bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient and Parent Perspectives on Improving Pediatric Asthma Self-Management Through a Mobile Health Intervention: Pilot Study
Authors: Nichols Michelle , Miller Sarah , Treiber Frank , Ruggiero Kenneth , Dawley Erin , Teufel II Ronald
Published: May 2020

Background

Asthma is a common chronic pediatric disease that can negatively impact children and families. Self-management strategies are challenging to adopt but critical for achieving positive outcomes. Mobile health technology may facilitate self-management of pediatric asthma, especially as adolescents mature and assume responsibility for their disease.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of youths with high-risk asthma and their caregivers on the use of a smartphone app, Smartphone Asthma Management System, in the prevention and treatment of asthma symptoms, possible use of the app to improve self-management of asthma outside traditional clinical settings, and the impact of asthma on everyday life to identify potential needs for future intervention development.

Methods

Key informant interviews were completed with parent-child dyads post participation in an asthma management feasibility intervention study to explore the perceptions of users on a smartphone app designed to monitor symptoms and medication use and offer synchronous and asynchronous provider encounters. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted inductively through emergent findings and deductively based on the self-determination theory (SDT), identifying 4 major themes.

Results

A total of 19 parent-child dyads completed the postintervention interviews. The major themes identified included autonomy, competence, relatedness, and the impact of asthma on life. The participants also shared their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with using the app and in the self-management of asthma. Both children and parents conveyed a preference for using technology to facilitate medication and disease management, and children demonstrated a strong willingness and ability to actively engage in their care.

Conclusions

Our study included support for the app and demonstrated the feasibility of enhancing the self-management of asthma by youth in the community. Participant feedback led to intervention refinement and app improvements, and the use of the SDT allowed insight into motivational drivers of behavioral change. The use of mobile apps among high-risk children with asthma and their parents shows promise in improving self-management, medication adherence, and disease awareness and in reducing overall disease morbidity.
Web-Based and mHealth Technologies to Support Self-Management in People Living With Type 2 Diabetes: Validation of the Diabetes Self-Management and Technology Questionnaire (DSMT-Q)
Authors: Kelly Laura , Jenkinson Crispin , Morley David
Published: May 2020

Background

A growing number of web-based and mobile health (mHealth) technologies have been developed to support type 2 diabetes self-management. Little is known about individuals’ experiences with these technologies and how they support self-management. Appropriate tools are needed to understand how web-based and mHealth interventions may impact self-management.

Objective

This study aimed to develop an instrument, the Diabetes Self-Management and Technology Questionnaire (DSMT-Q), to assess self-management among people living with type 2 diabetes who use web-based and mHealth technologies.

Methods

A total of 36 candidate questionnaire items, drafted previously, were refined using cognitive debriefing interviews (n=8), expert consultation, and public patient involvement feedback. Item reduction steps were performed on survey data (n=250), and tests of validity and reliability were subsequently performed.

Results

Following amendments, patients and experts found 21 items relevant and acceptable for inclusion in the instrument. Survey participants included 104 (41.6%) women and 146 (58.4%) men. Two subscales with high construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were identified: “Understanding individual health and making informed decisions” and “Confidence to reach and sustain goals.”

Conclusions

Analyses confirmed good psychometric properties in the DSMT-Q scales. This tool will facilitate the measurement of self-management in people living with type 2 diabetes who use web-based or mHealth technologies.
Distinguishing Obstructive Versus Central Apneas in Infrared Video of Sleep Using Deep Learning: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Akbarian Sina , Montazeri Ghahjaverestan Nasim , Yadollahi Azadeh , Taati Babak
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder characterized by an intermittent reduction (hypopnea) or cessation (apnea) of breathing during sleep. Depending on the presence of a breathing effort, sleep apnea is divided into obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) based on the different pathologies involved. If the majority of apneas in a person are obstructive, they will be diagnosed as OSA or otherwise as CSA. In addition, as it is challenging and highly controversial to divide hypopneas into central or obstructive, the decision about sleep apnea type (OSA vs CSA) is made based on apneas only. Choosing the appropriate treatment relies on distinguishing between obstructive apnea (OA) and central apnea (CA).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a noncontact method to distinguish between OAs and CAs.

METHODS

Five different computer vision-based algorithms were used to process infrared (IR) video data to track and analyze body movements to differentiate different types of apnea (OA vs CA). In the first two methods, supervised classifiers were trained to process optical flow information. In the remaining three methods, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed to extract distinctive features from optical flow and to distinguish OA from CA.

RESULTS

Overnight sleeping data of 42 participants (mean age 53, SD 15 years; mean BMI 30, SD 7 kg/m2; 27 men and 15 women; mean number of OA 16, SD 30; mean number of CA 3, SD 7; mean apnea-hypopnea index 27, SD 31 events/hour; mean sleep duration 5 hours, SD 1 hour) were collected for this study. The test and train data were recorded in two separate laboratory rooms. The best-performing model (3D-CNN) obtained 95% accuracy and an F1 score of 89% in differentiating OA vs CA.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the first vision-based method was developed that differentiates apnea types (OA vs CA). The developed algorithm tracks and analyses chest and abdominal movements captured via an IR video camera. Unlike previously developed approaches, this method does not require any attachment to a user that could potentially alter the sleeping condition.
A qualitative study exploring the effects of participation in a community-based pre-operative exercise programme on perceived wellbeing and quality of life in people with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: A pilot study (Preprint)
Authors: Loughney Lisa , McGowan Rachel , O'Malley Kiaran , McCaffrey Noel , Furlong Brona , Walsh Deirdre
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

People with a newly diagnosed prostate cancer are often treated by surgery. The time window between cancer diagnosis and surgery causes high levels of uncertainty and stress, which negatively impact quality of life (QoL).

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experience of participating in a community-based pre-operative exercise programme (in the time between cancer diagnosis and surgery) and its impact on perceived wellbeing and QoL in people with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

METHODS

Eleven men diagnosed with a new prostate cancer diagnosis were recruited and undertook a prescribed community-based pre-operative exercise training programme in the time available prior to surgery. Following completion of the pre-operative exercise programme (within 1 week before surgery), participants took part in one semi-structured interview which explored four broad QoL domains: physical; psychological; social; and spiritual wellbeing. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (a bottom up/inductive analysis).

RESULTS

Data supported four main themes. Participation in the community-based pre-operative exercise training programme (over a mean (SD) of 4 (2) weeks) provided participants with: 1) a teachable moment; 2) a journey of preparation; 3) provided them with a sense of optimism; and 4) social connectedness.

CONCLUSIONS

This community-based pre-operative exercise training programme enhanced wellbeing and served as an opportunity to improve perceived QoL. Further research is required to explore this in a larger sample.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
Improving Provision of Preanesthetic Information Through Use of the Digital Conversational Agent “MyAnesth”: Prospective Observational Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ferré Fabrice , Boeschlin Nicolas , Bastiani Bruno , Castel Adeline , Ferrier Anne , Bosch Laetitia , Muscari Fabrice , Kurrek Matt , Fourcade Olivier , Piau Antoine , Minville Vincent
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Due to time limitations, the preanesthetic consultation (PAC) is not the best time for patients to integrate information specific to their perioperative care pathway.

OBJECTIVE

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital companion on patients' knowledge of anesthesia and their satisfaction after real-life implementation.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, monocentric, comparative study using a before-and-after design. In phase 1, a 9-item self-reported anesthesia knowledge test (Delphi method) was administered to patients before and after their PAC (control group: PAC group). In phase 2, the study was repeated immediately after the implementation of a digital conversational agent, MyAnesth (@+PAC group). Patients’ satisfaction and their representations for anesthesia were also assessed using a Likert scale and the Abric method of hierarchized evocation.

RESULTS

A total of 600 tests were distributed; 205 patients and 98 patients were included in the PAC group and @+PAC group, respectively. Demographic characteristics and mean scores on the 9-point preinformation test (PAC group: 4.2 points, 95% CI 3.9-4.4; @+PAC: 4.3 points, 95% CI 4-4.7; P=.37) were similar in the two groups. The mean score after receiving information was better in the @+PAC group than in the PAC group (6.1 points, 95% CI 5.8-6.4 points versus 5.2 points, 95% CI 5.0-5.4 points, respectively; P<.001), with an added value of 0.7 points (95% CI 0.3-1.1; P<.001). Among the respondents in the @+PAC group, 82% found the information to be clear and appropriate, and 74% found it easily accessible. Before receiving information, the central core of patients’ representations for anesthesia was focused on the fear of being put to sleep and thereafter on caregiver skills and comfort.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of our digital conversational agent in addition to the PAC improved patients' knowledge about their perioperative care pathway. This innovative audiovisual support seemed clear, adapted, easily accessible, and reassuring. Future studies should focus on adapting both the content and delivery of a digital conversational agent for the PAC in order to maximize its benefit to patients.
Comparing a Multimedia Digital Informed Consent Tool With Traditional Paper-Based Methods: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Abujarad Fuad , Peduzzi Peter , Mun Sophia , Carlson Kristina , Edwards Chelsea , Dziura James , Brandt Cynthia , Alfano Sandra , Chupp Geoffrey
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The traditional informed consent (IC) process rarely emphasizes research participants’ comprehension of medical information, leaving them vulnerable to unknown risks and consequences associated with procedures or studies.

OBJECTIVE

This paper explores how we evaluated the feasibility of a digital health tool called Virtual Multimedia Interactive Informed Consent (VIC) for advancing the IC process and compared the results with traditional paper-based methods of IC.

METHODS

Using digital health and web-based coaching, we developed the VIC tool that uses multimedia and other digital features to improve the current IC process. The tool was developed on the basis of the user-centered design process and Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning. This study is a randomized controlled trial that compares the feasibility of VIC with standard paper consent to understand the impact of interactive digital consent. Participants were recruited from the Winchester Chest Clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, and healthy individuals were recruited from the community using fliers. In this coordinator-assisted trial, participants were randomized to complete the IC process using VIC on the iPad or with traditional paper consent. The study was conducted at the Winchester Chest Clinic, and the outcomes were self-assessed through coordinator-administered questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 50 participants were recruited in the study (VIC, n=25; paper, n=25). The participants in both groups had high comprehension. VIC participants reported higher satisfaction, higher perceived ease of use, higher ability to complete the consent independently, and shorter perceived time to complete the consent process.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of dynamic, interactive audiovisual elements in VIC may improve participants’ satisfaction and facilitate the IC process. We believe that using VIC in an ongoing, real-world study rather than a hypothetical study improved the reliability of our findings, which demonstrates VIC’s potential to improve research participants’ comprehension and the overall process of IC.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02537886; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02537886
Adoption of a Contact Tracing App for Containing COVID-19: A Health Belief Model Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Walrave Michel , Waeterloos Cato , Ponnet Koen
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

To track and reduce the spread of COVID-19, apps have been developed to identify contact with individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 and warn those who are at risk of having contracted the virus. However, the effectiveness of these apps depends highly on their uptake by the general population.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated factors influencing app use intention, based on the health belief model. In addition, associations with respondents’ level of news consumption and their health condition were investigated.

METHODS

A survey was administered in Flanders, Belgium, to 1500 respondents, aged 18 to 64 years. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships across the model’s constructs.

RESULTS

In total, 48.70% (n=730) of respondents indicated that they intend to use a COVID-19 tracing app. The most important predictor was the perceived benefits of the app, followed by self-efficacy and perceived barriers. Perceived severity and perceived susceptibility were not related to app uptake intention. Moreover, cues to action (ie, individuals’ exposure to [digital] media content) were positively associated with app use intention. As the respondents’ age increased, their perceived benefits and self-efficacy for app usage decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiatives to stimulate the uptake of contact tracing apps should enhance perceived benefits and self-efficacy. A perceived barrier for some potential users is privacy concerns. Therefore, when developing and launching an app, clarification on how individuals’ privacy will be protected is needed. To sustain perceived benefits in the long run, supplementary options could be integrated to inform and assist users.
The Evolution in Value Relevance of Accounting Measures in Indonesia
Authors: Suwardi Eko
Published: May 2020

This paper utilizes the model of share price, which is derived from the valuation model of residual income, to rigorously assess the evolution of value relevance of accounting measures in Indonesia, an emerging market country which has its landscape of equity valuation changed substantially. Using two different approaches, cross sectional and panel regressions, the results indicates a strong linear association between share price and accounting measures. Cross-sectional yearly price regressions provide a strong evidence of non-linear changes on the value relevance of accounting measures over time.  Moreover, using panel data analysis, the results of unconditional comparison tests reveal that that the increased value-relevance of the balance sheet would be offset by a reduction of the value-relevance of earnings per share during IFRS regime. It could potentially contribute to explain the decrease in value relevance of accounting numbers during the switchover to IFRS in Indonesia.
Program Aktif (Aku Positif) untuk Meningkatkan Harga Diri Menjelang Masa Bebas pada Anak Didik di Lembaga Pembinaan Khusus Anak (LPKA)
Authors: Fakhrah Fany , Purnamaningsih Esti Hayu
Published: May 2020

Persepsi masyarakat tentang narapidana memberikan efek yang buruk terhadap persepsi narapidana tentang diri mereka sehingga tahanan anak merasa rendah diri menghadapi penerimaan masyarakat setelah masa hukuman berakhir. Penelitian ini menggunakan Program AKTIF (Aku Positif) yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan harga diri remaja yang berhadapan dengan hukum menjelang masa bebas. Desain yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest samples. Analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah uji statistik non parametrik Wilcoxon. Subjek penelitian berjumlah 12 orang remaja yang sedang menjalani masa tahanan (usia 16-18 tahun). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan skor  self-esteem lebih tinggi U(n=6)=0,027, p<0,05 secara signifikan pada kelompok eksperimen. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa program AKTIF (Aku Positif) terbukti efektif dalam meningkatkan harga diri pada anak didik di lembaga pemasyarakatan untuk mempersiapkan diri menjelang masa bebas.
Improve IT Business Process Performance Using AI and Deep Learning
Authors: Singh Manjeet
Published: May 2020

Perfection is an ambitious goal. However, it’s right to say that in-Service Management we aspire to do the best we possibly can. We improve our performance through practice, but for real acceleration, we need to take a fresh approach. “IT is the backbone of the modern enterprise”—if this is the case and we demand a consistently high level of performance from our IT staff now is the time to think about how best to achieve this. With the use of AI powered autonomous micro-learning coupled with machine learning, employees can now be evaluated and coached by providing instance learning and feedback in real time so as to improve process performance.
Knowledge, attitude and anxiety of medical students about the current COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey
Authors: YAKAR Burkay , ÖZTÜRK KAYGUSUZ Türkkan , PİRİNÇCİ Edibe , ÖNALAN Erhan , ERTEKİN Yusuf Haydar
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of medical students about the COVID-19 and the effect of the outbreak on the students' anxiety levels.Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out between 07-14 April, with the online questionnaire forms applied to the medical students. A questionnaire forms were sent to one of every two students in the faculty using the systematic sampling method. A total of 530 volunteers were included in the study. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire of the socio-demographic characteristics, opinions about the epidemic, knowledge, and attitude of medical students regarding COVID-19. Anxiety levels of the participants were measured with the State-Trait anxiety inventory.Results: A total of 530 medical students had a mean score of knowledge and attitude of 7.83±1.27 and 45.18±5.12, respectively. Participants demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude towards COVID-19. Clinical period students had a higher level of knowledge (p<0.001) and positive attitude (p=0.025) compared to preclinical students. While the knowledge score was higher in men (p = 0.033), the attitude score was higher in women (p <0.001). There was a negative correlation between attitude scores and state (p=0.003) and trait anxiety scores (p<0.001).Conclusion: Medical students had sufficient knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. Anxiety caused by the outbreak may have negative effects on the positive attitudes of the participants.
Medios de comunicación y movilidad cognitiva: series políticas en streaming, Puebla, México 2018
Authors: Estrada Rodríguez José Luis , Pérez Pérez Ketzalcóatl
Published: May 2020

Este trabajo de investigación analiza la influencia que tienen las series televisivas que se difunden por medio de las plataformas streaming en México. La investigación tomó una muestra representativa de cuatrocientos jóvenes encuestados para conocer la incidencia que tienen estos productos comunicativos en la construcción de su percepción, participación política y cultura política en las pasadas elecciones de julio de 2018. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa y el uso de la muestra estadística de 12.884 electores de 18 a 19 años de la capital poblana, del distrito 12 electoral, se encontró que existe un grado de apropiación bajo. Los jóvenes encuestados no determinan su percepción sobre la política mexicana a partir de las series que visualizan, por tanto, la movilidad cognitiva no es determinante para el caso de estudio presentado.
Validación del cuestionario sobre hábitos de consumo de videojuegos en chilenos millennials
Authors: Saavedra Vallejos Esteban
Published: May 2020

La masificación del uso de videojuegos ha ido creciendo rápidamente y además las proyecciones apuntan a que el uso seguirá aumentando en el tiempo. Para la medición del consumo de videojuegos existen numerosos cuestionarios, que en su mayoría se asocian al diagnóstico de trastornos psicológicos. Como el objetivo es medir el uso y consumo de videojuegos y no el diagnostico de alteraciones psicológicas, se optó por validar el cuestionario de hábitos de consumo de videojuegos, originalmente creado para población española. Por este motivo se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para población chilena millennials, quienes son personas nacidas entre 1980 y 2000. Para la validación, se utilizó una muestra compuesta por 412 estudiantes universitarios. Se calculó la fiabilidad y validez. Esta se midió con el coeficiente de fiabilidad compuesta, varianza media extraída y α de Cronbach. La estimación de máxima verosimilitud con la corrección robusta de Satorra-Bentler. Los resultados obtenidos para validar la escala muestran que es válida y fiable para la utilización en jóvenes chilenos pertenecientes a la generación millennial o generación Y.
Una escritura muy bella. La politicidad de la metáfora
Authors: Mercedes Casali Silvana
Published: May 2020

El presente artículo toma como estudio de caso la novela Una muchacha muy bella (2013) del escritor argentino Julián López y se enfoca en el análisis de sus metáforas, especialmente aquellas que, mediante un tratamiento sumamente poético del lenguaje, evocan el terrorismo estatal, contexto social dentro del cual transcurre la narración. En tanto nos encontramos ante figuras retóricas que funcionan al poner en relación dos palabras por semejanza, su uso no solo revela las decisiones escriturarias y las preferencias estéticas del autor, sino también la necesidad de su empleo para dar cuenta del carácter indecible e inefable de lo que se intenta narrar, y cuya potencialidad política la metáfora contiene y sugiere. Con el objetivo general de poner a dialogar la producción literaria de una época con el contexto social y político en que surge, en primer lugar, inscribimos la novela en el universo de las narrativas de la segunda generación de la posdictadura que emergieron durante el período kirchnerista. Luego nos centramos en las metáforas enunciadas en la primera parte de la novela por la voz del narrador niño, específicamente aquellas que remiten al clima amenazante propio del momento represivo. Finalmente, señalamos la tensión que esta novela implica en la serie de los relatos pertenecientes al “familismo” y proponemos así pensar la práctica escrituraria en su dimensión política, es decir, en su capacidad para habilitar otras voces y otros modos del decir de la memoria colectiva.
Procesos de comunicación para la paz
Authors: Toro Calonje Alejandra
Published: May 2020

La reflexión que aquí se presenta emana de dos investigaciones realizadas con mujeres víctimas de la violencia política en Colombia, ubicadas ambas en el campo de la Comunicación Social. Metodológicamente, se sometieron a prueba hipótesis de la teoría de la paz imperfecta y de la investigación para la paz con base en ejercicios de transcodificación artística a través de procesos concebidos desde la Comunicación Social, adelantados por víctimas del conflicto y cuya finalidad era producir una obra artística propia a partir de otra pre-existente. A partir de relatos de sus experiencias, las participantes, confrontadas a obras artísticas, transformaron la obra ajena de la cual se inspiraron, en otra de autoría propia. Dicha experiencia, según estas teorías, propicia el duelo y la resiliencia de las víctimas a través del empoderamiento personal, fundamentales para las paces. El trasfondo social de estas experiencias ha sido el postconflicto tras los acuerdos de paz entre las farc y el gobierno colombiano. El primer proceso se adelantó con mujeres afrodescendientes desplazadas del Pacífico a Cali; el segundo con estudiantes socialmente desfavorecidas por la violencia en sus regiones de origen. Estos ejercicios desembocaron en un cambio en la percepción de las mujeres sobre su experiencia personal violentada y como consecuencia, en su capacidad para hacer las paces.
Hacia una epistemología de comunicación y género: [re]articulaciones posibles entre los campos
Authors: Actis María Florencia , Díaz Ledesma Lucas Gabriel
Published: May 2020

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar una reflexión en torno a los núcleos de debate y articulaciones posibles entre el campo de la comunicación social y los estudios de género. Para ello, puntualiza en las preguntas sobre la implementación de esta perspectiva emergente en procesos investigativos concretos y, a su vez, sobre los desafíos y tensiones irreductibles que conlleva su dimensión ética, política y metodo-lógica. En un primer momento, se despliega una problematización de las condiciones epistemológicas y del estatuto científico de la investigación en comunicación y géne-ro respectivamente, se parte de reconocer su cuestionamiento radical a lógicas instituidas de producción de conocimiento. En un segundo momento y con referencia a las experiencias de campo de nuestras tesis doctorales, realizadas por un lado en el escenario de las cárceles de mujeres de la Provincia de Buenos Aires y por el otro en barrios populares de Santiago del Estero –una de las provincias más pobres de Argentina–, se plantean las tensiones metodológicas y las potencias de la transdisciplina e intersección de estos dos campos.
Emulación de una turbina de viento con MPPT en tiempo real
Authors: Peláez-Restrepo Julián , Herrera-Cuartas Jorge Aurelio , Gonzalez-Montoya Daniel , Serna-Garces Sergio Ignacio
Published: May 2020

En este trabajo se presenta el diseño e implementación de un banco de emulación de turbinas eólicas; el banco propuesto tiene en cuenta la dinámica de la extracción de energía efectiva del viento que se modela matemáticamente. El motor emula el movimiento giratorio debido a la energía del viento, lo cual genera perfiles de velocidad angular según el par medido por un sensor de par en el eje de acople entre el motor DC y el generador síncrono de imanes permanentes. Adicionalmente, se creó un experimento de prueba compuesto por un convertidor elevador controlado al cual se le aplica un algoritmo de extracción de máxima potencia, con el fin de validar el funcionamiento del banco motor DC y el generador síncrono de imanes permanentes al emular la dinámica de un generador eólico equivalente.
Control basado en pasividad con estrategia adaptativa de un sistema de almacenamiento energético para una nano-red DC
Authors: Sanchez-Choachi Johan Sebastian
Published: May 2020

El creciente interés en el desarrollo de las micro-redes ha impulsado un gran número de investigaciones que pretenden mejorar su desempeño para una posterior industrialización. Por este motivo, este artículo presenta el modelamiento, diseño de control y resultados de simulación de un sistema de almacenamiento energético para una nano-red DC, el cual permite almacenar energía en las baterías o extraerla de ellas, según sea el estado de las cargas y las fuentes de la nano-red. Este dispositivo se construye a partir de un convertidor bidireccional DC-DC no aislado, para el que se desarrolla su modelo y posterior estrategia de control basada en pasividad, acompañada de un mecanismo adaptativo que le permite estimar algunos de sus parámetros y cambios. Se presentan los resultados de simulación entre los cuales destaca la rápida respuesta del sistema, su robustez ante perturbaciones y la contribución a la regulación de la tensión del bus DC de la nano-red.
Agua potable para uso doméstico: análisis del ciclo de vida y de escenarios hipotéticos de manejo ambiental para la ciudad de Pereira, Colombia
Authors: Varón-Hoyos Manuel , Restrepo-Victoria Álvaro , Guerrero-Erazo Jhoniers
Published: May 2020

En este estudio se caracterizan los impactos ambientales asociados al ciclo de vida de 1 m3 de agua potable en Pereira, Colombia. Se analizaron cuatro escenarios: un escenario base y tres escenarios ambientales hipotéticos. Se describió el ciclo de vida, se hizo el inventario de flujos de materia y energía y se establecieron los impactos ambientales de punto medio y punto final del escenario base mediante la aplicación del método Impact 2002+, asimismo, se definieron los impactos ambientales de tres escenarios hipotéticos.
Los resultados determinaron que los procesos relacionados con la producción de agua potable generaron la mayor cantidad de impactos negativos del ciclo (75-100 %) en 12 de las 15 categorías de punto medio en el escenario base. Asimismo, en dicho escenario el agua potable contribuyó al 56 % del impacto de punto final. Por otra parte, impulsar la reducción del 20 % en el consumo de agua junto con el tratamiento de las aguas residuales sería el mejor escenario futuro, tanto para reducir impactos de punto medio, como para reducir los de punto final.
Confort térmico en viviendas de Medellín
Authors: Soto-Estrada Engelberth , Alvarez-Carrascal Maria Fernanda , Gomez-Lizarazo Jairo , Valencia-Montoya Daniel
Published: May 2020

El ambiente térmico en una edificación influye en la salud, el bienestar y la productividad de las personas, así como en el consumo energético. La importancia del confort térmico en las edificaciones se reconoce desde hace décadas, no obstante, este aspecto es aún incipiente en la industria de la construcción colombiana, sobre todo en proyectos de vivienda. En esta investigación se analizó el desempeño térmico de tres tipos de vivienda comunes en la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se calculó la temperatura operativa, el voto medio estimado (PMV) y el porcentaje estimado de insatisfechos (PPD), de acuerdo con la norma ISO 7730:2005. Los resultados mostraron que la inercia térmica de dos de los tres tipos de vivienda examinados no es suficiente para ofrecer un confort térmico adecuado, a pesar del clima templado del Valle de Aburrá. Estos resultados alertan sobre la vulnerabilidad de la población urbana en Colombia ante fluctuaciones extremas de temperatura.
Estado del arte: desalinización mediante tecnologías de membrana como alternativa frente al problema de escasez de agua dulce
Authors: Grueso-Dominguez Maria Camila , Castro-Jiménez Camilo Cesar , Correa-Ochoa Mauricio Andres , Saldarriaga-Molina Julio Cesar
Published: May 2020

Teniendo en cuenta la poca disponibilidad de agua dulce, el acelerado crecimiento de la población y la contaminación del recurso hídrico, es necesario buscar alternativas para aprovechar los recursos salobres y el agua contenida en los océanos. Numerosas investigaciones en el campo de los procesos de desalinización –entre los cuales se resalta la separación por membranas– han permitido volver potable el agua de mar en condiciones económicamente viables, sin grandes dificultades. El objetivo de este artículo es recopilar los principales avances a nivel mundial sobre los procesos de desalinización. Como resultado del análisis de la evidencia científica encontrada, se resaltan algunos desafíos a futuro que incluyen: el uso de fuentes de energía renovable en los procesos, la reducción en el uso de productos químicos, el uso de materiales innovadores para las membranas, la búsqueda de soluciones de pretratamiento más efectivos y rentables, y la disminución del costo total del agua para el consumidor.
Cambios en la estructura química del polietileno de alta densidad al experimentar múltiples reprocesamientos
Authors: Cárdenas-Giraldo Juan Manuel , Rojas-González Andrés Felipe , Galviz-Garcia Beatriz Clemencia
Published: May 2020

En este artículo, que presenta los resultados originales de una investigación financiada por Colciencias y la Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Manizales, se identifican los cambios en la estructura química del polietileno de alta densidad grado extrusión y grado inyección después de ser sometidos a cinco reprocesamientos en procesos de extrusión, inyección y extrusión/inyección. La identificación de los cambios se realiza a través de la comparación del espectro FTIR con los reportados en diferentes referencias bibliográficas. Los espectros FTIR fueron obtenidos mediante un espectrómetro ATR Platinum. La degradación térmica fue mayor en el proceso de extrusión/inyección, seguido por inyección, extrusión, extrusión a 80 rpm y extrusión a 20 rpm. Se concluye que existe una baja degradación del polietileno de alta densidad después de ser reprocesado en cinco ciclos, se evidencia así la aparición del grupo carbonilo, grupos vinilo y grupo COC.
The Governance of State-Owned Enterprises in Africa: an analysis of selected cases
Authors: Mutize Misheck , Tefera Ejigayhu
Published: May 2020

Whilst some literature is of the view that; it is nearly impossible to cultivate good corporate governance culture in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), others believe that new strategies of implementing corporate governance systems together with political will can deliver SOEs out of their efficiency doldrums. This paper presents a scientific analysis of the contentious view on the possibility of creating efficient governance mechanisms in SOEs, explores the effective cost for governance failures in SOEs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ethiopia. The paper makes conclusions and recommendation that the determinant factor to the success of SOEs in African countries is underpinned on the response of central government to the challenges of SOEs. Structural reforms, good governance, clear objectives and efficiency requires governments to take a decisive position. As a lasting remedial action, knowing which entities and when to offload them through privatisation, is an option in addressing the governance challenges in African SOEs. For strategic SOEs, the paper recommends that governments should consider listing them on public stock exchanges.
Improving Dietary Recommendations for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity in an Endocrinology Clinic
Authors: Delgado-Hurtado Juan J. , Kline Erika L. , Crawford Andrew , McClure Auden
Published: May 2020

Quality Improvement Success Stories are published by the American Diabetes Association in collaboration with the American College of Physicians and the National Diabetes Education Program. This series is intended to highlight best practices and strategies from programs and clinics that have successfully improved the quality of care for people with diabetes or related conditions. Each article in the series is reviewed and follows a standard format developed by the editors of Clinical Diabetes. The following article describes a project designed to improve the degree and quality of support for lifestyle change provided to patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity in the outpatient endocrinology clinic of a rural academic medical center.
How Effective Is the Fixed-Ratio Combination of Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide (IDegLira) in Different Patient Populations, and When Should It Be Used in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Tibaldi Joseph , Mercado Max E. , Strong Jodi
Published: May 2020

The efficacy and safety of the fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec (degludec) and liraglutide (IDegLira) were confirmed in the DUAL clinical trial program, in which IDegLira demonstrated superior or noninferior glycemic control over comparators in addition to its low risks of hypoglycemia and weight gain. This article identifies the patient types for whom IDegLira is most appropriate by reviewing the DUAL results and subsequent post hoc analyses and presenting real-world cases in which IDegLira has been used effectively in U.S. clinical practice. In the clinic, IDegLira has been used effectively when patients wanted to avoid more complex injectable regimens, particularly those with renal insufficiency for whom treatment options are limited.
Statin Use Is Prospectively Associated With New-Onset Diabetes After Transplantation in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Szili-Torok Tamas , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Tietge Uwe J.F.
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is frequent and worsens graft and patient outcomes in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). In the general population, statins are diabetogenic. This study investigated whether statins also increase NODAT risk in RTRs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From a prospective longitudinal study of 606 RTRs (functioning allograft >1 year, single academic center, follow-up: median 9.6 [range, 6.6–10.2] years), 95 patients using statins were age- and sex-matched to RTRs not on statins (all diabetes-free at inclusion).

RESULTS

NODAT incidence was 7.2% (73.3% of these on statins). In Kaplan-Meier (log-rank test, P = 0.017) and Cox regression analyses (HR 3.86 [95% CI 1.21–12.27]; P = 0.022), statins were prospectively associated with incident NODAT, even independent of several relevant confounders including immunosuppressive medication and biomarkers of glucose homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that statin use is prospectively associated with the development of NODAT in RTRs independent of other recognized risk factors.
Resistant Hypertension and Risk of Adverse Events in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes: A Nationwide Prospective Study
Authors: Lithovius Raija , Harjutsalo Valma , Mutter Stefan , Gordin Daniel , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression, incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and all-cause mortality associated with resistant hypertension (RH) in individuals with type 1 diabetes stratified by stages of DN, renal function, and sex.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective study included a nationally representative cohort of individuals with type 1 diabetes from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study who had purchases of antihypertensive drugs at (±6 months) baseline visit (1995–2008). Individuals (N = 1,103) were divided into three groups: 1) RH, 2) uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) but no RH, and 3) controlled BP. DN progression, cardiovascular events, and deaths were identified from the individuals’ health care records and national registries until 31 December 2015.

RESULTS

At baseline, 18.7% of the participants had RH, while 23.4% had controlled BP. After full adjustments for clinical confounders, RH was associated with increased risk of DN progression (hazard ratio 1.95 [95% CI 1.37, 2.79], P = 0.0002), while no differences were observed in those with no RH (1.05 [0.76, 1.44], P = 0.8) compared with those who had controlled BP. The risk of incident CHD, incident stroke, and all-cause mortality was higher in individuals with RH compared with those who had controlled BP but not beyond albuminuria and reduced kidney function. Notably, in those with normo- and microalbuminuria, the risk of stroke remained higher in the RH compared with the controlled BP group (3.49 [81.20, 10.15], P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of identifying and providing diagnostic and therapeutic counseling to these very-high-risk individuals with RH.
Effects of Linagliptin on Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes in People With Normal and Reduced Kidney Function: Secondary Analysis of the CARMELINA Randomized Trial
Authors: Perkovic Vlado , Toto Robert , Cooper Mark E. , Mann Johannes F.E. , Rosenstock Julio , McGuire Darren K. , Kahn Steven E. , Marx Nikolaus , Alexander John H. , Zinman Bernard , Pfarr Egon , Schnaidt Sven , Meinicke Thomas , von Eynatten Maximillian , George Jyothis T. , Johansen Odd Erik , Wanner Christoph
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, but few outcome trials proactively enrolled individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We performed secondary analyses of cardiovascular (CV) and kidney outcomes across baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories (≥60, 45 to <60, 30 to <45, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) in Cardiovascular and Renal Microvascular Outcome Study With Linagliptin (CARMELINA), a cardiorenal placebo-controlled outcome trial of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor linagliptin (NCT01897532).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants with CV disease and/or CKD were included. The primary outcome was time to first occurrence of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke (three-point major adverse CV event [3P-MACE]), with a secondary outcome of renal death, end-stage kidney disease, or sustained ≥40% decrease in eGFR from baseline. Other end points included progression of albuminuria, change in HbA1c, and adverse events (AEs) including hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

A total of 6,979 subjects (mean age 65.9 years; eGFR 54.6 mL/min/1.73 m2; 80.1% albuminuria) were followed for 2.2 years. Across eGFR categories, linagliptin as compared with placebo did not affect the risk for 3P-MACE (hazard ratio 1.02 [95% CI 0.89, 1.17]) or the secondary kidney outcome (1.04 [0.89, 1.22]) (interaction P values >0.05). Regardless of eGFR, albuminuria progression was reduced with linagliptin, as was HbA1c, without increasing risk for hypoglycemia. AEs were balanced among groups overall and across eGFR categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Across all GFR categories, in participants with type 2 diabetes and CKD and/or CV disease, there was no difference in risk for linagliptin versus placebo on CV and kidney events. Significant reductions in risk for albuminuria progression and HbA1c and no difference in AEs were observed.
The Effectiveness of Group Guidance with Modeling Techniques to Improve Students Motivation Learning
Authors: Shofiah Nuri , Suhendri Suhendri , Lestari Farikha Wahyu
Published: May 2020

This research is motivated because of low learning motivation shown by sleepy behavior during class hours, often forgetting assignments given by the teacher, cheating on friends' work, less attractive to him in doing assignments, difficulty understanding lessons, learning if there are exams or tests, discouraging each face difficulties. This research was conducted quantitatively in a quasi-experimental design with the form of a pretest-posttest control group design. The population in this study were all students of class XI Kesatrian 2 Semarang High School. Samples taken in this study were 34 students of class XI IPS 3 which were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group of 17 students and the control group of 17 students. With the determination of research subjects using simple random sampling techniques. The data of this study were obtained through a psychological scale of learning motivation. Then the modeling guidance services provided by the modeling technique are on target and on the right material. This is because students after getting a modeling technique group guidance services can apply effective study habits, able to increase enthusiasm in achieving learning goals. Suggestions for supervising teachers are expected to help the supervising teacher to find out student competencies in enhancing learning motivation.
Effect of Pressure Levels on Risk Levels of Deviant Behavior of Correctional Prisoners
Authors: Dhika Rangga Wahyu
Published: May 2020

The results of recentt study abaout mental health disorders status showed that 36% experienced mental health disorders in the form of anxiety and women, the incidence rate was higher than men, 61%: 39%. The study was conducted 62 surveys in 12 countries covering 22,790 correctional prison residents found that every 6 months there was a prevalence of psychosis in men 3.7% and women 4% major depression in men 10% and women 12% and personality disorders in men 65% men and 42% women. From these data, many Penitentiary Citizens experience mental health disorders such as stress and sexual deviations. Deviations committed by Penitentiary Members include such as hallucinating / fantasizing, masturbating, and biological violation activities carried out by men and women in Correctional Institutions. This study uses the General Strain Theory theory by Robert Agnew using a quantitative approach. The data collected uses primary data in the form of distributing questionnaires to a predetermined sample of Penitentiary Guards. From the results of the study above the level of risk of deviant behavior of Correctional Guidance Citizens continues to increase along with the increasing level of pressure experienced by Correctional Guidance Citizens.
Implementation of the Therapeutic Community for Convicts in Indonesian Correctional Institution
Authors: Putra Andari Rizky Aria
Published: May 2020

The increase in narcotics abuse in Indonesia has made increase of convicts. In the Correctional Institution, convicts will be given guidance in the form of Therapeutic Community as strategies to aimed and restoring the convicts as before. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Therapeutic Community in the implementation of coaching that can be a reference in the implementation of coaching in the Indonesian Correctional Institution. Implementation of the Therapeutic Community in Corrections Institutions in Indonesia must have the support of various parties in its implementation in order to run well, but in reality the field still has some obstacles in implementing the Therapeutic Community.
Prevention of Prisoners Committing Violence in Prison
Authors: Prabowo Rizky Setyo
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study is to find out what preventative measures to prevent violence between convicts in existing correctional institutions. Penitentiary has a very strategic role in the framework of developing human resources, the implementation of guiding convicts including how conducive conditions are created in their implementation. The method used is normative and empirical juridical methods, namely research emphasizing secondary data by studying and reviewing riot prevention efforts, especially positive legal rules derived from library materials that exist in the legislation regulations, namely Law No. 12 of 1995 concerning Corrections and other related laws. This study uses descriptive analysis research, which is a study that describes and describes the situation or facts that exist about efforts to prevent violence between prisoners in prison and detention centers in Indonesia. The results of this study are known that in correctional institutions the reality is constrained by several things such as, inadequate prison facilities and detention centers, the number of employees or officers who are not in accordance with the number of convicts, the number of convicts that exceeds capacity, the lack of supervision also caused an easy commotion inside the correctional institutes and detention center.