bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CP symmetry and symplectic modular invariance
Authors: Ding Gui-Jun , Feruglio Ferruccio , Liu Xiang-Gan
Published: June 2021

We analyze CP symmetry in symplectic modular-invariant supersymmetric
theories. We show that for genus g\ge 3g≥3
the definition of CP is unique, while two independent possibilities are
allowed when g\le 2g≤2.
We discuss the transformation properties of moduli, matter multiplets
and modular forms in the Siegel upper half plane, as well as in
invariant subspaces. We identify CP-conserving surfaces in the
fundamental domain of moduli space. We make use of all these elements to
build a CP and symplectic invariant model of lepton masses and mixing
angles, where known data are well reproduced and observable phases are
predicted in terms of a minimum number of parameters.
Analyticity of critical exponents of the $O(N)$ models from nonperturbative renormalization
Authors: Chlebicki Andrzej , Jakubczyk Pawel
Published: June 2021

We employ the functional renormalization group framework at the
second order in the derivative expansion to study the
O(N)O(N)
models continuously varying the number of field components
NN
and the spatial dimensionality dd.
We in particular address the Cardy-Hamber prediction concerning
nonanalytical behavior of the critical exponents
\nuν
and \etaη
across a line in the (d,N)(d,N)
plane, which passes through the point (2,2)(2,2).
By direct numerical evaluation of \eta(d,N)η(d,N)
and \nu^{-1}(d,N)ν−1(d,N)
as well as analysis of the functional fixed-point profiles, we find
clear indications of this line in the form of a crossover between two
regimes in the (d,N)(d,N)
plane, however no evidence of discontinuous or singular first and second
derivatives of these functions for d>2d>2.
The computed derivatives of \eta(d,N)η(d,N)
and \nu^{-1}(d,N)ν−1(d,N)
become increasingly large for d\to 2d→2
and N\to 2N→2
and it is only in this limit that \eta(d,N)η(d,N)
and \nu^{-1}(d,N)ν−1(d,N)
as obtained by us are evidently nonanalytical. By scanning the
dependence of the subleading eigenvalue of the RG transformation on
NN
for d>2d>2
we find no indication of its vanishing as anticipated by the
Cardy-Hamber scenario. For dimensionality dd
approaching 3 there are no signatures of the Cardy-Hamber line even as a
crossover and its existence in the form of a nonanalyticity of the
anticipated form is excluded.
Leady: A Multisensory Approach in Mobile Application for Dyslexic Children
Authors: Cahyana Cahyana , Hidayati Hetti , Sanjaya Muhammad Barja , Pangestu Adi Satria , Sundawa Angga Anjaini , Aritakalam Aritakalam
Published: June 2021

Dyslexia is considered the most common appearance of a learning disability in the world. Dyslexic students often suffer from emotional issues because of their educational failure experiences. Dyslexia cannot be cured. However, proper and continuous treatment can help students to achieve better results in their studies. The sooner the intervention happens, the better the outcome will be. The research presents the design and development of a mobile application to help dyslexic students to learn how to read. The application is called Learning Dyslexia (Leady). The Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model is used for developing the application. It uses a multisensory approach as the teaching method. Leady aims at young learners so that they can have the intervention from an earlier age. The application design also complies with the appropriate design for dyslexic students, such as in the selection of used fonts and background color. Then, Leady is demonstrated to five dyslexia caretakers (the teachers or parents) from a dyslexia school in Bandung. From the conducted survey, it can be inferred that the method is integrated well since all respondents agree that Leady can help dyslexic students to learn how to read. Most of them agree that the used method in Leady is suitable for dyslexic students.
Chinese Eastern Railway and Russian Minority Groups in Manchuria
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Vul N. А.
Published: June 2021

The history of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) railway, which has drawn the attention of scholars almost since the time of its construction, is inseparable from the story of the complicated and tangled relations between one majority group — Chinese — and two large minority groups, White émigrés and Soviet citizens who resided in Manchuria and whose lives were largely related to the CER. These relations are largely ignored by the scholars of the CER, in which the focus is on various diplomatic aspects and the CER is considered to be a key actor in international relations of the countries and whose interests were related to Manchuria. Therefore, this article explores the complicated and tangled relations between Chinese, White émigrés, and Soviet citizens who resided in Manchuria in 1920s — 1930s and whose lives were largely related to the Chinese Eastern Railway. This very aspect, the existence of two minority groups (CER’s soviet staff and White émigrés) who shared the same linguistic, cultural, and ethnic background, but who, on the other hand, were political antagonists, makes the Manchurian case especially unique and interesting. This paper argues that common ethnic identity prevailed over ideological discord. This discord was neutralized by life which they lived together surrounded by culturally, linguistically, and ethnically different majority.
An accurate and efficient scheme involving unsteady friction for transient pipe flow
Authors: Zhou Ling , Li Yunjie , Zhao Yan , Ou Chuanqi , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2021

A robust prediction system should monitor all possible hydraulic transients, which is significant for the appropriate and safe operation of pipe systems. A second-order finite volume method (FVM) Godunov-type scheme (GTS) considering unsteady friction factors is introduced to simulate hydraulic transients, which was rarely involved in previous work. One explicit-solution source item approach developed in this work is crucial for the proposed GTS to easily incorporate various forms of the existing unsteady friction models, including original convolution-based models (Zielke model and Vardy–Brown model), simplified convolution-based model (Trikha–Vardy–Brown (TVB) model), and Brunone instantaneous acceleration-based model. Results achieved by the proposed models are compared with experimental data as well as predictions by the classic Method of Characteristics (MOC). Results show that the MOC scheme may produce severe numerical attenuation in the case of a low Courant number. The proposed second-order GTS unsteady friction models are accurate, efficient, and stable even for Courant numbers less than one and sparse grid, and only need much less grid number and computation time to reach the same numerical accuracy. The TVB convolution-based model and Brunone model in the second-order GTS are suggested for further applications in hydraulic transients due to their high accuracy and efficiency.
Identification, Characterization, and the Determination of Process-related
Impurities in Minodronic Acid Bulk Drug
Authors: Qiaogen Zou , Anan Shi , Pan Gao
Published: June 2021

Background:

Minodronic acid (MA) is a third-generation nitrogen-containing heterocyclic
bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. In the process of starting materials research
and preparation, the key intermediate impurities and degradation impurities have a great impact
on the quality control of the drug.

Objective:

A sensitive, reliable, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was
developed and validated for the quantitative determination of MA and its related impurities (a
total of 6 compounds, including 2 new impurities).

Methods:

The separation was achieved on an InertSustain ODS-4 C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5
μm) column using the mixture of 0.01 mol/L sodium pyrophosphate and 1 mmol tetrabutylammonium
phosphate (the mobile phase pH was adjusted to 7.80 by phosphonic acid).

Results:

The quantitative analytical method was fully validated with respect to linearity (r >
0.999), sensitivity (limit of detection < 35 ng/mL), precision, accuracy (the recovery was between
98.7% and 104.2%), and robustness. Six process-related impurities in Minodronic Acid
(MA) bulk drug were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore,
except for two starting materials, other four impurities were identified and characterized
as 2-(imidazo[1,2-a] pyridin-3-yl) ethyl acetate (Imp-C), 2-(imidazo [1,2-a] pyridin- 3-
yl)acetic acid (Imp-D), 3-(2-hydroxy-2,2- diphosphonoethyl)-4H-imidazo [1,2-a] pyridine -4-
oxide (Imp-E) and 2,5- Dihydroxy- 3,6-bis(imidazo[1,2-a] pyridine-3-yl methyl) -2,5-dioxo-
1,4,2,5- dioxoDiphosphonium-3,6-diyl) bisphosphonic acid (Imp-F) using liquid chromatograph-
mass spectrometer (LC-MS), MS/MS, Infrared Radiation and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
spectroscopy (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). To the best of our knowledge, two of them (Imp-
E and Imp-F) are new compounds and have not been reported previously.

Conclusion:

The HPLC method was developed and optimized, which could be applied for
quantitative detection of the impurities, and further quality evaluation of MA.
A Review on Synthesis, Functionalization, Processing and Applications of Graphene Based High Performance Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Hawal Tushar T. , Patil Maharudra S. , Swamy Siddalinga , Kulkarni Raviraj M.
Published: June 2021

:

Graphene as a nanofiller has gained tremendous importance in polymer nanocomposites
for many applications. The attractive properties of graphene related to mechanical, electrical, and
thermal domains pose a lucrative means of reinforcing the polymers to obtain the needed properties.
The rise in the use of polymers supports this trend and urge researchers to excavate the hidden plethora
of nanocomposite materials for multifunctional applications. In this review, an overview is provided
on graphene-based materials which have been used extensively in various fields such as batteries,
aerospace, automobile, and biomedical fields. With the increasing trend of graphene usage by
many researchers as a nanofiller in polymer composites, its types, processing methods are highlighted
with suitable applications to assimilate the updates in the development of graphene nanocomposites.
Mathematical Parameters Calculation of Double Exponential Function by a New Numerical Method
Authors: Wei Yongli , Li Peng , Cao Baofeng , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiong , Li Xingyu
Published: June 2021

Background:

Lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP) and high-altitude electromagnetic
pulse (HEMP) are widely described by three physical parameters (rise time tr, full-width at halfmaximum
pulse width tw, and maximum electric field strength E0). These pulse shapes are often given
by a double exponential form concerning four mathematical parameters, namely α, β, k and Ep.

Objective:

The transformation from physical parameters into mathematical parameters is necessary
in waveform simulation and is traditionally accomplished by linear fit functions regarding the two
groups of parameters. However, traditional methods commonly rely on data analysis and calculation.
In order to obtain the mathematical parameters more concisely and clearly.

Methods:

In this paper, a numerical method to calculate the mathematical parameters by solving
nonlinear equations with three key constraints is proposed. Firstly, we establish the nonlinear system
of equations regarding four variables, namely t1, t2, α and β. Then, three constraints are given to
converge the solutions of the equations. Lastly, select the minimal value of the convergent solution
of each equation.

Results:

Comparing the solutions obtained by our proposed method to the iterated ones, the overall
relative error is less than 2×10-8.

Conclusion:

The results show that our proposed method not only simplifies the transformation from
physical parameters to mathematical parameters, but also keeps the solutions high accurate.
Mathematic Learning Material Capabilities on Special Needs
Authors: Wuryanti Sri , Fahmi Fahmi , Hamiseno Giri
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to see the application of students with special needs in inclusive schools and their absorption of Mathematics subject matter in the SMA National Examination 2018/2019 academic year. Although, the National Examination has legally abolished, the results of the last National Examination 2018/2019 can still be used to capture students' minimum academic abilities and also for reflection in order to improve the quality of education better. The ability of students can be seen from the results of the national exam, while the absorption of mathematics can be seen from the proportion of students with special needs in inclusive schools who can correctly answer questions on the National Mathematics Exam. The population of this study were all high school level students who took the National Examination for the 2018/2019 academic year, while the research sample was all inclusive high school students who took the National Examination for the 2018/2019 academic year. The data used is secondary data, namely the SMA National Exam data for the 2018/2019 academic year. Data analysis used Excel software, and then descriptive statistical analysis was carried out. The results showed the highest score of the National Mathematics Examination for students with special needs in inclusive schools was 54.02 and the lowest was 22.69 with an average score of 39.43. The average score of Mathematics for the Science Department is 45.66 (included in the poor category), the Language Department is 40.04 (including the poor category), while the Social Science Department is 29.28 (including the low category). The highest average absorption power of Mathematics in the Science department is 30%, in the scope of Algebra material, the lowest absorption is 23% in the scope of calculus material. In the social studies department, the highest average absorption power in mathematics is 29% each for algebra and statistics, the lowest absorption rate is 18% in the scope of Geometry and Trigonometry. Meanwhile, in the Language Department, the highest average absorption is algebra 38%, the lowest is 30% in the scope of Geometry and Trigonometry. The range of values for participants with special needs is very large so it needs assistance to improve the abilities of students. The weakness of special needs students in Mathematics is the material scope of Geometry and Trigonometry.
UPAYA PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN GERAK MOTORIK MELALUI PERMAINAN LEMPAR TANGKAP BOLA
Authors: Rohmadi Rohmadi
Published: June 2021

Pendidikan jasmani sebagai bagian integral dari pendidikan akan membantu para siswa untuk dapat menjalani proses pertumbuhan dan perkembangan secara optimal baik fisik, motorik, mental dan sosial. Tujuan pengembangan adalah aspek fisik akan berhubungan dengan kemampuan melakukan aktivitas-aktivitas yang melibatkan kekuatan fisik dan berbagai organ tubuh (physical fitness). Pengembangan gerak berhubungan dengan kemampuan melakukan gerak secara efektif, efisien, halus, indah, sempurna (skill full). Pengembangan mental berhubungan dengan kemampuan berfikir dan menginterprestasikan semua pengetahuan tentang pendidikan jasmani ke dalam lingkungan. Perkembangan sosial berhubungan dengan kemampuan siswa dalam menyesuaikan diri pada kelompoknya.Hakekat pendidikan jasmani adalah proses pendidikan via gerak insani (human movement) yang dapat berupa aktivitas jasmani, permainan dan olahraga. Pengembangan substansi pendidikan jasmani dan pendidikan olahraga pada dasarnya bertolak dari kaidah yang sama yaitu penyesuaian dengan kematangan atau kesiapan belajar anak. Salah satu upaya yang dapat dilakukan adalah melalui permainan lempar tangkap bola untuk mengembangkan motorik pada anak usia 8 s.d 9 tahun. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui seberapa berpengaruhnya permainan lempar tangkap bola terhadap kemampuan gerak anak.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: A Just-Right Hybrid Model to Synthesize the Growing Landscape of Publicly Available Health-Related Mobile Apps (Preprint)
Authors: Lau Nancy , O'Daffer Alison , Yi-Frazier Joyce , Rosenberg Abby R
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have provided an innovative platform for the deployment of health care diagnostics, symptom monitoring, and prevention and intervention programs. Such health-related smartphone apps are universally accepted by patients and providers with over 50 million users worldwide. Despite the rise in popularity and accessibility among consumers, the evidence base in support of health-related apps has fallen well behind the rapid pace of industry development. To bridge this evidence gap, researchers are beginning to consider how to best apply evidence-based research standards to the systematic synthesis of the mHealth consumer market. In this viewpoint, we argue for the adoption of a “hybrid model” that combines a traditional systematic review with a systematic search of mobile app download platforms for health sciences researchers interested in synthesizing the state of the science of consumer apps. This approach, which we have successfully executed in a recent review, maximizes the benefits of traditional and novel approaches to address the essential question of whether popular consumer mHealth apps work.
Patient Empowerment During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Ensuring Safe and Fast Communication of Test Results: Implementation and Performance of a Tracking System (Preprint)
Authors: Völkel Gunnar , Fürstberger Axel , Schwab Julian D , Werle Silke D , Ikonomi Nensi , Gscheidmeier Thomas , Kraus Johann M , Groß Alexander , Holderried Martin , Balig Julien , Jobst Franz , Kuhn Peter , Kuhn Klaus A , Kohlbacher Oliver , Kaisers Udo X , Seufferlein Thomas , Kestler Hans A
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Overcoming the COVID-19 crisis requires new ideas and strategies for online communication of personal medical information and patient empowerment. Rapid testing of a large number of subjects is essential for monitoring and delaying the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in order to mitigate the pandemic’s consequences. People who do not know that they are infected may not stay in quarantine and, thus, risk infecting others. Unfortunately, the massive number of COVID-19 tests performed is challenging for both laboratories and the units that conduct throat swabs and communicate the results.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to reduce the communication burden for health care professionals. We developed a secure and easy-to-use tracking system to report COVID-19 test results online that is simple to understand for the tested subjects as soon as these results become available. Instead of personal calls, the system updates the status and the results of the tests automatically. This aims to reduce the delay when informing testees about their results and, consequently, to slow down the virus spread.

METHODS

The application in this study draws on an existing tracking tool. With this open-source and browser-based online tracking system, we aim to minimize the time required to inform the tested person and the testing units (eg, hospitals or the public health care system). The system can be integrated into the clinical workflow with very modest effort and avoids excessive load to telephone hotlines.

RESULTS

The test statuses and results are published on a secured webpage, enabling regular status checks by patients; status checks are performed without the use of smartphones, which has some importance, as smartphone usage diminishes with age. Stress tests and statistics show the performance of our software. CTest is currently running at two university hospitals in Germany—University Hospital Ulm and University Hospital Tübingen—with thousands of tests being performed each week. Results show a mean number of 10 (SD 2.8) views per testee.

CONCLUSIONS

CTest runs independently of existing infrastructures, aims at straightforward integration, and aims for the safe transmission of information. The system is easy to use for testees. QR (Quick Response) code links allow for quick access to the test results. The mean number of views per entry indicates a reduced amount of time for both health care professionals and testees. The system is quite generic and can be extended and adapted to other communication tasks.
Users’ Experiences With the NoHoW Web-Based Toolkit With Weight and Activity Tracking in Weight Loss Maintenance: Long-term Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Mattila Elina , Hansen Susanne , Bundgaard Lise , Ramsey Lauren , Dunning Alice , Silva Marlene N , Harjumaa Marja , Ermes Miikka , Marques Marta M , Matos Marcela , Larsen Sofus C , Encantado Jorge , Santos Inês , Horgan Graham , O'Driscoll Ruairi , Turicchi Jake , Duarte Cristiana , Palmeira António L , Stubbs R James , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , Lähteenmäki Liisa
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) offer a promising channel for providing health promotion services. However, user experience largely determines whether they are used, which is a precondition for effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate user experiences with the NoHoW Toolkit (TK)—a DBCI that targets weight loss maintenance—over a 12-month period by using a mixed methods approach and to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the TK and the external factors affecting its adoption. The secondary aim is to objectively describe the measured use of the TK and its association with user experience.

METHODS

An 18-month, 2×2 factorial randomized controlled trial was conducted. The trial included 3 intervention arms receiving an 18-week active intervention and a control arm. The user experience of the TK was assessed quantitatively through electronic questionnaires after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of use. The questionnaires also included open-ended items that were thematically analyzed. Focus group interviews were conducted after 6 months of use and thematically analyzed to gain deeper insight into the user experience. Log files of the TK were used to evaluate the number of visits to the TK, the total duration of time spent in the TK, and information on intervention completion.

RESULTS

The usability level of the TK was rated as satisfactory. User acceptance was rated as modest; this declined during the trial in all the arms, as did the objectively measured use of the TK. The most appreciated features were weekly emails, graphs, goal setting, and interactive exercises. The following 4 themes were identified in the qualitative data: engagement with features, decline in use, external factors affecting user experience, and suggestions for improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term user experience of the TK highlighted the need to optimize the technical functioning, appearance, and content of the DBCI before and during the trial, similar to how a commercial app would be optimized. In a trial setting, the users should be made aware of how to use the intervention and what its requirements are, especially when there is more intensive intervention content.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN88405328; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN88405328

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029425
The National COVID Cohort Collaborative: Analyses of Original and Computationally Derived Electronic Health Record Data (Preprint)
Authors: Foraker Randi , Guo Aixia , Thomas Jason , Zamstein Noa , Payne Philip RO , Wilcox Adam ,   N3C Collaborative
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Computationally derived (“synthetic”) data can enable the creation and analysis of clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic data as if they were the original electronic health record data. Synthetic data can support data sharing to answer critical research questions to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to compare the results from analyses of synthetic data to those from original data and assess the strengths and limitations of leveraging computationally derived data for research purposes.

METHODS

We used the National COVID Cohort Collaborative’s instance of MDClone, a big data platform with data-synthesizing capabilities (MDClone Ltd). We downloaded electronic health record data from 34 National COVID Cohort Collaborative institutional partners and tested three use cases, including (1) exploring the distributions of key features of the COVID-19–positive cohort; (2) training and testing predictive models for assessing the risk of admission among these patients; and (3) determining geospatial and temporal COVID-19–related measures and outcomes, and constructing their epidemic curves. We compared the results from synthetic data to those from original data using traditional statistics, machine learning approaches, and temporal and spatial representations of the data.

RESULTS

For each use case, the results of the synthetic data analyses successfully mimicked those of the original data such that the distributions of the data were similar and the predictive models demonstrated comparable performance. Although the synthetic and original data yielded overall nearly the same results, there were exceptions that included an odds ratio on either side of the null in multivariable analyses (0.97 vs 1.01) and differences in the magnitude of epidemic curves constructed for zip codes with low population counts.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presents the results of each use case and outlines key considerations for the use of synthetic data, examining their role in collaborative research for faster insights.
Perceptions of Older Men Using a Mobile Health App to Monitor Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Tamsulosin Side Effects: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Elizabeth Y , Breyer Benjamin N , Lee Austin W , Rios Natalie , Oni-Orisan Akinyemi , Steinman Michael A , Sim Ida , Kenfield Stacey A , Bauer Scott R
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) apps may provide an efficient way for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to log and communicate symptoms and medication side effects with their clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of older men with LUTS after using an mHealth app to track their symptoms and tamsulosin side effects.

METHODS

Structured phone interviews were conducted after a 2-week study piloting the daily use of a mobile app to track the severity of patient-selected LUTS and tamsulosin side effects. Quantitative and qualitative data were considered.

RESULTS

All 19 (100%) pilot study participants completed the poststudy interviews. Most of the men (n=13, 68%) reported that the daily questionnaires were the right length, with 32% (n=6) reporting that the questionnaires were too short. Men with more severe symptoms were less likely to report changes in perception of health or changes in self-management; 47% (n=9) of the men reported improved awareness of symptoms and 5% (n=1) adjusted fluid intake based on the questionnaire. All of the men were willing to share app data with their clinicians. Thematic analysis of qualitative data yielded eight themes: (1) orientation (setting up app, format, symptom selection, and side-effect selection), (2) triggers (routine or habit and symptom timing), (3) daily questionnaire (reporting symptoms, reporting side effects, and tailoring), (4) technology literacy, (5) perceptions (awareness, causation or relevance, data quality, convenience, usefulness, and other apps), (6) self-management, (7) clinician engagement (communication and efficiency), and (8) improvement (reference materials, flexibility, language, management recommendations, and optimize clinician engagement).

CONCLUSIONS

We assessed the perceptions of men using an mHealth app to monitor and improve management of LUTS and medication side effects. LUTS management may be further optimized by tailoring the mobile app experience to meet patients’ individual needs, such as tracking a greater number of symptoms and integrating the app with clinicians’ visits. mHealth apps are likely a scalable modality to monitor symptoms and improve care of older men with LUTS. Further study is required to determine the best ways to tailor the mobile app and to communicate data to clinicians or incorporate data into the electronical medical record meaningfully.
User-Centered Development and Testing of the Online Patient-Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) Survey and the myPROBE App and Integration With the Canadian Bleeding Disorder Registry: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Germini Federico , Borg Debono Victoria , Page David , Zuk Victoria , Kucher Alexandra , Cotoi Chris , Hobson Nicholas , Sevestre Michael , Skinner Mark W , Iorio Alfonso ,   PROBE Investigators
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The Patient-Reported Outcomes, Burdens, and Experiences (PROBE) questionnaire is a tool for assessing the quality of life and disease burden in people living with hemophilia.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of our study were (1) to assess the needs of relevant stakeholders involved in the use of PROBE, (2) to develop the software infrastructure needed to meet these needs, and (3) to test the usability of the final product.

METHODS

We conducted a series of semistructured interviews of relevant stakeholders, including PROBE investigators, people with hemophilia, and representatives of the sponsor. Based on these, we developed an online survey and a mobile app for iOS and Android. A user group evaluated the final product using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and an open feedback framework.

RESULTS

The online survey was updated, and the myPROBE app for mobile devices and a new application programming interface were developed. The app was tested and modified according to user feedback over multiple cycles. The final version of the app was released in July 2019. Seventeen users aged 23 to 67 years evaluated the final version of the app using the SUS. The median (first, third quartile) SUS score for the app was 85 (68, 88) out of 100. The newly introduced functionalities were as follows: (1) capability to longitudinally track repeated fillings of the questionnaire at different time points by the same participant (as opposed to anonymous completion); (2) linking of the questionnaire with hemophilia registries, starting with the Canadian Bleeding Disorders Registry as a proof of concept; (3) removing or adding questions as needed; and (4) sending notifications to the users (eg, reminders). A new secure database was built for securely storing personal information separately from the questionnaire data. The PROBE online survey is currently available in 96 countries and 34 languages.

CONCLUSIONS

The online survey was updated successfully, and the myPROBE app was developed, with a SUS score of 85 (out of 100). The app has been released in 81 countries and 34 languages. This will facilitate data collection for research and advocacy purposes, and the use of this tool in everyday clinical practice.
Measuring Interoception: the CARdiac Elevation Detection Task (Preprint)
Authors: Ponzo Sonia , Morelli Davide , Suksasilp Chatrin , Cairo Massimo , Plans David
Published: June 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Interoception has increasingly been the focus of psychiatric research, due to its hypothesised role in mental health. Existing interoceptive tasks are often burdensome and require specialised equipment, limiting their usage in vulnerable populations. We report on the development of the CARdiac Elevation Detection (CARED) task. Participants’ heart rate is recorded by a wearable device connected to a mobile application. Notifications are sent to participants’ mobile throughout the day over a period of 4 weeks. Participants are asked to state whether their heart rate is higher than usual, rate their confidence and describe the activity they were involved in when the notification occurred. Data (N=30) revealed that ⅓ of the sample was classified as interoceptive and that participants presented overall good insight into their interoceptive abilities. Given its ease of administration and accessibility, the CARED task has the potential to be a significant asset for psychiatric and developmental research.
The Accuracy of Tidal Volume Measured With a Smart Shirt During Tasks of Daily Living in Healthy Subjects: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mannée Denise , de Jongh Frans , van Helvoort Hanneke
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The Hexoskin is a smart shirt that can take continuous and objective measurements and could be part of a potential telemonitoring system.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the calibrated Hexoskin in measuring tidal volumes (TVs) in comparison to spirometry during various tasks.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, the TV of 15 healthy subjects was measured while performing seven tasks using spirometry and the Hexoskin. These tasks were performed during two sessions; between sessions, all equipment was removed. A one-time spirometer-based calibration per task was determined in session 1 and applied to the corresponding task in both sessions. Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine the agreement between TV that was measured with the Hexoskin and that measured with spirometry. A priori, we determined that the bias had to be less than ±5%, with limits of agreement (LOA) of less than ±15%. Lung volumes were measured and had to have LOA of less than ±0.150 L.

RESULTS

In the first session, all tasks had a median bias within the criteria (±0.6%). In the second session, biases were ±8.9%; only two tasks met the criteria. In both sessions, LOA were within the criteria in six out of seven tasks (±14.7%). LOA of lung volumes were greater than 0.150 L.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hexoskin was able to correctly measure TV in healthy subjects during various tasks. However, after reapplication of the equipment, calibration factors were not able to be reused to obtain results within the determined boundaries.

CLINICALTRIAL

Netherlands Trial Register NL6934; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6934
Perceptions of Adult Arkansans Regarding Trusted Sources of Information about the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Purvis Rachel S , Willis Don E , Moore Ramey , Bogulski Cari , McElfish Pearl A
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The US leads the world in confirmed COVID-19 cases; Arkansas ranks fifth in average daily cases per 100,000. Historically, Americans relied on health communications from governmental sources and the news media. However, there has been a documented decline of trust in these sources.

OBJECTIVE

This study seeks to understand trusted sources of information about COVID-19 to improve health messaging because research shows the level of trust is associated with adherence to recommendations.

METHODS

A mixed methods concurrent triangulation design was used. Data were collected using an online survey and interview instrument from participants (N=1,221) who were 18 years of age or older and residing, employed, or accessing health care in Arkansas.

RESULTS

Two primary themes related to participants’ perceptions of sources of information about COVID-19 are reported: 1) trusted sources of information and 2) distrust or lack of trust in sources of information. Several subthemes emerged within each primary theme. Results showed high trust in the academic medical center, federal and state public health agencies, and local health care providers. The study also documents diverging voices of distrust and uncertainty in making sense of contradictory information. Participants reported the main reason for their lack of trust was the rapidly changing information and the lack of consistency in information provided across sources.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding provides insight into the importance of coordination between national, state, and local communications to bolster trust. This study makes a significant contribution as the largest mixed methods study on trusted sources of information for COVID-19.
A Green Method for Synthesis of Silver-Nanoparticles-Diatomite (AgNPs-D) Composite from Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Leaf Extract
Authors: Hamdiani Saprini , Shih Yeng-Fong
Published: June 2021

This study aims to develop a green method to load silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the diatomite (D) pores to produce AgNPs-D composite material. The AgNPs were synthesized by pineapple leaf extract at the temperature of 70 °C for 30 min. The composite formation was characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, TGA, particle sizes analysis, gravimetric, and color observation. The appearance of surface plasmon bands in 440–460 nm confirms the AgNPs formation. The percentage of the AgNO3 which converted to AgNPs was 99.8%. The smallest particle size of AgNPs was 30 nm, obtained in an AgNO3 concentration of 1 mM with a stirring time of 24 h at 70 °C. The colloidal AgNPs were stable for up to 7 days. The adsorption process of AgNPs was marked by the appearance of –C=O and –C–O– groups peak at 1740 and 1366 cm–1 on the FTIR spectrum. By adsorption and gravimetric technique, as much as 1 wt.% of AgNPs were loaded into D pores. The color of diatomite material changes from white to reddish-brown. The TGA analysis showed that the remaining D and AgNPs-D at 580 °C are 98.22% and 95.74%, respectively. The AgNPs loading through the green technology technique was expected to increase diatomite application in the biomedical field.
Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Experiences with Residential Schools and Sixties’ Scoop, and their Impact on Emotional Knowledge for Pre-service Teachers
Authors: Falla-Wood Julia
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this 2019-2020 exploratory study is to examine pre-service teachers’ knowledge and perceptions of Indigenous Peoples and how emotional knowledge could efficiently integrate this sensitive aspect of Canadian history into the B.Ed. Program. Shen et al. (2009) state that emotions improve learning and facilitate retention in long-term memory. Could emotional knowledge be a way of integrating Indigenous knowledge in the Bachelor of Education programs? Could Indigenous experiences with Indigenous Peoples make a difference in the perception of Indigenous Peoples in pre-service teachers? For this study, the sample available to the researcher consisted of 22 pre-service teacher students. The research instruments were a questionnaire about pre-service teachers’ knowledge of Blanket Exercises, Residential Schools, and Sixties’ Scoop, and reflection papers on the same topics. The results show that 72% of Canadian pre-service teachers, who attended elementary and secondary schools, had some, very little or no knowledge of these topics before the former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, apologized to former students of Residential Schools for the harm inflicted to them. After listening to Indigenous Survivors and being part of Blanket Exercises, pre-service teachers’ perception of Indigenous Peoples changed in a range of 26% to 100%.
EFFECTS OF THE REUSE OF UNTREATED WATER FROM THE AVO’O RIVER (CAMEROON) CONTAMINATED BY FECAL SLUDGE FOR THE GROWTH OF SOLANUM NIGRUM L.
Authors: VN TSAMA , FM KOM , WV DJUYOM , N KONE , T FONKOU
Published: June 2021

Objective: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the growth parameters and sanitary quality of Solanum nigrum L. irrigated with polluted water from Avo’o river in Nomayos.

Methods: Faecal sludge, water from Avo’o River and Solanum nigrum L., were analysed with respect to microbiological and parasitological parameters. Four points (S0: Control site, located in Mbankomo at 3 km away from faecal sludge discharge area; S1: located at 810 m before the faecal sludge discharge area; S2: located at 100 m away from the faecal sludge discharge area; and S3: located at 350 m after the faecal sludge discharge area) were considered for sampling events. For faecal indicator (FC: Faecal coliforms and FS: Faecal Streptococci), the membrane filtration method was used. Helminthes eggs were determined using the method of Bailenger, modified by Rodier. The growth parameters of S. nigrum L., measured in different site mentioned above, were plant height, number, length and width of fresh leaves.

Results: High concentration of FC (6857 ± 5180) and FS (2500 ± 1876 CFU/100 ml), as well as helminths eggs (273 ± 186 eggs/L) were obtained in Avo’o water samples. The strong correlations (r=0.9) clearly show that the waters of the Avo’o stream influence the growth of S. nigrum L.

Conclusion: Despite the best growth of Solanum Nigrum L. irrigated with water from Avo’o River, high concentration of parasites was obtained on their leaves (43 eggs/100 g) highlight the necessity of a better management of faecal sludge in this city.
CHRONIC LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA DIAGNOSED BY PRIMARY CUTANEOUS LESION
Authors: MEHR AMIN DANANDEH , ROOSTA YOUSEF , MASHHADI ZAHRA
Published: June 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant, low-grade, monoclonal disorder characterized by the accumulation of lymphocytes with variable clinical features. Cutaneous manifestations or leukemia cutis are non-specific, uncommon presentations of CLL and can present in many different ways. In this case report, we discuss a 76-year-old male who presented with skin lesions of the lower limbs and severe itching. Due to the lack of response to the treatment with topical corticosteroids, initial tests were carried out. Complete blood count results indicated lymphocytosis. Eventually Ultimately, the skin lesions led to the diagnosis of CLL. The patient was treated with bendamustine-rituximab (BR). After receiving the treatment, all cutaneous manifestations and generalized itching disappeared. This case highlights the importance of comparing similar cases of CLL presented with dermatological conditions in order to to understand proper management and practice.
BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS DON’T RISE AFTER CORTISOL ADMINISTRATION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENTS
Authors: GELBARD AMOS
Published: June 2021

A Letter to the Editor
How to Apply Multiple Imputation in Propensity Score Matching with Partially Observed Confounders: A Simulation Study and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Ling Albee , Montez-Rath Maria , Mathur Maya , Kapphahn Kris , Desai Manisha
Published: June 2021

Propensity score matching (PSM) has been widely used to mitigate confounding in observational studies, although complications arise when the covariates used to estimate the PS are only partially observed. Multiple imputation (MI) is a potential solution for handling missing covariates in the estimation of the PS. However, it is not clear how to best apply MI strategies in the context of PSM. We conducted a simulation study to compare the performances of popular non-MI missing data methods and various MI-based strategies under different missing data mechanisms. We found that commonly applied missing data methods resulted in biased and inefficient estimates, and we observed large variation in performance across MI-based strategies. Based on our findings, we recommend 1) estimating the PS after applying MI to impute missing confounders; 2) conducting PSM within each imputed dataset followed by averaging the treatment effects to arrive at one summarized finding; 3) a bootstrapped-based variance to account for uncertainty of PS estimation, matching, and imputation; and 4) inclusion of key auxiliary variables in the imputation model.
Pairwise Balanced Designs From Cyclic PBIB Designs
Authors: Ghosh D K , Desai N R , Ghosh Shreya
Published: June 2021

A pairwise balanced designs was constructed using cyclic partially balanced incomplete block designs with either (λ1 – λ2) = 1 or (λ2 – λ1) = 1. This method of construction of Pairwise balanced designs is further generalized to construct it using cyclic partially balanced incomplete block design when |(λ1 – λ2)| = p. The methods of construction of pairwise balanced designs was supported with examples. A table consisting parameters of Cyclic PBIB designs and its corresponding constructed pairwise balanced design is also included.
Reseña de Alfredo Hipólito Llaña Garín (1913-1971): Primer ficólogo marino chileno
Authors: Montecino Vivian , Bahamonde Nibaldo , Vásquez Julio A.
Published: June 2021

Alfredo Llaña Garín, Profesor de Estado en Ciencias Biológicas y Química de la Universidad de Chile (1937), es el precursor del estudio de las algas marinas en Chile. Esta reseña recuerda sus inicios, su pionera investigación en botánica y trabajos en microalgas en aguas límnicas, su contribución para el desarrollo de la Estación de Biología Marina de Montemar, Universidad de Chile y también por 20 años en la Universidad de Panamá. El Prof. Llaña estudia, asimismo, las macroalgas marinas robusteciendo la importancia de su valor comercial. En la actualidad, Chile es reconocido como uno de lo más importante proveedores de algas marinas para la extracción de agar, carragenanos y alginatos, esenciales para la industria alimentaria, cosmética, y biomédica.
Abundance of early life stages of the surf silverside Notocheirus hubbsi (Teleostei, Atheriniformes) in the coastal nearshore of central Chile
Authors: Zavala-Muñoz Francisca , Landaeta Mauricio F. , Bernal-Durán Valentina , Bustos Claudia A. , Dyer Bryan S.
Published: June 2021

The abundance of early stages of the surf silverside Notocheirus hubbsi in nearshore waters of central Chile, collected in samplings set up to assess the lunar cycle during austral spring and summer is reported. A total of 19 specimens were collected with light traps, 16 larvae (7.89-16.20 mm SL) in austral spring and 3 juveniles (30.70-34.60 mm SL) in summer. Capture per unit effort (CPUE) varied from 0.33 to 2.00 ind. light trap-1 night-1 during the entire study period (September 2015-February 2016, and September 2016-February 2017). N. hubbsi catches recorded maximum abundance during the new moon and no catches during full moon.
Froin's syndrome secondary to disseminated staphylococcus infection in a COVID-19 patient.
Authors: Mota Adrian Soto
Published: June 2021

Bacterial CNS are rare in COVID 19 patients. We describe a patient with
severe pneumonia and meningitis that developed Froin’s syndrome by
Staphylococcus aureus; this suggests that immune dysregulation in
patients with COVID-19 facilitate disseminating commensal bacterial
infections from the skin or the mucous membranes. Keywords: Meningitis,
Froin’s syndrome, COVID-19.
SARS-CoV-2 superinfection and reinfection with three different strains
Authors: Viedma Darío García de , Pérez-Lago laura , Kestler Martha , Sola-Campoy Pedro , Rodríguez-Grande Cristina , Flores-García Rubén Francisco , Buenestado-Serrano Sergio , Herranz Marta , Alcala Luis , Martínez-Laperche Carolina , Suárez-González Julia , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia
Published: June 2021

We report a COVID-19 case with unprecedented viral complexity. In the
first severe episode, two different SARS-CoV-2 strains (superinfection)
were identified within a week. Three months after discharge, patient was
readmitted and was infected in a nosocomial outbreak with a different
strain, suffering a second milder COVID-19 episode.
Double-diffusive natural convection in a cavity with an inner cylinder wrapped by a porous layer
Authors: Moderres Mourad , Benmalek Toufik , Sofiane Aberkan , Ghezal Abderrahmene , Abboudi Said , Benbrik Abderrahmene
Published: June 2021

This paper reports a numerical study of double-diffusive natural convection through an annular space delimited by a square cylinder on the outside and a cylindrical cylinder on the inside covered by a porous layer. The Darcy-Brinkmann-Forchheimer is used for modeling flow in both fluid and porous areas. The annular space is partially or completely filled with an isotropic porous medium. A finite volume method, using the Patankar-Spalding technique is used for solving the discretization of the dimensionless equations governing the problem. The effects of simultaneously applied thermal and solutal buoyancy forces on heat and mass transfer are shown in the results for a large range of buoyancy ratios, Rayleigh number, and thermal conductivity. Streamlines, isotherms, and iso-concentrations are presented to analyze the flow structure transition from mass species dominated to thermal dominated flow. Results show that the buoyancy ratio can change the flow pattern and the increased thermal conductivity ratio can improve heat and mass transfer. A good agreement was obtained between the present results and those published were found.