bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of size of field of view (FOV), position within the FOV, and scanning mode on the detection of root fracture and observer’s perception of artifacts in CBCT images
Authors: de Oliveira Pinto Martina Gerlane , Melo Saulo L. Sousa , Suassuna Fernanda Clotilde Mariz , Marinho Luiz Eduardo , Leite José Bruno da Silva , Batista Andre Ulisses Dantas , Bento Patrícia Meira , Melo Daniela Pita
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To assess the influence of field of view (FOV) size, scanning position within the FOV and scanning mode on the detection of root fracture and artifact perception.

Methods:

Forty single-rooted premolars restored with NiCr and AgPd posts were divided into two groups: fractured and sound. All teeth were scanned using four CBCT scanning protocols varying FOV sizes (80 × 80 mm and 50 × 55 mm) and scanning modes (Standard and High Definition). The sample was positioned within the FOV in two pre-set positions (central and lateral) and in four positions established by the operator (quadrants). Detection of root fracture and artifact perception were assessed by two observers using 5-point and 4-point scales. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values were calculated and compared by ANOVA two-way and Tukey’s test. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess artifact perception. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results :

The central position within the FOV presented higher sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values and differed from the lateral position within the FOV for the studied metal posts (p<0.05). Quadrant 2 presented the best sensitivity, accuracy, and AUC values (p<0.05). The lateral position within the FOV, AgPd posts, quadrants 1 and 3 and protocols 1 (SM, 80 × 80) and 2 (HD, 80× 80) presented higher frequency of artifacts classified as “severe”.

Conclusion:

Positioning the object in the center or closer to the anterior periphery of the FOV while using a small FOV improved the detection of root fracture and decreased artifact perception.
Η γνωστική θεραπεία αποκατάστασης μετά από εγκεφαλική διαταραχή
Authors: Κουγιουμτζή Αύρα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η αποτελεσματικότητα της γνωστικής παρέμβασης στις μνημονικές διαταραχές στα πρώτα στάδια της άνοιας τύπου Alzheimer
Authors: Τσάνταλη Ελένη , Τσολάκη Μάγδα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Χρόνος: από τη βίωση των γεγονότων στις νοητικές αναπαραστάσεις μέσω κατανόησης κειμένων
Authors: Σαμαρτζή Σταυρούλα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Μετασχηματιστική και συναλλακτική ηγεσία: Η υπόθεση της επαύξησης αναφορικά με την οργανωτική κουλτούρα και την ταύτιση με τον οργανισμό
Authors: Γεωργαντά Κατερίνα , Ξενικού Αθηνά
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Ο έλεγχος και η αυτονομία ως διαστάσεις της παρακίνησης των μαθητών: Στάσεις και επιλογές υποψηφίων δασκάλων
Authors: Μίχου Αικατερίνη , Γ. Ματσαγγούρας Ηλίας
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Μια ανθρωποκεντρική παρέμβαση διεκδικητικής συμπεριφοράς σε ομάδες γυναικείου πληθυσμού: Ποσοτική και ποιοτική ανάλυση
Authors: Αργυρακούλη Έφη , Ζαφειροπούλου Μαρία
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Ομαδικές παρεμβάσεις γνωσιακής - συμπεριφοριστικής κατεύθυνσης
Authors: Καλαντζή - Αζίζι Αναστασία , Χ. Καραδήμας Ευάγγελος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Αναπαραστάσεις της ερωτικής σχέσης στο ελληνικό λαϊκό παραμύθι
Authors: Καραμανώλη Βάσια , Σακαλάκη Μαρία , Μπεχράκης Θεόδωρος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Ποιότητα ζωής και νέοι με νοητική υστέρηση: Αναζητώντας τις επιλογές τους με βάση το δικαίωμα της αυτοδιάθεσης
Authors: Σούλης Σπυρίδων , Φλωρίδης Θεόδωρος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Επίλυση προβλήματος με τη χρήση λογισμικού μοντελοποίησης και γνωστικός τύπος
Authors: Βαλανίδης Νίκος , Αγγέλη Χαρούλα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Οι επιπτώσεις της παρεχόμενης φροντίδας στο δεσμό "μητέρας" - βρέφους σε βρέφη του Κέντρου Βρεφών "Μητέρα"
Authors: Βορριά Π. , Σαραφίδου Ε. , Παπαληγούρα Ζ. , Λαμπίδη Α. , Κοντοπούλου Α.
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η μέθοδος της Συναινετικής Ποιοτικής Ανάλυσης (ΣΠΑ): Παρουσίαση και χρήση για τη μελέτη ποιοτικών δεδομένων από προϋπάρχον έντυπο υλικό
Authors: Δημητριάδου Ελένη , Σταλίκας Αναστάσιος , Οικονόμου Μαρίνα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η βίωση ενδογονεϊκής βίας και οι ψυχολογικές συνέπειες στους εφήβους
Authors: Τζαμαλούκα Γ. , Ζύγα Ε. , Φωτεινέα Ε. , Παπαδακάκη Μ. , Χλιαουτάκης Ι.
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η σχολική μάθηση από τη σκοπιά του μαθητή. Η συνεισφορά της Κριτικής Ψυχολογίας
Authors: Γκότοβος Κώστας , Πανταζής Παύλος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Κοινωνική ψυχολογία και επιδράσεις των μέσων μαζικής επικοινωνίας: "Βίοι παράλληλοι"; Μια ανασκόπηση
Authors: Γαρδικιώτης Αντώνης
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Multiple measures of assessing vocabulary acquisition: Implications for understanding lexical development
Authors: M. Ralli Assimina , E. Dockrell Julie
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT IS AVAILABLE IN THE PDF
Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz un modelo de justicia predominantemente retributivo
Authors: Bula Beleño Enith Carolina
Published: February 2021

Este artículo analiza el modelo de justicia de la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (jep) y sostiene que este es predominantemente retributivo, es decir que el componente retributivo tuvo mayor peso en su diseño que los componentes restaurativo y distributivo. Para ello, parte de identificar las tensiones entre justicia restaurativa, retributiva y distributiva en la justicia transicional, y sitúa dichas tensiones en el contexto del diseño de la jep durante la negociación del Acuerdo de Paz en Colombia. A partir de ello, analiza los componentes restaurativos, retributivos y distributivos del modelo de justicia de la jep, identificando cómo se relacionan entre sí y se privilegian unos sobre otros. De esa manera, evidencia que se privilegió el componente retributivo y no se alcanzó la consolidación de un modelo de justicia más amplio que, desde unos componentes restaurativo y distributivo más sólidos, tuviera mayores posibilidades de responder a las causas del conflicto y, por consiguiente, prevenir nuevas formas masivas de violencia.
A Multiobjective Optimization for Clearance in Walmart Brick-and-Mortar Stores
Authors: Chen Yixian , Mehrotra Prakhar , Samala Nitin Kishore Sai , Ahmadi Kamilia , Jivane Viresh , Pang Linsey , Shrivastav Monika , Lyman Nate , Pleiman Scott
Published: February 2021

We developed a novel multiobjective markdown system and deployed it across many merchandising units at Walmart. The objectives of this system are to (1) clear the stores’ excess inventory by a specified date, (2) improve revenue by minimizing the discounts needed to clear shelves, and (3) reduce the substantial cost to relabel merchandise in the stores. The underlying mathematical approach uses techniques such as deep reinforcement learning, simulation, and optimization to determine the optimal (marked-down) price. Starting in 2019, after six months of extensive testing, we implemented the new approach across all Walmart stores in the United States. The result was a high-performance model with a price-adjustment policy tailored to each store. Walmart increased its sell-through rate (i.e., the number of units sold during the markdown period divided by its inventory at the beginning of the markdown) by 21% and reduced its costs by 7%. Benefits that Walmart accrues include demographics-based store personalization, reductions in operating costs with limited numbers of price adjustments, and a dynamic time window for markdowns.
Combating Procrastination on Massive Online Open Courses via Optimal Calls to Action
Authors: Huang Ni , Zhang Jiayin , Burtch Gordon , Li Xitong , Chen Peiyu
Published: February 2021

Massive online open courses (MOOCs) are a booming phenomenon in the digital era. However, the online nature of educational delivery via MOOCs creates every opportunity for digital distraction and procrastination, resulting in difficulties for students and instructors. According to a new study in Information Systems Research, the authors Ni Huang (University of Houston), Jiayin Zhang (Tsinghua University), Gordon Burtch (University of Minnesota), Xitong Li (HEC Paris), and Peiyu Chen (Arizona State University) report a randomized field experiment on a large MOOC platform to examine several calls to action (CTAs) pertaining to the completion and submission of course assignments with an eye toward combating student procrastination on MOOCs. Their results show that descriptive norms (i.e., informing the completion rates of the assignments) lead to higher probabilities of assignment completion and a shorter time to completion. In contrast, a deadline reminder in the form of a planning prompt (i.e., informing the target deadline for assignment submission and the importance of planning ahead) has a surprisingly counterproductive effect, in particular, if students’ active course load is low. One possible explanation is that the students with low course loads may perceive the deadline to be distant, which reduces their sense of urgency and leads to complacency.
User Competence with Enterprise Systems: The Effects of Work Environment Factors
Authors: Ke Weiling , Kang Lele , Tan Chuan-Hoo , Peng Chih-Hung
Published: February 2021

Enterprise system users are required to improve competence to gain the system’s value. The development of user competence to effectively use a complex system is socially constructed. Based on the job demands-resources model, we propose and empirically validate how two types of work contextual factors, namely, job demands and job resources, are directly and interactively related to user competence. Results of a longitudinal survey from users in six organizations suggest that all three job resource factors considered—leader–member exchange, traditional support structures, and peer support structure—allow users to acquire both the technical and business knowledge needed for effective application of the system for work. But, work overload, as the job demand factor, has no significant effect on user competence. Further analysis shows the relationship between work overload and user competence is moderated by leader–member exchange, but not the two support structures. Our findings are of great importance for practice, as they suggest job resources are conducive to the development of user competence, whereas work overload is an inevitable, acute problem.
A work in progress—after 35 years of nursing
Authors: Millerick Yvonne
Published: February 2021

As a nominee for the new 2020 British Society for Heart Failure Lynda Blue Award, Yvonne Millerick sheds some light on her nursing career and her work in cardiac palliative care in our 2021 Spotlight on Nurses series.
How do we engage global communities in the de-stigmatisation of mental illness?
Authors: Illingworth Paul
Published: February 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged that high-income countries often address discrimination against people with mental health problems, but that low/middle income countries often have significant gaps in their approach to this subject—in how they measure the problem, and in strategies, policies and programmes to prevent it. Localised actions have occurred. These include the Hong Kong government's 2017 international conference on overcoming the stigma of mental illness, and the 2018 London Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit. Furthermore, the UK's Medical Research Council has funded Professor Graham Thornicroft (an expert in mental health discrimination and stigma) to undertake a global study. These and other approaches are welcome and bring improvements; however, they often rely on traditional westernised, ‘global north’ views/approaches. Given the rapid global demographic changes/dynamics and the lack of evidence demonstrating progress towards positive mental health globally, it is time to consider alternative and transformative approaches that encompasses diverse cultures and societies and aligns to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically UN SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing). This article describes the need for the change and suggests how positive change can be achieved through transnational inclusive mental health de-stigmatising education.
Shaping the post-pandemic recovery plan
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: February 2021

Our teams are at the core of the NHS, but if we are to rebuild our services, we must first focus on the wellbeing of our staff, providing them with a space to heal, says Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals
Mechanical chest compressions and survival in the emergency setting
Authors: Williams Paul , Goring Rob , Franklin John
Published: February 2021

Advances in cardiac arrest management have led to the use of a mechanical chest compression device in an attempt to improve outcomes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This systematic review set out to identify whether the inclusion of the mechanical device improves survival rates in the cardiac arrest patient within the emergency setting, and explored the themes: training, environment and time of device deployment. The systematic review measured the value of mechanical chest compression devices versus standard manual compressions in respect to resuscitation outcomes (return of spontaneous circulation). Ten studies with data from 12 894 adult patients, who presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), were included. Results demonstrated an equality between manual and mechanical CPR with a statistical increase in survival when the mechanical device is used. Training, time of deployment, guideline adherence and timing of rhythm check/defibrillation presented challenges in the analysis of the data.
Where to now? Searching beyond Medline
Authors: Holland Matt , Dutton Michelle , Glover Steve
Published: February 2021

This article looks at the tools available to you to extend your search beyond the major bibliographic sources. The article identifies the type of literature you can find and which tools are suitable to use to find them. It aims to help you to broaden the scope of your search to find more relevant material. There is a warning about predatory journals and the need to take a critical approach to material that has not been peer-reviewed.
A day as a prison paramedic
Authors: Hodgett Rachel
Published: February 2021

In this second instalment of Paramedic Roles, Rachel Hodgett shares what a day in the life of a prison paramedic looks like, alongside what led her there, and the job's unique challenges and rewards.
The role of the paramedic in identifying modern slavery
Authors: Wilson Tyra , Hill Lawrence
Published: February 2021

Background:

Modern slavery is the recruitment or harbouring of people through the use of force and coercion for exploitation. Paramedics have significant potential and unique opportunities regarding the detection, prevention and combating of modern slavery.

Aim:

To analyse the literature relating to modern slavery and synthesise it for paramedic practice.

Method:

Following a structured literature review, a comparative analysis was undertaken of articles concerning the relationships between modern slavery and healthcare.

Findings:

Five major themes were identified: barriers to healthcare access; causes of missing the indicators of trafficking; clinician knowledge; the need for training and education; and trauma-informed practices.

Conclusions:

Paramedics are in an optimal position to identify and intervene in cases of modern slavery. The introduction of survivor-centred education is recommended to better understand the barriers to healthcare access.
THEOPHYLLINE
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: February 2021

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #theophylline
Multifactorial Tardive Dyskinesia: a case study
Authors: Mould Anna , Strukowski Jerzy
Published: February 2021

This article is a case review of an older lady presenting with Tardive Dyskinesia, a rare phenomenon in modern times. This case is interesting, as the typical causative factor of this presentation was absent. The authors discuss the risk factors for developing Tardive Dyskinesia, as well as medication likely contributing to this lady's case. The paper also discusses treatment, prognosis and how the mechanism of Tardive Dyskinesia can be multifactorial. The authors hope this case review will provide an update to prescribers both within the mental health field and in other medical specialties, as Tardive Dyskinesia is seen less often in practice.
Primary Care Networks: What has been learned so far?
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: February 2021

A rapid evaluation study into the development of Primary Care Networks in England has found a need for greater engagement at all levels, increased leadership and management capacity and clarification of roles post Covid-19
How to incorporate your practice
Authors: Cumberlege Justin
Published: February 2021

Justin Cumberlege, partner at specialist law firm Hempsons, looks at what you need to do to obtain consent if you want your practice to become a company
Improvement of a computer-aided alignment algorithm for the nonsymmetric off-axis reflective telescope
Authors: He Xu , Luo Jing , Wang Jinxin , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Yichen
Published: February 2021

Due to complications of the off-axis three-mirror anastigmat (TMA) telescope, each optical element in the off-axis TMA telescope is introduced with theoretical eccentricity and tilt. Moreover, the introduction of freeform surfaces and other optical elements with complex surface features generally causes the initial alignment accuracy of the optical path to be low. A large initial alignment error amplifies the sensitivity of the misalignment calculation accuracy to the measurement error of the Zernike coefficient, resulting in difficulty obtaining convergence results for a computer-aided alignment algorithm. Considering the above issues, the alignment sensitivity of each component in the optical path is analyzed in this. The large conditional number of the sensitivity matrix results in poor algorithm robustness. Thus, an adaptive damping factor least-squares algorithm model is proposed and derived to improve the efficiency of the classical least-squares algorithm. A method for piecewise optimization of the damping factor is also deduced. Experiments based on a 0.6 m off-axis TMA telescope verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. Simulation and integration experiments show that the proposed method can reduce the accuracy requirements of the initial alignment and improve the adaptability of Zernike coefficient measurement noise. The alignment procedure is carried out for three iterations, and the average of the five field-of-view wave aberration values is enhanced from

2.1

λ

(RMS;

λ
=

632.8

n
m

) to

0.09

λ

(average). The improved algorithm can solve the large initial alignment error of a nonsymmetrical off-axis reflective optical system with a freeform surface as well as the problem of the low success rate of the misalignment value due to low Zernike coefficient measurement accuracy.
Quantum-dot semiconductor lasers with prominent relative intensity noise and spectral characteristics
Authors: Sheikhey M. M. , MirSoheil S. S. , Asadian N. , Baghban H.
Published: February 2021

Relative intensity noise (RIN) behavior of a quantum dot laser (QDL) at free running and under optical injection locking (OIL) has been reported in detail. Considering the mutual effects of the inhomogeneous and homogeneous broadenings, different and also non-routine RIN characteristics of a QDL at low, intermediate, and high homogeneous broadening regimes have been discussed. Results demonstrate that an injection-locked quantum dot laser exhibit enhanced characteristic over free-running operation along with low-frequency noise behavior in a wide range of homogeneous broadening values. RIN reduction of about 25, 55, and 7 dB/Hz have been achieved for low, intermediate, and high values of homogeneous broadening which implies the spontaneous emission noise suppression even at low injection power. The promising impact of the OIL on side-mode suppression for the intermediate homogeneous broadening regime has also been discussed. Our results guarantee the single-mode and low-noise operation of the OIL-QDL at any homogeneous broadening value.
Diode-pumped bifunctional Nd:LGSB laser passively Q-switched by a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber
Authors: Brandus Catalina-Alice , Greculeasa Madalin , Broasca Alin , Voicu Flavius , Gheorghe Lucian , Pavel Nicolaie
Published: February 2021

We report on the output performances of a fiber-coupled diode pumped Nd:LGSB laser passively Q-switched by a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber (SA), with emissions at 1.06-μm near-infrared wavelength, as well as at 0.53-μm visible green spectrum through the self-frequency doubling process. The 2.3-at.% Nd:LGSB crystal delivered 1.43 W continuous-wave power at 1.06 μm with an overall optical-to-optical efficiency (with respect to the absorbed pump power) of 0.50. Green light with 3.3-mW power was emitted in a free-generation regime at 1.95-W absorbed pump power. By employing a Cr4+:YAG SA crystal with initial transmission Ti = 0.89, laser pulses at 1.06 μm with 13.4-μJ energy at 17.1-kHz repetition rate were obtained for ∼1.8 W absorbed pump power. The green laser pulse energy was 0.21 μJ at a 37.7-kHz repetition rate. The pulse duration amounted to 4.8 ns for both wavelengths of emission, indicating pulse peak power of 2.8 kW and 43.7 W for operation at 1.06 μm and 0.53 μm, respectively.
Community health worker knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: Learnings from an online cross-sectional survey using a digital health platform, UpSCALE, in Mozambique
Authors: Feldman Mitra , Lacey Krylova Vera , Farrow Poppy , Donovan Laura , Zandamela Edson , Rebelo Joaquim , Rodrigues Maria , Bulo Antonio , Ferraz Carlos , Rodrigues Humberto , Roca-Feltrer Arantxa , Baker Kevin
Published: February 2021

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic response, yet there is a paucity of literature on their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to the pandemic. Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Mozambique are known locally as agentes polivalentes elementares (APEs). While technical guidance surrounding COVID-19 is available to support APEs, communicating this information has been challenging due to restrictions on travel, face-to-face group meetings and training, imposed from May to August 2020. A digital health platform, upSCALE, that already supports 1,213 APEs and 299 supervisors across three provinces, is being used to support APEs on effective COVID-19 management by delivering COVID-19 sensitive SMS messages, training modules and a COVID-19 KAP survey. The KAP survey, conducted from June 2020 to August 2020, consisted of 10 questions. Of 1,065 active upSCALE APEs, 28% completed the survey. Results indicate that only a small proportion of APEs listed the correct COVID-19 symptoms, transmission routes and appropriate prevention measures (n = (25%), n = (16%) and n = (39%), respectively) specifically included in national health education materials. Misconceptions were mainly related to transmission routes, high risk individuals and asymptomatic patients. 84% said they followed all government prevention guidelines. The results from the KAP survey were used to support the rapid development and deployment of targeted COVID-19 awareness and education materials for the APEs. A follow-up KAP survey is planned for November 2020. Adapting the existing upSCALE platform enabled a better understanding, in real time, of the KAP of APEs around COVID-19 management. Subsequently, supporting delivery of tailored messages and education, vital for ensuring a successful COVID-19 response.
Efficient neural spike sorting using data subdivision and unification
Authors: Ul Hassan Masood , Veerabhadrappa Rakesh , Bhatti Asim
Published: February 2021

Neural spike sorting is prerequisite to deciphering useful information from electrophysiological data recorded from the brain, in vitro and/or in vivo. Significant advancements in nanotechnology and nanofabrication has enabled neuroscientists and engineers to capture the electrophysiological activities of the brain at very high resolution, data rate and fidelity. However, the evolution in spike sorting algorithms to deal with the aforementioned technological advancement and capability to quantify higher density data sets is somewhat limited. Both supervised and unsupervised clustering algorithms do perform well when the data to quantify is small, however, their efficiency degrades with the increase in the data size in terms of processing time and quality of spike clusters being formed. This makes neural spike sorting an inefficient process to deal with large and dense electrophysiological data recorded from brain. The presented work aims to address this challenge by providing a novel data pre-processing framework, which can enhance the efficiency of the conventional spike sorting algorithms significantly. The proposed framework is validated by applying on ten widely used algorithms and six large feature sets. Feature sets are calculated by employing PCA and Haar wavelet features on three widely adopted large electrophysiological datasets for consistency during the clustering process. A MATLAB software of the proposed mechanism is also developed and provided to assist the researchers, active in this domain.
Reference evapotranspiration of Brazil modeled with machine learning techniques and remote sensing
Authors: Dias Santos Henrique Brant , Filgueiras Roberto , Fernandes Filho Elpídio Inácio , Arcanjo Gemima Santos , Silva Gustavo Henrique da , Mantovani Everardo Chartuni , Cunha Fernando França da
Published: February 2021

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a fundamental parameter for hydrological studies and irrigation management. The Penman-Monteith method is the standard to estimate ETo and requires several meteorological elements. In developing countries, the number of weather stations is insufficient. Thus, free products of remote sensing with evapotranspiration information must be used for this purpose. In this context, the objective of this study was to estimate monthly ETo from potential evapotranspiration (PET) made available by MOD16 product. In this study, the monthly ETo estimated by Penman-Monteith method was considered as the standard. For this, data from 265 weather station of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), spread all over the Brazilian territory, were acquired for the period from 2000 to 2014 (15 years). For these months, monthly PET values from MOD16 product for all Brazil were also downloaded. By using machine learning algorithms and information from WorldClim as covariates, ETo was estimated through images from the MOD16 product. To perform the modeling of ETo, eight regression algorithms were tested: multiple linear regression; random forest; cubist; partial least squares; principal components regression; adaptive forward-backward greedy; generalized boosted regression and generalized linear model by likelihood-based boosting. Data from 2000 to 2012 (13 years) were used for training and data of 2013 and 2014 (2 years) were used to test the models. The PET made available by the MOD16 product showed higher values than those of ETo for different periods and climatic regions of Brazil. However, the MOD16 product showed good correlation with ETo, indicating that it can be used in ETo estimation. All models of machine learning were effective in improving the performance of the metrics evaluated. Cubist was the model that presented the best metrics for r2(0.91), NSE (0.90) and nRMSE (8.54%) and should be preferred for ETo prediction. MOD16 product is recommended to be used to predict monthly ETo, which opens possibilities for its use in several other studies.
Non-adherence to self-care and associated factors among diabetes adult population in Ethiopian: A systemic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Abate Teshager Weldegiorgis , Dessie Getenet , Workineh Yinager , Gedamu Haileyesus , Birhanu Minyichil , Ayalew Emiru , Tirfie Mulat , Endalamaw Aklilu
Published: February 2021

Background

Self-care practice among people with diabetes is not well-implemented in Ethiopia. So far, in Ethiopia, several observational studies have been done on self-care practice and its determinants in people with diabetes. However, a comprehensive review that would have a lot of strong evidence for designing intervention is lacking. So, this review with a meta-analysis was conducted to bridge this gap.

Methods

A systematic review of an observational study is conducted following the PRISMA checklist. Three reviewers have been searched and extracted from the World Health Organization’s Hinari portal (SCOPUS, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online databases), PubMed, Google Scholar and EMBASE. Articles’ quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale by two independent reviewers, and only studies with low and moderate risk were included in the final analysis. The review presented the pooled proportion of non-adherence to self-care practice in people with diabetes and the odds ratios of risk factors hindering to self-care practice after checking for heterogeneity and publication bias. The review has been registered in PROSPERO with protocol number CRD 42020149478.

Results

We included 21 primary studies (with 7,134 participants) in this meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of non-adherence to self-care in the diabetes population was 49.91 (95% CI: 44.73–55.08, I2= 89.8%). Male (Pooled Odds Ratio (POR): 1.84 95%CI; 1.04–2.64, I2= 15.0%), having private glucometer (POR: 2.71; 95%CI: 1.46–3.95, I2= 0.0%), short-term Diabetes Mellitus (DM) duration (POR: 3.69; 95%CI: 1.86–5.52, I2= 0.0%), DM complication (POR: 2.22; 95%CI: 1.48–2.95, I2= 0.0%), treatment satisfaction (POR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.15–2.44, I2= 0.0%), received diabetes self-management education (POR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.46–3.95, I2= 0.0%) and poor self-efficacy (POR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.70–4.48, I2= 0.0%) were statistically significant factors of non-adherence to self-care practice.

Conclusions

The overall pooled proportion of non-adherence to self-care among adult diabetes in Ethiopia was high. Further works would be needed to improve self-care practice in the diabetes population. So, factors that were identified might help to revise the plan set by the country, and further research might be required to health facility fidelity and each domain of self-care practice according to diabetes self-management guideline.
Revised Injury Severity Classification II (RISC II) is a predictor of mortality in REBOA-managed severe trauma patients
Authors: Hibert-Carius Peter , McGreevy David T. , Abu-Zidan Fikri M. , Hörer Tal M. ,   the ABO-Trauma Registry Research Group
Published: February 2021

The evidence supporting the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in severely injured patients is still debatable. Using the ABOTrauma Registry, we aimed to define factors affecting mortality in trauma REBOA patients. Data from the ABOTrauma Registry collected between 2014 and 2020 from 22 centers in 13 countries globally were analysed. Of 189 patients, 93 died (49%) and 96 survived (51%). The demographic, clinical, REBOA criteria, and laboratory variables of these two groups were compared using non-parametric methods. Significant factors were then entered into a backward logistic regression model. The univariate analysis showed numerous significant factors that predicted death including mechanism of injury, ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, GCS, dilated pupils, systolic blood pressure, SPO2, ISS, serum lactate level and Revised Injury Severity Classification (RISCII). RISCII was the only significant factor in the backward logistic regression model (p < 0.0001). The odds of survival increased by 4% for each increase of 1% in the RISCII. The best RISCII that predicted 30-day survival in the REBOA treated patients was 53.7%, having a sensitivity of 82.3%, specificity of 64.5%, positive predictive value of 70.5%, negative predictive value of 77.9%, and usefulness index of 0.385. Although there are multiple significant factors shown in the univariate analysis, the only factor that predicted 30-day mortality in REBOA trauma patients in a logistic regression model was RISCII. Our results clearly demonstrate that single variables may not do well in predicting mortality in severe trauma patients and that a complex score such as the RISC II is needed. Although a complex score may be useful for benchmarking, its clinical utility can be hindered by its complexity.
“People play it down and tell me it can’t kill people, but I know people are dying each day”. Children’s health literacy relating to a global pandemic (COVID-19); an international cross sectional study
Authors: Bray Lucy , Carter Bernie , Blake Lucy , Saron Holly , Kirton Jennifer A. , Robichaud Fanny , Avila Marla , Ford Karen , Nafria Begonya , Forsner Maria , Nilsson Stefan , Chelkowski Andrea , Middleton Andrea , Rullander Anna-Clara , Mattsson Janet , Protheroe Joanne
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to examine aspects of children’s health literacy; the information sources they were accessing, their information preferences, their perceived understanding of and their reported information needs in relation to COVID-19. An online survey for children aged 7–12 years of age and parent/caregivers from the UK, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, Canada and Australia was conducted between 6th of April and the 1st of June 2020. The surveys included demographic questions and both closed and open questions focussing on access to and understanding of COVID-19 information. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis procedures were conducted. The findings show that parents are the main source of information for children during the pandemic in most countries (89%, n = 347), except in Sweden where school was the main source of information. However, in many cases parents chose to shield, filter or adapt their child’s access to information about COVID-19, especially in relation to the death rates within each country. Despite this, children in this study reported knowing that COVID-19 was deadly and spreads quickly. This paper argues for a community rather than individual approach to addressing children’s health literacy needs during a pandemic.
Correlation between intestinal BMP2, IFNγ, and neural death in experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: do Carmo Neto José Rodrigues , Vinicius da Silva Marcos , Braga Yarlla Loyane Lira , Florencio da Costa Arthur Wilson , Fonseca Simone Gonçalves , Nagib Patricia Resende Alô , Nunes Celes Mara Rúbia , Oliveira Milton Adriano Pelli , Machado Juliana Reis
Published: February 2021

Megacolon is one of the main late complications of Chagas disease, affecting approximately 10% of symptomatic patients. However, studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of this condition. During infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), an inflammatory profile sets in that is involved in neural death, and this destruction is known to be essential for megacolon progression. One of the proteins related to the maintenance of intestinal neurons is the type 2 bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2). Intestinal BMP2 homeostasis is directly involved in the maintenance of organ function. Thus, the aim of this study was to correlate the production of intestinal BMP2 with immunopathological changes in C57Bl/6 mice infected with the T. cruzi Y strain in the acute and chronic phases. The mice were infected with 1000 blood trypomastigote forms. After euthanasia, the colon was collected, divided into two fragments, and a half was used for histological analysis and the other half for BMP2, IFNγ, TNF-α, and IL-10 quantification. The infection induced increased intestinal IFNγ and BMP2 production during the acute phase as well as an increase in the inflammatory infiltrate. In contrast, a decreased number of neurons in the myenteric plexus were observed during this phase. Collagen deposition increased gradually throughout the infection, as demonstrated in the chronic phase. Additionally, a BMP2 increase during the acute phase was positively correlated with intestinal IFNγ. In the same analyzed period, BMP2 and IFNγ showed negative correlations with the number of neurons in the myenteric plexus. As the first report of BMP2 alteration after infection by T. cruzi, we suggest that this imbalance is not only related to neuronal damage but may also represent a new route for maintaining the intestinal proinflammatory profile during the acute phase.
Effects of electrical biostimulation and silver ions on porcine fibroblast cells
Authors: Zhao Yuanfeng , Bunch Thomas D. , Isom S. Clay
Published: February 2021

The medical applications of electrical biostimulation and silver ions have been evaluated in laboratory experiments and clinical studies for more than two decades. Their effects on preventing infection and promoting wound healing have been described. However, little is known about the role of electrical biostimulation and/or silver ion on changes in cellular transcriptome dynamics. To our knowledge, few studies have been conducted to investigate the potential of electrical biostimulation and silver ions in cell reprogramming. Besides, it is essential to assess any possible adverse effects or potential benefits of the silver ions on mammalian cells to address its safety concerns and to improve silver medical products. In this study, we investigated transcriptomic changes in porcine fibroblast cells in response to electrical biostimulation in the presence of silver ions. Exposed cells presented distinct morphological changes after treatment, which was mainly due to the exposure of silver ions rather than the electrical current itself. Gene expression analyses suggested that electrical biostimulation and silver ions did not increase the expression of pluripotency genes. Interestingly, a set of genes related to cellular metabolic processes were differentially expressed after cells were exposed to electrically generated silver ions for 21 hours. We found that 2.00 mg/L of electrically generated silver ion caused an increase of ATP generation and an increase of the total pool of NAD+ and NADH, while ROS production did not change. Aside from toxic effects, the results reported herein demonstrate the alternative effects of silver ions on mammalian cells, especially an oxidative phosphorylation burst. To our knowledge, this response of mammalian cells to silver ions has not been described previously. Although the function of this burst is not understood, it may lead to alterations in cellular activities such as metabolic remodeling and cell reprogramming, and/or serve an as-yet unknown function in neutralization or detoxification of the silver ions within the cells.
Patients with scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD) do not have early Parkinson’s disease: Analysis of the PPMI data
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Song Yoo Sung , Kim Hyeyun , Ku Bon D. , Lee Won Woo
Published: February 2021

Background

To evaluate whether patients with scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD) have early Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

The clinical characteristics, striatal specific binding ratios (SBRs), and the indices of I-123 FP-CIT SPECT images of 50 SWEDD patients, 304 PD patients, and 141 healthy controls were acquired from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) data and evaluated during a 2-year clinical follow-up period.

Results

Of the 50 subjects with SWEDD, PD was confirmed in 13 subjects (the PD-SWEDD group), while the remaining 37 subjects had other diseases (the Other-SWEDD group). Striatal SBR values and striatal asymmetry indices of the PD group were significantly different with those of the PD-SWEDD and Other-SWEDD groups at both baseline and after 2 years (p< 0.001). Putaminal SBR values of the PD-SWEDD group were significantly decreased after 2 years (p< 0.05). There was no difference of the SBR values between baseline and after 2 years in the Other-SWEDD group. A baseline MDS-UPDRS III score matched comparison of the PD and PD-SWEDD group was done due to the large difference of the subject numbers. Striatal SBR values and striatal asymmetry indices were significantly different (p< 0.001) between the two groups at both baseline and after 2 years, but there were no significant difference with respect to the MDS-UPDRS III scores after 2 years between the two groups.

Conclusion

The different SBR values and asymmetry indices between the PD and PD-SWEDD groups at baseline and after 2 years indicate that SWEDD may not be early PD, but rather a different disease entity.
Black noise ruins: Notes after Locrian’s Rain of Ashes
Authors: Panayotov Stanimir
Published: February 2021

In this article-cum-essay, I scrutinize the particulars surrounding Locrian’s release Rain of Ashes. The text opens with a reflection on quiddity and what I call curity (whyness) to situate the musicians aural potentialities, and move towards articulating what I define as ‘black noise’. In the context of black noise, I claim Locrian perform the ruins of black noise. I attempt to write alongside the music by replicating some of the music’s qualities and galvanize those qualities by using commentaries, reviews of the release and interviews with the band’s members while trying to analyse the push-and-pull aura of Rain of Ashes for the listener.
The stones sing: The mestizo metal music of Kay Pacha and Yana Raymi
Authors: Núñez María de la Luz
Published: February 2021

This article addresses the music of Kay Pacha and Yana Raymi, two bands from the city of Huancayo, Perú, that mix metal music with the world-view and instrumentation of the Andes, in an effort to reclaim Wanka culture and identity. To understand why both bands choose metal music to express what they understand as their own ancestral identity, I explore the history of the city of Huancayo, examining how the unique conditions in which its formation and development took place allowed local people to preserve native customs and, at the same time, integrate foreign elements that were gradually assimilated and conceived as their own. This phenomenon of integration has been termed mestizaje by José María Arguedas, who also sees it as a means to preserve and expand native culture. That particular way of understanding mestizaje can be examined by paying attention to the development of local popular music, including metal; particularly by reviewing the music, narratives and aesthetics of Kay Pacha’s black metal and Yana Raymi’s folk metal. I supplement the presented analysis via interviews with Jhon ‘Yachaq’ Limaymanta and Jhonn Castro, founding members of the respective bands.
Hizkuntzen arteko elkarreragina: euskara, gaztelania eta ingelesezko ekoizpen idatziak
Authors: Etxague Itxaro , Van der Worp Karin
Published: February 2021

Elebitasun eta eleaniztasunaren gaia bai ikerketan, bai maila sozialean, baita eskola testuinguruetan ere, gero eta interes biziagoa pizten ari da egun; izan ere, zenbait ikertzailek parametro elebakarretatik ikuspegi holistiko baterako aldaketa gertatzen ari dela nabarmentzen dute (Cenoz eta Gorter, 2015; De Angelis, 2007; Ortega, 2019; Ortega eta Carson, 2010; Soltero - Gonzalez, Escamila eta Hopewell, 2012). Lan honen helburua da hiztun eleaniztunak idatzizko ekoizpenean gauzatzen dituen hizkuntza elkarreraginak identifikatzea, sailkatzea eta ikuspegi holistiko eta bateratu batetik aztertzea. Horretarako, Nafarroako Foru Komunitateko Derrigorrezko Bigarren Hezkuntzako 4. mailako 20 ikasleren euskarazko, gaztelaniazko eta ingelesezko testuak aztertu dira. Emaitzek transferentzia mota gehienak ingelesezko testuetan egin direla erakutsi arren, maiztasun gehienarekin euskarazko testuetan gauzatu direla erakusten dute. Era berean, mota gutxien eta urrien errepikatuak gaztelaniazko testuetan agertu dira. Ikerketa honek hiztun eleaniztunak hizkuntzak etengabeko elkarreraginean daudela erakus- ten du, bai hiztunaren hizkuntza-jabekuntzan, bai garapenean, baita ekoizpenetan ere.
Methods for Assessing, Predicting, and Improving Data Veracity: A survey
Authors: Assiri Fatmah
Published: February 2021

Data is an essential part of smart cities, and data can play an important role indecision making processes. Data generated through web applications and devicesutilize the Internet of Things (IoT) and related technologies. Thus, it is also importantto be able to create big data, which has historically been defined as having threekey dimensions: volume, variety, and velocity. However, recently, veracity has beenadded as the fourth dimension. Data veracity relates to the quality of the data. Anypotential issues with the quality of the data must be corrected because low-quality dataleads to poor software construction, and ultimately bad decision making. In this work,we reviewed the existing literature on related technical solutions that address dataveracity based on the domain of its application, including social media, web, and IoTapplications. The challenges or limitations and related gaps in existing work will bediscussed, and future research directions will be proposed to address the critical issuesof data veracity in the era of big data
Integral Support Predictive Platform for Industry 4.0
Authors: Márquez Sánchez Sergio
Published: February 2021

Currently, companies in the industrial sector are focusing their efforts on incorporating the advances contained in the Industry 4.0 model, to continue competing in an increasingly high-tech market. These advances, in addition to productivity, have a remarkable impact on the working environment of workers and on the measures adopted to maintain a healthy workspace. Thus, for example, there are projects to develop augmented reality technologies for maintenance and industrial training, advanced modelling tools for additive manufacturing, or Big Data analysis platforms for industrial data. However, the solutions designed are too specific to a particular industry problem or the platforms proposed are too generalist and not easily adaptable to the industries. This work seeks to provide a reference software architecture at the service of the connected industry that allows the provision of new capacities for process optimisation, predictive maintenance and real-time visualisation, integrating all the relevant information generated by the existing systems, incorporating new sources of data resulting from the digital society, and ensuring future compatibility with the new sources of information, solutions and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices that may be implemented.
Responding to Policies that Involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students and Content: An International Pre-Service Teacher's Experience
Authors: Alonso Roxana
Published: February 2021

Using auto-ethnography, I write my story as Mexican international student in the role of pre-service teacher in Australia. I focus on exploring my socio-political status and its relationship to assuming a position to respond to education policies about working with students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content. I argue that assuming a position to respond to these policies as international pre-service teacher is overlapped with a multi-layered process in which epistemological deliberation occur as a consequence of being in a state of constant position shifting. Anzaldúa’s Coyolxauqui imperative and Martin’s Relatedness theory are used to analyse the structural conditions that framed the epistemological challenges that I encountered. I suggest a process to support international pre-service teachers who are ethnic minorities to assume a position in relation to these policies. Recommendations for potential further research are outlined.