bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation analysis of the significance and interaction of influencing factors on mixing uniformity of double drum recycling mixing plant
Authors: Ma Dengcheng , Chen Chao , Liu Chengqi
Published: August 2021

The mixing uniformity of the double drum recycling mixing plant has an important effect on the quality of recycled asphalt mixture. The mixing uniformity of the double drum recycling mixing plant not only depends on the axial installation angle of the blade, the radial installation angle of the blade, the phase angle of the stirring arm, the inclination angle of the drum, and the rotation speed of the drum, but also on the interaction between these factors. In order to further clarify the relationship between the mixing uniformity and the above factors, the significance and interaction of influencing factors of mixing uniformity were studied based on EDEM and response surface methodology (RSM). The result shows that the factors affecting the mixing uniformity of the aggregates are significantly different when the aggregate size is different. Therefore, when studying the mixing uniformity of a mixing plant, it is not comprehensive to conduct research on a certain factor in a single-sided manner. Instead, the main factors and the interaction between the factors should be considered comprehensively.
Translocating lipopolysaccharide correlates with the severity of enterovirus A71-induced HFMD by promoting pro-inflammation and viral IRES activity
Authors: Wang Yuya , Xue Xiaoling , Dan Kena , Yang Xiongbo , Yang Qingqing , Feng Xujiao , Yang Jing , Chen Bangtao
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe increase of inflammation-inducing enterobacteria was recently observed in severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71). This study aimed to verify the occurrence of bacterial translocation (BT) and further explore the contributory role of BT to severity of EV-A71-mediated HFMD cases. MethodsSerum specimens from 65 mild and 65 severe EV-A71-associated HFMD cases and 65 healthy children were collected. EV-A71 VP1 in serum, inﬂammatory mediators including C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, BT related biomarkers including Claudin-3, intestinal fatty acid binding protein, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), soluble CD14(sCD14) and endotoxin core antibody were measured by ELISA. Bacterial DNA (BactDNA) fragments were quantified by quantified PCR (qPCR). Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells, infected with LPS-pre-incubated EV-A71 or transfected with plasmid containing viral 2A pro or mRNA containing viral internal ribosomal entry site (IRES), were post-treated with or without LPS in vitro . EV-A71 RNA and viral or cellular proteins were determined by qPCR and western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared to mild HFMD patients, remarkably higher inﬂammatory mediators as well as BT-related biomarkers except BactDNA were observed in severe HFMD cases (all P <0.05). In severe HFMD group, circulating concentrations of LPS and sCD14 showed statistical correlations with inflammation indices (all P <0.05), serum levels of EV-A71 VP1 were found to be positively correlated with serum LPS ( r =0.341, P =0.005) and serum sCD14( r =0.458, P <0.001). In vitro , EV-A71 attachment and internalization were only slightly promoted by LPS pre-incubation; however, EV-A71 proliferation and viral 2A pro -mediated IRES activity were significantly accelerated by LPS post-treatment. ConclusionsOur results collectively indicate that gut-derived translocating LPS contributes to the severity of EV-A71-induced HFMD by driving inflammatory response and viral proliferation via viral 2A pro -mediated IRES.
Genetic propensity for obesity, socioeconomic position, and trajectories of body mass index in older adults
Authors: Tommerup Kristiane , Ajnakina Olesya , Steptoe Andrew
Published: August 2021

Background

Identifying how socioeconomic positioning and genetic factors interact in the development of obesity is imperative for population-level obesity prevention strategies. The current study investigated whether social positioning, either independently or through interaction with a polygenic score for Body Mass Index (BMI-PGS), influences BMI trajectories across older adulthood.
Methods

Data were analysed from 7,183 individuals from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Interactions between the BMI-PGS and; lower educational attainment, SSS, and income, on BMI trajectories across older adulthood were investigated through linear mixed effects models.
Results

Lower educational attainment, SSS and income were each associated with a higher baseline BMI for women, but not for men. There were interaction effects between BMI-PGS and social positioning such that men aged > 65 with a lower educational attainment (β = 0.62; 95%CI = 0.00-1.24), men aged ≤ 65 of a lower income (β=-0.72, 95%CI=-1.21- -0.23) and women aged ≤ 65 of lower SSS (β=-1.41; 95%CI=-2.46-0.36) showed stronger associations between the BMI-PGS and baseline BMI.
Conclusions

Lower socioeconomic positioning showed adverse effects for women’s BMI in older adulthood. While the expression of the BMI-PGS, or extent to which it translates to a higher BMI, was subtly influenced by socioeconomic standing in both women and in men.
Studying C-reactive protein and D-dimer levels in blood may prevent severe complications: A Study in Bangladeshi COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sultana Gazi Nurun Nahar , Srivast Anshika , Akhtaar Khalida , Singh Prajjval Pratap , Islam Md. Anarul , Chaubey Gyaneshwer
Published: August 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a scientific, medical and social challenge. Since clinical course of this disease is largely unpredictable and can develop rapidly causing severe complications, it is important to identify laboratory biomarkers which may help to classify patient’s severity during initial stage. Previous studies have suggested C - reactive protein (inflammatory) and D-dimer (biochemical) as an effective biomarker. The differential severity in patients across the world and our limited understanding in the progression of the disease calls for a multi-country analysis for biomarkers. Therefore, we have analyzed these biomarkers among 228 Bangladeshi COVID-19 patients. We show significant association of COVID-19 severity with these two biomarkers. Thus, we suggest using these biomarkers for Bangladeshi COVID-19 patients for disease monitoring. Such validated preventive measures may decrease the case fatality ratio substantially.
An Efficient Magnetic Nanocatalyst Induced Chemo- and Ferroptosis Synergistic Cancer Therapy in Combination with T1-T2 Dual-Mode Magnetic Resonance Imaging through Doxorubicin Delivery
Authors: Zhu Ling , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Caiyun , Wang Peng , Wu Lizhong , Gao Weiqing , Ding Weilong , Zhang Guilong , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: August 2021

Excessive iron ions in cancer cells can catalyze H2O2 into highly toxic ·OH and then promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing cancer ferroptosis. However, the efficacy of ferroptosis catalyst is still insufficient because of low Fe(II) release, which severely limited its application in clinics. Herein, we developed a novel magnetic nanocatalyst for MRI-guided chemo- and ferroptosis synergistic cancer therapies through iRGD-PEG-ss-PEG modified gadolinium engineering magnetic iron oxide loaded Dox (ipGdIO-Dox). The introduction of gadolinium compound disturbed the structure of ipGdIO-Dox, making magnetic nanocatalyst be more sensitive to weak acid. When the ipGdIO-Dox entered into cancer cells, abundance of Fe(II) ions were released and then catalyzed H2O2 into highly toxic OH·, which would elevate cellular oxidative-stress to damage mitochondria and cell membranes and induced cancer ferroptosis. In addition, the iRGD-PEG-ss-PEG chain coated onto nanoplatform were also broken by high expression of GSH, and then the Dox was released. This process not only effectively inhibited DNA replication, but further activated cellular ROS, making nanoplatform achieve stronger anticancer ability. Besides, the systemic delivery ipGdIO-Dox significantly enhanced T1- and T2-weighted MRI signal of tumor, endowing accurate diagnostic capability for tumor recognition. Therefore, the ipGdIO-Dox might be a promising candidate for developing MRI guided chemo- and chemdynamic synergistic theranostic system.
Inventory of leaf and flower odorants in plants associated with the life cycle of Japanese Papilio butterflies
Authors: INOUE Takashi A , Otani Hitomi , Niihara Kinuko , Fukuda Tatsuya
Published: August 2021

The odorants of eight Japanese mainland native species (Citrus x deliciosa, Zanthoxylum ailanthoides Siebold & Zucc, Z. schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc., Z. piperitum L., Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht, Orixa japonica Thunb., Skimmia japonica Thunb., and Boenninghausenia albiflora (Hook.) Rchb. ex Meisn.), one tropical species (Euodia meliifolia (Hance) Benth.), and one invasive species (Ruta graveolens) of the Rutaceae family and three Japanese mainland native species (Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz., Heracleum lanatum W. Bartram, Anthriscus sylvestris (Blume) DC), and one invasive species (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) of the Apiaceae family were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with dynamic–headspace and thermal–desorption methods. These plants are hostplants to Japanese Papilio butterflies. Herein, these 14 plants were classified into six major groups based on the odorant volatiles, which did not correspond to the current phylogenetic classification. Similarly, floral odorant analysis of the six plant species (Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunb., Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagnep., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Lonicera japonica Thunb., C. deliciosa, Z. ailanthoides) visited by Papilio butterflies for nectaring, revealed the presence of linalool in all the flowers. Floral volatiles in C. deliciosa and Z. ailanthoides exhibited moderate resemblance to their respective leaf volatiles. Interestingly, our results in C. trichotomum was not in complete agreement with previous reports, emphasizing the need for newer methods of extraction and analysis.
Enhanced photodetection performance of sputtered cupric oxide thin film through annealing process
Authors: Tariq Maha , Afzal Naveed , Rafique Mohsin
Published: August 2021

This study demonstrates an improvement in the photodetection response of a Cupric Oxide (CuO) thin film through the annealing process. The CuO thin film (400 nm thickness) was deposited on a silicon substrate using DC magnetron sputtering system. Annealing of the as-deposited film was carried out in a muffle furnace at 400 and 500 oC for two hours. X-ray diffraction pattern revealed the formation of a single phase CuO film whose crystallinity improved with increase of the annealing temperature. The field emission scanning electron microscopy indicated a compact and fine granular strcutre of the as-seposited film whereas the segregation and agglomeration of grains was observed after the film’s annealing. The photodetection performance of CuO film with Al contacts was investigated under the exposure of visible light (λ = 460 nm). The current-voltage graphs of as-deposited and annealed films displayed Schottky contact formation between the metal and semiconductor, owing to a lower work function of Al than that of the CuO. The photo-to-dark current ratio of the device was significantly enhanced after the film’s annealing. The increase in photocurrent became more pronounced upon increasing the light intensity from 58.4 to 511 µW/cm2. The maximum current gain and sensitivity values were found to be 66 and 7086.8 % respectively at 10V bias for the film annealed at 500 oC. The rise and fall time of the Al/CuO/Al photodetector was decreased after the film’s annealing.
Attributable fraction of tobacco smoking on cancer deaths from 2010 to 2019 using mortality case-control study in Tianjin, China
Authors: LI Wei , Xiaodan XUE , Dandan LI , ZHANG Ying , SHEN Wenda , Guohong JIANG
Published: August 2021

Background: Smoking is by far the most important cause of cancer that can be modified at the individual level. Asia has a high incidence of cancer incidence and death, while China has the highest incidence in Asia, and accounting for 27% of the world's cancer deaths. The purpose of the current study was to perform an evidence-based assessment of the burden of tobacco smoking-related cancers death in the Tianjin, China. Methods: A mortality case-control study to assess the risks of all-cause and major causes of cancer death attributable to smoking from 2010 to 2019. Results: Tobacco smoking was responsible for 23,709 (28.87%) cancer deaths among adult men and 8,648 (13.37%) among adult women in 2010 to 2019 in Tianjin. Lung cancer remains the largest cause of cancer death. In men, 49.06% of lung cancer, 27.55% of upper aerodigestive cancer, 10.11% of liver, 13.56% of kidney and other urinary cancer deaths were attributable to tobacco smoking. In women the proportion of ever-smoking-attributable lung cancer was 31.56%, 10.59% of upper aerodigestive and 10.56% of bladder cancer deaths. By year, smoking-attributable cancer deaths in men increased from 1817 in 2010 to 2695 in 2019; for women, the number remained stable at just over 800 per year. Conclusions: Approximately one in three cancer deaths in men and one in six cancer deaths in women would be potentially preventable through appropriate control of tobacco smoking in Tianjin. Effective control programs against tobacco smoking should be further implemented.
AI, Big Data powered method of life expectancy prediction, severe diseases early stages detection, prevention
Authors: Valerievich Dushkin Roman , Alekseevna Lelekova Vasilisa , Sergeevich Maksimov Vladislav , Olegovich Teterin Oleg
Published: August 2021

Aging is a part of human life, often accompanied by serious illnesses. Nowadays, people sometimes do not live up to the biological aging of the body at all due to late-timed diagnosis of diseases. Unfortunately, the methods of early detection of diseases associated with aging do not yet have the technical equipment that would allow them to be fully implemented. This article provides an overview of methods for defining and analyzing the aging of the body. This is a review article of a novel hardware and software complex for health monitoring developed by a scientific group, which analyzes human bio parameters using artificial intelligence algorithms. The relevance of the proposed system is undeniable due to the used algorithms of artificial intelligence, with the help of which it is possible to quickly and accurately analyze a large amount of data related to human aging. The article will be of interest to developers of artificial intelligence, biostatisticians and scientists working on the definition of aging in the human body.
Vertraglich vereinbarter Sex gegen Entgelt ist nicht sittenwidrig
Authors: Hotz Sandra , Lüdi Meret
Published: August 2021

Die strafrechtliche Abteilung des Bundesgerichts weist die Beschwerde eines Studenten ab und bestätigt dessen Verurteilung wegen Betrugs. Der Beschwerdeführer hatte seiner Vertragspartnerin die vereinbarten CHF 2000 für die von ihr erbrachten sexuellen Dienstleistungen nicht bezahlt und stellte sich auf den Standpunkt, es sei kein gültiger Vertrag zwischen ihnen zustande gekommen. Das Bundesgericht folgt in seinen Erwägungen der wohl herrschenden Lehre, dem Bundesrat und gewissen kantonalen Urteilen, wonach der Sexarbeitsvertrag nicht (mehr) per se sittenwidrig sei, und lässt der sexuellen Dienstleistung einen Vermögenswert zukommen. Es bestehe kein Widerspruch zu den der Gesamtrechtsordnung immanenten ethischen Prinzipien und Wertmassstäben, womit die Vereinbarung als gültig zu qualifizieren sei. Damit ist ein lang erwartetes Urteil gefällt. Es bleiben weitere rechtliche Massnahmen zu treffen.
--
La chambre pénale du Tribunal fédéral rejette le grief d'un étudiant et confirme sa condamnation pour escroquerie. Le plaignant avait refusé de payer à sa partenaire contractuelle les 2 000 CHF convenus pour les services sexuels fournis par celle-ci, au motif qu’aucun contrat valable n’avait été conclu entre eux. Dans ses considérations, le Tribunal fédéral suit la doctrine dominante, issue du Conseil fédéral et de certains arrêts cantonaux, selon laquelle le contrat de travail sexuel n'est pas (plus) immoral en soi, et permet au service sexuel d'avoir une valeur patrimoniale. Étant donné qu’il n'y a pas de contradiction avec les principes et normes éthiques inhérents à l'ordre juridique général, l'accord doit être qualifié de valable. Il s’agit d’un jugement longuement attendu. D’autres mesures juridiques devront encore être prises.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS ON INTRAORAL REPAIR OF FRACTURED ZIRCONIA BASED RESTORATIONS IN NAMAKKAL DISTRICT- A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY
Authors:   Post Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tamilnadu., Saravanan Soundaria , Abraham Mathew Chalakuzhiyil ,   Professor and Head, Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, K.S.R Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tamilnadu., Shrinnivasan P. ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tamilnadu., Vishnu Priya V. ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tamilnadu., Gowtham Vignesh K.G. ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Prosthodontics, Crown and Bridge, K.S.R. Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tamilnadu.
Published: August 2021

Restoring lost tooth structure with a material that mimics natural teeth, both in contour and color, is gaining attention among the dentist as well as the patients. One such esthetic material is zirconia. Monolithic Zirconia based restorations are restricted for posterior regions, where mechanical properties are of prime concern and Bilayered Zirconia restorations, are used to achieve better esthetics in the anterior regions. Fracture or chipping of the veneered Zirconia based restorations has been reported clinically and rather than replacing the entire fractured restoration, intraoral repair procedures can be carried out to correct the fractured restoration, which are proven scientifically. Many intraoral repair systems are available in the market. Dentist should have in depth knowledge and awareness on how and when to use the intra oral repair system for each case, which will prevent the need for fabricating a new restoration. Thus the aim of this study is to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among general dental practitioners and postgraduate students on intraoral repair of fractured zirconia based restorations in Namakkal district.
CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AS A TOOL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF BONE FILL IN INTRABONY DEFECTS WITH USE OF NANOGENTM BONE GRAFT
Authors: Mounika Bangaru , Reddy P. Ajay , Vasudevan Sanjay , a Vaishnavi , Rajoria Sunny , Ravindhar K.
Published: August 2021

Aims and Objectives-The aim of the present study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of synthetic nanocrystalline calcium sulphate bone graft (NANOGENTM) in treatment of intrabony defect both clinically and radiographically. Materials and Methods- Study was conducted in 10 patients with 10 defect sites with probing pocket depth >5mm with radiographs at base line were selected. All the sites with intrabony defects treated with NanogenTM bone graft and follow up was done for 3 months and 6 months respectively. Clinical parameters included in the study are of plaque index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), Sulcus bleeding index (SBI). Radiographic parameters include bone fill. Results-In the present study, the mean clinical attachment loss, plaque index, probing depth index, sulcus bleeding index at baseline was 9.11Â±1.054, 1.5278Â±1.9543, 8.44Â±1.130, 3.7222Â±.77504 respectively, reduced to 5.7Â±1.093,.6389Â±.37731,3.67Â±.500,1.2222Â±.75462 respectively at the end of the 3 months.5.00Â±.707, .4167Â±.39528, 2.78Â±.667, .4167Â±.46771 respectively at the end of the 6 months. The mean bone fill baseline was 9.11 Â± 1.054 mm which was reduced to 5.78 Â± 1.093 mm at 3 months and reduced to 5.00 Â± 0.707 mm at 6 months, showing a bone fill of 3.933 Â± 0.3640 mm by the end of three months and 4.256 Â± 0.3678 by the end of six months which were statistically significant (P=0.002). Conclusion- Present study, evidenced that reduction in probing depths, gain in clinical attachment level and bone fill. Improvement of clinical and radiographic parameters at sites treated with NanogenTM.
MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE DEFICIT THROUGH AYURVEDA
Authors:   PG Scholar, PG Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Gurukul Campus, Haridwar., Nandini Shah , a Deepshikha ,   Assistant Professor, PG Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Uttarakhand AyurvedUniversity, Gurukul Campus, Haridwar., G.P Garg ,   Professor and H.O.D., PG Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Uttarakhand AyurvedUniversity, Gurukul Campus, Haridwar.
Published: August 2021

Pursuit for healthy offspring has been mentioned as one of the feats of human life. Several neuropsychiatric conditions associated with children are recorded every year one of which being Cognitive deficit. There is no direct correlation of Cognitive deficit in Ayurveda but it can be correlated with Jadatwa, Jada or Jadyata on the basis of similarity in symptoms. Having no cure for such mental conditions they can only be effectively managed by utilizing herbal medicines, lifestyle, dietary regimen, Rasayan and Panchkarmatherapies mentioned in Ayurvedic texts to promote healing of body, mind and soul. Ayurveda also focuses on preventive measures for healthy progeny. These therapies not only improve quality of life but also relieves the physical, mental and social stress of the custodian. This paper aims at highlighting the picture of Cognitive deficit in children as well ascritically analyses the vast treatment options in Ayurveda.Each plant is discussed separately with special reference to their relation with Cognitive deficit (Mental retardation) along with the therapies and prophylactic measures that can prove to be successful in the management of Cognitive deficit.The material for this article was searched at PubMed, Google scholar, Ayurvedic texts and cross-referencing of previous articles was done. Articles published in English language within last 22 years were referred to write this review article.
PLASTIC POLLUTION MANAGEMENT: A PANACEA FOR NIGERIA S UNTAPPED WASTE TO WEALTH GROWTH; A STUDY OF SOME SELECTED URBAN CITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIAENUGU, OWERRI, AWKA AND UMUAHIA
Authors:   Department of Business Administration and Management School of Business Studies Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria., E. Ejim Patrick , Eze Jude ,   Department of Business Administration and Management School of Business Studies Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Published: August 2021

The study investigated on the plastic pollution management: A panacea for Nigerias untapped waste to wealth growth: A study of some selected urban cities in south east Nigeria Enugu, Owerri, Awka and Umuahia. The specific objectives include to: examine the extent management of plastic waste have aided employment generation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria, Nigeria determine the extent value chain network of plastic management has aided wealth creation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional survey. The study instrument includes Garbage picking kits, health hazard prevention materials, waste selector machines, questionnaire, video coverage and security kits to help the research attendants for easy identification. Procedure: The study identified various dump sites across the cities mentioned. Out of a population of 6,454 staff, the sample size of 1096 was chosen after applying the Freund and Williams formula for the determination of adequate sample size. Out of the sample size of 912 returned the questionnaire and accurately filled. That gave 83 percent response rate. The validity of the instrument was tested using content analysis and the result was good. The reliability was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). It gave a reliability co-efficient of 0.85 which was also good. Data was presented and analyzed by mean score (3.0 and above agreed while below 3.0 disagreed) and standard deviation using Sprint Likert Scale. The hypotheses were analyzed using Z- test statistics tool. The findings of the reveals that management of plastic waste has positive effect on employment generation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria r (85, n = 1096) = 24.471, p < 0.05 value chain network of plastic management had positive effect on wealth creation in some urban areas in South East, Nigeria r (85, n = 1096) = 46.882, p < 0.05. The study concluded that in order for solid waste management and plastic production systems to coevolved towards maximizing recycling as a strategy for plastic waste management. The study recommended among others, that there is a need to formulate and enforce a plastic bag regulation primarily to do away with the menace and to guide any such endeavors.
Stochastic modeling of artificial neural networks for real-time hydrological forecasts based on uncertainties in transfer functions and ANN weights
Authors: Wu Shiang-Jen , Hsu Chih-Tsung , Chang Che-Hao
Published: August 2021

This study proposes a stochastic artificial neural network (named ANN_GA-SA_MTF), in which the parameters of the multiple transfer functions considered are calibrated by the modified genetic algorithm (GA-SA), to effectively provide the real-time forecasts of hydrological variates and the associated reliabilities under the observation and predictions given (model inputs); also, the resulting forecasts can be adjusted through the real-time forecast-error correction method (RTEC_TS&KF) based on difference between real-time observations and forecasts. The observed 10-days rainfall depths and water levels (i.e., hydrological estimates) from 2008 to 2018 recorded within the Shangping sub-basin in northern Taiwan are adopted as the study data and their stochastic properties are quantified for simulating 1,000 sets of rainfall and water levels at 36 10-days periods as the training datasets. The results from the model verification indicate that the observed 10-days rainfall depths and water levels are obviously located at the prediction interval (i.e., 95% confidence interval), revealing that the proposed ANN_GA-SA_MTF model can capture the temporal behavior of 10-days rainfall depths and water levels within the study area. In spite of the resulting forecasts with an acceptable difference from the observation, their real-time corrections have evident agreement with the observations, namely, the resulting adjusted forecasts with high accuracy.
Capacidades de los centros de investigación colombianos del sector aeronáutico militar y su enfoque estratégico
Authors: Contreras-Gutiérrez Diana Carolina , Martínez-Lobo Alicia del Pilar , Fierro-Russi Andrés Felipe
Published: August 2021

Este artículo presenta un análisis del enfoque estratégico y las capacidades de los centros de investigación del sector aeronáutico militar en Colombia. Para ello se utilizó una metodología descriptiva de revisión comparada.Se identificaron y analizaron seis centros de investigación en el sector, lo que permitió determinar su madurez en temas de ciencia y tecnología con base en sus capacidades y su estrategia, y cómo estas variables se relacionan con tres escenarios estratégicos del sector. Se destaca que los centros cuentan con capacidades para la producción de conocimiento; sin embargo, deben fortalecerse para lograr procesos de desarrollo tecnológico e innovación, aun cuando estos son objetivos de su estrategia. El avance en ciencia y tecnología del sector aeronáutico militar es fundamental para el cumplimiento de las políticas nacionales en defensa y seguridad.
Strongyloides stercoralis infestation in a pediatric patient
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Ricardo , Lepe-Balsalobre Esperanza
Published: August 2021

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic disease, very rare in countries like Spain, caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis nematode. We present a case of a 5-year-old patient from Ecuador who came to the Emergency Department due to fever, colicky abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, and occasional vomiting of several days of evolution. In laboratory studies, a marked leukocytosis with eosinophilia stands out, for which reason a microscopic study of the stool was carried out where larval forms compatible with Strongyloides stercoralis were observed. The diagnostic strategy of parasitic infection in developed countries is highly influenced by the low prevalence and diversity of the parasitic species, causing the diagnosis, on many occasions, to be a challenge. In the presence of eosinophilia and abdominal symptoms, it is recommended to orient the diagnosis towards a possible infection of parasitic origin to make an early diagnosis of the infection and avoid possible serious complications.
Efficacy of the Self-management Support System DialBetesPlus for Diabetic Kidney Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Kawai Yuki , Sankoda Akiko , Waki Kayo , Miyake Kana , Hayashi Aki , Mieno Makiko , Wakui Hiromichi , Tsurutani Yuya , Saito Jun , Hirawa Nobuhito , Yamakawa Tadashi , Komiya Shiro , Isogawa Akihiro , Satoh Shinobu , Minami Taichi , Osada Uru , Iwamoto Tamio , Takano Tatsuro , Terauchi Yasuo , Tamura Kouichi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Kadowaki Takashi , Nangaku Masaomi , Kashihara Naoki , Ohe Kazuhiko
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the main complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DKD is a known risk factor for end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause death. Effective intervention for early-stage DKD is vital to slowing down the progression of kidney disease and improve prognoses. Mobile health (mHealth) is reportedly effective in supporting patients’ self-care and improving glycemic control, but the impact of mHealth on DKD has yet to be shown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of standard therapy with the addition of a self-management support system, DialBetesPlus, in patients with DKD and microalbuminuria.

METHODS

This study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical trial. The target population consists of 160 patients diagnosed with T2DM accompanied by microalbuminuria. We randomly assigned the patients to 2 groups—the intervention group using DialBetesPlus in addition to conventional therapy and the control group using conventional therapy alone. DialBetesPlus is a smartphone application that supports patients’ self-management of T2DM. The study period was 12 months, with a follow-up survey at 18 months. The primary outcome was a change in albuminuria levels at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical parameters, blood test results (glycemic control, renal function, and lipid metabolism), lifestyle habits, self-management scores, medication therapy, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The study was approved in April 2018. We began recruiting patients in July 2018 and completed recruiting in August 2019. The final 18-month follow-up was conducted in March 2021. We recruited 159 patients and randomly allocated 70 into the intervention group and 61 into the control group, with 28 exclusions due to withdrawal of consent, refusal to continue, or ineligibility. The first results are expected to be available in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mHealth on early-stage DKD. We expect that albuminuria levels will decrease significantly in the intervention group due to improved glycemic control with ameliorated self-care behaviors.

CLINICALTRIAL

UMIN-CTR UMIN000033261; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037924

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/31061
Antifragile Behavior Change Through Digital Health Behavior Change Interventions (Preprint)
Authors: Kaveladze Benjamin T , Young Sean D , Schueller Stephen M
Published: August 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Digital health behavior change interventions (DHBCIs) offer users accessible support, yet their promise to improve health behaviors at scale has not been met. One reason for this unmet potential may be a failure to offer users support that is tailored to their personal characteristics and goals. We apply the concept of antifragility to propose how DHBCIs could be better designed to support diverse users’ behavior change journeys. We first define antifragility as a feature of an individual’s relationship to a particular challenge such that if one is antifragile to a challenge, one is well positioned to benefit from facing that challenge. Second, we introduce antifragile behavior change to describe behavior change processes that leverage person-specific antifragilities to maximize benefits and minimize risk in the behavior change process. While most existing behavior change models focus on improving one’s motivation and ability to face challenges, antifragile behavior change complements these models by helping to select challenges that are most likely to produce desired outcomes. Next, we propose three principles by which DHBCIs can help users to develop antifragile behavior change strategies: providing personalized guidance, embracing variance and exploration in choosing behaviors, and prioritizing user agency. Finally, we offer an example of how a DHBCI could be designed to support antifragile behavior change.
A Tailored App for the Self-management of Musculoskeletal Conditions: Evidencing a Logic Model of Behavior Change (Preprint)
Authors: Berry Alice , McClellan Carey , Wanless Ben , Walsh Nicola
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain are a growing problem, affecting 18.8 million people in the United Kingdom. Digital health interventions (DHIs) are a potentially effective way of delivering information and supporting self-management. It is vital that the development of such interventions is transparent and can illustrate how individual components work, how they link back to the theoretical constructs they are attempting to change, and how this might influence outcomes. getUBetter is a DHI developed to address the lack of personalized, supported self-management tools available to patients with musculoskeletal conditions by providing knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate through a self-management journey.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to map a logic model of behavior change for getUBetter to illustrate how the content and functionality of the DHI are aligned with recognized behavioral theory, effective behavior change techniques, and clinical guidelines.

METHODS

A range of behavior change models and frameworks were used, including the behavior change wheel and persuasive systems design framework, to map the logic model of behavior change underpinning getUBetter. The three main stages included understanding the behavior the intervention is attempting to change, identifying which elements of the intervention might bring about the desired change in behavior, and describing intervention content and how this can be optimally implemented.

RESULTS

The content was mapped to 25 behavior change techniques, including information about health consequences, instruction on how to perform a behavior, reducing negative emotions, and verbal persuasion about capability. Mapping to the persuasive system design framework illustrated the use of a number of persuasive design principles, including tailoring, personalization, simulation, and reminders.

CONCLUSIONS

This process enabled the proposed mechanisms of action and theoretical foundations of getUBetter to be comprehensively described, highlighting the key techniques used to support patients to self-manage their condition. These findings provide guidance for the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness (including quality of engagement) of the intervention and highlight areas that might be strengthened in future iterations.
Acceptance of the District Health Information System Version 2 Platform for Malaria Case-Based Surveillance By Health Care Workers in Botswana: Web-Based Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Ndlovu Kagiso , Mauco Kabelo Leonard , Keetile Mpho , Kadimo Khutsafalo , Senyatso Refilwe Yvonne , Ntebela Davies , Valela Buthugwashe , Murambi Clement
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Similar to many low- and middle-income countries, Botswana has identified eHealth as a means of improving health care service provision and delivery. The National Malaria Programme (NMP) in Botswana has implemented the District Health Information System version 2 (DHIS2) to support timely malaria case reporting across its 27 health districts; however, the implementation of an eHealth system is never without challenges. Barriers to the implementation of eHealth innovations within health care settings may arise at the individual or organizational levels. As such, the evaluation of user perceptions of the technology is an important step that can inform its sustainable implementation. The DHIS2 was implemented without evaluating user perceptions beforehand; therefore, the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness was uncertain about the likelihood of acceptance and use of the platform.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the acceptance of the DHIS2 platform by the NMP in Botswana to gauge whether adoption would be successful.

METHODS

The study’s design was informed by constructs of the technology acceptance model. A survey, with items assessed using a 7-point Likert scale, and focus group discussions were undertaken with DHIS2 core users from 27 health districts and NMP personnel at the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The web-based survey was administered from August 3, 2020 to September 30, 2020.

RESULTS

Survey participants were core users (n=27). Focus group participants were NMP personnel (n=5). Overall, participants’ survey responses (frequently occurring scores of 7) showed their confidence in the DHIS2 platform for case-based surveillance of malaria; however, participants also noted some organizational issues that could compromise user acceptance of the DHIS2 platform.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants’ responses indicated their acceptance of the DHIS2 platform; however, the consideration of factors related to organizational readiness could further enhance successful acceptance, and consequently, successful adoption of the platform by the malaria program in Botswana.
Popular and Scientific Discourse on Autism: Representational Cross-Cultural Analysis of Epistemic Communities to Inform Policy and Practice (Preprint)
Authors: Gauld Christophe , Maquet Julien , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Dumas Guillaume
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Social media provide a window onto the circulation of ideas in everyday folk psychiatry, revealing the themes and issues discussed both by the public and by various scientific communities.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the trends in health information about autism spectrum disorder within popular and scientific communities through the systematic semantic exploration of big data gathered from Twitter and PubMed.

METHODS

First, we performed a natural language processing by text-mining analysis and with unsupervised (machine learning) topic modeling on a sample of the last 10,000 tweets in English posted with the term #autism (January 2021). We built a network of words to visualize the main dimensions representing these data. Second, we performed precisely the same analysis with all the articles using the term “autism” in PubMed without time restriction. Lastly, we compared the results of the 2 databases.

RESULTS

We retrieved 121,556 terms related to autism in 10,000 tweets and 5.7x109 terms in 57,121 biomedical scientific articles. The 4 main dimensions extracted from Twitter were as follows: integration and social support, understanding and mental health, child welfare, and daily challenges and difficulties. The 4 main dimensions extracted from PubMed were as follows: diagnostic and skills, research challenges, clinical and therapeutical challenges, and neuropsychology and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first systematic and rigorous comparison between 2 corpora of interests, in terms of lay representations and scientific research, regarding the significant increase in information available on autism spectrum disorder and of the difficulty to connect fragments of knowledge from the general population. The results suggest a clear distinction between the focus of topics used in the social media and that of scientific communities. This distinction highlights the importance of knowledge mobilization and exchange to better align research priorities with personal concerns and to address dimensions of well-being, adaptation, and resilience. Health care professionals and researchers can use these dimensions as a framework in their consultations to engage in discussions on issues that matter to beneficiaries and develop clinical approaches and research policies in line with these interests. Finally, our study can inform policy makers on the health and social needs and concerns of individuals with autism and their caregivers, especially to define health indicators based on important issues for beneficiaries.
Patient Perspectives of Inpatient Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Vilendrer Stacie , Sackeyfio Sarah , Akinbami Eliel , Ghosh Roy , Luu Jacklyn Ha , Pathak Divya , Shimada Masahiro , Williamson Emmanuelle Elise , Shieh Lisa
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine has been adopted in the inpatient setting to facilitate clinical interactions between on-site clinicians and isolated hospitalized patients. Such remote interactions have the potential to reduce pathogen exposure and use of personal protective equipment but may also pose new safety concerns given prior evidence that isolated patients can receive suboptimal care. Formal evaluations of the use and practical acceptance of inpatient telemedicine among hospitalized patients are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the experience of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with inpatient telemedicine introduced as an infection control measure during the pandemic.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative evaluation in a COVID-19 designated non–intensive care hospital unit at a large academic health center (Stanford Health Care) from October 2020 through January 2021. Semistructured qualitative interviews focused on patient experience, impact on quality of care, communication, and mental health. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants representing diversity across varying demographics until thematic saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive-deductive approach.

RESULTS

Interviews with 20 hospitalized patients suggested that nonemergency clinical care and bridging to in-person care comprised the majority of inpatient telemedicine use. Nurses were reported to enter the room and call on the tablet far more frequently than physicians, who typically entered the room at least daily. Patients reported broad acceptance of the technology, citing improved convenience and reduced anxiety, but preferred in-person care where possible. Quality of care was believed to be similar to in-person care with the exception of a few patients who wanted more frequent in-person examinations. Ongoing challenges included low audio volume, shifting tablet location, and inconsistent verbal introductions from the clinical team.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient experiences with inpatient telemedicine were largely favorable. Although most patients expressed a preference for in-person care, telemedicine was acceptable given the circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvements in technical and care team use may enhance acceptability. Further evaluation is needed to understand the impact of inpatient telemedicine and the optimal balance between in-person and virtual care in the hospital setting.
Depressive symptoms and level of physical activity mediate the associations between HIV sero-status and neurocognitive functions among individuals aged at least 50 years in China (Preprint)
Authors: Qin Pei , He Jianmei , Yang Xue , Chen Siyu , Chen Xi , Jiang Hui , Fung Ada Wai Tung , Lau Joseph T.F. , Wang Zixin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Neurocognitive impairment are prevalent among older people. It is more problematic among older people living with HIV (PLWH). This study was to explore whether the association between HIV sero-status and neurocognitive performance was mediated by depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity.

OBJECTIVE

Neurocognitive impairment are prevalent among older people in China. It is more problematic among older people living with HIV (PLWH). This study was to compare neurocognitive performance between older PLWH and HIV-negative controls, and to explore whether the association between HIV sero-status and neurocognitive performance was mediated by depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yongzhou, China. All PLWH aged ≥50 years listed in the registry were invited. Frequency matching was used to sample HIV-negative controls according to the distribution of age, sex, and years of formal education of older PLWH. A total of 315 older PLWH and 350 HIV-negative controls completed the face-to-face interview and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of seven domains (learning, memory, working memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, executive function and motor skills).

RESULTS

As compared to HIV-negative controls, older PLWH performed worse in global score and all seven domains (P<.05). Positive HIV sero-status was associated with higher depressive symptoms (P<.001) and lower level of physical activity (P<.001). Depressive symptoms and physical activity were negatively correlated (P<.001). Depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity mediated the association between HIV sero-status and global score and four domain-specific neurocognitive performance (learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed).

CONCLUSIONS

Change in mental health and physical activity after HIV infection may partially explain why older PLWH are more susceptible to neurocognitive impairment. Promoting mental health and physical activity are potential entry points to slow down the progress of neurocognitive impairment among older PLWH.
Alice in Wonderland: A Mythical Journey
Authors: Monteiro Marilu , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira
Published: August 2021

The theme of this work is a study of theories about the myth of the hero lived out by the character Alice, of the film Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton and based on the work of the writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll in 1865. A brief psychological analysis is made of the relationship of the fantastic narrative with the process of individuation of the protagonist and the symbolic representations in the psychic development that occurs, through her mythical experience of the “hero's journey” that was elaborated by Joseph Cambpell in The Hero of a Thousand Faces. This theory presents the various stages of the mythical journey of the hero, trajectory which is marked by complications, trials and lessons that the hero must undertake to develop inwardly. At the end of the journey Alice not only develops herself but also interferes with the local order of her community which is governed by rigid and patriarchal norms. As Campbell puts it, the hero's return entails putting the learned wisdom into practice so that he/she shares the benefits gained on the journey.