bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating The Employment and GDP Multipliers of Emergency Cash Transfers in Brazil
Authors: Cunha Daniel , Pereira Joana , Perrelli Roberto , Toscani Frederik
Published: September 2023

We estimate the subnational employment and GDP multiplier of Brazil’s 2020 federal cash transfers to vulnerable households. Using two-stage least squares regressions we estimate a formal employment multiplier and then apply an analytical transformation to recover an implied GDP multiplier in the range of 0.5-1.5. The lower bound of this range lies below most estimates in the literature, which may result from the exceptional constraints imposed by the pandemic on supply chains and consumption. Nevertheless, even using the lower end of our range implies that federal cash transfers played an important role in supporting employment and GDP.
JEL: E62, H53, R50
Social Media Information and COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Uptake: A Study of Shomolu Local Government in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulganiyu Abdulazeez Opeyemi
Published: September 2023

Background: In an attempt to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers, biologists, and scientists have developed a vaccine that will ameliorate its presence among the human population. This study investigated specific objectives such as the nature of messages, conspiracy theories, and beliefs in efficacy and how these influence COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake among Shomolu residents.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to generate data for this study. The location was Shomolu local government area (LGA) in Lagos. A multistage sampling technique was utilized to select the respondents in the survey. A structured questionnaire with the aid of Kobo Toolbox was used to collect data, while the frequency count and percentage and a chi-square were used to achieve the objective of the study.
Results: A total of 400 respondents were selected. 254 of the respondents (63.5%) explained that most of the information disseminated on the vaccine was not valid enough to convince people, and 345 (86.5%) specified that conspiracy contents were so prevalent as to disrupt the acceptance and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. The findings of the study at a p-value of <0.05 showed that there is a significant relationship between social media information and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake.
Conclusion: Participants in the research setting experienced lower vaccination rates, and health disparities and inequities can grow. As a result, initiatives such as a nationwide communication and behavioral intervention campaign that ensures high enough vaccination coverage against the COVID-19 virus should be implemented.
Tethered Cord Syndrome and Split Cord Malformation: A Retrospective Review with Advanced Surgical Technique
Authors: Qudsieh Suhair M. , Barbarawi Mohammed M. , Alkhataybeh Redab A. , Amarin Zouhair O. , Barbarawi Ala M. , Barbarawi Mahmoud H. , Jarrar Sultan M. , Jaradat Amer A. , Alhourani Malek , Ghammaz Owais
Published: September 2023

Tethered cord syndrome is a rare condition resulting from compression due to congenital anomalies. This study aims to report surgical findings and outcomes in managing tethered cord syndrome. We retrospectively studied 48 patients diagnosed between October 2009 and December 2017. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and surgical details were reviewed, including neurological, urological, and orthopedic findings. 72.9% pediatric, and 27.1% adults. Neurologic, skin, and orthopedic manifestations were observed in 35%, 31%, and 48% of patients. Lower limb weakness was most common (94%). 44% had a split cord, with type I more common in pediatric patients and type II more common in adults. All underwent surgical intervention, showing significant long-term improvement in neurological, orthopedic, and urological symptoms. Only 8% had moderate improvement; two cases required redoing untethering and adhesiolysis. Timely surgical intervention, including untethering, decompression, and anomaly resection, yields significant neurological outcomes in tethered cord syndrome management.
Research collaboration and knowledge development in Africa: the case of neonatal conditions
Authors: Vieira Elizabeth S.
Published: September 2023

The literature has discussed the positive/negative effects of research collaboration (RC). However, there is no study that looks at the effect of RC especially international research collaboration (IRC) on key developments in a research area. Using Main Path Analysis (MPA), I examined the literature on neonatal conditions (NC) produced by African scientists between 2000 and 2019. I found the (1) estimates of deaths of children under five years and their causes, with a focus on neonates and stillbirths, (2) usefulness of tools to collect data on NC-related variables, (3) identification of interventions to reduce deaths, and (4) treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in African neonates as the most important developments in NC in Africa. The high presence of articles with RC, in the MPA, especially those involving IRC between one or more scientists from a single African country and scientists from several non-African countries (60% of the studies) highlights the positive effect of RC on key developments of an area. About 40% of the articles make a reference to the Saving Newborns Lives programme, the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) or the departments of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children Attending Some Schools in Amran Governorate, Yemen
Authors: Al-Hadheq Ali Ahmed , Al-Eryani Mohammed Abdullah , Edrees Wadhah Hassan , Al-Nosary Taha Abdual-Aziz
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a global health issue among schoolchildren with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to find out the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among schoolchildren in the governorate of Amran, Yemen.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among schoolchildren aged 7–15 years old in Amran governorate between December 2021 and March 2022. A total of 200 stool specimens were collected, and the detection of intestinal parasitic species was performed according to standard laboratory methods. The required information was collected through a structured questionnaire, and the data was statistically analyzed.
Results: The overall rate of parasite infection was 48%. Students in public schools showed a higher rate of parasite infection compared to students in private schools (57% vs. 39%; P = 0.011). Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite among children (25%), followed by Giardia lamblia (13.5%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Enterobius vermicularis (10%), and Hymenolepis nana (6.5%). Furthermore, a higher prevalence of infection was observed among males (57%), the age group of 7–10 years (45%), individuals with basic education (60.7%), individuals who consume treated water (54.1%), and individuals who consume unwashed vegetables and fruits (57.7%). Additionally, a higher prevalence of infection was observed among individuals who do not wash their hands after defecation (57.7%) and individuals who maintain their nails (54.8%).
Conclusion: As a result of the high prevalence of IPIs among the study's participants, environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and health education are all required for promotion in order to avoid parasitic infection among children.
Does Financial Development influence Environmental Quality? Evidence from Emerging and Developing Countries
Authors: Elatroush Ibrahim
Published: September 2023

The paper aims to investigate the impact of financial development (FD), and other control variables on environmental quality. The sample incorporates fifty emerging and developing countries from 1980 to 2020. The pooled mean group/auto regressive distributed lag (PMG/ARDL) technique is used to estimate variables. Prior estimate the model, unit roots and cross section dependence tests are performed. Subsequently, second generation unit root CIPS tests for constant and trend are run for study variables. Countries are classified into groups to determine the impact of FD, and other variables on environmental quality denoted by CO2 emissions. Dumitrescu Hurlin causality tests are also performed. Results reveal a positively significant relationship between variables, and CO2 for some group countries in which they contribute to environmental degradation. However, there is a negatively significant relationship between study variables and CO2 for other grouping countries which involves a positive impact on enhancing environmental quality. The reasoning behind contradictory results within different groups in the study may be attributed to variability in countries in which they may vary in FD levels, income levels, and other socioeconomic factors. To improve environmental quality, policymakers, authorities, and financial bodies have to focus on FD indicators that enhance environmental quality via environmentally friendly products, motivating environmentally friendly projects, eliminating polluted activities, increasing the usage of renewable energy and eliminating nonrenewable energy usage.
Entgrenzung pädagogischer Expertise durch Soziale Medien
Authors: Dinter Petra
Published: September 2023

Ausgangspunkt dieses Beitrags ist die Familie als primäre Sozialisationsinstanz und zentraler Ort kindlicher Bildung. Der gesellschaftliche Wandel konfrontiert Familien mit weitreichenden Herausforderungen und verstärkt das generelle Bedürfnis von Eltern nach Rat und Unterstützung. Aufgrund der zunehmenden Mediatisierung werden auch die Sozialen Medien für Familien immer bedeutsamer, da sie ihnen einen Raum für Informationen, Erfahrungsaustausch und Unterstützung bieten. Bislang ist jedoch ungeklärt, wie sich die Rezeption des Social Web auf Eltern auswirkt. Daher wird übergreifend danach gefragt, inwiefern die zunehmende Nutzung des Social Web, insbesondere von Familienblogs, die Familie beeinflusst. Auf Basis eines Mixed-Methods-Designs wurde zunächst eine quantitative Online-Befragung und anschliessend eine qualitative Interviewstudie durchgeführt, die den Schwerpunkt der Untersuchung bildet. Die ersten Ergebnisse zeigen: Die Rezipient:innen von Familienblogs sind eine vordergründig homogene Gruppe von Eltern, die sich hauptsächlich online über kindbezogene Themen informieren, subjektiv ‹wertvolle› Blogs rezipieren und ausgewählten Content in ihr «Doing Family» (Jurczyk 2018) transformieren. Dieser Beitrag thematisiert erste ausgewählte Ergebnisse.
Tall Fescue Seedling Growth as Affected by Postemergence Herbicides
Authors: McFadden Dani , Fry Jack , Keeley Steve , Hoyle Jared , Raudenbush Zane
Published: September 2023

The objective of this greenhouse study was to evaluate tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seedling growth when seeded after herbicide application. Herbicide treatments included a nontreated control; 1.19 lb/acre 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) + 0.32 lb/acre methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (MCPP) + 0.32 lb/acre dicamba; 0.75 lb/acre quinclorac; and 0.06 lb/acre halosulfuron-methyl. Seeding was done at 0, 3, 7, or 14 days after herbicide application to soil media. Two identical experiments were conducted in the greenhouse: Expt. 1 seedling growth from January to March and Expt. 2 from May to July (temperatures higher). Seeding dates after herbicide application did not influence growth. Average dry shoot weight reductions and dry root weight reductions caused by postemergence herbicides were 2,4-D + MCPP + dicamba (33% shoot and 27% root in Expt. 2), quinclorac (30% shoot and 37% root in Expt. 2), and halosulfuron-methyl (51% shoot in Expt. 2; 81% root in Expts. 1 and 2). Although application of these herbicides before seeding in the field may result in no visual impact, they can impact seedling shoot and root growth, particularly under higher growth temperatures.
Ground Base Value of Anarchism and Social Security in Indonesia
Authors: Sri Pandanari Dika
Published: September 2023

The research aimed to find anarchic aspects outside of the misconceptions circulating through the dialectic of anarchism theory and social theory. Anarchism had always been misconceived as an activity that correlated with chaos and brutality or anti-government activity. However, in reality, anarchism had various meanings in several paradigms, such as a system of criticism, a system of thought, moral values, aesthetic values, a way of life, political attitudes, and ideology for some people. The research was conducted through a literature approach and observations on the development of anarchism in Indonesia. In addition, the research aimed to see the potential of the anarchism movement that can influence the social paradigm and influence the development of alternative social movements in Indonesia. It applied a qualitative research methods and literature study as primary data. The results of the research indicate a perspective that the view of anarchism does not always contradict the concept of the state because, in the concept of anarchism, there is an idea of criticism and resistance to an oppressive social system. The social system becomes the real antithesis that can dialectic with the concept of anarchism to produce various criticisms and alternative movements that are effective for social struggles in society. In addition, the potential of anarchism on a small scale is to trigger a self-help movement to develop public awareness towards a better condition because the basic values contained in anarchism are respect for human nature as good, where freedom and morality are the basis of humanity.
A “Matter of Life and Death”? Patterns of Securitisation and Desecuritisation of Food Resilience in Indonesia
Authors: Agastia I Gusti Bagus Dharma
Published: September 2023

Food self-sufficiency had been a perennial quest for Indonesian administrations. The research explored two questions. First, how have political leaders securitised the self-sufficiency narrative? Second, is the securitisation of food justified? This research examined the “self-sufficiency” narrative across Indonesian governments and charts the patterns in its securitisation and de-securitisation through the lens of just securitisation theory. The research made two arguments. First, the securitisation of food in Indonesia has not always been for the benefit of the nation, but instead, the political elite. The second argument is the securitisation of food in Indonesia is not always justified, and therefore, necessitates further review of policies related to food security. The findings show that the securitisation of food in general to be unjustified. Therefore, the de-securitising food security and returning it to the realm of normal politics should be the immediate goal for Indonesian administrations, in addition to formulating alternative policies not grounded in the self-sufficiency narrative.
Simulation of sediment yield and evaluation of best management practices in Azuari watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin
Authors: Mequanient Mamaru Bitew , Kebede Habtamu Hailu
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to simulate the sediment yield and evaluate best management practices (BMPs) for sediment control in the Azuari watershed, Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. As inputs for the model, 30 years (1991–2020) of daily values of meteorological data were used. For model simulation, daily stream flow and sediment data were collected for the periods from 1988 to 2012. The study area was delineated into 19 subwatersheds and the sediment yield was estimated in each subwatershed using the modified universal soil loss equation. The average simulated sediment yield in the watershed was found to be 10.81 t/ha/yr. Six subwatersheds were identified to have high to severe sediment yields and are considered hotspot areas which require prior mitigation measures to control sediment. Four soil and conservation measures were evaluated in SWAT as BMPs namely filter strip, terracing, strip cropping, and contouring. Filter strip was found to reduce sediment by 35.61%, terracing by 20.44%, strip cropping by 44.12%, and contouring by 43.6%. Thus, the implementation of strip cropping resulted in maximum sediment yield reduction. The findings of the study would help to make informed decisions on best watershed management strategies.
Significance of Natural Environment in Reducing Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19. Tasks and Threats of Forest Pedagogy as Environmental Education
Authors: Baranowska Marlena , Koprowicz Anna , Korzeniewicz Martyna , Korzeniewicz Robert
Published: September 2023

During COVID 19 pandemic- related restrictions it was observed that people were more willing to spend time in nature and the thus number of forest visitors doubled. It has been proven that communing with nature reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, alleviates stress, improves concentration and vitality. It also strengthens the immunological response of the body and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Being in nature encourages people to show prosocial behaviour, strengthens social bonds, and even reduces the level of violence. There is a connection between lowering blood serum levels of cortisol, dopamine and norepinephrine and spending a significant amount of time in nature. Walking in the forest can be effective in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to summarize the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while indicating the therapeutic properties of the forest that can prevent or mitigate the effects of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, it was indicated what are the possibilities and tasks of forest pedagogy in encouraging people to take advantage of the benefits of forest recreation.
PROTAGONISMO DO ECOSSISTEMA CATARINENSE DE INOVAÇÃO
Authors: Felizola Matheus Pereira Mattos , De Aragão Iracema Machado de Aragão , Silva Amanda Luiza Soares
Published: September 2023

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o ecossistema de inovação do estado de Santa Catarina, a partir do confronto da literatura científica e dos resultados da pesquisa empírica. Na metodologia qualitativa, buscou-se um protocolo de estudo de caso, a partir de uma amostra não probabilística por cotas. Como fontes de evidências foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação não participante, análise de documentos, registro em arquivos e artefatos físicos. Para o embasamento teórico, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática do conceito, atores e casos de ecossistema de inovação a partir da análise de publicações na base de dados da Web of Science. Como técnica de pesquisa, utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo com o auxílio do software Nvivo 12 licenciado para analisar todo o conteúdo investigado. Observa-se que Santa Catarina tem um ecossistema de inovação maduro e pulverizado entre os seus 295 municípios. É um ambiente com intenso desenvolvimento de inovação e tecnologia, onde despontam atores, tais como, a Associação Catarinense de Tecnologia (ACATE), o Sistema S, a Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), o Parque Sapiens, o Governo de Santa Catarina e outros atores de inovação espalhados por vários municípios. A conexão do ecossistema de Santa Catarina, está muito atrelada aos seus 13 polos de inovação, que são responsáveis por interligar as diversas regiões geográficas.

Palavras-chave: Empreendedorismo. Habitats de Inovação. Conexão. Inovação. Santa Catarina.
RNA Interference and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Focus on Hereditary
Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Ceccanti Marco , Inghilleri Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Neuromuscular diseases are severe disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually
driving to death in a limited time. Many new drugs, through RNA-interference technology, are revolutionizing
the prognosis and quality of life for these patients. Nevertheless, given the increased life expectancy,
some new issues and phenotypes are expected to be revealed. In the transthyretin-mediated hereditary
amyloidosis (ATTR-v, "v" for "variant"), the RNA interference was demonstrated to effectively reduce
the hepatic synthesis of transthyretin, with a significant increase in disease progression in terms of
polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. The increased life expectancy could promote the involvement of
organs where the extra-hepatic transthyretin is deposited, such as the brain and eye, which are probably
not targeted by the available treatments. All these issues are discussed in this editorial.
Quality by Design (QbD): A Comprehensive Understanding and
Implementation in Pharmaceuticals Development
Authors: Pawar Sarita S. , Mahale Yash S. , Kalamkar Prachi A. , Satdive Rohini A. , Sonawane Sujata K. , Bhapkar Sneha P.
Published: September 2023

Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach for improvement that stresses product
and process and begins with a predetermined objective, as recommended by the USFDA and International
Council Harmonization (ICH). Regulatory bodies frequently highlight the use of ICH
quality criteria, which include Q8, Q9, Q10, and Q11. The differentiation between the traditional
and QbD helps to study the risk assessment and technique for developing new products. There are
a few steps involved in pharmaceutical and Analytical QbD. Various factors were used for the
study of QbD, such as Analytical Target Product Profile (ATPP), Risk Assessment Quality Design
Space, Control Strategy, etc. Critical Quality Attribute (CQA) may be understood and analyzed via
a way of means of understanding the goods and technique and risk evaluation is useful for effective
verbal exchange among FDA and industry, research/improvement and production, and amongst a
couple of production sites inside the company. Life-cycle management of analytical procedure begins
off evolving with the establishment of ATP and maintains until the approach is in use. The design
of the experiment (DoE) involves the Q8 guidelines. DoE has been used in the rational development
and optimization of analytical methods. Culture media composition, mobile phase composition,
flow rate, and time of incubation are input factors (independent variables) that may be
screened and optimized using DoE. Process analytical technology is implemented for the understanding
and identification of developing a product and techniques. There are various benefits and
applications of QbD in the pharmaceutical industry.
Perbandingan Pola Distribusi Hujan Terukur dan Hujan Satelit PERSIANN di DAS Progo
Authors: Gustoro Dimas , Sujono Joko , Karlina Karlina
Published: September 2023

Pola distribusi hujan sangat diperlukan dalam analisis transformasi hujan aliran khususnya untuk penentuan hidrograf banjir rancangan bangunan hidrolik. Distribusi hujan ini sangat tergantung dengan data hujan durasi pendek yang umumnya sangat terbatas, sehingga sebagai solusi dapat digunakan data hujan berbasis satelit. Distribusi hujan satelit dapat digunakan apabila distribusi yang dihasilkan memiliki pola distribusi yang mendekati hujan terukur. Dalam analisis ini data hujan yang digunakan adalah data hujan jam–jaman dari beberapa stasiun hujan yang terletak di DAS Progo dan data hujan satelit PERSIANN yang lokasinya disesuaikan dengan koordinat stasiun hujan DAS Progo. Data hujan yang dianalisis merupakan kejadian hujan berurutan yang memiliki kedalaman ≥ 50 mm untuk data tahun 2013 – 2015. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa distribusi hujan satelit PERSIANN memiliki pola yang mendekati pola hujan terukur dengan nilai koefisien r rerata sebesar 0,98. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa hujan berbasis satelit dapat digunakan sebagai alternatif penentuan pola distribusi hujan apabila data hujan terukur tidak tersedia. Namun demikian, analisis serupa perlu dilakukan untuk karakteristik hujan di DAS yang berbeda.
PLTS Terapung: Review Pembangunan dan Simulasi Numerik Untuk Rekomendasi Penempatan Panel Surya di Waduk Cirata
Authors: Marupa Ivan , Moe Idham Riyando , Mardjono Airlangga , Malindo Duki
Published: September 2023

PLTS Terapung adalah salah satu proyek strategis nasional dari pemerintah Indonesia. Review teknis dan sosial adalah hal yang perlu dipertimbangkan.Â  Dalam hal teknis, beberapa hal yang perlu dipertimbangkan dalam penempatan panel PLTS Terapung adalah inflow, velocity, tinggi gelombang, distribusi sediment melayang dan angin kencang. Selain itu, lokasi penempatan PLTS terapung tidak dekat dengan lokasi spillway pada Bendungan. Pada aspek sosial, keterlibatan dan pelaksanaan koordinasi yang baik antara stakeholder dan pihak terkait sangat perlu dalam tahap perencanaan, terutama meyakinkan masyarakat terhadap penerimaan PLTS Terapung. Sebagai evaluasi teknis, simulasi numeris dilakukan dalam memberikan rekomendasi area panel PLTS Terapung di area Waduk Cirata. Simulasi numerik dilakukan untuk memahami kondisi terberat yang akan dialami oleh PLTS Terapung khususnya pada kondisi ekstrim dan angin kencang. Hasil simulasi akan menunjukkan lokasi dengan kecepatan aliran dan konsentrasi sedimen paling kecil untuk penempatan PLTS Terapung. Sebagai hasil analisa didapatkan area seluas 242.93 Ha atau Â± 4.1% dari total luas genangan Waduk Cirata. Area ini adalah area genangan dengan kecepatan aliran air minimal, yakni < 5 cm/s, dan konsentrasi sedimen layang < 10 gr/m3. Nilai tersebut dapat dijadikan penilaian awal dalam melakukan rekomendasi penempatan panel PLTS Terapung di area Waduk Cirata.
Digital citizenship and social media impact on Saudi family cohesion: A vision 2030 perspective
Authors: Al Rashidi Muna Eid , Alalfy Hany Rizk
Published: September 2023

The rapid surge of information in the digital era has significantly impacted social life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In response, digital citizenship has emerged as a topic of considerable discussion, primarily centered around social networking programs. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of digital citizenship, addressing pertinent issues for both citizens and policymakers in Saudi Arabia. Employing a descriptive approach, the research seeks to gauge the level of awareness among social media program users in the Kingdom concerning the dimensions of digital citizenship within the framework of Vision 2030. The findings reveal that the development of digital citizenship in Saudi Arabia faces obstacles, primarily arising from the improper use of technology. Key elements of digital citizenship in the country encompass digital literacy, digital ethics, digital access, and digital participation. Moreover, the study indicates that male and female respondents possess a moderate level of awareness regarding these facets of digital citizenship. As a recommendation, the research advocates for the expansion of digital citizenship studies into various disciplines, such as education, law, engineering, medicine, management, computer science, economics, and psychology.
Improvement, Implementation, and Evaluation of the CMyLife Digital Care Platform: Participatory Action Research Approach
Authors: Verweij Lynn , Metsemakers Sanne J J P M , Ector Geneviève I C G , Rademaker Peter , Bekker Charlotte L , van Vlijmen Bas , van der Reijden Bert A , Blijlevens Nicole M A , Hermens Rosella P M G
Published: September 2023

Background

The evaluation of a continuously evolving eHealth tool in terms of improvement and implementation in daily practice is unclear. The CMyLife digital care platform provides patient-centered care by empowering patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, with a focus on making medication compliance insightful, discussable, and optimal, and achieving optimal control of the biomarker BCR-ABL1.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent the participatory action research approach is suitable for the improvement and scientific evaluation of eHealth innovations in daily clinical practice (measured by user experiences) combined with the promotion of patient empowerment.

Methods

The study used iterative cycles of planning, action, and reflection, whereby participants’ experiences (patients, health care providers, the CMyLife team, and app suppliers) with the platform determined next actions. Co-design workshops were the foundation of this cyclic process. Moreover, patients filled in 2 sets of questionnaires for assessing experiences with CMyLife, the actual use of the platform, and the influence of the platform after 3 and at least 6 months. Data collected during the workshops were analyzed using content analysis, which is often used for making a practical guide to action. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population in terms of information related to chronic myeloid leukemia and sociodemographics, and to describe experiences with the CMyLife digital care platform and the actual use of this platform.

Results

The co-design workshops provided insights that contributed to the improvement, implementation, and evaluation of CMyLife and empowered patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (for example, simplification of language, and improvement of the user friendliness of functionalities). The results of the questionnaires indicated that (1) the platform improved information provision on chronic myeloid leukemia in 67% (33/49) of patients, (2) the use of the medication app improved medication compliance in 42% (16/38) of patients, (3) the use of the guideline app improved guideline adherence in 44% (11/25) of patients, and (4) the use of the platform caused patients to feel more empowered.

Conclusions

A participatory action research approach is suited to scientifically evaluate digital care platforms in daily clinical practice in terms of improvement, implementation, and patient empowerment. Systematic iterative evaluation of users’ needs and wishes is needed to keep care centered on patients and keep the innovation up-to-date and valuable for users.
Development of an Information Guideline for Kidney Transplant Recipients in a Clinical Trial: Protocol for a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Faraldo-Cabana Araceli , Sánchez-Fructuoso Ana , Pérez-Flores Isabel , Beneit-Montesinos Juan Vicente , Muñoz-Jiménez Daniel , Peix Jiménez Belén , Asensio Arredondo Sara , Nuño Santana Enriqueta Isabel , Santana Valeros María José , Hidalgo González Virginia , González García Fernando , Ortuño-Soriano Ismael
Published: September 2023

Background

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for most cases of end-stage renal disease. Recipients need to lead a healthy lifestyle to minimize the potential side effects of immunosuppressive drugs and improve transplant outcomes. There is not much evidence about the best way to increase adherence to healthy lifestyles in kidney transplant recipients, so one of the objectives set by the nursing team is to train people to acquire the necessary skills and tools to be able to take care of themselves. In this sense, the consensual development of appropriate materials may be useful and of interest.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop an information guide for adults with kidney transplants to be assessed in a subsequent clinical trial as an intervention to increase adherence to healthy habits.

Methods

We used a 3-step, methodological, sequential approach: (1) training from a group of experts and item consensus; (2) review of the medical literature available; and (3) use of the Delphi technique with on-site meetings. A total of 5 nurses from the Community of Madrid Kidney Transplantation Unit in Spain were asked to participate. The patients’ lifestyle factors that, according to the medical literature available and experts’ opinions, have the greatest impact on the survival of the transplanted organ and the recipients themselves were all described.

Results

After using the modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on the items to be included and the information needed in each, an information guide for adult kidney transplant patients was developed. This guide facilitates the structuring of health care, information, and recommendations necessary for effective self-care for each person. The result is considered to be an easy-to-understand tool, useful for transplant doctors and nurses, in simple language, with information based on the latest scientific-medical evidence published to date, aspects of which will be evaluated in a clinical trial designed for this purpose.

Conclusions

Currently, this guide is the main intervention variable of a clinical trial (registered on ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05715580) aimed at improving compliance with healthy habits in kidney transplant recipients in the Community of Madrid, Spain. The method used in its development has been useful and agile, and the result is a guide that can be easily updated periodically following the same procedure.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/46961
Improvement, Implementation, and Evaluation of the CMyLife Digital Care Platform: Participatory Action Research Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Verweij Lynn , Metsemakers Sanne J J P M , Ector Geneviève I C G , Rademaker Peter , Bekker Charlotte L , van Vlijmen Bas , van der Reijden Bert A , Blijlevens Nicole M A , Hermens Rosella P M G
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The evaluation of a continuously evolving eHealth tool in terms of improvement and implementation in daily practice is unclear. The CMyLife digital care platform provides patient-centered care by empowering patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, with a focus on making medication compliance insightful, discussable, and optimal, and achieving optimal control of the biomarker BCR-ABL1.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent the participatory action research approach is suitable for the improvement and scientific evaluation of eHealth innovations in daily clinical practice (measured by user experiences) combined with the promotion of patient empowerment.

METHODS

The study used iterative cycles of planning, action, and reflection, whereby participants’ experiences (patients, health care providers, the CMyLife team, and app suppliers) with the platform determined next actions. Co-design workshops were the foundation of this cyclic process. Moreover, patients filled in 2 sets of questionnaires for assessing experiences with CMyLife, the actual use of the platform, and the influence of the platform after 3 and at least 6 months. Data collected during the workshops were analyzed using content analysis, which is often used for making a practical guide to action. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population in terms of information related to chronic myeloid leukemia and sociodemographics, and to describe experiences with the CMyLife digital care platform and the actual use of this platform.

RESULTS

The co-design workshops provided insights that contributed to the improvement, implementation, and evaluation of CMyLife and empowered patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (for example, simplification of language, and improvement of the user friendliness of functionalities). The results of the questionnaires indicated that (1) the platform improved information provision on chronic myeloid leukemia in 67% (33/49) of patients, (2) the use of the medication app improved medication compliance in 42% (16/38) of patients, (3) the use of the guideline app improved guideline adherence in 44% (11/25) of patients, and (4) the use of the platform caused patients to feel more empowered.

CONCLUSIONS

A participatory action research approach is suited to scientifically evaluate digital care platforms in daily clinical practice in terms of improvement, implementation, and patient empowerment. Systematic iterative evaluation of users’ needs and wishes is needed to keep care centered on patients and keep the innovation up-to-date and valuable for users.
The Development of an Electronic Medical Record System to Improve Quality of Care for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes in Rwanda: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bille Nathalie , Christensen Dirk Lund , Byberg Stine , Calopietro Michael , Gishoma Crispin , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems have the potential to improve the quality of care and clinical outcomes for individuals with chronic and complex diseases. However, studies on the development and use of EMR systems for type 1 (T1) diabetes management in sub-Saharan Africa are few.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the need for improvements in the care processes that can be facilitated by an EMR system and to develop an EMR system for increasing quality of care and clinical outcomes for individuals with T1 diabetes in Rwanda.

METHODS

A qualitative, cocreative, and multidisciplinary approach involving local stakeholders, guided by the framework for complex public health interventions, was applied. Participant observation and the patient’s personal experiences were used as case studies to understand the clinical care context. A focus group discussion and workshops were conducted to define the features and content of an EMR. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The identified themes related to feature requirements were (1) ease of use, (2) automatic report preparation, (3) clinical decision support tool, (4) data validity, (5) patient follow-up, (6) data protection, and (7) training. The identified themes related to content requirements were (1) treatment regimen, (2) mental health, and (3) socioeconomic and demographic conditions. A theory of change was developed based on the defined feature and content requirements to demonstrate how these requirements could strengthen the quality of care and improve clinical outcomes for people with T1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The EMR system, including its functionalities and content, can be developed through an inclusive and cocreative process, which improves the design phase of the EMR. The development process of the EMR system is replicable, but the solution needs to be customized to the local context.

CLINICALTRIAL
Use of Personal Protective Equipment Mobile Application among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-sectional Study in Lower Middle-Income Countries (Preprint)
Authors: Sayani Saleem , Nasir Sobia , Rashid Aiman , Samnani Saira , Khan Amna , Muqeet Abdul , Talat Hafsa
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

During COVID-19, a mobile health (mHealth) application was developed to disseminate evidence-based critical information among health workers, particularly in low-resource settings. The app contained OpenWHO resources on Protective Personal Equipment (PPE).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of an educational mHealth application in increasing knowledge and improving practices among health workers in low- and middle-income countries regarding the usage of PPE.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an educational mHealth application in increasing knowledge and improving practices among health workers in low- and middle-income countries regarding the usage of PPE. While the application was open access, its usage was promoted across Aga Khan Health Services facilities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kenya.

RESULTS

1495 participants consented and responded to the survey. 83.3% of respondents reported an increase in PPE-related knowledge with the effect being highest in Afghanistan (94.1%); males (86.5%) and those working in informal settlements (92.1%) (p-value <0.001). A similar trend was seen in self-reported change in practice in males (87.2%) and place of work (90.2%); with Kenya reporting the highest change in countries. (93.3%) (p-value <0.001). 86.1 % of participants reported satisfaction with the app.

CONCLUSIONS

The app provides a feasible, user-friendly, virtual-learning platform, particularly in resource-constrained areas where opportunities for continued training and education are limited. User satisfaction and self-reported improvement in knowledge and practices suggest it can be a viable capacity-building platform at a low cost.
Unintended Consequences of Meaningful Use (Preprint)
Authors: Willcockson Irmgard Ursula , Valdes Ignacio
Published: September 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Interoperability has been designed to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. Interoperability allows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to collect data on quality measures as part of meaningful use. Covered providers who fail to provide data have lower rates of reimbursement. Unintended consequences arise in each step of this process. Providers are not reimbursed for the extra time required to generate data. Patients don’t have control over when and how their data are provided to or used by the government. Large datasets increase the chances of an accidental data breach or intentional hacker attack. After detailing the issues, we describe several solutions, including an Appropriate Data Use Review Board. It is designed to oversee certain aspects of the process and ensure accountability and transparency.
Decentralizing Health Care: History and Opportunities of Web3 (Preprint)
Authors: Narayan Aditya , Weng Kydo , Shah Nirav
Published: September 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

This paper explores the relationship between the development of the internet and health care, highlighting their parallel growth and mutual influence. It delves into the transition from the early, static days of Web 1.0, akin to siloed physician expertise in health care, to the more interactive and patient-centric era of Web 2.0, which was accompanied by advancements in medical technologies and patient engagement. This paper then focuses on the emerging era of Web3—the decentralized web—which promises a transformative shift in health care, particularly in how patient data are managed, accessed, and used. This shift toward Web3 involves using blockchain technology for decentralized data storage to enhance patient data access, control, privacy, and value. This paper also examines current applications and pilot projects demonstrating Web3’s practical use in health care and discusses key questions and considerations for its successful implementation.
Antioxidant Capacity of Black Tea Obtained Using Tyrosinase and Tannase Treatment
Authors: Rajendra Fiyan Maulana , Gunadi Rachmad , Supriyadi Supriyadi
Published: September 2023

Black tea has a lower antioxidant capacity than other teas, such as green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. Tannase and tyrosinase can be used as a treatment to improve the quality of black tea infusion. Tannase has been reported to be an effective way to enhance antioxidant activity in black tea infusion. Meanwhile, tyrosinase could produce higher theaflavin content than thearubigin. Research about Ready-to-Drink (RTD) black tea preparation with the addition of tannase and tyrosinase to fresh tea leaves before pasteurization has not been reported. This study aimed to find a good combination of tannase (1 mg/ml) and tyrosinase (111; 446; 1785 U/ml) to produce high antioxidant activity of RTD black tea. The results showed that higher tyrosinase concentration decreased the antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content yet increased the theaflavin content and theaflavin (TF)/thearubigin (TR) ratio in the tannase-tyrosinase treated black tea. Still, the highest concentration of tyrosinase (1785 U/ml) in tannase-tyrosinase black tea produces higher antioxidant activities, gallic acid, EC, and EGC content than commercial black tea and tyrosinase without tannase-treated black tea. Thus, the combination of tannase (1 mg/ml) and tyrosinase (1785 U/ml) could be the best treatment to produce high-antioxidant black tea.
Deep Transfer Learning Based Stroke Risk Prediction
Authors: B Sushma Reddy K , R Dr. Manjula G , G Nikhil
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when there is any blockage or bleeding of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain. It causes the disability of multiple organs or unexpected death, if that patient’s recognise and address risks at the right time, up to 80% of stroke occurrences can be averted. With the advancement of machine learning in medical science, the early recognition of stroke is very much possible that plays a vital role in diagnosis and getting read of this life taking disease. But it requires large well-labeled data. Due to the strict privacy protection policy in health-care systems, stroke data is usually distributed among different hospitals in small pieces. In addition, the positive and negative instances of such data are extremely imbalanced. Transfer learning can solve small data issue by exploiting the knowledge of a correlated domain, especially when multiple sources of data are available. In this work, deep Transfer Learning based Stroke Risk Prediction scheme is proposed to exploit the knowledge structure from multiple correlated sources and used bayesian optimization for selecting the best parameter. This model is tested in synthetic and real-world scenarios and the random forest gives more accuracy than other models like support vector machines (SVM), decision trees (DT), random forests (RF) and voting classifiers. It also shows the potential of real-world deployment among multiple hospitals aided with 5 G/B5G infrastructures.
An Experimental Study of Agave and Coconut Fibre Concrete
Authors: R Harikrishnan , M Abarna
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Nowadays necessity of concrete is larger than the last decades. Mostly concrete is weak in tension and has some brittle characteristics. In order to overcome the weakness, regular concrete is therefore normally reinforced with steel bars. Researchers have attempted to enhance the tensile property by addition synthetic fibres, but as they are expensive, we are attempting to use alternative sources of natural fibres to incorporate tensile strength in conventional concrete. Agave Americana (Elephant Aloe Vera) and Coconut fibre was examined for its suitability for incorporation in cement concrete. The physical property of this fibre has shown no deterioration in the concrete medium. Fibres were brushed and lined up and cut to obtain 10 cm length for required aspect ratio. This Attempt was made to analyse the suitability of partial replacement of cement with infused with natural fibres of different percentage. Materials were mixed with agave fibres and coconut fibres of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% of volume of concrete for M20 mix grade and casted in cubes, cylinders and beams. The strength characteristics like compressive strength, Split Tensile Strength and Flexural Strengths were analysed
Forensic Speaker Recognition: Review of Methods and Evaluations
Authors: Mishra Vinay
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Forensic voice comparison is quite challenging because the quality of speech recordings in casework is often poor and there is often mismatch between the recording conditions of the known- and questioned-speaker recordings. Further, the field of forensic voice comparison is characterized by a large diversity of methods, procedures and evaluation of comparison results. The present paper aims to provide a concise review of various comparison methods and assessment of comparison results. The need of an extensive amount of experimental studies and statistical evaluation on a large database is highlighted to use the likelihoodratio framework for reporting conclusions that has been now firmly established as a theoretical framework for any forensic discipline.