bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under Pressure: Comparing Fish Survivorship Between in Situ and Boat Tagging Methods Using Internal Acoustic Tags
Authors: Keller Jessica A. , Morley Danielle , Herbig Jennifer , Barbera Paul , Feeley Michael W. , Acosta Alejandro
Published: August 2020

Background: With the increase in telemetry studies over the past decade, improving understanding of how different tagging methods influence fish survivorship is critical. By examining the effects of tagging methods, we can maximize the information gained from telemetry studies. Mortality resulting from internally tagging fish on a boat may be due to barotrauma injuries, increased stress from prolonged handling times, or predation after fish have been released back into the water. Conducting in situ internal acoustic tagging at depth of capture completely removes barotrauma stresses and simplifies the release method, which may improve fish survival. In this study, we used 8 years of acoustic tagging data to determine if the tagging method (in situ versus on the boat) influenced fish survivorship and evaluated the role of other tagging variables.Results: At 6 days after tagging, Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed that the survival probability of fish tagged on the boat was 66% while survival probability of fish tagged in situ was 90%. Tagging method was the only variable to significantly affect survival probability based on Cox proportional hazards models, with fish tagged in situ ~75% less likely to have an “event” (mortality, tag loss, or emigration) compared to fish tagged on the boat at both 4 and 6 days after tagging. Examining tagging methods separately, handling time only marginally influenced survival probability of boat-tagged fish and no variables had a significant effect on survival of in situ tagged fish. Conclusions: In this study, tagging method was the only variable to significantly affect survival of internally tagged fish. Implanting internal acoustic tags in situ is not a practical method for every species and for every environment, but given the increased fish survivorship demonstrated here, we strongly suggest it be considered as the preferred tagging methodology where applicable.
Community groups to increase Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination through Participatory Learning and Action, Reducing barriers and increasing community Mobilisation in Zambia (CHARMZ) project.
Authors: Hoernke Katarina
Published: August 2020

Background Zambia has a high incidence of cervical cancer. Uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been low since it first became available in Zambia in 2013. Community mobilisation and engagement with civil society has been identified as a key component of HPV vaccination programs in low and middle-income countries. Of the evidence available on community-based interventions in the context of HPV, participatory approaches which work closely with local stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers to HPV vaccination uptake have shown promising results. This is a proposal for a community-based cluster randomised controlled trial to increase HPV vaccination uptake in Zambia through a participatory learning and action (PLA) cycle approach in community groups. PLA is an approach in which participants identify and prioritise problems, and subsequently develop, implement and evaluate solutions to improve the health needs of their community. Key stakeholders to be engaged in this project include government members, policymakers, healthcare, donors and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGO), religious leaders, and civil society members. Formative research will be carried out with key stakeholders through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The community group intervention will be facilitated by local healthcare workers from the cervical cancer prevention program in Zambia (CCPPZ).Results Success will be indicated by an increase in HPV vaccination uptake. The primary outcome will be HPV vaccination rates measured quantitatively. Data will be gathered once at the start of the study, once midway through the PLA phase and once during the post-intervention phase. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews will allow for measurement of secondary outcomes both quantitatively and qualitatively, including perceived (i) HPV vaccination and cervical cancer knowledge, (ii) acceptability, accessibility and equitability of the HPV vaccination, as well as (iii) attitudes of female group members towards other cervical cancer screening and treatment services.Conclusions There is a need to address the high cervical cancer disease burden in Zambia. This would be the first intervention aiming to increase HPV vaccination uptake in Zambia through a low-cost, sustainable and scalable community-based participatory learning and action cycle approach.
Value of laboratory tests in COVID-19 hospitalized patients for clinical decision-makers: a predictive model, using data mining approach
Authors: Mousavi Atefeh , Rezaei Soheyla , Salamzadeh Jamshid , Mirzazadeh Ali , Peiravian Farzad , Yousefi Nazila
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Because of the rapid increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, in particular those with severe or critical status, overwhelming of health systems is a worldwide concern. Therefore, identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients, can help service providers for priority setting and hospital resource allocation. Methods: 4542 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted in 15 hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from Feb 20 to April 18, 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study with final outcomes of survived and died patients. Demographic features including age and sex, and laboratory data measured at admission were extracted and compared between recovered and died patients. Data analysis was performed applying SPSS modeler software using a logistic regression method.Results: Of 4542 hospitalized adult patients, 822 patients (18.09%) died during hospitalization, and 3720 (81.90%) recovered and discharged. Based on logistic regression model, older age, 40-49 (RR= 1.80, CI: 1.13-2.87), 50-59 (RR=2.63, CI: 1.71-4.02), 60-69 (RR= 4.40, CI: 2.92-6.63), 70-79 (RR=7.49, CI: 5.01-11.19), Above 80 (RR=13.85, CI: 9.23-2.77), ALT ≥ 55 IU/ (RR=2.20, CI: 1.69-2.86), AST ≥ 100 IU/L (RR=5.93, CI: 4.75-7.39), ALP ≥ 200 IU/L (RR=2.46, CI: 1.80-3.37), sodium < 135 mEq/l (RR=1.69, CI: 1.35-2.11) or more than 145 mEq/l (RR=7.24, CI: 5.07-10.33), potassium > 5.50 mEq/l (RR=7.53, CI: 4.15-13.64), and calcium < 8.50 mEq/l (RR=3.39, CI: 2.81-4.09), CPK between 307-600 IU/L (RR=2.73, CI: 2.12-3.53) and above 600 IU/L (RR=4.41, CI: 3.40-5.71) in men, and 192-400 IU/L (RR=2.73, CI: 2.12-3.53), and above 400 (RR=4.41, CI: 3.40-5.71) in women, CRP > 3 mg/l (RR=3.22, CI: 1.99-5.20), and creatinine > 1.5 mg/l (RR=6.37, CI: 5.30-7.66) were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: Our findings suggested less than one in five hospitalized patients with COVID-19 die mostly due to electrolyte disbalance, liver, and renal dysfunctions. Better supportive care is needed to improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19.
Two novel QTLs for harvest index contribute to high yield production in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Fukuta Y. , Obara Mitsuhiro , Tomita Asami , Ishimaru Tsutomu , Sasaki Kazuhiro , Fujita Daisuke , Kobayashi Nobuya
Published: August 2020

Background: Harvest index (HI) is a measure of the biological success of forming harvestable products. However, our understanding of the genetic basis of HI in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is limited, because it is a complex trait consisting of various yield-related traits and physiological attributes. YTH183 is a high yielding line with large panicles and high HI derived from a cross between the Indica Group variety IR 64 and the NPT line IR 69093-41-2-3-2 (YP5).Results: Here, we detected two novel QTLs for HI, designated qHI5.1 on chromosome 5 and qHI8.1 on chromosome 8. The YTH183 allele at qHI5.1 contributed to wide grain, resulting in heavy grain weight and panicle weight, and was consistently effective under the different environmental conditions of subtropical (Ishigaki) and temperate (Tsukuba) regions. Genetic polymorphism revealed that qHI5.1 was identical to GSE5/GW5, which is known to control the grain weight. On the other hand, although qHI8.1 functioned additively with qHI5.1 for higher HI, it did not show any significant effect on grain or panicle weight. In addition, its effects on HI were shown only in the first seasons at Ishigaki but not at Tsukuba or in the second season at Ishigaki. Conclusion: Our results indicate that qHI5.1 controls the grain size, regardless of whether environmental conditions are of subtropical or temperate regions, while qHI8.1 might be involved in controlling the physiological processes of source ability or the translocation of photosynthesis products from vegetative organs to grains depending on environmental conditions during the maturing stage. These QTLs will be useful genetic resources for future breeding programs to break through the ceiling of maximum yield in Indica Group varieties.
High-pressure and high-temperature vibrational properties and anharmonicity of carbonate minerals up to 6 GPa and 500 °C by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Farsang Stefan , Widmer Remo N. , Redfern Simon A.T.
Published: August 2020

Carbonate minerals play a dominant role in the deep carbon cycle. Determining the high-pressure and high-temperature vibrational properties of carbonates is essential to understand their anharmonicity and their thermodynamic properties under crustal and upper mantle conditions. Building on our previous study on aragonite, calcite (both CaCO3 polymorphs), dolomite [CaMg(CO3)2], magnesite (MgCO3), rhodochrosite (MnCO3), and siderite (FeCO3) (Farsang et al. 2018), we have measured the pressure- and temperature-induced frequency shifts of Raman-active vibrational modes up to 6 GPa and 500 °C for all naturally occurring aragonite- and calcite-group carbonate minerals, including cerussite (PbCO3), strontianite (SrCO3), witherite (BaCO3), gaspeite (NiCO3), otavite (CdCO3), smithsonite (ZnCO3), and spherocobaltite (CoCO3). Our Raman and XRD measurements show that cerussite decomposes to a mixture of Pb2O3 and tetragonal PbO between 225 and 250 °C, smithsonite breaks down to hexagonal ZnO between 325 and 400 °C, and gaspeite to NiO between 375 and 400 °C. Spherocobaltite breaks down between 425 and 450 °C and otavite between 375 and 400 °C. Due to their thermal stability, carbonates may serve as potential reservoirs for several metals (e.g., Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) in a range of crustal and upper mantle environments (e.g., subduction zones). We have determined the isobaric and isothermal equivalents of the mode Grüneisen parameter and the anharmonic parameter for each Raman mode and compare trends in vibrational properties as a function of pressure, temperature, and chemical composition with concomitant changes in structural properties. Finally, we use the anharmonic parameter to calculate the thermal contribution to the internal energy and entropy, as well as the isochoric and isobaric heat capacity of certain carbonates.
A declaração de Donald Trump sobre o status de Jerusalém e seu impacto no conflito Israel-Palestinal
Authors: Souza Matheus de Abreu Costa , Santos Marina D'Lara Siqueira , Duarte Geraldine Marcelle Moreira Braga Rosas
Published: August 2020

Comumente referenciado como um conflito intratável, a disputa territorial entre Israel e Palestina já dura décadas e o seu fim não parece próximo. Este artigo investiga se há uma relação de interveniência entre o aumento da violência política no conflito Israel-Palestina, a paralisação de tentativas de negociações e o reconhecimento, por parte do presidente dos Estados Unidos da América (EUA), Donald Trump, de Jerusalém como a capital simbólica de Israel. Partindo deste argumento inicial, busca-se identificar de que maneira a interferência estadunidense em um recurso central na disputa pode aumentar o número de eventosviolentos entre as partes em conflito e intensificar a natureza intratável da disputa. Levando em consideração (1) o número de eventos violentos; (2) os atores perpetradores da violência; (3) o número de fatalidades reportadas; (4) o local de ocorrência da violência; (5) os atos de violência cotidiana de israelenses contra palestinos e (6) a estagnação de negociações entre as partes em conflito, constatou-se que a interferência estadunidense na disputa entre Israel e Palestina aumentou os enfrentamentos violentos que contribuíram para a intensificação da intratabilidade do conflito.
Ligand-Linked Association-Dissociation in Transport Proteins and Hormone Receptors
Authors: Saccoccia Fulvio , Bellelli Andrea
Published: August 2020

:

Ligand-linked changes in the aggregation state of biological macromolecules occur and
have importance in several physiological processes, e.g., the response of hormone receptors, cooperative
ligand binding, and others. The mathematical formalisms that express the thermodynamics governing
these processes are complex, as they are required to describe observations made under experimental
conditions in which many parameters may be simultaneously varied. The description of the
functional behaviour of proteins that present ligand-linked association-dissociation events must accommodate
cases where both the binding stoichiometries and reaction mechanisms are variable. In this
paper, we review some paradigmatic cases that cover different structural arrangements and binding
modes, with special attention to the case of dissociating homodimeric transport proteins and receptors.
Even though we cannot pretend to be comprehensive on the proteins presenting this behaviour, we
believe that we can attempt to be comprehensive on the structural arrangements and thermodynamic
properties of these systems, which fall into a limited set of possible types.
The Impact of Natural and Synthetic Polymers in Formulating Micro and Nanoparticles for Anti-Diabetic Drugs
Authors: Al-hashimi Nihad , Babenko Mai , Saaed Maria , Kargar Negeen , ElShaer Amr
Published: August 2020

Diabetes mellitus is one of the long-known chronic diseases. Today, over 400 million people
have been diagnosed with diabetes, yet curing it is still a challenge. Over the decades, the approaches of
treating diabetes mellitus have evolved and polymeric materials have played an integral part in developing
and manufacturing anti-diabetic medications. However, injection of insulin remains a conventional
therapy for the treatment of diabetes. Oral administration is generally the most preferred route;
yet, physiological barriers lead to a challenge in the formulation development for oral delivery of antidiabetic
peptide and protein drugs. This present review focuses on the role of different types of
biodegradable polymers (e.g., synthetic and natural) that have been used to develop micro and
nanoparticles based formulations for anti-diabetic drugs (Type 1 and Type 2) and how the various encapsulation
strategies impact its therapeutic effect, including pharmacokinetics studies, drug release
profiles, and efficacy of the encapsulated drugs. This review also includes studies of different dosage
forms such as oral, nasal, inhalation, and sublingual for the treatment of diabetes that have been
investigated using synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers in order to develop an alternative route
to subcutaneous route for better control of serum glucose levels.
Spatio-temporal Distribution of Meningitis in HIV Patients in Northern Egypt (2000-2018)
Authors: Abd El-Wahab Ekram W. , Hegazy Yamen , Farrag Talaat , Metwally Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Background:

Meningitis is a leading cause of death among patients living with HIV. There is no adequate tracking of the disease occurrence, distribution and etiologic agents among this risk group in Egypt, although the pattern could differ than that of the general population.

Objectives:

We aimed to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of meningitis in HIV patients in a region of Northern Egypt over an 18-years period (2000-2018).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of 352 adults HIV patients admitted to a tertiary care fever hospital with neurological manifestations suggesting meningitis. We retrieved from inpatient records all data relevant to patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, results of laboratory investigations (CSF, blood, imaging), definitive diagnosis, and in-hospital mortality.

Results:

The overall trend over 2 decades showed fluctuating incidence of meningitis in HIV infected patients and increasingly spread into rural areas, with a uniform circulation among adult males. Cryptococcal meningitis was the most common etiologic agent (26.9%) and was associated with worse outcomes. Focal neurological deficit (38.5%), cranial nerve involvement (48.1%) were common features in TB Meningitis. The mortality was high (56.8%) and was significantly associate with low CD4+ count, advanced AIDs clinical stage and the presence of co-morbidities.

Conclusion:

Despite the availability of cART, meningitis particularly cryptococcal is common in HIV/AIDS population in Egypt. Continued efforts are desperately needed to improve outcomes of HIV-infected patients.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: Data Analysis Based on Pregnant Women Population from 2012 to 2018, in Nantong City, China
Authors: Lou Haiqin , Ge Xiaoyun , Xu Biyun , Liu Weiwei , Zhou Yi-Hua
Published: August 2020

Background:

China has implemented a nation-wide policy to control mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since 2011, yet the efficacy of the control policy is less studied. The aim of the present study was to report the data
in the prevention of MTCT of HIV in Nantong city, China.

Methods:

The screening and prevalence of HIV in pregnant women and the efficacy of prophylaxis in Nantong city, China, January 2012
through December 2018, were analyzed.

Results:

Among a total population of 410,044 pregnant women, anti-HIV was tested prenatally in 393,658 (96.0%) women and in 16,287
(3.97%) women at delivery. In total, 51 women were confirmed with HIV infection. After exclusion of repeat pregnancies, the overall prevalence of HIV infection was 1.20/10 000 (48/400,377). The prevalence (6.75/10,000) in women tested at delivery was >5-fold higher than
that (1.02/10,000) in prenatally screened women. Of 48 HIV-infected women, 12 terminated their pregnancies and 36 others delivered 36
neonates, of whom 35 were followed up. No HIV infection occurred in 24 children born to mothers with antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy along with other preventive measures. Among 11 children born to mothers who did not receive ART during pregnancy because of the absence of prenatal anti-HIV test, none of the 6 children who were delivered by cesarean section and timely administered neonatal antiretroviral prophylaxis was infected, but 2 (40%) of 5 children who were spontaneously delivered and administered delayed antiretroviral prophylaxis were infected.

Conclusions:

Prenatal identification of HIV infection and timely administration of all preventive measures can completely block MTCT of
HIV. The data indicate that more efforts must be taken to ensure that all pregnant women are tested for anti-HIV during pregnancy. For
pregnant women who missed prenatal screening, a positive result in rapid anti-HIV test at delivery should be sufficient to take preventive
measures to prevent MTCT of HIV.
Mesomeric Effects of Azobenzene Bearing Natural Product-Based Molecules for Liquid Crystal Materials: An Overview
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab
Published: August 2020

Latest progress in the liquid crystal (LC) field related to azo molecules incorporated into natural product- based moieties for the improvement of LC texture and mesomeric phases has received great interest among researchers. A LC containing natural product-based moieties i.e. menthol, kojic acid, cholesterol and chalcone with stable azo and azobenzene scaffolds with specific optical tunability, has been widely used in photo-active materials such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), LC films, smart windows and other devices. This review discusses the influence of azobenzene, a renowned photo-responsive and stable LC scaffold, in mesogenic phases due to photo-isomerization and optical switching. The incorporation of mesomeric phases of natural product moieties to azo molecules has improved the properties of LC, i.e, from the nematic phase to the smectic phase with proper magnetic field alignment. Natural product-based LC can be useful in numerous applications, especially practical electronic or optic devices such as optical image storage, display devices, solar cells, optical switching.
Epsilon Waves as an Extreme Form of Depolarization Delay: Focusing on the Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia
Authors: Platonov Pyotr G. , Svensson Anneli
Published: August 2020

Revision of the Task Force diagnostic criteria (TFC) for arrhythmogenic right ventricular
cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D), in 2010, has increased the sensitivity for the diagnosis of
early and familial forms of the disease. Epsilon wave (EW) is a major diagnostic criterion in the
context of ARVC/D, however, it remains unquantifiable and therefore, may leave room for substantial
subjective interpretation, thus, explaining the existing high inter-observer variability in the assessment
of EW. EW, when present, coexists with other disease characteristics, which are sufficient
for ARVC/D diagnosis, making EW generally not required for ARVC/D diagnosis. Nevertheless,
EW remains an important part of the electrocardiographic phenotype of ARVC/D that may be
useful in planning diagnostic work-up, which needs to be recognized.
Immuno-informatics-based Identification of Novel Potential B Cell and T Cell Epitopes to Fight Zika Virus Infections
Authors: Ezzemani Wahiba , Windisch Marc P. , Kettani Anass , Altawalah Haya , Nourlil Jalal , Benjelloun Soumaya , Ezzikouri Sayeh
Published: August 2020

Background:

Globally, the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, Asia Pacific, and other countries highlighted the unmet medical needs. Currently, there are neither effective vaccines nor therapeutics available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to design an epitope-based vaccine for ZIKV using an in silico approach to predict and analyze B- and T-cell epitopes.

Methods:

The prediction of the most antigenic epitopes has targeted the capsid and envelope proteins as well as non-structural proteins NS5 and NS3 using immune-informatics tools PROTPARAM, CFSSP, PSIPRED, and Vaxijen v2.0. B and T-cell epitopes were predicted using ABCpred, IEDB, TepiTool, and their toxicity was evaluated using ToxinPred. The 3-dimensional epitope structures were generated by PEP-FOLD. Energy minimization was performed using Swiss- Pdb Viewer, and molecular docking was conducted using PatchDock and FireDock server.

Results:

As a result, we predicted 307 epitopes of MHCI (major histocompatibility complex class I) and 102 epitopes of MHCII (major histocompatibility complex class II). Based on immunogenicity and antigenicity scores, we identified the four most antigenic MHC I epitopes: MVLAILAFLR (HLA-A*68:01), ETLHGTVTV (HLA-A*68:02), DENHPYRTW (HLA-B*44:02), QEGVFH TMW (HLA-B*44:03) and TASGRVIEEW (HLA-B*58:01), and MHC II epitopes: IIKKFKKDLAAMLRI (HLA-DRB3*02:02), ENSKMMLELDPPFGD (HLA-DRB3*01:01), HAET WFFDENHPYRT (HLA-DRB3*01:01), TDGVYRVMTRRLLGS (HLA-DRB1*11:01), and DGCW YGMEIRPRKEP (HLA-DRB5*01:01).

Conclusion :

This study provides novel potential B cell and T cell epitopes to fight against Zika virus infections and may prompt further development of vaccines against ZIKV and other emerging infectious diseases. However, further investigations for protective immune response by in vitro and in vivo studies to ratify immunogenicity, the safety of the predicted structure, and ultimately for the vaccine properties to prevent ZIKV infections are warranted.
Toxicity of insecticides to predators of rice brown planthopper: Wolf spider and carabid beetle
Authors: Alam Md. Jahangir , Das Gopal
Published: August 2020

Field toxicity two insect growth regulators (IGR) viz. Award 40 SC (Buprofezin) and Haron 5 EC (Lufenuron) and one newer Thiacloprid viz. Calypso 280 SC against wolf spider, Lycosa pseudoannulata and carabid beetle, Ophionea indica, the predators of rice brown planthopper (BPH) was examined in the Entomology field laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Effectiveness of insecticides was assessed on the basis of populations of wolf spider and carabid beetle under field condition at 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7 days after treatment. The abundances of wolf spider and carabid beetle were not changed significantly even when rice plants were treated with either Award or Haron. In contrast, Calypso 280 SC had significantly reduced wolf spiders (about 78%) and carabid beetle (about 57%) populations compared to the control. Therefore it is concluded from the present study that Award 40 SC @ 0.75 ml/L or Haron 5 EC @ 1.00 ml/L would be applied as the protector of predators of BPH in rice-ecosystem. On the other hand, Calypso 280 SC has adverse effects on the populations of wolf spider and carabid beetle in rice-ecosystem as well as other environmental components.
Blood Uric Acid Prediction With Machine Learning: Model Development and Performance Comparison
Authors: Sampa Masuda Begum , Hossain Md Nazmul , Hoque Md Rakibul , Islam Rafiqul , Yokota Fumihiko , Nishikitani Mariko , Ahmed Ashir
Published: August 2020

Background

Uric acid is associated with noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, vascular dementia, and hypertension. Therefore, uric acid is considered to be a risk factor for the development of noncommunicable diseases. Most studies on uric acid have been performed in developed countries, and the application of machine-learning approaches in uric acid prediction in developing countries is rare. Different machine-learning algorithms will work differently on different types of data in various diseases; therefore, a different investigation is needed for different types of data to identify the most accurate algorithms. Specifically, no study has yet focused on the urban corporate population in Bangladesh, despite the high risk of developing noncommunicable diseases for this population.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting blood uric acid values based on basic health checkup test results, dietary information, and sociodemographic characteristics using machine-learning algorithms. The prediction of health checkup test measurements can be very helpful to reduce health management costs.

Methods

Various machine-learning approaches were used in this study because clinical input data are not completely independent and exhibit complex interactions. Conventional statistical models have limitations to consider these complex interactions, whereas machine learning can consider all possible interactions among input data. We used boosted decision tree regression, decision forest regression, Bayesian linear regression, and linear regression to predict personalized blood uric acid based on basic health checkup test results, dietary information, and sociodemographic characteristics. We evaluated the performance of these five widely used machine-learning models using data collected from 271 employees in the Grameen Bank complex of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results

The mean uric acid level was 6.63 mg/dL, indicating a borderline result for the majority of the sample (normal range <7.0 mg/dL). Therefore, these individuals should be monitoring their uric acid regularly. The boosted decision tree regression model showed the best performance among the models tested based on the root mean squared error of 0.03, which is also better than that of any previously reported model.

Conclusions

A uric acid prediction model was developed based on personal characteristics, dietary information, and some basic health checkup measurements. This model will be useful for improving awareness among high-risk individuals and populations, which can help to save medical costs. A future study could include additional features (eg, work stress, daily physical activity, alcohol intake, eating red meat) in improving prediction.
Effect of Voluntary Participation on Mobile Health Care in Diabetes Management: Randomized Controlled Open-Label Trial
Authors: Lee Da Young , Yoo Seung-Hyun , Min Kyong Pil , Park Cheol-Young
Published: August 2020

Background

The role of mobile health care (mHealth) in glycemic control has been investigated, but its impact on self-management skills and its psychological aspects have not been studied.

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy of mHealth-based diabetes self-management education and the effect of voluntary participation on its effects.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled open-label trial conducted for 6 months at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. Participants in the control group (n=31) maintained their previous diabetes management strategies. Participants in the intervention group (n=41) additionally received mHealth-based diabetes self-management education through a mobile app and regular individualized feedback from health care professionals. The primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level over 6 months between the 2 groups (intervention versus control) and within each group (at 6 months versus baseline). The secondary outcomes were changes in body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile, and questionnaire scores (the Korean version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, an Audit of Diabetes Dependent Quality of Life, the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale, and Problem Areas in Diabetes) over 6 months between groups and within each group.

Results

A total of 66 participants completed this study. HbA1c (P=.04), total cholesterol level (P=.04), and Problem Areas in Diabetes scores (P=.02) significantly decreased; total diet (P=.03) and self-monitoring of blood glucose level scores (P=.01), based on the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, markedly increased within the intervention group. These significant changes were observed in self-motivated participants who were recruited voluntarily via advertisements.

Conclusions

mHealth-based diabetes self-management education was effective at improving glycemic control and diabetes self-management skills and lowering diabetes-related distress in voluntary participants.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03468283; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03468283
Network Support Using Social Networking Services to Increase Exercise Adherence Among Korean-Chinese Middle-Aged Migrant Women: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Lee Hyeyeon , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Kim Youlim , Kim Sookyung , Lee Young-Me
Published: August 2020

Background

Social networking services (SNSs) are recognized to be a promising approach to easily deliver health interventions and to enhance social support for exercise adherence. However, the patterns and aspects of social support through SNSs have not been reported and their influence on other social-cognitive factors remains inconclusive.

Objective

Our objective is to explore how social support delivered through SNSs impacts interactions among Korean-Chinese (KC) middle-aged women and to identify how this approach influences social-cognitive factors for exercise (eg, sense of community, self-efficacy for exercise, and social support for exercise).

Methods

A mixed methods design was used. Text analysis of SNS messages and text mining using the Korean Natural Language Application (KoALA) were conducted. Social-cognitive factors (eg, sense of community, self-efficacy for exercise, and social support for exercise) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks using a structured questionnaire. A comparison of social-cognitive factors at baseline and at 12 weeks was conducted to identify any potential significant changes, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

A total of 259 SNS messages were collected from 24 KC women, distributed among four chat groups, who participated in a 12-week walking intervention program between August and October 2018. The individual average frequency of chatting via the SNS was 10.79 (range 0-34) and the most frequent type of social support through the SNS was network support (172/259, 66.4%). The most common words extracted from the SNS were Health, Exercise, Participation, and We. Overall, the perceived levels of sense of community (P<.001) and social support for exercise (P=.002) were significantly increased at 12 weeks compared with baseline. Group 1 (P=.03) and Group 4 (P=.03), whose members demonstrated the highest frequency of network support, experienced a significant increase only in the level of sense of community.

Conclusions

By integrating these data and conducting a mixed methods analysis, we observed that among the types of social support, network support was a key point for the promotion of social-cognitive factors in increasing exercise adherence. Therefore, network support through SNS-based interventions should be considered as a useful strategy to help vulnerable migrant populations make changes to exercise behaviors.
Harnessing Phones to Target Pediatric Populations with Socially Complex Needs: Systematic Review
Authors: Stiles-Shields Colleen , Potthoff Lauren M , Bounds Dawn T , Burns Maureen T S , Draxler Janel M , Otwell Caitlin H , Wolodiger Emily D , Westrick Jennifer , Karnik Niranjan S
Published: August 2020

Background

Mobile and smartphones are owned and accessed by many, making them a potentially optimal delivery mechanism to reach pediatric patients with socially complex needs (ie, pediatric populations who face overlapping adversities).

Objective

To address the specialized needs of youth from such groups, this review synthesized the literature exploring the use of phone-based delivery to access pediatric populations with socially complex needs, targeting mental and behavioral health outcomes. The purpose of this synthesis was to provide recommendations for future research developing phone-based interventions for youth with socially complex needs.

Methods

A trained medical librarian conducted the search strategy in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. Studies targeting youth with socially complex needs were defined by recruiting samples that were primarily from traditionally underserved populations (ie, sex/gender minorities, racial/ethnic background, low socioeconomic status, rural/remote location, and sexual orientation). A systematic narrative framework was utilized and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed (registration number CRD42020141212).

Results

A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 3 depicting the use of phones to complete assessment and tracking goals and 11 to intervene on mental and behavioral health targets.

Conclusions

The literature indicates important directions for future research, including (1) involving diverse and representative teens (ie, the likely users of the interventions), stakeholders, and clinical/research staff; (2) integrating evidence-based therapies with minority-focused theories; (3) harnessing mobile device capabilities; and (4) considering and assessing for potential costs in phones as delivery mechanisms.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020141212; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=141212
Mobile Apps for Dental Caries Prevention: Systematic Search and Quality Evaluation
Authors: Chen Rebecca , Santo Karla , Wong Grace , Sohn Woosung , Spallek Heiko , Chow Clara , Irving Michelle
Published: August 2020

Background

Dental caries is the most common multifactorial oral disease; it affects 60% to 90% of the global population. Dental caries is highly preventable through prevention behaviors aimed at improving oral hygiene, adequate fluoride usage, and dietary intake. Mobile apps have the potential to support patients with dental caries; however, little is known about the availability, target audience, quality, and features of these apps.

Objective

This review aims to systematically examine dental caries prevention apps; to describe their content, availability, target audience, and features; and to assess their quality.

Methods

We systematically identified and evaluated apps in a process paralleling a systematic review. This included a search strategy using search terms; an eligibility assessment using inclusion and exclusion criteria focused on accessibility and dental caries self-management behaviors, including oral hygiene, dietary intake, and fluoride usage; data extraction on app characteristics, including app store metrics; prevention behavior categorization; feature identification and description; a quality appraisal of all apps using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) assessment tool; and data comparison and analysis.

Results

Using our search strategy, we retrieved 562 apps from the Google Play Store and iTunes available in Australia. Of these, 7.1% (40/562) of the apps fit our eligibility criteria, of which 55% (22/40) targeted adults, 93% (37/40) were free to download, and 65% (26/40) were recently updated. Oral hygiene was the most common dental caries prevention behavior domain, addressed in 93% (37/40) of the apps, while dietary intake was addressed in 45% (18/40) of the apps and fluoride usage was addressed in 42% (17/40) of the apps. Overall, 50% (20/40) of the apps addressed only 1 behavior, and 38% (15/40) of the apps addressed all 3 behaviors. The mean MARS score was 2.9 (SD 0.7; range 1.8-4.4), with 45% (18/40) of the apps categorized as high quality, with a rating above 3.0 out of 5.0. We identified 21 distinctive features across all dental caries prevention behaviors; however, the top 5 most common features focused on oral hygiene. The highest-ranking app was the Brush DJ app, with an overall MARS score of 4.4 and with the highest number of features (n=13). We did not find any apps that adequately addressed dental caries prevention behaviors in very young children.

Conclusions

Apps addressing dental caries prevention commonly focus on oral hygiene and target young adults; however, many are not of high quality. These apps use a range of features to support consumer engagement, and some of these features may be helpful for specific patient populations. However, it remains unclear how effective these apps are in improving dental caries outcomes, and further evaluation is required before they are widely recommended.
Feasibility of a Commercially Available Virtual Reality System to Achieve Exercise Guidelines in Youth With Spina Bifida: Mixed Methods Case Study
Authors: Lai Byron , Davis Drew , Narasaki-Jara Mai , Hopson Betsy , Powell Danielle , Gowey Marissa , Rocque Brandon G , Rimmer James H
Published: August 2020

Background

Access to physical activity among youth with spina bifida (SB) is much lower than it is for children without disability. Enjoyable home-based exercise programs are greatly needed.

Objective

Our objective is to examine the feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) active video gaming system (ie, bundle of consumer-available equipment) to meet US physical activity guidelines in two youth with SB.

Methods

Two youth with SB—a 12-year-old female and a 13-year-old male; both full-time wheelchair users—participated in a brief, 4-week exercise program using a popular VR head-mounted display: Oculus Quest (Facebook Technologies). The system included a Polar H10 (Polar Canada) Bluetooth heart rate monitor, a no-cost mobile phone app (VR Health Exercise Tracker [Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise]), and 13 games. The intervention protocol was conducted entirely in the homes of the participants due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The VR system was shipped to participants and they were instructed to do their best to complete 60 minutes of moderate-intensity VR exercise per day. Exercise duration, intensity, and calories expended were objectively monitored and recorded during exercise using the heart rate monitor and a mobile app. Fatigue and depression were measured via self-report questionnaires at pre- and postintervention. Participants underwent a semistructured interview with research staff at postintervention.

Results

Across the intervention period, the total average minutes of all exercise performed each week for participants 1 and 2 were 281 (SD 93) and 262 (SD 55) minutes, respectively. The total average minutes of moderate-intensity exercise performed per week for participants 1 and 2 were 184 (SD 103) (184/281, 65.4%) and 215 (SD 90) (215/262, 82.1%) minutes, respectively. One participant had a reduction in their depression score, using the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) test, from baseline to postintervention, but no other changes were observed for fatigue and depression scores. Participants reported that the amount of exercise they completed was far higher than what was objectively recorded, due to usability issues with the chest-worn heart rate monitor. Participants noted that they were motivated to exercise due to the enjoyment of the games and VR headset as well as support from a caregiver.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that two youth with SB who used wheelchairs could use a VR system to independently and safely achieve exercise guidelines at home. Study findings identified a promising protocol for promoting exercise in this population and this warrants further examination in future studies with larger samples.
Determination of Groundwater Recharge Area by Using Hydroisotope Technic of Sei Bingei Area and Surrounding Areas, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
Authors: Hendrayana Heru , Nuha Azmin , Wiyatna Agus Budhie , Muhammad Azwar Satry
Published: August 2020

Determination of Groundwater Recharge Area by Using Hydroisotope Technic of Sei Bingei Area and Surrounding Areas, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
Comparative Analysis of Innovation in Micro Entrepreneurship Inspired by Handicrafts
Authors: Aleksandra, PhD Vidovic
Published: August 2020

An entrepreneurial occupation, which people possess even though they do not have a formal economic education, represents a tendency, a tendency that can be acquired by raising a family or competing in school, which is actually the sum of success or failure, victory or defeat. The development of this type of “entrepreneurial culture” is mostly contributed by the economic situation in the countries. Innovation in all spheres of social development is crucial for the development and progress of each country's economy. Innovation management, in fact, is the management of ideas, that is, how to collect improve and implement an idea. The aim of this paper is to see the situation as well as to perform a comparative analysis of innovations in micro-entrepreneurship inspired by handicrafts in B&H and surrounding countries in relation to some other countries in the world.
Exploring the Learning Journeys of Academic Head of Department Preparations and Access to Their Roles: The Case of a Selected University in Ghana
Authors: Nyame Gloria
Published: August 2020

Leadership training for educational leaders in the academia has been considered paramount to empower them both for leadership and management skills, knowledge and experience necessary to bring about quality in teaching and learning. Majority of the academic leaders are appointed without any preparation for the role and tend to struggle on the role in order to be effective. Most studies carried out on academic leaders in Africa focus mainly on challenges, roles and theories of leadership. This study explores the journeys involved in the preparations of academics who become Head of Departments in a selected university in Ghana in order to enable them play their roles effectively. The case study approach was used to study the journeys involved in the preparations of 16 academic HoDs in a selected university in Ghana, focusing on how they accessed their roles, their understanding about the roles, preparations they have had on the roles and the preparations they would have wished for the roles. It sought to describe, understand and interpret the learning journeys of academic HoDs regarding how they became HoDs and preparations they received to be effective in their roles. Interviews and documentary evidence were employed. Semi structured interviews were conducted with sixteen university head of departments. Using thematic analysis, the study revealed among others that most newly appointed academic HoDs were not given formal training before they began to play their roles, Again, the findings revealed different degrees of preparations which were mainly informal and were not directly linked to the roles of the HoDs, which were consistent with the literature that majority of academic HoDs did not receive preparations for their roles and tended to use their experiences to play their roles. Based on these findings, recommendations are that there should be a formal training on the HoD’s duties and their implementations for all newly appointed HoDs to enrich them with the necessary skills and knowledge to make them effective and efficient. There is the need to conduct needs assessment from the HoDs to inform their preparation or training and development of HoDs manual to serve as a reference guide to the HoDs. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to effective preparations of the academic HoDs. The research may also lead to the production of HoD’s manuals. More importantly, it may inform policies to identify areas for effective preparations of the academic HoDs.
Una aproximación sobre el universalismo de los derechos humanos
Authors: Reca Joaquín Pablo
Published: August 2020

En el presente trabajo nos proponemos señalar la significación del carácter “universal” que conllevan los derechos humanos como una decisiva aspiración, cuyo valor –finalmente- entendemos se asienta en la dignidad de la persona humana. Naturalmente, esta finalidad no podía soslayar los alcances propios del término, como tampoco las corrientes que, desde distintas disciplinas, critican esta condición. Para ello, realizamos un análisis sobre la evolución de estos derechos, deteniéndonos especialmente en la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos (1948) y en su permanente construcción axiológica que de la misma recogen tantos tratados, convenios, como diversas constituciones.
ANALISIS PEMBIAYAAN INVESTASI PADA PEMBANGUNAN PERUMAHAN TAMAN KARANGBAHAGIA TAHAP 1 KABUPATEN BEKASI, JAWA BARAT
Authors: Khairinisa Rossy , Pahang Putra I Nyoman Dita , Rumintang Anna
Published: August 2020

Pada perencanaan pembangunan sebuah proyek diperlukan suatu analisis finansial yang menandakan proses investasi proyek tersebut layak dilakukan. Salah satu aspek yang paling penting dalam proses investasi adalah komposisi pembiayaan. Pembiayaan dapat dibagi menjadi dua yaitu dari pinjaman (loan) dan modal sendiri (equity). Penelitian dilakukan pada proyek pembangunan Perumahan Taman Karangbahagia di Kabupaten Bekasi, Jawa Barat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui sensitivitas dari tiga komposisi pembiayaan yang berbeda. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Discounted Cash Flow untuk menghitung project valuationnya. Kemudian kelayakan investasi diukur berdasarkan indikator NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate Return), BEP (Break Even Point) dan ROI (Return on Investment). Tiga komposisi pembiayaan yang akan diteliti sesitivitasnya adalah 70% loan : 30% equity. 30% loan : 70% equity dan 50% loan : 50% equity. Hasil analisis sensitivitas komposisi menunjukan bahwa pada komposisi 30% loan : 70% equity NPV mencapai angka positif sebesar Rp.17,485,230,641.00 dan IRR 38%. Sementara pada komposisi 70% loan : 30% equity NPV negatif dan IRR mencapai nilaisebesar Rp.9,126,201,503.00 dan 2%. Pada komposisi 50% loan : 50% equity yaitu NPV mencapai nilai negatif yaitu sebesar Rp.4,179,514,569.00 dan IRR 21%. BEP terjadi setelah satu tahun sepuluh bulan dan Return on Investment menghasilkan angka 16.71% dari komposisi 30% loan : 70% loan.