bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stylization of Oral German Speech in Modern Media Discourse
Authors: Калашникова Е.А. , Соколова Г.А. , Зимарин Д.А.
Published: July 2021

В рамках медиариторики в фокусе внимания исследователей оказываются жанры устной коммуникации, передаваемой электронно-техническими средствами. Рассматриваются вопросы стилизации устной спонтанной немецкой речи на сегментном уровне в двух жанрах медийного дискурса — ток-шоу и телесериалах. Авторы выдвигают гипотезу, согласно которой в современных немецких телесериалах и ток-шоу в сценах, имитирующих ситуации бытового общения, говорящие реализуют вариант нормы со сниженным (телесериалы), а также высоким и средним (ток-шоу) артикуляционным напряжением в зависимости от коммуникативно значимого фактора. Данные перцептивно-слухового анализа подтверждают выдвинутые положения.

Within the framework of media rhetoric researchers are interested in the genres of oral communication that can be transmitted through electronic means. The article is devoted to the problem of stylization on the segmental level of oral spontaneous German speech in two genres of media discourse, namely, talk shows and TV series. The authors propose a hypothesis that in modern German TV series and talk shows imitating everyday communication the speakers use a variant of the norm with reduced articulatory tension (TV series) and also with high or medium (talk shows) articulatory tension depending on communicatively significant factors. The results of the perceptual-auditory analysis confirm the proposed hypothesis.
Students’ Social Adaptation to the Learning Environment of a Medical University: Internal and External Criteria
Authors: Яковлев В.В. , Яковлева Н.В. , Гусева А.С. , Фролов А.И.
Published: July 2021

В статье рассмотрена социальная адаптация студентов к образовательной среде высшего учебного заведения. Обоснованы теоретическая и практическая актуальность ее исследования. Рассмотрено соотношение понятий «адаптация» и «адаптированность», описаны формы адаптированности. Предложены внешние и внутренние критерии адаптации студентов (принятые в вузе рейтинги академической успеваемости и степень удовлетворенности различными аспектами учебной деятельности). Описаны организационные и методические особенности проведения массового эмпирического исследования социальной адаптации студентов первого курса. Представлены результаты статистического (рейтинговый, частотный, сравнительный и корреляционный) анализа адаптированности студентов с использованием внешних и внутренних критериев и ресурсов социальной адаптации к образовательной среде медицинского университета. Описаны гендерные различия в адаптированности студентов-первокурсников, а также особенности социальной адаптации в зависимости от профиля образовательной программы. Показано, что ключевыми моментами для успешной адаптации студентов является согласованность внешних и внутренних критериев социальной адаптации, а также удовлетворенность профессиональным выбором. Предложены различные направления развития и коррекции процесса социальной адаптации, в том числе через формирование навыков учебной деятельности и психической саморегуляции, совершенствование структуры и содержания учебного материала, индивидуальную работу со студентами.

The article discusses students’ social adaptation to the learning environment of a higher education institution. It substantiates the theoretical and practical relevance of the research. It treats the notions of adaptation and adaptability and describes adaptability forms. The article speaks about internal and external criteria of students’ adaption to the learning environment (academic performance rating and the level of satisfaction with various aspects of academic activities). It describes organizational and methodological peculiarities of empirical analysis of first-year students’ social adaptation. The article presents the results of statistical analyses (rating, frequency, comparative and correlation analyses) aimed at the investigation of students’ adaptation on the basis of internal and external criteria and resources of social adaptation to the learning environment in a medical university. It describes gender differences in first-year students’ adaptability and the peculiarities of students’ social adaption depending on the field in which they major. The article maintains that in order to promote successful adaptation it is essential to secure the correlation between internal and external criteria and to ensure students’ satisfaction with their career choice. The article discusses ways of promoting and improving social adaptation by means of academic skills formation, psychological self-regulation, curriculum improvement and individual work with students.
Pengembangan Digital Branding Kampung Hidropononik Medokan Ayu Surabaya
Authors: Kristiyono Jokhanan , Muhammad Reza Patriagama  , Adi Atma  , Indra Septyan  , Rizal Hanafi  , Habib Syahrul Asrori
Published: July 2021

Produk unggulan Kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu saat ini hanya dikenal secara lokal daerah sekitar Kecamatan Rungkut Surabaya. Kegigihan masyarakat Kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu Surabaya untuk merawat dan mengembangkan tanaman tersebut, sangat disayangkan apabila hanya dikenal oleh warga sekitar saja. Perlu adanya pengenalan produk unggulan kepada masyarakat yang lebih luas. Dengan adanya dukungan internet dan jejaring masyarakat informasi, maka produk unggulan dari Kampung Hidroponik tersebut dapat dikenal jauh lebih luas. Metode yang digunakan dalam pemecahan permasalahan pada pengembangan branding produk unggulan Kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu Surabaya ini merupakan dalam bentuk pelaksanaan pengabdian masyarakat berbasis riset. Ada 2 (dua) tahapan dalam metode pelaksanaan yaitu pertama adalah riset dan kedua adalah pelaksanaan kegiatan berbasis riset. Riset yang dilakukan adalah riset produk dengan observasi produsen dan konsumen sebagai target pasar produk sayuran dari Kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu Surabaya. Berikutnya adalah pengelolaan data hasil riset pada tahap pertama menjadi dasar pelaksanaan pengembangan branding produk Kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu. Melalui 9 (Sembilan) program pengabdian masyrakat ini bertujuan untuk pengembangan branding melalui sosial media, maka informasi tentang produk unggulan hidroponik dari Medokan Ayu ini dapat dikenal pada seluruh penduduk Kota Surabaya secara lokal, masyarakat Indonesia secara nasional hingga mancanegara secara global. Hasilnya, 9 program kerja yang sudah terlaksana, terdapat 2 (dua) program yang tidak dapat terlaksana dengan optimal, yaitu pembuatan kemasan dan sosialisasi media digital untuk masyarakat kampung Hidroponik Medokan Ayu. Ini dikarenakan terjadi pandemic Covid-19 kota Surabaya harus melakukan protokol kesehatan dengan batasan kegiatan yang mengumpulkan massa, maka kegiatan sosialisasi dan pendampingan penggunaan media digital sebagai media digital branding belum terlaksana dengan optimal. Tetapi hal itu tidak menjadi kendala, akhirnya pelaksanaannya dilakukan secara daring (dalam jaringan) melalui medium Google Meet dan video tutorial.
The role of serum red blood cell distribution width level in predicting the short term mortality of community-acguired pneumonia, acute attack chronic pulmonary disease, and acute pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: AYDEMİR Semih , HOŞGÜN Derya
Published: July 2021

Background: There is a growing concern in inflammatory parameters that are commonly used in routine practice and can be measured cost-effectively for predicting mortality community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute-attack chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a significant parameter indicating the heterogeneity of the size of red blood cells (RBCs). The present study was designed to compare RDW levels among patients that were hospitalized due to CAP, acute PTE, and acute-attack COPD, all of which are characterized by persistent inflammation, and to investigate the role of RDW in predicting 30-day mortality.

Materials and Methods: The RDW levels measured on admission in all three groups were evaluated retrospectively.

Results:The 554 patients comprised 320 (57.76%) men and 234 (42.24%) women with a mean age of 67.074±14.73 years. The patients comprised 92 (16.6%) CAP, 265 (47.8%) acute PTE, and 197 (35.6%) acute-attack COPD patients. Mean RDW was 14.42%±2.73% (range, 3.77-28%) while it was 14.88%±3.30% in the CAP group, 13.21%±2.77% in the COPD group, and 15.15%±2.12% in the PTE group. In the COPD, CAP, and PTE groups, RDW levels were significantly higher in patients with 30-day mortality compared to those without mortality (p=0.008, p=0.020, and p
Aging and geriatric palliative care
Authors: SARIÇAM Orkun , KAHVECİ Kadriye
Published: July 2021

The increase in chronic diseases and the number of individuals who cannot survive by living alone emerges as a serious problem with the increased life expectancy of people around the globe. Geriatrics and palliative care overlap in many ways, although they are different medical specializations. Both are multidisciplinary fields seeking to improve the patient's quality of life, personal abilities, and social participation with patient and family-centered activities. We think that the synergy emerging from the combination of these specializations will be a role model for interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare and improve patients' quality of life.
A rare case: acute ischemic stroke that developed in a case with severe COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: ERTAN Özlem , AKKURT Esma Sevil , ŞAHİN ÖZDEMİREL Tuğçe , AKINCI ÖZYÜREK Berna
Published: July 2021

The covid-19 infection causes involvements in many such as the central nervous system and causes prothrombotic complications. Viral neurotropism, endothelial dysfunction, coagulopathy, and inflammation are suggested mechanisms in the development of acute cerebrovascular disease in Covid-19 patients. The development of a neurological complication is a risk factor for mortality. Patients with high inflammatory markers need to be closely followed-up, because of the risk of the development of complications. It should be kept in mind that there may be neurological involvement in patients with symptoms such as headache, impaired consciousness, vertigo, drowsiness, and loss of strength. In this case, we aimed to present our patient who developed ischemic stroke while under treatment for severe Covid-19 pneumonia.
Tigecycline induced acute pancreatitis: Suspicion is the first step in diagnosis
Authors: TANOĞLU Alpaslan , ÇAĞILTAY Eylem
Published: July 2021

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory event of the pancreas which may affect seriously all other tissues and organ systems. Generally, acute pancreatitis is induced by alcoholism or gallstones. However pathogenetic mechanisms of drug induced pancreatitis are not clearly understood. A minocycline derivative, tigecycline is a glycylcycline class of antibiotic which is structurally similar to the tetracyclines. It has perfect tissue and organ distribution and favorable microbial coverage, including many kind of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also anaerob agents. Tigecycline’s side-effect profile is similar to the tetracyclines. Pancreatitis is a well-known adverse effect of tetracyclines. However, tigecycline-induced pancreatitis is an uncommon side-effect. We report here a rare case of tigecycline-induced pancreatitis during the treatment of a diabetic food infection.
AN INEXACT NEWTON METHOD WITH INNER PRECONDITIONED CG FOR NON-UNIFORMLY MONOTONE ELLIPTIC PROBLEMS
Authors: Borsos Benjámin
Published: July 2021

The present paper introduces an inexact Newton method, coupled with a preconditioned conjugate gradient method in inner iterations, for elliptic operators with non-uniformly monotone upper and lower bounds. Convergence is proved in Banach space level. The results cover real-life classes of elliptic problems. Numerical experiments reinforce the convergence results.
MOA-2006-BLG-074: Recognizing Xallarap Contaminants in Planetary Microlensing
Authors: Rota P. , Hirao Y. , Bozza V. , Abe F. , Barry R. , Bennett D. P. , Bhattacharya A. , Bond I. A. , Donachie M. , Fukui A. , Fujii H. , Silva S. Ishitani , Itow Y. , Kirikawa R. , Koshimoto N. , Li M. C. A. , Matsubara Y. , Miyazaki S. , Muraki Y. , Olmschenk G. , Ranc C. , Satoh Y. , Sumi T. , Suzuki D. , Tristram P. J. , Yonehara A.
Published: July 2021

MOA-2006-BLG-074 was selected as one of the most promising planetary candidates in a retrospective analysis of the MOA collaboration: its asymmetric high-magnification peak can be perfectly explained by a source passing across a central caustic deformed by a small planet. However, after a detailed analysis of the residuals, we have realized that a single lens and a source orbiting with a faint companion provides a more satisfactory explanation for all the observed deviations from a Paczynski curve and the only physically acceptable interpretation. Indeed the orbital motion of the source is constrained enough to allow a very good characterization of the binary source from the microlensing light curve. The case of MOA-2006-BLG-074 suggests that the so-called xallarap effect must be taken seriously in any attempts to obtain accurate planetary demographics from microlensing surveys.
Exomoons in Systems with a Strong Perturber: Applications to α Cen AB
Authors: Quarles Billy , Eggl Siegfried , Rosario-Franco Marialis , Li Gongjie
Published: July 2021

The presence of a stellar companion can place constraints on occurrence and orbital evolution of satellites orbiting exoplanets, i.e., exomoons. In this work we revise earlier orbital stability limits for retrograde orbits in the case of a three-body system consisting of a star, planet, and satellite. The revised limit reads

a

sat

crit

≈
0.668
(
1
−
1.236

e

p

)

for e

p
≤ 0.8 in units of the Hill Radius and represents the lower critical orbit as a function of the planetary eccentricity e
p. A similar formula is determined for exomoons hosted by planets in binary star systems, where e
p is replaced with the components of free and forced eccentricity from secular orbit evolution theory. By exploring the dynamics of putative exomoons in α Centauri AB we find that the outer stability limit can be much less than half the Hill Radius due to oscillations in the planetary orbital eccentricity caused by the gravitational interaction with the binary star. We show, furthermore, how the resulting truncation of the outer stability limit can affect the outward tidal migration and potential observability of exomoons through transit-timing variations (TTVs). Typical TTV (rms) amplitudes induced by exomoons in binary systems are ≲10 minutes and appear more likely for planets orbiting the less massive stellar component.
Amplification of Turbulence in Contracting Prestellar Cores in Primordial Minihalos
Authors: Higashi Sho , Susa Hajime , Chiaki Gen
Published: July 2021

We investigate the amplification of turbulence through gravitational contraction of the primordial gas in minihalos. We perform numerical simulations to follow the cloud collapse, assuming polytropic equations of state for different initial turbulent Mach numbers and resolutions. We find that the turbulent velocity is amplified solely by gravitational contraction, and eventually becomes comparable to the sound speed, even for small initial turbulent Mach numbers (



0

≳
0.05

). We derive an analytic formula for the amplification of turbulent velocity in a collapsing cloud, and find that our numerical results are consistent with the formula. These results suggest that the turbulence can play an important role in collapsing clouds for general cases.
State-to-state Rate Constants for the H + LiH(v
0 = 0, j
0 = 0) Reaction: An Accurate Nonadiabatic Dynamical Study
Authors: Li Wentao , Cui Lili , Xing Wei , Wang Jiemin
Published: July 2021

The state-to-state rate constants for hydrogen abstraction, nonadiabatic hydrogen abstraction, and exchange channels of the H + LiH reaction have been studied in the temperature range from 10 to 5000 K by using the nonadiabatic time-dependent wave packet method. The total and vibrational state-resolved rate constants of the H + LiH (v
0 = 0, j
0 = 0) → Li(22S) + H2 reaction are calculated and compared with previous adiabatic values. The results indicated that adiabatic values always overestimate the rate constant due to the nonadiabatic effect not being considered. In addition, the ratio of adiabatic vibrational state-resolved rate constants versus that of nonadiabatic ones is calculated for the hydrogen abstraction channel. This reflects that the nonadiabatic effect is mainly focused on the low-lying vibrational states. Moreover, the rovibrational state-resolved rate constants show that the largest population of product is located at (v′ = 2, j′ = 11), (v′ = 0, j′ = 5), and (v′ = 0, j′ = 6) for the hydrogen abstraction, nonadiabatic hydrogen abstraction and exchange channels, respectively. The total and vibrational state-resolved rate constants of the Li(22P) → Li(22S) quenching process are also calculated in the temperature range up to 5000 K. The results show that when the temperature is lower than 200 K, the quenching efficiency increases rapidly, but with the further increase of temperature, the quenching efficiency hardly changes.
A Good Practice Guide for the Use of DGTs. Sampling of metals in transitional and coastal waters by Diffusive Gradient in Thin films (DGT) technique
Authors: Millán Gabet Vanessa , Rodrigo Sanz Marta , Amouroux Isabelle , Belzunce Maria Jesus , Bersuder Philippe , Bolam Thi , Caetano Miguel , Correia dos Santos Margarida , Fones Gary R. , Gonzalez Jean-Louis , Guesdon Stephane , Larreta Joana , Marras Barbara , McHugh Brendan , Menchaca Iratxe , Menet-Nedelec Florence , Montero Natalia , Regan Fiona , Robinson Craig D. , Rodriguez German , Schintu Marco , White Blánaid , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2021

This good practice guide is focused on the DGT devices, which are the most widely used passive sampler for metals, covering the following aspects:

■ Principle

■ Handling passive sampling devices for metals

■ Estimation of appropriate field deployment time

■ A Good Practice Guide for the Use of DGTs

■ Passive sampling device preparation and assembly

■ Selection of sampling site and safety precautions

■ Passive sampling device deployment and retrieval

■ Extraction of analytes from passive sampling devices

■ Analysis

■ Calculations
Calais ou l’escalade répressive
Authors: Galisson Maël
Published: July 2021

La frontière entre la France et le Royaume-uni est le résultat d’un long processus politique et administratif. Trente-cinq années de négociations et pas moins de vingt et un traités, accords et arrangements entre les deux pays ont été consacrés à la mise en place et au développement de mesures de contrôle et de surveillance toujours plus sophistiquées. Vidéosurveillance, barbelés coupants, drones, caméras thermiques et même déforestation et inondation de certaines zones, autant de techniques destinées à rendre la route migratoire « impraticable ». Pour quel bilan ? Un marché juteux pour les multinationales de l’armement et de la sécurité ; un coût humain considérable ; des passeurs de plus en plus indispensables.
Impact of lysine supplementation on growth and development ofHermetia illucens larvae
Authors: Koethe M. , Taubert J. , Vervuert I.
Published: July 2021

Hermetia illucens larvae are able to convert a broad range of organic substrates into animal protein and are believed to have the potential to help solving the supply problem for animal protein in the future. Many farmed animals such as poultry or pigs need an adequate amount of essential amino acids like lysine for optimal growth and performance. In most diets for farmed animals, essential amino acids are supplemented as feed additive to avoid excessive protein intake while ensuring a sufficient supply of essential amino acids. There is no information on the requirements of lysine for the growth ofH. illucens larvae. Furthermore, it remains open whether lysine may have an extra effect on growth and development in the cultivation of such larvae. The aim of the study was to evaluate, if an addition of lysine to their feed substrate will affect these parameters. Therefore, in the present study up to 3.0% crystalline lysine was added to a basic substrate and survival, growth, and development of larvae were recorded. Furthermore, larval nutritional values like crude fat, crude protein, and lysine content were analysed. The addition of lysine did not improve growth, development or nutritional values ofH. illucens larvae. In contrast, the addition of lysine led to reduced larval size, survival and prepupal rates, especially when high amounts of lysine were provided. The results of this study indicate that a lysine content of 0.3% in the substrate is sufficient for optimal larval growth. UsingH. illucens larvae for animal protein production could, therefore, be accomplished with less lysine compared to many other farmed animals.
Effect of dehydration and butter-frying on chinicuil (Comadia redtenbacheri Hammershmidt) and maguey white worm (Aegiale hesperiaris Walker)
Authors: Escamilla-Rosales M.F. , Castañeda-Antonio D. , Ramos-Cassellis M.E. , López-Contreras L. , Ramírez-Moreno E. , del S. Cruz-Cansino N. , Vargas-Bello-Pérez E. , Betanzos-Cabrera G. , Díaz-Reyes J. , Ariza-Ortega J.A.
Published: July 2021

In the state of Hidalgo, México, chinicuil (CH) and maguey white worm (MW) are consumed as well as used in different culinary preparations. Few studies are available on the effect of butter-frying (BF) and dehydration (DN) on their chemical composition. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of DN and BF on the chemical composition and fatty acids (FA) content of CH and MW. CH and MW were purchased and then fried in butter. The fresh samples were dehydrated at 70 °C for 4 h, and their chemical analysis was performed. The Soxhlet method was used for the extraction of oils (DNCH, DNMW, BFCH, and BFMW), which were analysed with regard to the quality parameters (i.e. moisture, acidity, iodine, and peroxide). The FA contents were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. The DNCH (72.82%) and DNMW (76.81%), revealed high concentrations of saturated FA. Free FA and hydro-peroxides were produced, which affected the percentage of saturated FA in the BFCH (15%) and BFMW (17%) samples, and unsaturated FA by 85 and 84%, respectively, along with the production oftrans-FA. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the frying conditions, as BF causes harmful changes in their chemical composition and in their fatty acid structure, in CH and MW, which can cause health problems to humans.
Comparison of black soldier fly larvae pre-treatments and drying techniques on the microbial load and physico-chemical characteristics
Authors: Saucier L. , M’ballou C. , Ratti C. , Deschamps M.-H. , Lebeuf Y. , Vandenberg G.W.
Published: July 2021

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are good candidates for upcycling wet organic residuals. Like other unprocessed raw animal products, BSFL require processing to prevent spoilage and degradation during storage and to facilitate their use as feed ingredients. In this study, hot-air drying and freeze-drying were examined as means to ensure long-term preservation. Pre-treatments of larvae, such as puncturing, blanching (40 s) and scalding (2, 4, 6 and 8 min) in boiling water reduced drying times, most likely by affecting the integrity of the wax-coated cuticle that protects the larvae against desiccation. Overall, the larvae dried two to six times faster using hot-air compared to freeze-drying, and larvae pre-treatments were proven to effectively improve drying efficacy. Pre-treating larvae in boiling water followed by a shorter drying time with hot air was effective at reducing primary and secondary oxidation as well as darkening/browning (colour lightness, L* value) compared to the untreated control (raw-thawed) larvae. The larvae pre-treatments in boiling water also led to a significant reduction in microbial load (3.21 to 4.83 log) in the dry product compared to the control. BSFL powder, produced from grinding thawed larvae that were pre-treated for 4 min in boiling water before being dried in hot air (60 °C; 6 h), had a water activity below 0.4. This led to a relatively stable product with limited colour changes over a 30-day storage period. These processing treatments also resulted in a product with no detectable Salmonella and Escherichia coli counts ranging from 100 to 1000 cfu/g. Overall, the powdered BSFL product was deemed suitable to incorporate into pelleted feed under the current regulations in Canada.
Are Health Literacy and Patient Activation Related to Health Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients?
Authors: Kanu Chisom , Brown Carolyn M. , Rascati Karen , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Mackert Michael , Wilfong Lalan
Published: July 2021

Background:

Assessing health literacy and patient activation at the beginning of care could facilitate the provision of appropriate information to patients with breast cancer and increase the effectiveness of interventions geared toward improving patient involvement in self-managing their health and, consequently, their quality of life.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate cancer health literacy and patient activation in patients with breast cancer as well as examine their relationships to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and resource use.

Methods:

Patients with breast cancer positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+) receiving care at 12 oncology clinics in Texas were offered participation in the study via convenience sampling. The survey consisted of the 6-item Cancer Health Literacy Tool, the 13-item Patient Activation Measure, the 27-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (version 4), and single-item measures for number of emergency department visits and hospitalizations as well as clinical and demographic characteristics.

Key Results:

The mean age of the 146 study participants was 57.1 ± 10.8 years; 92% (
n
= 134) had a high probability (≥0.7) of adequate cancer health literacy whereas 68% percent (
n
= 99) had high patient activation (level 3 or 4). Cancer health literacy had significant positive relationships with education and household income. Patient activation, education, and number of treatment types received explained 23% of the variation in HRQoL, and all except cancer health literacy were positive and significant predictors. No bivariate/multivariate analysis was conducted for emergency department visits and hospitalizations because there were few reported incidents.

Conclusions:

Interventions that aim to improve HRQoL in patients with breast cancer could target modifiable factors like patient activation. The homogeneity of cancer health literacy among study participants might have influenced its nonsignificant relationship with HRQoL and patient activation. Further assessments of health literacy and patient activation in larger and more diverse populations of patients with breast cancer are warranted.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2021;5(3):e171–e178.]

Plain Language Summary:

In this study, the majority of patients with breast cancer were found to have high levels of cancer health literacy, patient activation, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The significant relationship between patient activation and HRQoL implies that patients with breast cancer who are able to actively participate in managing their health and health care are more likely to have higher HRQoL. Interventions that aim to improve HRQoL in patients with breast cancer could target modifiable factors like patient activation.
Health Literacy, Primary Care Health Care Providers, and Communication
Authors: Mor-Anavy Shirly , Lev-Ari Shahar , Levin-Zamir Diane
Published: July 2021

Background:

Decision-makers and health professionals face challenges in providing quality medical services while optimizing diminishing resources. Health literacy is associated with health outcomes and health system costs and influences the way in which communication is managed in the health system.

Objective:

This study examined the association between the level of health literacy of service providers in the community, their awareness of health literacy, their attitudes toward health literacy promotion, and the way in which they communicate with patients with low health literacy.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 50 physicians and 50 administrative staff members in community clinics of the Maccabi Health Maintenance Organization in Israel.

Key Results:

Significant positive associations were found (
p
< .05) between the level of health literacy, the attitudes toward health literacy promotion, and the degree to which special communication techniques were used when treating patients with low health literacy. Significant associations were found (
p
< .01) between the level of awareness, as well as the attitudes toward health literacy promotion and the degree to which communication techniques were applied. Higher health literacy is associated with more favorable attitudes toward health literacy promotion. Additionally, a significant positive association (
p
< .01) was found between the attitudes toward health literacy promotion and the use of communication techniques. No mediation was found among the research variables.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that examines health literacy among physicians. The results indicate gaps in the awareness of, and attitudes toward, health literacy among community health care providers, thus suggesting the need for developing and applying guidelines for improving efforts of health system providers regarding health literacy and for applying recommended tools for health communication.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2021;5(3):e194–e200.]

Plain Language Summary:

This study examined the link between the health literacy of health care providers (e.g., physicians, service administrators), their awareness and attitudes toward health literacy promotion, and how they communicate with patients with low health literacy. The findings showed significant and positive relationships between these aspects of health literacy as well as gaps in the health care system that need to be addressed.
Supporting Newly Arrived Migrant Mothers: A Pilot Health Literacy Intervention
Authors: Dougherty Louise , Riley Annette , Caffrey Paula , Wallbank Alison , Milne Mary , Harris Mark F. , Lloyd Jane
Published: July 2021

Experiencing migration can create or exacerbate vulnerability to ill health, particularly during pregnancy and new motherhood. Providing a culturally appropriate health literacy intervention to new migrant families may increase social support and the skills and confidence to access health care services and information. This study developed and piloted a health literacy intervention, in the form of culturally redesigned new parent classes, in a culturally diverse location in Australia. The intervention was delivered over a 4-week period by Child and Family Health Nurses, with the help of interpreters and Bilingual Community Researchers, to Bangladeshi and Mandarin-speaking Chinese mothers and grandmothers with a baby age 0 to 1 year. A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted to measure (1) recruitment and attendance of participants, (2) feasibility of the intervention, (3) health literacy of participants, and (4) provider understanding of barriers to health care access. Thirty participants were recruited, and 18 women attended at least three of the four group sessions. Nurses viewed the program as being within the scope of their usual role, demonstrating intervention feasibility. Health literacy scores were higher post-intervention than pre-intervention. Nurses described having increased awareness of barriers to health care access after facilitating the intervention. The program has potential to be scaled up to other areas and languages.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2021;5(3):e201–e207.]
On a mathematical model of tumor-immune system interactions with an oncolytic virus therapy
Authors: Jang Sophia R-J , Wei Hsiu-Chuan
Published: July 2021

We investigate a mathematical model of tumor–immune system interactions with oncolytic virus therapy (OVT). Susceptible tumor cells may become infected by viruses that are engineered specifically to kill cancer cells but not healthy cells. Once the infected cancer cells are destroyed by oncolysis, they release new infectious virus particles to help kill surrounding tumor cells. The immune system constructed includes innate and adaptive immunities while the adaptive immunity is further separated into anti-viral or anti-tumor immune cells. The model is first analyzed by studying boundary equilibria and their stability. Numerical bifurcation analysis is performed to investigate the outcomes of the oncolytic virus therapy. The model has a unique tumor remission equilibrium, which is unlikely to be stable based on the parameter values given in the literature. Multiple stable positive equilibria with tumor sizes close to the carrying capacity coexist in the system if the tumor is less antigenic. However, as the viral infection rate increases, the OVT becomes more effective in the sense that the tumor can be dormant for a longer period of time even when the tumor is weakly antigenic.
Partial inversion of the 2D attenuated $ X $-ray transform with data on an arc
Authors: Fujiwara Hiroshi , Sadiq Kamran , Tamasan Alexandru
Published: July 2021

In two dimensions, we consider the problem of inversion of the attenuated \begin{document}$ X $\end{document}-ray transform of a compactly supported function from data restricted to lines leaning on a given arc. We provide a method to reconstruct the function on the convex hull of this arc. The attenuation is assumed known. The method of proof uses the Hilbert transform associated with \begin{document}$ A $\end{document}-analytic functions in the sense of Bukhgeim.
Refined stability estimates in electrical impedance tomography with multi-layer structure
Authors: Li Haigang , Wang Jenn-Nan , Wang Ling
Published: July 2021

In this paper we study the inverse problem of determining an electrical inclusion in a multi-layer composite from boundary measurements in 2D. We assume the conductivities in different layers are different and derive a stability estimate for the linearized map with explicit formulae on the conductivity and the thickness of each layer. Intuitively, if an inclusion is surrounded by a highly conductive layer, then, in view of "the principle of the least work", the current will take a path in the highly conductive layer and disregard the existence of the inclusion. Consequently, a worse stability of identifying the hidden inclusion is expected in this case. Our estimates indeed show that the ill-posedness of the problem increases as long as the conductivity of some layer becomes large. This work is an extension of the previous result by Nagayasu-Uhlmann-Wang[15], where a depth-dependent estimate is derived when an inclusion is deeply hidden in a conductor. Estimates in this work also show the influence of the depth of the inclusion.
The application of model predictive control on stock portfolio optimization with prediction based on Geometric Brownian Motion-Kalman Filter
Authors: Syaifudin Wawan Hafid , Putri Endah R. M.
Published: July 2021

A stock portfolio is a collection of assets owned by investors, such as companies or individuals. The determination of the optimal stock portfolio is an important issue for the investors. Management of investors' capital in a portfolio can be regarded as a dynamic optimal control problem. At the same time, the investors should also consider about the prediction of stock prices in the future time. Therefore, in this research, we propose Geometric Brownian Motion-Kalman Filter (GBM-KF) method to predict the future stock prices. Subsequently, the stock returns will be calculated based on the forecasting results of stock prices. Furthermore, Model Predictive Control (MPC) will be used to solve the portfolio optimization problem. It is noticeable that the management strategy of stock portfolio in this research considers the constraints on assets in the portfolio and the cost of transactions. Finally, a practical application of the solution is implemented on 3 company's stocks. The simulation results show that the performance of the proposed controller satisfies the state's and the control's constraints. In addition, the amount of capital owned by the investor as the output of system shows a significant increase.
An exact algorithm for stable instances of the $ k $-means problem with penalties in fixed-dimensional Euclidean space
Authors: Yuan Fan , Xu Dachuan , Du Donglei , Li Min
Published: July 2021

We study stable instances of the \begin{document}$ k $\end{document}-means problem with penalties in fixed-dimensional Euclidean space. An instance of the problem is called \begin{document}$ \alpha $\end{document}-stable if this instance exists a sole optimal solution and the solution keeps unchanged when distances and penalty costs are scaled by a factor of no more than \begin{document}$ \alpha $\end{document}. Stable instances of clustering problem have been used to explain why certain heuristic algorithms with poor theoretical guarantees perform quite well in practical. For any fixed \begin{document}$ \epsilon > 0 $\end{document}, we show that when using a common multi-swap local-search algorithm, a \begin{document}$ (1+\epsilon) $\end{document}-stable instance of the \begin{document}$ k $\end{document}-means problem with penalties in fixed-dimensional Euclidean space can be solved accurately in polynomial time.
Métropolisation, inégalités sociales et modes d’habiter : trajectoire d’une ville millionnaire russe vue par ses dačniki
Authors: Robert-Boeuf Camille
Published: July 2021

La Russie a connu un processus d’urbanisation marqué par la crise économique des années 1990 et, plus récemment, par la métropolisation des grandes villes. Kazan, capitale du Tatarstan, offre un bon exemple de ces nouvelles métropoles en essor, car depuis 2005 elle a connu d’importantes transformations urbaines, devenant le symbole des Tatars de Russie. Son évolution et les réaménagements successifs ont créé de fortes inégalités socio-spatiales et environnementales, visibles notamment à travers l’étude des collectifs de jardins. Pour y répondre, les citadins et jardiniers mettent en place des stratégies individuelles et collectives de manière à construire des modes d’habiter correspondant mieux à leurs aspirations.
Unequal and Asymmetric Internationalisation of Large Russian Cities
Authors: Mikhailova Ekaterina
Published: July 2021

Pour évaluer le degré d'internationalisation des villes en Russie, l'article présente le classement effectué en 2017 de 20 grandes capitales régionales russes de plus de 600 000 habitants sur la base de 13 indicateurs. Le document conclut qu'en 2017, Ekaterinbourg est devenu un leader confiant de l'internationalisation, tandis que Novossibirsk, Kazan, Nijni Novgorod, Krasnodar et Rostov-sur-le-Don se distinguent comme d'autres grandes villes russes hautement internationalisées. Dans le même temps, 14 des 20 capitales régionales russes de l'échantillon présentent une internationalisation asymétrique ou faible. En outre, l'article présente l'indice d'internationalisation électronique comme un outil de comparaison qualitative des activités de marketing international en ligne des villes.
Loss of mTORC2 Activity in Neutrophils Impairs Fusion of Granules and Affects Cellular Metabolism Favoring Increased Bacterial Burden in Sepsis
Authors: Breda Cristiane Naffah de Souza , Breda Leandro Carvalho Dantas , Carvalho Larissa Anastácio da Costa , Amano Mariane Tami , Terra Fernanda Fernandes , Silva Reinaldo Correia , Fragas Matheus Garcia , Forni Maria Fernanda , Fonseca Monique Thaís Costa , Venturini Gabriela , Feitosa Amanda Campelo Melo , Ghirotto Bruno , Cruz Mario Costa , Cunha Flávia Franco , Ignacio Aline , Latância Marcela , Castoldi Angela , Andrade-Oliveira Vinícius , Martins da Silva Eloisa , Hiyane Meire Ioshie , Pereira Alexandre da Costa , Festuccia William , Meotti Flávia Carla , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is a complex infectious syndrome in which neutrophil participation is crucial for patient survival. Neutrophils quickly sense and eliminate the pathogen by using different effector mechanisms controlled by metabolic processes. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an important route for metabolic regulation, and its role in neutrophil metabolism has not been fully understood yet, especially the importance of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) in the neutrophil effector functions. In this study, we observed that the loss of Rictor (mTORC2 scaffold protein) in primary mouse-derived neutrophils affects their chemotaxis by fMLF and their microbial killing capacity, but not the phagocytic capacity. We found that the microbicidal capacity was impaired in Rictor-deleted neutrophils because of an improper fusion of granules, reducing the hypochlorous acid production. The loss of Rictor also led to metabolic alterations in isolated neutrophils, increasing aerobic glycolysis. Finally, myeloid-Rictor–deleted mice (LysMRic Δ/Δ) also showed an impairment of the microbicidal capacity, increasing the bacterial burden in the Escherichia coli sepsis model. Overall, our results highlight the importance of proper mTORC2 activation for neutrophil effector functions and metabolism during sepsis.
Optimizing Flow Cytometric Analysis of Immune Cells in Samples Requiring Cryopreservation from Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Carlson Peter M , Mohan Manasi , Patel Ravi B , Birstler Jen , Nettenstrom Lauren , Sheerar Dagna , Fox Kathryn , Rodriguez Matthew , Hoefges Anna , Hernandez Reinier , Zahm Chris , Kim KyungMann , McNeel Douglas G , Weichert Jamey , Morris Zachary S , Sondel Paul M
Published: July 2021

Most shared resource flow cytometry facilities do not permit analysis of radioactive samples. We are investigating low-dose molecular targeted radionuclide therapy (MTRT) as an immunomodulator in combination with in situ tumor vaccines and need to analyze radioactive samples from MTRT-treated mice using flow cytometry. Further, the sudden shutdown of core facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented work stoppage. In these and other research settings, a robust and reliable means of cryopreservation of immune samples is required. We evaluated different fixation and cryopreservation protocols of disaggregated tumor cells with the aim of identifying a protocol for subsequent flow cytometry of the thawed sample, which most accurately reflects the flow cytometric analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment of a freshly disaggregated and analyzed sample. Cohorts of C57BL/6 mice bearing B78 melanoma tumors were evaluated using dual lymphoid and myeloid immunophenotyping panels involving fixation and cryopreservation at three distinct points during the workflow. Results demonstrate that freezing samples after all staining and fixation are completed most accurately matches the results from noncryopreserved equivalent samples. We observed that cryopreservation of living, unfixed cells introduces a nonuniform alteration to PD1 expression. We confirm the utility of our cryopreservation protocol by comparing tumors treated with in situ tumor vaccines, analyzing both fresh and cryopreserved tumor samples with similar results. Last, we use this cryopreservation protocol with radioactive specimens to demonstrate potentially beneficial effector cell changes to the tumor immune microenvironment following administration of a novel MTRT in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Right destroyed lung due to tuberculosis in a Nigerian child: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ibrahim Hafsat Umar , Kabir Halima , Jahun Mahmoud Gambo
Published: July 2021

Destroyed Lung Syndrome (DLS) is total lung destruction from recurrent and chronic infections especially Tuberculosis (TB). It is rare in children and associated with chronic morbidity. It presents with chronic cough, progressive difficulty in breathing, hemoptysis and progressive respiratory failure. The pathology of DLS includes lung fibrosis, collapse, tracheal and mediastinal shift. We report the case of a 9 years old girl referred after three courses of anti-TB treatment for suspected TB reinfection with worsening clinical and radiologic features. Investigations revealed a destroyed right lung. Genexpert was initially positive and subsequently along with TB culture was negative. She improved on antibiotics and chest physiotherapy. Destroyed lung though rare in children should be considered in those who despite TB treatment present with worsening clinical and radiologic features. Early diagnosis and multi- disciplinary approach will prevent irreversible lung damage.
Computed tomographic pattern of stroke among adult patients in north-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Dahiru M Yunusa , Umar H Umar , Aminu MC Dahiru , Usman Aminu U , Sa'ad Suleiman T , Ibinaiye Philip Oluleke , Hadiza Yusuf
Published: July 2021

Stroke and its complications are major health problems in developing countries including Nigeria. It could be a major cause of death or disability especially when only clinical assessment is relied upon for diagnosis. Computed Tomography (CT) is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of stroke. CT pattern of stroke in the North Eastern Nigeria has not been fully described. This was a prospective descriptive study conducted at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria from June 2016 to December 2016. One hundred and eleven patients who presented with clinical features of stroke and were referred to Radiology department for cranial CT were consecutively selected. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0 package. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were adapted for statistical analysis. The variables were expressed as range, percentage and mean plus standard deviation. All comparison of variables was done applying kappa statistic and point-biserial correlation coefficient for the correlation analysis. There were 69 (62.2%) males and 42 (37.8%) females aged 18-90 years (mean ± SD of 57.49±13.47 years). Ninety-four (94) patients (84.7%) had ischaemic stroke, while the remaining 17 (15.3%) had haemorrhagic stroke. Lobar location was identified as the most common site of ischaemic stroke while thalamo-ganglionic area was the commonest location for haemorrhagic stroke. Age and hypertension were found to be the commonest risk factors associated with stroke. It is evident from this study that ischaemic stroke is the most prevalent stroke subtype. The middle cerebral artery territory was the commonest vascular territory involved in stroke while hypertension and age are common risk factors for both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.
Accidentally swallowed toothbrush in mentally healthy patient: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Bello Usman M. , Atiku Mamuda
Published: July 2021

Most ingested foreign bodies are usually passed through the gastrointestinal tract. Ingested toothbrush however is almost never passed due to their long length, which doesn’t negotiate the C-loop of the duodenum. Early endoscopic removal is however recommended to reduce chances of morbidity and mortality. Surgical option is considered when there is failure of endoscopic retrieval or when complication such as duodenal perforation has set in. In this case we present a 40-years-old man who accidentally ingested toothbrush that was removed surgically through mini laparotomy and gastrostomy.