bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Targeting Approaches and Use of Drug Delivery Systems in Management of Cancer
Authors: Ahuja Alka , Narde Gurpreet K. , Wadi Nida M.A. , Meenakshi Dhanalekshmi U.
Published: July 2021

Mutations and their manifestations in the form of various diseases and disorders result in cancer
which is a major cause of human death worldwide. A considerable amount of information is available at the cellular,
molecular and genetic levels regarding the occurrence and spread of precarious cancer; yet, there is no
cure. The traditional methods of treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical intervention have
shown to be moderately effective and to keep some types of cancer under control, but each modality has its
own advantages and disadvantages. In recent years, more advanced methods such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy,
and precision medicine are shown to be promising, and these fields continue to expand rapidly
along with the conventional methods. This review focuses on the reports of advanced methods of treatment
from a scientific standpoint to recognize many new and modern approaches. Selective targeting of the tumour
cells by nanoparticle-based novel drug delivery approaches includes the latest innovations in their preparation
strategies and applications. The concept of precision medicine and its impact on treatment are highlighted here
with the hope of individualised therapy with minimum side effects as a part of ever-expanding treatment strategies.
Additional challenges related to cancer treatment like multi-drug resistance and toxicity are also deliberated
in brief. Based on the available reports and scientific evidence, better targeted approaches with better quality
clinical outcomes and more precise drug delivery to fit individual treatment needs are anticipated in the near future
to control this deadly disease.
Green Chemistry Approaches to the Synthesis of Flavonoids
Authors: Murti Yogesh , Pathak Devender , Pathak Kamla
Published: July 2021

In nature, flavonoids constitute a relatively diverse family of aromatic molecules
such as flavones, flavonols, flavanones, isoflavone, chalcones, and their derivatives. Natural
and synthetic flavonoids have reported diverse biological activity including antimycobacterial,
antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antiarrhythmic, antiviral, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and
anti-inflammatory. Flavonoids have garnered much attention as potential targets for
nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. The recent development of ‘‘Green Chemistry’’ has
enabled us to manipulate biosynthetic pathways to generate a library of synthetic flavonoids
and to diminish the hazards for human health and environmental pollution from conventional
methods. This paper presents an exhaustive review of the green synthesis of flavonoids. Green
chemistry is the need for the day; hence chalcones can be synthesized in an eco-friendly
manner without using solvents. The chalcone synthesis involves the solvent-free solid-state trituration between
acetophenone derivatives and substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of NaOH/KOH as a base (Claisen-Schmidt
reaction). Using these chalcone derivatives, synthesis of flavonoids can be done. In the pharmaceutical arena,
economical bulk production of different types of flavonoids has been successfully established by green chemistry
techniques.
Isolated Tongue Angioedema after Alteplase Infusion in Acute Ischemic
Stroke
Authors: Pisani Ermanno , Gaudiano Carmen , Petrone Alfredo , Stancati Furio , Siniscalchi Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background:

Angioedema, like anaphylaxis, has been reported as a rare adverse event
of alteplase infusion in acute ischemic stroke.

Objective:

We report the case of a patient with acute ischemic stroke who, after treatment of alteplase,
developed angioedema.

Methods:

We report the case of an 81-year-old woman who presented to our observation with
acute ischemic stroke. The patient was on therapy with 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid and a triple
combination antihypertensive drug (perindopril 10 mg + 2.5 mg indapamide + 5 mg amlodipine).
The patient was treated with alteplase infusion.

Results:

Five minutes after the end of the alteplase infusion (0.9 mg/kg for 1 hour), the patient developed
isolated angioedema of the lips and tongue.

Conclusion:

Although the incidence of alteplase-induced angioedema in these patients is rare, this
case report suggests the need for a routine inspection of the tongue in an acute ischemic patient in
treatment with alteplase infusion, especially in female patients in treatment with ACE inhibitors.
Acute Kidney Injury Related to Intravenous Colistin Use in Lebanese Hospitalized Patients: Incidence and Associated Factors
Authors: Khalifeh Malak , El-Lakany Abdalla , Soubra Lama
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Colistin use has increased because of the emergence of infections caused
by resistant gram-negative bacteria. Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a treatment-limiting factor
for widespread colistin clinical use. This study aimed at determining the incidence and the factors
associated with the development of colistin-induced AKI.

Method:

A retrospective observational study was conducted by reviewing files of adult patients
with normal kidney function between January 2015 to March 2019 at a university hospital located
in Beirut city. AKI was defined based on KDIGO criteria. Independent variables associated with
colistin-induced AKI were also tested.

Results:

In this study, a total of 113 patients were included. AKI occurred in 53 patients (46.9%).
The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was found to be significantly greater in the AKI group
(2.26, P-value = 0.026). In the multivariate analysis, low serum albumen was found as an independent
significant predictor for AKI (OR=.065, 95%CI: .013-.337, P-value=0.001). Moreover, the
risk for AKI increased by 2 folds (OR=2.019, 95%CI: 1.094-3.728, P-value: 0.025), when two or
more nephrotoxic agents were administered simultaneously with colistin. The patient’s age was also
found as a significant predictor for AKI (OR=1.034, 95%CI:1-1.07), with a cut-off value of
58.5-year-old.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the concomitant use of two or more nephrotoxic drugs,
patient’s age of 58.5 or above, and the presence of hypoalbuminemia were independent factors for
the development of colistin-induced AKI. These factors should be therefore taken into consideration
when prescribing colistin in clinical practice to decrease the risk of AKI.
Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Sulfur Containing 9-anilinoacridines
Authors: Kwon Chul-Hoon , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Gupta Pranav , Kumar Radhika V.
Published: July 2021

Background:

DNA topoisomerases are a class of enzymes that play a critical role in fundamental
biological processes of replication, transcription, recombination, repair and chromatin remodeling.
Amsacrine (m-AMSA), the best-known compound of 9-anilinoacridines series, was one
of the first DNA-intercalating agents to be considered a Topoisomerase II inhibitor.

Objective:

A series of sulfur-containing 9-anilinoacridines related to amsacrine were synthesized
and evaluated for their anticancer activity.

Methods:

using the Human topoisomerase II Assay kit, and flow cytometry was used to evaluate
the effects on the cell cycle of K562 cells. Molecular docking was performed using the
Schrödinger Maestro program.

Results:

Compound 36 was found to be the most cytotoxic of the sulfide series against SW620,
K562, and MCF-7. The limited SAR suggested the importance of the methansulfonamidoacetamide
side chain functionality, the lipophilicity, and the relative metabolic stability of 36 in contributing
to the cytotoxicity. Topoisomerase II α inhibitory activity appeared to be involved in the
cytotoxicity of 36 through the inhibition of decatenation of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) in a concentration-
dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis further showed Topo II inhibition through the accumulation
of K562 cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The docking of 36 into the Topo II α-DNA
complex suggested that it may be an allosteric inhibitor of Topo II α.

Conclusion:

Compound 36 exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting topoisomerase II, and it could
further be evaluated in in vivo models.
Regulation of Microtubule: Current Concepts and Relevance to Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Ghosh Anirban , Singh Shamsher
Published: July 2021

:

Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) are abnormalities linked to neuronal structure and irregularities associated with the proliferation of cells, transportation, and differentiation. NDD also involves synaptic circuitry and neural network alterations known as synaptopathy. Microtubules (MTs) and MTs-associated proteins help to maintain neuronal health as well as their development. The microtubular dynamic structure plays a crucial role in the division of cells and forms mitotic spindles, thus take part in initiating stages of differentiation and polarization for various types of cells. The MTs also take part in cellular death, but MT-based cellular degenerations are not yet well excavated. In the last few years, studies have provided the protagonist activity of MTs in neuronal degeneration. In this review, we largely engrossed our discussion on the change of MT cytoskeleton structure, describing their organization, dynamics, transportation, and their failure causing NDDs. At the end of this review, we are targeting the therapeutic neuroprotective strategies on clinical priority and also try to discuss the clues for the development of new MT-based therapy as a new pharmacological intervention. This will be a new potential site to block not only neurodegeneration but also promotes the regeneration of neurons.
Size Matters: Body Size is Correlated with Longevity in Speckled Cockroaches (Nauphoeta cineria)
Authors: Badwan Sami , Harper James
Published: July 2021

Background:

A relationship between body size and longevity has long been appreciated
within eukaryotes, especially vertebrates.

Introduction:

In general, the large size is associated with increased longevity among species of
mammals and birds but is associated with decreased longevity within individual species such as
dogs and mice. In this study, we examined the relationship between measures of individual body
size and longevity in a captive population of speckled cockroaches (Nauphoeta cineria).

Methods:

Newly molted adults of both sexes were removed from a mass colony housed in multiple
terraria and housed individually with food and water provided ad libitum for the duration of their
lifespan. Thrice weekly, the status (i.e., live/dead) of individual cockroaches was noted for the duration
of the study. Individuals found dead were weighed and measured to obtain body mass and
morphometric measures, and the age at the time of death was recorded. The relationship between
body size and lifespan was assessed.

Result:

Contrary to what is commonly seen within vertebrates, large cockroaches were longerlived
than their smaller counterparts. Specifically, body mass, body length, and pronotum width
were all significantly correlated with the age at death in a mixed population of males and females
(n = 94). In addition, we found that the longevity of a historically larger population in terms of both
body mass and body length was significantly longer-lived than the population used in this study.

Conclusion:

These data indicate there is a significant interaction between body size and aging in
this species and that increased size results in a survival advantage. There is evidence in the literature
indicating that a positive relationship between size and longevity may be common in insects.
Pleuroscopy Early Experience in the Exudative Pleural Effusion of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Fakharian Atefeh , Jabbardarjani Hamidreza , Masjedi Mohamad Reza , Shamaei Masoud
Published: July 2021

Background:

Pleuroscopy (medical thoracoscopy) is a minimally invasive procedure to
inspect and perform a biopsy of the pleural space as well as to perform therapeutic interventions;
pleural fluid drainage and pleurodesis.

Material and Methods:

In a retrospective study in Kasra Hospital, Tehran,Iran, the patients with
exudative pleural effusion of unknown etiology who underwent pleuroscopy, were evaluated. These
patients had negative smears and cultures for infective agents. Also, the cytological review was
negative for malignancy.

Results:

62 patients had undergone pleuroscopy, of which 29 (46.7) were men. After the final evaluation,
47 patients (75.8%) had a definite pathologic diagnosis, of which 39 patients (82.9%) had
cancer. Through these 39 cases, 18 cases (46.1%) had a history of the previously confirmed cancer,
in which pleural pathology was consistent with the initial diagnosis. In 21 cases (53.9%), metastatic
cancers were detected without a previous history. From a total of 47 cases with definite pathologic
diagnosis, 8 cases (17%) had histopathologic evidence of granulomatous lesions consistent with
tuberculosis, and 15 patients (24%) showed non-specific inflammatory lesions. There was no morbidity
and mortality among these patients.

Discussion:

Considering that pleuroscopy is a safe procedure with high diagnostic accuracy, malignancy
is the most common finding in the exudative pleural effusion of unknown etiology, which increases
the importance of this procedure in these cases to prevent wasting time and smear-negative
anti-TB treatment.
Crianças, Jovens e Media na Era Digital: Consumidores e Produtores?
Authors: Pereira Sara
Published: July 2021

Na era digital em que vivemos, as crianças e os jovens assumem um papel ativo na relação com os media, tendo sido praticamente ultrapassada a visão de consumidores passivos e indefesos. Pelas possibilidades e oportunidades de interação e de participação que os meios digitais trouxeram, o público mais novo é visto — por vezes exaltado — como consumidor e como produtor de conteúdos, sendo apelidados de prosumers ou produsers. Este livro pretende discutir criticamente estes conceitos e desmontar o posicionamento determinista que dá a participação como garantida apenas pelo acesso aos media. Esta discussão é enquadrada pela distinção entre “pequenos atos de envolvimento” e cultura participativa. Tendo por base dados provenientes de vários estudos empíricos, mostra-se que as práticas mediáticas de crianças e jovens se orientam mais pelo consumo do que pela produção e que as vias para a participação nem sempre têm por detrás princípios de expressão e de cidadania. A ideia de um ambiente mediático rico e diversificado e de públicos exigentes, críticos e participativos leva-nos a apontar a literacia mediática como uma competência fundamental do século XXI e um direito de todas as crianças e jovens.
Znaleźć miłość w telewizji. Alternatywne metody poszukiwania partnera życiowego w dobie społeczeństwa ponowoczesnego. Casus telewizyjnych programów randkowych
Authors:   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie, Główny Urząd Statystyczny w Warszawie, Barszcz Patryk
Published: July 2021

This article presents the phenomenon of dating game shows discussing selected examples of shows in the context of transformations taking place in different spheres of social life and characteristic of the current post-modern society. The said transformations are also affecting romantic relationships, which are marked by a growing interest of singles in alternative methods of searching for a life partner. One of these methods involves participating in dating game shows that have recently enjoyed a rising popularity. The article also presents and compares the ways of establishing romantic relationships between women and men both in the past centuries and today. The aim of the article is to present dating game shows as one of the modern alternative methods of searching for love and establishing romantic relationship in the 21st century.
„W klasztorze wieść życie pielgrzyma” – interpretacja architektury i wnętrza kościoła św. Richariusza w Centuli (St. Riquier) w czasach Angilberta (799-814) w kontekście liturgii stacyjnej i kultu relikwii
Authors:   Instytut Historii Sztuki UKSW w Warszawie, Nowiński Janusz
Published: July 2021

Decyzją Karola Wielkiego w Centuli, nad grobem św. Richariusza, został wzniesiony jeden z najwspanialszych kościołów w państwie karolińskim o nowatorskiej architekturze. Zgromadzono w nim imponującą kolekcję relikwii, reprezentująca świętości totius christianitatis, z najliczniejszą grupą relikwii Chrystusa-Zbawiciela. Relikwie miały nadać fundacji wyjątkową jakość i atrybut „miejsca świętego”. Opis liturgii sprawowanej w Centuli informuje, że relikwie zdeponowane w jedenastu ołtarzach i czterech memoriach uobecniały w nich najważniejsze miejsca i zdarzenia z Ziemi Świętej związane z vita Christi, a także osoby świętych. Mnisi, w ramach praktyki circuire altaria, na podobieństwo pielgrzymów nawiedzali ołtarze i ich relikwie. Wzorem była tu stacyjna liturgia rzymska oraz iroszkocka praktyka peregrinatio.
Influence of Biopolymers on the Mechanical Behavior of Earth-Based Building Materials
Authors:   Navier Lab, University Gustave Eiffel, ENPC, CNRS, Champs-sur-Marne, France, Tourtelot Julia ,   Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques, Champs-sur-Marne, France, Bourgès Ann ,   C2RMF, Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France, France-Institut de Recherche Chimie Paris, PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech-CNRS, Paris, France, Keita Emmanuel ,   Navier Lab, University Gustave Eiffel, ENPC, CNRS, Champs-sur-Marne, France
Published: July 2021

Currently, the largest among the earth excavation sites in Europe are located in the Paris region. The soils excavated from these sites are often considered waste and are not valorized. With an increasing focus on sustainable development, the demand for low-carbon building materials is rising. Although construction using raw earth is a vernacular technique, the diversity in the behavior of the raw earth building materials warrants better control of their mechanical properties. The construction techniques differ depending on the location of the site, the composition of the earth, and the stabilizers used. Plant-based fibers and compounds extracted from plants are commonly used for reinforcing raw earth. Since such byproduct solutions have been developed worldwide, they differ significantly, and it becomes difficult to set a benchmark. The majority of the reported studies have directly used organic waste, rendering it difficult to characterize the material and extend the obtained results to other contexts. In order to reduce these variabilities, it becomes important to study the reinforcement of earth-based building materials with biopolymers that constitute the active molecules of the bio-based solutions. In the present study, different biopolymers derived from various vernacular techniques were utilized to increase the compressive strength of the construction soil collected from the Paris region. It was revealed that cellulose fibers and wheat starch increased the compressive strength of the earth from 3.5 MPa to 5.5 MPa and 4.5 MPa, respectively. In addition, the interactions of these biopolymers with clay were analyzed. The biopolymers identified as suitable for use in construction materials in the present study are widely available as wastes from paper, agricultural, or agro-food industries. These identified biopolymers would contribute to the development and standardization of construction using earth-based building materials.
Using a New Model of Electronic Health Record Training to Reduce Physician Burnout: A Plan for Action
Authors: Mohan Vishnu , Garrison Cort , Gold Jeffrey A
Published: July 2021

Physician burnout in the United States has been growing at an alarming rate, and health care organizations are beginning to invest significant resources in combating this phenomenon. Although the causes for burnout are multifactorial, a key issue that affects physicians is that they spend a significant proportion of their time interacting with their electronic health record (EHR) system, primarily because of the need to sift through increasing amounts of patient data, coupled with a significant documentation burden. This has led to physicians spending increasing amounts of time with the EHR outside working hours trying to catch up on paperwork (“pajama time”), which is a factor linked to burnout. In this paper, we propose an innovative model of EHR training using high-fidelity EHR simulations designed to facilitate efficient optimization of EHR use by clinicians and emphasize the importance of both lifelong learning and physician well-being.
Augmented Reality in Pediatric Septic Shock Simulation: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Toto Regina L , Vorel Ethan S , Tay Khoon-Yen E , Good Grace L , Berdinka Jesse M , Peled Adam , Leary Marion , Chang Todd P , Weiss Anna K , Balamuth Frances B
Published: July 2021

Background

Septic shock is a low-frequency but high-stakes condition in children requiring prompt resuscitation, which makes it an important target for simulation-based education.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to design and implement an augmented reality app (PediSepsisAR) for septic shock simulation, test the feasibility of measuring the timing and volume of fluid administration during septic shock simulation with and without PediSepsisAR, and describe PediSepsisAR as an educational tool. We hypothesized that we could feasibly measure our desired data during the simulation in 90% of the participants in each group. With regard to using PediSepsisAR as an educational tool, we hypothesized that the PediSepsisAR group would report that it enhanced their awareness of simulated patient blood flow and would more rapidly verbalize recognition of abnormal patient status and desired management steps.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled feasibility trial with a convenience sample of pediatric care providers at a large tertiary care pediatric center. Participants completed a prestudy questionnaire and were randomized to either the PediSepsisAR or control (traditional simulation) arms. We measured the participants’ time to administer 20, 40, and 60 cc/kg of intravenous fluids during a septic shock simulation using each modality. In addition, facilitators timed how long participants took to verbalize they had recognized tachycardia, hypotension, or septic shock and desired to initiate the sepsis pathway and administer antibiotics. Participants in the PediSepsisAR arm completed a poststudy questionnaire. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and a Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare the median time with event variables between groups.

Results

We enrolled 50 participants (n=25 in each arm). The timing and volume of fluid administration were captured in all the participants in each group. There was no statistically significant difference regarding time to administration of intravenous fluids between the two groups. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding time to verbalized recognition of patient status or desired management steps. Most participants in the PediSepsisAR group reported that PediSepsisAR enhanced their awareness of the patient’s perfusion.

Conclusions

We developed an augmented reality app for use in pediatric septic shock simulations and demonstrated the feasibility of measuring the volume and timing of fluid administration during simulation using this modality. In addition, our findings suggest that PediSepsisAR may enhance participants’ awareness of abnormal perfusion.
Using Electronically Delivered Therapy and Brain Imaging to Understand Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Pathophysiology: Protocol for a Pilot Study
Authors: Stephenson Callum , Malakouti Niloufar , Nashed Joseph Y , Salomons Tim , Cook Douglas J , Milev Roumen , Alavi Nazanin
Published: July 2021

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating and prevalent anxiety disorder. Although the basal ganglia and frontal cortex are the brain regions that are most commonly hypothesized to be involved in OCD, the exact pathophysiology is unknown. By observing the effects of proven treatments on brain activation levels, the cause of OCD can be better understood. Currently, the gold standard treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention. However, this is often temporally and geographically inaccessible, time consuming, and costly. Fortunately, CBT can be effectively delivered using the internet (electronically delivered CBT [e-CBT]) because of its structured nature, thus addressing these barriers.

Objective

The aims of this study are to implement an e-CBT program for OCD and to observe its effects on brain activation levels using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is hypothesized that brain activation levels in the basal ganglia and frontal cortex will decrease after treatment.

Methods

Individuals with OCD will be offered a 16-week e-CBT program with exposure and response prevention mirroring in-person CBT content and administered through a secure web-based platform. The efficacy of the treatment will be evaluated using clinically validated symptomology questionnaires at baseline, at week 8, and after treatment (week 16). Using functional MRI at baseline and after treatment, brain activation levels will be assessed in the resting state and while exposed to anxiety-inducing images (eg, dirty dishes if cleanliness is an obsession). The effects of treatment on brain activation levels and the correlation between symptom changes and activation levels will be analyzed.

Results

The study received initial ethics approval in December 2020, and participant recruitment began in January 2021. Participant recruitment has been conducted through social media advertisements, physical advertisements, and physician referrals. To date, 5 participants have been recruited. Data collection is expected to conclude by January 2022, and data analysis is expected to be completed by February 2022.

Conclusions

The findings from this study can further our understanding of the causation of OCD and help develop more effective treatments for this disorder.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04630197; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04630197.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/30726
Telemedicine in Intensive Care Units: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Guinemer Camille , Boeker Martin , Fürstenau Daniel , Poncette Akira-Sebastian , Weiss Björn , Mörgeli Rudolf , Balzer Felix
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The role of telemedicine in intensive care has been increasing steadily. Tele–intensive care unit (ICU) interventions are varied and can be used in different levels of treatment, often with direct implications for the intensive care processes. Although a substantial body of primary and secondary literature has been published on the topic, there is a need for broadening the understanding of the organizational factors influencing the effectiveness of telemedical interventions in the ICU.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to provide a map of existing evidence on tele-ICU interventions, focusing on the analysis of the implementation context and identifying areas for further technological research.

METHODS

A research protocol outlining the method has been published in JMIR Research Protocols. This review follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). A core research team was assembled to provide feedback and discuss findings.

RESULTS

A total of 3019 results were retrieved. After screening, 25 studies were included in the final analysis. We were able to characterize the context of tele-ICU studies and identify three use cases for tele-ICU interventions. The first use case is extending coverage, which describes interventions aimed at extending the availability of intensive care capabilities. The second use case is improving compliance, which includes interventions targeted at improving patient safety, intensive care best practices, and quality of care. The third use case, facilitating transfer, describes telemedicine interventions targeted toward the management of patient transfers to or from the ICU.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of tele-ICU interventions have been well documented for centralized systems aimed at extending critical care capabilities in a community setting and improving care compliance in tertiary hospitals. No strong evidence has been found on the reduction of patient transfers following tele-ICU intervention.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/19695
Evaluation of an AIDS Educational Mobile Game (AIDS Fighter · Health Defense) for Young Students to Improve AIDS-Related Knowledge, Stigma, and Attitude Linked to High-Risk Behaviors in China: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Jian , Zheng Yu , Zhang Daiying , Yu Xingli , Ren Jianlan , Li Mei , Luo Yue , Tian Min , Chen Yanhua
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The AIDS epidemic among young students is serious, and effective preventive interventions are urgently needed. Game-based intervention has become an innovative way to change healthy behaviors, and we have developed an AIDS educational game called AIDS Fighter · Health Defense.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we tested the effect of AIDS Fighter · Health Defense on young students in improving AIDS-related knowledge, stigma, and attitude related to high-risk behaviors in Southwest China.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 14 to 27, 2020. In total, 96 students from 2 classes in a middle school were selected by stratified cluster sampling in Luzhou City, Southwest China. The students were randomly divided into the intervention group (n=50, 52%) and the control group (n=46, 48%). The intervention group played the AIDS educational game AIDS Fighter · Health Defense; the control group learned AIDS-related knowledge through independent learning on the QQ chat group. An AIDS-related knowledge questionnaire, a stigma scale, and an attitude questionnaire on AIDS-related high-risk behaviors were used to measure the effect of the AIDS educational game via face-to-face interviews. The user experience of the game was assessed using the Educational Game User Experience Evaluation Scale. The difference was statistically significant at P≤.05.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the AIDS knowledge awareness rate (X̅ [SD], %) of the intervention and control groups were 70.09 (SD 11.58) and 57.49 (SD 16.58), with t=4.282 and P<.001. The stigma scores of the 2 groups were 2.44 (SD 0.57) and 2.48 (SD 0.47), with t=0.373 and P=0.71. The positive rate (X̅ [SD], %) of attitudes of high-risk AIDS behaviors of the 2 groups were 82.00 (SD 23.44) and 79.62 (SD 17.94), with t=0.555 and P=0.58. The mean percentage of the game evaluation was 54.73% as excellent, 31.45% as good, 13.09% as medium, and 0.73% as poor.

CONCLUSIONS

AIDS Fighter · Health Defense could increase AIDS-related knowledge among young students, but the effect of the game in reducing AIDS-related stigma and improving the attitudes of high-risk AIDS behaviors was not seen. Long-term effects and large-scale studies are needed to assess the efficacy of game-based intervention.

CLINICALTRIAL

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000038230; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ChiCTR2000038230
Assessing COVID-19 Health Information on Google Using the Quality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST): Cross-sectional and Readability Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Bachu Vismaya S , Mahjoub Heba , Holler Albert E , Crihalmeanu Tudor , Bachu Dheevena M , Ayyaswami Varun , Parker Pearman D , Prabhu Arpan V
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred an increase in online information regarding disease spread and symptomatology.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose is to systematically assess the quality and readability of articles resulting from frequently Google-searched COVID-19 terms in the United States.

METHODS

We used Google Trends to determine the 25 most commonly searched health-related phrases between February 29 and April 30, 2020. The first 30 search results for each term were collected, and articles were analyzed using the Quality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST). Three raters scored each article in authorship, attribution, conflict of interest, currency, complementarity, and tone. A readability analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Exactly 709 articles were screened, and 195 fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean article score was 18.4 (SD 2.6) of 28, with 7% (14/189) scoring in the top quartile. National news outlets published the largest share (70/189, 36%) of articles. Peer-reviewed journals attained the highest average QUEST score compared to national/regional news outlets, national/state government sites, and global health organizations (all P<.05). The average reading level was 11.7 (SD 1.9, range 5.4-16.9). Only 3 (1.6%) articles were written at the recommended sixth grade level.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19–related articles are vastly varied in their attributes and levels of bias, and would benefit from revisions for increased readability.
Using Natural Language Processing to Explore Mental Health Insights From UK Tweets During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Infodemiology Study (Preprint)
Authors: Marshall Christopher , Lanyi Kate , Green Rhiannon , Wilkins Georgina C , Pearson Fiona , Craig Dawn
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

There is need to consider the value of soft intelligence, leveraged using accessible natural language processing (NLP) tools, as a source of analyzed evidence to support public health research outputs and decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the value of soft intelligence analyzed using NLP. As a case study, we selected and used a commercially available NLP platform to identify, collect, and interrogate a large collection of UK tweets relating to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A search strategy comprised of a list of terms related to mental health, COVID-19, and lockdown restrictions was developed to prospectively collate relevant tweets via Twitter’s advanced search application programming interface over a 24-week period. We deployed a readily and commercially available NLP platform to explore tweet frequency and sentiment across the United Kingdom and identify key topics of discussion. A series of keyword filters were used to clean the initial data retrieved and also set up to track specific mental health problems. All collated tweets were anonymized.

RESULTS

We identified and analyzed 286,902 tweets posted from UK user accounts from July 23, 2020 to January 6, 2021. The average sentiment score was 50%, suggesting overall neutral sentiment across all tweets over the study period. Major fluctuations in volume (between 12,622 and 51,340) and sentiment (between 25% and 49%) appeared to coincide with key changes to any local and/or national social distancing measures. Tweets around mental health were polarizing, discussed with both positive and negative sentiment. Key topics of consistent discussion over the study period included the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health (both positively and negatively), fear and anxiety over lockdowns, and anger and mistrust toward the government.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an NLP platform, we were able to rapidly mine and analyze emerging health-related insights from UK tweets into how the pandemic may be impacting people’s mental health and well-being. This type of real-time analyzed evidence could act as a useful intelligence source that agencies, local leaders, and health care decision makers can potentially draw from, particularly during a health crisis.
Acceptability of Using Social Media Content in Mental Health Research: A Reflection. Comment on “Twitter Users’ Views on Mental Health Crisis Resolution Team Care Compared With Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups: Qualitative Analysis” (Preprint)
Authors: Morant Nicola , Chilman Natasha , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Wackett Jane , Johnson Sonia
Published: July 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

not applicable
Sadipaths - A Look at the Public’s Familiarity With Some of the Most Nefarious Serial Killers
Authors: Berger Raqota
Published: July 2021

Sadipaths are the worst of all offenders. They are callous, vicious, and lacking in remorse. This study investigated the beliefs and familiarity that people have with 10 infamous serial killers. The final sample of 455 participants revealed some notable findings regarding various demographic variables and familiarity with serial killers. Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Richard Ramirez were the three most well-known sadipaths. The findings also show that the majority of people do not believe these offenders can be rehabilitated (78.4%) and that most believe they should face the death penalty (65.6%). Most (77%) also believe they have sadistic personalities. The study may be of interest to psychologists, criminologists, lawyers, and social scientists.
INVESTMENT SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE REGIONAL AGROINDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
Authors:   South-Western State University, Minakova  I.V. , Kravchenko  T. S. ,   Oryol State Agrarian University named after N. V. Parakhina, Bukhvostov  Yu.V ,   Oryol State Agrarian University named after N. V. Parakhina, Galiguzov  V. I. ,   South-Western State University
Published: July 2021

Subject. Investment activity of subjects of regional agribusiness. Topic. Investment support for small businesses in the agro-industrial complex. Purpose. Development of a mechanism for managing investment activities of small businesses in the agro-industrial complex and substantiation of practical proposals for attracting investments in the development of the farming sector based on an assessment of their competitiveness. Methodology. During the research, traditional research methods were used: economic and mathematical, statistical analysis, monographic, computational and constructive, graphic, systemic and comparative analytical. Results. The theoretical understanding of the essence of «investment management» has been clarified in relation to small forms of management in the agro-industrial complex, the economic toolkit for attracting investment resources to the agricultural sector has been determined. The authors have developed a step-by-step mechanism for managing investment activities, taking into account the factor characteristics of agricultural production. Measures are proposed for the selection of peasant (farmer) households for the provision of state support, taking into account the assessment of their competitiveness in the agricultural market using the method of cluster analysis and taking into account the strategic priorities of the region. Application area. The results of the work can be used by regional authorities in the development of investment policy in relation to small forms of agribusiness. Conclusions. Management of investment activities of small businesses is interpreted as a set of management decisions to determine the source of investments, optimize their composition and purpose of use, with the subsequent accumulation of financial resources while reducing the cost of production. On the basis of the method of classification of multidimensional observations in order to determine the similarity or proximity between objects, indicators have been established that characterize the financial and economic activities of peasant (farmer) enterprises in the municipal districts of the Oryol region. Four clusters of peasant (farmer) households have been identified. It is advisable to use the results of cluster analysis as part of the selection procedure for peasant (farmer) households to participate in a competition for a grant from regional or federal government bodies. Keywords: small forms of economy, management, agricultural economy, investments, peasant (farm) farms, state, agriculture, financial resources, competitiveness, cluster.
ACTIVITIES OF THE ANTI-DRUG COMMISSIONS OF THE SUBJECTS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AS AN ELEMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF CONTROL OVER THE TURNOVER OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA Branch), Dvoymenny  I. A.
Published: July 2021

Subject. Control over the turnover of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Russian Federation. Topic. Problematic aspects of control over the turnover of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the subjects of the Russian Federation. Goals. Analysis of the management and control system in the sphere of trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Russian Federation. Methodology. The methodological basis is a complex, systematic, activity-based, situational, structural and functional methods. Results. The problematic aspects of control over the turnover of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the subjects of the Russian Federation are identified and options for its further improvement are proposed. Scope of application. Improving the drug control system in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Conclusions. It is necessary to create a permanent scientific and methodological platform that generates comprehensive proposals for improving anti-drug legislation across the country, with an effective feedback mechanism with partners and direct contacts with the legislative bodies. Keywords: anti-drug commissions of the subjects of the Russian Federation, control over the turnover of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, anti-drug policy
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO DETERMINE THE TARGET VALUES OF ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE’ DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS IN THE REGIONS OF THE NORTH CAUCASIAN FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors:   Institute of Service, Tourism and Design (branch of North Caucasus Federal University), Dyaduyn  I. A.
Published: July 2021

Subject. Service infrastructure of road transport in the region. Research topic. Methodological approach to determine the target values of road transport service infrastructure’ development indicators in the regions of the North Caucasian Federal District. Purpose. To analyze and provide target values of development indicators of the road transport service infrastructure (RTSI) of the region, to propose possible measures to influence the factors of development of RTSI. Methodology. Logical, comparative, economic and statistical analysis. Results. The author has developed the algorithm and the methodology of the estimation of the indicators of regional RTSI. Possible remedies to influence the factors of RTSI development, which were specified and finalized, based on the analysis of programs and measures, conducted in the region, have been offered. Scope. Economic policy of regional authorities in the sphere of road transport infrastructure’ management. Conclusion. The proposed methodology and algorithm for assessing target performance indicators for the regions of the North Caucasian Federal District were tested. The regions of the North Caucasian Federal District were divided into three groups. For each group of regions were obtained target indicators to assess the effectiveness and control the development of RTSI in the North Caucasian Federal District, which ensure the preservation of the effectiveness of RTSI enterprises in the further development of the region. For the group of regions (Republic of Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia Republic, Chechen Republic), a lag in the values of the indicators of the sufficiency of the RTSI enterprises compared to the average forecast values for the federal district as a whole was revealed; the priority is to increase the «Number of RTSI enterprises per 1,000 vehicles». For another group of regions (Stavropol Krai, Republic of Ingushetia), the priority objective is to increase the «Total volume of paid domestic RTSI services to the population. For the group of regions - the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania - a proportional increase in the values of all target indicators of RTSI development is required. The conclusion was made that the development of RTSI enterprises in the North Caucasian Federal District is not provided with a unified set of measures, RTSI cannot effectively develop within the framework of regional programs to stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises, and compete with enterprises of other activities, due to their organizational and economic peculiarities. It is needed to give more priority to the development of RTSI, the creation and implementation of regional target programs for the RTSI development. Key words: regional economy, road transport infrastructure, development indicators, targets
Analisa Karakteristik Kanal HF Lintasan Jamak
Authors: Hidayat Rizki Nugraha , Umaisaroh Umaisaroh , Attamimi Said
Published: July 2021

Indonesia merupakan negara kepulauan terbesar di dunia. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan konsep dan perencanaan sistem komunikasi jarak jauh yang murah dan handal agar bisa terhubungnya komunikasi di wilayah kepulauan yang relatif sulit dijangkau oleh sistem kabel yang sudah terhubung saat ini. Sistem komunikasi high frequency (HF) yang beroperasi pada frekuensi 3-30 MHz. Sistem ini memanfaatkan lapisan ionosfer sebagai media transmisi gelombang radionya. Lapisan ionosfer sangat dipengaruhi oleh aktivitas matahari dan perubahan waktu sepanjang hari. Hal ini berakibat timbulnya gangguan-gangguan ionosfer yang menyebabkan kinerja sistem komunikasi HF terganggu juga kondisi dimana terdapat interferensi ketika sinyal lebih dari satu jalur pada saat ditransmisikan hal ini dinamakan multipath atau lintasan jamak. Karakteristik kanal HF menjadi hal yang sangat penting. Dengan mengetahui karakteristik kanal HF yang tepat kita dapat mencapai kinerja sistem komunikasi yang lebih baik. Perubahan kondisi lapisan ionosfer berpotensi mempengaruhi kinerja sistem komunikasi HF yang disebabkan oleh nilai delay spread. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan analisa parameter karakteristik kanal HF mengenai power delay profile dan delay spread yang dilakukan dengan uji simulasi. Berdasarkan hasil percobaan dalam kurun waktu 2 bulan. Dilakukan sebanyak 8 kali percobaan dalam 4 waktu yang berbeda. Menghasilkan nilai delay spread maksimal terjadi pada pagi hari yaitu bernilai 124,1 ms berbeda dengan sore hari yang memiliki nilai 41 ms.
Studi Performansi Image Denoising Menggunakan Persamaan Turunan Parsial
Authors: Lionnie Regina , Alaydrus Mudrik
Published: July 2021

Pengurangan derau merupakan salah satu tantangan yang terus berlangsung dan merupakan salah satu dari tantangan terbesar pada riset di area analisis citra digital, khususnya pada topik denoising image. Terlebih, mengurangi derau sambil tetap mempertahankan fitur penting dari citra seperti detail tepian, garis dan sudut seta fitur penting lainnya pada proses denoising image masih merupakan suatu masalah pada riset di topik ini yang belum ditemukan suatu solusi yang memberikan hasil yang memuaskan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode persamaan turunan parsial Perona-Malik anisotropic diffusion dengan total iterasi 10,15 dan 20 menggunakan dua variasi derau yaitu derau salt and pepper dan derau poisson. Dari hasil percobaan dapat disimpulkan bahwa Perona-Malik anisotropic diffusion dapat menghilangkan derau dan masih dapat mempertahankan fitur citra akan tetapi beberapa fitur pada citra masih ikut terblur karena proses smoothing ini.