bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Preservatives on Corneal Collagen Parameters Measured by Small Angle X-ray Scattering Analysis
Authors: Kelly Susyn , duPlessis Lizette , Soley John , Noble Frazer , Wells Hannah Catherine , Kelly Patrick John
Published: May 2020

Background: Collagen is a prominent structural protein in biological tissue, and little is known about the effect of preservatives, commonly used to preserve and study tissue, on collagen structures. Method: The study determined the effects of commonly used tissue preservatives on measurements of fibril diameter, fibril diameter distribution, and D-spacing of corneal collagen made using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Results: Compared to control sheep and cats’ corneas that were preserved frozen at -80 °C, those preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin had significantly larger mean collagen fibril diameters, increased fibril diameter distribution and decreased D-spacing. Corneas preserved in Triton X had significantly increased mean collagen fibril diameters and orientation indexes with decreased fibril diameter distribution. Corneas preserved in 0.9% saline had significantly increased mean collagen fibril diameters and decreased diameter distributions. Subjectively, the corneas preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin maintained their transparency but those in Triton X and 0.9% saline became opaque. Subjective morphological assessment of transmission electron microscope images of corneas supported the SAXS data. Conclusions: Workers using SAXS analysis to characterize collagen should be alerted to changes that can be introduced by common preservatives in which their samples may have been stored.
Electroacupuncture Reduces Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia Via Mediating the miR-210/SIN3A and miR-183/SIN3A Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ye Fan , Tian Shiming , Hu Huimin , Yu Zhengwen
Published: May 2020

Background The expression of SIN3A is closely correlated with EA treatment efficacy of SIA, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be further explored.Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of candidate miRNAs and SIN3A mRNA in a rat model of SIA. Western blot was carried out to evaluate the differential expression of SIN3A proteins under distinct circumstances. Luciferase assay was used to explore the inhibitory role of certain miRNAs in SIN3A expression. NOR test was performed to assess the memorial ability of SIA rats undergoing EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of SIN3A in the hippocampus of SIA rats.Results Rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-34c-3p and rno-miR-210-3p were significantly up-regulated in SIA rats treated with EA. In addition, rno-miR-183-5p and rno-miR-210-3p exerted an inhibitory effect on SIN3A expression. EA treatment of SIA rats effectively restored the normal expression of rno-miR-183-5p, rno-miR-210-3p and SIN3A. The NOR test also confirmed the effect of EA treatment on the improvement of memory in SIA rats.Conclusion In this study, an animal model of SIA was treated with EA to investigate its therapeutic effect. Moreover, our work presented solid evidence on the regulatory pathway of miR-183/SIN3A and miR-210/SIN3A in the pathogenesis of SIA.
Mathematical Modelling of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak in India using Logistic Growth and SIR Models
Authors: Mackolil Joby , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa
Published: May 2020

The mathematical modelling of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in India is done by using the logistic growth model and the Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered (SIR) framework. Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra, three states of India, are selected based on the pattern of the disease spread and the prominence in being affected in India. The parameters of the models are estimated by utilizing real-time data. The models predict the ending of the pandemic in these states and estimate the number of people that would be affected under the prevailing conditions. The models classify the pandemic into five stages based on the nature of the infection growth rate. According to the estimates of the models it can be concluded that Kerala is in a stable situation whereas the pandemic is still growing in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The infection rate of Karnataka and Kerala are lesser than 5% and reveal a downward trend. On the other hand, the infection rate and the high predicted number of infectives in Maharashtra calls for more preventive measures to be imposed in Maharashtra to control the disease spread.
Screening Potential Citrus Rootstocks for Phytophthora nicotianae Tolerance
Authors: Kunta Madhurababu , Chavez Sandy , Viloria Zenaida , del Rio Hilda S. , Devanaboina Madhavi , Yanev George , Park Jong-Won , Louzada Eliezer S.
Published: May 2020

Seeds from four citrus rootstocks including sour orange, Bitters-C22 citrandarin, Sarawak pummelo Rio Red grapefruit, and Sarawak pummelo Bower mandarin were exposed to high inoculum levels of Phytophthora nicotianae to screen for tolerance. Inoculation of pregerminated seeds (PGIS) and non-PGIS was carried out. The average P. nicotianae propagule counts from the soil samples where these seedlings were raised ranged from 424 to 1361 colony forming units/cm3. The proportion of live to dead plants was recorded at 11 months postinoculation, which showed that Sarawak Bower performed significantly better than other rootstocks. Evaluation of the rootstocks 18 months postinoculation resulted in only one surviving sour orange plant, which suggests potential rootstock resistance.
Foreign Language Requirements for Doctorate Degrees in Agronomy
Authors: Moberg E. L. , Colegrove M. L.
Published: May 2020

Questionnaires were sent to 59 departments offering a Ph. D. degree in Crop or Soil Science to determine their current language requirements. Fifty‐four were returned and indicated that 52% of the departments could graduate Ph.D. students who have not taken a foreign language. These departments awarded 59% of the Ph. D. degrees from 1964–65 through 1970–71. A ranking of departments according to the number of Ph. D. degrees granted showed that 16 of the first 22 can grant Ph. D.'s to persons who have not taken a foreign language.

For those departments with a requirement 65% had restrictions on choice of language and 62% required foreign students to take a language.

Educational Testing Service was an acceptable method of language testing in 100% of the departments, while only 27% accepted translation of an appropriate article.
A Video‐Audio Self‐Tutorial Approach to Learning
Authors: Flocker W. J.
Published: May 2020

A Video‐Audio Self‐Tutorial course was developed to improve plant science teaching. Each week's work consisted of four parts: a 1‐hour General Assembly Session (GAS); a 3‐hour Plant‐Growing Laboratory (PGL); a 1‐hour Integrated Teach‐Back Session (ITBS); and the Video‐Audio Self‐Tutorial (VAST) learning center. The GAS was used to motivate the student, and the PGL was used both to motivate and to provide practical experience in growing plants. The most valuable part, based on student reaction, was the ITBS. The class was divided into small sections to permit closer student‐teacher contact and to give each student the opportunity to teach his colleagues. The subject matter, divided into ten 1‐week mini‐courses, was presented in the VAST learning center. The information, recorded on tapes, was interspaced with other learning activities. These consisted of reading assignments; observing sketches, diagrams, and outlines; performing experiments; collecting data; viewing slides, movies, and single‐concept film loops, and handling and observing live plant material. Data from two school terms indicate that students truly enjoyed the experience, learned more from this method than from the lecture method, and retained the knowledge longer.
Leaf Area Index and Specific Leaf Area Determinations
Authors: Wolf D. D. , Carson E. W. , Brown R. H.
Published: May 2020

Leaf area is measured by several methods and area per unit leaf weight (specific leaf area) is calculated. Leaf area index is then calculated as the product of leaf yield and specific leaf area. Procedures and equipment needed are described. An equivalent time of 6 class hours will be required for either a college junior‐senior or graduate‐level course. Students should learn to select the most acceptable method of leaf area determination for a given species and to evaluate management systems based on leaf area index concepts.
Institutional Organization for Promoting Rapid Change in Traditional Agriculture
Authors: Murdock J. T. , Stammel J. G. , Erven B. L. , Kussow W. R.
Published: May 2020

In order to be effective agents of change, agricultural institutions must have relevant programs of research, teaching, and extension. In southern Brazil different agencies are responsible for each of these activities and lack of coordination has historically resulted in much duplication of effort and loss of effectiveness. The initiation of an intensive action program directed toward improvement of soil fertility and crop production has proven effective in focusing the activities of these agencies on a common activity and in achieving a high degree of interagency cooperation. The program has stimulated the rural population to make significant contributions toward the improvement of standards of living and community development.
An Integrated Extension Program for Promoting Rapid Change in Traditional Agriculture on Oxisols and Utisols in a Subtropical Climate
Authors: Beatty M. T. , Murdock J. T. , Rohweder D. A. , Freire J. R. Jardim
Published: May 2020

An integrated soil recuperation program for improved crop production was instituted in southern Brazil based on results obtained in earlier research and result demonstrations. The locally oriented and directed program included intensive training in soil and crop management for local technicians, soil sampling, soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, and medium‐term credit. It led to extensive farmer adoption of new practices. The technicians provided farmers with (i) assistance in the on‐farm application of a “package” of improved practices and (ii) assistance in obtaining and using medium‐term credit to purchase lime, fertilizer, improved seeds, insecticides, etc. The participating farmers obtained yield increases that ranged from 100 to 800% for corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and repaid loans rapidly. Within 2 years the program expanded to include 37 counties in two states. Lime used in one area increased from 10 to 20,000 tons annually within 2 years. Farmer participation increased from 13 in 1967 to 6,300 by 1969 and 14,800 by 1970. The program has been thoroughly integrated into Brazilian educational and action agencies. Principal limitations to more rapid program expansion are lack of a modern lime processing industry and lack of adequately trained technicians to provide intensive assistance to farmers.
Environment, Ecology, and Range Management Curricula
Authors: Dregne H. E. , Pettit R. D.
Published: May 2020

All natural scientists should be ecologically minded. If they are not, our educational system must bear part of the responsibility. More courses on ecology and environmental quality will not accomplish the goal by themselves. Practice in problem solving is needed if the ability to recognize and analyze interactions is to be developed.
Influence of a Foliar Fertilizer on Soybean Yields
Authors: Clapp J. G. , Small H. G.
Published: May 2020

A foliar fertilizer was applied to field‐grown soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) just prior to flowering in 1967 and 1968. An application of 28 liters/ha (3 gallons/acre) of a 3.0‐7.9‐14.9 (318‐18, N‐P2O5‐K2O) had no effect on soybean yields when compared to the control. At maturity there was no observable treatment effects on plant height, number of pods per plant, and pod size.
Religiosity as the moderating effect of diamond fraud and personal ethics on fraud tendencies
Authors: Istifadah Rikyan Ulil , Senjani Yayu Putri
Published: May 2020

Purpose - This study aims to determine the effect of each dimension of diamond fraud (pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability) and personal ethics on the fraud tendency (assets misappropriation) and understanding of religiosity as moderating variable.

Method - The study was conducted by survey method. The samples are amil zakat in Yogyakarta. Data analysis in this study applied multiple linear regression analysis with IBM SPSS version 22. The instruments were adopted from previous research.

Result - The results of data analysis in this study show that there are positive influences between elements of diamond fraud (pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability) on the fraud tendency (assets misappropriation) but personal ethics do not influence the fraud tendency. While the understanding of religiosity is able to moderate elements of diamond fraud (pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability) and personal ethics.

Implication - Future research can expand the object of research in several other provinces. In addition, fraud theory used is Fraud Diamond Theory. Whereas now there has been an increase in the cause of fraud, which is arrogance and evolved into Fraud Pentagon Theory, so that the next arrogance variable can be added as an independent variable.

Originality - This reseacrh is still using samples in one province, and Amil Zakat sample was chosen as a sample because based on data submitted by BAZNAS.
Ethic and the affecting factors: Insights from sharia accounting students
Authors: Istiariani Irma
Published: May 2020

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to explore many factors that affect the accounting students’ ethics such as intellectual, emotional and spiritual quotients.

Method - The data of this study were obtained from questionnaires. The sample consists of 90 Sharia Accounting students who studied at the FEBI UIN Walisongo. The sample was collected by purposive sampling method and it was analysed with SPSS.  

Result - The result shows that there are three factors affecting the students’ ethics. They are intelligence, emotional and spiritual quotients. The emotional and spiritual quotients have the positive effect on students’ ethics. The intelligence quotients has a negative effect on the students’ ethics.

Implication - This study suggests to improve students’ emotional and spiritual quotients for better students’ ethics quality.
Originality - This research is the first study that researched about the ethical students in Sharia Accounting students.
The effect of intellectual capital and networking on the organizational values of Islamic Boarding Schools (A case study on Khalaf Islamic Boarding Schools in Demak)
Authors: Sari Alifah Ratna , Prasetyoningrum Ari Kristin , Hartono Setyo Budi
Published: May 2020

Purpose - This study aims to determine the effect of intellectual capital and networking on the organizational values of Islamic boarding schools seen from the resources they have.

Method - The population in this study is the khalaf Islamic boarding schools in Demak Regency. The sampling technique is done by purposive sampling which is a sample selection technique using certain criteria or considerations. Samples taken as many as 40 boarding schools. Data testing is done by SEM-PLS and processed using the WarpPLS 5.0 program.

Result - The analysis shows that intellectual capital has a positive and significant effect on the organizational values of Islamic boarding schools as evidenced by a positive path coefficient (0.306) and a significance value <0.05 (P-value 0.017). Likewise, the network has a positive and significant effect on the organizational values of Islamic boarding school as evidenced by a positive path coefficient (0.324) and a significance value <0.05 (P-value 0.012).

Implication - It is expected that khalaf Islamic boarding schools will pay attention to the importance of intellectual capital, both from human capital, structural capital and relational capital and networking to improve organizational values but not to erase the classical boarding school tradition.
Originality - The originality of this study is the object of the research. If previous researches conducted research on economic and banking organizations, this research used Islamic education organizations (khalaf Islamic boarding schools) as the object of research.
Assessment of the community vulnerability to extreme spring floods: the case of the Amga River, central Yakutia, Siberia
Authors: Tananaev N. I. , Efremova V. A. , Gavrilyeva T. N. , Parfenova O. T.
Published: May 2020

Spring floods in Siberia annually affect local communities. Major urban settlements in the region implemented flood control structures, so rural areas take a heavy beating. In 2018, spring floods severely hit multiple communities in central Yakutia, exposing deficient flood prevention and risk management practices. Notably, Amga village, an important local center, was severely inundated. Hydrological analysis shows that the 2018 flood had a 50-yr return period, and was caused by an ice jam in a nearby channel bend where mid-channel sand bars impede ice movement during breakup. The cold spells of late April and early May in the middle section of the river promote ice-jam development, causing extreme water stage rise. Highest water stage is unrelated to either winter snow water equivalent or early May rainfall. Estimated tangible direct damage to the Amga community equals 5.1B ($81.5M) in 2018 prices, but only 0.13B ($2.1M), or 2.5% of this total, was reclaimed. A questionnaire survey revealed that most residents report important deterioration of drinking water quality and health after flooding. Residents respond positively to risk mitigation actions, implemented by the local and regional authorities, except ice dusting and cutting, and report minor activity of official sources in spreading information on flood progress.
The Stroke-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption: Current Progress of Inspection Technique, Mechanism, and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Okada Takeshi , Suzuki Hidenori , Travis Zachary D. , Zhang John H.
Published: May 2020

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The bloodbrain barrier (BBB) is a characteristic structure of microvessel within the brain. Under normal physiological conditions, the BBB plays a role in the prevention of harmful substances entering into the brain parenchyma within the central nervous system. However, stroke stimuli induce the breakdown of BBB leading to the influx of cytotoxic substances, vasogenic brain edema, and hemorrhagic transformation. Therefore, BBB disruption is a major complication, which needs to be addressed in order to improve clinical outcomes in stroke. In this review, we first discuss the structure and function of the BBB. Next, we discuss the progress of the techniques utilized to study BBB breakdown in in-vitro and in-vivo studies, along with biomarkers and imaging techniques in clinical settings. Lastly, we highlight the mechanisms of stroke-induced neuroinflammation and apoptotic process of endothelial cells causing BBB breakdown, and the potential therapeutic targets to protect BBB integrity after stroke. Secondary products arising from stroke-induced tissue damage provide transformation of myeloid cells such as microglia and macrophages to pro-inflammatory phenotype followed by further BBB disruption via neuroinflammation and apoptosis of endothelial cells. In contrast, these myeloid cells are also polarized to anti-inflammatory phenotype, repairing compromised BBB. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to induce anti-inflammatory phenotypes of the myeloid cells may protect BBB in order to improve clinical outcomes of stroke patients.
SiO2-POCl2 Nano-Particles Promoted the Synthesis of Novel Structure of Alkyl 2-oxo-3,4-diaryloxazolidine-5-carboxylate Derivatives
Authors: Abaszadeh Mehdi , Roudbaraki Seyyed Jalal , Yarahmadi Hossein , Ghashang Majid
Published: May 2020

Silica-POCl2 was used as the promoter for the three-component reaction of ethyl/methyl
3-phenyl glycidate, aniline derivatives, and dimethyl carbonate, leads to the synthesis of methyl/ethyl
2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-aryloxazolidine-5-carboxylate derivatives. The desired product was obtained in high
yields.
Indicators of Adrenal Insufficiency in TB-suspect Patients Presenting with Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency at Three South African Hospitals in Pretoria
Authors: Mabuza Langalibalele H. , Sarpong Daniel F.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Primary adrenal insufficiency occurs when the function of the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol is impaired. Infections, such as disseminated Tuberculosis (TB) and malignancies, are the major causes of Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) in developing countries. AI is characterized by specific symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings.

Objective:

To determine indicators of AI in TB-suspect patients presenting with signs and symptoms of AI.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the primary health care ward of Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Jubilee District Hospital, and Odi District Hospital. The population comprised all TB-suspects, from whom a sample of 75respondents was obtained. A researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect data related to their signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings.

Results:

Of the 75 respondents, 47 (62.37) and 28 (37.3%) were classified as Adrenal Sufficiency (AS) and AI, respectively. The most occurring symptoms were craving for salt, dry, itchy skin, and vomiting (prevalence: 79.7%, 68.1%, and 69.0%, respectively). Signs or symptoms by themselves did not discriminate persons with a high likelihood of AI. However, a fasting serum glucose (≤ 5.25 mmol/L), a positive GeneXpect, a low CD4 count (≤ 274.5 cells/ml), with a combination of signs and symptoms (9.5) constituted a discriminator for AI in TB-suspect patients (87.5% likelihood).

Conclusion:

A low fasting serum glucose, a positive GeneXpect, a low CD4 count with a minimum of ten signs and symptoms constitute a discriminator for AI in TB-suspect patients, necessitating treatment initiation to save patient lives in laboratory resource-limited settings.
Fuzzy String Matching Procedure
Authors: Şen Zekâi
Published: May 2020

Background:

There are different methodologies for DNA comparison based on two string algorithms, which are dependent on crisp logical principles, where there is no room for verbal (linguistic) uncertainty. These are successfully applicable procedures in DNA bioinformatics researches even by taking into consideration probabilistic random variability components based on the probability distribution functions of various types.

Objective:

The main purpose of this paper is to review first briefly all available DNA string matching methodologies that are based on crisp logic and then to suggest a new method based on the fuzzy logic rules and application.

Methods:

There are different methodologies for DNA comparison based on two string algorithms, which are dependent on crisp logical principles, where there is no room for verbal (linguistic) uncertainty. These are successfully applicable procedures in DNA bioinformatics researchers even by taking into consideration probabilistic random variability components based on the probability distribution functions of various types.

Results:

Fuzzy number representation of each gene implies some sort of uncertainty or unhealthiness in some or all the genes. Their better identifications can be achieved on the basis of fuzzy numbers with different membership degrees, which imply the unhealthiness or healthiness of the genes and their collective behaviors.

Conclusion:

After the development of fuzzy number representation of the text string coupled with crisp pattern string their relationships are searched at different shift operations, and hence, the possibility of defaulters are identified in the text string with a certain degree of membership.
What Is the Educational Value of a Student‐Led Conference in Dental Education?
Authors: Leadbeatter Delyse , Gao Jinlong , Forsyth Cathryn Jane , Lansdown Karen , Wong Grace
Published: May 2020

Student‐led conferences are a type of inquiry learning and student‐led pedagogy. They have the potential to foster learning across many of the domains required for professional dental practice including communication and interpersonal skills, adaptive capability, professional attitude and ethical judgment, entrepreneurship, and a social and community orientation. A student‐led conference, which provided a framework for students studying oral biosciences to create and host a conference focused on contemporary issues in oral biosciences, was introduced into the Bachelor of Oral Health program at the University of Sydney in Australia in 2017 and 2018. The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the educational purposes that the student‐led conference satisfied. Data were collected from the 2017 cohort of students in the form of reflective essays. In 2018, students’ experience of the conference was recorded from a focus group discussion. In both years, reflective accounts written by attendees were collected. The thematic analysis generated four themes: integration of learning, personal learning, student resourcefulness through peer relationships, and deep commitment to delivering an excellent conference. The learning project served as a platform for students to display their professionalism and skills gained in entrepreneurship, communication, and adaptive capability. This study provided an example of a participatory curriculum approach with the potential to help students generate a working understanding of knowledge structures and how knowledge is created and circulates in the discipline.
A Web-Based, Positive Emotion Skills Intervention for Enhancing Posttreatment Psychological Well-Being in Young Adult Cancer Survivors (EMPOWER): Protocol for a Single-Arm Feasibility Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Salsman John M , McLouth Laurie E , Cohn Michael , Tooze Janet A , Sorkin Mia , Moskowitz Judith T
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYAs) experience clinically significant distress and have limited access to supportive care services. Interventions to enhance psychological well-being have improved positive affect and reduced depression in clinical and healthy populations but have not been routinely tested in AYAs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this protocol is to (1) test the feasibility and acceptability of a Web-based positive emotion skills intervention for posttreatment AYAs called Enhancing Management of Psychological Outcomes With Emotion Regulation (EMPOWER) and (2) examine proof of concept for reducing psychological distress and enhancing psychological well-being.

METHODS

The intervention development and testing are taking place in 3 phases. In phase 1, we adapted the content of an existing, Web-based positive emotion intervention so that it would be suitable for AYAs. EMPOWER targets 8 skills (noticing positive events, capitalizing, gratitude, mindfulness, positive reappraisal, goal setting, personal strengths, and acts of kindness) and is delivered remotely as a 5-week, Web-based intervention. Phase 2 consisted of a pilot test of EMPOWER in a single-arm trial to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, retention, and adherence and to collect data on psychosocial outcomes for proof of concept. In phase 3, we are refining study procedures and conducting a second pilot test.

RESULTS

The project was part of a career development award. Pilot work began in June 2015, and data collection was completed in March 2019. The analysis is ongoing, and results will be submitted for publication by May 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

If this intervention proves feasible and acceptable, EMPOWER will be primed for a subsequent large, multisite randomized controlled trial. As a scalable intervention, it will be ideally suited for AYA survivors who would otherwise not have access to supportive care interventions to help manage posttreatment distress and enhance well-being.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02832154, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02832154.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/17078
Factors Impacting Clinicians’ Adoption of a Clinical Photo Documentation App and its Implications for Clinical Workflows and Quality of Care: Qualitative Case Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jacob Christine , Sanchez-Vazquez Antonio , Ivory Chris
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) tools have shown promise in clinical photo and wound documentation for their potential to improve workflows, expand access to care, and improve the quality of patient care. However, some barriers to adoption persist.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the social, organizational, and technical factors affecting clinicians’ adoption of a clinical photo documentation mHealth app and its implications for clinical workflows and quality of care.

METHODS

A qualitative case study of a clinical photo and wound documentation app called imitoCam was conducted. The data were collected through 20 in-depth interviews with mHealth providers, clinicians, and medical informatics experts from 8 clinics and hospitals in Switzerland and Germany.

RESULTS

According to the study participants, the use of mHealth in clinical photo and wound documentation provides numerous benefits such as time-saving and efficacy, better patient safety and quality of care, enhanced data security and validation, and better accessibility. The clinical workflow may also improve when the app is a good fit, resulting in better collaboration and transparency, streamlined daily work, clinician empowerment, and improved quality of care. The findings included important factors that may contribute to or hinder adoption. Factors may be related to the material nature of the tool, such as the perceived usefulness, ease of use, interoperability, cost, or security of the app, or social aspects such as personal experience, attitudes, awareness, or culture. Organizational and policy barriers include the available clinical practice infrastructure, workload and resources, the complexity of decision making, training, and ambiguity or lack of regulations. User engagement in the development and implementation process is a vital contributor to the successful adoption of mHealth apps.

CONCLUSIONS

The promising potential of mHealth in clinical photo and wound documentation is clear and may enhance clinical workflow and quality of care; however, the factors affecting adoption go beyond the technical features of the tool itself to embrace significant social and organizational elements. Technology providers, clinicians, and decision makers should work together to carefully address any barriers to improve adoption and harness the potential of these tools.
Economic Burden and Health Care Access for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in China: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Qiao , Zhu Chunpeng , Feng Shuyi , Xu Liyi , Hu Shurong , Chen Hao , Chen Hanwen , Yao Sheng , Wang Xiaoying , Chen Yan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has imposed heavy financial burdens for Chinese patients; however, data about their financial status and access to health care are still lacking. This information is important for informing patients with IBD about disease treatment budgets and health care strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic status and medical care access of patients with IBD through the China Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation web-based platform in China.

METHODS

Our study was performed in 14 IBD centers in mainland China between 2018 and 2019 through WeChat. Participants were asked to complete a 64-item web-based questionnaire. Data were collected by the Wenjuanxing survey program. We mainly focused on income and insurance status, medical costs, and access to health care providers. Respondents were stratified by income and the associations of income with medical costs and emergency visit times were analyzed.

RESULTS

In this study, 3000 patients with IBD, that is, 1922 patients with Crohn disease, 973 patients with ulcerative colitis, and 105 patients with undetermined colitis were included. During the last 12 months, the mean (SD) direct and indirect costs for per patient with IBD were approximately US $11,668.68 ($7944.44) and US $74.90 ($253.60) in China. The average reimbursement ratios for most outpatient and inpatient costs were less than 50%. However, the income of 85.5% (2565/3000) of the patients was less than ¥10,000 (US $1445) per month. Approximately 96.5% (2894/3000) of the patients were covered by health insurance, but only 24.7% (741/3000) of the patients had private commercial insurance, which has higher imbursement ratios. Nearly 98.0% (2954/3000) of the patients worried about their financial situation. Thus, 79.7% (2392/3000) of the patients with IBD tried to save money for health care and even delayed their medical treatments. About half of the respondents (1282/3000, 42.7%) had no primary care provider, and 52.2% (1567/3000) of the patients had to visit the emergency room 1-4 times per year for the treatment of their IBD. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower income (P=.001) and higher transportation (P=.004) and accommodation costs (P=.001) were significantly associated with the increased number of emergency visits of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese patients with IBD have enormous financial burdens and difficulties in accessing health care, which have increased their financial anxiety and inevitably influenced their disease outcomes. Early purchase of private insurance, thereby increasing the reimbursement ratio for medical expenses, and developing the use of telemedicine would be effective strategies for saving on health care costs.
Digital Micro Interventions for Behavioral and Mental Health Gains: Core Components and Conceptualization of Digital Micro Intervention Care (Preprint)
Authors: Baumel Amit , Fleming Theresa , Schueller Stephen M
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Although many people access publicly available digital behavioral and mental health interventions, most do not invest as much effort in these interventions as hoped or intended by intervention developers, and ongoing engagement is often low. Thus, the impact of such interventions is minimized by a misalignment between intervention design and user behavior. Digital micro interventions are highly focused interventions delivered in the context of a person’s daily life with little burden on the individual. We propose that these interventions have the potential to disruptively expand the reach of beneficial therapeutics by lowering the bar for entry to an intervention and the effort needed for purposeful engagement. This paper provides a conceptualization of digital micro interventions, their component parts, and principles guiding their use as building blocks of a larger therapeutic process (ie, digital micro intervention care). The model represented provides a structure that could improve the design, delivery, and research on digital micro interventions and ultimately improve behavioral and mental health care and care delivery.
Real-World Evidence on the Effect of Missing an Oral Contraceptive Dose: Analysis of Internet Search Engine Queries (Preprint)
Authors: Hochberg Irit , Orshalimy Sharon , Yom-Tov Elad
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are a unique chronic medication with which a memory slip may result in a threat that could change a person’s life course. Subjective concerns of missed OC doses among women have been addressed infrequently. Anonymized queries to internet search engines provide unique access to concerns and information gaps faced by a large number of internet users.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantitate the frequency of queries by women seeking information in an internet search engine, after missing one or more doses of an OC; their further queries on emergency contraception, abortion, and miscarriage; and their rate of reporting a pregnancy timed to the cycle of missing an OC.

METHODS

We extracted all English-language queries submitted to Bing in the United States during 2018, which mentioned a missed OC and subsequent queries of the same users on miscarriage, abortion, emergency contraceptives, and week of pregnancy.

RESULTS

We identified 26,395 Bing users in the United States who queried about missing OC pills and the fraction that further queried about miscarriage, abortion, emergency contraceptive, and week of pregnancy. Users under the age of 30 years who asked about forgetting an OC dose were more likely to ask about abortion (1.5 times) and emergency contraception (1.7 times) (P<.001 for both), while users at ages of 30-34 years were more likely to query about pregnancy (2.1 times) and miscarriage (5.4 times) (P<.001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that many women missing a dose of OC might not have received sufficient information from their health care providers or chose to obtain it online. Queries about abortion and miscarriage peaking in the subsequent days indicate a common worry of possible pregnancy. These results reinforce the importance of providing comprehensive written information on missed pills when prescribing an OC.
Reaching collective immunity for COVID-19: an estimate with a heterogeneous model based on the data for Italy (Preprint)
Authors: Gerasimov Andrey , Lebedev Georgy , Lebedev Mikhail , Semenycheva Irina
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

At the current stage of COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts become particularly important regarding the possibility that the total incidence could reach the level where the disease stops spreading because a considerable portion of the population has become immune and collective immunity could be reached. Such forecasts are valuable because the currently undertaken restrictive measures prevent mass morbidity but do not result in the development of a robust collective immunity. Thus, in the absence of efficient vaccines and medical treatments, lifting restrictive measures carries the risk that a second wave of the epidemic could occur.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper was to develop a heterogeneous model of COVID-19 dynamics.

METHODS

The heterogeneous model of COVID-19 dynamics accounted for the differences in the infection risk across subpopulations, particularly the age-depended susceptibility to the disease. Based on this model, an equation for the minimal number of infections was calculated as a condition for the epidemic to start declining. The basic reproductive number of 2.5 was used for the disease spread without restrictions. The model was applied to COVID-19 data from Italy.

RESULTS

We found that the heterogeneous model of epidemic dynamics yielded a lower proportion, compared to a homogeneous model, for the minimal incidence needed for the epidemic to stop. When applied to the data for Italy, the model yielded a more optimistic assessment of the minimum total incidence needed to reach collective immunity: 43% versus 60% estimated with a homogeneous model.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the high heterogeneity of COVID-19 infection risk across the different age groups, with a higher susceptibility for the elderly, homogeneous models overestimate the level of collective immunity needed for the disease to stop spreading. This inaccuracy can be corrected by the homogeneous model introduced here. To improve the estimate even further additional factors should be considered that contribute to heterogeneity, including social and professional activity, gender and individual resistance to the pathogen.

CLINICALTRIAL

This is a modeling study; no trial was conducted.
Effect of a Smartphone-Based App on the Quality of Life of Patients With Heart Failure: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Davoudi Mahboube , Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Vakilian Aghouee Farveh
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure have low quality of life because of physical impairments and advanced clinical symptoms. One of the main goals of caring for patients with heart failure is to improve their quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of a smartphone-based app on the quality of life of patients with heart failure.

METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial with a control group was conducted from June to October 2018 in an urban hospital. In this study, 120 patients with heart failure hospitalized in cardiac care units were randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. Besides routine care, patients in the intervention group received a smartphone-based app and used it every day for 3 months. Both the groups completed the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire before entering the study and at 3 months after entering the study. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software V.16.

RESULTS

The groups showed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of quality of life and its dimensions after the intervention, thereby indicating a better quality of life in the intervention group (P<.001). The effect size of the intervention on the quality of life was 1.85 (95% CI 1.41-2.3). Moreover, the groups showed statistically significant differences in the changes in the quality of life scores and its dimensions (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a smartphone-based app can improve the quality of life in patients with heart failure. The results of our study recommend that digital apps be used for improving the management of patients with heart failure.

CLINICALTRIAL

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017061934647N1; https://www.irct.ir/trial/26434
COVID-19 screening during fertility treatment: How do guidelines compare against each other? (Preprint)
Authors: Papathanasiou Athanasios
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Various fertility scientific societies have published pathways and recommendations for COVID-19 screening during fertility treatments. As there is currently very limited research evidence how to best deliver this screening, it is not surprising that there are noticeable differences between their recommendations.
This paper compares the screening pathways recommended by these guidelines, in the light of the emerging evidence. It proposes the more liberal use of viral testing for improving detection of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic fertility patients. It also argues that a negative test result on symptomatic individuals should not be over-relied upon for allowing the treatment to proceed. In these cases, a low threshold for cancellation may still need to be maintained.
Penerapan Logika Fuzzy untuk Pembentukan Sutradara Otonom dalam hal Pencahayaan pada Machinima (Application of Fuzzy Logic to Develop Autonomous Directors for Lighting in Machinima)
Authors: Andreas Andreas , H. Purnomo Mauridhi , Hariadi Mochamad
Published: May 2020

Lighting is one of the most important things in the world of cinematography. There are several parameters that must be considered to produce good lighting. There are so many permutations in the lighting arrangement. It causes complexity of the process and there is no simple way to do the calculation. This complexity is compounded by the fact that each director has their own style in lighting arrangements in the film production process.This paper refers to the tabulation of the results of interviews with three movie directors and then the similarities of the three were taken. In this study, a fuzzy logic structure was built with five parameters of lighting arrangement, namely: the situation of the set, the camera's point of view, the installed light intensity, theposition and direction of the camera, and the emotions of the character. This research was conducted using 20 animated movie scenes that were built using Unity. The assessment of the output is done manually by several animated film designers. As a res ult, the designers assess that 80% of the lighting arrangement has been as expected.
Using Positive Behavior Role Plays to Prepare Teacher Candidates for the Classroom: An Exercise for Classroom Management
Authors: Sorbet Stefanie R. , Barnes Candice Dowd
Published: May 2020

Teacher education programs across the country may infuse the latest research and resources of best practices in managing a classroom but there are not many opportunities to practice guidance and managing classroom behavior unless it arises while teaching in the actual classroom. There is not often a time or place to “practice” managing the classroom environment or practice encountering misbehavior until the actual situation arises within a field placement in an elementary classroom of students. Role play allows preservice teachers to practice guidance and behavior management of K-12 students in the college classroom.
Toward the Prediction of the PSE-Like Muscle Defect in Cooked Hams
Authors: Theron Laetitia , Sayd Thierry , Chambon Christophe , Vautier Antoine , Ferreira Claude , Aubry Laurent , Venien Annie , Viala Didier , Astruc Thierry , Ferraro Vincenza , Sante-Lhoutellier Veronique
Published: May 2020

Pale Soft Exudative (PSE)-like muscle defect is of great importance in the cooked ham industry because of the economic losses it can cause. The flagship product is the “Jambon supérieur,” a polyphosphate-free cooked ham, usually sold sliced and packaged. Slicing is an automatic process that reveals the defect as holes in the slice leading to slicing losses. Up to now, the PSE-like defect has only been detected on raw meat after deboning the pork leg because it affects the inner part of the semimembranosus muscles and also the adductor muscles. The objective of this study was to develop innovative approaches that combine mechanistic elucidation and the discovery of potential biomarkers (i) at the level of the muscle and (ii) at the level of the live animal by analyzing proteins from plasma. The use of chemometrics for the spectral fingerprinting of pig plasma was chosen to predict the PSE-like muscle defect in raw hams.
IDENTITET NACIONALNIH CRNOGORACA I SRPSTVO
Authors: Stankovic Vladan
Published: May 2020

Tema ovoga naučnog rada je identitet nacionalnih Crnogoraca. Predmet istraživanja će posebnu pažnju posvetiti odnosu crnogorskog nacionalnog identiteta prema srpskom nacionalnom pitanju i njegovom identitetu. Istraživanje je skoncentrisano na Crnu Goru kao prostorni okvir u neograničenom vremenskom opsegu. Najnovija dešavanja oko imovine Srpske pravoslavne crkve u Crnoj Gori pobudila su potrebu za preispitivanjem uzroka problemske situacije. I pored aktuelnosti razmatrane društvene i političke pojave, i njene prisutnosti u medijima, čini se, da ovoj temi, u stručnim i naučnim krugovima,nije posvećena dovoljna pažnja. Otuda se cilj, naučne potrebe i društveni značaj teme preklapaju: javlja se potreba da se srpski nacionalni identitet u Crnoj Gori sagledai iz ugla onih koji zagovaraju koncept izgradnje nacionalnog identiteta Crnogoraca, kako bi se stekao potpuni uvid u srpski nacionalni identitet kojem je posvećen projekat ovog časopisa.Šta je sadržina identiteta nacionalnih Crnogoraca i kakav je njegov odnos prema srpstvu? – osnovno je problemsko pitanje ovog istraživanja. Istraživanje polazi od Osnovne predpostavke da je identitet nacionalnih Crnogoraca nedovršen i da još uvek traje proces njegove izgradnje. Pri tomenameće se tendencijaka uobličavanjujedinstvenog identiteta jedne nove „crnogorske nacije“, koja bi obuhvatila ne samo deklarisane Crnogorce, već i „sve druge pravoslavne“ (i Srbe), ali i sve one koji žive u pravnom okviru savremene Crne Gore.Autor pokušava da pronikne u razvojne faze izgradnje nacional-crnogorskog identiteta, te se pored razvojnog pristupa u istraživanju koriste i drugimetodi, poput: poređenja, uporednog metoda, analitičkog pristupa, metoda posmatranja, statističkog metoda…