bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Human-Centered Design Principles to Digital Syndromic Surveillance at a Mass Gathering in India: Viewpoint
Authors: Shaikh Ahmed , Bhatia Abhishek , Yadav Ghanshyam , Hora Shashwat , Won Chung , Shankar Mark , Heerboth Aaron , Vemulapalli Prakash , Navalkar Paresh , Oswal Kunal , Heaton Clay , Saunik Sujata , Khanna Tarun , Balsari Satchit
Published: January 2022

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health tools have been deployed by governments around the world to advance clinical and population health objectives. Few interventions have been successful or have achieved sustainability or scale. In India, government agencies are proposing sweeping changes to India’s digital health architecture. Underpinning these initiatives is the assumption that mobile health solutions will find near universal acceptance and uptake, though the observed reticence of clinicians to use electronic health records suggests otherwise. In this practice article, we describe our experience with implementing a digital surveillance tool at a large mass gathering, attended by nearly 30 million people. Deployed with limited resources and in a dynamic chaotic setting, the adherence to human-centered design principles resulted in near universal adoption and high end-user satisfaction. Through this use case, we share generalizable lessons in the importance of contextual relevance, stakeholder participation, customizability, and rapid iteration, while designing digital health tools for individuals or populations.
Characterizing Use of a Multicomponent Digital Intervention to Predict Treatment Outcomes in First-Episode Psychosis: Cluster Analysis
Authors: O'Sullivan Shaunagh , Schmaal Lianne , D'Alfonso Simon , Toenders Yara Jo , Valentine Lee , McEnery Carla , Bendall Sarah , Nelson Barnaby , Gleeson John F , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario
Published: January 2022

Background

Multicomponent digital interventions offer the potential for tailored and flexible interventions that aim to address high attrition rates and increase engagement, an area of concern in digital mental health. However, increased flexibility in use makes it difficult to determine which components lead to improved treatment outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to identify user profiles on Horyzons, an 18-month digital relapse prevention intervention for first-episode psychosis that incorporates therapeutic content and social networking, along with clinical, vocational, and peer support, and to examine the predictive value of these user profiles for treatment outcomes. A secondary objective is to compare each user profile with young people receiving treatment as usual (TAU).

Methods

Participants comprised 82 young people (aged 16-27 years) with access to Horyzons and 84 receiving TAU, recovering from first-episode psychosis. In addition, 6-month use data from the therapy and social networking components of Horyzons were used as features for K-means clustering for joint trajectories to identify user profiles. Social functioning, psychotic symptoms, depression, and anxiety were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. General linear mixed models were used to examine the predictive value of user profiles for treatment outcomes and between each user profile with TAU.

Results

A total of 3 user profiles were identified based on the following system use metrics: low use, maintained use of social components, and maintained use of both therapy and social components. The maintained therapy and social group showed improvements in social functioning (F2,51=3.58; P=.04), negative symptoms (F2,51=4.45; P=.02), and overall psychiatric symptom severity (F2,50=3.23; P=.048) compared with the other user profiles. This group also showed improvements in social functioning (F1,62=4.68; P=.03), negative symptoms (F1,62=14.61; P<.001), and overall psychiatric symptom severity (F1,63=5.66; P=.02) compared with the TAU group. Conversely, the maintained social group showed increases in anxiety compared with the TAU group (F1,57=7.65; P=.008). No differences were found between the low use group and the TAU group on treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Continued engagement with both therapy and social components might be key in achieving long-term recovery. Maintained social use and low use outcomes were broadly comparable with TAU, emphasizing the importance of maintaining engagement for improved treatment outcomes. Although the social network may be a key ingredient to increase sustained engagement, as users engaged with this more consistently, it should be leveraged as a tool to engage young people with therapeutic content to bring about social and clinical benefits.
A Comparison of Different Modeling Techniques in Predicting Mortality With the Tilburg Frailty Indicator: Longitudinal Study
Authors: van der Ploeg Tjeerd , Gobbens Robbert
Published: January 2022

Background

Modern modeling techniques may potentially provide more accurate predictions of dichotomous outcomes than classical techniques.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to examine the predictive performance of eight modeling techniques to predict mortality by frailty.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal study with a 7-year follow-up. The sample consisted of 479 Dutch community-dwelling people, aged 75 years and older. Frailty was assessed with the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), a self-report questionnaire. This questionnaire consists of eight physical, four psychological, and three social frailty components. The municipality of Roosendaal, a city in the Netherlands, provided the mortality dates. We compared modeling techniques, such as support vector machine (SVM), neural network (NN), random forest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, as well as classical techniques, such as logistic regression, two Bayesian networks, and recursive partitioning (RP). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) indicated the performance of the models. The models were validated using bootstrapping.

Results

We found that the NN model had the best validated performance (AUROC=0.812), followed by the SVM model (AUROC=0.705). The other models had validated AUROC values below 0.700. The RP model had the lowest validated AUROC (0.605). The NN model had the highest optimism (0.156). The predictor variable “difficulty in walking” was important for all models.

Conclusions

Because of the high optimism of the NN model, we prefer the SVM model for predicting mortality among community-dwelling older people using the TFI, with the addition of “gender” and “age” variables. External validation is a necessary step before applying the prediction models in a new setting.
Use of a Mobile Peer Support App Among Young People With Nonsuicidal Self-injury: Small-scale Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Kruzan Kaylee Payne , Whitlock Janis , Bazarova Natalya N , Bhandari Aparajita , Chapman Julia
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread behavior among adolescents and young adults. Although many individuals who self-injure do not seek treatment, there is evidence for web-based help-seeking through web-based communities and mobile peer support networks. However, few studies have rigorously tested the efficacy of such platforms on outcomes relevant for NSSI recovery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this small-scale preregistered randomized controlled trial is to provide preliminary insight into the shorter- and longer-term efficacy of the use of a peer support app, TalkLife, in reducing NSSI frequency and urges and increasing readiness to change. In addition, we explore contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking.

METHODS

Individuals aged 16-25 years with current (within 3 months) and chronic (>6 episodes in the past year) NSSI history were eligible to participate in this study. After baseline assessments, the intervention group was instructed to use the app actively (eg, post or comment at least three times per week) and the control group received weekly psychoeducational materials through email, for 8 weeks. Follow-up was assessed at 1 month and 2 months. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate condition and time point effects for the primary outcomes of NSSI frequency and urges, readiness to change, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, and attitudes toward professional help–seeking.

RESULTS

A total of 131 participants were included in the analysis. We evidenced a significant effect of condition on NSSI frequency such that the participants using the peer support app self-injured less over the course of the study (mean 1.30, SE 0.18) than those in the control condition (mean 1.62, SE 0.18; P=.02; η2=0.02). We also evidenced a significant condition effect of readiness to change such that the treatment participants reported greater confidence in their ability to change their NSSI behavior (mean 6.28, SE 0.41) than the control participants (mean 5.67, SE 0.41; P=.04; η2=0.02). No significant differences were observed for contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the peer support app was related to reduced NSSI frequency and greater confidence in one’s ability to change NSSI behavior over the course of the study period, but no effects on NSSI urges, contact with informal support, interest in therapy, or attitudes toward professional help–seeking were observed. The findings provide preliminary support for considering the use of mobile peer support apps as a supplement to NSSI intervention and point to the need for larger-scale trials.

CLINICALTRIAL

Open Science Foundation; https://osf.io/3uay9
Applying Human-Centered Design Principles to Digital Syndromic Surveillance at a Mass Gathering in India: Viewpoint (Preprint)
Authors: Shaikh Ahmed , Bhatia Abhishek , Yadav Ghanshyam , Hora Shashwat , Won Chung , Shankar Mark , Heerboth Aaron , Vemulapalli Prakash , Navalkar Paresh , Oswal Kunal , Heaton Clay , Saunik Sujata , Khanna Tarun , Balsari Satchit
Published: January 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health tools have been deployed by governments around the world to advance clinical and population health objectives. Few interventions have been successful or have achieved sustainability or scale. In India, government agencies are proposing sweeping changes to India’s digital health architecture. Underpinning these initiatives is the assumption that mobile health solutions will find near universal acceptance and uptake, though the observed reticence of clinicians to use electronic health records suggests otherwise. In this practice article, we describe our experience with implementing a digital surveillance tool at a large mass gathering, attended by nearly 30 million people. Deployed with limited resources and in a dynamic chaotic setting, the adherence to human-centered design principles resulted in near universal adoption and high end-user satisfaction. Through this use case, we share generalizable lessons in the importance of contextual relevance, stakeholder participation, customizability, and rapid iteration, while designing digital health tools for individuals or populations.
Developing a Web-Based App to Assess Mental Health Difficulties in Secondary School Pupils: Qualitative User-Centered Design Study (Preprint)
Authors: Burn Anne-Marie , Ford Tamsin J , Stochl Jan , Jones Peter B , Perez Jesus , Anderson Joanna K
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Secondary schools are an ideal setting to identify young people experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression. However, current methods of identification rely on cumbersome paper-based assessments, which are lengthy and time-consuming to complete and resource-intensive for schools to manage. Artemis-A is a prototype web app that uses computerized adaptive testing technology to shorten the length of the assessment and provides schools with a simple and feasible solution for mental health assessment.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study are to coproduce the main components of the Artemis-A app with stakeholders to enhance the user interface, to carry out usability testing and finalize the interface design and functionality, and to explore the acceptability and feasibility of using Artemis-A in schools.

METHODS

This study involved 2 iterative design feedback cycles—an initial stakeholder consultation to inform the app design and user testing. Using a user-centered design approach, qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews with secondary school pupils, parents, school staff, and mental health professionals (N=48). All transcripts were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Initial stakeholder consultations provided feedback on preferences for the user interface design, school administration of the assessment, and outcome reporting. The findings informed the second iteration of the app design and development. The unmoderated usability assessment indicated that young people found the app easy to use and visually appealing. However, school staff suggested that additional features should be added to the school administration panel, which would provide them with more flexibility for data visualization. The analysis identified four themes relating to the implementation of the Artemis-A in schools, including the anticipated benefits and drawbacks of the app. Actionable suggestions for designing mental health assessment apps are also provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Artemis-A is a potentially useful tool for secondary schools to assess the mental health of their pupils that requires minimal staff input and training. Future research will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of Artemis-A in a range of UK secondary schools.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Digitally Enabled Precision Public Health Intervention to Reduce Inappropriate Gabapentinoid Prescription: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Andrade Andre Q , Calabretto Jean-Pierre , Pratt Nicole L , Kalisch-Ellett Lisa M , Kassie Gizat M , LeBlanc Vanessa T , Ramsay Emmae , Roughead Elizabeth E
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Digital technologies can enable rapid targeted delivery of audit and feedback interventions at scale. Few studies have evaluated how mode of delivery affects clinical professional behavior change and none have assessed the feasibility of such an initiative at a national scale.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effect of audit and feedback by digital versus postal (letter) mode of delivery on primary care physician behavior.

METHODS

This study was developed as part of the Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (MATES) program, an intervention funded by the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs that provides targeted education and patient-specific audit with feedback to Australian general practitioners, as well as educational material to veterans and other health professionals. We performed a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multifaceted intervention to reduce inappropriate gabapentinoid prescription, comparing digital and postal mode of delivery. All veteran patients targeted also received an educational intervention (postal delivery). Efficacy was measured using a linear mixed-effects model as the average number of gabapentinoid prescriptions standardized by defined daily dose (individual level), and number of veterans visiting a psychologist in the 6 and 12 months following the intervention.

RESULTS

The trial involved 2552 general practitioners in Australia and took place in March 2020. Both intervention groups had a significant reduction in total gabapentinoid prescription by the end of the study period (digital: mean reduction of 11.2%, P=.004; postal: mean reduction of 11.2%, P=.001). We found no difference between digital and postal mode of delivery in reduction of gabapentinoid prescriptions at 12 months (digital: –0.058, postal: –0.058, P=.98). Digital delivery increased initiations to psychologists at 12 months (digital: 3.8%, postal: 2.0%, P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our digitally delivered professional behavior change intervention was feasible, had comparable effectiveness to the postal intervention with regard to changes in medicine use, and had increased effectiveness with regard to referrals to a psychologist. Given the logistical benefits of digital delivery in nationwide programs, the results encourage exploration of this mode in future interventions.
Wearable devices in diving: A systematic review (Preprint)
Authors: Bube Benjamin , Zanón Bruno Baruque , Lara Palma Ana María , Klocke Heinrich Georg
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Wearable devices have grown enormously in importance in recent years. While wearables have generally been well studied, they have not yet been discussed in the underwater environment.

OBJECTIVE

The reason for this systematic review was to systematically search for the wearables for underwater operation used in the scientific literature, to make a comprehensive map of their capabilities and features, and to discuss the general direction of development.

METHODS

In September 2021, we conducted an extensively search of existing literature in the largest databases using keywords. For this purpose, only articles were used that contained a wearable or device that can be used in diving. Only articles in English were considered, as well as peer-reviewed articles.

RESULTS

In the 36 relevant studies that were found, four device categories could be identified: safety devices, underwater communication devices, head-up displays and underwater human-computer interaction devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The possibilities and challenges of the respective technologies were considered and evaluated separately. Underwater communication has the most significant influence on future developments. Another topic that has not received enough attention is human-computer interaction.
Effectiveness of Serious Games for Improving Executive Functions Among Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Abd-alrazaq Alaa , Alhuwail Dari , Ahmed Arfan , Househ Mowafa
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Executive functions are one of the known cognitive abilities that decline with age. They are the high-order cognitive processes that enable an individual to concentrate, plan, and take action. Serious games, which are games developed for specific purposes other than entertainment, could play a positive role in improving executive functions. Several systematic reviews have pooled the evidence about the effectiveness of serious games in improving executive functions; however, they are limited by some weaknesses.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of serious games for improving executive functions among older adults with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. To retrieve relevant studies, 8 electronic databases were searched. Further, reference lists of the included studies and relevant reviews were screened, and we checked studies that cited our included studies. Two reviewers independently checked the eligibility of the studies, extracted data from the included studies, assessed the risk of bias, and appraised the quality of the evidence. We used a narrative and statistical approach, as appropriate, to synthesize results of the included studies.

RESULTS

Of 548 publications identified, 16 RCTs were eventually included in this review. Of the 16 studies, 14 studies were included in 6 meta-analyses. Our meta-analyses showed that serious games are as effective as no or passive interventions at improving executive functions (P=.29). Surprisingly, conventional exercises were more effective than serious games at improving executive functions (P=.03). Our subgroup analysis showed that both types of serious games (cognitive training games, P=.08; exergames, P=.16) are as effective as conventional exercises at improving executive functions. No difference was found between adaptive serious games and nonadaptive serious games for improving executive functions (P=.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Serious games are not superior to no or passive interventions and conventional exercises at improving executive functions among older adults with cognitive impairment. However, our findings remain inconclusive due to the low quality of the evidence, the small sample size in most included studies, and the paucity of studies included in the meta-analyses. Accordingly, until more robust evidence is available, serious games should not be offered by health care providers nor used by patients for improving executive functions among older adults with cognitive impairment. Further reviews are needed to assess the long-term effect of serious games on specific executive functions or other cognitive abilities among people from different age groups with or without cognitive impairment.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42021272757; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=272757
Influences of Parents on 7-9-year-old Children’s Physical Activity
and Cardiopulmonary Endurance (Preprint)
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxiao , Wang Yan , Yu Jing , Liu Yujie , Xu Shousheng
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

-

OBJECTIVE

To explore and discuss the influences on 7～9-year-old children’s physical activity and cardiopulmonary endurance.

METHODS

Recruiting 1st and 2nd-grade elementary school students and their parents at an elementary school in Changping District, Beijing. The study made an investigation of PA level, economic and educational status on the subject families, and the other main contents including medical history and family history. The PA data of the parents were measured by the ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer (Actigraph, Pensacola, FL, USA), and the children’s PA data were obtained by the revised PAQ-A. 50m*8 shuttle run were carried out to test the children’s cardiopulmonary endurance.

RESULTS

36 families were recruited and completed the examination. There was a significant difference in the children’ PA scores between sPAf(PA sufficient family) (3.02±0.53) and iPAf(PA insufficient family) (2.61±0.58)(P<0.05), and the BMI of the two groups (15.63±1.95 vs17.77±3.67) showed great difference(P<0.01). The child from sPAf had better cardiopulmonary endurance than those from iPAf. The parent of high income, a high educational background had higher moderate to vigorous PA, and so did their child. There was a high positive correlation of the sedentary time and light PA every day of the husband and wife in a family.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence factors that affected the 7~9-year-old children’s PA level and cardiopulmonary endurance included their parent’s PA level, economic income, educational background, especially the mother’s PA played a prominent part. The study found there existed interaction of respective PA levels inside the couple.
Telehealth Services for Substance Use Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Assessment of Intensive Outpatient Programming and Data Collection Practices (Preprint)
Authors: Gliske Kate , Welsh Justine W , Braughton Jacqueline E , Waller Lance A , Ngo Quyen M
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid transition of many types of substance use disorder (SUD) treatments to telehealth formats, despite limited information about what makes treatment effective in this novel format.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of virtual intensive outpatient programming (IOP) treatment for SUD in the context of a global pandemic, while considering the unique challenges posed to data collection during an unprecedented public health crisis.

METHODS

The study is based on a longitudinal study with a baseline sample of 3642 patients who enrolled in intensive outpatient addiction treatment (in-person, hybrid, or virtual care) from January 2020 to March 2021 at a large substance use treatment center in the United States. The analytical sample consisted of patients who completed the 3-month postdischarge outcome survey as part of routine outcome monitoring (n=1060, 29.1% response rate).

RESULTS

No significant differences were detected by delivery format in continuous abstinence (χ22=0.4, P=.81), overall quality of life (F2,826=2.06, P=.13), financial well-being (F2,767=2.30, P=.10), psychological well-being (F2,918=0.72, P=.49), and confidence in one’s ability to stay sober (F2,941=0.21, P=.81). Individuals in hybrid programming were more likely to report a higher level of general health than those in virtual IOP (F2,917=4.19, P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual outpatient care for the treatment of SUD is a feasible alternative to in-person-only programming, leading to similar self-reported outcomes at 3 months postdischarge. Given the many obstacles presented throughout data collection during a pandemic, further research is needed to better understand under what conditions telehealth is an acceptable alternative to in-person care.
STUDYING THE ESP NEEDS OF STUDENTS OF ECONOMICS AND SOCIO-POLITICAL STUDIES
Authors: Stefanova Albena
Published: January 2022

The article presents a study of the ESP needs of students of economics and socio-political studies aimed at course optimisation. The research includes two stages with the pilot one having finished in June 2021 and involving the students at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Bulgaria as well as the subject and ESP lecturers at UNWE. The second stage is being conducted with students from universities with the profile of UNWE in Bulgaria and worldwide (April-October 2021). The results from the survey of students from the pilot stage are presented and analysed in detail along with a review of the ESP needs analysis studies.
Entrevista al Dr. Manuel Torres Labansat
Authors: Flores Trejo Fernando Guadalupe
Published: January 2022

Manuel Torres Labansat, estudió la licenciatura y la maestría en Física en la Facultad de Ciencias de la UNAM. Completó su formación con una segunda maestría y un doctorado en su disciplina en la Universidad de Oxford, Inglaterra.Obtuvo la Promoción a nivel III Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (SNI); Se hizo acreedor a los Premios UAM a la Investigación en Ciencias Básicas e Ingenierías, y “Gordon Francis” U. de Oxford Maestría en Ciencia e Ingeniería de Plasmas.Sus líneas de investigación más importantes son: Física de neutrinos, Solitones y propiedades no-lineales en teorías de campos y, Teorías bidimensionales de campos y efectos cuánticos de Hall. Actualmente es el Coordinador General de Estudios de Posgrado
Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Red Sea Seaweeds Extracts-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Algotiml Rabaa , Gab-alla Ali , Seoudi Roshdi , Abulreesh Hussein H. , Ahmad Iqbal , Elbanna Khaled
Published: January 2022

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is emerging as a better alternative to traditional chemical-based techniques. During this study, extracts of different marine algae species Ulva rigida (green algae), Cystoseira myrica (brown Algae), and Gracilaria foliifera (red Algae) were utilized as reducing and capping agents to synthesize AuNPs. AuNPs capped by U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera were confirmed by the appearance of surface plasmonic bands at 528, 540, and 543 nm, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy revealed mostly spherical shapes of AuNPs having a size of about 9 nm, 11 nm, and 13 nm for C. myrica, and G. foliifera extracts, respectively. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) illustrated the major chemical constituents of U. rigida, C. myrica, and G. foliifera. LC50 values of the biosynthesized AuNPs against Artemia salina nauplii were calculated at a range of concentrations (5-188 μg ml−1) after 16 to 24h. AuNPs concentration-dependent lethality was noted and U. rigida extracts-mediated AuNPs presented the lowest cytotoxicity. The biosynthesized AuNPs exhibited significant anticancer activity (86.83%) against MCF-7 cell lines (human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines) at 188 µg/ml concentration. G. foliifera demonstrated the highest anticancer value (92.13%) followed by C. myrica (89.82%), and U. rigida (86.83%), respectively. The AuNPs synthesized by different algal extracts showed variable antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogenic microorganisms. AuNPs of U. rigida extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against dermatophytic fungi Trichosporon cataneum (30 mm) followed by Trichophyton mantigrophytes (25 mm). Furthermore, it also exhibited mild activity against Escherichia coli (17 mm), Cryptococcus neoformans (15 mm), Candida albicans (13 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (11mm), respectively whereas no effects were observed against Bacillus cereus. To conclude, AuNPs can be effectively synthesized by marine algal species, and particularly U. rigida extracts could be effective reducing agents for the green AuNPs synthesis. These AuNPs could potentially serve as efficient alternative anticancer agents against human breast adenocarcinoma and anti-dermatophytes associated with skin infections.
Academia : Web Platform for E-learning.
Authors: Phulari S. V.
Published: January 2022

Abstract: This paper illustrates how we can improve the existing manual system with the help of E-learning management system. The method aims to build an E-learning web application having better and safer user experience and provides an interactive teaching-learning platform for students and teachers. E-learning Management System is way of solving the educational problems using the modern technologies. It gives an error free, secure, reliable and fast management system. It can assist the user to concentrate on learning rather to concentrate on the record keeping and other stuff. It will help organization in better utilization of resources. Keywords: Web application, Database, backend, frontend, platform, E-learning, Frameworks
Review on Different Microcontroller Boards Used in IoT
Authors: Moharkar Krunal A
Published: January 2022

Abstract: Today’s technology has been evolved into stand-alone systems which can do all necessary processes by themselves without any additional hardware. Advance microcontrollers have become microcomputers that are also known as single board computers. These systems take their power from powerful microcontrollers. These microcontrollers have many integrated circuits on board so they can achieve many different processes by themselves. They are being used in many applications from powerful industrial devices to simple home appliances. In today’s market, there are many different microcontrollers with different structure and capabilities. Therefore, understanding the concepts related to the microcontrollers is really important for choosing the best hardware. This paper presents the main concepts of microcontrollers and reveals the basis of their structure. Their components and abilities have been discussed and a comparison of well-known single board computers has been given. Keywords: Microcontrollers, Integrated Circuits, Arduino UNO, Raspberry PI, BeagleBone Black, ESP8266.
INTENSIVE PHARMACOVIGILANCE STUDY, CARRIED OUT IN MEXICAN POPULATION WITH A HISTORY OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION OR ANGINA TREATED WITH CLOPIDOGREL, GENERIC DRUG, FOR SECONDARY PROPHYLAXIS
Authors: Arcelia H A
Published: January 2022

The results obtained from an intensive pharmacovigilance, phase IV, single-center study, with an oral treatment for secondary prophylaxis of acute myocardial infarction or angina with clopidogrel, generic drug, in Mexican population, at a daily dose of 75 mg, alone or associated with acetylsalicylic acid, are described. A total of 60 patients were admitted; 10 patients were discontinued from the study due to different causes. The patients had, at least, 2 comorbidities in addition to heart disease. Among the most important history were obesity 40% and overweight 41.6%; the age range (tenths) with the greatest number of participants was 51 to 60 years with 25 patients, which represents 41.6%. A total of 247 adverse events were reported (57 patients had adverse events) of which 39 (15.7%) events were heart events, 32 (12.9%) vascular events; 14 (5.7%) events were serious, 9 (3.6%) of the serious events were heart events, 2 (0.8%) vascular events and 3 (1.2%) lithiasis; Of the 24 (9.7%) events, than were classified with a possible causal relation with clopidogrel, 1 (0.4%) was classified as serious. All the other events were non-serious. It was, therefore, concluded that generic clopidogrel is safe, and risk possibility should continue to be monitored for the type of disease that patients suffer and that may have a fatal outcome
Recurso áudiovisual para o ensino em saúde
Authors: Regina da Silva Kathilene , Tojeiro Giordani Annecy , Coelho Neto João
Published: January 2022

Este artigo buscou revisar a literatura científica acerca do uso do vídeo para o ensino de Higienização das Mãos para os cursos de Fisioterapia, analisando como os professores têm utilizado o vídeo educacional em sala de aula, bem como sua eficácia como recurso didático. A metodologia foi embasada em etapas adaptadas de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura, na qual foi realizada a pesquisa de artigos científicos nacionais na íntegra. Foram selecionadas 14 publicações sobre o uso de vídeos com finalidade de ensino em cursos de graduação na área da Saúde. Como conclusão e implicações, foi sugerido o uso do vídeo como recurso tecnológico educacional; entretanto, foram poucas as publicações sobre o uso do vídeo para ensinar Higienização das Mãos e essa lacuna encontrada na literatura científica atual indica escassez de pesquisas.
The ill-posedness of (non-)periodic travelling wave solution for deformed continuous Heisenberg spin equation
Authors: Zhong Penghong , Chen Xingfa , Chen Ye
Published: January 2022

Based on an equivalent derivative nonlinear
Schr\”{o}inger equation, some periodic and
non-periodic two-parameter solutions of the deformed continuous
Heisenberg spin equation are obtained. These solutions are all proved to
be ill-posed by the estimates of Fourier integral in
${H}^{s}_{\mathrm{S}^{2}}$ (periodic
solution in
${H}^{s}_{\mathrm{S}^{2}}(\mathbb{T})$
and non-periodic solution in
${H}^{s}_{\mathrm{S}^{2}}(\mathbb{R})$
respectively). If $\alpha \neq 0$, the
range of the weak ill-posedness index is $1
Left atrial Appendage Rupture Following Intraoperative Hypertensive Crisis
Authors: Marzban Mehrab , Benharash Peyman
Published: January 2022

The acute and severe rise in systemic blood pressure during or after
cardiac operations may be life-threatening and result in end-organ
injury. This case is the first report of spontaneous left atrial
appendage rupture following the hypertensive crisis in cardiac surgery
Effects of stand age and soil organic matter quality on soil bacterial and fungal community composition in Larix gmelinii plantations, Northeast China
Authors: jianwei li , Xiaoqian Sun , Ming Li , Jiying Zou , Hongfeng Bian
Published: January 2022

It is of great interest to elucidate the biogeographic patterns of soil
microorganisms and their driving forces, which is fundamental to
predicting alterations in microbial-mediated functions arising from
environment changes. Although the vertical movement of dissolved organic
matter (DOM) drives the cycle of nutrients such as soil carbon but, in
the restored ecosystem, the relationship between DOM and soil microbial
nutrient utilization remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the
changes of soil microbial community at 0-40 cm depth profile in three
stages (10-, 30-, 50-years) of succession in Larix olgensis
plantations and the fluorescence spectrum composition of DOM. With the
increase of soil depth, the signal source of microorganisms increases.
In a coniferous forest soil environment, the possible main source of DOM
in deep soil is the production of microbial metabolism. Difficulty in
the decomposition of organic matter determines the distribution and
composition of microorganisms. Increasing forest age makes bacteria and
fungi more specific and bacterial-fungal associations greater. Overall,
our work contributes to the understanding of factors underlying
microbial community distribution in plantation forests and the
importance of DOM quality in building microbial communities.
Droplet breakup in the square microchannel with a short square constriction to generate slug flow
Authors: Wang Xiaoda , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Dayu , Ge Xuehui , Li Ling , Qiu Ting
Published: January 2022

Droplet breakup in micro-constrictions is an important phenomenon in
industrial applications. This work aimed to investigate the droplet
breakup in the square microchannel with a short square constriction to
generate the slug flow, which drew little attention before. Mechanism
analysis indicated that this breakup process included the
shear-force-dominated, squeezing-force-dominated, and pinch-off stages.
Non-uniform daughter droplets were generated in the constriction with
their interface restricted in the horizontal and perpendicular
directions by the microchannel walls. The average relative deviation of
the daughter droplet size was < 30%, much lower than that for
the breakup with the daughter droplet restricted only in one direction.
An empirical equation with a deviation of < 20% was provided
to show the dependence of the daughter droplet size on the operation
conditions. The comparison results suggested that the different
restriction effects of microchannel wall on daughter droplets led to the
different breakup mechanisms in different constrictions.
Assessment of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) genotypes under Latvia agro-ecological conditions
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Rancane Sarmite , Vezis Ivo ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Kreismane Dzidra , Rebane Aija , Jansons Aldis
Published: January 2022

Within the frame of the Nordic/Baltic public-private partnership ’PPP for pre-breeding in perennial ryegrass’ various activities were performed, including assessment of L. perenne (Lp) genotypes under agro-ecological conditions of Latvia. This article summarizes the data obtained in two harvest years for 19 intermediate tetraploid (4x) Lp genotypes. In order to compare the results obtained in ryegrass with performance of grass interspecies hybrids (Fl), which become especially relevant in the recent years, two varieties, developed in Latvia – Lolium × boucheanum Kunth. ‘Saikava’ and × Festulolium ‘Vizule’ were included in the experiment. Various scores were performed, including evaluation of regrowth, intensity of culm development, sward cover, crown rust (Puccinia coronata) susceptibility, etc. The dry matter yield (DMY) and fodder quality were also determined. It can be concluded that the genotypes showed relatively good results in the first two harvest years. Wintering conditions were favourable. Despite the intensified drought and heat in the 1st ley year, relatively high DMY, which ranged from 9.30 to 12.15 t ha-1, for Lp were harvested in three cuts. In the 2nd ley year, under more favourable humidity conditions, Lp in four cuts provided similar DMY, which ranged from 8.81 to 11.50 t ha-1. If we compare the average DMY of Lp and Fl genotypes, it can be concluded that in the first two harvest years no significant differences were found, the average DMY was 10.30 and 10.64 t ha-1, respectively. No significant differences were found between Lp and Fl in terms of forage quality.
Agroecological practices as sustainable management of common natural resources: the case of Latvian permaculture movement
Authors:   University of Latvia, Felcis Elgars
Published: January 2022

Scientific evidence is robust about the environmentally destructive side-effects of the current industrial civilization and that requires radical actions to safeguard sustainable management of natural resources and liveable Planet Earth. Agroecology as a broader movement serves some of this role in demonstrating alternative practices in food production and ecosystem management. This paper demonstrates that the permaculture movement in Latvia is developing as a recognized alternative on the pathway to solutions, linking to the work elsewhere done on management of common natural resources – the things that no one owns and are shared by everyone. The author have explored the development of the permaculture movement in Latvia since its first roots in the late 2000s and the establishment of the Latvian Permaculture Association (LPA) in 2011. The contribution of the movement manifests itself in diverse aspects. It unifies various sustainability-oriented people, grounds itself in locality and traditions, organises practically oriented events to upskill people, and collaborates with Latvian environmental organisations and internationally. Within the research the author consciously opted for an in-depth involvement and co-creation of initiatives within the permaculture movement, leading the LPA since 2016 and organizing multiple events and workshops. That leads to further reflections on the role and necessity for participatory action research for sustainability transformations and common natural resources.
Virulence of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis: a minireview
Authors:   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia, Kaneps Janis , Bankina Biruta ,   Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia, Moročko-Bičevska Inga
Published: January 2022

Pyrenophora tritici-repentis is a major wheat pathogen in all wheat (Triticum spp.) growing areas worldwide. Up to date, eight P. tritici-repentis races have been described based on chlorosis, necrosis, or both symptoms caused on race differential wheat genotypes: ‘Glenlea’, 6B662, 6B365, and ‘Salamouni’. Symptom development on differential genotypes depends on the interaction of the pathogen’s necrotrophic effectors named Ptr ToxA, Ptr ToxB, and Ptr ToxC with host susceptibility genes. Ptr ToxA is encoded by the single copy gene ToxA and induces necrosis on sensitive wheat cultivars. Ptr ToxB causes chlorosis and is encoded by the multicopy gene ToxB. The Ptr ToxC is the non-proteinaceous, polar, low molecular mass molecule that also induces chlorosis, but up to date, the gene encoding this toxin is unknown. Races producing Ptr ToxA are predominant in the global Ptr population. There are several reports about new putative races of P. tritici-repentis that do not conform with the current race system, so further research is required. This study aims to collect and systematise available information about the virulence and races of P. tritici-repentis.
Home Telemonitoring of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhu Xu , Williams Myia , Finuf Kayla , Patel Vidhi , Sinvani Liron , Wolf-Klein Gisele , Marziliano Allison , Nouryan Christian , Makaryus Amgad , Zeltser Roman , Tortez Leanne , Shkolnikov Tanya , Myers Alyson , Pekmezaris Renee
Published: January 2022

Telehealth has emerged as an evolving care management strategy that is playing an increasingly vital role, particularly with the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials was conducted to test the effectiveness of home telemonitoring (HTM) in patients with type 2 diabetes in reducing A1C, blood pressure, and BMI over a median 180-day study duration. HTM was associated with a significant reduction in A1C by 0.42% (P = 0.0084). Although we found statistically significant changes in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (−0.10 mmHg [P = 0.0041] and −0.07 mmHg [P = 0.044], respectively), we regard this as clinically nonsignificant in the context of HTM. Comparisons across different methods of transmitting vital signs suggest that patients logging into systems with moderate interaction with the technology platform had significantly higher reductions in A1C than those using fully automatic transmission methods or fully manual uploading methods. A1C did not vary significantly by study duration (from 84 days to 5 years). HTM has the potential to provide patients and their providers with timely, up-to-date information while simultaneously improving A1C.
The Diabetes Simulation Challenge: Enhancing Patient Perspective-Taking for Medical Students
Authors: Shaffer-Hudkins Emily , Orbeck Sara Hinojosa , Bradley-Klug Kathy , Johnson Nicole
Published: January 2022

The Diabetes Simulation Challenge is a unique training tool to foster empathy, a key facet of patient-centered care, for medical students. Thirty-two medical students participated in a 24-hour perspective-taking activity as part of their curriculum, during which they simulated some common experiences of living with a chronic health condition, specifically type 1 diabetes. Students’ written reflections were analyzed using a phenomenological qualitative approach to provide a composite description of the experience. An exhaustive, iterative method of thematic analysis that included manual coding was used to determine whether this activity led to expressions of empathy or thoughts and beliefs consistent with patient-centered health care. Nine unique themes emerged, six of which indicated that students adopted the perspective of an individual with a chronic illness. Most of the students’ reflections illustrated an understanding of the behavioral, social, and emotional challenges related to living with type 1 diabetes, as well as increased empathy toward individuals with the disease. Medical students who aim to provide patient-centered care benefited from this perspective-taking exercise, and training programs should consider using such methods to extend learning beyond traditional didactic education.
How does a primary school organize outdoor swimming and water safety lessons?
Authors: Lundhaug Torbjørn , Eriksen Hege Randi
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of this study was to explore how a primary school organized a week with outdoor education, and especially what characterized the outdoor swimming and water safety (SWS)-lessons. The SWS-lessons were part of the physical education (PE) program. Two teachers and one headmaster from a primary school participated in the study. Four days of video observation of SWS-lessons were used in photo-elicitation interviews with teachers and the headmaster. The findings revealed that the headmaster highly prioritized the outdoor education practice in this school and that the teachers’ colleagues showed great eagerness to cooperate and prioritize these lessons. The week’s organization was characterized by collaborating management, and the outdoor SWS-lessons were characterized by experiential learning, challenge by choice, and risk awareness. The outdoor education practice corresponded well with the Norwegian curriculum goals about learning to be safe in, on, and around water.
Dedikerte lærere med bål på timeplanen i videregående skole
Authors: Abelsen Kristian , Leirhaug Petter Erik
Published: January 2022

Bålet har en sentral plass i norsk friluftsliv, og bålet inngår ofte når friluftsliv står på timeplanen i norske skoler. Hvordan det arbeides med bål, hvorfor og hva bålet faglig skal bidra med, er det mindre kunnskap om. Denne artikkelen er inspirert av at alle lærerne som deltok i et aksjonsforskningsprosjekt valgte bålet som sentralt innhold i friluftslivsundervisningen uten at det er omtalt i læreplan eller var initiert av forskerne. Målet i artikkelen er å belyse bruk av bål i friluftslivsundervisning som del av kroppsøving i videregående skole og læreres og elevers erfaringer med dette. Selve aksjonsforskningsprosjektet ble gjennomført i dynamisk samarbeid mellom forskere og lærere som selv stod ansvarlige for undervisning og gjennomføring. Analysene i studien struktureres med utgangspunkt i den didaktiske trekant og bruker empiri fra kvalitative intervju med lærere og spørreundersøkelse blant elevene. I analysen framtrer bålet som stemningsskapende og et egenartet bidrag til læring i og gjennom friluftsliv i videregående skole. Bål som innhold synes å engasjere elever individuelt, som fellesskap og beskrives av ulike elever i spennet fra gøy til kjedelig, samtidig som det virker å skape mestringsopplevelser. Sentrale momenter i beskrivelser og lærernes refleksjoner drøftes som empiriske bidrag til bålets didaktikk.