bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance measurement of the port logistics system
Authors: F. Nicolae
Published: November 2021

Water transport has an overwhelming contribution to international trade. Between 80% and 90% of commodity trading are carried out by means of maritime transport and inland waterway transport. Under these circumstances, the port acts as logistical centre which is crossed each year by major commodity flows. Based on these aspects, the research carried out was aimed to determine a set of parameters in order to facilitate the assessment of the performance of port services provided to ships and goods. The authors suggest a set of specific parameters. These parameters need to improve performance of berths operations, especially productivity, by substantially increasing traffic by using facilities, existing human and material resources, possibly with some small-scale investments. Port performance parameters were structured as follows: production parameters, service parameters, resource use parameters and productivity parameters. The research methodology will be used further to assess these indicators and integrate them into a comparative study of the Black Sea ports.
Weight loss in an obese child: positive changes or not?
Authors: Vаshura A. Yu.
Published: November 2021

Weight, BMI and its changes with age are one of the key indicators in pediatrics. The values of these indicators are the main parameters for assessing nutritional status (NS) and defining nutritional disorders - obesity and protein-energy malnutrition. At the same time, body weight and its changes only conditionally reflect the mass of fat and the amount of fat-free mass (especially the compartment of skeletal muscles). In the healthy population (in which the relevant references had been obtained), the changes of BMI can significantly reflect the changes of body composition. In children with chronic diseases (and/or with metabolic disorders, and/ or in oncopediatrics) the sensitivity of BMI as an indicator of NS is significantly lower and variable. This is due to deviations from the “normal” body composition existing in these patients. As a result, a deficit of fat-free mass can be accompanied by an excess of fat mass. Sarcopenia, which has negative consequences for the child, can be masked by obesity. Therefore, this condition, sar-copenic obesity, represents a huge problem. On the one hand, due to the coexistence of two nutritional disorders in one patient. On the other hand, due to underestimation in pediatrics. The latter is the consequence of frequent understanding of the child’s body weight as an unconditional and independent indicator. This can have dramatic consequences for the development and growth of the child. Therefore, weight loss in an obese child does not yet mean positive dynamics.
The effectiveness of antihistamines in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children
Authors: Vakhitov Kh. M. , Malanicheva T. G. , Serdinskaya I. N. , Vakhitova L. F. , Shaikhutdinova R. R.
Published: November 2021

Histamine is one of the key endogenous mediators involved in the regulation of essential physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Its effects are implemented through several types of specific cell surface histamine (H)-receptors. H1-receptors are the most studied ones. The main clinical effects of their stimulation are vasodilation, bronchoconstriction, pituitary gland stimulation of hormone production, increased mucus production by the nasal glands, etc. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists of two generations are pathogeneticaUy justified agents for the treatment of most allergic diseases in accordance with the current clinical guidelines. The second-generation antihistamines that are devoid of sedative effects and are clinically more effective than the first-generation drugs have been currently introduced into the allergic disease treatment practice. They are the main drugs for the treatment of allergic diseases, especially in acute symptoms of the disease. Dimetindene maleate is the drug of choice for the symptomatic treatment of skin lesions, especially in infants. The article presents the result of the analysis of 26 out-patient medical records of infants (aged from 4 to 12 months) with a verified diagnosis of “atopic dermatitis, limited form, in the exacerbation phase”. A mild course of the disease was observed in 17 children, and a moderately severe course in 9 children. The duration of treatment was 7 to 16 days. Against the background of therapy (group 1), the following results were obtained: on day 3 of treatment the SCORAD-TIS index decreased to 16.4 ± 1.6 and on day 7 to 9.1 ± 1.3 points in children with a moderate course, and to 6.7 ± 0.8 and 4.1 ± 0.9 points in children with a mild course, respectively. In the children from group 2, the decrease in SCORAD-TIS was less significant: 19.5 ± 1.5 points on day 3, 12.2 ± 1.1 points on day 7 in children with a moderate course, respectively. Similar values decreased to 9.0 ± 0.9 on day 3, and to 6.9 ± 1.2 points on day 7 in children with a mild course of atopic dermatitis. The conducted analysis demonstrates the high clinical efficacy, good tolerance and the absence of tachyphylaxis of dimetindene maleate, drops. No side effects including those associated with anticholinergic properties (dry mouth, agitation) were identified.
Aspects of differential diagnosis and treatment of rhinitis in children under 2 years of age
Authors: Karpishchenko S. A. , Vereshchagina O. Е. , Teplova E. O.
Published: November 2021

Introduction.Clinical manifestations of rhinitis have a negative impact not only on the physical, social, and psychological health of children, but also on their parents, especially in families with a first child. Nasal congestion, nasal breathing difficulty cause problems with sleep and feeding.

Aim of the study.To estimate the occurrence of rhinitis in children under two years old in the outpatient practice of otorhinolar-yngologists, to consider features of the course and differential diagnostics of various rhinitis types, to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal irrigation-elimination therapy in the treatment of acute rhinitis symptoms.

Materials and Methods.Between September 2020 and July 2021, 220 patients between 0 to 18 years were managed: preschool-aged patients comprised 120 patients (54.5%), of whom 27 patients under two years old had symptoms of rhinitis, including those with symptoms lasting more than two weeks.

Results.Among the patients referred to us, infectious rhinitis was diagnosed in the majority of cases - in 18 patients (66,7%), which can be explained not only by the timing of the study but also by the highest prevalence of this pathology among the diseases of the nasal cavity. Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis occurred in only 4 (14.8%) and 5 (18.5%) persons, respectively. Symptomatic irrigation therapy with saline solutions is just as necessary for young children as it is for older children and adults. Some difficulties in nasal cavity care during rhinitis are the anatomical narrowness of the nasal passages and lack of blowing skills in young children. In these situations, preference should be given to gentle, non-traumatic, gentle aspiration with prior irrigation of the nasal cavity with an isotonic saline solution. When a nasal aspirator was used, there was a decrease in the duration of nasal discharge during the illness and a reduction in the duration of the disease.

Conclusion.Rhinitis in young children is a common but underestimated problem. Clinical manifestations are more often associated with typical symptoms: nasal congestion, discharge, nasal breathing difficulty, and sneezing. The use of irrigation-elimination intranasal therapy with the use of a nasal cavity aspirator can reduce the timing of clinical symptoms of rhinitis and reduce the overall duration of the disease.
Uma Nova Variante para Algoritmos Genéticos Baseada na Recombinação por Transformação de Bactérias
Authors: Pinheiro Adriana Medeiros , Pereira George Tassiano Melo , Santos Filho Reginaldo Cordeiro , Sales Junior Claudomiro de Souza
Published: November 2021

The Genetic Algorithm (GA) is a branch of evolutionary algorithms that has been proving power and success as astrategy to optimize various problems, but they may suffer fromthe slow and premature convergence of results, impacting thefinal efficiency obtained. In this perspective, variants of the GAare being developed, seeking to obtain greater convergence andprecision of results. This work proposes the Recombination byTransformation Genetic Algorithm (RTGA) that brings a newgenetic operator based on recombination by transformation ofbacteria. The same was compared with other variants of the AGin the optimization of four evaluation functions and it obtainedall the best overall optimum.
Sarı Renk Veren (Cehri, Muhabbet Çiçeği, Papatya ve Defne) Boyar Maddelerin Pamuklu Kumaşların Boyanmasındaki Haslıkların Tespiti
Authors: Aydın Bengü , Genç Mustafa
Published: November 2021

Bu çalışmada sarı renk eldesinde kullanılan cehri, muhabbet çiçeği, papatya ve Akdeniz defnesi bitkilerinden elde edilen boyar maddelerin “farklı mordanlama teknikleri uygulanarak” pamuklu kumaşların boyanmasındaki haslık özellikleri ve renk değerleri ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Mordanlama teknikleri olarak şap, demir ve palamutözü mordan maddeleri kullanılmıştır. Sözü edilen bitkilerden elde edilen boyar maddelerin pamuklu kumaşlar üzerine farklı mordanlama teknikleri ile uygulanması sonucunda ölçülen yaş ve kuru sürtünmeye karşı renk haslıkları ile yıkamaya karşı renk haslığı değerleri ölçülmüş ve sonuçlar çalışmada kullanılan bitki türlerine, kumaşlara ve mordan tekniklerine göre ayrı ayrı yorumlanarak değerlendirilmiştir.
Ayrıca bu çalışma ile ülkemizde yapılan benzer çalışmalar karşılaştırıldığında renk skalasının oluşturulmasında ilk kez bir programlama dili kullanılmış ve bu sayede farklı uygulamalardan elde edilen renklerin hakim renk kodları ilk kez elde edilmiştir.
Leader Humility and Employees’ Accountability During The Pandemic
Authors:   Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia. Jl. Lkr. Kampus Raya Jl. Mawar No.5 3 8, Pondok Cina, Kecamatan Beji, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16424, Indonesia, Septiandari Aditya , Samian Samian ,   Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Airlangga, Airlangga, Gubeng, Surabaya City, East Java 60286, Indonesia, D. Riantoputra Corina ,   Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia. Jl. Lkr. Kampus Raya Jl. Mawar No.5 3 8, Pondok Cina, Kecamatan Beji, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 16424, Indonesia
Published: November 2021

One way of achieving work effectivity is by making sure employees show accountability. Accountability is becoming even more important during the pandemic, where organizations are forced make their employees work from home. This study aims to identify the process of how leaders and organizations can shape accountability. This research argues that leader humility may enhance employee’s perceived organizational support which eventually shaped employee’s accountability. This study was conducted toward 145 employees from a state-owned company in Jabodebek area via an online survey. This study finds (1) leader humility positively affect employee’s accountability; (2) leader humility positively affects perceived organizational support; (3) perceived organizational support positively affect employee’s accountability; (4) perceived organizational support significantly mediated the relationship between leader humility and accountability. The mediation model predicts 27% of accountability’s variance and is able to provide contribution to accountability’s studies that leader and organizational aspects are essentials in affecting accountability.
The Effect of Economic Constraints on Direct Real Estate Market
Authors: Al-Qaisi Khaldoun M.
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research to investigate the interactions between the direct real estate markets with the financial stock market changes. To accomplish this objective data was collected of different official secondary sources. The collected data entered to SPSS and E-views for analysis. The results of this research showed that there is high interaction between the real estate market performance in Jordan and stock exchange market.
Challenges of Working From Home in Persistent Covid-19 Environment
Authors: P.M Chinnaiah , P Smt. Chythra
Published: November 2021

The IT sector is one of the important sectors that contribute to the growth of Indian economy. The Industry adopted many measures to achieve a higher level of performance and to sustain their higher market share; one of such measures is working from Home (WFH). The Covid-19 pandemic badly affected the world economy. Therefore, to sustain the work progress the IT firms across the globe have adopted WFH method. Though there are many studies conducted to identify the challenges of working from home in the early stage of the covid-19. But, there are scant studies those who made attempt to identify the challenges of working from home and changes in these challenges in the persistent covid-19 environment. In the present study it is found that, there are seven challenges remain same as in the early stage of pandemic and eight previously identified challenges have changed into moderate challenges.
Water resources availability under different climate change scenarios in South East Iran
Authors: Iranmanesh Reza , Jalalkamali Navid , Tayari Omid
Published: November 2021

The comprehensive large-scale assessment of future available water resources is crucial for food security in countries dealing with water shortages like Iran. Kerman province, located in the south east of Iran, is an agricultural hub and has vital importance for food security. This study attempts to project the impact of climate change on available water resources of this province and then, by defining different scenarios, to determine the amount of necessary reduction in cultivation areas to achieve water balance over the province. The GFDL-ESM2M climate change model, RCP scenarios, and the CCT (Climate Change Toolkit) were used to project changes in climatic variables, and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used for hydrological simulation. The future period for which forecasts are made is 2020–2050. Based on the coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient, the CCT demonstrates good performance in data downscaling. The results show that under all climate change scenarios, most parts of the province are likely to experience an increase in precipitation yet to achieve water balance a 10% decrease in the cultivation area is necessary under the RCP8.5 scenario. The results of the SWAT model show that green water storage in central and western parts of the province is higher than that in other parts.
Fatty acid production from coffee waste
Authors:   Tiradentes University, Mota Danyelle Andrade , Krause Laiza Canielas , Soares Cleide Mara Faria
Published: November 2021

The valorization of coffee processing waste by producing products with high added value is a promising approach toward a circular bioeconomy. Crude coffee silverskin oil can be directly used in enzymatic hydrolysis catalyzed by non-specific lipases or sn-1,3 regioselective lipases. Converting coffee silverskin oil into free fatty acids or enriched polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of acylglycerols with promoting properties can reduce the environmental impact and increase the profitability of the coffee industry.
Abstracts of the 12th Congress of the African Association of Nephrology (Accra, Ghana, 20-23 February, 2013)
Authors: Assounga Alain
Published: November 2021

Accra, Ghana, 20-23 February, 2013
The story of the African Association of Nephrology (AFRAN)
Authors: Barsoum Rashad S.
Published: November 2021

The African Association of Nephrology was founded in Cairo on 28 February 1987, during the ISN-sponsored “African Kidney and Electrolytes Conference”, being hosted and co-sponsored by the Egyptian Society of Nephrology. Twenty-five physicians interested in kidney disease, from 13 African countries, constituted the core assembly that selected a steering committee composed of five members, representing the five geographical zones in Africa. The committee proposed the name the African Association of Nephrology (AFRAN), approved its logo, defined its mission, and drafted its constitution. All were ratified at the first General Assembly meeting held in London in July of the same year. The steering committee was re-elected to continue as the Executive Committee for the first cycle and mandated to set the scene for future meetings, publications and programmes. AFRAN congresses have been held regularly ever since, triennially for three cycles, then biennially with a few exceptions. Scientific meetings including Continuing Medical Education activities and hands-on workshops addressing local kidney and electrolyte disorders, have been held in most African countries, with generous logistical and financial support by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). The abstracts of the first congress were published in Kidney International. Meeting proceedings were usually distributed by hand, thanks to representatives of pharmaceutical companies in the various African countries. A quarterly newsletter was edited and published in the Sudan, upgraded to a journal (the African Journal of Nephrology) in 1997 and self-published from Egypt until the editorial office moved to South Africa in 2012. A registry of nephrologists and dialysis units in Africa was compiled and published from Algeria in 1989, then updated in the Sudan a few years later. More recently, an African Renal Registry was established, now hosted in South Africa. Numerous fellowships were offered by the better-off countries to their emerging neighbours, being sponsored by international organizations, mainly the ISN. Joint research has been conducted mainly through these fellowships. By its 10th birthday, AFRAN had encompassed all African countries, to become the official pan-African federation of national renal societies. The ISN initiatives for supporting the developing world, originally operated under the umbrella of the Commission for the Global Advancement of Nephrology (COMGAN), were instrumental in supporting AFRAN’s foundation and sustainability. Besides the ISN, AFRAN became affiliated to many other regional and all national societies of nephrology, which qualified it to serve as the principal liaison between African nephrology and that in the rest of the world.
Unintentional diethylene glycol poisoning following the consumption of a shared alcoholic beverage
Authors: Hassen Muhammed , Bhikoo Raisa , Johannes Clint , Chothia Mogamat-Yazied
Published: November 2021

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an uncommon cause of toxic alcohol poisoning. In the past, its ingestion in contaminated pharmaceutical products has resulted in mass outbreaks. We describe two isolated cases of unintentional DEG poisoning following the consumption of a shared alcoholic beverage and highlight the challenges that were confronted during the diagnostic work-up and management. Despite appropriate therapy, both cases had fatal outcomes, which emphasises the importance of early recognition of the condition and of instituting specific treatment.
South African Renal Registry Annual Report 2017
Authors: Davids M Razeen , Jardine Thabiet , Marais Nicola , Zunza Moleen , Jacobs Julian C. , Sebastian Sajith
Published: November 2021

The sixth annual report of the South African Renal Registry summarises the 2017 data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in South Africa. In December 2017, the number of patients with ESRD who were treated with chronic dialysis or transplantation stood at 10 744, a prevalence of 190 per million population (pmp). The growing prevalence observed since the registry was established is due mainly to the increasing numbers of patients accessing haemodialysis in the private sector, where the prevalence was 855 pmp. In the public sector, which serves 84% of the South African population, the prevalence of RRT (66 pmp) remained below the level reported for 1994, so that the disparity in access continued to increase. The disparities between provinces remained, with Limpopo and Mpumalanga the most under-served, as did the disparities between ethnic groups, with Blacks being the most under-served group. The Western Cape was the province with the highest public sector treatment rates and was also where most of the country’s public sector kidney transplants were performed.
Todo lo que vive, depende. Resignificando la vulnerabilidad corporal humana y el trabajo de cuidados en tiempos pandémicos
Authors: Ferro Silvia Lilian
Published: November 2021

Se analiza en perspectiva histórico-ambiental la experiencia actual de la pandemia, como parte de un continuum en la historicidad de la vulnerabilidad humana y no humana inherente a la corporalidad. Se cuestiona sobre la posible finalización de una larga etapa posmoderna construida sobre binarios jerárquicos- como racionalidad y animalidad, masculinidad y femineidad, sociedad y naturaleza- propiciada por impactos culturales pospandemia. Por último, problematiza la contradicción que subyace a ser especie dominante planetariamente y simultáneamente la más vulnerable físicamente, por ello la más dependiente de cuidados provistos por otros. La metodología se basa en el diálogo epistemológico interdisciplinar entre Humanidades enfocadas en el cuerpo como objeto de conocimiento, con conceptos de la Historia Ambiental y Global, así como de Estudios Feministas. Se concluye que la tentativa de ocultamiento de la dimensión animal y la dependencia que genera su vulnerabilidad intrínseca, se traslada a la mirada pública sobre trabajos de cuidados familiares, atribuidos culturalmente a las mujeres. Las cuarentenas en gran parte del mundo, acentúan la contradicción entre seguir minusvalorando la importancia biológica y social del trabajo de cuidados familiares y sobrevalorando el cuidado sanitario provisto por instituciones de salud, apenas punta del iceberg del cuidado implicado para sostener la vida humana.
Identidad e hiperstición
Authors: Armagno Ángel
Published: November 2021

El siguiente artículo tiene como objetivo la generación de una reflexión crítica –desde la óptica de las ciencias humanas y sociales– acerca de las diferentes transformaciones y configuraciones míticas contemporáneas emergentes, de cara a la singularidad tecnológica, en torno a la concepción antropocentrista de la identidad humana. Para esto se propone la exploración de conceptos clave como Posthumanismo e Hiperstición y su relación con la ciencia ficción prospectiva literaria y cinematográfica, entendida esta última como el género conceptual cuyo contexto, motivaciones o entramado traten de prever o explorar aquello que nos deparará el futuro. Este planteo implica un esfuerzo de mestizaje disciplinario y teórico, una mixtura de abordajes de distintos campos, adaptados y reformulados para lograr un mejor y más profundo entendimiento e interpretación –desde una mirada oblicua– de fenómenos emergentes que son parte fundamental, de la manera en que la humanidad ha construido y seguirá construyendo una visión sobre sí misma.
Can the Tinnitus Magnitude Index Reflect the Depression and Anxiety of Tinnitus Sufferers?
Authors: Kim Ha Ryun , Bahng Junghwa
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between tinnitus magnitude and depression and statetrait anxiety.Methods: A total of 65 subjects suffering from tinnitus participated. None reported any hearing problems. The participants filled in the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI), the Korean version of the Beck depression inventory, and the Korean version of state-trait anxiety questionnaires with 61 out of 65 subjects completing all the questionnaires.Results: No significant relationships between tinnitus magnitude and depression or state-trait anxiety were found. However, items for the TMI were found to be significantly related (p < 0.05), and depression and state-strait anxiety also had a significant relationship (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that the TMI was not sensitive when used for assessing depression and anxiety in individuals who are suffering from tinnitus, which implying that the TMI questionnaire is useful for a quick assessment tool of the severity of tinnitus in individuals.
Development of Assessment of Music Perception for the Hearing-impaired
Authors: Shin Yerim , Yun Jiyeong , Kyong Jeong-Sug , Jo Sungmin , Kim Jinsook
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Enhancement of musical perception has a positive impact on the emotional stability, quality of life, and aural rehabilitation in individuals with hearing loss. In Korea, however, there are a few test batteries available for properly assessing their abilities to perceive music. The purpose of this study was to develop a evaluation material for the music perception ability, Assessment of Music Perception (AMP) considering the Korean culture and emotion.Methods: A total of 15 normal hearing adults (33.1 ± 11.4 years) were recruited. They performed the AMP which includes eight sub-tests: pitch, melody, rhythm, timbre, and harmony perception test, emotional reaction test, Music listening Attitudes and Satisfaction Questionnaire (MASQ), and Mismatch negativity (MMN).Results: The average percentage of correct answer was 94.0% ± 6.1% in pitch perception test, 94.0% ± 7.1% in melody perception test, 99.3% ± 1.8% in rhythm perception test, 78.9% ± 41.8% in timbre perception test, 96.7% ± 10.4% in emotional reaction test, 85.7% ± 14.1% in harmony perception test. The area of the negative waveform for MMN was 275.27 ± 225.65 μV·ms with the intensity of 70 dBnHL.Conclusion: Considering high scores of a instrument, a developed AMP could be applied for evaluating the music perception ability. However, a little bit of correction for each factor of materials is recommended for comprehensive AMP material. In the future, the music perception ability of the hearing impaired should be evaluated utilizing AMP.
A Survey Study of Audiology Services during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in South Korea
Authors: Kim InOn , Oh Soo Hee
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected public health and people’s lifestyle. The purpose of this survey study is to investigate audiology services during COVID-19 pandemic to understand the current audiology service situations in Korea and to improve audiology services.Methods: A total of 120 participants (60 audiologists and 60 clients visiting audiologists) were surveyed in this study using online or face-to-face methods. The participants answered 24~25 questions including current status of audiology service, communication difficulties with wearing masks, and the provision of tele-audiology services during COVID-19.Results: The results showed that both audiologists and clients with hearing loss still preferred face-to-face audiology services in COVID-19 situation in spite of 56% of visiting schedule delay and cancellation. The primary audiology services they considered in COVID-19 were hearing aid fitting and maintenance & repair services. Wearing masks has led communication difficulties in both audiologists and clients with hearing loss due to speech level reduction, frequency filtering of sounds, and insufficient visual cues during the conversation. Only 30% of audiologists have provided tele-audiology services, and 4.4% of clients received tele-audiology services during COVID-19.Conclusion: The impacts of COVID-19 in audiology services in South Korea are still progressing. The technical and administrative systems and educational support to improve audiology services in South Korea are necessary.
Упругое взаимодействие квантовых дисков в гибридных QD/NW-структурах
Authors: Романов А.Е. , Колесникова А.Л. , Гуткин М.Ю. , Бугров В.Е.
Published: November 2021

The elastic interaction of quantum disks (QDs) in a nanowire (NW), i.e., in a hybrid QD/NW structure with sharp heterointerfaces, is considered for the first time. Within the framework of the defect micromechanics approach, the energy of QD pair interaction is established and it is demonstrated that for QDs with a lattice mismatch of the same sign, an attraction zone appears to each other, depending on the ratio of the axial size of the QD to the radius of the NW. The discovered effect should be taken into account when choosing the modes of formation of hybrid QD/NW structures and in models explaining their properties.
Usability-In-Place—Remote Usability Testing Methods for Homebound Older Adults: Rapid Literature Review
Authors: Hill Jordan R , Brown Janetta C , Campbell Noll L , Holden Richard J
Published: November 2021

Background

Technology can benefit older adults in many ways, including by facilitating remote access to services, communication, and socialization for convenience or out of necessity when individuals are homebound. As people, especially older adults, self-quarantined and sheltered in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of usability-in-place became clear. To understand the remote use of technology in an ecologically valid manner, researchers and others must be able to test usability remotely.

Objective

Our objective was to review practical approaches for and findings about remote usability testing, particularly remote usability testing with older adults.

Methods

We performed a rapid review of the literature and reported on available methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and practical recommendations. This review also reported recommendations for usability testing with older adults from the literature.

Results

Critically, we identified a gap in the literature—a lack of remote usability testing methods, tools, and strategies for older adults, despite this population’s increased remote technology use and needs (eg, due to disability or technology experience). We summarized existing remote usability methods that were found in the literature as well as guidelines that are available for conducting in-person usability testing with older adults.

Conclusions

We call on the human factors research and practice community to address this gap to better support older adults and other homebound or mobility-restricted individuals.
CE Accreditation and Barriers to CE Marking of Pediatric Drug Calculators for Mobile Devices: Scoping Review and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Koldeweij Charlotte , Clarke Jonathan , Nijman Joppe , Feather Calandra , de Wildt Saskia N , Appelbaum Nicholas
Published: November 2021

Background

Pediatric drug calculators (PDCs) intended for clinical use qualify as medical devices under the Medical Device Directive and the Medical Device Regulation. The extent to which they comply with European standards on quality and safety is unknown.

Objective

This study determines the number of PDCs available as mobile apps for use in the Netherlands that bear a CE mark, and explore the factors influencing the CE marking of such devices among app developers.

Methods

A scoping review of Google Play Store and Apple App Store was conducted to identify PDCs available for download in the Netherlands. CE accreditation of the sampled apps was determined by consulting the app landing pages on app stores, by screening the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s online registry of medical devices, and by surveying app developers. The barriers to CE accreditation were also explored through a survey of app developers.

Results

Of 632 screened apps, 74 were eligible, including 60 pediatric drug dosage calculators and 14 infusion rate calculators. One app was CE marked. Of the 20 (34%) respondents to the survey, 8 considered their apps not to be medical devices based on their intent of use or functionality. Three developers had not aimed to make their app available for use in Europe. Other barriers that may explain the limited CE accreditation of sampled PDC apps included poor awareness of European regulations among developers and a lack of restrictions when placing PDCs in app stores.

Conclusions

The compliance of PDCs with European standards on medical devices is poor. This puts clinicians and their patients at risk of medical errors resulting from the largely unrestricted use of these apps.
Assessing the Availability of Teleconsultation and the Extent of Its Use in Malaysian Public Primary Care Clinics: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ng Sock Wen , Hwong Wen Yea , Husin Masliyana , Ab Rahman Norazida , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Juval Kawselyah , Sivasampu Sheamini
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The integration of teleconsultation into health care systems as a complement to existing approaches to care is growing rapidly. There is, however, limited information on the extent of its implementation across low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the availability and the extent of teleconsultation in Malaysian primary care clinics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of public primary care clinics in Malaysia was conducted between November 2020 and December 2020. All clinics in Malaysia that see more than 300 daily patients were recruited. A web-based, self-administered questionnaire including questions on availability of the service, whether it uses video or telephone, and the types of services it provides was distributed to the medical officer in charge of each clinic.

RESULTS

In total, 97.6% (249/255) of the clinics responded. Out of these clinics, 45.8% (114/249) provided teleconsultation. A majority of the clinics providing consultation (69/114, 60.5%) provided only telephone consultation, while 24.6% (28/114) of the clinics offered video and telephone consultation, and 14.9% (17/114) offered only video consultation. Eighty percent (92/114) of the clinics were located in urban areas. A breakdown by state showed that 17.5% (20/114) and 16.7% (19/114) of the clinics were from two larger states; other states comprised less than 10% each (range 7-9/114). For the clinics providing video consultation, funding for the service came mostly (42/45, 93%) from the Ministry of Health. Conversely, nearly 1 out of 4 (23/97) clinics that provided telephone consultation funded the service either from donations or through self-funding. Most of the clinics provided teleconsultation for diabetes and hypertension. Less than 50% of the clinics with teleconsultation used it for follow up with allied health care providers or pharmacists (video consultation, 20/45; telephone consultation, 36/97).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that telephone consultation is more widely used than video consultation, despite a quarter of its funding being self-subsidized or obtained through donations. Also, teleconsultation was less utilized by allied health care providers and pharmacists. Plans for the expansion of teleconsultation in Malaysian primary health care should take into consideration these findings to ensure a better and more cost-effective implementation of the service.
A Yoga Exercise App Designed for Patients With Axial Spondylarthritis: Development and User Experience Study (Preprint)
Authors: Truong Minh Tam , Nwosu Obioma Bertrand , Gaytan Torres Maria Elena , Segura Vargas Maria Paula , Seifer Ann-Kristin , Nitschke Marlies , Ibrahim Alzhraa A , Knitza Johannes , Krusche Martin , Eskofier Bjoern M , Schett Georg , Morf Harriet
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Besides anti-inflammatory medication, physical exercise represents a cornerstone of modern treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AS). Digital health apps (DHAs) such as the yoga app YogiTherapy could remotely empower patients to autonomously and correctly perform exercises.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to design and develop a smartphone-based app, YogiTherapy, for patients with AS. To gain additional insights into the usability of the graphical user interface (GUI) for further development of the app, this study focused exclusively on evaluating users’ interaction with the GUI.

METHODS

The development of the app and the user experience study took place between October 2020 and March 2021. The DHA was designed by engineering students, rheumatologists, and patients with AS. After the initial development process, a pilot version of the app was evaluated by 5 patients and 5 rheumatologists. The participants had to interact with the app’s GUI and complete 5 navigation tasks within the app. Subsequently, the completion rate and experience questionnaire (attractiveness, perspicuity, efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty) were completed by the patients.

RESULTS

The results of the posttest questionnaires showed that most patients were already familiar with digital apps (4/5, 80%). The task completion rates of the usability test were 100% (5/5) for the tasks T1 and T2, which included selecting and starting a yoga lesson and navigating to an information page. Rheumatologists indicated that they were even more experienced with digital devices (2/5, 40% experts; 3/5, 60% intermediates). In this case, they scored task completion rates of 100% (5/5) for all 5 usability tasks T1 to T5. The mean results from the User Experience Questionnaire range from −3 (most negative) to +3 (most positive). According to rheumatologists’ evaluations, attractiveness (mean 2.267, SD 0.401) and stimulation (mean 2.250, SD 0.354) achieved the best mean results compared with dependability (mean 2.000, SD 0.395). Patients rated attractiveness at a mean of 2.167 (SD 0.565) and stimulation at a mean of 1.950 (SD 0.873). The lowest mean score was reported for perspicuity (mean 1.250, SD 1.425).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed and tested DHA YogiTherapy demonstrated moderate usability among rheumatologists and patients with rheumatic diseases. The app can be used by patients with AS as a complementary treatment. The initial evaluation of the GUI identified significant usability problems that need to be addressed before the start of a clinical evaluation. Prospective trials are also needed in the second step to prove the clinical benefits of the app.
Automatic River Water Quality Monitoring Using IOT
Authors: Tabassum Saheb
Published: November 2021

Abstract: One of the major problems in India is surface water pollution that is in Rivers. For the purpose of drinking, agriculture requirements and for industrial usage, an adequate amount of water quality has to be made sure and for maintaining the balance in aquaculture, water quality has to be monitored in real time. Deteriorated quality of water affects all well living beings. Traditional River water quality monitoring involves grab sampling, testing and analysis which is time consuming. In this project, determined attempts are made to design an economical system for real time monitoring of river water quality. Different physical and chemical parameters of the water are monitored using various water measuring sensor. The parameters such as temperature, hardness, dissolved oxygen; pH, turbidity and flow can be measured through sensors. The system can be enforced with Arduino model as a core controller. WI-FI module, Internet of things and GSM board can be used effectively to monitor the water quality and thereby relevant impacts for using river water safely. Keywords: 1. IOT, 2. GSM, 3. Sensors, 4. E.C.
Developing a web-based application for school councelling and guidance during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Oktaviani Lulud , Fernando Yusra , Romadhoni Randi , Noviana Nia
Published: November 2021

Covid-19 pandemic that hit Indonesia since 2020 has made changes in the educational aspect where teachers must be able to adapt to the use of technology and minimize physical interaction. As a result, this also affects students’ well-being where some new things emerged such as learning process that was initially conducted face-to-face, currently shifted into distance learning. Subsequently, students need more psychological guidance from the school especially if the counselling and guidance can be accessed online to maintain students’ conditions and the quality of the learning itself. Therefore, this service team aims to improve the counseling guidance system of SMK Amal Bakti Jati Mulyo of South Lampung during COVID-19 pandemic by developing a website-based counseling application. The methods used in this activity were lecture and questionnaires, where lecture is for application socialization and questionnaires were to see the participants’ attitude regarding to the use of the website-based counselling and guidance application. This service has contributed that by developing this application system, students could do psychological consultation during covid-19 pandemic safety without having physical interaction.
Training health cadres to response the COVID-19 pandemic in Pujon Kidul Village Malang Regency
Authors: Prasetyo Yoyok Bekti , Zuriah Nurul , Susilo Joko
Published: November 2021

Training of health cadres on the prevention and control of Covid-19 is an important and strategic effort. Health cadres who have been trained can participate in screening suspected or suspected cases and can help carry out quarantine or self-isolation or immediately direct them to a hospital if they are suspected of being infected with Covid-19. The purpose of this community service is to increase the knowledge of health cadres related to the control and prevention of Covid-19 in Pujon Kidul Village using an online platform with YouTube videos. good use of media with a maximum combination of modules and videos in providing knowledge to participants. While the weakness is the accuracy and honesty of participants in filling out the questionnaire between before and after the training. Our online training model cannot control the existing situation and conditions, including during the evaluation. Suggestion: online model training needs to be strengthened by the village government by providing online media at the village hall so that it can be accessed by the entire structure of the Covid-19 task force team at the village level.
Does transformational leadership encourage organizational commitment?
Authors: Sambung Roby , Kristiawan Ricky , Winda Ony Panjaitan Olivia
Published: November 2021

This study aims to determine whether job satisfaction mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and the organizational commitment of civil servants. A structural equation modelling approach was used to test the collected data with a sample of 51 respondents. The results show that job satisfaction can mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment.
Challenges of water resources management in Egypt and solution opportunities
Authors:   Peoplesʼ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Ezzeldin Mostafa ,   Menoufia University
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Water resources management extracts the focus of researchers and authorities all over the world. This is due to water scarcity and increasing water needs. Egypt is one of these countries. Egypt has been suffering from water shortage for 20 years. This paper aims to clarify the main challenges facing water resources management in Egypt and possible opportunities to meet them. Find effective techniques for the conservation of water resources in Egypt. Materials and methods. Comprehensive analysis and deep understanding of previous studies and materials was applied. Results. It was found that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, irrigation of cultivated land and high losses, high evaporation rates and low rainfall, increasing population and the lake of information are the main challenges. Conclusions. Challenges can be eliminated through the execution of specific procedures. Water resources alternatives contribute significantly to mitigating water scarcity. Land use allocation based on optimization modeling and GIS is an effective technique for integrated water resources management. This method has not been addressed in Egypt much and can be applied to various zones.
Comparing the economics of electric and water underfloor heating
Authors:   Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University) (MGSU), Bazunov Egor P. , Kravchuk Valery Yu.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Using underfloor heating to maintain warm temperature inside manned rooms is a widely spread international practice. Domestic design organizations also take advantage of this solution, as it makes a positive impact on the indoor microclimate and thermal comfort. Underfloor heating outperforms traditional heating systems in terms of particular operational characteristics. The application of underfloor heating is a relevant issue, addressed by numerous publications, however, researchers tend to focus on the heat emission capacity of floors that have different constructions. The goal of this research is to analyze the economics of electric and water underfloor heating systems. Materials and methods. The aggregate cost method is employed to perform the economic analysis of underfloor heating systems. The co-authors have calculated capital and operating expenses, broken down by the years. The co-authors compare electric and water underfloor heating systems installed in the rooms having the floor area of 5, 10, and 20 sq. meters. The rooms are located in Moscow. Indoor heat losses are considered to be linearly dependent on the heated floor area. Results. The co-authors have calculated capital and operating expenses incurred in the above rooms. They have also drawn an aggregate heating cost graph for three rooms having two types of heating systems installed. The costs are broken down by the years. Conclusions. Although the research findings describe individual cases, they can serve as the basis for a general conclusion that the payback period of an underfloor heating system depends on the heated floor area and that electric underfloor heating systems are better for small rooms. Further studies can focus on alternative pipeline design systems, different power consumption modes of the pump depending on the circuit length, and non-continuous heating systems.