bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Swedish University Students Before and During Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cohort Study.
Authors: Johansson Fred , Côté Pierre , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Rudman Ann , Holm Lena W. , Grotle Margreth , Jensen Irene , Sundberg Tobias , Edlund Klara , Skillgate Eva
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has a profound effect on societies and citizens worldwide, raising concerns about potential mental health impacts. We aimed to describe trajectories of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before, and determine if trajectories were modified by pre-pandemic loneliness, poor sleep quality and mental health problems. We conducted a cohort study with 1836 Swedish university students entering before the onset of the pandemic, March 13, 2020, with follow-ups within three (FU1) and six months (FU2) of the outbreak. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to estimate mean differences in symptom levels over time-periods, and to estimate potential effect modifications. We found small differences in mean levels of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) over time. Compared to before the pandemic, depression increased by 0.25 points of 21 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.45) at FU1 and decreased by -0.75/21 (95% CI: -0.97 to -0.53) at FU2. Anxiety decreased from baseline to FU1 by -0.09/21 (95% CI: -0.24 to 0.07) and by -0.77/21 (95% CI: -0.93 to -0.61) to FU2. Stress decreased from baseline to FU1 by -0.30/21 (95% CI: -0.52 to -0.09) and by -1.32/21 (95% CI: -1.55 to -1.09) to FU2. Students with pre-pandemic loneliness, poor sleep quality and pre-pandemic mental health problems did not show worse trajectories of mean mental health symptoms. In conclusion, symptom levels were relatively stable during the first three months of the pandemic, while there was a slight decrease during the summer months, probably due to seasonality effects.
Foreign Language Exposure in Knowledge-Building Forums Using English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Manegre Marni
Published: January 2021

This study examines whether the students with higher levels of language and cultural awareness relating to the L2 share this knowledge with their peers in collaborative writing tasks when participating in the Knowledge Building International Project (KBIP). The study was conducted in two Spanish classrooms, where the participants were bilingual in both Catalan and Spanish.  A pre-questionnaire was used to determine the level of exposure to English language and English culture and the students were scored on their responses and then divided into three groups: low-, medium-, and high-level exposure to English. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine whether exposure to English language and culture outside of the classroom would influence pre-test scores. There is an interaction effect between language and cultural exposure and the pre-test scores (F = 5.17).  Upon the conclusion of the collaborative writing task, a one-way ANOVA was used to determine whether there was an interaction effect between language and cultural exposure and the post-test scores (F = 4.47). The student scores increased at the same rate across the groups.  This indicates that the students did not share their knowledge of the English language and culture with their peers in this online writing task.
ESTRESSE, BURNOUT E HARDINESS ENTRE PROFISSIONAIS DE ENFERMAGEM ATUANTES EM CUIDADOS INTENSIVOS E EMERGENCIAIS
Authors: Alves Lima Míria , Rocha Rodrigues Sinédia , Seron Sanches Roberta , Rodrigues de Souza Andressa
Published: January 2021

O cuidado intensivo e/ou emergencial condiciona a equipe de enfermagem a estresse associado a instabilidade clínica e imprevisibilidade da atuação. Burnout envolve esgotamento profissional. Entretanto, indivíduos hardy se comportam de forma mais saudável frente ao estresse. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar a presença de estresse, burnout ou de hardiness em profissionais de enfermagem atuantes em cuidado intensivo e/ou emergencial. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por método descritivo e quantitativo, em que profissionais de enfermagem responderam a instrumentos validados de avaliação do nível de estresse no trabalho, presença de burnout e de perfil hardy. Os resultados evidenciaram baixo nível de estresse nos diferentes setores de atuação avaliados. Apesar disso, foram identificados Burnout e perfil não-hardy. Este estudo poderá contribuir para reflexões de gestores e profissionais envolvidos em educação continuada/permanente acerca de estratégias para o manejo do estresse entre os profissionais de enfermagem, condição particularmente relevante para o momento atual da pandemia da COVID-19, com intensificação de sobrecarga de trabalho e adoecimento dos profissionais de saúde.
Importance of Biotic and Soil Factors in Determining the Distribution Strategies of Coastal Salt Marsh Plants
Authors: Son Dong-Ho , Lee Jeom-Sook , Kim Da Eun , Lee Seung Ho , Hong Sun-Kee , Myeong Hyeon-Ho , Cho Jang-Sam , Lee Jae-Choon , Lee Jae-Young , Seon Hwi Joon , Kim Jong-Wook
Published: January 2021

The distribution of plant communities in the salt marshes of the southwestern coasts of South Korea was studied, along with environmental or plant factors, by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and the competitor (C), stress tolerator (S), and ruderal (R) (CSR) ecological strategies. The coastal salt-marsh plants were classified into three plant-factor groups in the CCA biplot diagram. Group 1 was correlated with LS and FP. Group 2 was correlated with CH and SLA, and Group 3 was correlated with LA, LDMC and LDW. The salt-marsh plants were classified into four soil-factor groups in the CCA biplot diagram. First, the group factor was correlated with TN, TOC, and Ca2+. Second, the group factor was distributed according to Mg2+, soil texture as Clay and Silt. Third, the group factor was distributed according to Salinity and Na+ content. Fourth, the group factor was distributed according to Sand content. To clarify the relative significance of competition, stress, and disturbance in the distribution process of plant communities, the CSR distribution model was adopted. The nine species showed CR (competitor-ruderal) strategies: Artemisia fukudo, Artemisia scoparis, Aster tripolium, Atriplex gmelinii, Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii, Salicornia europaea, Suaeda japonica, and Suaeda maritima. The four species with C (competitor) strategies were Artemisia capillaris, Limonium tetragonum, Triglochin maritimum, and Zoysia sinica. Carex scabrifolia and Phragmites communis displayed SC (stress-tolerant-competitor). Both distribution patterns of the CCA diagrams and CSR triangles may provide a useful scientific basis for protecting and restoring salt marshes and their valuable ecosystem services, considering the increasing disturbances.
Peculiarities in assessing occupational health risks for workers who are in contact with aerosols containing fine-dispersed dust particles
Authors:   ll-Russian Research Institute of Railway Hygiene, Bldg. 1, 1 Pakgauznoe shosse Str., Moscow, 125438, Russian Federation, Vil'k M.F. , Sachkova O.S. ,   ll-Russian Research Institute of Railway Hygiene, Bldg. 1, 1 Pakgauznoe shosse Str., Moscow, 125438, Russian Federation, Levanchuk L.A. ,   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University, 9 Moskovskii Ave., Saint Petersburg, 190031, Russian Federation, Latynin E.O. ,   ll-Russian Research Institute of Railway Hygiene, Bldg. 1, 1 Pakgauznoe shosse Str., Moscow, 125438, Russian Federation
Published: January 2021

In Russia there is a system for standardizing and control over aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects and dust particles with different structure. But at the same time there are no hygienic standards for fine-dispersed dust contents in working area air and it makes hygienic assessment of working conditions more complicated and impedes use of risk assessment methodology. Our research goal was to substantiate a concentration of aerosols containing fine-dispersed dust particles (РМ10 и РМ2.5) in working are air that were harmless for workers’ health. It was done via applying a procedure for determining dust burden and using it when calculating health risks for workers. We assessed dust content in working area air with focus on fine-dispersed dust particles РМ10 и РМ2.5 with a dust measuring device «OMPN-10.0». Chemical structure of dust particles was determined with atomic absorption procedure. Results were estimated according to HS 2.2.5.3532-18. Dust burden was calculated according to State standard GOST R 54578-2011. We established dependence between duration of working experience under exposure to fine-dispersed dust that was harmless for health and a value of excess in dust contents over the suggested concentration and work shift duration. To assess health risk for workers caused by exposure to fine-dispersed dust particles taking their chemical structure into account, we determined reference concentrations for working area air; 0.1 mg/m3 for РМ10, and 0.055 mg/m3 for РМ2.5. Use of calculated concentrations allowed suggesting models for calculating harmless duration of working experience under exposure to dusts in concentrations higher than recommended ones. The results enable substantiating organizational activities aimed at workers’ health preservation.
“A TERRA É PLANA”
Authors: De Sousa Filho Alipio de
Published: January 2021

O negacionismo anti-ciência dos nossos dias é claramente praticante de um obscurantismo que não pode ser pensado como sendo o fenômeno do obscurantismo como conhecido na história social até aqui. Sendo da ordem de racionalizações deliberadas de irracionalismos e dedicado a uma pauta política influente, somente pode ser compreendido – e designado por seu justo título – como um obscurantismo cínico. O exemplo da afirmação burlesca que “a terra é plana” é quase uma caricatura desse cinismo que milita pela negação do conhecimento científico, mas igualmente serve de metáfora suprema da opção dos negacionistas por tentar desautorizar e invalidar o pensamento teórico-filosófico-científico por qualquer que seja a via. Mesmo quando certas vias sejam elas mesmas pseudociências, opinião ignorante, retórica ideológica anti-intelectualista e anti-ciência.
Endüstri 4.0'ın Lojistik Boyutu: Lojistik 4.0
Authors: Gönçer Demiral Dilek
Published: January 2021

Bilişim teknolojilerindeki gelişmeler işletmeler açısından büyük bir dönüşümü tetiklemektedir. Özellikle içinde bulunduğumuz Covid-19 pandemi süreci, işletmeleri teknolojik uygulamalara hızlıca geçiş yapmaları ve kısa sürede adapte olmaları konusunda zorlamaktadır. Bu dönemde e-ticaretin artışı ile birlikte lojistik faaliyetlerindeki hız, esneklik, kalite ve maliyet kavramları da en plana çıkmaktadır. Böylesine rekabet ortamında işletmeler teknoloji ve teknoloji ile birlikte gelen değişimleri iş süreçlerine uygulayarak rakiplerine göre farklılık yaratarak avantaj elde edebilirler. Dijitalleşme ile birlikte Endüstri 4.0’ın doğuşu birçok sektörü kökünden değişikliğe uğratacağı gibi lojistik sistemlerini de etkilediği ve daha da etkileyeceği aşikardır. Bu çalışma, kavramsal çerçeve niteliğinde olup, Endüstri 4.0’ın tarihsel gelişiminden, Lojistik 4.0’a olan etkilerine kadar değinmektedir. Makale, lojistiğin gelişiminde etkiye sahip olan teknolojilerin tanıtımı ve farklı sektörlerdeki örnekleri eşliğinde, yapılacak diğer çalışmalar için bilgilendirici niteliktedir.
Metabolism and Mechanism of Human Cytochrome P450 Enzyme 1A2
Authors: Guo Jingchao , Zhu Xiaohui , Badawy Sara , Ihsan Awais , Liu Zhenli , Xie Changqing , Wang Xu
Published: January 2021

Human cytochrome P450 enzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2) is one of the most important cytochrome P450
(CYP) enzymes in the liver, accounting for 13% to 15% of hepatic CYP enzymes. CYP1A2 metabolises many
clinical drugs, such as phenacetin, caffeine, clozapine, tacrine, propranolol, and mexiletine. CYP1A2 also
metabolises certain precarcinogens such as aflatoxins, mycotoxins, nitrosamines, and endogenous substances
such as steroids. The regulation of CYP1A2 is influenced by many factors. The transcription of CYP1A2 involves
not only the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor pathway but also many additional transcription factors, and
CYP1A2 expression may be affected by transcription coactivators and compression factors. Degradation of
CYP1A2 mRNA and protein, alternative splicing, RNA stability, regulatory microRNAs, and DNA methylation
are also known to affect the regulation of CYP1A2. Many factors can lead to changes in the activity of
CYP1A2. Smoking, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ingestion, and certain drugs (e.g., omeprazole) increase
its activity, while many clinical drugs such as theophylline, fluvoxamine, quinolone antibiotics, verapamil,
cimetidine, and oral contraceptives can inhibit CYP1A2 activity. Here, we review the drugs metabolised by
CYP1A2, the metabolic mechanism of CYP1A2, and various factors that influence CYP1A2 metabolism. The
metabolic mechanism of CYP1A2 is of great significance in the development of personalised medicine and
CYP1A2 target-based drugs.
Artemisia Species as a New Candidate for Diabetes Therapy: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharafati-Chaleshtori Reza , Nickdasti Ali , Mortezapour Erfan , Pourhanifeh Mohammad Hossein , Ghazanfari Mohsen , Movahedpour Ahmad , Khatami Alireza , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarrabi Ali , Mahabady Mahmood Khaksary , Khani Haroon , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: January 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease and a threatening problem for
world health. Allopathic medications are not efficient enough in controlling DM and its
complications. Therefore, much attention has been directed towards the traditional
medicine system. Plant derived-natural compounds with medicinal properties play an
essential role in DM management and treatment. Artemisia is a varied and widespread
genus of the family Asteraceae, which has more than 500 species with beneficial
economic and therapeutic significance. Electronic databases such as Science Direct,
Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Science, medRixv, and Wiley were used to search scientific
literature. In folklore medicine, Artemisia species have been widely utilized for diabetes
management. Molecular investigations have revealed that the NF-κB suppression, Notch
1 inhibition, cell cycle stop at S+G2/M-phase, enhanced Bax protein concentrations,
mitochondrial membrane potential attenuation, activation of p53 and caspase, Bcl-2
regulation, and ROS formation are crucial mechanisms that could be targeted via
various Artemisia species. Anti-diabetic effects of single or multiple doses of alcoholic
and aqueous extracts of Artemisia species are due to the presence of bioactive
compounds, and they are completely efficient in lowering levels of blood glucose in
experimental examinations. In spite of the available anti-diabetic drugs, therapeutic
agents obtained from the mentioned plants have been used for the treatment of this
disease and its complications with less adverse impacts. Taken together, multiple lines
of evidence indicated that Artemisia species could be introduced as a potential
therapeutic candidate in the treatment and management of diabetes.
AjugaL.: A Systematic Review on Chemical Composition, Phytopharmacological and Biological Potential
Authors: Nagarkoti Kirti , Kanyal Jeewanti , Prakash Om , Kumar Ravendra , Rawat D.S. , Pant A.K.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The Himalayan region has been reported as rich accumulation of natural wealth, particularly of aromatic and medicinal plants. Indian Ajuga species (Ajuga brachystemon, Ajuga integrifolia, Ajuga macrosperma and Ajuga parviflora) belonging to Lamiaceae family have been reported from different parts of Uttarakhand. Phytochemical studies revealed presence of various bioactive compounds including neo-clerodane diterpenoids, steroids, phytoecdysteroids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, iridoids, triglycerides, withanolides, phenylethanoid glycosides and quinols. Modern pharmacological activities of Ajuga species including anti-inflammatory, anti plasmodial activity, anti-platelet activity, antioxidant activity, analgesic assay, anti diabetic activity, antifungal activity, insecticidal activity and cytotoxity have been published by various researchers.

Objective:

The present study is aimed at exploring chemical composition, pharmacological and biological activities of Ajuga species as worked out by researchers and scientific community. Due to the excessive use of Ajuga species it needs to be conserved and requires important measures for its conservation.

Methods:

The analysis of essential oils and plant extract has been reported through solvent extraction, steam distillation method, GC-MS analysis and HPLC.

Results:

Literature survey revealed reports of Ajuga L. to be used against various ailments such as stomach-ache, dermatitis, malaria, snake-bite, ear-ache, arthritis, bleeding, wounds, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory problems, fever, dysentery, and joint pain.

Conclusion:

The detailed description would be helpful in future studies. Recent biotechnological approaches have been reported useful to conserve A. bracteosa due to over exploitation for research purpose whereas A. brachystemon and A. macrosperma have been reported rarely in the wild.
Case Series and Mini-Review on Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, A high
Alert Organism Causing Meningitis in Premature Neonates from A Tertiary
Care Hospital of Western Rajasthan
Authors: Abhishek Kumar S , Kombade Sarika P. , Gupta Neeraj , Tak Vibhor , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Singh Kuldeep , Agarwal Nidhima
Published: January 2021

Background:

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a ubiquitous organism rarely associated with human diseases,
but its association especially among hospitalized premature neonates and immunocompromised individuals are not so
common.

Case:

We report two cases of neonatal bacteraemia and meningitis among low birth weight premature neonates admitted in
neonatal intensive care units (NICU) by E. meningoseptica, a high alert organism associated with such conditions.

Conclusions:

E. meningoseptica, a high alert organism associated with meningitis among premature underweight neonates.
High degree of resistant to most of the broad-spectrum antibiotics makes its management a challenging task. A good
communication between the clinician and the microbiologist becomes very important for the proper management of the
patients.
Curcumin Nanomicelle Improves Lipid Profile, Stress Oxidative Factors and Inflammatory Markers in Patients Undergoing Coronary Elective Angioplasty; A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Helli Bijan , Gerami Hadis , Kavianpour Maria , Heybar Habib , Hosseini Seyed Kianoosh , Haghighian Hossein Khadem
Published: January 2021

Background:

Curcumin has demonstrated many pharmacological effects including antioxidants,
anti-inflammation, eliminating free radicals, anti-tumor, lipid regulation, and anti-coagulation.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin on
lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors related to patient’s heart.

Method:

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients
undergoing coronary elective angioplasty who were randomly divided into 3 groups. The doses
administered for 8 weeks were a 500 mg capsule of curcumin daily for the first group and an 80
mg capsule of nano-curcumin for the second group. However, the placebo group received capsules
like curcumin. Lipid profile, oxidative stress factors, and inflammatory markers were measured at
the baseline and end of the experiment.

Results:

Statistically significant changes were observed in the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol
(TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the intervention groups to the control
group (p<0.05). Curcumin and nano-curcumin supplementation also exhibited significant
changes in plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-
CRP), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in comparison to the
placebo (p<0.05). Furthermore, the nano-curcumin group compared to the curcumin group demonstrated
significant changes (p<0.05) in TC, TG, SOD, MDA and TNF-α levels.

Conclusion:

The effects of curcumin on nano formula may be better for cardiac patients due to its
high bioavailability.
Choline Chloride/Glycerol Promoted Synthesis of 3,3-Disubstituted Indol- 2-ones
Authors: Xu Ling , Zhang Wei-Hong , Cui Zhen-Shui , Zhang Zhan-Hui
Published: January 2021

Objective::

3,3-Disubstituted indol-2-one derivatives have wider applications in pharmaceuticals
and they are key intermediates for the synthesis of many kinds of drug candidates. The development
of an efficient and practical method to prepare this class of compound is highly desirable
from both environmental and economical points of views.

Methods::

In order to establish an effective synthetic method for preparing 3,3-disubstituted indol-
2-one derivatives, the bis-condensation reaction of isatin and 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione was selected
as a model reaction. A variety of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were prepared
and used for this reaction. The generality and limitation of the established method were also investigated.

Results::

It was found that model reaction can be carried out in natural deep eutectic solvent
(NADES) based on choline chloride (ChCl) at 80°C under microwave irradiation. This protocol
with a broad substrate applicability afforded various 2,2'-(2-oxoindoline-3,3-diyl)bis(1H-indene-
1,3(2H)-dione) derivatives in high yields.

Conclusion::

A simple and efficient procedure has been developed for synthesis of 2,2'-(2-oxoindoline-
3,3-diyl)bis(1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione), spiro[indoline-3,7'-pyrano[5,6-c:5,6-c']dichromene]-
2,6',8'-trione, and spiro[indoline-3,9'-xanthene]trione via bis-condensation between isatin with 1,3-
indandione, 4-hydroxycoumarin or 1,3-cyclohexanedione in natural deep eutectic solvent
(NADES) based on choline chloride (ChCl) and glycerol (Gl) under microwave irradiation. The
salient features of this protocol are avoidance of any additive/catalyst and toxic organic solvent,
clean reaction profiles, non-chromatographic purification procedure, and high to excellent yield.
Furthermore, the use of NADES as green reaction medium reduces burden on environment and
makes the present method environmentally sustainable.
Alternative Medicine as a Treatment Option for COVID-19
Authors: Marzan Mahfuza , Rahman Md. Shahedur , Mostofa Jamal Md. Abu Hena , Shariare Mohammad Hossain , Parvez Md. Anowar Khasru
Published: January 2021

:

COVID-19, a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is the reason for a global pandemic
since the starting of the year 2020. The characteristics of the disease vary from mild common coldlike
symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ failure leading to death. The
world has already observed 213,453 deaths from this disease while 3,095,839 have been infected in
210 countries in total, till 28 April 2020. This disease has had a devastating impact on the health
care system because of its high infectivity, easy mode of transmission, lack of proper medicine and
vaccine, and deficiency of effectively supportive healthcare arrangement. On the verge of this situation,
scientists are searching for treatment options. However, nature has provided us with a large
number of herbs, which have disease preventive, as well as have medicinal properties. In this article,
we have reviewed several of these plants (ginger, clove, tea, black seed, tulsi, neem), some vitamins
(vitamin C and vitamin D) and zinc, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and
anti-asthmatic properties with scientific evidence. The intake of these products regularly to keep
the immune system active and to experience its positive aspects, might be supportive to prevent infection
with the new coronavirus or to treat COVID-19.
Demulsification of a Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsion with a Corn Oil Based-Demulsifier using the Response Surface Methodology: Modelling and Optimization
Authors: Saad Abed , Abdurahman Nour , Yunus Rosli Mohd
Published: January 2021

In this study, the Sany-glass test was used to evaluate the performance of a
new surfactant prepared from corn oil as a demulsifier for crude oil emulsions. Central
composite design (CCD), based on the response surface methodology (RSM), was used to
investigate the effect of four variables, including demulsifier dosage, water content, temperature,
and pH, on the efficiency of water removal from the emulsion. Besides, analysis
of variance was applied to examine the precision of the CCD mathematical model. The
results indicate that demulsifier dose and emulsion pH are two significant parameters determining
demulsification. The maximum separation efficiency of 96% was attained at an
alkaline pH and with 3500 ppm demulsifier. According to the RSM analysis, the optimal
values for the input variables were 40% water content, 3500 ppm demulsifier, 60 °C, and
pH 8.
Bee Venom PLA2 versus Snake Venom PLA2: Evaluation of Structural
and Functional Properties
Authors: Bitar Lara , Jundia Dania , Rima Mohamad , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Fajloun Ziad
Published: January 2021

Phospholipases A2 enzymes are found in many mammalian tissues and in animal venoms. Those present in bee
venom (bvPLA2) and snake venom (svPLA2) have been studied more particularly for their biological activities of interest.
Although they belong to the same family of secreted PLA2 (sPLA2), bvPLA2 and svPLA2 differ from a structural and
functional point of view. In this review, we describe the morphological characteristics of these two enzymes and the structural
determinants that govern their functions. After describing their cytotoxicity, we compared their biological activities,
including antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, and anti-nociceptive effects. In addition,
we highlighted their therapeutical applications and deduced bvPLA2 has better potential than svPLA2 in biotechnological
and pharmaceutical innovations.
Analysis of consumers’ preference on taro-flavored UHT Ultra milk using conjoint method in Malang City
Authors: Ihwah Azimmatul
Published: January 2021

One of the processed milk products is Ultra Taro UHT milk. The aim of this research was to analyze Ultra Taro UHT milk’s importance level of attributes and combinations of the attributes which are preferred based on consumer preferences. This study was quantitative correlational using a questionnaire with a full profile presentation method. The study was conducted for one month, with 60 respondents determined by the purposive sampling method. Data was processed using the conjoint method. In this research, 4 product attributes were used, there are flavor with 3 levels, volume with 3 levels, fat content with 2 levels, and type of packaging with 2 levels. The results showed the level of importance value, attribute flavor with a relative value of 34.44%, volume and packaging types have similar relative value of 27.79%, and fat content with a relative value of 9.97%. The combination of attributes favored by consumers was the fifth stimuli with a total use value of 3.8283 consisting of taro balanced milk flavor attributes, 200 ml volume contents, low fat, and tetra pack packaging types. The results of the conjoint have significant correlation with the opinion of respondents with a positive Kendall Tau correlation value of 0.889.
Tracking and Monitoring Mood Stability of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder by Machine Learning Models Using Passive Digital Data: Prospective Naturalistic Multicenter Study
Authors: Bai Ran , Xiao Le , Guo Yu , Zhu Xuequan , Li Nanxi , Wang Yashen , Chen Qinqin , Feng Lei , Wang Yinghua , Yu Xiangyi , Wang Chunxue , Hu Yongdong , Liu Zhandong , Xie Haiyong , Wang Gang
Published: January 2021

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities. Using smartphones and wearable devices to monitor the mental condition of patients with MDD has been examined in several studies. However, few studies have used passively collected data to monitor mood changes over time.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of monitoring mood status and stability of patients with MDD using machine learning models trained by passively collected data, including phone use data, sleep data, and step count data.

Methods

We constructed 950 data samples representing time spans during three consecutive Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessments. Each data sample was labeled as Steady or Mood Swing, with subgroups Steady-remission, Steady-depressed, Mood Swing-drastic, and Mood Swing-moderate based on patients’ Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores from three visits. A total of 252 features were extracted, and 4 feature selection models were applied; 6 different combinations of types of data were experimented with using 6 different machine learning models.

Results

A total of 334 participants with MDD were enrolled in this study. The highest average accuracy of classification between Steady and Mood Swing was 76.67% (SD 8.47%) and that of recall was 90.44% (SD 6.93%), with features from all types of data being used. Among the 6 combinations of types of data we experimented with, the overall best combination was using call logs, sleep data, step count data, and heart rate data. The accuracies of predicting between Steady-remission and Mood Swing-drastic, Steady-remission and Mood Swing-moderate, and Steady-depressed and Mood Swing-drastic were over 80%, and the accuracy of predicting between Steady-depressed and Mood Swing-moderate and the overall Steady to Mood Swing classification accuracy were over 75%. Comparing all 6 aforementioned combinations, we found that the overall prediction accuracies between Steady-remission and Mood Swing (drastic and moderate) are better than those between Steady-depressed and Mood Swing (drastic and moderate).

Conclusions

Our proposed method could be used to monitor mood changes in patients with MDD with promising accuracy by using passively collected data, which can be used as a reference by doctors for adjusting treatment plans or for warning patients and their guardians of a relapse.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900021461; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=36173
Central Auditory Tests to Track Cognitive Function in People With HIV: Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Niemczak Christopher , Fellows Abigail , Lichtenstein Jonathan , White-Schwoch Travis , Magohe Albert , Gui Jiang , Wilbur Jed , Clavier Odile , Massawe Enica , Moshi Ndeserua , Boivin Michael , Kraus Nina , Buckey Jay
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The development of neurocognitive deficits in people infected with HIV is a significant public health problem. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that performance on central auditory tests (CATs) correlates with cognitive test results in those with HIV, but no longitudinal data exist for confirmation. We have been performing longitudinal assessments of central auditory and cognitive function on a cohort of HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to understand how the central auditory system could be used to study and track the progress of central nervous system dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the project was to determine if CATs can track the trajectory of cognitive function over time in people diagnosed with HIV.

METHODS

Tests of peripheral and central auditory function as well as cognitive performance were performed on 382 individuals over the course of 3.5 years. Visits were scheduled every 6 months. CATs included tests of auditory temporal processing (gap detection) and speech perception in noise (Hearing in Noise Test and Triple Digit Test). Cognitive tests included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), and subtests from the Cogstate battery. HIV-positive subjects were divided into groups based on their CAT results at their final visit (bottom 20%, top 20%, middle 60%). Primary analyses focused on the comparison between HIV-positive individuals that performed worse on CATs (bottom 20%) and the overall HIV-positive group (middle 60%). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect models with time as the main fixed effect.

RESULTS

The group with the worst (bottom 20%) CAT performance showed a difference in trajectory for the MoCA (P=.003), TOVA (P<.048), and Cogstate (P<.046) over the course of the study period compared to the overall HIV-positive group. A battery of three CATs showed a significant difference in cognitive trajectory over a relatively short study period of 3.5 years independent of age (bottom 20% vs HIV-positive group).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support the ability for CATs to track cognitive function over time, suggesting that central auditory processing can provide a window into central nervous system performance. CATs can be simple to perform, and are relatively insensitive to education and socioeconomic status because they only require repeating sentences, numbers, or detecting gaps in noise. These tests could potentially provide a time-efficient, low-cost method to screen for and monitor cognitive decline in patients with HIV, making them a useful surveillance tool for this major public health problem.
Gaming Your Mental Health: A Narrative Review on Mitigating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Using Commercial Video Games (Preprint)
Authors: Kowal Magdalena , Conroy Eoin , Ramsbottom Niall , Smithies Tim , Toth Adam , Campbell Mark
Published: January 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Globally, depression and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental health disorders. They occur both acutely and chronically, with various symptoms commonly expressed subclinically. The treatment gap and stigma associated with such mental health disorders are common issues encountered worldwide. Given the economic and health care service burden of mental illnesses, there is a heightened demand for accessible and cost-effective methods that prevent occurrence of mental health illnesses and facilitate coping with mental health illnesses. This demand has been exacerbated post the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent increase in incidence of mental health disorders. To address these demands, a growing body of research is exploring alternative solutions to traditional mental health treatment methods. Commercial video games have been shown to impart cognitive benefits to those playing regularly (ie, attention control, cognitive flexibility, and information processing). In this paper, we specifically focus on the mental health benefits associated with playing commercial video games to address symptoms of depression and anxiety. In light of the current research, we conclude that commercial video games show great promise as inexpensive, readily accessible, internationally available, effective, and stigma-free resources for the mitigation of some mental health issues in the absence of, or in addition to, traditional therapeutic treatments.
Evaluation of the Quality and Usability of the Chinese Versions of Sleep Self-Management Smartphone Applications：A Review (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Keqiang , Li Feng , Ni Yuanyuan , Xie Fang , Wang Junchao , Li Yuewei
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile apps have been developed for all aspects of everyday life. Among these, the number of mobile health apps is also increasing. At present, the English version of sleep self-management applications have been reported to be of poor quality, and no articles on the evaluation of sleep self-management applications have been published in China, so the current status of sleep self-management applications in Chinese is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article was to describe and evaluate the status, quality, and usability of the Chinese versions of sleep self-management smartphone applications.

METHODS

Using "Sleep", "Sleep Management", "Sleep Monitoring" and "Sleep Tracking" as search words, we searched for the Chinese versions of sleep self-management smartphone applications in the Apple App Store on the iPhone operating system (iOS), and Google Play and the Huawei AppGallery on the Android operating system. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the Chinese version of the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) were used to evaluate the usability and quality of applications in the sample.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 32 eligible applications. The functions of the applications predominantly included notification, instruction, data recording (collection, sharing, evaluation), display, reminders. We found that the Chinese version of the sleep self-management smartphone applications had poor usability and quality using the Chinese version of the SUS and the Chinese version of the uMARS. Among the applications in the sample, 40.63% were given the rating “F”, which was unacceptable; 31.25% were rated “D”; 18.75% rated “C”; and only 3 were rated “A” (n=1) or “B” (n=2), accounting for 9.38%. Among the three sub-dimensions of uMARS, user participation scored the lowest, at 3.0.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, the Chinese versions of sleep self-management smartphone applications available in the App Store were few in number, and of poor quality and low availability. The Chinese versions of applications for sleep self-management still present an opportunity for development. Therefore, future developers should focus on being user-centered, through multi-disciplinary, and multi-team collaboration, to develop a high-quality Chinese version of a sleep self-management smartphone application.
An Efficient System for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Goga Nicolae , Boiangiu Costin-Anton , Vasilateanu Andrei , Popovici Alexandru-Filip , Drăgoi Marius-Valentin , Dragomir Ramona , Gancea Ionatan Octavian , Pîrlog Mihail Cristian , Popa Ramona
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to treat emotional distress caused by a traumatic event from the past, most frequently in the PTSD treatment. We implemented a system based on video, tactile and audio sensors which includes an artificial intelligence chatbot that can replace the trained clinician in the EMDR procedure, thus making the system capable to act autonomously.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study aims to develop an EMDR virtual assistant capable of assisting a user in performing an efficient therapy with a minimal intervention of a trained clinician.

METHODS

An EMDR virtual assistant was created that include audio, video and tactile sensors. A total of 31 participants were included in the pilot study, 14 males and 17 females, with ages between 19 and 33, (Mage = 26.2, SD = 4.21). Participants were invited to remember a traumatic event from their past that caused them discomfort, and they failed to overcome it. After accessing the traumatic memory, primary outcome measures (IES-R and STAI) and secondary outcome measures (VOC and SUD) instruments were applied in the pre-test condition. The designed intervention through application consisted of four phases of bilateral stimulation (visual, auditive, and sensorial). After the discussion with a specialist, and after the completion of the instruments on the pre-test assessment phase, the participants self-administered the intervention through the application and then completed again the instruments in the post-test phase.

RESULTS

The results showed that there was a significant difference in scores for the pre-test condition (M = 39.8, SD = 14.07) and post-test (M = 13.7, SD = 5.7) measured with IES-R scale; t(30) = 10.5, p < 0.001, and a large effect size (d = 1.89). Also, there are significant differences in scores for the pre-test condition (M = 56.7, SD = 8.3) and post-test (M = 33.8, SD = 4.6) regarding anxiety scores (STAI); t(30) = 11.7, p < 0.001, and a large effect size (d = 2,11) of intervention in reducing anxiety associated with the traumatic event. Related to the secondary outcome measure there was a significant pre- to post-intervention reduction in scores for both VOC; t(30) = 46.8, p < 0.00, and SUD; t(30) = 75.9, p < 0.001. It was shown that the higher scores decreased significantly at the end of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results proved the efficiency of the virtual assistant system for EMDR in reducing anxiety, distress, and negative cognitions and emotions associated with traumatic memories. These findings are filling a gap in the existing literature regarding the efficiency and use of similar systems and could represent a starting point for developing applications and future controlled trials and protocols that can be used in similar cases.
Leisure and Problem Gaming Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents During School Closures Caused by COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhu Shimin , Zhuang Yanqiong , Lee Paul , Li Jessica Chi-Mei , Wong Paul W C
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated students’ loneliness, addictive gaming behaviors, and poor mental health. These mental health issues confronting young people are of public concern.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the associations between loneliness and gaming addiction behaviors among young people in Hong Kong and to investigate how familial factors, psychological distress, and gender differences moderate these relationships.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020 when schools reopened after 6 months of school closures. Participants included 2863 children and adolescents in primary (Grades 4 to 6) and secondary (Grades 7 and 8) schools (female participants: 1502/2863, 52.5%). Chi-square tests, one-way analyses of variance, and independent-samples t tests were performed to compare the differences of distribution in gaming addiction behaviors across gender, age, and other sociodemographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors that relate to excessive or pathological gaming behaviors separately, in comparison with leisure gaming.

RESULTS

A total of 83.0% (2377/2863) of the participants played video games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of excessive and pathological game addiction behaviors was 20.9% (597/2863) and 5.3% (153/2863), respectively. More male students had gaming addiction symptoms than female students. The multinomial logistic regressions showed that feeling lonely was associated with more problematic gaming behaviors, and the association was stronger for older female students. Low socioeconomic status, less parental support and less supervision, and poor mental health were risk factors for gaming addiction behaviors, especially among primary school students.

CONCLUSIONS

Loneliness was associated with gaming addiction behaviors; the findings from this study suggested that this association was similar across gender and age groups among young people. Familial support and supervision during school closures can protect young people from developing problematic gaming behaviors. Results of this study have implications for prevention and early intervention on behalf of policy makers and game developers.
What do physicians think about the use of telemedicine to recruit and assess participants in mHealth-related clinical studies as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic? (Preprint)
Authors: Pereira Ana , Almeida Rute , Amaral Rita , Alves-Correia Magna , Mendes Sandra , Fonseca João A. , Jácome Cristina
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for digital health. Nevertheless, studies to validate mHealth solutions are still missing. To expedite those studies while ensuring patient safety, the use of telemedicine technologies for patient recruitment and assessment could be a suitable alternative to traditional study designs with face-to-face visits.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate physician’s opinion and availability to participate in mHealth-related clinical studies with patient recruitment and assessment via telemedicine and to identify characteristics associated with the openness to participate.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, observational, anonymous web survey-based study including 237 physicians (general practitioners (GP), allergists, pulmonologists, and pediatricians from Portugal and Spain) that collaborated with an asthma mHealth project (INSPIRERS). The web-survey was made available between May 28th and June 11th and included questions about physicians’ and clinical practice characteristics, and physician’s availability and perceived difficulties to recruit and assess patients using telemedicine technologies.

RESULTS

The response rate was 51% (n=120). Most (74%, n=89) physicians were available to participate in mHealth-related clinical studies with patient recruitment and assessment via telemedicine, but 62% (55/89) anticipated lower recruiting capacity and 40% (39/89) an increased difficulty in obtaining quality data. Eight percent (n=10) considered these studies viable but would be unavailable to participate and 18% (n=21) believed that they would be unviable. Physicians aged 40 years or younger, from secondary care specialties (vs GP) and that used apps in personal life or in clinical practice were more likely to be available to participate (odds ratio with 95% confidence interval: 4.25[1.26-14.28], 10.66[2.80-40.51], 4.58[1.57-13.40], and 7.37[1.76-30.86], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Three-quarters of the responding physicians were available to participate in mHealth-related clinical studies with patient recruitment and assessment through telemedicine. Age group, medical specialty, and app use were associated with the openness to participate.

CLINICALTRIAL
Synthesis and Characterization of New Eco-Friendly Fire-Retardants Based on Soda-Silicate Glass
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Nguyen , La Vinh The , Le Thanh Xuan , Huynh Suong Thu
Published: January 2021

Fire-retardants (FRs) are additives used to improve the fire-resistance of combustible materials. New generations of FRs must be effective and eco-friendly. Traditional inorganic FRs are non-hazardous but have limited fire-retardancy. Here, we aim to develop an innovative way to enhance the fire-retardancy of inorganic FRs. We synthesized a new type of FRs, called mATH, whose compositions are similar to soda-silicate glass (xNa2O.yK2O.zSiO2.tAl2O3). When applied to unsaturated polyester resin, mATH showed a much better performance than traditional aluminum trihydroxide (ATH). The better performance of mATH originated from its new working mechanism. Dehydrated mATH, as a soda-silicate glass, melts under the heat of the fire, which causes heat sink and produces a molten glass. The molten glass forms a charred insulating layer that prevents oxygen from contacting the interior combustible materials. This phenomenon significantly contributes to the fire-retarding behavior of mATH. Our findings open a new method for developing effective eco-friendly FRs.