bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Fatigue in Chinese Meningioma Patients Newly Diagnosed: Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wu Qian , Gu Xixi , Gu Zhifeng , Dong Chen , Li Rong , Zong Zhiying , Zhang Xiaomei , Li Liren
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Few studies have assessed fatigue of meningioma patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of multidimensional fatigue, as well as the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese meningioma patients newly diagnosed.
Methods

This cross-sectional study included 120 Chinese meningioma patients recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to February 2021. Data were collected before surgery, including demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics, as well as fatigue scores, based on completion of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.
Results

The results demonstrated that a high prevalence of severe fatigue for each dimension: general fatigue (33.3%), physical fatigue (27.5%), reduced activity (28.3%), reduced motivation (12.5%), mental fatigue (11.7%), and total fatigue (23.3%). Headache and anxiety were predictors of general fatigue. Depression was an independent predictor of physical fatigue. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score and depression independently predicted reduced activity. Depression and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were risk factors predicting reduced motivation, while KPS score and anxiety predicted mental fatigue. Importantly, comorbidity, KPS score, headache, depression, sleep disturbances, and ESS score could predict total fatigue. Furthermore, MFI-20 scores in all dimensions were negatively correlated with Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores in all dimensions.
Conclusion

Our findings indicate that meningioma patients newly diagnosed are frequently affected by fatigue, potentially contributing to impair HRQoL. For patients with risk factors of fatigue, targeted interventions are advised in order to decrease fatigue and improve HRQoL.
Detection of NDM and OXA-48 Resistant Genes in Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolated FromIntensive Care Units’ Patients Clinical Samples in Khartoum State
Authors: El-Makki Ghaida EL-Makki Ali , Ali Abdelhakam H. , Gorish Babbiker Mohammed Taher , Kaddam Lemya Abdelgadier
Published: June 2021

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen with intrinsic and acquired resistance to many antibiotics causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed to detect MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and its resistant genes (blaNDM, blaOXA48) from clinical isolates in Khartoum state. Method: A cross sectional hospital-based study was done during the period fromApril to July 2019. A total of 50 clinical isolates were obtained from samples of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) for the purpose of molecular confirming of A. baumannii and detecting NDM and OXA-48 resistance genes by usingconventional PCR. Results: Out of 50 isolates investigated PCR was confirmed 47 (94%) as A. baumannii isolates , while 3(6%) isolates were appeared to be other species. Moreover,the 47 A. baumannii isolates were examined for the presences of resistant genes and the result showed that NDM gene was detected in 2 isolates (4.3%) and OXA-48 gene was detected in only one isolate (2.1%). Conclusion: There is low prevalence of NDM and OXA-48 Resistant Genes among ICUs A. baumannii isolates. However, continuous regional antimicrobial resistance surveillance and improved infection control measures are required in Khartoum hospitals ICUs to prevent further dissemination.
A Case of Multiple Recurrences of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Attributed to Central Sensitization?
Authors: Cai Yuankun , Zhang Xiuling , Dai Xuan , Chai Songshan , Yang Bangkun , Shu Bing , Wang Mengyang , Li Guo , Liu Wen , Lu taojunjin , Zheng Zhixin , Mei Zhimin , Zhou Yixuan , Zhao Jingwei , Yang Jingyi , Shen Lei , Ho Joshua , Chen Jincao , Liu Kui , Xiong Nanxiang
Published: June 2021

Background Although many hypotheses about the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia have been developed, there is little discussion about the multiple recurrences of trigeminal neuralgia. Case presentation Here we report a patient with refractory multiple recurrent trigeminal neuralgia, in which we accordingly found that an increase in facial pain trigger points and a rapid movement of the upper limb extremity could trigger an onset of trigeminal neuralgia. We offer hypothesis on the multiple recurrences of trigeminal neuralgia by explaining the cause of multiple trigger points in this patient. Conclusions Given that central sensitization is involved in a number of mechanisms of pain development and is associated with some of the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. We hypothesized that central sensitization may have been involved in the disease development of this case of refractory trigeminal neuralgia, which led to the development of trigger point generalization and multiple recurrence after surgical treatments.
Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Professional Self Identity Questionnaire (PSIQ)
Authors: Salari Mina , Amini Mitra , Hayat Ali Asghar , Delavari Somayeh , Zare Soolmaz , Moosavi Mahsa , Jafari Peyman
Published: June 2021

Background: Professional identity is a vital component of medical education that affects the future practice of medical students. There is a notice of the lack of a reliable and valid Persian scale to measure the students' readiness for professional identity.Objective: This present study aims to determine whether or not the PSIQ can be adapted for Persian healthcare professions.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among medical students (years of 4-7) in Shiraz medical school. A total of 175 students completed the Persian version of PSIQ using convenience sampling. Categorical confirmatory factor analysis (CCFA) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to investigate the questionnaire's validity and reliability. Moreover, R.3.6.2 software, by using the lavaan and semPlot packages in it, was used for data analysis and the path diagram.Results: The indices of the goodness of fit of the model were used for the professional self-identity, which including root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), Tuker-Lewise index (TLI), and comparative fit index (CFI) ( RMSEA=0.055, CFI=0.996, and TLI=0.994). The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for these three factors of "profession-specific tasks," "generic attributes," and "inter-personal tasks" subscales were 0.762, 0.622, and 0.747, respectively (p-value<0.05). The internal consistency of the whole questionnaire measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.873. The set of these fit statistics show that the hypothesized three-factor model fits the sample data. Therefore, all nine items were significantly loaded on the three domains (Profession specific tasks, Generic attributes, Interpersonal tasks). Conclusion: The Persian translated version of the PSIQ may be an appropriate, valid and reliable tool for assessing medical students' health professional self-identity attitudes in Iran.
Novel Ductile Enhancement in the Structural Characteristics of External Beam Column Joint with Potassium Activated Green Concrete Technology: An Artistic Establishment of Seismic Challenging Structures
Authors: R Mohana
Published: June 2021

Ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the beam column joints are the two prominent characteristics which governs the stability of the entire structure constructed in the seismic prone areas. In this paper, the effect of potassium activated geopolymer concrete in the exterior beam column joint application is investigated under low frequency cyclic loading. Numerical analysis has been done by using the finite element software Abaqus and compared with the experimental work. From the load deformation relationship, parametric studies are carried out in the aspects of ductility, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, drift ratio and cracking pattern. The use of potassium activated geopolymer technology in the exterior beam column joint application resulted in the improved ductility, energy dissipation capacity with superior ultimate load carrying capacity of 1.05% over conventional cement reinforced concrete beam column joints with special confining reinforcement confirmed by IS 13920 due to the enormous polymerisation activated by high molecular potassium ions.2.78% improved energy dissipation capacity of potassium based geopolymer specimen resulted in the lesser number of non structural cracks and 11.26% more deformation under 11.96% enlarged drift ratio than the conventional reinforced concrete specimen. From the observed results it is clearly noted that the implementation potassium activated green polymer technology in the beam column joints possessed enhanced ductility characteristics to protect the structure susceptible to seismic environment and resulted in the innovative, economical and sustainable mode of seismic resistant building construction.
Conceptualization of A Cognitively Enriched Walking Program For Older Adults: A Co-Design Study With Experts and End Users
Authors: Marent Pieter-Jan , Vangilbergen Arwen , Chastin Sebastien , Cardon Greet , Uffelen Jannique G.Z. van , Beeckman Melanie
Published: June 2021

Background
Research in controlled laboratory settings shows that physical activity programs enriched with cognitive challenges enhance the benefits of physical activity on cognition in older adults. This translational study aimed to conceptualise a real-life, cognitively enriched walking program for older adults (65+) by investigating (a) which cognitive tasks are most suited for cognitive enrichment of a walking program, and (b) how to embed these tasks in a walking program to become feasible, enjoyable and effective.
Methods
A co-design process was followed with input of 34 academic experts and 535 end users. First, an online, three-rounds Delphi process was used to obtain consensus amongst academic experts on the key characteristics that a real-life cognitively enriched walking program should have. Next, end users provided feedback and suggestions on what the experts concluded, and gave more insight into their preferences and concerns by means of an online/telephone survey.
Results
Combined input from experts and end users resulted in a list of recommendations to guide the further development of the cognitively enriched walking program. First, it is important to provide a range of cognitive tasks to choose from. Each of these tasks should (a) provide variation and differentiation, (b) be implemented with increasing levels of difficulty, and (c) be integrated in the walk. Second, divide the walk into three parts: 5–10 minutes brisk walking, cognitive tasks for most of the walk, and 5–10 minutes free walking. Finally, the program should strive for a minimal session frequency of twice a week, include competition occasionally and carefully, ensure safety and keep the walks fun.
Conclusions
The co-design process resulted in recommendations to guide the next steps in the program development process. Additional studies will be performed to improve the enjoyability and feasibility, and to assess the effectiveness of the cognitively enriched walking program to improve cognitive functioning and physical activity in older adults (65+).
The Optimal Spacing Interval Between Principal Shelterbelts of the Farm-shelter Forest Network
Authors: Sun Qinming , Zheng Bo , Liu Tong , Zhu Lekui , Hao Xiaoran , Han Zhiquan
Published: June 2021

The farm-shelter forest network is a complex grid protection system, with a windbreak that is distinctly different from that of the single shelterbelt. We selected the farm-shelter forest network of a jujube field in the Tarim Basin of northwest China and used a combination of field measurements and wind tunnel tests to determine the optimal spacing interval between principal shelterbelts. The wind speed reductive curve of the farm-shelter forest network showed a gradual wind speed tendency to stability. Therefore, a model was established based on the energy transfer balance between the upper and the lower airflows for a steady wind speed. The prediction error of the model was found to be < 1%. The model results indicated that increasing the spacing interval between principal shelterbelts from 10 H to 20 H, where H is the shelterbelt height, maintained more than 70% of the windbreak effect of the farm-shelter forest network. If the spacing interval between principal shelterbelts were to be increased from 10 H to 20 H, the jujube planting area would be increased by 0.54%. Therefore, a thorough consideration of the windbreak effect of each shelterbelt, the synergistic effects of shelterbelts, the windbreak effects of tall crops, and the effects of temperature and humidity in farm-shelter forest networks indicates that increasing the spacing interval will not only maintain the windbreak effect, but it will also reduce the side effects of shelterbelts, increase the planting area, favor mechanized operation, and improve planting efficiency.
Textile Waste Fibre Regeneration via a Green Chemistry Approach: A Molecular Strategy for Sustainable Fashion
Authors: Sun Xuantong , Wang Xi , Su Fengqiang , Tian Mingwei , Qu Lijun , Perry Patsy , Ovens Huw , Liu Xuqing
Published: June 2021

Fast fashion has been widely criticised for its excessive resource use and high generation of textile. To reduce its environmental impacts, numerous efforts have focused on finding sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to textile recycling. However, waste textiles and fibres are still mainly disposed of in landfills or by incineration and thereby pollute the natural environment, as there is still no effective strategy to separate natural fibres from chemical fibres. Herein, we developed a green chemistry strategy for the separation and regeneration of waste textiles at the molecular level. Cellulose/wool keratin composite fibres and multicomponent fibres were regenerated from waste textiles via ionic liquids. Our strategy attempts to reduce the large amount of waste textiles generated by the fast-developing fashion industry and provide a new source of fibres, which can also address the fossil fuel reserve shortages caused by chemical fibre industries and global food shortages caused by natural fibre production.
Individual Motivation for Completion of Antenatal Care Consultations In The Community Health Center: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ibrahim Juliani , Kashima Saori
Published: June 2021

Background: Antenatal care is an intensive program for mother and child, predominantly received from healthcare professionals during pregnancy. Recent studies have shown a high rate of incomplete consultations, while several qualitative and quantitative assessments highlighted the influencing risks and motivational factors. These were performed in an attempt to gain a more comprehensive understanding hence data were collected and consequently evaluated on the basis of competition, using a convergent mixed-methods design.Methods: The data were collected in Makassar, Indonesia, using a sequential explanatory designed that was initially conducted as a quantitative study in the form of a questionnaire for pregnant/reproductive women (n=326), followed by a focus group discussion (FGD), as a qualitative study targeted at people, which includes pregnant/reproductive women and health workers (n=60). To quantitatively evaluate the relationship between each factor and the completion of antenatal care consultations, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the logistic regression model. Similarly, in order to validate the results from the quantitative study and explore the real background in each motivation factor, qualitative analysis was conducted by FGD.Results: In the qualitative analysis, the level of education of the husband and the time allocated to examination were linked with the completion status of antenatal care consultations. Particularly, the women that received accurate and prompt services were more likely to complete the antenatal care consultations [Adjusted OR for additional physical examination:1.90 (95% CI: 1.03–3.48); and OR for additional obstetric physical examination: 9.10 (95% CI: 3.42–24.23)] compared to the women that did not receive. According to the FGD, the quality of health care centers was an important factor for the completion of antenatal care performance, and pregnant women frequently visited Posyandu which is a health post in the community instead of going to the community health center.Conclusions: The main challenges for individual motivation to complete their consultations remain the socio-economic status, lack of knowledge on pregnancy experiences, and the quality of health care centers. These factors need to be considered in order to improve the health policy for adequate services for pregnant women.
Impact of Pneumocystis Pneumonia on Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patient Outcomes
Authors: Yue Ruiming , Peng Shengkun , Hou Yifu , Yang Fuxun , Zhang Xiaoqin , He Hongli , cao Min , Luo Xiaoxiu , Li Tianlong , Huang Xiaobo , Pan Lingai
Published: June 2021

Backgrounds Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in non-HIV immunocompromised patients especially solid organ transplant（SOT）recipients. There is a lack of data on the effects of PCP on the outcomes of them.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 34 non-HIV immunocompromised patients who were diagnosed with PJP by metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS) combined with clinical symptoms and CT imaging changes admitted to our hospital from October 2018 to December 2020. We use univariable analysis and multi-logistic regression analysis to screen the main risk factors that affect the prognosis.ResultsA total of 65 patients found Pneumocystis jiroveci through mNGS from the BALF. Among them 34 non-HIV immunocompromised patients who were diagnosed with PCP were included. The mortality rate was 41.2%. Among them, 19 were kidney recipients, 1 liver recipient, 5 cases of connective tissue disease，4 cases of blood system diseases, 5 cases of others (including tumors and skin diseases). The ICU occupancy rate was 85.3%. The univariable analysis between the two groups found that the main risk factors affecting the outcome included age, body mass index (BMI), albumin (ALB), SOFA score on the first day of entering the ICU, the interval time between symptom onset and the start of TMP/SMX treatment, and invasive mechanical ventilation. However, patients who accepted early combination seems to get better outcome.ConclusionOld age, low BMI, hypoalbuminemia, mechanical ventilation, and delayed treatment may be associated with a worse outcome. Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors to improve the outcome of PCP. We should actively correct the malnutrition condition, and give early combination of TMP/SMX and echinocandin therapy may improve the prognosis.
Intrinsic and extrinsic contributions in non-linearity dielectric response of (Bi0.5Na0.3K0.2)TiO3-(Ba0.8Ca0.2)TiO3 based SrTiO3 ceramics driven by Rayleigh model
Authors: Mahmoud Abdelrazek , Babeer Afaf M.
Published: June 2021

Pb-free ceramics of [(0.95-x)(Bi0.5Na0.3K0.2)TiO3-0.05(Ba0.8Ca0.2)TiO3 doped x(SrTiO3) (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) were prepared by solid solution technique. The effect of ST content on the crystal structure and morphology of the sintered ceramics were systemically investigated. Crossover phase transition from ferroelectric to relaxor accompanied by changes in the shape of grain morphology were observed by increasing ST-content. The phase crossover is caused by oxygen vacancies and 1attice distortion effect. The electrical properties for virgin and poled samples were investigated. All virgin samples belong (x ≤ 0.15) showed present ferroelectric to relaxor diffused phase transition however ST = 0.2, only relaxor to paraelectric phase transition was detected in whole range of temperature. The poled sample of ST = 0.2 showed present two phase transition similar to (ST ≤ 0.15) denote domain grow caused by domain wall displacement at high amplitude of electric field. The polarization response was studied under sub-switching cyclic of electric fie1ds at different temperatures. The non-linearity behavior showed both of ferroe1ectric and relaxor phase dominated by Rayleigh-type dynamic. The results suggest that in ferroelectric phase, the extrinsic contribution caused by domain wall motion is responsible for majority of dielectric contributions while in relaxor phase, the majority of dielectric contribution are comes from intrinsic contribution caused by lattice distortion effect. Corresponding author: abdelrazek.mahmoud@sci.svu.edu.eg
Methods of Tobacco Harm Reduction Among Smokers in Malawi: Case Study of Chitipa, Ntcheu And Balaka Districts
Authors: Mithi Vita , Dewey Rebecca S.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the methods of tobacco harm reduction products used by smokers in Malawi, in an attempt to reduce tobacco harm. The study employed a cross-sectional survey, with both quantitative and qualitative data collection, in 3 districts, one from each region across Malawi. Participants were recruited using the technique of snowball sampling. 1,258 current and ex-smokers were recruited, age range 15–55 years. The sample size for each district was calculated using the standard formula with a 95% confidence interval or significance of p = 0.05. Tobacco harm reduction products, also known as safer nicotine products, are not widely available in Malawi; as such their use is not statistically significant at 5%. However, the following resources were used to reduce tobacco harm: fruits like Malambe (Baobab), Banana, Masau (Jujube), Mtera (local herbs), sweets, chewing gum, fried maize and milk. Solutions: cigarette filters mixed with water, a mixture of pig milk, tobacco and drinking water. In addition, ngirimbo and chingambwe were used in a smokeless way to reduce tobacco harm. Across Malawi, smokers use local tobacco harm reduction products compared to safer nicotine products. This is compounded by the absence of information on safer nicotine products, a lack of service providers, poverty and use of local smokeless tobacco.
HIV situation in Russia at the beginning of implementation of state strategy aimed to combat the spread of HIV infection
Authors: Nechaeva O. B.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study: to determine the objectivity of statistical data on HIV infection, to analyze HIV situation in Russia at the beginning of implementation of the State Strategy Aimed to Combat the Spread of HIV Infection in the Russian Federation until 2030.Subjects and methods. The data from federal statistical surveillance forms no. 4, 8, 30, 33, and 61 were studied. The number of those died is presented as per the Rosstat data. Epidemiological and statistical analysis, expert assessment, and content analysis of publications and regulations were applied.Results. In Russia, HIV epidemic situation has stabilized; in 2019-2020, HIV-associated incidence and mortality were decreasing, and the number of deaths in patients with TB/HIV co-infection is also going down. In Russia, COVID-19 will not contribute to an increase in HIV incidence and mortality in the near future. The negative effects of the pandemic are partially offset by a sharp reduction in contacts, the stable supply of antiretroviral drugs, and the expansion of hospital-replacement technologies in specialized medical units. It is necessary to set up a unified monitoring system for HIV infection in this country. Federal statistical surveillance form no. 61 on HIV infection requires improvement and revision.
Clofazimine: History and Perspectives
Authors: Mozhokina G. N. , Samoylova A. G.
Published: June 2021

The review analyses 47 publications that follow the pathway of clofazimine from its discovery to recognition as a Group B drug for treatment of multiple drug resistant tuberculosis. It describes its mechanism of action and effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pharmacokinetics, and safety parameters.
Characterization of Bioactive and Antioxidant Composition of Mountain Tea (Sideritis montana ssp. montana): Microwave-Assisted Technology
Authors: AKBABA Emel
Published: June 2021

The use of synthetic antioxidants has been restricted and even prohibited in some countries due to their toxic effects. This study aims to perform the biochemical assays representing the bioactive compounds in Sideritis montana L. ssp. montana L. known as mountain tea. The study specifically investigates the potential application of mountain tea in the food industry as a natural antioxidant. Different extraction procedures using various solvents are carried out to obtain phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in plant matrices. In this study, the maceration method was used for the extraction procedure. Furthermore, the microwave-assisted extraction method was applied to shorten the extraction time and decrease the solvent quantity. Methanol was used as a solvent in both conventional and microwave-assisted extraction procedures. The samples were evaluated in terms of the total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, antioxidant activities, and metal chelating capacity. The obtained results for classical extraction and microwave-assisted extraction methods were found to be 51 and 55 mg/g for TPC, 16.3 and 22 mg/g for TFC, 93 and 103 mg/g for FRAP, and 284 and 282 mg/g for MCC, respectively. The microwave-assisted extraction method produced higher concentrations of bioactive molecules as compared to the classical method. Microwave-assisted extraction was found to be superior to the conventional method in terms of effectiveness, extraction time, and solvent quantity. Besides, Sideritis montana ssp. montana is suggested in the food industry as a natural antioxidant instead of synthetic ones to prevent health-damaging effects.
Marketing and education: directions of distance learning development
Authors: Lysytsia Nadiia , Byelikova Yuliya , Martynenko Maryna , Prytychenko Tamara
Published: June 2021

DL), which has resulted in an unprecedented experiment in the sphere of higher education in Ukraine that requires scientific analysis. The aim of the work was to identify the possible potential directions of DL development in institutions of higher education as a result of marketing research of satisfaction/dissatisfaction of students with DL. The survey method was used in the study. The results of marketing research (an online survey of students) (Kharkiv, 2020, n = 316) allowed the authors to identify the factors of satisfaction and dissatisfaction of students with DL. Students considered the most important factors of satisfaction with DL as follows: development of competencies, self-organization, discipline, self-motivation, responsibility, taking an active position as participants of the educational process, comfort. Students expect that lectures secure improvement of teacher-student communication process; flexibility of educational approaches; use of interactive tools and constant change of activities to maintain the attention, interest, concentration of students on studying process. The latter will maximize students’ involvement in activities during training; improvement of digital competencies. The students` expectations are: flexibility of the DL platforms compared to full-time in-person education; creation of the “map” of the educational process in a distance mode. It is noted that the results of marketing research (the online survey) demonstrated the factors of satisfaction and dissatisfaction of students with DL. This information was considered as the arguments for identifying the possible potential directions of DL development in higher education institutions.
Identifying customer priority for new products in target marketing: Using RFM model and TextRank
Authors: Hwang Seongbeom , Lee Yuna
Published: June 2021

Target marketing is a key strategy used to increase the revenue. Among many methods that identify prospective customers, the recency, frequency, monetary value (RFM) model is considered the most accurate. However, no RFM study has focused on prospects for new product launches. This study addresses this gap by using website access data to identify prospects for new products, thereby extending RFM models to include website-specific weights. An RF model, built using frequency and recency information from website access data of customers, and an RwF model, built by adding website weights to frequency of access, were developed. A TextRank algorithm was used to analyze weights for each website based on the access frequency, thus defining the weights in the RwF model. South Korean mobile users’ website access data between May 1 and July 31, 2020 were used to validate the models. Through a significant lift curve, the results indicate that the models are highly effective in prioritizing customers for target marketing of new products. In particular, the RwF model, reflecting website-specific weights, showed a customer response rate of more than 30% among the top 10% customers. The findings extend the RFM literature beyond purchase history and enable practitioners to find target customers without a purchase history.
Different Methods for Molecular and Rapid Detection of Human Novel Coronavirus
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad H. , Sun Wenli , Cheng Qi
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

While PCR has been recognized as one of the appropriate ways to diagnose infectious
diseases, Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) which is a nucleic acid amplification method, can
be considered as an alternative to PCR, and it is faster, cost-effective, and easier to perform than nested PCR.

Patients and Methods:

Keywords were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Institute for Scientific Information
Web of Science, as well as the search engine of Google Scholar. Keywords included PCR, LAMP,
RAA, RPA, Virus and COVID-19.

Results:

LAMP technology has been extensively applied for the detection of human pathogenic bacteria, crop
pests, pathogenic organisms and components in meat products. A new isotheral method, Recombinase polymerase
amplification (RPA), can amplify the DNA as well as RPA. RPA involves benefits of isothermal PCR
as well as simplicity and rapid amplification. Recombinase aided amplification (RAA) assay has been favorably
used in the detection of bacterial and viral pathogens and solved the technical difficulties posed by DNA amplification
methods because it does not need thermal denaturation of the template and involves a low and constant
temperature.

Conclusions:

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, digital PCR, LAMP, nicking endonuclease amplification
reaction, recombinase polymerase amplification, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
repeats are different nucleic acid amplification tests of COVID-19. LAMP methods can be more specific than
qPCR and immunoassays. The LAMP assay can be applied for rapid detection of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV,
SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, because LAMP is a highly sensitive and specific DNA/RNA amplification technique.
Design of Oleanolic Acid-based Hybrid Compounds as Potential Pharmaceutical
Scaffolds
Authors: Khwaza Vuyolwethu , Oyedeji Opeoluwa Oyehan , Aderibigbe Blessing Atim , Morifi Eric , Fonkui Youmbi Thierry , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh , Nell Margo , Steenkamp Vanessa
Published: June 2021

Background:

Infectious diseases, as well as cancer, are the leading causes of death
worldwide. Drug resistance usually results in their treatment requiring a combination of two or more
drugs.

Objective:

Oleanolic-based hybrid compounds were prepared via esterification and characterized
using FTIR, NMR and LC-MS. In vitro antibacterial and in vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed.

Method:

Oleanolic acid was hybridized with selected known pharmaceutical scaffolds via the carboxylic
acid functionality in order to develop therapeutics with increased biological activity. Antibacterial
activity was determined using the micro-dilution assay against selected Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria and cytotoxicity using the sulforhodamine B assay.

Results:

Compound 8 displayed potent antibacterial effect against five strains of bacteria, such as
Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli,
with MIC values of 1.25, 0.078, 0.078, 1.25, 1.25 mg/mL when compared to the control, oleanolic
acid (MIC = 2.5 mg/mL). Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity, as determined using the SRB assay,
against selected cancer cells revealed that compound 7 was the most cytotoxic on MDA, DU145, and
MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 69.87 ± 1.04, 73.2 ± 1.08, and 85.27 ± 1.02 μg/mL, respectively,
compared to oleanolic acid with an IC50 > 200 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

Hybridization of oleanolic acid was successful, and further development of these potential
antibacterial compounds with reduced cytotoxicity is therefore warranted.
Safety Behavior Predictors Related to the Food Safety of Greenhouse Products among the Greenhouse Owners Based on Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Faryabi Reza , Sharifabad Mohammad A. M. , Sardooei Zabihollah A. , Daneshi Salman , Hushmandi Kiavash , Raei Mehdi
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety behavior predictors related to the food safety of greenhouse products among the greenhouse owners of Jiroft city based on the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a descriptive-correlation approach in 2018 on 228 greenhouse owners. A researcher-made questionnaire that included demographic variables, PMT structures, and safety behavior was administered.

Results:

Of the surveyed greenhouse owners, 98.2% were men. The participants were aged from 21 to 70 years. The mean scores of all PMT constructs other than response costs, and safety behaviors other than that of preventing the prevalence of pests were at a moderate level. The prediction rate of safety behaviors by PMT constructs was 74.4%. Meanwhile, perceived costs' construct (β = −0.349), response efficacy (β = 0.251), and protection motivation (β = 0.424) had important roles.

Conclusion:

Given the predictive power of PMT constructs for safety behaviors related to food safety, educational interventions based on this theory are required.
Analysis of R&D efficiency of new biopharmaceuticals based on large-scale quantitative analysis and careful case analysis
Authors: Miyashige Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

Research on the R&D efficiency of new biopharmaceuticals is geared towards enhancing efficiencies, such as improving drug development technologies and therefore speeding up the discovery and development of new treatments. Organisation theory is one way of exploring R&D efficiency
and involves studying the behaviour of organisations with a view to enhancing organisational efficiency. Professor Tetsuya Miyashige and his team at the National Institute of Technology, Toyama College, Japan, are using large-scale quantitative analysis and careful case analysis to analyse
the R&D efficiency of new pharmaceuticals. The goal is to contribute to the R&D management of pharmaceutical companies and to industrial economic policy for the pharmaceutical industry. A particular focus for the researcher is using biotechnology to analyse the R&D efficiency of
'antibody drug = biomedicine' in pharmaceutical companies. In collaboration with econometrician Professor Atsushi Fujii, University of Kitakyushu, Miyashige worked on the separation of R&D processes in biopharmaceutical R&D. This work involved analysing the R&D productivity of
a biopharmaceutical company, with a focus on separation of the R&D processes and looking at blockbusters and biotech drugs. Another line of work involved empirically analysing the differences between blockbuster production in Japanese firms and in US/EU firms.
Development of high-performance sports machine and elucidation of Two-seam ball gyroball
Authors: Sakai Shinobu
Published: June 2021

Sports engineering uses mathematics and physics to develop solutions to sporting problems. It involves the design and manufacture of sports equipment and facilities that can help maximise athletic performance. In order to develop fit-for-purpose products, it is necessary to consider
the motions and movements of athletes. Professor Shinobu Sakai, Production Systems Engineering and Sciences, Komatsu University, Japan, is combining AI and neural networks (NN) to develop multifunctional and high-performance sports equipment and training machines that can benefit athletes
and people across the globe who play sports. Believing that machines are subordinate to human beings, a key goal for Sakai is to augment the performance of sports players through the development of tools and machines. Some of the state-of-the-art tools and methodologies he uses in his work
are high-resolution sensors, laser-speed sensors, MATLAB and general finite element method analysis software (ANSYS/LS-DYNA). He has developed a shuttlecock launching machine for badminton that can launch at high speed, a high-performance baseball pitching machine that is able to generate
an efficient and objective gyro spin and has a high throwing performance and a pitching control method that uses AI.
COVID 19 - Global Research Roadmap for recovery
Authors: Annette Lucy
Published: June 2021

Health emergencies that have occurred in recent years have presented significant challenges and led to the development of effective health responses. Therefore, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, researchers and health practitioners were in a position to develop a suitable response.
The UN's Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery details how communities have been affected by the pandemic and how medical professionals and scientific researchers can inform responses and policies. Health systems and services comprises one section of the Research Roadmap and highlights
research priorities and key foci for health systems. In addition to its role in mitigating the health implications of COVID-19, the Research Roadmap also provides recommendations for overcoming the socio-political challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic. As such, 25 research priorities
have been identified with a view to addressing recovery challenges and informing long-term systemic change. There are five research priorities for each pillar of the UN's socio-economic recovery framework and the first pillar is Health Systems and Services, which is concerned with promoting
compliance with public health measures. A priority for this pillar is ensuring the responsiveness, adaptability and accessibility of health systems while additional foci include eliminating discrimination in the delivery of health servicess, preparing for future health emergencies, developing
cross-border responses and engaging with communities.
AUTONOMIA, INTERAÇÃO, DIÁLOGO E COLABORAÇÃO
Authors: Carneiro Reginaldo Fernando
Published: June 2021

A formação do professor em cursos de Educação a Distância cresceu muito nos últimos anos e, por isso, faz parte das discussões no âmbito educacional. Assim, neste artigo, temos como objetivo discutir algumas características – autonomia, interação, diálogo e colaboração – do curso de Pedagogia a distância da Universidade Aberta do Brasil (UAB), oferecido pela Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), a partir de situações que ocorreram nas disciplinas relacionadas à matemática. Para tanto, realizamos uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, desenvolvida entre 2009 e 2012, em que utilizamos, para produção de dados, atividades virtuais e entrevistas semiestruturadas de oito professoras que haviam cursado as disciplinas de matemática. A análise evidenciou a colaboração e a negociação na atividade em que tiveram que elaborar textos coletivos. Além disso, destacou a qualidade do diálogo e a interação na perspectiva do estar junto virtual entre professoras e também com o tutor, ao tornaremse parceiros no processo de aprendizagem. Por fim, as situações explicitaram que as professoras podem ter desenvolvido a autonomia, pois, de forma individual e na relação com o outro, puderam participar ativamente da construção do conhecimento.
ONTOGENIA DE UM PROJETO INOVADOR PARA A EDUCAÇÃO DE JOVENS E ADULTOS A DISTÂNCIA
Authors: Dos Santos Faria Ângela Maria , Soares Lima Denise Maria
Published: June 2021

Este artigo descreve as ações que mobilizaram um grupo de docentes e gestores para acrescentar à modalidade de Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) a Educação a Distância (EAD) na rede pública do Distrito Federal. O projeto, inicialmente chamado de Educação sem Fronteiras, lançou seu discurso inaugural em 24 de junho de 2005. Neste caminhar, muitas parcerias foram compostas; outras reestruturadas, como se deduz das falas pioneiras, expressas por docentes, ainda na ativa. Tais narrativas foram analisadas nos moldes de Bardin (2009), cujo recorte qualitativo compõe pesquisa em andamento. Os resultados preliminares indicam que há um componente coletivo marcante que propõe discussões, executa votação e delibera de acordo com a decisão majoritária. Após 10 anos, mesmo com a continuada reformulação do grupo pioneiro, por aposentadorias e readaptações, a equipe mantém a motivação inicial a fim de garantir o funcionamento institucional, o acesso e a permanência de jovens e adultos na EAD
Pesquisa Colaborativa
Authors: Lechner Elsa
Published: June 2021

O texto discorre sobre a pesquisa colaborativa revisitando a genealogia dos trabalhos que nas ciências sociais e humanidades contribuíram para a sua definição. São analisados, em particular, os contributos dos autores de referência no desenvolvimento das formas de investigação participadas e de colaboração. No final é brevemente apresentado um projeto desenvolvido com imigrantes no Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra, baseado na realização de oficinas biográficas/rodas de histórias com participantes de dez nacionalidades diferentes, vários níveis de formação escolar, diversas religiões, homens e mulheres de diversas gerações.
Performance Investigation of a Nickel Cermet Anode Modified with Copper, Alkaline Earth Metal Oxide, Boron, and Perovskite for Direct Methane Fuel Cell
Authors:   Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan, Chien Andrew C. ,   Green Energy Development Center, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan, Lin Eric Y. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan, Ye Nicole J. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung 40724, Taiwan
Published: June 2021

The metallic copper, alkaline earth metal oxide, boron, and perovskite were incorporated on the surface of a Ni-cermet anode, and the performance of the modified Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode was evaluated. The cell performance was analyzed by voltage-current characteristics (V-I curve) and H2-CH4 step reactions (P-t curve) in a potentiostatic mode. Besides, we also determined if a metallic phase or high electronic conductivity of the anode is important for a cell to perform well when H2 is used as a fuel, whereas both conductivity and anti-coking capability are critical while using CH4 as a fuel. The results showed that the anodes containing magnesium oxide (MgO), lanthanum strontium titanate (La0.4Sr0.4TiO3−γ), and boron were relatively resistant to the degradation in the CH4 environment when compared with others. The underlying mechanism varied mainly with electronic and structural promotion by the dopants as well as their material compatibility with the Ni-cermet substrate. These findings were evidenced and supported by surface analysis as well as in-situ infrared and mass spectroscopic studies too.
COVID-19 Vaccine–Related Discussion on Twitter: Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Lyu Joanne Chen , Han Eileen Le , Luli Garving K
Published: June 2021

Background

Vaccination is a cornerstone of the prevention of communicable infectious diseases; however, vaccines have traditionally met with public fear and hesitancy, and COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. Social media use has been demonstrated to play a role in the low acceptance of vaccines.

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify the topics and sentiments in the public COVID-19 vaccine–related discussion on social media and discern the salient changes in topics and sentiments over time to better understand the public perceptions, concerns, and emotions that may influence the achievement of herd immunity goals.

Methods

Tweets were downloaded from a large-scale COVID-19 Twitter chatter data set from March 11, 2020, the day the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, to January 31, 2021. We used R software to clean the tweets and retain tweets that contained the keywords vaccination, vaccinations, vaccine, vaccines, immunization, vaccinate, and vaccinated. The final data set included in the analysis consisted of 1,499,421 unique tweets from 583,499 different users. We used R to perform latent Dirichlet allocation for topic modeling as well as sentiment and emotion analysis using the National Research Council of Canada Emotion Lexicon.

Results

Topic modeling of tweets related to COVID-19 vaccines yielded 16 topics, which were grouped into 5 overarching themes. Opinions about vaccination (227,840/1,499,421 tweets, 15.2%) was the most tweeted topic and remained a highly discussed topic during the majority of the period of our examination. Vaccine progress around the world became the most discussed topic around August 11, 2020, when Russia approved the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine. With the advancement of vaccine administration, the topic of instruction on getting vaccines gradually became more salient and became the most discussed topic after the first week of January 2021. Weekly mean sentiment scores showed that despite fluctuations, the sentiment was increasingly positive in general. Emotion analysis further showed that trust was the most predominant emotion, followed by anticipation, fear, sadness, etc. The trust emotion reached its peak on November 9, 2020, when Pfizer announced that its vaccine is 90% effective.

Conclusions

Public COVID-19 vaccine–related discussion on Twitter was largely driven by major events about COVID-19 vaccines and mirrored the active news topics in mainstream media. The discussion also demonstrated a global perspective. The increasingly positive sentiment around COVID-19 vaccines and the dominant emotion of trust shown in the social media discussion may imply higher acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines compared with previous vaccines.
The Accuracy of a Screening System for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Hand Drawing: Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Watanabe Takuro , Koyama Takafumi , Yamada Eriku , Nimura Akimoto , Fujita Koji , Sugiura Yuta
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy that occurs due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist joint. The initial symptoms are numbness and sensory disturbance from the thumb to the ring finger. As CTS becomes severe, thumb motion is reduced, which affects manual dexterity. Patients begin to experience symptoms such as difficulties in writing.

OBJECTIVE

We developed a screening method for CTS using a tablet and stylus, focusing on writing motion, and verified its accuracy.

METHODS

We recruited 33 patients with CTS and 31 healthy volunteers for this study. The patients in the CTS group were diagnosed with CTS by hand surgeons in the orthopedic outpatient clinic based on physical examination and nerve conduction studies. We developed a tablet app to measure the stylus trajectory and pressure of the stylus tip when drawing a spiral on a tablet screen using a stylus and subsequently used these data as training data to predict the participants as non-CTS or CTS using a support vector machine.

RESULTS

Non-CTS and CTS were classified with 82% sensitivity and 71% specificity. The area under the curve was 0.81.

CONCLUSIONS

We proposed a CTS screening method that focuses on manual dexterity. This method can facilitate the screening for potential patients with CTS and provide a quantitative assessment of CTS.