Angel) for Ambulatory Monitoring: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chaniaud Noémie , Megalakaki Olga , Capo Sophie , Loup-Escande Emilie
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The Smart Angel home medical device allows ambulatory surgery patients to monitor their own health by taking their blood pressure and oxygen levels and answering a health questionnaire from home. Currently, this device is a prototype in the design phase, and no usability evaluation has been performed. This preventive device must be usable by patients with different profiles; however, it is important to select patients carefully to ensure their safety when using the device. As such, it would be interesting to know how to select or exclude patients. However, the links between user characteristics and the usability of this home medical device remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to better understand the links between certain characteristics of potential patients (ie, age, education, technophilia, and health literacy) and the usability (ie, effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction) of Smart Angel, as defined by the ISO 9241-11.

METHODS

We conducted an experimental study involving 36 participants investigating the effects of 4 patient characteristics (ie, age, education, technophilia, and health literacy) on usability, measured in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. A mixed methods approach (subjective vs objective) using a variety of standard instruments was adopted (direct observation, video analysis, and questionnaires). First, to help participants project themselves into the real use of the Smart Angel device, they watched a scenario in a video. Second, the participants completed a set of questionnaires to show the extent of their health literacy level (Newest Vital Sign [NVS] and the Health Literacy Survey [HLS]) and then operated Smart Angel devices. Efficiency (ie, handling time) and effectiveness (ie, number of handling errors) measures were collected by video analysis. Satisfaction measures were collected by a questionnaire (System Usability Scale [SUS]). The qualitative observational data were coded using inductive analysis by 2 independent researchers specialized in cognitive psychology and cognitive ergonomics.

RESULTS

The results show a moderate and positive correlation between age and effectiveness (r=0.359; P=.03) and efficiency (r=0.357; P=.03). There is strong correlation between health literacy scored by the NVS and effectiveness (r=0.417; P=.01), efficiency (r=-0.38; P=.02), and satisfaction (r=0.45; P=.006). However, there is a weak correlation between technophilia and usability and no relationship between education level and usability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that literacy level and age are 2 important factors to consider when selecting future users of the Smart Angel device to ensure patient safety. This study also serves as an example promoting mixed methodologies in assessments of medical device usability that cannot be performed under real-world conditions.
Beyond Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff in the Electronic Health Record (Beyond-GROSS): Protocol for a User-Centered, Mixed-Method Intervention to Improve the Electronic Health Record System (Preprint)
Authors: Otokiti Ahmed Umar , Craven Catherine K , Shetreat-Klein Avniel , Cohen Stacey , Darrow Bruce
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Up to 60% of health care providers experience one or more symptoms of burnout. Perceived clinician burden resulting in burnout arises from factors such as electronic health record (EHR) usability or lack thereof, perceived loss of autonomy, and documentation burden leading to less clinical time with patients. Burnout can have detrimental effects on health care quality and contributes to increased medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, substance use, workforce attrition, and suicide.

OBJECTIVE

This project aims to improve the user-centered design of the EHR by obtaining direct input from clinicians about deficiencies. Fixing identified deficiencies via user-centered design has the potential to improve usability, thereby increasing satisfaction by reducing EHR-induced burnout.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative data will be obtained from clinician EHR users. The input will be received through a form built in a REDCap database via a link embedded in the home page of the EHR. The REDCap data will be analyzed in 2 main dimensions, based on nature of the input, what section of the EHR is affected, and what is required to fix the issue(s). Identified issues will be escalated to relevant stakeholders responsible for rectifying the problems identified. Data analysis, project evaluation, and lessons learned from the evaluation will be incorporated in a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) manner every 4-6 weeks.

RESULTS

The pilot phase of the study began in October 2020 in the Gastroenterology Division at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY, which includes 39 physicians and 15 nurses. The pilot is expected to run over a 4-6–month period. The results of the REDCap data analysis will be reported within 1 month of completing the pilot phase. We will analyze the nature of requests received and the impact of rectified issues on the clinician EHR user. We expect that the results will reveal which sections of the EHR have the highest deficiencies while also highlighting issues about workflow difficulties. Perceived impact of the project on provider engagement, patient safety, and workflow efficiency will also be captured by evaluation survey and other qualitative methods where possible.

CONCLUSIONS

The project aims to improve user-centered design of the EHR by soliciting direct input from clinician EHR users. The ultimate goal is to improve efficiency, reduce EHR inefficiencies with the possibility of improving staff engagement, and lessen EHR-induced clinician burnout. Our project implementation includes using informatics expertise to achieve the desired state of a learning health system as recommended by the National Academy of Medicine as we facilitate feedback loops and rapid cycles of improvement.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/25148
COVID-19 Surveillance Updates in US Metropolitan Areas: Dynamic Panel Data Modeling (Preprint)
Authors: Oehmke Theresa B , Moss Charles B , Oehmke James F
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite the availability of vaccines, the US incidence of new COVID-19 cases per day nearly doubled from the beginning of July to the end of August 2021, fueled largely by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. While the “Delta wave” appears to have peaked nationally, some states and municipalities continue to see elevated numbers of new cases. Vigilant surveillance including at a metropolitan level can help identify any reignition and validate continued and strong public health policy responses in problem localities.

OBJECTIVE

This surveillance report aimed to provide up-to-date information for the 25 largest US metropolitan areas about the rapidity of descent in the number of new cases following the Delta wave peak, as well as any potential reignition of the pandemic associated with declining vaccine effectiveness over time, new variants, or other factors.

METHODS

COVID-19 pandemic dynamics for the 25 largest US metropolitan areas were analyzed through September 19, 2021, using novel metrics of speed, acceleration, jerk, and 7-day persistence, calculated from the observed data on the cumulative number of cases as reported by USAFacts. Statistical analysis was conducted using dynamic panel data models estimated with the Arellano-Bond regression techniques. The results are presented in tabular and graphic forms for visual interpretation.

RESULTS

On average, speed in the 25 largest US metropolitan areas declined from 34 new cases per day per 100,000 population, during the week ending August 15, 2021, to 29 new cases per day per 100,000 population, during the week ending September 19, 2021. This average masks important differences across metropolitan areas. For example, Miami’s speed decreased from 105 for the week ending August 15, 2021, to 40 for the week ending September 19, 2021. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, and San Diego had decreasing speed over the sample period and ended with single-digit speeds for the week ending September 19, 2021. However, Boston, Washington DC, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, and Charlotte all had their highest speed of the sample during the week ending September 19, 2021. These cities, as well as Houston and Baltimore, had positive acceleration for the week ending September 19, 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

There is great variation in epidemiological curves across US metropolitan areas, including increasing numbers of new cases in 8 of the largest 25 metropolitan areas for the week ending September 19, 2021. These trends, including the possibility of waning vaccine effectiveness and the emergence of resistant variants, strongly indicate the need for continued surveillance and perhaps a return to more restrictive public health guidelines for some areas.
IoT And Mobile Apps for Pandemic Risk Management during Hajj: Design Science Research (Preprint)
Authors: Hoque Md. , Binyamin Sami S. , Zafar Bassam Abdulwahab
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Hajj pilgrims are often affected by the risks of the rapid spread of communicable diseases. Such risks have emerged intensively more than ever before the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The previous study has recommended Hajj surveillance data management systems for efficient control of health risks. As a preventive measure, however, no previous studies have followed Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) to develop any framework for ultimately developing any interactive technological intervention for pandemic risk management, especially in the context of Hajj.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to use a DSRM for developing a framework that would guide the researchers and policymakers in using IoT and mobile apps in combination for pandemic risk management during Hajj.

METHODS

This study followed the DSRM consisting of three cycles (namely, Relevance Cycle, Design Cycle, and Rigor Cycle). The design science-based framework allows to development of a technological solution (e.g., mobile app) for a problem through a series of actions using expertise and iteration. It takes into account the factors of people, system configurations, technologies, and work environment that interplay together.

RESULTS

Upon following the DSRM, a conceptual framework has been developed for pandemic risk management during Hajj. The framework would guide the researchers in developing features like 1) path guidance system, 2) advising system, 3) alert system, 4) assistance delivery system, and 5) bigdata and situation analysis system for pandemic risk management at the event of Hajj. Also, in the development process of the conceptual framework, the findings in rigor cycle show that perceived health benefit influences the users in adopting wearable and mobile app use (beta = 0.722, t = 15.98, p=0.000) the most followed by facilitating condition (beta = 0.853, t = 20.29, p=0.000) and social influence (beta = 0.53, t = 8.58, p=0.000) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The design science-based framework will also help the Saudi Arabian government to modernize the country’s current capacity to ensure effective management of pandemic risk services through developing additional modern surveillance techniques and strategies. Furthermore, the development of IoT and mobile app-based interactive systems using this framework will also contribute to big data-based predictive analysis because of the integration of IoT systems which will generate a large amount of useful data.
A Road Map for Remote Digital Health Technology for Motor Neuron Disease (Preprint)
Authors: van Eijk Ruben P A , Beelen Anita , Kruitwagen Esther T , Murray Deirdre , Radakovic Ratko , Hobson Esther , Knox Liam , Helleman Jochem , Burke Tom , Rubio Pérez Miguel Ángel , Reviers Evy , Genge Angela , Steyn Frederik J , Ngo Shyuan , Eaglesham John , Roes Kit C B , van den Berg Leonard H , Hardiman Orla , McDermott Christopher J
Published: March 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Despite recent and potent technological advances, the real-world implementation of remote digital health technology in the care and monitoring of patients with motor neuron disease has not yet been realized. Digital health technology may increase the accessibility to and personalization of care, whereas remote biosensors could optimize the collection of vital clinical parameters, irrespective of patients’ ability to visit the clinic. To facilitate the wide-scale adoption of digital health care technology and to align current initiatives, we outline a road map that will identify clinically relevant digital parameters; mediate the development of benefit-to-burden criteria for innovative technology; and direct the validation, harmonization, and adoption of digital health care technology in real-world settings. We define two key end products of the road map: (1) a set of reliable digital parameters to capture data collected under free-living conditions that reflect patient-centric measures and facilitate clinical decision making and (2) an integrated, open-source system that provides personalized feedback to patients, health care providers, clinical researchers, and caregivers and is linked to a flexible and adaptable platform that integrates patient data in real time. Given the ever-changing care needs of patients and the relentless progression rate of motor neuron disease, the adoption of digital health care technology will significantly benefit the delivery of care and accelerate the development of effective treatments.
Distributed Autonomous Organization of Learning: Future Structure for Health Professions Education Institutions (Preprint)
Authors: Cabrera Daniel , Nickson Christopher P , Roland Damian , Hall Elissa , Ankel Felix
Published: March 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Current health professions education (HPE) institutions are based on an assembly-line hierarchical structure. The last decade has witnessed the advent of sophisticated networks allowing the exchange of information and educational assets. Blockchain provides an ideal data management framework that can support high-order applications such as learning systems and credentialing in an open and a distributed fashion. These system management characteristics enable the creation of a distributed autonomous organization of learning (DAOL). This new type of organization allows for the creation of decentralized adaptive competency curricula, simplification of credentialing and certification, leveling of information asymmetry among educational market stakeholders, assuring alignment with societal priorities, and supporting equity and transparency.
Post-Transplant Pregnancy and Contraception
Authors: Klein Christina L. , Josephson Michelle A.
Published: March 2021

Placed in a historical context, this overview focuses on post-transpant pregnancy, fatherhood, and contraception in women and men. The critical importance of early reproductive counseling because of improved sexual function and the early return of ovulation and menses post-transplant is emphasized. We explain the decision making regarding contraception choices. The available data on the safety of immunosuppressive drugs in pregnancy, and for men desiring fatherhood, are detailed. The risk of maternal ingestion of mycophenolate products on the in utero fetus is considered and contrasted with the lack of concern for their use by men fathering children. Pregnancy risks to the allograft, baby, and mother are discussed. An infant’s exposure to specific immunosuppressant medications through breastfeeding is reviewed. The ethics and realities of post-transplant parenthood are explored.
Effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF therapy for ankylosing spondylitis: a real-world study
Authors: Kömel Pimenta Pedro Ricardo , Ribeiro da Silva Michael Ruberson , Ribeiro dos Santos Jéssica Barreto , Kakehasi Adriana Maria , Assis Acurcio Francisco de , Alvares-Teodoro Juliana
Published: March 2021

Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anti-TNF drugs for ankylosing spondylitis.
Materials & methods:
A prospective cohort study was performed at a pharmacy in the Brazilian Public Health System. Effectiveness by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, functionality by Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, quality of life by European Quality of Life Five-Dimensions and safety was assessed at 6 and 12 months of follow-up.
Results:
 About 160 patients started the treatment with adalimumab, etanercept or infliximab. There was a statistically significant improvement in disease activity, functionality and quality of life at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
This real-world study has shown that anti-TNF drugs are effective and well tolerated for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
Numerical analysis of stability of an axially-compressed i-beam rod subjected to constrained torsion
Authors: Abdurakhmonov Amirshokh Kh.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Today thin-walled structures are widely used in the construction industry. The analysis of their rigidity, strength and stability is a relevant task which is of particular practical interest. The article addresses a method for the numerical analysis of stability of an axially-compressed i-beam rod subjected to the axial force and the bimoment. An axially compressed i-beam rod is the subject of the study.

Materials and methods. Femap with NX Nastran were chosen as the analysis toolkit. Axially compressed cantilever steel rods having i-beam profiles and different flexibility values were analyzed under the action of the bimoment. The steel class is C245. Analytical data were applied within the framework of the Euler method and the standard method of analysis pursuant to Construction Regulations 16.13330 to determine the numerical analysis method.

Results. The results of numerical calculations are presented in geometrically and physically nonlinear settings. The results of numerical calculations of thin-walled open-section rods, exposed to the axial force and the bimoment, are compared with the results of analytical calculations.

Conclusions. Given the results of numerical calculations, obtained in geometrically and physically nonlinear settings, recommendations for the choice of a variable density FEM model are provided. The convergence of results is estimated for different diagrams describing the steel behavior. The bearing capacity of compressed cantilever rods, exposed to the bimoment, is estimated for the studied flexibility values beyond the elastic limit. A simplified diagram, describing the steel behaviour pursuant to Construction regulations 16.13330, governing the design of steel structures, is recommended to ensure the due regard for the elastoplastic behaviour of steel. The numerical analysis method, developed for axially-compressed rods, is to be applied to axially-compressed thin-walled open-section rods. National Research Moscow State University is planning to conduct a series of experiments to test the behaviour of axially-compressed i-beams exposed to the bimoment and the axial force. Cantilever i-beams 10B1 will be used in experimental testing.
An insight into the quality of internal built environment in Vladivostok. Part 1: Studying background radiation in residential premises
Authors: Drozd Vladimir A. , Temchenko Valery V. , Chubov Yuri V. , Kustov Vladimir N. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The article addresses background gamma radiation in residential premises of apartment buildings in Vladivostok. This study is based on earlier research undertakings focused on the sick building syndrome (SBS), which proves its high relevance. The research is focused on the intensity of background gamma radiation in the residential premises of apartment buildings in Vladivostok. New data obtained in the course of the field experiments, the scale of their analysis, the coverage of substantive issues concerning radiation intensity and its monitoring in residential buildings guarantee the novelty of this research project. These findings also have a practical value that deals with environmental safety.

Materials and methods. Onsite examinations were conducted in the form of background gamma radiation measurements taken in versatile apartment buildings, built at different times and made of different materials.

Results. This section contains analytical information about the lack of influence of the location of apartment buildings on background radiation inside the apartments examined within the framework of this research project. Measurement results represent a range of values depending on construction materials used. Principal regularities, derived from the measurement results, are based on the time of operation of residential buildings, which is of practical importance.

Conclusions. Patterns of influence of building parameters on background radiation inside apartments allow to assess the condition of residential buildings. Background radiation information can be entered into BIM databases and used to formulate the approach to the design of buildings and urban infrastructure so that they were focused on their residents and users. Background radiation research findings, entered into the database and contributed to design algorithms which are customized to the needs of urban residents, will enable designers to project the overall quality of the living environment encompassing the built environment analyzed in this article and other nearby buildings and structures located in Vladivostok.
An insight into the quality of internal built environment in Vladivostok. Part 2: Studying the sanitary and microbiological condition of indoor air
Authors: Drozd Vladimir A. , Ponomareva Anna L. , Chernyshev Valery V. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. This work is devoted to study the microbiological composition of the air 110 dwellings in the city of Vladivostok and the assessment of the impact of various factors on the microbiological condition of premises. The study is aimed at obtaining information about the real sanitary and hygienic conditions of the exploited residential area and identifying patterns of changes in environmental indicators from design decisions, building parameters and conditions of its operation. Research statistics are the result of field research with laboratory processing of the samples obtained. The relevance of scientific work also lies in the possibility of further factor analysis and verification of sanitary norms and rules with the practice of real design and operation of residential buildings. Materials and methods. Surveys were conducted on the basis of air sampling with subsequent assessment of the content of bacteria in the air of apartment buildings of different types, built at different times from different materials. Results. The section presents analytical data on the content of three main groups of bacteria in the air of residential premises located on the territory of Vladivostok. Based on the accumulated data, a comparative analysis was carried out to establish a correlation between the number of microorganisms in the air and the city area, the type of building material of the house, the density of apartment occupancy, and the presence of pets. Conclusions. Data on the influence of apartment occupancy density on the sanitary and microbiological situation were obtained. The assessment of the influence on the density of microbiological contamination of such factors as: the presence of pets, the type of building materials from which buildings are built, as well as the territorial location of the surveyed apartments.
Forensic engineering expert training within the system of higher and supplementary vocational education: problematic aspects
Authors: Butyrin Andrei Yu. , Stativa Ekaterina B. , Chubarkina Irina Yu.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Forensic structural engineering dates back to the late 20th century. Since then its theoretical and methodological fundamentals have been developed, and considerable practical experience has been accumulated. Nowadays, it is one of the most in-demand type of expert investigations performed in the course of judicial proceedings in Russia; therefore, it has boosted a significant inflow of specialists into forensic investigation organizations. At present, their total staffing exceeds ten thousand specialists. However, the professional training of forensic engineering experts is often heavily and rightly criticized by investigators, judges, and parties to judicial proceedings, defending their legitimate interests. The ever growing number of forensic expert investigations, ordered by the courts, and the growing complexity of tasks to be tackled by experts, have pre-determined the need for an effective expert training system, so that the qualification of experts could meet the rising demands of present-day court proceedings. The objective of this study is to develop the basic principles of this system. Materials and methods. This article is based on the assumption that the special features of activities, performed by forensic experts, determine, to a great extent, the essential principles of effective teaching of this discipline, as well as the major problems arising in the course of student training. The authors describe a combination of didactic methods (oral, printed and verbal, illustrative methods, etc.), teaching techniques and tools used to address these problems. Results. A coherent overview of features of a forensic structural engineering investigation (FSEI), including the procedural nature of its performance, the predominantly regulatory character of forensic investigations, as well as the practical value of FSEI findings substantially improve the efficiency of training highly qualified specialists. The statistics indicate that over 99 % of students can successfully complete training programs. Conclusions. A comprehensive, substantive procedural approach to the explanation of educational materials has proven to be effective. This approach is tailored to the specific nature of forensic activities, and it should be fully integrated into the process of training forensic engineering experts.
The precedent name structure actualization (Based on the names from Macbeth by Shakespeare in BNC and COCA)
Authors:   Anna A. Matveyeva Bashkir State University, Matveyeva Anna A.
Published: March 2021

The article aims to investigate the peculiarities of the precedent name structure actualization on the material of the British National Corpus and the Corpus of Contemporary American English. Such components of the precedent name structure as relevant features (appearance, character, precedent situation) and attributes are under analysis. The frequency of the reference to each component of the precedent name structure has been calculated. It turned out that the precedent names of Shakespeare's “Macbeth” are most often actualized through the connection with the precedent situation and the least often – through character. 3 types of connections were identified between the precedent name and a proper name as its source: 1) full similarity of appearance / character / precedent situation between the original text and modern fiction from the corpora; 2) partial similarity of the features; 3) imaginativeness of the features. It has been discovered that when there is no direct connection between the appearance / character / precedent situation / attribute of the bearer of a precedent name and the bearer of the original proper name, the meaningful recurrence of a precedent name is ensured by a stable associative linkage and the invariant evaluation.
Стилистическая вариативность просодических  характеристик языковой личности
Authors:   Anna V. Dunashova Moscow State Linguistic University, Dunashova Anna V.
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to study phonostylistic variation of prosodic characteristics of a linguistic persona. The new aspect brought to the field is the focus not only on pitch and speech rate but also on voice quality prosodic aspects of a linguistic persona. The subject was a world-famous British linguist David Crystal whose recordings of lecture and interview were used as the material for this study. The data suggest wide variability of practically every prosodic feature. Among them, pitch minimum, pitch range, loudness median and shimmer values proved to be most constant features of the linguistic persona. The other prosodic values underwent changes due to the shift from the modal voice in the interview to a more arduous voice in the lecture thus reflecting different pragmatics goals of commuication. Prosodic variation range of the linguistic persona in question turned out wider than the average one.
Estimating expectation values using approximate quantum states
Authors: Paini Marco , Kalev Amir , Padilha Dan , Ruck Brendan
Published: March 2021

We introduce an approximate description of an N-qubit state, which contains sufficient information to estimate the expectation value of any observable to a precision that is upper bounded by the ratio of a suitably-defined seminorm of the observable to the square root of the number of the system's identical preparations M, with no explicit dependence on N. We describe an operational procedure for constructing the approximate description of the state that requires, besides the quantum state preparation, only single-qubit rotations followed by single-qubit measurements. We show that following this procedure, the cardinality of the resulting description of the state grows as 3MN. We test the proposed method on Rigetti's quantum processor unit with 12, 16 and 25 qubits for random states and random observables, and find an excellent agreement with the theory, despite experimental errors.
Complete Information Balance in Quantum Measurement
Authors: Lee Seung-Woo , Kim Jaewan , Nha Hyunchul
Published: March 2021

Quantum measurement is a basic tool to manifest intrinsic quantum effects from fundamental tests to quantum information applications. While a measurement is typically performed to gain information on a quantum state, its role in quantum technology is indeed manifold. For instance, quantum measurement is a crucial process element in measurement-based quantum computation. It is also used to detect and correct errors thereby protecting quantum information in error-correcting frameworks. It is therefore important to fully characterize the roles of quantum measurement encompassing information gain, state disturbance and reversibility, together with their fundamental relations. Numerous efforts have been made to obtain the trade-off between information gain and state disturbance, which becomes a practical basis for secure information processing. However, a complete information balance is necessary to include the reversibility of quantum measurement, which constitutes an integral part of practical quantum information processing. We here establish all pairs of trade-off relations involving information gain, disturbance, and reversibility, and crucially the one among all of them together. By doing so, we show that the reversibility plays a vital role in completing the information balance. Remarkably, our result can be interpreted as an information-conservation law of quantum measurement in a nontrivial form. We completely identify the conditions for optimal measurements that satisfy the conservation for each tradeoff relation with their potential applications. Our work can provide a useful guideline for designing a quantum measurement in accordance with the aims of quantum information processors.
Meridian section projections: a new class of the triaxial ellipsoid projections
Authors: Nyrtsov M.V. , Fleis M.E. , Sokolov A.I.
Published: March 2021

Historically the conformal projections have been used for mapping not only the Earth, but other celestial bodies as well. Their application enables preserving the shape of the relief features on the maps, which is extremely important for various analyses of celestial bodies’ surfaces. For many small bodies of the Solar system the International Astronomical Union recommends to apply a triaxial ellipsoid as a reference surface. But if the conformal projections for the reference surfaces of a sphere and an ellipsoid of revolution already exist, obtaining these projections for a triaxial ellipsoid will be significantly complicated, and the task of preserving the shape of relief features still actual. In general, the article deals with cylindrical and azimuthal projections of the meridian section for global mapping the celestial body surface in accordance with the idea formulated by prof. L. M. Bugaevsky. The projections are implemented for mapping of Phobos, moon of Mars.
Na sequência da tragédia: sofrimento e a vida após o incêndio da Boate Kiss
Authors: Siqueira Monalisa Dias de , Víctora Ceres Gomes
Published: March 2021

Este artigo visa refletir sobre desdobramentos pessoais e coletivos daquilo que ficou conhecido como a “tragédia de Santa Maria” e sobre “o que está em jogo” para aqueles que tiveram suas vidas profundamente afetadas pelo incêndio da boate Kiss. Para tanto, realizamos pesquisa etnográfica que envolveu observação participante de manifestações públicas relacionadas ao ocorrido; entrevistas e acompanhamento de pais de jovens que padeceram no incêndio; e coleta de dados divulgados em jornais e mídias sociais. Analisamos dois espaços sociais de reconstrução do mundo: (1) o movimento político, onde a “luta por justiça” e pela “punição dos culpados” pela tragédia se apresentaram como veículos de reorganização da vida daqueles que hoje convivem com o luto; (2) a espiritualidade, mais especificamente a doutrina espírita kardecista, onde os significados, a relação com o evento e com outros agentes envolvidos são modelados pelos diferentes planos de existência humana e espiritual.
Refugiados e nipo-descendentes: espacialidades e deslocamentos no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Machado Igor José de Renó
Published: March 2021

Este artigo pretende explorar as relações entre os deslocamentos e o espaço, a partir de distintos contextos de pesquisa e reflexão. Contrastando dois conjuntos de pesquisas, pretendo produzir algumas comparações sobre a percepção do espaço entre grupos de deslocamento recente e grupos de descendentes de migrantes do começo do século XX no Brasil – respectivamente refugiados e nipo-descendentes. A comparação nos permite pensar em como determinadas espacialidades influenciam na vida desses refugiados e descendentes de imigrantes.
POLICARPO, Frederico. O consumo de drogas e seus controles: uma perspectiva comparada entre as cidades do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, e de San Francisco, EUA.
Authors: Zanatto Rafael Morato
Published: March 2021

Este trabalho discute alguns aspectos do consumo de drogas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, em perspectiva comparada com a cidade de San Francisco, EUA. De modo geral, o objetivo é observar como diferentes discursos sobre as drogas se relacionam entre si. Para construir o problema de pesquisa, esses múltiplos discursos foram simplificados. Dois diferentes tipos de conhecimentos sobre as drogas surgem com base nos contextos em que foram produzidos: de um lado, o conhecimento produzido através da experiência; e, de outro lado, o conhecimento produzido sobre a experiência. O primeiro tipo está relacionado ao conhecimento que todo consumidor de drogas tem que aprender, por exemplo, para conseguir as drogas, para identificar locais de compra, controlar a dose, e como reconhecer diferentes tipos e qualidades de drogas. O segundo tipo de conhecimento está relacionado ao conhecimento que é produzido, por exemplo, por médicos que tentam entender os efeitos das drogas no corpo humano, ou psicólogos que tentam descrever o comportamento dos consumidores, ou por policiais e políticos que tentam controlá-los. O interesse é observar como esses dois diferentes tipos de conhecimento coexistem e como eles se relacionam. Para discutir essa questão, o trabalho de campo foi focado em lugares que favoreciam o encontro desses dois tipos de conhecimento: em programas judiciais e serviços de saúde dirigidos aos consumidores de drogas.
Dossiê temático: Pragmastismo e reconhecimento: formas plurais de fazer o comum
Authors: Mota Fabio Reis
Published: March 2021

Este Dossiê é fruto de muitos encontros que foram tecidos por percursos indeterminados da vida, pois assim como gostam de enfatizar muitos dos pragmatistas, de hoje e de outrora, a vida não é feita senão de percursos sinuosos em que a imprevisibilidade, incerteza, incompreensão e conflitos emergem como o modus operandi de fazer o social e construir o comum.
Reconhecimentos: com Paul Ricoeur e Axel Honneth
Authors: Thévenot Laurent
Published: March 2021

No estudo das relações de outros e de si mesmo que pretende levar emconsideração a pessoa e não apenas a equivalência requerida pela demanda de justiça, quais são os pontos de convergência e divergência entre as concepções de Axel Honneth e Laurent Thévenot? A perspectiva sintética sobre o tema, a qual Paul Ricoeur oferta em seu livro Percursos do reconhecimento propõe ampliar um debate desses autores acrescido pela importante contribuição da filosofia que os precedeu nesse caminho.
Strategy formulation amongst small and medium manufacturing enterprises: An emerging market case study
Authors: Mashingaidze Mugove , Phiri Maxwell A. , Bomani Mapeto
Published: March 2021

Strategy formulation has traditionally been associated with large corporates (Damke, Gimenez, & Damke, 2018). The literature on strategy formulation is rich, but this literature does not capture the intricacies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets (Ahmed & Mukhongo, 2017). The study aims to gain an understanding of strategy formulation practices among the SMEs in emerging markets, particularly Zimbabwe. The philosophy of interpretivism guided the study. The study adopted a qualitative case study strategy in which data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 manufacturing SME owners/managers in Harare, Zimbabwe. The results of the study revealed that the majority of participants understand strategy formulation and are greatly involved in strategy formulation. However, the study revealed that strategy formulation is not logically and systematically done thus does not resemble the conventional textbook strategic formulation models. Theoretically, the findings revealed that strategy formulation in SMEs is both an externally (market-based) and internally (resource-based) guided practice. The study advises SMEs to balance professionalism and responsiveness when strategising, that is balancing the process perspective with the learning perspective. The study was conducted in one city; similar studies could be conducted in other parts of the world to find similarities and differences.
Protocolo Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). Revisión teórica
Authors: López Echeverry Ana María de las Mercedes , Ramírez Giraldo Miller , Penagos Granada Edward Fabián
Published: March 2021

Las redes MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) son un tipo de redes privadas de comunicación ofrecidas por las principales empresas de telecomunicaciones con la peculiaridad que utilizan etiquetas capa 2.5 del modelo OSI para tomar las decisiones de enrutamiento. El protocolo MPLS permite encaminar paquetes de cualquier protocolo de red gracias a estas etiquetas. Este protocolo fue desarrollado con el objetivo de permitirle a los routers tomar decisiones de enrutamiento rápidas. MPLS es un método de alto rendimiento para el envío de paquetes a través de una red, habilitando a los routers de frontera para que apliquen etiquetas sobre los paquetes y por consiguiente se pueden tomar decisiones de enrutamiento basadas en estas etiquetas con una búsqueda que requiere un gasto mínimo. MPLS integra tanto el rendimiento como la gestión de tráfico de la capa de enlace de datos con la escalabilidad y flexibilidad de la capa de red.
Los proyectos de extensión social como mecanismos de intervención
Authors:   Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Innovación y Extensión
Published: March 2021

La Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira a través de la Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones Innovación y Extensión busca promover la Extensión Universitaria como una estrategia que permite a la Universidad el intercambio, aplicación e integración del conocimiento científico, tecnológico, artístico y cultural, la vinculación con la realidad social, cultural, económica y productiva de la región y del país. Estas actividades le dan valor a las capacidades institucionales y generan una articulación e integración entre la docencia y la investigación, lo cual permite la identificación de problemáticas y la propuesta de alternativas de solución; además de identificar oportunidades en el sector externo para realizar intervenciones y alianzas que conduzcan a fortalecer y aportar al desarrollo económico, cultural y el bienestar de la comunidad en general.
Predicting distributions of Wolbachia strains through host ecological contact -- who's manipulating whom?
Authors: Darwell Clive , Souto-Villaros Daniel , Michalek Jan , Boutsi Sotiria , Iusa Brus , Sisol Mentap , Weiblen George , Novotny Vojtech , Segar Simon
Published: March 2021

Barriers to gene-flow within populations, typically in response to
divergent selection, are often mediated via third-party interactions.
Under these conditions speciation is inextricably linked to ecological
context. We present a novel framework for studying arthropod speciation
as mediated by Wolbachia, a microbial endosymbiont capable of causing
host cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) via alternative strain
associations. Building on empirical findings, our model predicts that
sympatric host sister-species harbour paraphyletic strains that provide
CI, while well-defined congeners in ecological contact and recently
diverged noninteracting congeners are uninfected due to Wolbachia
redundancy. We argue that Wolbachia may provide an adaptive advantage
when coupled with reduced hybrid fitness (via trait mismatching), by
facilitating assortative mating between co-occurring divergent
phenotypes – the contact contingency hypothesis. To test this, we
applied a custom-built predictive algorithm to empirical data from
host-specific pollinating fig wasps, achieving ≤88.46% accuracy. We
then considered post-zygotic offspring mortality during CI matings by
developing a model featuring fitness clines across oviposition
resources. This oviposition trade-off model, tested through simulation,
favoured CI at realistic conspecific mating frequencies despite
fecundity losses. We demonstrate that a rules-based algorithm accurately
predicts Wolbachia infection status. This has implications among other
systems where closely-related sympatric species encounter adaptive
disadvantage through hybridisation.
Unilateral multiple Renal Congenital Anomalies: Ectopia; Double Collecting system; uretero-pelvic junction obstruction; uretero- vesical junction obstruction;Lower Moiety ureter to Upper Moiety Ureter Reflux; A Case Report
Authors: Rabani Seyed Mohammadreza
Published: March 2021

Urinary tract is a site for common anomalies both in upper and lower
tracts, but gathering all of the anomalies reported in our patient and
also being unilaterally, may be a rare entity. Hereby we report a case
with such a rare condition.
Doctoral studies of Bishop Irinej Ciric in Vienna (1906-1908): A contribution to the formation of the history of the Serbian old testament biblical studies
Authors: Bozovic Nenad
Published: March 2021

The main subject of this research are doctoral studies of Bishop Irinej
Ciric in Vienna at the Faculty for Philosophy (department for oriental
studies and semitic phylology) from 1906 to 1908, as a contribution to the
history of formation of the Serbian Old Testament biblical studies. Having
in mind that the course of the highest academic education of one of the most
renowned Serbian biblical scholars has not been a subject of the inquiry,
this paper will analyze the documents from the Archive and the Library of
Vienna University which present curriculum of subjects, notes on the
rigorous exams at the and of the promotion and review of his doctoral
dissertation. Special attention is dedicated to the analysis of content and
to the literary-historical criticism as the main methodological framework of
his dissertation. The paper will present some of his most influential
teachers as well as the broader historical and academic context of studying
in the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the beginning of the 20th
century. The aim of this research is to give insight into the implementation
and transmission of academic patterns acquired in Vienna into the developing
the Serbian Old Testament studies and further impact on its formation.