bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficiency and Safety of Bivalirudin versus Heparin in The Anticoagulation Therapy in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Min , Liang Shichu , Zhu Jingbo , He Yong
Published: February 2021

Background: Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), which can be the alternative of unfractionated heparin (UFH). The efficiency and safety of bivalirudin versus UFH in the anticoagulation therapy in Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) remains unclear. The purpose of the meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficiency and safety of bivalirudin versus UFH in the anticoagulation therapy in ECMO.Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed. A systematic literature search for original studies was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library to identify all relevant studies published prior to January 13,2021. Studies were reviewed according to eligibility and exclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was used to estimate the efficiency and safety of bivalirudin versus UFH in the anticoagulation therapy in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: 6 retrospective studies with 254 patients were eventually included for the quantitative analysis. The results showed that the incidence of major bleeding(I2=66%, P=0.16, OR=0.43, 95%CI:0.13-1.40), thrombosis(I2=0%, P=0.09<0.1, OR=0.56, 95%CI:0.29-1.09) and 30-day mortality(I2=0%, P=0.50, OR=0.90, 95%CI:0.42-1.53) was not statistically significant between the bivalirudin group and the UFH group.Conclusions:This study suggests that bivalirudin and UFH are associated with similar rates of major bleeding, thrombosis and 30-day mortality in adult and pediatric ECMO support, which is safe, practicable, dependable, and cost-effective in comparison with UFH. Bivalirudin is non-inferior to UFH in the anticoagulation therapy in ECMO.
Citywide serosurveillance of the initial SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in San Francisco
Authors: Routledge Isobel , Epstein Adrienne , Takahashi Saki , Hakim Jill , Janson Owen , Duarte Elias , Turcios Keirstinne , Vinden Joanna , Sujishi Kirk , Rangel Jesus , Coh Marcelina , Besana Lee , Ho Wai-Kit , Oon Ching-Ying , Ong Chui Mei , Yun Cassandra , Lynch Kara , Wu Alan , Wu Wesley , Karlon William , Thornborrow Edward , Peluso Michael , Henrich Timothy , Pak John , Briggs Jessica , Greenhouse Bryan , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel
Published: February 2021

Serosurveillance provides a unique opportunity to quantify the proportion of the population that has been exposed to pathogens. Here, we developed and piloted Serosurveillance for Continuous, ActionabLe Epidemiologic Intelligence of Transmission (SCALE-IT), a platform through which we systematically tested remnant samples from routine blood draws in two major hospital networks in San Francisco for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during the early months of the pandemic. Importantly, SCALE-IT allows for algorithmic sample selection and rich data on covariates by leveraging electronic medical record data. We estimated overall seroprevalence at 4.2%, corresponding to a case ascertainment rate of only 4.9%, and identified important heterogeneities by neighborhood, homelessness status, and race/ethnicity. Neighborhood seroprevalence estimates from SCALE-IT were comparable to local community-based surveys, while providing results encompassing the entire city that have been previously unavailable. Leveraging this hybrid serosurveillance approach has strong potential for application beyond this local context and for diseases other than SARS-CoV-2.
Bioconversion Variation of Ginsenoside CK Mediated by Human Gut Microbiota From Healthy Volunteers and Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Guo Yin-Ping , Shao Li , Wang Li , Chen Man-Yun , Zhang Wei , Huang Wei-Hua
Published: February 2021

Background: Ginsenoside CK (GCK) serves as the potential anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type saponin, which could be mainly bio-converted to yield PPD by gut microbiota. Meanwhile, the anti-CRC effects of GCK could be altered by gut microbiota due to its different diversity in CRC patients. We aimed to investigate the bioconversion variation of GCK mediated by gut microbiota from CRC patients by comparing with healthy subjects.Methods: Gut microbiota profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing was collected from healthy volunteers and CRC patients. GCK was incubated with gut microbiota in vitro. A LC-MS/MS method was validated to quantify GCK and PPD after incubation at different time points.Results: The bioconversion of GCK in healthy subjects group was much faster than CRC group, as well as the yield of PPD. Moreover, significant difference of PPD concentration between healthy subjects group and CRC group could be observed at 12 h, 48 h and 72 h check points. According to 16S rRNA sequencing, the profiles of gut microbiota derived from healthy volunteers and CRC patients significantly varied, in which 12 differentially abundant taxon were found, such as Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, Bacteroides and Collinsella. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed bacteria enriched in healthy subjects group were positively associated with biotransformation of GCK, while bacteria enriched in CRC group displayed non correlation characters. Among them, Roseburia which could secrete β-glycosidase showed the strongest positive association with the bioconversion of GCK.Conclusion: The bioconversion of GCK in healthy subjects was much faster than CRC patients mediated by gut microbiota, which might alter the anti-CRC effects of GCK.
Influence of Hypertension and Diabetes on Postoperative Outcomes In Cancer Patients Undergoing Moderate/High Risk Surgical Procedures
Authors: Ramos Lafayete William Ferreira , Nascimento Beatriz Nery , Silva Gabriel Rossi , Ramos Marcos Vinícius Ferreira , Ramos Barbara Cristina Ferreira , Souza Cristiano Freitas de , Fernandes Pedro Amoedo
Published: February 2021

Background: Systemic hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are believed to be risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgical interventions, but evidence is lacking. This retrospective study evaluated the effects of HTN and DM, alone or in combination, on postoperative outcomes of elective noncardiac surgery in cancer patients. Methods: Patients (n = 844) with malignancies, who underwent elective surgery at a tertiary hospital, were categorised into healthy (group A, n = 339), hypertensive (group B, n = 357), diabetic (group C, n = 21), and hypertensive and diabetic (group D, n = 127) groups. Preoperatively, all patients had systolic blood pressure ≤ 160 mmHg and plasma glucose level ≤ 140 mg/dl. Postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality were compared among groups. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 22 (6.5%), 21 (5.9%), 2 (9.5%), and 11 (8.7%) patients in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively (p = 0.712). HTN (p = 0.538), DM (p = 0.990), and HTN+DM (p = 0.135) did not impact the occurrence of adverse events. Patients with higher surgical risk (ASA III or IV) and those with longer surgical time had higher morbidity and mortality (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). In multiple logistic regression analysis, ASA status and surgical time were independent risk factors for postoperative complications (both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Cancer patients with preoperative comorbidities, such as HTN and DM, alone or in combination, regardless of other characteristics, do not have an increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Correlation Between Clarithromycin Resistance, Virulence Factors and Clinical Characteristics of the Disease in Helicobacter pylori Infected Patients in Shahrekord, Southwest Iran”
Authors: Hosseini Razieh Sadat , Rahimian Ghorbanali , Shafigh Mohammad Hadi , Validi Majid , Khaledi Mansoor , Gholipour Abolfazl
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the mutations associatedwith clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori isolates isolated from biopsy samples that were collected from the endoscopic ward of Shahrekord Hajar teaching Hospital and also to study the frequency of virulence factor and their correlation and pathological findings with clarithromycin resistance during the years 2019-2020. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 152 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were considered, and then, two common A2142G and A2143G mutations in the 23SrRNA gene associated with resistance were analyzed by Real-time PCR (Taq man). The presence of vacA, iceA1, iceA2,cagA,babA2, and oipA virulence genes was investigated by PCR and 8% polyacrylamide gel. Then, data were analyzed using the relevant statistical tests.Results: In this study, the frequency of Helicobacter pylori was 76% and the frequency of mutant isolates was 57.2%. The frequencies of A2142G and A2143G point mutations were 42.1% and 28.3%. There was a significant correlation among oipA, vacA, and iceA1 virulence factors, type of disease, chronic inflammatory score, and glandular atrophy with the antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin. There was no significant correlation between the age and sex of the patients with antibiotic resistance.Conclusions: According to the results of this study, It seems that the use of clarithromycin to combat this bacterium should be limited.
Optimal Parameter Selection for Constraint-Following Control for Mechanical Systems Based on Stackelberg Game
Authors: Sun Qinqin , Wang Xiuye , Yang Guolai , Chen Ye-Hwa , Ma Fai
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes an optimal parameter design of control scheme for mechanical systems by adopting the Stackelberg game theory. The goal of the control is to drive the mechanical system to follow the prescribed constraints. The system uncertainty is (possibly fast) time-varying and bounded. A β-measure is defined to gauge the performance. A robust control is proposed to render the β-measure uniformly ultimately bounded. This control scheme is based on feasible design parameters (i.e., parameters within prescribed range), whose choice may not be unique. For optimal (unique) parameter selection, a Stackelberg game is formulated. By taking the control design parameters as the players, for each player, a cost function is built with the consideration of the performance cost, the time cost and the control cost. To follow, the Stackelberg strategy is then carried out via backward induction, which results in the choice of the optimal parameters.
Electroencephalography-Demonstrated Mechanisms of Dexmedetomidine-Mediated Deepening of Propofol Anesthesia: An Observational Study
Authors: Gu Erwei , Zhang Lei , Fang Kun , Tao Shengwei , Deng Liyun , Li Hua , Cao Yuanyuan , Wang Lei , Yu Fengqiong
Published: February 2021

Background: Although dexmedetomidine (Dex) is known to reduce bispectral index (BIS) values and propofol dosage, there is little information regarding raw electroencephalography (EEG) changes related to Dex deepening of propofol general anesthesia (GA). This study investigated Dex effects on propofol GA via analysis of EEG changes.Methods: A study cohort of 21 surgical patients (age range, 20–60 years) categorized asASA (American Society ofAnesthesiologists) class I or II were enrolled. We used time-varying spectral and bicoherence methods to compare electroencephalogram signatures 5 min before versus 10 min after intravenous Dex injection under propofol GA. Means and medians are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and inter-quartile ranges (IQRs), respectively.Results: Dex augmented the slow waves power and theta (θ) oscillation bicoherence peak from a mean (95% CI) of 22.1% (19.0, 25.2) to 25.2% (21.8, 28.6). Meanwhile, Dex reduced alpha (α) peak power and bicoherence from 3.5 dB (1.0, 6.0) and 41.5% (34.0, 49.0) to 1.7 dB (-0.6, 4.0) and 35.4% (29.0, 41.8), respectively, while diminishing the median frequency of α oscillation peak values and the mean frequency of α peaks in bicoherence spectra from 12.0 Hz (IQR: 11.2, 12.6) and 11.7 Hz (11.3, 12.2) to 11.1 Hz (IQR: 10.3, 11.8) Hz and 11.2 Hz (10.9, 11.6),respectively.Conclusions: Profound EEG changes support the supposition that Dex enhancespropofol-induced GA from a moderate to a deeper state. The present findings provide a theoretical basis and reference regarding protocols aimed at reducing anesthetic/sedative dosage while maintaining sufficient depth of GA.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900026955, Registered 27 October 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=44495
Improving Infiltration Prediction by Point-based PTFs for Some Soils in Southern of Iran
Authors: Molayem Maryam , Abtahi S A. , Jafarinia M. , Yasrebi J.
Published: February 2021

Modeling soil water infiltration at the field scale with ruler of calcareous, saline and sodic conditions is important for a better understanding of infiltration processes in these soils and future of infiltration modeling. The aim of the present study was to derive and evaluate soil water infiltration models for some calcareous, saline and sodic soils in Marvdasht plain, southern of Iran. The infiltration data was measured in 72 locations at the regional scale with 3 replications. In each location, the basic soil properties were also measured. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and feed-forward multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks (ANN) model were used to estimate cumulative soil water infiltration at different time. The results performance of water infiltration models such as Kostiakov, Kostiakov–Lewis, USDA-NRCS, Philip, Horton and Green-Ampt models according to the mean R2, ME, RMSE and SDRMSE indices for all soils showed the Kostiakov–Lewis model provided the most accurate predictions. Moreover, the results showed that the derived ANN models at different times with a R2 of 0.438-0.661 and a RMSE of 0.977-17.111 performed better than MLR model. There would be great interest to improve the cumulative soil water infiltration in site-specific soil utilization, management and protection of the environment by MLR and ANN methods.
Steel Mill Wastes Application in Soil: Dynamics of Potentially Toxic Elements in Rice and Health Risk Perspectives
Authors: Carvalho Geila S. , Oliveira Jakeline R. , Vasques Isabela , Santana Monna Lysa T. , Justi Marina , Job Marcel T. P. , Lima Francielle R. D. de , Marques João José
Published: February 2021

Potentially toxic elements (PTE’s) are of great concern in steel mill wastes. Therefore, in other to use them as potential fertilizers in soil, risk assessments are needed. Three steel mill wastes were tested as possible amendments for soils at six different doses (0; 0,5; 1; 2; 4; 8; 16 t ha-1): Phosphate mud (PM), Metallurgical press residue (MPR) and Filter press mud (FPM) during rice cultivation in a pot experiment in a Haplic Gleisol. Analysis on rice tissues, including roots, shoots, husk and grains were conducted and contents of Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, Mn and Pb were assessed. Translocation and bioaccumulation factors were calculated for each element. In general, PTE’s are more accumulated in roots and greater contents of Zn and Mn were found, while the lowest ones were found for Pb, probably due to its lack of functional roles during plants development. Higher translocation was observed for Mn, which is associated to the redox conditions of rice cultivation and the high mobility of this element under this condition. Application of steel mill wastes can increase PTE’s bioavailability and translocation factors, especially PM, but all of the wastes reveal a high hazard index.
Polyphenylene sulfide quasi-solid-state electrolyte for limited Li metal battery
Authors: Chen De , Zhou Haitao , Yu Chongchen , Gao Hongquan , Wu Jianchun , Hou Dong , Liu Menghao , Zhang Minghui , Xu Zifu , Yang Jianhong
Published: February 2021

The urgent need for safe and high energy batteries is pushing the battery studies towards the solid-state direction, and the most central question is finding proper solid-state electrolyte. So far, the recently studied electrolyte systems have obvious advantages and fatal weaknesses, resulting in indecisive plans for industrial production. In this work, we propose a thin and dense lithiated polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based solid polymer electrolyte prepared by a solvent-free process in a pilot stage. Moreover, the PPS surface is functionalized to immobilize the anions, increase the Li ion transference number to 0.8-0.9, and widen the electrochemical potential window (>5.1 V). At room temperature, the PPS-based quasi-solid electrolyte (PPS-QSSE) exhibits high intrinsic Li+ diffusion coefficient and ionic conductivity (>10-4 S cm-1), excellent thermal stability, and Li+ transport rectifying effect, resulting in homogenous Li-plating on Cu at high current density. Based on the limited Li-plated Cu anode or anode-free Cu, high loadings cathode and high voltage, the Li metal batteries with PPS-QSSEs deliver high energy density (>1000 Wh L-1) and good cycling at high power (900 W L-1) exceeding that of state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. The results enlighten the mechanism of solid-liquid two phase conduction and promote the solid-state battery towards practicality.
Beneficial Effects of Kiatsu™ with Ki Training on Episodic Migraine: A Single Arm, Pilot, Exploratory Study
Authors: Tabata Calvin Y , Coppenhaver Philip , McCartney Shirley , Vazinkhoo Saman , Copperman Terry
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCurrent therapies for migraine have proven partially effective, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. In this report, the authors conducted a single arm pilot exploratory study to evaluate the effect of Kiatsu with Ki training in adult females with episodic migraine.MethodsStudy subjects established a baseline migraine frequency over 4 weeks. During the following 4 weeks, each subject received instruction in Ki training (to improve concentration, balance, and relaxation), accompanied by Kiatsu (a focused touch method that reduces tension, swelling, and pain). Subjects then participated in one session a month for an additional 6 months. The initial session was 1 hour; subsequent sessions averaged 30 minutes. Subjects documented migraine frequency, migraine-specific quality of life scores, and medication use.ResultSixty-nine subjects met the study inclusion criteria and 21 completed the study. Subjects reported a significant reduction in migraine frequency after 1 month (from 7.2 to 3.8 migraines/month; p < 0.05), with an overall 53% reduction at 8 months (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in quality of life (QoL) were reported after 1 month, with continued improvements until study completion (p < 0.0001). A moderate reduction in medication use was also documented (p < 0.03), corresponding with improved QoL scores.ConclusionKiatsu with Ki training may be an effective treatment option for females with migraines, either in combination with medications or as a potential alternative to medications for patients who do not benefit from conventional therapies.
Dispersal of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and its synergistic with predatory mite, Phytoseiulus macropilis for controlling Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Waked Dalia A. , Elewea Mohamed , Basha Abdel Aziz ElNasharty , Hendawy Mohamed , Saleh Galal Shabaan
Published: February 2021

The entomopathogenic fungus “Metarhizium anisopliaeˮ and predatory mite “Phytoseiulus macropilisˮ are effective biological controlling agents of Tetranychus urticae. Recent studies have shown that predatory mites, used as biocontrol agents can be loaded with entomopathogenic fungal conidia to increase infection rates in pest populations. It was necessary to study the effect of M. anisopliae against P. macropilis before executing the experiment. The results showed that the predator mite was more effected by 1×109 conidia/ml of M. anisopliae, while the predator had low effect with 1×106 conidia/ml of M. anisopliae. It was found that the predator had poor effect at indirect spray. Results showed that dispersal of M. anisopliae loaded on P. macropilis delivered high numbers of conidia to T. urticae infested leaves, thereby increased the proportion of T. urticae that came into contact with the fungus.Our study suggests that loading certain predatory mite species with fungal conidia can increase their capacity to suppress thrips populations by combining predation and dispersing pathogens when releasing the loading predatory mite with M. anisopliae for controlling T. urticae on cucumber crop under greenhouse conditions
Building data analytics skills for clinical drug development quality professionals - the Data Analytics University training program
Authors: Havenhad Sharon , Koneswarakantha Björn , Rolo Donato , Mehta Pooja , Bowling Rich , Ménard Timothé
Published: February 2021

Clinical drug development is a complex and extensive process that entails multiple stakeholders alongside patients, requires large capital expenditures and takes nearly a decade on average to complete. To ensure the correct development of this process, rigorous quality activities must be conducted to assess and guarantee the Good Clinical and Pharmacovigilance Practices (GxP) for study compliance. For about 25 years, most of these activities have been performed in the form of audits, which implies a high volume of manual work and resources in addition to being reactive by nature. Due to the limitations of this approach, together with intent to leverage new technologies in the data analytics field, a more holistic, proactive and data-driven approach needed to take place. For this to happen, quality assurance expertise needed to be complemented by the data literacy skillset. To achieve this, the Data Analytics University (DAU) was created. An in-house training program composed by two pathways that provided a framework for clinical quality staff to develop their data analytics capabilities. The first pathway covers the basics of statistics, probability and data-related terminology, while the second deepens further into the topics covered in the former followed by hands-on activities to put the knowledge to test. After successful completion of 15 DAU sessions, over 310 trained staff were able to apply their learning on data analytics and solve potential issues that might arise with a given dataset. In the near future, the DAU will be made available externally as an e-learning training program.
Extraction of non-noble metal columbite-tantalite as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Bacirhonde Patrick , Dzade Nelson , Chalony Carmen , Park Jeesoo , Afranie Emmanuel , Lee Sunny , Kim Do Hwan , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The development of robust and inexpensive electrocatalysts that are capable of catalyzing the overall water splitting reaction is highly essential for large scale production of hydrogen. Herein, we report the successful liquid-liquid extraction and hydrothermal synthesis of a highly stable columbite-tantalite electrocatalysts (Fe0.79Mn0.21Nb0.16Ta0.84O6) with remarkable HER and OER performance in alkaline media. The extracted Fe0.79Mn0.21Nb0.16Ta0.84O6 electrocatalyst shows a low overpotential of 190.2 and 284.8 mV at 10/mA cm-2 in current density in situ for HER and OER, respectively. The electrocatalyst also exhibited low Tafel slopes of 56.36 mV/dec for HER and 112.85 mV/dec for OER, verifying their rapid catalytic kinetics. The electrolyzer maintained the cell voltage of 1.63 V and potential-time stability close to that of Pt/C & RuO2/C. The intrinsic mechanism for the exceptional HER and OER performance was further unravelled through first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations, predicting very low Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH* ≈ 0.09 eV) and low overpotential (η = 0.47 eV at the Mn sites) for OER on the Fe0.75Mn0.25Ta1.875Nb0.125O6 catalyst. Our results demonstrate that columbite-tantalite electrocatalysts offer great promise for efficient overall water splitting.
Graphical abstract
Computational analysis on Covid-19 transmission escalates into new imuuno-epidemiology considerations.
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Anthony , Zhao Shi , Li Jinhui
Published: February 2021

Background For Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2, the investigation of the heterogeneity of individual infectiousness is important due to the recorded widespread cross reactive immunity of general population that can alter transmission dynamics. We therefore aimed to understand how SARS-COV-2 transmits in the general population in relation to age.DesignUsing a sample of infected population with SARS-COV-2 in close geographical proximity to the initial Severe Advanced Respiratory Syndrome-1 (SARS-1) outbreak, we explored the association between infector’s age and dispersion (or heterogeneity) of individual infectiousness (k) in order to investigate the relatedness with the age of an individual’s capability to disperse SARS-COV-2.ResultsWe have found a negative association between k and increase of infector’s age. Significantly this becomes more evident for the age group of 20-60 years comparing with the infectors of younger age.ConclusionsNon pharmaceutical interventions can be effective to age group between 20-60 years whereas in youngsters and older patients containment of spreading must be made by other means to be effective. Immunity differences between age groups may reflect their differences in heterogeneity predicted by variance in dispersion parameter (k).
Chinese Herbal Medicine (“3 Medicines and 3 Formulations”) for COVID-19: Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Xiao-Yang , Wang Yangzihan , Chen Junqiao , Greenhalgh Trisha , Wardle Jon
Published: February 2021

Background: To evaluate the evidence behind claims that Chinese Herbal Medicine, specifically “three medicines and three formulations” (3M3F, comprising Jinhua Qinggan, Lianhua Qingwen, Xuebijing, Qingfei Paidu, Huashi Baidu and Xuanfei Baidu), is an effective treatment for COVID-19. Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE and CNKI databases, preprint servers, clinical trial registries and supplementary sources for Chinese- or English-language randomised trials or non-randomised studies with comparator groups, which tested the constituents of 3M3F in the treatment of COVID-19 up to September 2020. Primary outcome was change in disease severity. Secondary outcomes included various symptoms. Meta-analysis (using generic inverse variance random effects model) was performed when there were two or more studies reporting on the same symptom. Results: Of 607 articles identified, thirteen primary studies (six RCTs and seven retrospective non-randomised comparative studies) with 1467 participants met our final inclusion criteria. Studies were small and had significant methodological limitations, most notably potential bias in assessment of outcomes. No study convincingly demonstrated a statistically significant impact on change in disease severity. Eight studies reported sufficiently similar secondary outcomes to be included in a meta-analysis. Some statistically significant impacts on symptoms, chest CT manifestations, laboratory variables and length of stay were demonstrated, but such findings were sparse and many remain unreplicated.Conclusions: These findings neither support nor refute the claim that 3M3F alters the severity of COVID-19 or alleviates symptoms. More rigorous studies are required to properly ascertain the potential role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in COVID-19.
Privatisation of Socially Owned Enterprises, the Methods Used and the Impact on Economic Growth Empirical evidence from Kosovo
Authors: Bajra Ujkan
Published: February 2021

Privatisation together with the related social consequences and impact on the economy represent key challenges facing the former communist countries. This paper aims to assess how the privatisation of socially owned enterprises (SOEs) affects economic growth, entailing an empirical test using a panel effects regression analysis on a sample of 571 SOEs (or 1,600 assets) over a 16-year period (2003–2018). We find that privatisation at the aggregate level does not boost economic growth; in particular, the methods used to privatise SOEs or parts of them are not a determining factor. We also show that the quality of institutions is fragile, confirming a negative associations with economic growth. We also show that the effects of privatisation vary according to the method used, although we note that the sale of SOEs or parts thereof in the first decade of privatisation has been quite selective, devoid of development effects and faced with serious impediments to privatisation funds being directly invested in the economy.
River regulation and resilience: an approach for the Yangtze watershed
Authors: Liu Congcong , Chai Yuanfang , Zhu Boyuan , Yang Yunping , Deng Jinyun , Hu Yong
Published: February 2021

Many studies have focused on analyzing variation characteristics of the watershed resilience based on different indicators, while few efforts have been made to quantificationally evaluate contributions of climatic and anthropogenic factors to the varied resilience. In this study, we investigate changes in the seasonal runoff resilience of the entire Yangtze River basin during 1961–2014 by using a convex model and a resilience indicator (Pi). The MIKE 11HD model and the regression method were adopted to further differentiate effects of climate variations and human activities. Results show that climate variation (especially droughts and floods) and human activities exert negative and positive effects, respectively, and become primary reasons for falling and increasing trends in entire watershed resilience. These impacts grow with time under the gradually intensified climate variability and human activity.

HIGHTLIGHTS

Effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors on the varied watershed runoff resilience are quantificationally estimated. Investigating the changes in the watershed resilience in the entire Yangtze River.
Coconut shell derived ZnCl2 activated carbon for malachite green dye removal
Authors: Sangeetha piriya R. , Jayabalakrishnan Rajamani M. , Maheswari M. , Boomiraj Kovilpillai , Oumabady Sadish
Published: February 2021

The coconut-based agricultural wastes have gained wide attention as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of diverse pollutants from the industrial effluents. This paper presents the zinc chloride activation of adsorbent carbon and the utilization as an adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solution. The characterisation of activated carbon was performed to get an insight into the adsorption mechanism. The ZnCl2 activated carbon acquired a higher specific surface area (544.66 m2 g−1) and stability (−32.6 mV). The impact of process parameters including contact time (20–220 min) and initial dye concentration (20–80 mg L−1) were evaluated on the effectiveness of activated carbon for dye removal. The results concluded that zinc chloride activated carbon showed a significant dye adsorption (39.683 mg g−1) at an initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 after 3 hours. Based on the correlation coefficient (R2), the Freundlich isotherm model (0.978–0.998) was best fitted for the experimental data followed by the intraparticle diffusion model (0.88–0.929) as the most appropriate model for malachite green dye removal. Additionally, the energy and thermogravimetric analysis portrayed the suitability of the carbon material to be used as an energy alternative to coal.
Material characterization of geopolymer mortar for its beneficial use in composite construction
Authors: Juhart Joachim , Gößler Christopher , Grengg Cyrill , Mittermayr Florian , Rudic Ognjen , McIntosh Andrew , Freytag Bernhard
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates material properties of metakaolin/slag-based geopolymer mortar (GPM), relevant for composite action with conventional Portland cement-based concrete (PCC). GPM formulations with different workability (soft and stiff-plastic consistencies) were developed and characterized with regard to their compressive and tensile strength development over time, their shrinkage behaviour during hardening under different ambient conditions, as well as their thermal expansion. With the experimental data obtained, a coefficient of thermal expansion and equations for predicting the strength development were calculated. The GPMs exhibited significant autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage. Additionally, high very early shrinkage, tested by a new image correlation method, occurred immediately after setting under dry conditions. Thereby, the observed extent of early shrinkage strongly depended on the specimens’ thicknesses. Furthermore, the basic characteristics of autogenous and drying shrinkage of GPM were enlightened and compared to PCC.
Prospective Associations Between Fixed-Term Contract Positions and Mental Illness Rates in Denmark’s General Workforce: Protocol for a Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hannerz Harald , Burr Hermann , Soll-Johanning Helle , Nielsen Martin Lindhardt , Garde Anne Helene , Flyvholm Mari-Ann
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

In 2018, 14% of employees in the European Union had fixed-term contracts. Fixed-term contract positions are often less secure than permanent contract positions. Perceived job insecurity has been associated with increased rates of mental ill health. However, the association between fixed-term contract positions and mental ill health is uncertain. A recent review concluded that the quality of most existing studies is low and that the results of the few studies with high quality are contradictory.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to estimate the incidence rate ratios (RRs) of psychotropic drug use and psychiatric hospital treatment. These ratios will be considered, first, in relation to the contrast fixed-term versus permanent contract and, second, to fixed-term contract versus unemployment.

METHODS

Interview data with baseline information on employment status from the Danish Labor Force Surveys in the years 2001-2013 will be linked to data from national registers. Participants will be followed up for up to 5 years after the interview. Poisson regression will be used to estimate incidence RRs for psychiatric hospital treatment for mood, anxiety, or stress-related disorders and redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic drugs, as a function of employment status at baseline. The following contrasts will be considered: full-time temporary employment versus full-time permanent employment and temporary employment (regardless of weekly working hours) versus unemployment. The analyses will be controlled for a series of possible confounders. People who have received sickness benefits, have received social security cash benefits, have redeemed a prescription for psychotropic drugs, or have received psychiatric hospital treatment for a mental disorder sometime during a 1-year period preceding baseline will be excluded from the study. The study will include approximately 134,000 participants (13,000 unemployed, 106,000 with permanent contracts, and 15,000 with fixed-term contracts). We expect to find approximately 16,400 incident cases of redeemed prescriptions of psychotropic drugs and 2150 incident cases of psychiatric hospital treatment for mood, anxiety, or stress-related disorders.

RESULTS

We expect the analyses to be completed by the end of 2021 and the results to be published in mid-2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The statistical power of the study will be large enough to test the hypothesis of a prospective association between fixed-term contract positions and mental illness in the general workforce of Denmark.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/24392
Implementation of Online Hospitals and Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Medical Services in China: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Huanlin , Liang LanYu , Du ChunLin , Wu YongKang
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Online hospitals are part of an innovative model that allows China to explore telemedicine services based on national conditions with large populations, uneven distribution of medical resources, and lack of quality medical resources, especially among residents needing to be protected from COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we built a hypothesis model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology in order to analyze the factors that may influence patients’ willingness to use mobile medical services. This research was designed to assist in the development of mobile medical services. Residents who do not live in urban areas and cannot access medical assistance would greatly benefit from this research, as they could immediately go to the online hospital when needed.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study based at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, was conducted in July 2020. A total of 407 respondents, 18 to 59 years old, in Western China were recruited by convenience sampling. We also conducted an empirical test for the hypothesis model and applied structural equation modeling to estimate the significance of path coefficients so that we could better understand the influencing factors.

RESULTS

Out of 407 respondents, 95 (23.3%) were aware of online hospitals, while 312 (76.7%) indicated that they have never heard of online hospitals before. Gender (P=.048) and education level (P=.04) affected people’s willingness to use online hospitals, and both of these factors promoted the use of online hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 2.844, 95% CI 1.010-8.003, and OR 2.187, 95% CI 1.031-4.636, respectively). According to structural equation modeling, the results of the path coefficient analysis indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions have positive effects on patients’ willingness to use online hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The goal of our research was to determine the factors that influence patients’ awareness and willingness to use online hospitals. Currently, the public’s awareness and usage of online hospitals is low. In fact, effort expectancy was the most important factor that influenced the use of online hospitals; being female and having a high education also played positive roles toward the use of mobile medical services.
Overcoming the Digital Divide in the Post–COVID-19 “Reset”: Enhancing Group Virtual Visits with Community Health Workers (Preprint)
Authors: Shah Megha K , Gibbs Ashley Christina , Ali Mohammed K , Narayan K M Venkat , Islam Nadia
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The COVID-19 pandemic created numerous barriers to the implementation of participant-facing research. For most, the pandemic required rapid transitioning to all virtual platforms. During this pandemic, the most vulnerable populations are at highest risk of falling through the cracks of engagement in clinical care and research. Nonetheless, we argue that we should reframe the discussion to consider how this transition may create opportunities to engage extensively to reach populations. Here, we present our experience in Atlanta (Georgia, United States) in transitioning a group visit model for South Asian immigrants to a virtual platform and the pivotal role community members in the form of community health workers can play in building capacity among participants. We provide details on how this model helped address common barriers to group visit models in clinical practice and how our community health worker team innovatively addressed the digital challenges of working with an elderly population with limited English proficiency.
«Шапка колмыцкая болшая» из собрания Музеев Московского Кремля
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University (1, Pirogov St., Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation), Bobrov Leonid A. , Orlenko Sergei P. ,   Moscow Kremlin Museums (Kremlin, Moscow 103132, Russian Federation)
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The article explores a helmet of the last quarter of the 17th century stored in the Moscow Kremlin Museums collection and mentioned in the Armory Chamber’s documents as ‘Kalmyk shapka bolshaya’ (Russ. ‘big Kalmyk cap’; current inventory no. OР-2059). Previously, the helmet attracted the attention of artists and historians but has never been investigated in an independent scholarly study. Goals. The work seeks to describe the construction and design of the helmet, clarify the dating and attribution, reconstruct its potential original appearance. Results. Analysis of the materials used classifies the helmet as an iron object, that of the design of the crown refers it to riveted ones, and the dome crown shape clusters the item with spherocylindrical helmets. The paper specifies that the helmet is integral to the Oirat spherocylindrical helmet group (‘jug-shaped’, ‘vase-shaped’) of the Late Middle Ages and early Modern Period. Supposedly, the craftsmen to have made such helmets were inspired by Buddhist stupas (Kalm. suburgan). The construction and design features (including Buddhist symbols on the crown), as well as the insight into official documents of the Kremlin Armory make it possible to suggest that the ‘Big Kalmyk Cap’ was forged by Oirat or Southern Siberian gunsmiths for a wealthy Oirat Buddhist warrior in the 1610s – early 1680s (the earlier date is included as one to mark the beginning of the wide spread of Buddhism among Oirats). The helmet was transferred to the Armory Chamber in the mid-to-late 17th century, however no later than 1682 when it was first mentioned in official Russian state papers. In 1683–1687, the helmet was equipped with a comforter and an aventail (presumably a Central Asian-type one). Subsequently, it became a subject of restoration. In the late 19th – early 20th century at the earliest, a ringed aventail was attached to it. The comprehensive analysis of the sources available made it possible to reconstruct the likely initial appearance of the helmet. Conclusions. The ‘Big Kalmyk Cap’ is a striking sample of 17th-century Oirat helmets. It can be used as a reference benchmark in the dating and attribution of Central Asian helmets of the specified period. Culturally, the ‘Big Kalmyk Cap’ can be clustered with the most important historical relics of the ethnos.
Caracterización de las unidades agropecuarias cafetaleras de la provincia de Rodríguez de Mendoza Amazonas, Perú
Authors: Leiva Espinoza Santos , Oliva Cruz Manuel , Rubio Karol , Milla Pino Manuel
Published: February 2021

El presente estudio fue realizado en la provincia de Rodríguez de Mendoza en Amazonas (Perú), con el objetivo de caracterizar las unidades agropecuarias cafetaleras (UAC) instaladas en esta región. La población estuvo constituida por 7061 productores, y se calculó un tamaño de muestra de 104 productores, a los cuales se les aplicó una encuesta debidamente validada y conformada por ítems vinculados a aspectos técnicos y socioeconómicos relacionados con la UAC. La información recopilada y tabulada fue sometida a la técnica multivariada de análisis de conglomerados para detectar las variables de mayor incidencia en la diferenciación de grupos con características similares, para esto se utilizó un dendograma como elemento gráfico para precisar las variables asociadas a la diferenciación. Los resultados evidencian la existencia de cinco grupos significativamente diferenciados, que indican a la variedad catimor como la más cultivada y la presencia de broca y roya del café como los problemas fitosanitarios más importantes. También se observó que la mayoría de las UAC fueron menores a dos hectáreas, realizan cultivos bajo sombra y estuvieron vinculadas a la producción orgánica, además, alcanzaron rendimientos ligeramente superiores al promedio nacional aunque aún se muestra deficiencia en las prácticas del cultivo y la comercialización.
JIHAD PENISTA AGAMA JIHAD NKRI; Analisa Teori Hegemoni Antonio Gramsci terhadap Fenomena Dakwah Radikal di Media Online
Authors: Fatmawati Fatmawati , Minangsih Kalsum , Noorhayati Siti Mahmudah
Published: February 2021

This article will explore new trends of Islamic radicalism dakwah trough Jihad against penista agama (Ahok) as part of jihad NKRI. Trend of radical dakwah in online viral media is interesting researched, regardless of the importance of the election, or Khilafah and NKRI bersyariah on the other side. The purpose of this research is to know the trend of radical dakwah in online viral media by calling jihad against penista agama as part of jihad NKRI and how the implication of this dakwah. Questions from this study will be studied using the theory of domination of interests (hegemony), given the war of position of the radicals is to seize the hegemony of society through viral online media. In the conclusion, the use of the term Jihad against penista agama, as well as political branding that radical groups maintain the integrity of the NKRI is a hegemonic form to defeat the moderate, tolerant, and plural cultural power of Muslims. Those with the intellectual actors behind them, realizing that in order to gain legitimacy the religious power must collaborate with the MUI (fatwa institution), then play social media to invite all to participate and counter discourse. After that, share with interested politicians to advocate on the idea he was proposing. Finally, they use symbolic slogans of Islam to bring Muslims to the struggle that they do.
The Exaltation of Jesus in The Qur'an
Authors: Sabi Yusny
Published: February 2021

Nabi ‘Isa termasuk manusia yang paling kontroversi. Orang Yahudi menuduhnya sebagai pembohong, dan menghukumnya dengan salib. Orang Kristen mendaulatnya sebagai Tuhan atau anak Tuhan, orang yang percaya padanya akan memperoleh keselamatan dunia akhirat, sebaliknya akan masuk neraka. Orang Islam mengakuinya sebagai manusia utama, yang diberi jabatan nabi/Rasul oleh Allah. Ia salah seorang dari nabi utama (ulul ‘azmi) dari deretan Nabi Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, yang berakhir pada Nabi Muhammad. Yahudi mengakui bahwa penyaliban telah mengakhiri hidup ‘Isa. Oranhg Kristen mengakui ‘Isa telah d’Isalib (yang d’Isaksikan banyak orang) dan wafat di tiang penyaliban di bukit Golgota. Namun karena Istimewanya (sebagai anak Tuhan) ia hidup kembali. Setelah selama 40 hari dalam “persembunyian” ia “diangkat ke langit” oleh Tuhan dan ditaruh dipangkuannya sebelah kanan. Orang Islam, dengan memahami ayat-ayat Al-Qur’an, berpegang bahwa ‘Isa memang benar ada keistimewaan dari nabi-nabi lain. Bahkan ada yang mengakuinya belum pernah mati sampai sekarang. Tapi yang tersalib itu siapa, ‘Isa atau bukan? Lebih dari itu pemahaman yang  benar mengenai ‘Isa diharapkan akan menjadi jembatan damai antara penganut tiga agama besar dunia – Yahudi, Kristen dan Islam.
Reorientasi Kurikulum LPTK Profil dan Prospek Guru
Authors: Walidin Warul
Published: February 2021

There is no doubt that the curriculum should be relevant to the current need of society. This is particularly true in educational institutions, including institutions for Islamic teacher training. This article focused its study on the profile and the prospect of teacher. Imam al-Ghazali insists that a teacher is a good person in malakut world. Al-abrashi writes that a teacher is a spiritual father. This being the case, the institution fo teacher training, through its relevant curriculum, plays a significant role in producing professional teachers who are capable of coping with the rapid development of science, technology, and social changes.
PINTU IJTIHAD TERTUTUPKAH?
Authors: Yusliani Hamdi
Published: February 2021

Pemahaman atas ayat Allah yang mungkin mengalami pengembangan adalah ayat Allah yang penunjukannya terhadap hukum bersifat zhanni dan tidak mengandung kepastian arti. Dalam konteks inilah hukum Islam bersifat lentur. Hukum Islam dalam bentuk ini dapat mengalami pengembangan untuk mengakomodasi kehidupan dunia yang selalu mengalami perubahan, terutama dalam era globalisasi yang akan datang, di sinilah sasaran yang menjadi ladangnya ijtihad. Jadi ijtihad senantiasa mungkin untuk dilakukan. Adapun konsekuensi yang akan lahir ketika pintu ijtihad tertutup adalah menjadikan orang Islam terasing dalam kehidupannya.. Dan tentunya, era itu tidak akan lagi melahirkan temuan-temuan ilmu pengetahuan yang baru. Selanjutnya, manusia Islam akan menjadi para muqallid pada kehidupan orang lain yang pada akhirnya tidak akan ada lagi yang menghargai dan memperhatikannya.