bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE USAGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ANGLICISMS BY BOSNIAN EFL USERS
Authors:   Faculty of Education and Humanities, International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brdarevic-Celjo A. , Delic H. ,   Faculty of Education and Humanities, International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravac V. ,   Faculty of Education and Humanities, International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to explore the use of nominal and verbal Anglicisms by Bosnian high school students, the students’ familiarity with these Anglicisms and their attitudes towards them and it also aimed to see whether these factors vary with respect to the frequency of students’ use of English in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The findings point to a very frequent use of Anglicisms among Bosnian participants, particularly verbal Anglicisms which tended to be significantly more frequently employed than nominal Anglicisms, and slightly greater familiarity with the English form rather than with the Bosnian equivalent form. Moreover, the frequency of the use of Anglicisms was related to the frequency of reading and writing in English, while the familiarity with the Bosnian equivalent was significantly related to speaking and reading and familiarity with the English equivalent form to all four aspects of English language use. The participants also expressed rather positive attitudes towards Anglicisms, perceiving them as a useful addition and not a serious threat to their native language.
THE USE OF MOBILE APPS TO ENHANCE READING SKILLS OF LANGUAGE LEARNERS: A REVIEW
Authors:   School of Social Sciences & Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, Kalyan Chakravarthy C. , V. Sunita ,   School of Social Sciences & Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: April 2023

Reading activities are generally compromised owing to the time constraints in the classroom. As an outcome, students’ inability to understand a passage has an adverse effect on their enthusiasm and confidence despite knowing that reading acquisition plays a crucial role in language learning. In this regard, mobile apps seem to be the powerful support for acquiring reading skills and interpreting comprehension which are the two challenging aspects of language learners to be knowledgeable enough. They also enrich readers with vast opportunities and provide a stress-free environment that aids them to improve their reading skills. The paper reported here explores the effectiveness and the role of mobile applications in acquiring reading skills. Reviewed articles and dissertations used in this paper focus on the development, analysis, examination of the mobile apps for enhancing reading skills. The paper also explores the research design, methodology and theory that support the usage of chosen mobile apps for the research. This review article concludes that reading skills can be enhanced better through mobile apps than that of the conventional academic setting.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS
Authors:   Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kadusic Alma , Smajic Sabahudin ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kunosic Suad ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Smajic Nedima ,   Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: April 2023

In this study, using the methods of spatial autocorrelation in geographic information systems (GIS), an analysis of the spatial distribution of mortality rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina was performed in order to identify high-risk areas with increased mortality and depopulation. Spatial analysis is based on the calculation of global (Global Moran’s I and Getis-Ord General G) and local (Anselin Local Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi*) statistical indices of spatial autocorrelation. The values of global statistical indices confirmed a clustering of high mortality values, while local statistical indices confirmed high mortality rates in the municipalities of northwestern and eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conducted research provides an insight into spatial patterns of demographic processes, while results obtained by this research are significant for demographic development and future spatial demographic research in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
INTERNET ADDICTION AND LEVEL OF ANXIETY AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors:   Faculty of Education, The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal, India, Kaur Gulati Daman Deep , Bakliwal Mamta ,   Faculty of Education, Rajeev Gandhi College, Bhopal, India
Published: April 2023

Internet Addiction is a rising problem among the Indian school students. The purpose of this research was to find out the extent of internet addiction among higher secondary level school students and the anxiety of higher secondary level school students having different levels of internet addiction. The research was conducted on 600 students of CBSE schools in Bhopal. The information was collected by Internet Addiction Scale and General Anxiety Scale. The findings revealed that 10% had normal level of internet addiction, 56% had mild level of internet addiction, 33% had moderate level of internet addiction and just 1% had severe level of internet addiction, the lower the level of internet addiction the lower will be the anxiety of the higher secondary level school students and girls are found to have significantly higher anxiety than boys.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOTOR FUNCTIONS OF CHILDREN WITHOUT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN
Authors:   Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radzo Alibegovic Dzenana
Published: April 2023

The aim of this research was to examine the development of motor functions in children with visual impairment compared to children without visual impairment. The research included a sample of 70 respondents; 35 with impaired vision and 35 with no visual impairment. The research was conducted in Sarajevo at the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Youth “Nedzarici”, and in Tuzla at the Elementary School “Centar”. The results of the research have shown that respondents with visual impairment have less developed motor functions compared to respondents without visual impairment. The variables on which the respondents with visual impairment achieved the worst results, which refer to the quality of drawing and the speed of drawing, were especially singled out.
STUDENTS‘ VIEWS ON THE APPLICATION OF INNOVATIVE METHODS IN TEACHING
Authors:   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren, Kosovo, Aljilji Ajka , Kurejshepi Esad ,   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren, Kosovo
Published: April 2023

The skills and attitudes acquired in the classes allow the student to get to know and understand the world around him better, to learn more easily in the natural and social environment and to make decisions about personal prosperity. This research includes 300 students, emphasizes the issue of the quality of education in secondary schools, with a focus on the acquisition of knowledge through innovative methods, as well as the issue of the quality of students’ acquired knowledge, the impact on student achievements. Interactions between students and lecturers. Quality knowledge belongs to the level of recognition and reproduction. However, the test results so far show serious deficiencies and failures in teaching in the Republic of Kosovo, indicating the necessity of applying modern techniques and methods of the teaching process in order to improve the quality of teaching, which, among other things, requires personal creativity and engagement of teachers. In order for the aforementioned methods and techniques of curriculum implementation to be applicable, teachers need to be additionally educated and provided with appropriate contemporary literature in these areas. The paper presents the results of the statistical software package SPSS version 25, about students’ attitudes about developing the ability to use modern methods and techniques in teaching based on age, gender in relation to the program of attendance. Researchers suggest the use of innovative methods that have proven to be useful in the teaching and learning process.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND LABOUR MARKET IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO
Authors:   Dean Faculty of Law, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Robaj Avdullah
Published: April 2023

To analyse democratic and legal labour relations in the current conditions of economic and social development means, first and foremost, to highlight their essence and main features, as well as the development trends and future improvements of these relations.The year 2021, like 2020, has been characterized, among others, by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has produced various effects. As an effort to mitigate these effects, the Government of Kosovo has undertaken measures to support employment through the economic recovery package. Based on this context, the main and only purpose of the 1st Measure of economic recovery is the support of employment. Active employment measures have played a very important role in the integration of unemployed persons into the labour market. One of these measures with the largest number of beneficiaries is Vocational Training. Vocational training is a fundamental and very important process to get a job. In this sense, even the latest statistical data (2021) of the official authorities of Kosovo prove that the largest beneficiaries of active labour market measures are the persons who have undergone vocational training. The purpose of Vocational Training is to enable an increase or adoption of professional knowledge, namely to acquire additional knowledge,skills and abilitiesto perform efficient work, in order to increase the prospect of employment or retain their employment. Based on the international aspect, employment and the labour market are under the pressure of many factors, such as demographic, technological, economic and political ones; therefore, vocational training is considered as one of the mostsuccessful active labour market measures.
THE ASSESSMENT OF CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Authors:   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren, Kosovo, Pula Diella , Mehmeti Fatmir ,   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren, Kosovo, Reshani Artan ,   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti” Prizren, Kosovo
Published: April 2023

This study aims to identify the classroom management skills of primary school teachers who teach in primary schools in the Municipality of Prizren. The study also aims to determine whether classroom management skills vary depending on the gender, work experience, and their level of education. For the chosen topic, quantitative approach/method was applied.The sample of the study consists of 307 teachers from different public and private schools, including schools in urban and rural areas of the Municipality of Prizren. To collect the data for the research problem, we used the survey technique with its instrument, the questionnaire for primary school teachers. The Mann Whitney U Test analysis was used to see among which groups there are differences between teachers’ opinions regarding classroom management skills and their teaching experiences. Whereas, to see among which groups there are differences, between teachers’ opinions regarding classroom management skills and their teaching experience as well as between the level of the classes where they teach, the Kruskal Wallis H Test was used. The conclusions from the analysis show that there are significant differences between teachers’ opinions regarding classroom management skills and the gender of teachers and teachers’ experience.
PHONEME RECOGNITION AND CONFUSIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS
Authors:   Faculty of Philosophy,Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Skopje, North Macedonia, Jachova Zora , Ristovska Lidija ,   Division of Audiology , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, City General Hospital “8th September“, Skopje, North Macedonia, Kovacevic Jasmina ,   Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, Krasniqi Nerxhivane ,   Faculty of Education, University“Kadri Zeka“, Kosovo
Published: April 2023

Hearing impaired listeners show different phoneme confusions during speech recognition testing. The aim of the study was to analyze phoneme recognition in patients with sensorineural hearing loss during word recognition testing with monosyllable words, as well as, to compare consonant confusions in different vowel context. Recognition of 18 initial and final consonants was analyzed in a total of 698 presentations of the words. There were 1154 (82.7%) correct recognitions and 100 consonant confusions (7.2%). The patients did not response at a total of 71 presentations of the words which means that consonants in 142 cases (10.2%) were not recognized, nor confused. There are no consonant confusion patterns during suprathreshold testing with real words. In cases of phoneme confusions, listeners replace the stimulus word with another word from the lexical neighborhood. In terms of the vowel context, the consonants are the most easily identified in the context of the vowel /a/.
OVERCOMING THE STUDENT’S SPEAKING ANXIETY DISORDERS THROUGH PLAYBACK THEATRE THERAPY
Authors:   School of Social Science and Languages VIT University, Vellore, Catherine V. Dorothy , Devi V. Anitha ,   School of Social Science and Languages VIT University, Vellore
Published: April 2023

In India, English language teachers encounter numerous challenges while developing speaking skill of the learners in rural and semi-urban regions. There are many activities like role-play, theatre and drama to improve the oral competence of the second language learners of English. Playback theatre is an improvisational theatre technique where the participants will enact and perform the stories on the spot. Playback theatre therapy training may prove as a crucial factor in overcoming affective filters while speaking and learners may gain better development and awareness of language expressions in English. This process will aid in the development of their communication skills. Anxiety, motivation, and self-confidence are identified as factors that affect the speaking performance of students. Anxiety is a feeling defined by nervousness, perplexity, and fear. When students are anxious, they are often reluctant to speak and fear making mistakes. Anxiety disorder would prevent the oral performances from being consistent. Majority of the learners at the undergraduate level quite often encounter anxiety when they speak in English. So, playback theatre therapy training as a workshop was organized to identify the relevance of such activities to improve the speaking skills of the learners. The participants of the study are from Undergraduate programme in Vellore district. The sampling method employed in the study is purposive sampling method. 38 participants were selected as the samples for this study. The playback theatre activities like warm up, introducing myself with an adjective, taking someone’s place, becoming the object, fluid sculpt, tableau and metaphor was employed as the intervention to improve the speaking skills and alleviate the speaking anxiety among the learners. The study concludes that Playback theatre activities have a considerable impact on learners’ anxiety level, expressiveness and attentiveness, composure, and speech naturalness.
FEEDBACK TECHNIQUES – IMPACT ON COMMUNICATION
Authors:   University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo, Miftari Vehbi , Shehu Lokaj Alma ,   University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo, Hajdari Vjosa ,   University “Haxhi Zeka”, Peja, Kosovo
Published: April 2023

Giving and receiving information about employee performance is something that happens every day within an organization. This process of assessment has a clear goal: to clarify the level of performance the employees have to achieve and the steps they have to undertake to achieve the performance standards. In a normal business environment and a positive organizational culture, they both share their views and perceptions without any barriers and try to do that positively, not threatening, irritating, or judging each on their views. Our article analyses the use of the sandwich feedback technique in public administration as one of the sectors where organizational culture and climate differ from those of the business environment and where the spread of messages is more complicated. Connected to this, we analysed if this technique is the most appropriate technique for communicators who want to transform the business environment and culture.
VISUAL PHONICS: RELEVANT FOR ALL EARLY READERS, ESPECIALLY STRUGGLING READERS
Authors:   Faculty of Education, Duzce University, Düzce, Türkiye, Nur Kart Ayse
Published: April 2023

Visual Phonics is a multisensory method for teaching phonological skills using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities and has the potential to improve the literacy development of diverse students, especially struggling readers. Many interventions designed for specific populations (e.g., students who are deaf or have learning disabilities) can be generalized to the larger population of students. However, the potential of these interventions is often overlooked or regarded as not applicable to specific cohorts of students. Visual Phonics is one such example. Therefore, this paper describes visual phonics, reviews selected studies on its effectiveness, and provides instructional activities and strategies of Visual Phonics to show how to use this system effectively.
ACQUISITION OF REAL ESTATE FROM NON-OWNERS ACCORDING TO THE LAND REGISTRY AND PROPERTY RIGHTS LAW IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - transformation of the legal rule on gross negligence into the legal rule on doubt
Authors:   Faculty of Law, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kristic Ivan , Mutapcic Hamid ,   Faculty of Law, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: April 2023

Yugoslav jurisprudence has taken an attitude that in addition to examination of the land registry and ownership state of real estate, it is necessary to verify whether the seller is the actual owner and possessor of real estate. The Law on Land Registries of the FBiH prescribes a radically different way of regulating this legal issue, in the way that prescribes gross negligence as a condition of conscientiousness of the later acquirer. In the process of drafting and passing the new Law on the Property Rights, our legislator realized unenforceability of the legal rule on gross negligence in the Law on the Land Registries, and transformed it into a legal rule on doubt as significantly more responsible relation of the later acquirer, according to off-the-record facts related to a certain real estate. The paper analysed the aforementioned legal rules and the goal of the transformation of legal rules was declared through the essential interpretation of the new Law on the Property Rights of the FBiH. Attitudes and proposals de lege ferenda were taken for proper application of legal rules, which should ultimately result in harmonisation of judicial practice.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS IN SCIENCE AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors:   Faculty of Biznis, University “Haxhi Zeka”, Pec/Pejë, Kosovo, A. Dzogovic Suada , Bajrami Vedat ,   Faculty of Education, University “Ukshin Hoti”, Prizren, Kosovo
Published: April 2023

The research possibilities of a qualitative approach have a long tradition in the social sciences and humanities, including different perspectives on theoretical foundations, research strategies, techniques, and data collection and analysis methods. The qualitative methodology first developed in cultural anthropology and ethnology, where the anthropological works of Malinowski, Strauss, Boas, and others marked the foundations of the field method of collecting data and conducting ethnographic studies. However, to date, there is no single definition of qualitative methodology, just as there are no studies that do not require the dimensions of different approaches. Starting from the observation that the question of the compatibility of qualitative and quantitative research methods is still a source of disagreement among researchers, arising from academic criticism of the quality and reliability of qualitative research, this study aims to highlight the role and importance of qualitative research in the scientific and educational process. Through the theoretical analysis of the relevant sources of methodological studies, the authors present some fundamental principles of the qualitative approach and its leading research strategies, illustrating the theoretical aspects with the most important constructs in this methodological area. The findings of this article show that despite the diversity of scientific literature and research on defining the value of qualitative research, a systematic and in-depth study of qualitative methodological issues is still needed to contribute to the improvement of the literature and increase the value of this approach in scientific and educational research practice. Accordingly, although the authors sustain a mixed research approach, they also emphasize the importance of qualitative methods, which should not be viewed separately from the research process.
COVID-19 SECOND WAVE: EXPERIENCE OF CLINIC FOR LUNG DISEASE, UNIVERSITY CLINICAL CENTER TUZLA
Authors:   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Umihanic Sefika Umihanic , Umihanic Sekib ,   Clinic for Ear, Nose, Throat Disease and Head Neck Surgery, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jahic Rahima ,   Clinic for Infectious Disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Smajic Jasmina ,   Clinic for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Halilovic Dzenan ,   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnjic Jasmina ,   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Piljic Dilista ,   Clinic for Infectious Disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bandovic- Kuduzovic Medina ,   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nezic Lejla ,   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Smajic Ena ,   Clinic for lung disease, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper was to present basic clinical characteristics and outcomes of treating Covid 19 patients during the second wave of the pandemic. In the retrospective study for the period from September 2020 to February 2021 it was analyzed disease history data and radiological lung changes, time from the initial start of the disease until hospitalization, parameters of blood gas analysis, comorbidities, and the outcome. The research covered 409 patients, out of which 263 (64.3%) were males. Average age was 67.07± 12.44 years (min. 20; max. 93). A high comorbidities prevalence (82.9%) was noticed out of which arterial hypertension (69.2%), diabetes mellitus (37.7%) and obesity (24.7%). On the radiological lung scan the most noticed changes were consolidation (46.2%), “ground glass” (41.3%) and interstitial changes (13%). Bilateral lung infiltration was noticed in 91.9% of the patients. Average oxygen saturation was 84.29%±10.28% (min. 35; max. 98; med. 87%). In patients with unilateral lung infiltration, average oxygen saturation was 85.09%±8.60% (med. 89%, min.61% max 98%), while in patients with bilateral lung infiltration average was 84.22%±10.42% (med. 87%, min. 35%, max. 98%). From the total all patients’ death was noticed in 35.7% cases. Morbidity of patients with unilateral lung infiltration was 27.3% and in patients with unilateral infiltration 36.4%. Hospital admission in the first week of the disease indicates the severity of the clinical condition and can be a predictor of poor outcome. Bilateral pulmonary infiltration, obesity and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for high mortality.
ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS AND ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS DURING THE COVID-19
Authors:   UBT University for Bussiness and Technology, Kosovo, Spahija Gjikolli Fidane
Published: April 2023

Aim. The researcher’s goal is to investigate how organizational characteristics affect the process of making ethical decisions. Methods. The study’s focus was on certified accountants working in Kosovo during the Covid19 era. The task is qualitative in nature; SPPS is used to process the data after Excel has done so. This study used descriptive and regression analysis. Results. The study demonstrated that organizational criteria like size, industry, the presence of an ethics code, and ethical climate have an impact on how decisions are made. To identify organizational elements and, as a result, improve the ethical decision-making process, the paper’s findings may have policy implications. Conclusions. This study provided insight into how to increase the influence of organizational elements in ethical decision-making, particularly in the accounting field. A sound foundation for an ethical decision-making process that is sustainable is provided by the recommendations at the end of the paper
Futibatinib: A Potent and Irreversible Inhibitor of Fibroblast Growth
Factor Receptors for Treatment of the Bile Duct Cancer
Authors: De Surya K.
Published: April 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer. Futibatinib is an irreversible, potent,
selective inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR 1-4). On September
30, 2022, the US FDA first approved futibatinib to treat adult patients with bile duct cancer
whose disease is unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
harboring fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene mutations or other
classes of rearrangements. The approval of this medicine was based on phase 3 clinical
trial results including an overall response rate (ORR) of 42% and a duration of response
(DoR) of 9.7 months. This short perspective summarizes Futibatinib’s synthesis, physicochemical
properties, dosage, route of administration, mechanism of action, binding mode,
pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, adverse events, and possible
mechanism of resistance.
The Discovery and Development of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
Receptor Agonists
Authors: Fang Haowen , Niu Bing , Chen Qin
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus has become a serious life-threatening disease. As one of the
new drugs for the treatment of diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have attracted a lot of attention.
Compared with traditional hypoglycemic drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists have
good safety and tolerability. To a certain extent, they overcome the problem of the short
half-life of natural GLP-1 in vivo and can exist stably in patients for a long time, achieving
good results in the treatment of diabetes, as well as improving the symptoms of some
complications. The GLP-1 receptor agonists in the market are all peptide drugs. Compared
with peptide drugs, small molecule agonists have the advantages of low cost and
oral administration. In this article, we review the recent research progress of GLP-1 receptor
agonists.
Research Progress of Chitosan-based Multifunctional Nanoparticles
in Cancer Targeted Therapy
Authors: Lai Chunmei , Lin Simin , Liu Wei , Jin Yanqiao
Published: April 2023

Conventional tumor therapeutic modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy,
and surgery, involve low tumor inhibition efficiency, non-targeted drug delivery, and
side effects. The development of novel and practical nano-drug delivery systems (DDSs)
for targeted tumor therapy has become particularly important. Among various bioactive
nanoparticles, chitosan is considered a suitable candidate for drug delivery due to its nontoxicity,
good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The amino and hydroxyl groups of
chitosan endow it with the diverse function of chemical modification, thereby improving
its physical and biological properties to meet the requirements of advanced biomedical
applications. Therefore, it is necessary to review the property and applications of chitosan-
based materials in biomedicine. In this review, the characteristics of chitosan related
to its applications are first introduced, and then the preparation and modification of
chitosan-based nanoparticles, including the function tailoring of chitosan-modified nanoparticles,
are demonstrated and discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of chitosan-
based nanomaterials in this emerging field are proposed from the perspective of the
rational and systematic design for the biomedicine field.
Development and Validation of the Questionnaire for Adaptive Hyperactivity and Goal Achievement (AHGA)
Authors: Kalcev Goce , Cossu Giulia , Preti Antonio , Littera Maria Teresa , Frau Stèphanie , Primavera Diego , Zaccheddu Rosanna , Matza Veronica , Ermellino Marta , Pintus Elisa , Carta Mauro G.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

This paper illustrates the preliminary psychometric properties of the Questionnaire for Adaptive Hyperactivity and Goal Achievement (AHGA), aimed at measuring adaptive characteristics of hyperactivity and goal pursuit in older adults.

Methods:

The 12-item scale was administered to a sample of 120 subjects (older adults) between February 2022 and June 2022. The reliability of AHGA was measured using Cronbach’s alpha, and factor structure was established using parallel analysis (PA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Convergent validity was tested against the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN).

Results:

All included subjects have an average age of 74.1±5.1 years. AHGA reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.713 [95%CI: 0.630 to 0.783]). Factor analysis suggested two main components: goal achievement and hyperactivity, which explained 41% of the variance in the data. The results support the convergent validity of the scale: AHGA measures adaptive characteristics of hyperactivity and goal pursuit, in contrast to BRIAN, which measures pathological characteristics.

Conclusion:

The reported findings represent an innovative approach to hyperthymic features by embracing a broader spectrum concept that conceptualizes the potential transition between pathological and adaptive aspects as a continuum.
The Fate of Fungi in the Bioremediation of Pharmaceutical Drug Wastes
Authors: Chaurasia Pankaj Kumar , Kumari Sunita , Singh Sunita , Bharati Shashi Lata
Published: April 2023

Pharmaceutical drug wastes are pharmaceutical molecules that may be released into the environment through various ways, like from pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, or health care channels.
Such molecules may be poisonous to the aquatic environment, aquatic lives as well as human beings. In
the green approaches toward their treatment, fungi and their extracellular or intracellular enzymes may be
significantly useful in the bioremediation of pharmaceutical pollutants. This editorial presents a brief
overview of the fungal-assisted bioremediation of pharmaceutical drugs present as wastes and the fate of
the fungal applicability towards such bioremediation processes.
Spirit of Place as an Attraction of Heritage Area In Medan City, Indonesia
Authors: Andalucia Andalucia , Ginting Nurlisa , Aulia Dwira Nirfalini , Hadinugroho Dwi Lindarto
Published: April 2023

A "spirit of place" is a bond between a place and its people built on tangible and intangible aspects, forming the identity or character of a community. The development of a city brings changes in different aspects that might put pressure on historical worth. Places that have a spirit will have a meaning that visitors can feel. Meaning generated by a place affects the relationship between the individual's soul and the place where the individual is located. This study will use literature review methodologies to develop a spirit of place theoretical framework for heritage tourist attractions in Medan city.
Operational Implementation of Remote Patient Monitoring Within a Large Ambulatory Health System: Multimethod Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Lawrence Katharine , Singh Nina , Jonassen Zoe , Groom Lisa L , Alfaro Arias Veronica , Mandal Soumik , Schoenthaler Antoinette , Mann Devin , Nov Oded , Dove Graham
Published: April 2023

Background

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies can support patients living with chronic conditions through self-monitoring of physiological measures and enhance clinicians’ diagnostic and treatment decisions. However, to date, large-scale pragmatic RPM implementation within health systems has been limited, and understanding of the impacts of RPM technologies on clinical workflows and care experience is lacking.

Objective

In this study, we evaluate the early implementation of operational RPM initiatives for chronic disease management within the ambulatory network of an academic medical center in New York City, focusing on the experiences of “early adopter” clinicians and patients.

Methods

Using a multimethod qualitative approach, we conducted (1) interviews with 13 clinicians across 9 specialties considered as early adopters and supporters of RPM and (2) speculative design sessions exploring the future of RPM in clinical care with 21 patients and patient representatives, to better understand experiences, preferences, and expectations of pragmatic RPM use for health care delivery.

Results

We identified themes relevant to RPM implementation within the following areas: (1) data collection and practices, including impacts of taking real-world measures and issues of data sharing, security, and privacy; (2) proactive and preventive care, including proactive and preventive monitoring, and proactive interventions and support; and (3) health disparities and equity, including tailored and flexible care and implicit bias. We also identified evidence for mitigation and support to address challenges in each of these areas.

Conclusions

This study highlights the unique contexts, perceptions, and challenges regarding the deployment of RPM in clinical practice, including its potential implications for clinical workflows and work experiences. Based on these findings, we offer implementation and design recommendations for health systems interested in deploying RPM-enabled health care.
Running trends in Switzerland from 1999-2019 – slower, longer and older? (Preprint)
Authors: Witthöft Anja , Marcin Thimo , Thuany Mabliny , Scheer Volker , Lieb Konstantin , Aidar Felipe J , Souza Raphael F , Nikolaidis Pantelis , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Several single race events (5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon) have been analyzed in multiple studies. It is known that 5 km and 10 km races attract many athletes with a focus on women and that the top finishers are getting faster in 10 km races, while younger runners were the fastest. Regarding half-marathon and marathon races there is a focus on male participants, with less but faster marathoners compared to half-marathoners. Across years, the sex difference in performance decreased in both races. In ultra-marathon, an increase in participation numbers as well as in performance has been detected, with a focus on male finishers. The performance gap between men and women seems to be stable. In summary, we have a lot of single study results, but not the running trends for several running distances over 20 years and in a whole country.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is therefore to examine 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon races by age, sex, participation numbers and performance during two decades (1999-2019) for one country (Switzerland).

METHODS

We analyzed 1,172,836 finishers (370,517 women and 802,319 men) competing between 1999 and 2019 in 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon running races held in Switzerland. We used online available data about the athletes and examined total finishing numbers, sex, age and performances. In ultra-marathons, we performed a linear model as sensitivity analyses for change in running speed. Do-not-finishers were excluded.

RESULTS

The most frequented race was the half-marathon (33.1% of finishers), the less frequented was the ultra-marathon distance (8.5% of finishers). In most recent years, only the number of finishers in ultra-marathon, especially in trail runs increased. In total, there were more male finishers (68.4 %) than female finishers (31.6 %) and only in 5 km races, more women finished than men (55.3%). Men were faster than women and both sexes were running slower in all race distances across years. Athletes in 10 km races had the best performance within the five analyzed race distances. Median age increased with longer race distance and decreased in ultra-marathon in recent years.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, finishing numbers especially in ultra-marathons increased with a focus on trail runs, female and male athletes had a declining performance across years in all race distances and men ran faster than women. Median age increased with longer race distance and showed a downtrend only in ultra-marathon in recent years.
Impact of Virtual Social participation on Cognitive Level among Middle-Aged and Elderly People in China: A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Fan Shishuai , Yang Yifan
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

How to slow down the cognitive decline and reduce the incidence of dementia of the elderly is an urgent problem at present. Many past studies have found a number of risk and benefit factors that may influence cognitive level. Few studies, however, have focused on the effects of virtual social participation through Internet on cognitive level of the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between virtual social participation and cognitive level of middle-aged and elderly people.

METHODS

This study consists of 40,408 middle-aged and elderly people from 2013, 2015, and 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). In addition, a quasi-natural experiment method of difference-in-differences (DID) was used to eliminate endogenous problems caused by missing variables.

RESULTS

Virtual social participation can effectively improve the cognitive level of Chinese middle-aged and elderly people (β=0.542, p=0.01); Compared with urban residents, virtual social participation has a better effect on the cognitive level of rural people (0.368 vs 0.735); Compared with middle-aged people, virtual social participation has a better effect on the cognitive level of the elderly (0.305 vs 0.479); Different types of virtual social participation activities, such as playing games (β=0.940, p=0.05), watching videos (β=0.793, p=0.01), watching news (β=0.764, p=0.01) and chatting online (β=0.686, p=0.05) have different effects on the cognitive level of middle-aged and elderly people; Medium frequency of virtual social participation has better effects on cognitive level of middle-aged and elderly people than high frequency (0.645 vs 0.412); Virtual social participation can indirectly improve the cognitive level of middle-aged and elderly people by improving their mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual social participation through Internet can significantly slow down the cognitive decline of middle-aged and elderly people in China, Therefore, the government, enterprises, communities, and families should cooperate and play an active role in encouraging the middle-aged and elderly groups to participate in the virtual society. It's also important to note that offline social activities are still important, and that high levels of virtual social engagement are not as effective for cognitive decline. Internet addiction of the middle-age and elderly people may become a new psychological disorder.
Rationale, Design, and Methods for the Sedentary Behavior Reduction in Pregnancy Intervention (SPRING): Protocol for a Pilot and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Barone Gibbs Bethany , Kozai Andrea C , McAdoo Shannon N , Bastyr Meghan C , Davis Kelliann D , Hauspurg Alisse , Catov Janet M
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) identify cardiovascular disease risk, but few effective interventions are available. High sedentary behavior (SED) has recently been associated with APOs, but very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have tested SED reduction in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

The Sedentary Behavior Reduction in Pregnancy Intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility RCT addresses this gap by testing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary pregnancy health effects of an intervention to reduce SED in pregnant women. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the rationale and design of SPRING.

METHODS

Pregnant participants (n=53) in their first trimester, who are at risk for high SED and APO and without contraindications, are randomized in a 2:1 ratio to an intervention or control group. SED (primary outcome) and standing durations, and steps per day, are measured objectively in each trimester for 1 week with a thigh-mounted activPAL3 accelerometer. SPRING also seeks to demonstrate feasibility and acceptability while estimating preliminary effects on maternal-fetal health outcomes assessed during study visits and abstracted from medical records. The pregnancy-customized intervention promotes daily behavioral targets of less than 9 hours of SED and at least 7500 steps, achieved via increased standing and incorporating light-intensity movement breaks each hour. The multicomponent intervention provides a height-adjustable workstation, a wearable activity monitor, behavioral counseling every 2 weeks (through videoconference), and membership in a private social media group. Herein, we review the rationale, describe recruitment and screening processes, and detail the intervention, assessment protocols, and planned statistical analyses.

RESULTS

This study was funded by the American Heart Association (20TPA3549099), with a funding period of January 1, 2021, and until December 31, 2023. Institutional review board approval was obtained on February 24, 2021. Participants were randomized between October 2021 and September 2022, with final data collection planned for May 2023. Analyses and submission of results are expected for winter of 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The SPRING RCT will provide initial evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of an SED-reduction intervention to decrease SED in pregnant women. These data will inform the design of a large clinical trial testing SED reduction as a strategy to reduce APO risk.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClincialTrials.gov NCT05093842; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05093842

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/48228
Large Language Models in Medical Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions (Preprint)
Authors: Abd-alrazaq Alaa , AlSaad Rawan , Alhuwail Dari , Ahmed Arfan , Healy Padraig Mark , Latifi Syed , Aziz Sarah , Damseh Rafat , Alabed Alrazak Sadam , Sheikh Javaid
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The integration of large language models (LLMs), such as those in the Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) series, into medical education has the potential to transform learning experiences for students and elevate their knowledge, skills, and competence. Drawing on a wealth of professional and academic experience, we propose that LLMs hold promise for revolutionizing medical curriculum development, teaching methodologies, personalized study plans and learning materials, student assessments, and more. However, we also critically examine the challenges that such integration might pose by addressing issues of algorithmic bias, overreliance, plagiarism, misinformation, inequity, privacy, and copyright concerns in medical education. As we navigate the shift from an information-driven educational paradigm to an artificial intelligence (AI)–driven educational paradigm, we argue that it is paramount to understand both the potential and the pitfalls of LLMs in medical education. This paper thus offers our perspective on the opportunities and challenges of using LLMs in this context. We believe that the insights gleaned from this analysis will serve as a foundation for future recommendations and best practices in the field, fostering the responsible and effective use of AI technologies in medical education.
Совет экономической взаимопомощи в поисках путей развития сельского хозяйства Монголии: доклад экспертной группы от 12 сентября 1963 г.
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Kamandzhaev Narma A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction. By the time Mongolia joined the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, it was a remarkably agriculture-oriented economy, which made it logical that Mongolian representatives would raise the problems of their national agriculture at meetings and sessions of the Council’s bodies. Goals. The study aims to investigate some specific decisions that facilitated the compilation of the CMEA expert group report dated 12 September 1963, and attempts an analysis of its key provisions. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on archival materials contained in Collections 561 (‘CMEA Secretariat’) and 302 (‘Permanent Mission of the USSR to the CMEA’) of the Russian State Archive of the Economy, as well as files from Collection 10 (‘International Conferences and Meetings’) of the Russian State Archive of Contemporary History. The main research methods employed are the historical-descriptive and historical-genetic ones. Results. The report was prepared by a group of agricultural experts representing CMEA member countries which worked in Mongolia from 13 August to 12 September 1963. The experts’ departure was a consequence of a change in the initial procedure for developing proposals aimed at improving Mongolia’s agricultural production. Conclusions. The CMEA expert group report of 12 September 1963 had a complicated and ornate background be traced back to the 16th Session of the CMEA which admitted Mongolia to the organization. Structurally, it consists of 7 same-type sections describing various areas of assistance to Mongolia’s agriculture. In the course of the works, the expert group reviewed the list and scope of positions for the proposed assistance, and at the same time — most importantly — expert support was provided to meet the requests of Mongolia’s representatives, while the latter were still to defend the implementation of the measures recorded in the Report in the course of coordinating the national economic plans of the CMEA member countries.