bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vendian-Cambrian granites of the Ufaley block (Middle Urals): a new isotope data, source composition, potential ore content
Authors:   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS, SHARDAKOV Galina Yur’evna , CHERVYAKOVSKAYA Mariya Vladimirovna ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: December 2020

Relevance. The junction zone between the Uralian mobile belt (UMB) and the East European Platform (EEP) is long, heterogeneous and characterized by asynchrony in the geodynamic settings. For many of its constituent parts, the age, source composition and ore content of magmatic complexes, which are necessary to build a complete picture of geological history, are not completely clear. The aim of this work is to study petrogeochemistry, age, isotopic parameters, and reconstruction of the source composition for granites of the Bitim complex in the eastern part of the Ufaley block (Middle Urals). This structure is considered to be a fragment displaced from the EEP to the east. Research methodology. The analysis of rocks for petrogenic and rare components, microprobe studies of the composition of minerals and isotope studies of U–Pb, Lu–Hf (LA–ICP–MS) were performed. Petrocheochemical comparison was made, author’s data about Ar–Ar, Rb–Sr age and the behavior of Sr and Hf isotopes were analyzed. Results. Granitoids of the Bitim complex formed over a long time interval – 579–520 Ma, corresponding to the Upper Vendian (taking into account errors – to the boundary with the Cambrian). The isotopic labels of the studied granites are as follows: 87Sr/86Sr = 0.703389, εHf (t) is +1.5...+12.5, 176Hf/177Hf = 0.28253–0.282797. Conclusions. The geodynamics of the Vendian stage is the activation of movements along previously existing riftogenic faults. Deep source of magma generation for granites was heterogeneous: the mantle played a significant role, the crustal component was represented by ancient graywacks. U–Pb dating of zircons transformed as a result of the post-Cambrian tectonothermal activity is comparable with the ages of the main geodynamic events in UMM (spreading, subduction, collision). The behavior of F, Cl, S in apatites, which is an indicator of the fluid regime, shows that gold mineralization of the quartz-vein type can be associated with the Bitim granites. Studies are clarified the imagination about the structure of the junction zone between UMM and EEP and can be used in geological and metallogenic mapping.
Сomposition of volcanites from pre-Jurassic basement of the Western Siberian megabasin (Lakyuganskaya oil exploration area, YNAD)
Authors:   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS, PONOMAREV Vladimir Sergeevich , IVANOV Kirill Svyatoslavich ,   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS, EROKHIN Yuriy Viktorovich ,   The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of RAS
Published: December 2020

Relevance of the work. The Western Siberian megabasin is the main source of oil and gas in Russia. Therefore, the study of geological structure and evolution of the development of sedimentary cover rock complexes and the basement of the region is important for estimating the oil and gas potential of this vast territory. The object of this paperis the mineralogical and petro-geochemical study of volcanites from the pre-Jurassic basement of the Lakyuganskaya area (well no. 101) of the Longyugansk exploration acreage within the territory of the Nadym megadepression of the Western Siberian megabasin. Scope of work. This work can be useful when constructing geological maps of the basement of the northern part of the Western Siberian Plate. Results and conclusions. We have studied and described the mineralogy of strongly altered volcanites from the pre-Jurassic basement of the Lakyugansk area (well no. 101) of the Western Siberian Plate. According to chemical composition, the studied volcanites are classified as moderate and high potassic basalts, andesite-basalts and andesites. The rocks were subjected to significant secondary changes in the mineral composition, such as greenschist metamorphism and propylitization. Only titanomagnetite has been preserved from primary minerals in volcanites; all other minerals were subjected to changes. In general, we have determined the following minerals – albite, clinochlore, titanite, calcite, goethite, titanomagnetite (magnetite, ulvospinel), fluorapatite, and rutile. For the first time, ferroaluminoceladonite (dioctahedral mica) and three relatively rare secondary copper sulfides – spionkopite, yarrowite, and geerite – were identified and described in basalts from the basement of Western Siberia. Sulfide coppery mineralization in the studied basalts was due to overlapped propylization processes. The rocks have features of volcanites of island arcs, as well as evidence of calc-alkali and intraplate basalts. The petrological and geochemical characteristics of the studied volcanites are similar to basalts composing the Koltogorsko-Urengoysky rift of the Western Siberian Plate.
Digital technologies in an environmental monitoring system at solid mineral deposits
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, GUMAN Ol’ga Mikhailovna
Published: December 2020

The relevance of research is determined by the fact that in modern conditions a significant number of new deposits of solid minerals are being developed, for which comprehensive environmental studies are being carried out. As part of this work, there is a need for monitoring observations on the state and environmental changes based on digital technologies, the use of which in solid mineral deposits is grounded on modern maps using GIS technologies; it is assumed that the equipment will be used in automatic mode; the forecast is complex, multi-media is based on modern software products, processing should be areal and in time behaviour – all this will make management decisions more focused. Purpose of the work: to analyze the features of the use of digital technologies in organizing and conducting monitoring of the natural environment in the development of solid mineral deposits. Research methodology. In solid mineral deposits, environmental monitoring begins with mapping using GIS technology, operational observations; spatially distributed information is analyzed and visualized, area and time models appear, and a forecast is made for the time the field is developed and liquidated. Digital technology is used at each stage of monitoring. Results. An algorithm and a program for creating digital models in solid mineral deposits are developed taking into account the processes of changing environmental components in space and time.
Coordinating contracts as an instrument of supply chain profit maximization under short-term financing necessity
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Berezinets Irina , Voronova Tatyana ,   St. Petersburg State University, Zenkevich Nikolay ,   St. Petersburg State University, Nikolchenko Natalia ,   LLC GSP-Komplektaciya
Published: December 2020

In this paper the problem of the supply chain expected profit maximization under the assumption of the short-term financing necessity for one of the supply chain parties using a coordinating contract is considered. The solution is derived for a two-echelon supply chain under the assumption of product demand being distributed as uniformly. A revenue-sharing contract with bank financing and a modified revenue-sharing contract with trade credit financing are explored. It is stated that none of the studied contracts is coordinating, as they do not provide the supplier’s expected profit maximum. The conditional coordination of supply chain with a modified revenue-sharing contract with trade credit financing is considered if the supply chain and the retailer’s expected profit maximum are reached and the supplier’s expected profit is greater than in case of application of a modified wholesale price contract with trade credit financing and a revenue-sharing contract with bank financing. It is proved that it is beneficial for both supply chain parties and the problem of the supply chain expected profit maximization under the assumption of the short-term financing necessity for one of the supply chain parties can be solved using a modified revenue-sharing contract with trade credit financing.
Models of optimal control in Tullock rent-seeking game
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Laboratory 57, Fedyanin Denis N.
Published: December 2020

The paper constructs and investigates the models of the optimal control in the Tullock rent-seeking game. There are two types of control in the paper: an unlimited, but expensive resource, and a cheap, but an infinitely small resource. Before the game starts, players discuss parameters of the game, and then choose their strategies simultaneously and independently, competing for better rent. We consider two types of players and two types of communication and analyze combinations.
Nash bargaining solution as negotiation concept for resource allocation problem: analysis of experimental data
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Laboratory 57, Korgin Nikolay A. , Korepanov Vsevolod O. ,   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences, Laboratory 57
Published: December 2020

Motivated by research works on Zeuthen-Hicks bargaining, which leads to the Nash bargaining solution (Vetschera, 2018), we analyze data obtained during experimental resource allocation gaming with Yang-Hajek's mechanism from the class of proportional allocation mechanisms. Games were designed in the form of negotiation to allow players to reach consensus. Behavior models based on best response, constant behavior, and Nash bargaining solution are defined. Analysis conducted over decisions made by participants shows that a significant share of all decisions leads to an increase of Nash bargaining value. It is even higher than the share of decisions that are in agreement with the best-response concept. Consensus-ended games show more but subtle attraction to Nash bargaining solution behavior. We discuss how these decisions correspond with other types of behavior actively exhibited by participants of this experiments — so-called constant behavior and with the end of negotiation process in games.
Search strategies in the game with a team of pursuers and one evader on the plane
Authors:   North-Eastern Federal University, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Mestnikov Semyon V. , Petrov Nikolay V. ,   North-Eastern Federal University, Institute of Mathematics and Informatics
Published: December 2020

We consider a differential simple search game without phase constraints on the plane. Each pursuer from the team chooses an initial position and piecewise constant strategy. As an example, the game of simple search of immobile hider (evader) on the plane is considered, and the necessary conditions for detection are found. For cases with two and three pursuers, a comparison of the detection time of the evader was made and approximate information sets numerically constructed.
On control reconstructions to management problems
Authors:   Krasovskii Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics UrB RAS, Subbotina Nina N. ,   Ural Federal University
Published: December 2020

We present and discuss a new approach to solutions of control reconstruction problems in real time. The suggested solution based on necessary optimality conditions for auxiliary calculus of variation problems with concave-convex discrepancy functional.
Feedback and open-loop Nash equilibria in a class of differential games with random duration
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Tur Anna V. , Magnitskaya Natalya G. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2020

One class of differential games with random duration is considered. It is assumed that duration of the game is a random variable with values from a given finite interval. The game can be interrupted only on this interval. Methods of construction feedback and open-loop Nash equilibria for such games are proposed.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Unique and Recurrent Copy Number Variations in Alzheimer’s Disease and its Related Disorders
Authors: El Bitar Fadia , Al Sudairy Nourah , Qadi Najeeb , Al Rajeh Saad , Alghamdi Fatimah , Al Amari Hala , Al Dawsari Ghadeer , Alsubaie Sahar , Al Sudairi Mishael , Abdulaziz Sara , Al Tassan Nada
Published: December 2020

Background:

Copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in the genetic etiology
of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) and major depressive disorder (MDD) were shown to have share mechanisms and signaling
pathways with AD.

Objective:

We aimed to assess CNVs regions that may harbor genes contributing to AD, T2DM, and
MDD in 67 Saudi familial and sporadic AD patients, with no alterations in the known genes of AD and
genotyped previously for APOE.

Methods:

DNA was analyzed using the CytoScan-HD array. Two layers of filtering criteria were applied.
All the identified CNVs were checked in the Database of Genomic Variants (DGV).

Results:

A total of 1086 CNVs (565 gains and 521 losses) were identified in our study. We found 73
CNVs harboring genes that may be associated with AD, T2DM or MDD. Nineteen CNVs were novel.
Most importantly, 42 CNVs were unique in our studied cohort existing only in one patient. Two large
gains on chromosomes 1 and 13 harbored genes implicated in the studied disorders. We identified
CNVs in genes that encode proteins involved in the metabolism of amyloid-β peptide (AGRN, APBA2,
CR1, CR2, IGF2R, KIAA0125, MBP, RER1, RTN4R, VDR and WISPI) or Tau proteins (CACNAIC,
CELF2, DUSP22, HTRA1 and SLC2A14).

Conclusion:

The present work provided information on the presence of CNVs related to AD, T2DM,
and MDD in Saudi Alzheimer’s patients.
Evaluation of Ischemic Heart Disease Factors in Hemophilia Patients in Khorramabad
Authors: Nezami Alireza , Tarhani Fariba , Elahi Sina
Published: December 2020

Background:

Evaluation of risk factors associated with coronary artery disease and cardiac
health in hemophilia patients is necessary to prevent the onset of ischemic heart disease. In
this study, we evaluated the cardiovascular status of hemophilic patients in Lorestan province for
the early onset of ischemic heart disease.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a total of 80 patients presenting severe hemophilia,
a detailed questionnaire-based investigation was conducted to analyze the prevalence of
cardiovascular risk factors in severe hemophilic patients. In patients with hemophilia, body mass index
(BMI), blood pressure, diabetes, LDL, cholesterol and HDL, the risk of cardiovascular death
was estimated using a predictive risk predictor algorithm of Europe SCORE.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 25 years, where all the patients were non-diabetic. Echocardiography
did not show any wall motion abnormality and changes in the T wave and dysrhythmia
were also not seen by ECG. 7 patients had high blood pressure, 11 had abnormal HDL, and 1
had abnormal LDL. In this study, serum LDL and HDL levels were not significantly correlated
with age and BMI. Conversely, age and BMI were significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension
was observed in people over the age of 25 years and in overweighed individuals. 78.8%
had normal BMI and 21.3% were overweighed. There was no significant correlation between
serum LDL, serum HDL, and blood pressure and sex. The levels of abnormal LDL and HDL were
higher in men than in women.

Conclusion:

ECG findings from our study did not report any significant cardiac abnormalities
among hemophilic patients. Cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly correlated in these
patients.
Fundamentals of Light Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Focused Review
Authors: Latif Azka , Lateef Noman , Razzaq Faryal , Kapoor Vikas , Ahsan Muhammad J. , Ashfaq Muhammad , Iftikhar Ahmad , Anwer Faiz , Holmberg Mark , William Preethi
Published: December 2020

The estimated prevalence of AL CA in the US is approximately 8-12 cases per million.
Almost 30-50% diagnosed cases of AL amyloid in the US have multisystem involvement, including
cardiac involvement. Even with the availability of advanced diagnostic testing and novel therapies,
prognosis remains poor. It is overlooked as a cause of heart failure with preserved ejection
fraction leading to a delay in diagnosis when management options are limited and associated with
poor survival outcomes. Therefore, the education of physicians is needed to ensure that it would be
highly considered as a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the advances
in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis with the aim of educating colleagues
who provide care in the primary care setting. We have summarized the pathogenesis of
amyloidosis, its association with plasma cell dyscrasias, novel diagnostic and surveillance approaches
including echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic
techniques, systemic biomarkers, and advanced treatment approaches including supportive symptomatic
management and standard of care chemotherapy targeting the amyloid deposits. Given the
overall poor prognosis of amyloidosis, we have also discussed the role of palliative and hospice
care.
Praćenje protutijela HLA prije transplantacije bubrega Luminex tehnikom
Authors: Katalinić Nataša , Crnić Marčetić Tajana , Balen Sanja
Published: December 2020

Prisutnost protutijela HLA (engl. Human Leucocyte Antigen) u primatelja predstavlja jedan od najznačajnijih imunosnih čimbenika koji utječu na ishod transplantacije bubrega. Stoga test probira seruma na prisutnost protutijela HLA i određivanje njihove specifičnosti predstavlja iznimno važan dio imunogenetske obrade potencijalnog primatelja organa. Posljednjih desetljeća zlatni standard u ispitivanju senzibilizacije primatelja je metoda citotoksičnosti ovisne o komplementu (engl. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity; CDC), međutim, niska osjetljivost ove metode potaknula je razvoj novih tehnika, poput protočne citometrije i tehnika čvrste faze među kojima je Luminex tehnologijom postignuta najveća osjetljivost i specifičnost. U Laboratoriju za tipizaciju tkiva Rijeka probir seruma pacijenata provodi se usporedno metodom CDC i Luminex tehnikom, čije su osobitosti prikazane ovim radom. Uz mnoge prednosti, Luminex tehnika ima ograničenja koja interpretaciju rezultata testiranja čini složenom i zahtjevnom. Zbog toga se određivanje specifičnosti klinički značajnih protutijela HLA zasniva na rezultatima testiranja i metodom CDC i Luminex tehnikom. Uključuje brojne čimbenike koji zahtijevaju usku suradnju djelatnika laboratorija za tipizaciju tkiva i kliničara, a zasnivaju se na individualnoj procjeni imunosnog i kliničkog statusa svakog pacijenta. Uz brojne izazove, uvođenje Luminex tehnike u probir seruma pacijenata omogućilo je stjecanje novih spoznaja o važnosti i ulozi protutijela HLA u reakciji odbacivanja presatka, te donijelo važne promjene u kliničkoj transplantacijskoj medicini.
Djelovanje hladne ishemije tijekom transplantacije bubrega
Authors: Lacković Alojzije , Ćelić Tanja , Španjol Josip
Published: December 2020

Ishemijsko-reperfuzijska ozljeda jedan je od najvažnijih uzroka oslabljene funkcije transplantiranog bubrega. Dosad su identificirani mnogi čimbenici koji mogu povećati vjerojatnost njezina nastanka, a jedan od najvažnijih je način pohrane bubrega, odnosno duljina trajanja hladne ishemije. Osnovni uzrok oštećenja tkiva u hladnoj ishemiji je nedostatak kisika, koji dovodi do smanjenja koncentracije adenozin trifosfata (engl. adenosine triphosphate, ATP-a) te slabljenja aktivnosti Na/K-ATP-aze (Na/K crpke). Puno kompleksniji i teži oblik oštećenja tkiva nastaje ponovnom uspostavom cirkulacije, odnosno reperfuzijom, prilikom koje dolazi do pojačanog ulaska kisika u stanice te stvaranja velike količine slobodnih kisikovih radikala. Njihovo nakupljanje unutar tkiva uzrokuje oštećenja DNA, proteina i lipida stanične membrane. Ljudski organizam djelomično je zaštićen od djelovanja slobodnih kisikovih radikala pomoću vlastitih antioksidativnih enzimatskih sustava, poput superoksid dismutaze (SOD), glutation peroksidaze (GSH-Px) te katalaze. Kako bi se spriječio nastanak navedenih oštećenja, u kliničkoj se praksi za vrijeme trajanja ishemije bubrega koriste različite otopine za njegovo čuvanje.
Serumska ekspresija OPG/RANKL sustava u kroničnoj bubrežnoj bolesti i kod primatelja bubrežnog transplantata
Authors: Lončarić Antun , Ćelić Tanja
Published: December 2020

Cilj: Ciljevi ove studije su istražiti ima li omjer serumskih vrijednosti RANKL/OPG bolje prognostičke vrijednosti uspoređen s razinom iPTH-a u serumu te ispitati ovise li razine OPG-a i RANKL-a u serumu o terapiji vitaminom D. Ispitanici i metode: Istraživanje je obuhvatilo 120 pacijenata iz Kliničkog bolničkog centra Rijeka, Hrvatska. Pacijenti su podijeljeni u dvije skupine; skupina pacijenata na hemodijalizi (HD) i skupina primatelja bubrežnog transplantata. Primatelji transplantata bubrega uključeni su u trenutku transplantacije te praćeni 12 mjeseci nakon transplantacije. Rezultati: Prema rezultatima ovog istraživanja, serumske razine RANKL/OPG u skupini pacijenata na hemodijalizi koji su imali iPTH > 33 pmol/l i iPTH < 11 pmol/l bile su značajno veće u odnosu na one koji su imali iPTH 11 – 33 pmol/l. Također, razine RANKL/OPG u skupini primatelja bubrežnog transplantata koji su imali iPTH > 33 pmol/l i iPTH < 11 pmol/l bile su značajno veće, u usporedbi s onima koji su imali iPTH 11 – 33 pmol/l. Pacijenti na hemodijalizi i primatelji bubrežnog transplantata na terapiji vitaminom D imali su značajno više razine OPG-a u serumu i značajno nižu razinu sRANKL-a, od ispitanika bez terapije vitaminom D. Zaključak: Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju na povoljan učinak vitamina D u prevenciji gubitka koštane mase kod pacijenata na hemodijalizi i kod primatelja bubrežnog transplantata. Omjer serumske razine RANKL/OPG korelira s vrijednostima iPTH-a, ali ostaje nejasno zašto je omjer RANKL/OPG nizak u umjereno povišenim vrijednostima iPTH-a te su potrebna dodatna istraživanja kako bismo dobili odgovor na ovo pitanje.
Smartphone-Based Virtual Agents to Help Individuals With Sleep Concerns During COVID-19 Confinement: Feasibility Study
Authors: Philip Pierre , Dupuy Lucile , Morin Charles M , de Sevin Etienne , Bioulac Stéphanie , Taillard Jacques , Serre Fuschia , Auriacombe Marc , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur
Published: December 2020

Background

The COVID-19 crisis and consequent confinement restrictions have caused significant psychosocial stress and reports of sleep complaints, which require early management, have increased during recent months. To help individuals concerned about their sleep, we developed a smartphone-based app called KANOPEE that allows users to interact with a virtual agent dedicated to autonomous screening and delivering digital behavioral interventions.

Objective

Our objective was to assess the feasibility of this app, in terms of inclusion rate, follow-up rate, perceived trust and acceptance of the virtual agent, and effects of the intervention program, in the context of COVID-19 confinement in France.

Methods

The virtual agent is an artificial intelligence program using decision tree architecture and interacting through natural body motion and natural voice. A total of 2069 users aged 18 years and above downloaded the free app during the study period (April 22 to May 5, 2020). These users first completed a screening interview based on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) conducted by the virtual agent. If the users were positive for insomnia complaints (ISI score >14), they were eligible to join the 2-stage intervention program: (1) complete an electronic sleep diary for 1 week and (2) follow personalized sleep recommendations for 10 days. We collected and analyzed the following measures: sociodemographic information, ISI scores and sleep/wake schedules, and acceptance and trust of the agent.

Results

Approximately 76% (1574/2069) of the app users completed the screening interview with the virtual agent. The virtual agent was well accepted by 27.4% (431/1574) of the users who answered the acceptance and trust questionnaires on its usability, satisfaction, benevolence, and credibility. Of the 773 screened users who reported sleep complaints (ISI score >14), 166 (21.5%) followed Step 1 of the intervention, and only 47 of those (28.3%) followed Step 2. Users who completed Step 1 found that their insomnia complaints (baseline mean ISI score 18.56, mean ISI score after Step 1 15.99; P<.001) and nocturnal sleep quality improved significantly after 1 week. Users who completed Step 2 also showed an improvement compared to the initial measures (baseline mean ISI score 18.87, mean ISI score after Step 2 14.68; P<.001). Users that were most severely affected (ISI score >21) did not respond to either intervention.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that the KANOPEE app is a promising solution to screen populations for sleep complaints and that it provides acceptable and practical behavioral advice for individuals reporting moderately severe insomnia.
Associations Between Psychosocial Measures and Digital Media Use Among Transgender Youth: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Allen Brittany J , Stratman Zoe E , Kerr Bradley R , Zhao Qianqian , Moreno Megan A
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TNG) youth encounter barriers to psychosocial wellness and also describe exploring identities and communities on the web. Studies of cisgender youth connect increased digital technology use with lower well-being, parent relationships, and body image scores as well as increased loneliness and fear of missing out (FOMO). However, little is known about the psychosocial factors associated with digital technology use among TNG compared with cisgender youth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the associations between psychosocial measures and digital technology use and its importance for cisgender and TNG youth.

METHODS

We surveyed a nationally representative sample of adolescents (aged 13-18 years) about psychosocial wellness and digital technology use. Psychosocial measures included assessment of well-being, parental relationships, body image, loneliness, and FOMO. Digital media use assessments included the short Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale-3 and the Adolescent Digital Technology Interactions and Importance (ADTI) scale and subscales. We compared psychosocial measures between gender identity groups. We also compared stratified correlations for psychosocial measures (well-being, parent relationships, body image, loneliness, and FOMO) with ADTI and Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale-3 scores between gender identity groups. All comparisons were adjusted for age, race, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Among 4575 adolescents, 53 (1.16%) self-identified as TNG youth. TNG youth had lower scores for well-being (23.76 vs 26.47; P<.001), parent relationships (19.29 vs 23.32; P<.001), and body image (13.50 vs 17.12; P<.001), and higher scores for loneliness (9.28 vs 6.55; P<.001) and FOMO (27.93 vs 23.89; P=.004), compared with cisgender peers. In a pattern different from that of their cisgender peers, better well-being scores and body image for TNG youth predicted higher problematic internet use (PIU) scores (correlation coefficients of 0.32 vs −0.07; P=.004 and 0.26 vs −0.21; P=.002, respectively). FOMO was a stronger positive predictor of higher ADTI total and subscale scores for cisgender youth compared with TNG youth.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study supports previously demonstrated disparities in the psychosocial wellness of TNG youth and adds that these disparities include loneliness and FOMO. This study shows prediction of PIU by both higher well-being and better body image, indicating that PIU may not be unilaterally driven by problematic factors among TNG youth. We suggest that this may be because of the specific digital media functions that TNG youth engage with as a disenfranchised population.
Voice-Based Conversational Agents for the Prevention and Management of Chronic and Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Bérubé Caterina , Schachner Theresa , Keller Roman , Fleisch Elgar , v Wangenheim Florian , Barata Filipe , Kowatsch Tobias
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Chronic and mental health conditions are increasingly prevalent worldwide. As devices in our everyday lives offer more and more voice-based self-service, voice-based conversational agents (VCAs) have the potential to support the prevention and management of these conditions in a scalable manner. However, evidence on VCAs dedicated to the prevention and management of chronic and mental health conditions is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study provides a better understanding of the current methods used in the evaluation of health interventions for the prevention and management of chronic and mental health conditions delivered through VCAs.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review using PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We included primary research involving the prevention or management of chronic or mental health conditions through a VCA and reporting an empirical evaluation of the system either in terms of system accuracy, technology acceptance, or both. A total of 2 independent reviewers conducted the screening and data extraction, and agreement between them was measured using Cohen kappa. A narrative approach was used to synthesize the selected records.

RESULTS

Of 7170 prescreened papers, 12 met the inclusion criteria. All studies were nonexperimental. The VCAs provided behavioral support (n=5), health monitoring services (n=3), or both (n=4). The interventions were delivered via smartphones (n=5), tablets (n=2), or smart speakers (n=3). In 2 cases, no device was specified. A total of 3 VCAs targeted cancer, whereas 2 VCAs targeted diabetes and heart failure. The other VCAs targeted hearing impairment, asthma, Parkinson disease, dementia, autism, intellectual disability, and depression. The majority of the studies (n=7) assessed technology acceptance, but only few studies (n=3) used validated instruments. Half of the studies (n=6) reported either performance measures on speech recognition or on the ability of VCAs to respond to health-related queries. Only a minority of the studies (n=2) reported behavioral measures or a measure of attitudes toward intervention-targeted health behavior. Moreover, only a minority of studies (n=4) reported controlling for participants’ previous experience with technology. Finally, risk bias varied markedly.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneity in the methods, the limited number of studies identified, and the high risk of bias show that research on VCAs for chronic and mental health conditions is still in its infancy. Although the results of system accuracy and technology acceptance are encouraging, there is still a need to establish more conclusive evidence on the efficacy of VCAs for the prevention and management of chronic and mental health conditions, both in absolute terms and in comparison with standard health care.

CLINICALTRIAL
Person-Generated Health Data in Women’s Health: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Karim Jalisa Lynn , Talhouk Aline
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Due to their ability to collect person-generated health data, digital tools and connected health devices may hold great utility in disease prevention, chronic disease self-monitoring and self-tracking, as well as in tailoring information and educational content to fit individual needs. Facilitators and barriers to the use of digital health technologies vary across demographics, including sex. The “femtech” market is growing rapidly, and women are some of the largest adopters of digital health technologies.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to provide the background and methods for conducting a scoping review on the use of person-generated health data from connected devices in women’s health. The objectives of the scoping review are to identify the various contexts of digital technologies in women’s health and to consolidate women’s views on the usability and acceptability of the devices.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in the following databases: Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science Core Collection. We included articles from January 2015 to February 2020. Screening of articles was done independently by at least two authors in two stages. Data charting is being conducted in duplicate. Results will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

RESULTS

Our search identified 9102 articles after deduplication. As of November 2020, the full-text screening stage is almost complete and data charting is in progress. The scoping review is expected to be completed by Fall 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review will broadly map the literature regarding the contexts and acceptability of digital health tools for women. The results from this review will be useful in guiding future digital health and women’s health research.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/26110
How Our Technology Use Changed in 2020: Perspectives From Three Youths (Preprint)
Authors: Fadiran Babayosimi , Lee Jessica , Lemminger Jared , Jolliff Anna
Published: December 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

The Technology and Adolescent Mental Wellness program (TAM) is a research program with the primary goals of promoting research on the topic of adolescent technology use and mental wellness, creatively disseminating that research, and fostering community among stakeholders. Our foundational question is this: How can technology support adolescent mental wellness? Youth are key stakeholders in pursuit of this foundational question. In this commentary, we invited 3 members of TAM’s youth advisory board to respond to the following question: “How did your technology use change in 2020?” Jessica, Jared, and Babayosimi describe their technology use during COVID-19 as dynamic, and neither uniformly positive nor negative. Further, these 3 youths differ in their perceptions of the same technologies—social media and online school, for example—as well as their perceived ability to self-regulate use of those technologies. We invite you to weigh these perspectives just as we do at TAM—not as empirical findings in themselves, but as examples of youth ideas for future empirical investigation.
Expanding Telemonitoring in a Virtual World: A Case Study of the Expansion of a Heart Failure Telemonitoring Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Wali Sahr , Guessi Margarido Milena , Shah Amika , Ware Patrick , McDonald Michael , O'Sullivan Mary , Duero Posada Juan , Ross Heather , Seto Emily
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

To minimize the spread and risk of a COVID-19 outbreak, societal norms have been challenged with respect to how essential services are delivered. With pressures to reduce the number of in-person ambulatory visits, innovative models of telemonitoring have been used during the pandemic as a necessary alternative to support access to care for patients with chronic conditions. The pandemic has led health care organizations to consider the adoption of telemonitoring interventions for the first time, while others have seen existing programs rapidly expand.

OBJECTIVE

At the Toronto General Hospital in Ontario, Canada, the rapid expansion of a telemonitoring program began on March 9, 2020, in response to COVID-19. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences related to the expanded role of a telemonitoring program under the changing conditions of the pandemic.

METHODS

A single-case qualitative study was conducted with 3 embedded units of analysis. Semistructured interviews probed the experiences of patients, clinicians, and program staff from the Medly telemonitoring program at a heart function clinic in Toronto, Canada. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis as well as Eakin and Gladstone’s value-adding approach to enhance the analytic interpretation of the study findings.

RESULTS

A total of 29 participants were interviewed, including patients (n=16), clinicians (n=9), and operational staff (n=4). Four themes were identified: (1) providing care continuity through telemonitoring; (2) adapting telemonitoring operations for a more virtual health care system; (3) confronting virtual workflow challenges; and (4) fostering a meaningful patient-provider relationship. Beyond supporting virtual visits, the program’s ability to provide a more comprehensive picture of the patient’s health was valued. However, issues relating to the lack of system integration and alert-driven interactions jeopardized the perceived sustainability of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

With the reduction of in-person visits during the pandemic, virtual services such as telemonitoring have demonstrated significant value. Based on our study findings, we offer recommendations to proactively adapt and scale telemonitoring programs under the changing conditions of an increasingly virtual health care system. These include revisiting the scope and expectations of telemedicine interventions, streamlining virtual patient onboarding processes, and personalizing the collection of patient information to build a stronger virtual relationship and a more holistic assessment of patient well-being.
Urbanization, Gender and Economic Growth in the Waemu Zone: Evidence from Pooled Mean Group Estimation
Authors: Seraphin Prao Yao
Published: December 2020

This study empirically analyses the influence of urbanization and the participation of men and women in the labour force on economic growth in the countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Using data from the World Bank (2017) on the member States between 1990 and 2016, we show from Pesaran’s PMG estimator, Shin and Smith (1999) that in the short term, youth and women are very useful for economic growth. In the long term, urbanization, industrial added value and the elderly make a positive contribution to economic growth. The study urges governments to create better living conditions by ensuring adequate income levels and care, i.e., public policies should aim to increase employment, establish or improve social protection, social integration, health and the fight against discrimination.
POPULATION ATTITUDES TOWARDS COMMITTING FRAUD IN SERBIAN COMPANIES
Authors: Dimitrijević Dragomir , Cvetković Dragan , Čudan Aleksandar
Published: December 2020

Fraud in companies, regardless of its scope and shape, creates some loss not only for the company, but very often for the wider community. Moreover, no company in the world is immune to fraud, be it small or large, in one country or another, at any level of economic and social development. Practical experience has shown that fraud, as well as damage it causes, is inevitable. For these reasons, preventing and detecting all forms of fraud in companies’ operations is very important. To prevent fraud, companies need to understand what motivates people to manipulate and make financial loss. Theorists cite a number of factors that motivate fraud perpetrators to commit manipulation, but all agree that, to commit fraud, three things need to be matched: motivation, opportunity and rationalization. For this reason, the research subject in this paper is a detailed analysis of all the factors that motivate and create opportunities for people of Serbia to commit fraud in companies, as well as the most common excuses they use to justify their manipulations. We surveyed 306 respondents to analyze their motives for possible fraud, as well as their attitude on the number and forms of fraud in the business operations of Serbian companies.
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Traditional Jhum Field of Mizoram
Authors:   Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences Mizoram University, Tanhril–796004, India, Hnamte Remruattluanga , Lalfakzuala R.
Published: December 2020

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient; however its availability for plant uptake is limited. Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes (PSM) are a group of microbes capable of solubilization of inorganic phosphates thereby making it available for plant use. These microbes (PSM) play a vital role on the phosphorus cycle. Among the PSM, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) are pre dominant and are crucial for maintaining available phosphorus in soil. However during slash and burning of jhum land, soil microbial community is altered to a great extend. The present study investigates the diversity of PSB in jhum field using 16SrRNA gene amplification of isolated potent bacteria. Seven species of PSB were identified, belonging to Burkholderia, Bacillus and Xanthomonas.
Detecting Homophone Errors in English Text
Authors:   Dibrugarh University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh–786004, Assam, Das Kaushik , Deka Utpal , Baruah Rajib
Published: December 2020

In this article, the authors proposed a methodology to detect the homophone errors in English texts. It is of utmost necessity that homophone errors in English revision systems are detected. It is because English texts frequently suffer from homophone errors. In order to detect homophone errors, we have to first solve the homophone problem. For this purpose, we can use the decision list to do it because the homophone problem is almost the same as the word sense disambiguation problem (WSD). But, the homophone problem is not a look-alike of the word sense disambiguation problem because the Homophone problem can use the written word but the WSD cannot. In the approach forwarded by us, we incorporate the written word into the original decision list. It is done by first obtaining and then identifying the strength of the written word. The improved decision list can raise the Log score of error detection.
Study on Ultra-Structural Numerical Changes in the Intestinal Mucosal Epithelial Cell Microvilli after Excessive Zinc Supplementation in Wistar Rat
Authors:   Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok–737102, Sikkim, India, Das Tanushree , Lalramnghaki H.C. ,   Department of Zoology, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl–796001, Mizoram, India, Singh Kshetrimayum Birla ,   Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok–737102, Sikkim, India
Published: December 2020

The present study was aimed to study the ultra-structural numerical changes in the microvilli of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells (IMECs) after excessive Zn supplementation in wistar rats. In this study, three groups of rats were fed on an equicaloric sugar and fat rich semi-synthetic diet containing 20mg (control, group-I), 50mg (group-II) and 80mg Zn /kg (group-III) diet respectively for 4 months. The data of the study revealed an increase in surface area of intestinal absorption site through increase in the number and height of microvilli/cell in Zn concentration dependent manner. Further, the result of the study reveals the presence of higher Zn concentrations in IMECs (tissue) and higher absorption rates (HARs) of 14C-glucose (μmoles/g.5min) and amino acids namely 14C-L-alanine and 14C-L-isoleucine (μmoles/g.5min) in group-II and III than that of control group-I. Thus, high Zn supplementation for a longer period of time alters ultrastructure of intestinal mucosal epithelial cell microvilli and increase absorption of nutrients in wistar rats.
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis and In-Vitro Antioxidant Evaluation of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb from Mizoram, Northeast, India
Authors:   Department of Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences, Zemabawk, Aizawl, Mizoram–796017, India, tila Wa , R. Lalawmpuii
Published: December 2020

The current study was aimed to identify the phytochemicals and determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of the methanolic leaves extract of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb (MEAP) from Mizoram, India. A. philoxeroides (Amaranthaceae) is an aquatic plant commonly called Alligator weed. Reported pharmacological activities of the plant include antiviral, antinociceptive and antihyperglycaemic activities. Successive extraction was carried out using Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of increasing polarities (Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Methanol). Phytochemical screening of the methanolic leaves extract and in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay, reducing power and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The extract revealed the presence of glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, inulin and saponins. The extract exhibited Ic50 values of 87.06 µg/mL and 89.75 µg/mL for DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging respectively. The plant extract also exhibited concentration-dependent reducing activity. The results from the experiment suggest that the plant under study, possess antioxidant activity and can be opted as a promising source of natural antioxidant compound.
Factors affecting and determining local depopulation
Authors:   University of Latvia, Zarins Eduards , Paiders Juris ,   University of Latvia
Published: December 2020

This paper analyses the factors that influence and determine the local population growth and decrease in rural areas of Latvia based on population changes at micro level (1x1 km square grid areas) in 2000–2018. Quantitative analysis of the spatial structure of the population was carried out in three reference territories. Results suggest that the proportion of territories with population increase in Latvian municipalities (2000–2018) has a very strong and statistically significant correlation to population changes (2000–2018) in the respective municipality. This may lead to the conclusion that the influence of other factors on the location of the territories in the spatial structure of the municipality where population growth is observed is not statistically significant.
Suburbanisation characteristics in the vicinity of Riga after transition
Authors:   University of Latvia, Skadins Toms
Published: December 2020

After the fall of socialism, the most pronounced changes in the spatial structure of the population have been caused by suburbanisation. These changes have been especially notable since the end of the transition period. Therefore, the aim of this research was to characterise the features of suburbanisation in the vicinity of Rīga after transition. Characteristics of suburbanisation were analysed based on the share of and number of people moving out of Rīga among all people moving. This was done for two periods – 2000 to 2011, and 2011 to 2019 – “the second of which has been less studied. The results showed that there were significant differences between the three share groups – a high proportion often went hand in hand with a large number of suburbanites. On the other hand, the differences between agglomeration and non-agglomeration areas were less clear-cut, as there were significant differences in the number of people previously living in Rīga and its changes, while there were no significant differences in the share for the first stage and share changes.