bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir Prison, Karachi.
Authors: Jat Muhammad Ilyas , Arain Muhammad Tarique , Qureshi Saima , Das Kheenpal , Haider Anum
Published: July 2020

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.
To compare post obturation endodontic flare-ups following single and multiple visit root canal treatment.
Authors: Darvesh Sajjad Ali , Naz Irum , Ahmed Abdul Razzaq , Butt Farhan , Latif Wasey , Shahzad Azam
Published: July 2020

Objective: To compare post obturation endodontic flare-ups following single and multiple visit root canal treatment. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Setting Operative dentistry department, DOW university hospital Karachi. Period: 2nd October 2017 to 2nd April 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 100 patients of permanent exposed anterior teeth with positive pup response / vital, either gender were included. Patients divided into two groups according to single and multiple visit root canal treatment. At each post obturation recall visit the patients were interviewed and inspected to determine whether or not there are symptoms. Results: A total of 100 patients came for root canal treatment. At 1st post obturation day, out of 50 patients treated in one visit, four experienced a flare-up (8%). Out of 50 patients treated in two visits, eight experienced a flare-up (16%) (P-value=0.12). At 3rd post obturation day, out of 50 patients treated in one visit, three experienced a flare-up (6%). Out of 50 patients treated in two visits, five experienced a flare-up (10%) (P-value=0.37). Conclusion: We conclude that almost same results for single and multiple visit endodontics were achieved not statistically significant.
Primary malignant melanoma of female urethra: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Agrawal Shashank , GR Tak , Parikh Aditya , Ganpule Arvind Prakash , Singh Abhishek Gajendra , Sabnis Ravindra Bhalchandra , Desai Mahesh Ramanlal
Published: July 2020

We report an extremely rare case report of primary malignant melanoma of female urethra. A 65 years old diabetic elderly postmenopausal female presented with a history of intermittent blood spots on undergarments for few days. Genital examination revealed a single, tan colored, soft chestnut size and polypoidal non ulcerated mass lesion protruding through the urethral meatus. Mass biopsy revealed poorly differentiated epithelial malignancy and immuno-histological analysis revealed positive with HMB 45 and protein S-100 suggestive of melanoma. Metastatic work up for the malignancy was negative. Complete urethrectomy with Mitrofanoff procedure with inguinal lymph node dissection was performed. Pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of urethra. We discuss the clinicopathological features and treatment option possible in this scenario.
AI ETHICS: A STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CHALLENGE
Authors: Lawrence-Archer Alex
Published: July 2020

A Review Essay by Alex Lawrence-Archer

AI Narratives: A History of Imaginative Thinking about Intelligent Machines
Stephen Cave, Kanta Dihal, and Sarah Dillon (eds). Oxford University Press, 2020.
Rage Inside the Machine: The Prejudice of Algorithms, and How to Stop the Internet Making Bigots of Us All
Robert Elliot Smith. Bloomsbury Business, 2019.

Keywords—strategic communication, strategic communications, AI, artificial intelligence, applied ethics, data science, machine learning
PENERAPAN K-MEANS CLUSTERING UNTUK SEGMENTASI PELANGGAN PADA SISTEM CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT DI PT. UNICHEM CANDI INDONESIA
Authors: Puteri Eviana Tjatur , Kusnanto Geri , Thomas Claudio Julio
Published: July 2020

PT. Unichem Candi Indonesia (UCI) merupakan perusahaan consumer good dengan produk garam konsumsi bermerek dagang “refina” dan “daun”. Saat ini PT. UCI mempunyai ± 55 distributor yang berperan untuk pemasaran produk secara langsung ke konsumen. Dengan tujuan untuk meningkatkan penjualan di masing-masing distributor, PT. UCI memberikan discount khusus. Pemberian discount dilakukan secara global untuk seluruh jenis barang. Hal ini dirasakan kurang optimal, karena discount yang diberikan tidak tepat sasaran bagi setiap masing-masing distributor yang memiliki jenis produk unggulan yang paling banyak terjual. Oleh karena itu diperlukan sistem segmentasi distributor dengan menggunakan metode Kmeans mengacu pada data history penjualan. Hasil sistem memberikan informasi jenis produk yang paling banyak di order dari masing-masing distributor, sehingga manajemen PT. UCI dapat memberikan discount khusus pada distributor tersebut.  Dengan adanya Sistem ini, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa PT. Unichem Candi Indonesia dapat melakukan pengolahan data penjualan dan melakukan analisa segmentasi pelanggan dengan menggunakan metode KMeans, dan hasil analisa metode Kmeans berhasil mengelompokkan pelanggan berdasarkan kelompok yang telah ditentukan untuk keperluan pemberian diskon khusus.
Fabrication of highly transparent and luminescent quantum dot/polymer nanocomposite for light emitting diode using amphiphilic polymer-modified quantum dots
Authors: Yoon Cheolsang
Published: July 2020

Herein we present the fabrication of a highly transparent and luminescent quantum dot (QD)/polymer nanocomposite for application in optoelectronic devices. First, we encapsulated CdSe@ZnS/ZnS core/shell QDs with an amphiphilic polymer, i.e., poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA). By encapsulating QDs with PSMA instead of ligand exchange, the photoluminescence intensity of the QDs could be preserved even after surface modification. Next, the PSMA-modified QDs were used as crosslinkers for the aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) resin in a ring-opening reaction between the maleic anhydride of the QDs and the diamines of the PDMS, producing polymer networks at a low curing temperature. This method afforded a nanocomposite with uniform dispersion of QDs even at high QD concentrations (~30 wt%) and superior optical properties compared to a nanocomposite prepared from unmodified QDs and commercial resin. Owing to these enhanced properties, the nanocomposite was used to fabricate a light emitting diode (LED) device, and the luminous efficacy was found to be highest at 1 wt%.
Ternary complex [Sm(acac)3(5-Br-2,2′-bpy)] for the solution-processed white polymer light-emitting diode (WPLED)
Authors: Liu Jiaxiang
Published: July 2020

In consideration of the Sm3þ-centered characteristic orange-light as the ideal color-primary component toward a dichromatic white-light, herein, through the doping of the complex [Sm(acac)3(5-Br-2,20-bpy)] (2; Hacac ¼ acetylacetone; 5-Br-2,2′-bpy ¼ 5-Br-2,20-bipyridine) into the PVK (PVK ¼ poly(N-vinyl-carbazole)) host, the obtained PVK@2 film (10:1, wt/wt) exhibits the straightforward solid-state white-light (ΦPL ¼ 6.7%). Further using the PVK@2 film (10:1; wt/wt) as the emitting layer, its singlecomponent solution-processed WPLED gives the electroluminescent performance (LMax of 360.9 cd/m2, ηMax c of 1.08 cd/A) satisfactory enough for portable full-color flat displays
Pola Penyebaran dan Kelimpahan Bulu Babi Diadema setosum di Indonesia
Authors: Halmia Andi
Published: July 2020

Terdapat kurang lebih 48 jenis Bulu babi di indinesia yang barasal dari 31 Famili, pada umumnya setiap jenis Bulu Babi memiliki sebaran habitat yang spesifik, Bulu Babi tersebar mulai dari daerah intertidal yang dangkal hingga kelaut dalam, Bulu Babi pada umumnya menghuni ekosistem terumbu karang dan padang lamun, yang serta menyukai substrat yang agak keras, terutama substrat di padang lamun yang merupakan campuran dari pasir dan pecahan karang. Bulu babi untuk dapat hidup pada kondisi lingkungan yang sangat memungkinkan, berkembang biak, juga beradaptasi hal ini didasari oleh karakteristik dari Bulu babi yang umumnya hidup pada substrat berupa karang maupun pecahan karang (rubble). Bulu babi yang hidup dipadang lamun bisa bertahan hidup di soliter atau hidup mengelompok, tergantung kepada jenis-jenis tersebut maupun habitatnya misalnya yang cenderung hidup mengelompok: contoh jenis T. ventricosus, Lytechinus variegatus, Temnopleurus toreumaticus dan Strongylocentrotus spp, Diadema setosum, D. antillarum, Tripneustes gratilla. Sedangkan yang cenderung hidup menyendiri: contoh jenis Pseudoboletia maculata, dan Echinothric diadema, Mespilia globulus, Toxopneustes pileolus. Tipe substrat yang didominasi oleh campuran dan menjelaskan bobot tubuh bulu babi yang ditangkap di alam berkaitan dengan tipe substrat di habitatnya juga substrat pasir berlumpur dan pecahan karang serta ditumbuhi oleh lamun yang agak tinggi dengan kerapatan lamun bervariasi tetapi ditumbuhi oleh berbagai jenis makroalga, umumnya memperlihatkan bobot tubuh yang besar. Tingginya tutupan vegetasi lamun di perairan banyak biota yang berasosiasi dengan ekosistem padang lamun termasuk bulu babi untuk mencari makan, tempat hidup, memijah dan tempat berlindung juga untuk menghindari predator juga . Echinodermata merupakan salah satu biota yang berasosiasi kuat dengan ekosistem padang lamun dan berperan dalam siklus rantai makanan di ekosistem tersebut. Pengambilan bulu babi di alam secara berlebihan atau terus menurus tanpa mempertimbangkan asepek pola penyebaran dan kelimpahan juga kelestariannya akan berdampak negatif dengan menurunnya populasi tersebut. Hal ini berkaitan dengan tingkat kepadatan populasi untuk organisme yang mendiami daerah tropis pada umumnya mempunyai tingkat kepadatan yang rendah
Changes in gene expression at the CD160 locus in the whole blood of sepsis patients.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: July 2020

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality (1). We mined published datasets from the whole blood of patients with sepsis to identify differentially expressed genes in the septic state (2, 3). We found changes in CD160 expression as among the most significant quantitative differences in sepsis whole blood gene expression. Analysis of a separate dataset (4) demonstrated significant repression of a long non-coding RNA produced at the CD160 locus in the blood of patients with sepsis. In the datasets we analyzed, changes in coding and non-coding gene expression at the CD160 locus were among the most significant changes in gene expression in the blood of patients with sepsis.
An Algebraic Approach to the Goldbach and Polignac Conjectures
Authors: South Jason R.
Published: July 2020

This paper will give both the necessary and sufficient conditions required to find a counter-example to the Goldbach Conjecture by using an algebraic approach where no knowledge of the gaps between prime numbers is needed. To eliminate ambiguity the set of natural numbers, $\mathbb{N}$, will include zero throughout this paper. Also, for any sufficiently large $a \in \mathbb{N}$ the set $\mathcal{P}$ is the set of all primes $p_i \leq a$. It will be shown there exists a counter-example to the Goldbach Conjecture, given by $2a$ where $a \in \mathbb{N}_{> 3}$, if and only if for each prime $p_i \in \mathcal{P}$ there exists some unique $q_i, \alpha_i \in \mathbb{N}$ where $a < q_i < 2a$ and $2a = q_i + p_i$ along with the condition that $\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}q_i = \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\alpha_i}$.A substitution of $q_i = 2a - p_i$ for each $q_i$ from each sum gives the product relationship $\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}(2a - p_i) = \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\alpha_i}$.Therefore, if a counter-example exists to the Goldbach Conjecture, then there exists a mapping $\mathcal{G}_-:\mathbb{C} \to \mathbb{C}$ where $$\mathcal{G}_-(z) = \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}(z - p_i) - \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\alpha_i}$$ and $\mathcal{G}_-(2a) = 0$. A proof of the Goldbach Conjecture will be given utilizing Hensel's Lemma to show $2a$ must be of the form $2a = p_i^{\alpha_i} + p_i$ for all primes up to $a$ when $a > 3$. However, this leads to contradiction since $2a < a\#$ for all $a > 4$.A similar method will be employed to give the necessary and sufficient conditions when an even number is not the difference of two primes with one prime being less than that even number. To begin, let $a \in \mathbb{N}_{> 3}$ with the condition that the function $\gamma(a + 1)$ is equal to one if $a + 1$ is prime and zero otherwise. $2a$ is a counter-example if and only if for each prime $p_i \in \mathcal{P}$ there exists some unique $u_i, \beta_i \in \mathbb{N}$ where $2a < u_i \leq 3a$ and $2a = u_i - p_i$ along with product relationship $\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}u_i = (a + 1)^{\gamma(a + 1)}\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\beta_i}$. A substitution of $u_i = 2a + p_i$ for each $u_i$ from each sum gives $\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}(2a + p_i) = (a + 1)^{\gamma(a + 1)}\prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\beta_i}.$ Therefore, if a counter-example exists, it is possible to define the mapping $\mathcal{G}_+ : \mathbb{C} \to \mathbb{C}$ where $$\mathcal{G}_+(z) = \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}(z + p_i) - (a + 1)^{\gamma(a +1)} \prod_{p_i \in \mathcal{P}}p_i^{\beta_i}$$ and $\mathcal{G}_+(2a) = 0$. A proof will then be given that every even number is the difference of two primes by showing $2a$ must be of the form $2a = p_i^{\beta_i} - p_i$ for all odd primes up to $a$ when $a > 3$ to the equation above, leading to the same contradiction as the Goldbach Conjecture since $2a < a\#$ for $a > 4$. These proofs will have implications for proving the Polignac Conjecture.
Karakteristik dan manfaat bulu babi Diadema setasum di perairan Indonesia
Authors: Ardiman Ardiman
Published: July 2020

Bulu memiliki beberapa manfaat seperti manfaat sebagai pangan untuk di konsumsi terutama gonad bulu babi yang ternyata mengandung banyak vitamin dan protein. Diketahui juga ada beberapa Negara yang ternyata masyarakatnya gemar mengkonsumsi bulu babi seperti di Amerika, Francis dan di asia sendiri ada Negara jepang yang masyarakatnya gemar mengkonsumsi bulu babi. Di Indonesia sendiri keberadaan bulu babi yang bisa di konsumsi ternyata belum di ketahui oleh kebanyakan masyarakat di Indonesia, masyarakat Indonesia masih banyak yang menganggap bahwa bulu babi itu tidak dapat di konsumsi, hanya beberapa wilayah saja di Indonesia yang masyarakatnya sering mengkonsumsi bulu babi yaitu masyarakat yang berada di provinsi bagian Indonesia Timur seperti Sulawesi dan Maluku. Selain di konsumsi bulu babi juga ternyata memiliki kandungan yang dapat dijadikan obat obatan yang dimana khasiatnya dapat menyembuhkan beberapa penyakit.
NTRK2 is differentially expressed in the brains of patients with psychotic disorders.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: July 2020

We used published microarray data (1, 2) to identify the most significant gene expression changes in the brains of patients with psychotic disorders. We identified NTRK2 as differentially expressed in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia as well as in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder. NTRK2 expression was significantly higher in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with psychotic disorders.
A formula for the number of overpartitions of $n$ in terms of the number of representations of $n$ as a sum of $r$ squares
Authors: Jha Sumit Kumar
Published: July 2020

Let $\overline{p}(n)$ denote the number of overpartions of $n$, and $c_{r}(n)$ be the number of representations of $n$ as a sum of $r$ squares where representations with different orders and different signs are counted as distinct. Then we prove that$$\overline{p}(n)=\sum_{r=0}^{n}(-1)^{n+r}\, \binom{n+1}{r+1}\, c_{r}(n).$$
Processes associated with ionic current rectification at a 2D-titanate nanosheet deposit on a microhole poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate
Authors: Putra Budi Riza , Harito Christian , Bavykin Dmitry V , Walsh Frank C. , Marken Frank
Published: July 2020

Films of titanate nanosheets (approx. 1.8-nm layer thickness and 200-nm size) having a lamellar structure can form electrolyte-filled semi-permeable channels containing tetrabutylammonium cations. By evaporation of a colloidal solution, persistent deposits are readily formed with approx. 10-μm thickness on a 6-μm-thick poly(ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) substrate with a 20-μm diameter microhole. When immersed in aqueous solution, the titanate nanosheets exhibit a p.z.c. of − 37 mV, consistent with the formation of a cation conducting (semi-permeable) deposit. With a sufficiently low ionic strength in the aqueous electrolyte, ionic current rectification is observed (cationic diode behaviour). Currents can be dissected into (i) electrolyte cation transport, (ii) electrolyte anion transport and (iii) water heterolysis causing additional proton transport. For all types of electrolyte cations, a water heterolysis mechanism is observed. For Ca2+ and Mg2+ions, water heterolysis causes ion current blocking, presumably due to localised hydroxide-induced precipitation processes. Aqueous NBu4+ is shown to ‘invert’ the diode effect (from cationic to anionic diode). Potential for applications in desalination and/or ion sensing are discussed.
KR-20 and KR-21 for some non-dichotomous data (It's not just Cronbach's alpha)
Authors: Foster Robert
Published: July 2020

This paper presents some equivalent forms of the common Kuder-Richardson Formula 21 and 20 estimators for non-dichotomous data belonging to certain other exponential families, such as Poisson count data, exponential data, or geometric counts of trials until failure. Using the generalized framework of Foster (2020), an equation for the reliability for a subset of the natural exponential family have quadratic variance function is derived for known population parameters, and both formulas are shown to be different plug-in estimators of this quantity. The equivalent Kuder-Richards formulas 20 and 21 are given for six different natural exponential families, and these match earlier derivations in the case of binomial and Poisson data. Simulations show performance exceeding that of Cronbach's alpha in terms of root mean squared error when the formula matching the correct exponential family is used, and a discussion of Jensen's inequality suggests explanations for peculiarities of the bias and standard error of the simulations across the different exponential families.
Gheirat as a Complex Emotional Reaction to Relational Boundary Violations: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
Authors: Razavi Pooya , Shaban-Azad Hadi , Srivastava Sanjay
Published: July 2020

People from different cultural backgrounds vary in how they define, perceive, and react to violations of relational boundaries. Muslim cultures are diverse and include nearly one in four people in the world, yet research on their relational and moral norms is scarce. We contribute to narrowing this gap by studying gheirat, a moral-emotional experience ubiquitous in Muslim Middle Eastern cultures. In four mixed-methods studies, we study how gheirat is experienced, what situations elicit it, and its social functions among Iranian adults (N = 1107) using qualitative interviews, scenario- and prototype-based surveys, and an experiment. The prototypical experience of gheirat consisted of diverse appraisals (including sense of responsibility, insecurity, and low self-worth) and emotional components (including hostility, social fears, and low empowerment). We identified three types of relational violations that elicit gheirat: harm or insult to namoos (people and self-relevant entities one is obliged to protect), romantic betrayal by namoos, and intrusions by a third person. Each violation type led to a distinct variant of the prototype. Contrary to folk theories of gheirat, we did not find support for the idea that gheirat is a predominantly male experience. However, an experiment on the signaling effects of gheirat revealed that gheirat-expressors are ascribed both positive and negative traits, but positive traits prevail for men and negative traits prevail for women. We discuss how the results contribute to a better understanding of Iranian social life and intercultural contact, as well as the implications for theories of emotion and the cultural logic of honor.
Simulating the computational mechanisms of cognitive and behavioral psychotherapeutic interventions: Insights from active inference
Authors: Smith Ryan , Moutoussis Michael , Bilek Edda
Published: July 2020

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) leverages interactions between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this paper, we use neurocomputational modelling to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions and how therapeutic interventions can produce behavioral change through different mechanisms in different cases. We describe an active inference model that allows formal simulations of interactions between cognitive interventions (i.e., cognitive restructuring) and behavioral interventions (i.e., exposure) in producing adaptive behavior change (i.e., reducing maladaptive avoidance behavior). Using the example of Spider Phobia, we show simulations indicating that when conscious beliefs about safety/danger have strong interactions with affective/behavioral outcomes, behavioral change during exposure therapy is mediated by changes in these beliefs, preventing generalization. In contrast, when these interactions are weakened, behavior change leads to generalized learning (i.e., “over-writing” the implicit beliefs about action-outcome mappings that directly produce avoidance). The individual is therefore equipped to face any new context, safe or dangerous, remaining in a content state without the need for avoidance behavior – increasing resilience from a CBT perspective. However, this beneficial effect only held if cognitive restructuring induced uncertain beliefs about whether the spider is safe or not, but not when it first induced strong beliefs in safety. These results show how the same changes in behavior during CBT can be due to distinct underlying mechanisms, and predict lower rates of relapse when cognitive interventions focus on inducing uncertainty and on reducing the effects of automatic negative thoughts on behavior.
Excessive Boredom Among Adolescents: A Comparison Between Low and High Achievers
Authors: Schwartze Manuel M. , Frenzel Anne C. , Goetz Thomas , Marx Anton Karl Georg , Reck Corinna , Pekrun Reinhard , Fiedler Daniel
Published: July 2020

Existing research shows that high scholastic boredom is correlated with a range of undesirable behaviors and personality traits and that the main antecedents of boredom are being over- or under-challenged. No study to date, though, seems to have systematically compared students who are highly bored and low-achieving (thus, likely over-challenged) with students who are highly bored and high-achieving (thus, likely under-challenged). Hence, merely knowing that students are highly bored might be insufficient for drawing conclusions about students’ behavior and personality, without taking their achievement level into account. We, therefore, investigated if low- versus high-achieving students who experience strong mathematics boredom show different behaviors and personality traits. The sample consisted of 1,404 German secondary school students (fifth to 10th grade, mean age 12.83 years, 52% female). We used self-report instruments to assess boredom in mathematics, behavior (social and emotional problems, positive/negative affect, emotion regulation), and personality traits (neuroticism and conscientiousness). In comparing highly bored students (more than one SD above M, n = 258) who were low versus high achievers (as indicated by the math grade, n = 125 / n = 119), results showed that there were no mean level differences across those groups for the behavior and personality trait constructs, with only three exceptions: conduct problems and expressive suppression (higher for low achievers) and positive affect (higher for high achievers). In conclusion, our results suggest that high boredom can occur in both low and high achieving students and that bored low- and high-achievers show largely similar behaviors and personality profiles.
Conducting a Virtual Study with Special Considerations for Working with Persons with Aphasia
Authors: Doub Ashleigh , Hitson Anne , Stark Brielle C
Published: July 2020

Purpose: The use of technology (e.g., telehealth) in clinical settings has rapidly increased and its use in research settings continues to grow. The aim of this report is to present one potential solution to a clinical issue, that of virtual and remote assessment for the purposes of spoken language research in persons with aphasia. To do so, we report detailed methods for conducting a multi-timepoint (test-retest) virtual paradigm, assessing lifestyle, physiological, cognitive, and linguistic factors in persons with and without aphasia. Methods: Procedures for virtual assessment are detailed in a sample of non-brain damaged adults (NB; N=24) and persons with aphasia (PWA; N=25) on a test-retest paradigm (data collection approximately 10 +/- 3 days apart). This report provides practical information about pre-assessment (e.g., recruitment, scheduling), assessment (e.g., aphasia-friendly consent presentation, investigator fidelity), and post-assessment (e.g., data storage, quality check) procedures for human behavior research using a virtual platform.Results: Preliminary study data are provided, indicating high retention rates, high rates of data acquisition, and feasibility. Common technological troubles and solutions are discussed, and solutions offered. The results suggest that our pre-assessment, assessment, and post-assessment procedures contributed to the success of our study. Conclusion: We provide a practical methodology for conducting a multi-timepoint study, with considerations for persons with aphasia, adding to the body of research on telehealth in clinical populations. Future studies should continue to evaluate tele-methodology, which may be core for diversifying studies, improving study retention, and enrolling larger sample sizes.
Food-related attentional bias and its associations with appetitive motivation and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hardman Charlotte , Jones Andrew , Burton Sam , Duckworth Jay , McGale Lauren , Mead Bethan , Roberts Carl , Field Matt , Werthmann Jessica
Published: July 2020

Theoretical models suggest that food-related visual attentional bias (AB) may be related to appetitive motivational states and individual differences in body weight; however, findings in this area are equivocal. We conducted a systematic review and series of meta-analyses to determine if there is a positive association between food-related AB and: (1.) body mass index (BMI) (number of effect sizes (k)=110), (2.) hunger (k=98), (3.) subjective craving for food (k=35), and (4.) food intake (k=44). Food-related AB was robustly associated with craving (r = .134 (95% CI .061, .208); p < .001), food intake (r = .085 (95% CI .038, .132); p < .001), and hunger (r = .048 (95% CI .016, .079); p = .003), but these correlations were small. Food-related AB was unrelated to BMI (r =.008 (95% CI -.020, .035); p = .583) and this result was not moderated by type of food stimuli, method of AB assessment, or the subcomponent of AB that was examined. Furthermore, in a between-groups analysis (k = 22) which directly compared participants with overweight/obesity to healthy-weight control groups, there was no evidence for an effect of weight status on food-related AB (Hedge’s g = 0.104, (95% CI -0.050, 0.258); p =.186). Taken together, these findings suggest that food-related AB is sensitive to changes in the motivational value of food, but is unrelated to individual differences in body weight. Our findings question the traditional view of AB as a trait-like index of preoccupation with food and have implications for novel theoretical perspectives on the role of food AB in appetite control and obesity.
Formalizing verbal theories: A tutorial by dialogue
Authors: van Rooij Iris , Blokpoel Mark
Published: July 2020

We present a tutorial for formalizing verbal theories of psychological phenomena—social or otherwise. The approach builds on concepts and tools from the mathematics of computation. We use intuitive examples and illustrate the intrinsic dialectical nature of the formalization process by presenting dialogues between two fictive characters, called Verbal and Formal. These characters’ conversations and thought experiments serve to highlight important lessons in theoretical modeling.
Conservation co-benefits from air pollution regulation: Evidence from birds
Authors: Liang Yuanning , Rudik Ivan , Zou Eric , Johnston Alison , Rodewald Amanda , Kling Catherine
Published: July 2020

Massive wildlife losses over the past 50 years have brought new urgency to identifying both the drivers of population decline and potential solutions. We provide the first large-scale evidence that air pollution, specifically ozone, is associated with declines in bird abundance in the United States. We show that an air pollution regulation limiting ozone precursors emissions has delivered substantial benefits to bird conservation. Our results imply that air quality improvements over the past four decades have stemmed the decline in bird populations, averting the loss of 1.5 billion birds, approximately 20 percent of current totals. Our results highlight that in addition to protecting human health, air pollution regulations have previously unrecognized and unquantified conservation co-benefits.
Explaining Support for COVID-19 Cell Phone Contact Tracing
Authors: Rheault Ludovic , Musulan Andreea
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 contact tracing applications have been deployed at a fast pace around the world and may be a key policy instrument to contain future waves in Canada. This study aims to explain public opinion toward cell phone contact tracing using a survey experiment conducted with a representative sample of Canadian respondents. We build upon an established theory in evolutionary psychology—disease avoidance—to predict how media coverage of the pandemic affects public support for containment measures. We report three key findings. First, exposure to a news item that shows people ignoring social distancing rules causes an increase in support for cell phone contact tracing. Second, pre-treatment covariates such as anxiety and a belief that other people are not following the rules rank among the strongest predictors of support for COVID-19 apps. And third, while a majority of respondents approve the reliance on cell phone contact tracing, many of them hold ambivalent thoughts about the technology. Our analysis of answers to an open-ended question on the topic suggests that concerns for rights and freedoms remain a salient preoccupation.
Policy and Environmental Predictors of Park Visits During the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Getting Out While Staying in
Authors: Curtis David Stuart , Rigolon Alessandro , Schmalz Dorothy L , Brown Barbara
Published: July 2020

The spread of COVID-19 altered use of public spaces, such as parks, with potential effects on human health and well-being. Little is known about park use during the pandemic, how local features (e.g, park availability) influence use, and whether park visits accelerate COVID-19 spread. Using weekly panel data for 620 U.S. counties, we show park visits decreased by 10% beginning March 15, and by 17-35% through May 9, 2020. Net of weekly sample trends, park visits decreased by 2.3% when stay-at-home orders were in effect, yet increased by 8.3% after school closures and 4.1% after business closures. Park visits decreased less during the pandemic in metropolitan counties or where park availability was high. Higher park visits were weakly associated with COVID-19 case growth rate but not incidence. Thus, parks may serve as alternatives for recreation when schools and businesses close, especially where parks are available, with no-to-little influence on COVID-19 spread.
This preprint has been withdrawn.
Authors: Chan Sherry
Published: July 2020

This preprint has been withdrawn by the author.
Challenges and Opportunities created by Covid-19 for ODL: A case study of IGNOU
Authors: JENA PRAVAT KUMAR
Published: July 2020

The pandemic Covid-19 came as havoc for developing countries like India. It has significantly disrupted the education sector which is a critical determinant of a country’s economic future. It has compelled the human society to maintain social distancing. It has made people mandatory to sit indoor and sitting idle indoor may lead to mental stress. Hence, it has created more challenges to keep people engaged and free from mental stress. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system is the best solution to meet the challenges of education during this pandemic situation of COVID-19. Every challenge is an opportunity. These challenges have also created opportunities for the educational institutes to strengthen their technological knowledge and infrastructure to tackle the Covid-19 like situation. Indian education system is more acquainted with face to face or physical teaching learning process. Most of educators and learners are not equipped with use of technology in education and there is also lack of practice and motivation towards use of technology in education which creates more challenges during pandemics. This article highlights different challenges and opportunities created by Covid-19 for ODL system of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The steps taken by IGNOU to meet the challenges by exploring various opportunities are pointed. Some tools and techniques for distance learning which can ensure the continuity of learning during the current pandemic are described. Some suggestions for handling the challenges created by Covid-19 by exploring various opportunities for ODL system are also pointed in the article.
Statistical Inference for Multilayer Networks in Political Science
Authors: Chen Ted Hsuan Yun
Published: July 2020

Interactions between units in political systems often occur across multiple relational contexts. These relational systems feature interdependencies that result in inferential shortcomings and poorly-fitting models when ignored. General advancements in inferential network analysis have improved our ability to understand relational systems featuring interdependence, but developments specific to working with interdependence that cross relational contexts remain sparse. In this paper, I introduce a multilayer network approach to modeling systems comprising multiple relations using the exponential random graph model. In two substantive applications, the first a policy communication network and the second a global conflict network, I demonstrate that the multilayer approach affords inferential leverage and produces models that better fit observed data.
Orthogonal Polynomial Contrasts and Applications to Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: Elbers Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Many regression modeling problems involve ordinal predictors with equally spaced values, such as age or income groups. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts provide a useful way to incorporate the information that the groups are ordered, unlike dummy or effects coding. This technique has been useful to separate the linear and non-linear effects in age-period-cohort (APC) models. This paper addresses three practical issues when implementing orthogonal polynomial contrasts: First, if the linear effect is to be interpreted, it should be identical to the linear effect that we obtain if we treat the predictor as a metric variable. Second, if the data is unbalanced, weighted orthogonal contrasts need to be used to obtain unbiased estimates. Third, by dropping-higher order terms, orthogonal polynomials can easily be used to smooth non-linear estimates. Two examples from the APC literature are discussed, and it is found that the use of unweighted polynomials has led to small biases in the results. A R function is provided that implements weighted polynomials with an interpretable linear term.
Caudal block analgesia for paediatric infra-umbilical surgery: A prospective observational study
Authors: Gautam Binod , Karki Manan
Published: July 2020

Background: Caudal block is the most common regional anaesthesia technique used in children. It offers excellent perioperative analgesia in infra-umbilical surgeries. However, large-scale studies on caudal block in our paediatric population are not available.Objectives: We aimed to evaluate practice pattern, efficacy and safety of caudal block in paediatric infra-umbilical surgery.Methodology: Children (age less than 14 years) undergoing elective infra-umbilical surgery under general anaesthesia were included in this prospective observational study conducted over two years. Demographic characteristics, type of surgery, anaesthetic techniques and agents used, and details of caudal block were recorded. Perioperative events, complications and duration of analgesia were studied. Eligible children not receiving caudal block served as the control group. Analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.Results: Caudal block was employed in 72 out of 183 children who completed the study. It was mostly preferred for children weighing less than 20 kilograms. Ketamine pre-medication was used in 123 children. Majority received Propofol induction and laryngeal mask. Halothane was preferred over Isoflurane for anaesthesia maintenance. Bupivacaine was the exclusively used local anaesthetic agent. Vascular puncture occurred in three children but no serious complication was observed. Need for supplement intraoperative analgesics was significantly lower, and duration of analgesia was significantly longer in caudal group. Intraoperative hypotension, laryngospasm during emergence and postoperative vomiting were the most frequent perioperative events.Conclusion: Pre-incisional single-shot caudal block is safe, effective and well accepted component of multi-modal perioperative analgesic regimen for younger children undergoing infra-umbilical surgery.
Hematological Profiles in Hemoglobinopathy Patients in South Western Nepal
Authors: Gautam Narayan , Jayan Archana , Dubey Raju Kumar , Jha Amit Chandra , Deshar Sunkeshari , Tamang Binaya , Pokhrel Buddhi Raj , Phuyal Reena , Shah Anita , Kaphle Raju
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: Homozygous inheritance of the hemoglobin results in sickle cell anemia (SCA), heterozygous inheritance results in sickle cell trait (SCT). Sickle cell anemia and β-thalasemia (β-TT) have been a major health threat for the tharu living in the South-Western Terai of  Nepal. This study is carried out to apply and optimise the phenotypic method and haematological profile to characterise the SCT, SCA and β-TT from suspected tharu community dwellers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 100 suspected cases of hemoglobinopathies of 12-14 years children and ≥15 years adults tharu community dwellers from Dang, Kapilvastu, Nepalgunj, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi of South-Western Nepal from May 2018 to November 2018. Five mililitre of blood was collected in EDTA vial and transported to the laboratory maintaining cold chain. The hematological profile was recorded after investigations. The hemolysate from blood samples were subjected to phenotypic testing by adopting cellulose acetate electrophoresis at pH 8.6.

RESULTS: Our result showed the commonest hemoglobinopathy was SCT (38%) followed by β-TT (21%) and SCA (5%). Males were more affected with SCA (60%) while that of females were most affected with β-TT (57.1%). Only 44.7% females were affected with SCT while 42.9% males were affected with β-TT. The significant difference in mean was observed in Hb level (p=0.0001), RBC (p=0.004), MCHC (p=0.015) and RDW (p=0.028) whereas the non-significant difference in mean was observed for glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) level (p=0.063) in hemoglobinopathy patients.

CONCLUSION: Most cases develop severe type of anemia as shown by change in hematological parameters. This information could advocate for timely counselling before constellation of associated condition appeared in hemoglobinopathy patients.
COVID-19 and the Gender Employment Gap among Parents of Young Children
Authors: Qian Yue , Fuller Sylvia
Published: July 2020

Working life in Canada has changed dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Labour Force Survey data, we show that gender employment gaps among parents of young children widened considerably between February and May 2020, net of differences in job and personal characteristics. Gender gaps grew more for parents of elementary school-aged children rather than preschoolers, and among less educated parents. To aid postpandemic recovery and prepare for future disruptive disasters/pandemics, policy-makers should focus attention on fostering an accessible, well-funded public care sector and implementing flexible leave policies beyond the period of infancy to help working parents manage caregiving demands equitably.
SUSTENTABILIDADE E AGRONEGÓCIO: ALINHAMENTOS AO PROCESSO DECISÓRIO EM UMA EMPRESA RURAL
Authors: Langbecker Tatielle Belem , Beuron Thiago Antonio
Published: July 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo verificar as configurações dos preceitos da sustentabilidade ao processo decisório em determinada empresa rural em Dom Pedrito/RS. O estudo caracterizou-se como exploratório e descritivo fundamentado na pesquisa qualitativa adotando a estratégia de estudo de caso. Foi realizada entrevista, como base em roteiro semiestruturado, em que o caso pesquisado representa situação emblemática para o agronegócio da região da Campanha. Os procedimentos de análise foram direcionados à análise de conteúdo temático-categorial. A motivação para inserir a sustentabilidade como um elemento do processo decisório perpassa tanto pela primazia da consciência sustentável como exerce função estratégica no posicionamento de mercado. Por fim, os resultados encontrados foram acordes com os pilares da sustentabilidade. Trata-se de uma empresa rural que os aplica em seu cotidiano e em suas estratégias, ressaltando o viés com a perspectiva ambiental.
Fenomena Tradisi Pantangan Pernikahan Ngalor-Ngetan
Authors: Rahmawati Emi , Masiroh Fafi
Published: July 2020

Marriage is a bond between a man and a woman as husband and wife with the aim of forming a happy and eternal family based on the Godhead. Marriage is generally often associated with culture, especially in Indonesia which is rich in culture. The culture is able to give birth to a tradition, so many people who consider the tradition must be done. One tradition in marriage is the tradition of marriage abstinence from Ngalor-Ngetan which is found in the Village of Cekel, Karangrayung District, Grobogan Regency. The tradition is part of the tradition in the village of Cekel that has been passed down for generations and is applied to the community who will hold a wedding. As the development of Islam and knowledge in the era of globalization, some people in the village of Cekel still considered the marriage restrictions on Ngalor-Ngetan would cause disaster if the prospective bride and groom implement the restrictions. This study discusses the history and implementation implementation of Ngalor-Ngetan marriage restrictions Ngalor-Ngetan through descriptive analysis based on data that has been obtained from interviews, observations and documentation. The results of this study, abstinence from Ngalor-Ngetan marriage are still held firmly by almost all people in the village of Cekel. However, there are some people who do not believe in the tradition of abstinence from marriage because it is considered only as a suggestion and not in accordance with the teachings of the religion they believe. Besides that, some of the young people also did not pay much attention to this Ngalor-Ngetan custom. They adhere to this custom solely because they respect the demands of parents. But some others still hold fast and abide by this custom.
PENERAPAN PENDEKATAN CONTEXTUAL TEACHING AND LEARNING (CTL) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MENULIS ARGUMENTASI MAHASISWA CALON GURU
Authors: Mastiah Mastiah , Sukristin Sukristin , Akip Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to improve the writing ability of argumentation of STKIP Melawi students.
The method used in this research was quasi experimental method with nonequivalent control group design.
The results of this study were 1) the average pretest of students' argumentation ability of control class was
54,94, while posttes 57,20, while experimental class got pretest average value 51,44, and posttes 80,04; 2)
There was no significant difference in the ability to write argumentation on pretest tests between the control
group and experimental group, whereas in the posttest there was a significant difference in the ability to write
argumentation between the control group and the experimental group.
Keywords: the writing ability of argumentation, quasi experimental method, nonequivalent control
group design, pretes, posttes.
Metode Location Based Service Dalam Mengurangi Resiko Tersesat Saat Pendakian Gunung Menggunakan Global Positioning System (GPS)
Authors: Nugroho Danan Rifandi , Ramdhani Asep , Putra Tri Dharma
Published: July 2020

Abstract

 

Climbing in Indonesia from year to year has increased the demand. More and more climbers are interested in this activity but increasingly also accidents that occur in the mountain due to lack of knowledge and discipline of climbers. The mountaineering guide app is made to help climbers to plan preparations before climbing and while climbing the mountains, this app also features a mountain position layout and path from basecamp, climbing posts to the top, and can request evacuation requests at TimSAR. By using the technology of Global Positioning System and Location Based Service climbers can easily find the point where it is located, and can minimize accidents and even death that can occur in the mountain.

 

Keywords: Mountaineer, Location Based Service, Global Positioning System, Mountain Climbing Guide.

 

Abstrak

 

Pendakian di Indonesia dari tahun ke tahun mengalami peningkatan peminatnya. Semakin banyak pendaki yang meminati kegiatan ini tetapi semakin bertambah pula kecelakaan yang terjadi di gunung akibat kurangnya pengetahuan dan kedisiplinan pendaki. Aplikasi panduan mendaki gunung dibuat untuk membantu para pendaki untuk merencanakan persiapan sebelum mendaki dan saat mendaki gunung, aplikasi ini juga dilengkapi dengan tata letak posisi gunung dan jalur dari basecamp, pos-pos pendakian sampai ke puncak, dan dapat meminta permintaan evakuasi pada TimSAR. Dengan menggunakan teknologi Global Positioning System dan Location Based Service pendaki dapat dengan mudah mencari titik posisinya berada, dan dapat meminimalisir kecelakaan bahkan kematian yang dapat terjadi di gunung.

 

Kata kunci: Pendaki Gunung, Location Based Service, Global Positioning System, Panduan Mendaki Gunung.