bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Yin-Xue , Wang Yi-Xiang , Li Yi-Ke , Tu Shi-Yan , Wang Yi-Qing
Published: November 2020

:

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancy. Epithelial ovarian cancer
(EOC) is its most common form. OC has both, a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate due to the difficulties
of early diagnosis, limitation of current treatment and resistance to chemotherapy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs)
is a heterogeneous group of cell-derived submicron vesicles, which can be detected in body fluids, and it can be
classified into three main types including exosomes, micro-vesicles, and apoptotic bodies.

:

Cancer cells can produce more EVs than healthy cells. Moreover, the contents of these EVs have been found
distinctive from each other. It has been considered that EVs shedding from tumor cells may be implicated in
clinical applications, such as a tool for tumor diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment of certain cancers.

:

In this review, we provide a brief description of EVs. in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and drug-resistantance
of OC. Cancer-related EVs show powerful influences on tumors by various biological mechanisms. However,
the contents mentioned above remain in the laboratory stage and there is a lack of large-scale clinical trials, and
the maturity of the purification and detection methods is a constraint. In addition, amplification of oncogenes
on ecDNA is remarkably prevalent in cancer. It may be possible that ecDNA can be encapsulated in EVs and
thus detected by us. In summary, much more research on EVs needs to be performed to reveal breakthroughs in
OC and to accelerate the process of its application in clinic.
Hepatoprotective and Curative Activities of Daphne Gnidium L. Aqueous Extract Against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Medila Ifriqya , Toumi Ikram , Adaika Aicha
Published: November 2020

Background:

The liver is one of the largest organs of the human body and the main site
for intense metabolism and excretion. Liver injury or dysfunction is recognized as a serious worldwide
health problem. Daphne gnidium L., a medicinal plant widely distributed in Algeria and used
by populations in traditional medicine to treat hepatitis and other diseases.

Objective:

Protective and curative effects of aqueous extract of Daphne gnidium L. leaves were investigated
against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats (Wistar Albino).

Method:

This study was conducted on 32 Albino rats, which were divided into four groups; the
first served as control. Group II animals were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4solution (3ml/
kg). Group III animals were treated intraperitoneally with CCl4solutions (3ml/kg) on the first
day, and given aqueous Daphne extract orally at a dose level of (300 mg/kg) daily for 7 days (curative
activity test). Animals of group IV were orally administered aqueous Daphne extract at a dose
level of (300 mg/kg) daily, and on the seventh day treated intraperitoneally with CCl4solution (3ml/
kg) 3 hours after the latest extract administration (preventive activity test).

Results:

Our results show that CCl4significantly increases the relative liver weight, serum values
of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Total bilirubin, as well as the hepatic rate of oxidative stress parameters;
MDA and CAT activities, and significantly decreases hepatic GSH levels compared to the control
group. These results were confirmed by liver lesions observed in histological analyses. Pretreatment
and curative treatment of dose 300 mg/kg of aqueous Daphne gnidium L. extract significantly
reduced relative weight, serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and Total bilirubin liver
rate, CAT activity, and increases GSH level. In addition, normal liver architecture has been restored.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrates the hepatoprotective and curative effects of aqueous
extract Daphne gnidium leaves against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats by improving the antioxidant
status in tissues (liver) and ameliorating the harmful effects induced by CCl4
Alcohol Determination by HPLC with Postcolumn Derivatization Based on the Thiosulfate-catalyzed Reaction of Alcohols and Cerium(IV) and Fluorescence Detection of Cerium(III)
Authors: Mikami Ikko , Shibayama Eri , Takagi Kengo
Published: November 2020

Background:

Determination of a reducing substance based on the reaction between
Ce(IV) and a reducing substance and fluorescence detection of Ce(III) generated has been reported
as a selective and sensitive method. However, this method could not be applied to the determination
of alcohol due to the low reaction rate of alcohol and Ce(IV).

Objective:

We found that thiosulfate catalytically enhanced the reaction of alcohols (such as, methanol,
ethanol, and propanol) and Ce(IV). Utilizing this effect, we developed a new method for the
determination of alcohols.

Methods:

Alcohols were detected using the reaction of Ce(IV) with alcohols in the presence of
thiosulfate and fluorescence detection of the Ce(III) generated by the reaction.

Results:

In the presence of thiosulfate, an increase in fluorescence intensity was detected by injecting
alcohol at concentrations of several millimolar, whereas it was not observed even at the concentration
of 10% v/v (2 M for ethanol) in the absence of thiosulfate. The optimum detection conditions
were determined to be 4.0 mM Ce(IV) sulfate and 0.50 mM thiosulfate, and the detection
limit (S/N = 3) of ethanol under these conditions was 1 mM. In the calibration curves, changes in
the slope were observed when the alcohol concentrations were approximately 10–25 mM. Using a
thiosulfate solution containing ethanol as the reaction solution, a calibration curve without any
change in slope was obtained, although the concentration of ethanol at the detection limit increased.
The alcohols in the liquor and fuel were successfully analyzed using the proposed detection method
as a postcolumn reaction.

Conclusion:

This new alcohol detection method using a versatile fluorescence detector can be applied
to the postcolumn reaction of HPLC omitting need of time-consuming pretreatment processes.
Correlations and Hierarchical Clustering Investigation Between Weather
and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: El Handri Kaoutar , Idrissi Abdellah
Published: November 2020

Background::

Humanity today faces a global emergency. It is conceivably the greatest crisis of our generation. The coronavirus pandemic, which has many global implications, has led researchers worldwide to seek solutions to this crisis, including the search for effective treatment in the first place.

Objective::

This study aims to identify the factors that can have an essential effect on COVID-19 comportment. Having proper management and control of imports of COVID-19 depends on many factors that are highly dependent on a country's sanitary capacity and infrastructure technology. Nevertheless, meteorological parameters can also be a connecting factor to this disease; seines temperature and humidity are compatible with the behavior of a seasonal respiratory virus.

Methods::

In this work, we analyze the correlation between weather and the COVID-19 epidemic in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco. It is based on the primary analysis of COVID-19 surveillance data from the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Morocco and weather data from the meteorological data. Weather factors include minimum temperature (°C), maximum temperature (°C), mean temperature (°C), maximum wind speed (Km/h), humidity (%), and rainfall (mm). The Spearman and Kendall rank correlation test is used for data analysis. Between the weather components.

Results::

The mean temperature, maximum temperature (°C) and Humidity were significantly correlated with the COVID-19 pandemic with respectively (r= -0.432, r = -0.480; r=0.402, and p=- 0.212, p= -0.160, and p= &-0.240).

Conclusion::

This discovery helps reduce the incidence rate of COVID-19 in Morocco, considering the significant correlation between weather and COVID-19, of about more than 40%.
Translated literature as soft propaganda: examples from occupied Norway (1940-1945)
Authors: Solberg Ida Hove
Published: November 2020

Among the cultural fields censored under the Nazi rule of occupied Norway (1940-1945) during WWII, translated literature stands out as the most strictly controlled part of the literary field, censored by the Norwegian Literature and Library Office. Moreover, the Reich Commissariat (the highest German authority in occupied Norway) used the field of translated literature as a site for soft propaganda, here understood as subtle messaging, in contrast to hard propaganda, which is cruder and more heavy-handed. Aiming to investigate how the Reich Commissariat influenced the field of translated literature, this article presents findings from archival research focused on correspondence directly or indirectly involving the Reich Commissariat, taking into consideration textual and contextual features of the books and authors discussed. The article concludes that the Reich Commissariat had various ways of influencing publications of translated literature, being both overtly and covertly involved in publishing processes.
The Roles of Need for Achievement and Family Environment in Stimulating Entrepreneurial Interest through Self-Efficacy
Authors: Utari Fiarika Dwi , Sukidjo Sukidjo
Published: November 2020

Abstract: This study was designed to reveal the extent to which the need for achievement and family environment affected entrepreneurial interest through self-efficacy, either directly or indirectly. It used causal associative research with a quantitative approach and drew on information collected from 322 samples selected using the proportional random sampling from a study population of 4.570 students of Yogyakarta State University. The research data were collected using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability and then analyzed using the path analysis. The results showed that the need for achievement and family environment, directly and indirectly, increased entrepreneurial interest through self-efficacy.Keywords: entrepreneurial interest, family environment, need for achievement, self-efficacy Peran Kebutuhan akan Prestasi dan Lingkungan Keluarga terhadap Minat Berwirausaha melalui Efikasi DiriAbstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran kebutuhan akan prestasi dan lingkungan keluarga terhadap minat berwirausaha melalui efikasi diri baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian asosiatif kausal dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian terdiri dari 4.570 mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. Adapun jumlah sampel terdiri dari 322 mahasiswa yang ditentukan dengan teknik proportional random sampling. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan angket yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis jalur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kebutuhan akan prestasi dan lingkungan keluarga meningkatkan minat berwirausaha baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung melalui efikasi diri.Kata Kunci: efikasi diri, kebutuhan akan prestasi, lingkungan keluarga, minat berwirausaha
Financial Performance Analysis on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of Cassava Product in Cibadak, Lebak Regency,
Authors: Mukarromah Denis , Jubaedah Jubaedah , Astuti Miguna
Published: November 2020

Abstract: There are indications of difficult capital access for MSMEs in Lebak. It is shown by Statistic Bureau (BPS) data in Banten Province that only 7.44% of micro and small businesses in Banten obtain or apply for credit, or only 0.95% of Lebak micro and small businesses that can obtain or apply for credit. This research aims to determine the effect of (1) financial literacy on financial performance and (2) financial management on financial performance. This research is quantitative descriptive. The subjects were MSMEs of cassava processed products in Cibadak, Lebak Regency by distributing questionnaire to 86 samples. The data analysis technique used was descriptive analysis and inferential analysis with Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this research show that (1) financial literacy has a positive effect on financial performance, and (2) financial management has a positive effect on financial performance.Keywords: financial literacy, financial management, financial performance Analisis Kinerja Keuangan pada Pelaku UMKM Produk Olahan Singkong di Cibadak Kabupaten Lebak, BantenAbstrak: Terdapat indikasi sulitnya akses permodalan pada UMKM di Lebak, Banten. Ditunjukan oleh data BPS Provinsi Banten bahwa hanya 7,44% usaha mikro dan kecil di Banten yang memperoleh ataupun mengajukan kredit atau hanya 0,95% dari usaha mikro dan kecil Lebak yang dapat memperoleh atau mengajukan kredit. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh (1) literasi keuangan terhadap kinerja keuangan, (2) pengelolaan keuangan terhadap kinerja keuangan. Bentuk penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah pelaku UMKM produk olahan Singkong di Cibadak, Kabupaten Lebak dengan penyebaran kuisioner pada 86 sampel. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial dengan Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan (1) literasi keuangan berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja keuangan, dan (2) pengelolaan keuangan berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja keuangan.Kata kunci: literasi keuangan, pengelolaan keuangan, kinerja keuangan
Transparency on COVID-19 pandemic: an evaluation of Brazilian municipalities
Authors: Vieira Rodrigues Rayane , Falcão Silva Lucas , Boechat Gabriela , Coli Heloisa , Bello de Carvalho Danielle Christina
Published: November 2020

This work aimed to understand how Brazilian municipalities have been disclosing information on the novel Coronavirus pandemic. Starting from a representative sample of urban and rural municipalities according to Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) typology, it analyzes active and passive transparency aspects based on the search for information on institutional websites and responses to requests for access to information. Next, it presents descriptive statistics for the collected data, identifying the transparency profile of data related to the virus in the municipalities. It was possible to observe problems related to the quality of the information provided and a very low rate of responses to the information access requests. With regard to data on expenses and revenues to fight Coronavirus, most municipalities make this information available due to the approval of the Law 13,979/2020, exemplifying the importance of legislation to guide the municipalities and of legal factors on the transparency levels observed in the analyzed case. Also, it finds that the studied municipalities show a high rate of use of social networks to disseminate information related to COVID-19.
Open Government Data (OGD) driven decision aid: a predictive model to monitor COVID-19 and support decisions in a Brazilian State
Authors: Duan Huijue Kelly , Hu Hanxin , Vasarhelyi Miklos , Rosa Fabricia Silva , Leão Lyrio Mauricio Vasconcellos
Published: November 2020

The objective of this research is to build a forecasting model for the evolution of COVID-19 in the state to assist governmental decision-making. This study adopts the Continuous Intelligent Pandemic Monitoring (CIPM) methodology to evaluate the COVID-19 situation in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. By examining the data from the state of Santa Catarina, this research examines the reasonableness of current epidemic numbers by using different exogenous variables, determines the severity level of the pandemic in the cities, and simulates its impacts to guide the government in terms of adequate public policy enforcement. The results reveal that the model helps to understand the importance of open data, and highlights the relevance and social contribution of the availability of data in real-time. Additionally, the prediction model contributes to governmental and societal decision making, as it helps to understand the effects of the pandemic on society through the analysis of exogenous variables (Demographic density; Industrial jobs; Percentage of urban population; Territorial extension of the municipality; List of municipalities by region; GDP/Per capita).
Modelo de maturidade de segurança cibernética para os órgãos da administração pública federal
Authors: Azambuja Antônio João , Neto João Souza
Published: November 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de maturidade de segurança cibernética para os órgãos da administração pública federal. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa para analisar os modelos de maturidade de segurança cibernética encontrados na literatura, os quais serviram de base para o desenvolvimento do modelo proposto. Para analisar, compreender e interpretar o material qualitativo, os procedimentos técnicos utilizados foram a análise de conteúdo e um questionário online. A análise de conteúdo foi dividida na fase de pré-análise, exploração do material e tratamento dos resultados, o que possibilitou a definição dos domínios para o modelo proposto. A aplicação do modelo foi realizada por meio do questionário online, com a participação de 35 (trinta e cinco) órgãos da administração pública federal. Os resultados demonstraram que, no geral, há baixa maturidade dos órgãos pesquisados em segurança cibernética. O modelo proposto atende o objetivo VII da estratégia de segurança cibernética, “Elevar o nível de maturidade de Segurança Cibernética na Administração Pública Federal”, bem como auxilia no aprimoramento da segurança cibernética no Brasil.
Maturidade da gestão do conhecimento na Comissão de Implantação do Sistema de Controle do Espaço Aéreo Brasileiro (CISCEA)
Authors: Teixeira Wallace Gonçalves , Frogeri Rodrigo Franklin , Piurcosky Fabrício Pelloso
Published: November 2020

A Comissão de Implantação do Sistema do Controle do Espaço Aéreo (Ciscea) tem como missão principal a modernização dos ativos dedicados ao controle do espaço aéreo sob a jurisdição do Brasil. Mais do que softwares, aplicativos e equipamentos, o principal ativo do complexo sistema da Ciscea é o seu capital intelectual, que deriva da soma do conhecimento de militares especializados, cuja formação e treinamento são atividades ininterruptas na carreira.  Destarte, o objetivo do estudo foi mensurar o grau de maturidade da Gestão do Conhecimento na Ciscea sob a ótica do seu efetivo de militares, como forma de obter um diagnóstico para subsidiar futuras ações estratégicas. Este intento foi conseguido a partir de um estudo de caso com abordagem quantitativa aplicado a 25 militares da Ciscea. Os dados foram analisados por meio de técnicas de estatística descritiva e correlação. Os resultados evidenciaram um nível intermediário de maturidade nas práticas de gestão do conhecimento na Ciscea e revelou que o investimento em recursos humanos pode proporcionar melhores resultados na implementação de um plano de gestão do conhecimento na organização.
Анизотропия отрицательного магнетосопротивления в эапитаксиальных слоях GaMnAs
Authors: Газизулина А.С. , Насиров А.А. , Небесный А.А. , Парчинский П.Б. , Kim Dojin
Published: November 2020

Anisotropy of magnetotransport properties of GaMnAs epitaxial layers in ferromagnetic state has been investigated as a function of temperature. The anisotropy of negative magnetoresistance that is not related to uniaxial anisotropy and hard axis orientation has been observed. This anisotropy may be result of arising of spatially oriented structures in the GaMnAs layer during its growth.
Многокомпонентные алмазоподобные полупроводники на основе системы InB-=SUP=-V-=/SUP=--CdS. Обьемные и поверхностные свойства
Authors: Кировская И.А. , Филатова Т.Н. , Нор П.Е.
Published: November 2020

По разработанным методикам, в областях взаимной растворимости исходных бинарных соединений (InP, InSb, CdS) получены твердые растворы систем InP-CdS, InSb-CdS, аттестованные как твердые растворы замещения с кубической структурой сфалерита. С использованием комплекса методов изучены их объемные (кристаллохимические, структурные) и поверхностные (химический состав поверхностей, кислотно-основные) свойства. Показано относительное влияние на таковые исходных бинарных соединений в различных проявлениях. Обогащены сведения о многокомпонентных алмазоподобных полупроводниках. Установлены закономерности и корреляции в изменениях изученных свойств твердых растворов. Даны практические рекомендации по использованию полученных материалов для изготовления сенсоров-датчиков на микропримеси аммиака, а также по использованию установленных корреляций для менее затратного поиска новых материалов. Ключевые слова: многокомпонентные алмазоподобные полупроводники, твердые растворы, кристаллохимические, структурные, поверхностные свойства, закономерности, корреляции, предложенные новые материалы, сенсоры-датчики.
Метод трехкомпонентной зонной плавки: моделирование концентрационного распределения компонентов в монокристаллах твердых растворов Ge-Si
Authors: Агамалиев З.А.
Published: November 2020

Дана концепция и теоретическая основа метода трехкомпонентной зонной плавки для выращивания монокристаллов полупроводниковых твердых растворов с использованием затравок из составных компонентов. В пфанновском приближении решена задача аксиального концентрационного распределения компонентов в монокристаллах Ge-Si, выращенных при различных значениях операционных параметров, таких как длина расплавленной зоны и состав исходных макрооднородных стержней твердых растворов. Анализ полученных результатов определяет потенциал метода и оптимальные условия для выращивания монокристаллов с заданными однородным и градиентным составами во всем непрерывном ряду твердых растворов Ge-Si. Показана перспективность метода трехкомпонентной зонной плавки для выращивания монокристаллов полупроводниковых твердых растворов. Ключевые слова: Полупроводниковые твердые растворы, распределение компонентов, материал затравки.
An Artificial Intelligence–Based, Personalized Smartphone App to Improve Childhood Immunization Coverage and Timelines Among Children in Pakistan: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kazi Abdul Momin , Qazi Saad Ahmed , Khawaja Sadori , Ahsan Nazia , Ahmed Rao Moueed , Sameen Fareeha , Khan Mughal Muhammad Ayub , Saqib Muhammad , Ali Sikander , Kaleemuddin Hussain , Rauf Yasir , Raza Mehreen , Jamal Saima , Abbasi Munir , Stergioulas Lampros K
Published: November 2020

Background

The immunization uptake rates in Pakistan are much lower than desired. Major reasons include lack of awareness, parental forgetfulness regarding schedules, and misinformation regarding vaccines. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and distancing measures, routine childhood immunization (RCI) coverage has been adversely affected, as caregivers avoid tertiary care hospitals or primary health centers. Innovative and cost-effective measures must be taken to understand and deal with the issue of low immunization rates. However, only a few smartphone-based interventions have been carried out in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to improve RCI.

Objective

The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate whether a personalized mobile app can improve children’s on-time visits at 10 and 14 weeks of age for RCI as compared with standard care and to determine whether an artificial intelligence model can be incorporated into the app. Secondary objectives are to determine the perceptions and attitudes of caregivers regarding childhood vaccinations and to understand the factors that might influence the effect of a mobile phone–based app on vaccination improvement.

Methods

A mixed methods randomized controlled trial was designed with intervention and control arms. The study will be conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital vaccination center. Caregivers of newborns or infants visiting the center for their children’s 6-week vaccination will be recruited. The intervention arm will have access to a smartphone app with text, voice, video, and pictorial messages regarding RCI. This app will be developed based on the findings of the pretrial qualitative component of the study, in addition to no-show study findings, which will explore caregivers’ perceptions about RCI and a mobile phone–based app in improving RCI coverage.

Results

Pretrial qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in February 2020. Enrollment of study participants for the randomized controlled trial is in process. Study exit interviews will be conducted at the 14-week immunization visits, provided the caregivers visit the immunization facility at that time, or over the phone when the children are 18 weeks of age.

Conclusions

This study will generate useful insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of an Android-based smartphone app for improving RCI in Pakistan and in LMICs.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04449107; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04449107

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/22996
A Text Messaging Intervention for Coping With Social Distancing During COVID-19 (StayWell at Home): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Figueroa Caroline Astrid , Hernandez-Ramos Rosa , Boone Claire Elizabeth , Gómez-Pathak Laura , Yip Vivian , Luo Tiffany , Sierra Valentín , Xu Jing , Chakraborty Bibhas , Darrow Sabrina , Aguilera Adrian
Published: November 2020

Background

Social distancing is a crucial intervention to slow down person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. However, social distancing has negative consequences, including increases in depression and anxiety. Digital interventions, such as text messaging, can provide accessible support on a population-wide scale. We developed text messages in English and Spanish to help individuals manage their depressive mood and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

In a two-arm randomized controlled trial, we aim to examine the effect of our 60-day text messaging intervention. Additionally, we aim to assess whether the use of machine learning to adapt the messaging frequency and content improves the effectiveness of the intervention. Finally, we will examine the differences in daily mood ratings between the message categories and time windows.

Methods

The messages were designed within two different categories: behavioral activation and coping skills. Participants will be randomized into (1) a random messaging arm, where message category and timing will be chosen with equal probabilities, and (2) a reinforcement learning arm, with a learned decision mechanism for choosing the messages. Participants in both arms will receive one message per day within three different time windows and will be asked to provide their mood rating 3 hours later. We will compare self-reported daily mood ratings; self-reported depression, using the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire; and self-reported anxiety, using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale at baseline and at intervention completion.

Results

The Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of California Berkeley approved this study in April 2020 (No. 2020-04-13162). Data collection began in April 2020 and will run to April 2021. As of August 24, 2020, we have enrolled 229 participants. We plan to submit manuscripts describing the main results of the trial and results from the microrandomized trial for publication in peer-reviewed journals and for presentations at national and international scientific meetings.

Conclusions

Results will contribute to our knowledge of effective psychological tools to alleviate the negative effects of social distancing and the benefit of using machine learning to personalize digital mental health interventions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04473599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04473599

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/23592
A Smartphone-Based Approach to Screening for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Cross-Sectional Validity Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Heng-Yu Haley , Chu Yuan-Chia , Lai Ying-Hui , Cheng Hsiu-Lien , Lai Feipei , Cheng Yen-Fu , Liao Wen-Huei
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency that warrants urgent management. Pure-tone audiometry remains the gold standard for definitively diagnosing SSNHL. However, in clinical settings such as primary care practices and urgent care facilities, conventional pure-tone audiometry is often unavailable.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the correlation between hearing outcomes measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry and those measured by the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app and determine the diagnostic validity of the hearing scale differences between the two ears as obtained by the Ear Scale app for SSNHL.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a cohort of 88 participants with possible SSNHL who were referred to an otolaryngology clinic or emergency department at a tertiary medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2018 and June 2019. All participants underwent hearing assessments with conventional pure-tone audiometry and the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app consecutively. The gold standard for diagnosing SSNHL was defined as the pure-tone average (PTA) difference between the two ears being ≥30 dB HL. The hearing results measured by the Ear Scale app were presented as 20 stratified hearing scales. The hearing scale difference between the two ears was estimated to detect SSNHL.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 88 adults with a mean age of 46 years, and 50% (44/88) were females. PTA measured by conventional pure-tone audiometry was strongly correlated with the hearing scale assessed by the Ear Scale app, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of .88 (95% CI .82-.92). The sensitivity of the 5–hearing scale difference (25 dB HL difference) between the impaired ear and the contralateral ear in diagnosing SSNHL was 95.5% (95% CI 87.5%-99.1%), with a specificity of 66.7% (95% CI 43.0%-85.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the proposed smartphone-based Ear Scale app can be useful in the evaluation of SSNHL in clinical settings where conventional pure-tone audiometry is not available.
Usability of a Fall Risk mHealth App for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hsieh Katherine , Fanning Jason , Frechette Mikaela , Sosnoff Jacob
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that causes a range of motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms. Due to these symptoms, people with MS are at a high risk for falls, fall-related injuries, and reductions in quality of life. There is no cure for MS, and managing symptoms and disease progression is important to maintain a high quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are commonly used by people with MS to help manage their health. However, there are limited health apps for people with MS designed to evaluate fall risk. A fall risk app can increase access to fall risk assessments and improve self-management. When designing mHealth apps, a user-centered approach is critical for improving use and adoption.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to undergo a user-centered approach to test and refine the usability of the app through an iterative design process.

METHODS

The fall risk app Steady-MS is an extension of Steady, a fall risk app for older adults. Steady-MS consists of 2 components: a 25-item questionnaire about demographics and MS symptoms and 5 standing balance tasks. Data from the questionnaire and balance tasks were inputted into an algorithm to compute a fall risk score. Two iterations of semistructured interviews (n=5 participants per iteration) were performed to evaluate usability. People with MS used Steady-MS on a smartphone, thinking out loud. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and developed into codes and themes. People with MS also completed the System Usability Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 3 themes were identified: intuitive navigation, efficiency of use, and perceived value. Overall, the participants found Steady-MS efficient to use and useful to learn their fall risk score. There were challenges related to cognitive overload during the balance tasks. Modifications were made, and after the second iteration, people with MS reported that the app was intuitive and efficient. Average System Usability Scale scores were 95.5 in both iterations, representing excellent usability.

CONCLUSIONS

Steady-MS is the first mHealth app for people with MS to assess their overall risk of falling and is usable by a subset of people with MS. People with MS found Steady-MS to be usable and useful for understanding their risk of falling. When developing future mHealth apps for people with MS, it is important to prevent cognitive overload through simple and clear instructions and present scores that are understood and interpreted correctly through visuals and text. These findings underscore the importance of user-centered design and provide a foundation for the future development of tools to assess and prevent scalable falls for people with MS. Future steps include understanding the validity of the fall risk algorithm and evaluating the clinical utility of the app.

CLINICALTRIAL
La «storia di tutti» secondo Pennacchi (con una breve nota sugli anni Sessanta)
Authors: Fioroni Georgia
Published: November 2020

Al di là del notevole impianto narrativo, Canale Mussolini. Parte seconda [2015] di Antonio Pennacchi ha il merito di raccontare un periodo di storia italiana attraverso una «voce collettiva»: è la voce del dialetto, di cui qui si intende studiare la portata. Ma il valore della scelta linguistica dipende anche dall’emigrazione cui sono costretti i personaggi della saga di Pennacchi (iniziata con Canale Mussolini [2010]): un’epopea, la loro, che termina all’inizio degli anni Sessanta. E un’emigrazione diversa, ma per certi aspetti non meno violenta, tocca anche alcuni romanzi editi proprio negli anni del boom economico, ai quali qui (in forma di aggancio) si dedicherà qualche osservazione conclusiva.
Le « Discours à l’Académie française » (1693) de Fénelon : entre poétique et polémique
Authors: Paschoud Adrien
Published: November 2020

Prononcé en 1693, le Discours à l’Académie française de Fénelon est bien davantage qu’un écrit de pure circonstance. Au-delà de l’éloge de Pellisson, à qui Fénelon succède au rang d’académicien, se dessine une réfl exion plus large sur les belles-lettres (composition, style, eff ets) et leur évolution historique. Mais, surtout, Fénelon déplace le centre de gravité du discours encomiastique à des fins de polémique religieuse. Car il entend écarter les soupçons, véhiculés par le clan réformé, qui pesaient sur l’authenticité de la conversion au catholicisme de Pellisson. Le propos participe d’une « écriture de l’action » (Christian Jouhaud) destinée à faire taire les voix dissidentes et à conforter ainsi la politique absolutiste.
Pintura y Panegírico. Usos de la écfrasis en Manoel de Galhegos
Authors: Ponce Cárdenas Jesús
Published: November 2020

Se analiza la Silva topográfi ca al Buen Retiro de Manoel de Galhegos, consagrando especial atención a la presencia de la écfrasis en el poema y la función laudatoria que reviste.
Mirada, "vanitas" y desengaño en la representación de la mujer en tres sonetos de Quevedo
Authors: Quintero María Cristina
Published: November 2020

Utilizando como marco temático un poema de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, este artículo explora la relación palabra-imagen en la presentación negativa del cuerpo femenino en tres sonetos de Francisco de Quevedo. Acudiendo además a las categorías de vanitas y desengaño, especialmente con relación a la mirada, se analiza cómo los dos poetas desarrollan una preocupación sobre los límites de toda representación artística, tanto verbal como visual.
William Ritter et Józef Mehoffer : échange épistolaire autour de l’art slave
Authors: Carraux Noémie
Published: November 2020

William Ritter et Józef Mehoffer ont entretenu une correspondance pendant soixante ans. Celle-ci débute en 1898, lorsque l’artiste remporte le concours pour la réalisation des vitraux de la cathédrale de Fribourg. Si leurs premiers échanges sont très formels, les deux hommes vont rapidement se lier d’amitié. L’étude de cette correspondance nous révèle l’importance du rôle qu’a joué William Ritter comme transmetteur du monde artistique slave à l’Europe occidentale entre la fin du XIXe siècle et le début du XXe siècle.

Keywords: William Ritter, Józef Mehoffer, art slave, Sztuka
Un certain M. Piekielny dans "L’Art de perdre" : la liste Goncourt 2017 passée au crible
Authors: Dongmo Rodrigue Marcel Ateufack
Published: November 2020

Quoique très prestigieux, le Goncourt ne manque pas de charrier de vives criques dont l’une des plus virulentes assimile son jury à « une maison de retraite » (Renard). Cette étude interroge les répercussions du non-rajeunissement de son jury dans le choix des lauréats de la liste Goncourt 2017 et analyse les dessous des invariants thématique et poétique de cette liste. Elle questionne les enjeux qui ont notamment présidé au choix de L’Ordre du jour d’Éric Vuillard par le Goncourt et à celui de L’Art de perdre d’Alice Zeniter par la plupart des Goncourt jeunes. S’il est vrai que la consécration de ces deux romans par deux jurys que plusieurs décennies séparent traduit un conflit de génération, il y a surtout lieu d’y voir une différence de perspectives, le choix de l’un comme de l’autre étant surtout dicté par la résurgence du nationalisme en Europe.

Keywords: Prix Goncourt, nazisme, immigration, nationalisme, exofiction, sociétés de marché
William Ritter et le wagnérisme : "Ægyptiacque", une « paraphrase wagnérienne » ?
Authors: Vogel Laura
Published: November 2020

Cet article se propose d’étudier les formes et les limites du wagnérisme dans Ægyptiacque, le premier roman publié par William Ritter, en se concentrant sur les deux personnages principaux. Si les références aux drames wagnériens sont essentielles, elles se doublent de renvois à des figures mythologiques diverses. Ritter reformule aussi la conception wagnérienne de l’amour pour qu’elle corresponde à ses convictions personnelles. Nous commencerons par définir brièvement l’esthétique wagnérienne, avant de présenter le wagnérisme littéraire en France, et de préciser la posture de Ritter dans ce contexte. Enfin, nous examinerons les personnages du roman et terminerons en analysant la manière dont Ritter condamne la vision wagnérienne de l’amour pour proposer, à sa place, un autre idéal amoureux.

Keywords: Ritter, Wagner, wagnérisme, figures mythologiques, reconfiguration
William Ritter photograph(i)e
Authors: Binggeli Thomas
Published: November 2020

William Ritter multiplie les domaines d’activité et laisse derrière lui des archives dont il est difficile de faire façon. C’est notamment le cas pour la partie photographique de sa production : près de quatre mille clichés qu’il n’a jamais classés et qui reposent en vrac à La Chaux-de-Fonds, à Neuchâtel, et à Berne. Bien que méconnus, ces documents en disent beaucoup sur le monde dans lequel a évolué Ritter, et s’il ne prétend pas être un artiste photographe, il s’inscrit tout à fait bien dans un courant amateur très en vogue dès la fin du xixe siècle. Il documente ainsi son quotidien au gré de ses pérégrinations – en Suisse ou plus largement en Europe centrale – et laisse derrière des photographies dont les sujets sont variés, touchants, parfois très intimes et subversifs. Alors, comment les aborder, et quelle place leur accorder au sein de l’univers Ritter ?

Keywords: William Ritter, photographie amateur, archives
La memoria histórica en España: un pasado más actual que nunca
Authors: Bernecker Walther L.
Published: November 2020

El artículo tiene por tema el desarrollo de la “memoria histórica” desde la transición a la democracia hasta el presente, resaltando cómo la Guerra Civil y el franquismo han condicionado la conciencia de varias generaciones españolas a lo largo de los últimos ochenta años. Analiza la postura de los diferentes gobiernos nacionales desde 1975, discute la importancia del “pacto de silencio” en la transición, explica la recuperación de la memoria colectiva a finales del siglo XX y contrapone la postura “oficial” de los gobiernos a las iniciativas de la sociedad civil. El estudio pone un énfasis especial en dos aspectos concretos: por un lado, la labor de organizaciones extragubernamentales como la Asociación para la Recuperación de la Memoria Histórica, por otro la exhumación de los restos de Francisco Franco de la basílica del Valle de los Caídos en 2019.

Keyword: memoria histórica, olvido, pacto de silencio, Valle de los Caídos, exhumación de Franco.
Historia
Authors: Ruffinatto Aldo
Published: November 2020

En la presente investigación se pretende examinar y valorar la historia del hispanismo desde el punto de vista de las distintas asociaciones de hispanistas, nacionales e internacionales. Se toman primeramente en consideración algunas cuestiones relacionadas con la terminología, los orígenes y la fenomenología del hispanismo en sus aspectos lingüísticos, literarios e históricos. Se examina después la evolución del hispanismo en las Instituciones nacionales e internacionales para determinar la construcción de una hermenéutica basada en una visión global del fenómeno y en la cooperación entre los distintos hispanismos de los países hispanófonos y no hispanófonos. Finalmente, se señalan las ventajas que la dimensión internacional y plural del hispanismo puede ofrecer a los profesores, investigadores, especialistas o simples aficionados que buscan un punto firme de referencia para desarrollar sus proyectos científicos.

Keywords: hispanismo, hispanistas, cultura, construcción, cooperación.
Batik Wastewater Treatment Using Simultaneous Process of Electrocoagulation and Electro-Assisted Phytoremediation (EAPR)
Authors: Putra Rudy Syah , Annisa Aprilia Dwi , Budiarjo Sigit
Published: November 2020

The aims of the study are to identify the effectiveness of wastewater treatment from the Batik industry using a simultaneous of electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-assisted phytoremediation (EAPR). Rough horsetail (Equisetum hyemale) was used as an accumulator plant in the EAPR system. Electrocoagulation was conducted for 1 h at a constant voltage of 20 V in 10 L solution, while EAPR was processed for 7 day at a constant voltage of 5 V in 17 L solution. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of water was determined by closed reflux of colorimetric methods and heavy metal concentration was determined by flame-atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the COD decreased by 69.6% after 1 h of electrocoagulation process and up to 80.9% after the EAPR process. The concentration of Cr and Pb decreased as much as 25% and 8.52%, respectively in the similar process. The simultaneous process could extend the heavy metal removal up to 0.28 mg/L for Cr and 0.09 mg/L for Pb in liquid wastewater from the initial concentration. These results showed that the levels of COD and heavy metal concentration in Batik wastewater have reduced in accordance with the Ministry of Environment Decree No. 5/2014 Republic of Indonesia regarding various industries wastewater standard with the threshold limit of 150 mg/L for COD and 1.0 mg/L for Cr on textile industry and 0.1 mg/L for Pb on Class I for another wastewater standard. The estimated cost of operation was US$ 1.509 m–3 indicating the viability of Batik industry wastewater treatment.
Properties of Biodegradable Polymer from Terrestrial Mushroom for Potential Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Tengku Mohd Tengku Amran , Abdul Manaf Shareena Fairuz , Abd Naim Munawirah , Mat Shayuti Muhammad Shafiq , Jaafar Mohd Zaidi
Published: November 2020

Polymer flooding could enhance the oil recovery by increasing the viscosity of water, thus, improving the mobility control and sweep efficiency. It is essential to explore natural sources of polymer, which is biologically degradable and negligible to environmental risks. This research aims to produce a biodegradable polymer from terrestrial mushroom, analyze the properties of the polymer and investigate the oil recovery from polymer flooding. Polysaccharide biopolymer was extracted from mushroom and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), while the polymer viscosity was investigated using an automated microviscometer. The oil recovery tests were conducted at room temperature using a sand pack model. It was found that polymer viscosity increases with increasing polymer concentration and decreases when increase in temperature, salinity, and concentration of divalent ions. The oil recovery tests showed that a higher polymer concentration of 3000 ppm had recovered more oil with an incremental recovery of 25.8% after waterflooding, while a polymer concentration of 1500 pm obtained incremental 22.2% recovery of original oil in place (OOIP). The oil recovery from waterflooding was approximately 25.4 and 24.2% of the OOIP, respectively. Therefore, an environmentally friendly biopolymer was successfully extracted, which is potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) application, but it will lose its viscosity performance at certain reservoir conditions.
Preparation, Electronic Properties, and Powder-XRD Structure Analysis of 3,5-Bis(pyridin-2-yl)-H-1,2,4-triazoledichloridocopper(II)
Authors: Sugiyarto Kristian Handoyo , Yunita Isti , Goodwin Harold Andrew
Published: November 2020

Salt of [Cu(bptrzH)Cl2], (bptrzH = 3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-H-1,2,4-triazole) has been prepared and characterized its electronic spectral and magnetic properties. This salt is paramagnetic with magnetic moment, μs, being 1.77–1.78 BM at 293 K, but decreased significantly with decreasing temperature to be 0.60–0.63 BM at 90 K, indicating antiferromagnetic nature. This is associated with Cu–Cu magnetic interactions at low temperatures, and suggests that the salt adopt an octahedrally polymeric structure. The electronic spectrum of this salt reveals a strong ligand field band centered at about 13,000 cm–1 and a very strong charge transfer absorption at about 23,000–24,000 cm–1. The spectrum is better resolved at lower temperature and this is parallel to the slight change in color from yellowish-green at room temperature to bright green at low temperature (90 K). The powder XRD of this complex was refined by Le Bail method of Rietica program and found to be fit as triclinic symmetry of space group PĪ with the figure of merit: Rp = 5.02; Rwp = 7.95; Rexp = 5.40; Bragg R-Factor = 0.05; and GOF = 2.166.
Parental Education and Nucleus Accumbens Response to Reward Anticipation: Minorities’ Diminished Returns
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: November 2020

Background. Considerable research has documented the effects of race and Socioeconomic Status (SES) on reward-seeking behaviors; however, less is known about the multiplicative effects of race and family SES on brain response to reward anticipation. Minorities’ Diminished Returns (MDRs) suggest that family SES would show weaker effects on brain development of children in non-White families than in White families. Objective. To test race by SES variation in Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc) response to reward anticipation (NAcc-RA) among American children. Methods. For this cross-sectional analysis, data came from the Adolescents Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study which included 6,419,9-10 year old children. The independent variable was parental education. The moderator was race. The primary outcome was the right NAcc-RA. Age, sex, ethnicity, household income, and family structure were the covariates. We used mixed-effect regression models that adjusted for the nested nature of the ABCD data. Results. While high parental education was associated with a higher amount of right NAcc-RA, this effect was stronger for White than non-White children. This finding was evident in the observed interactions between race and parental education on the right NAcc-RA. Discussion. For American children, NAcc-RA is not shaped by race or family SES, but by their intersection. As a result of the interaction between race and SES (diminished return of SES for non-Whites), middle-class racial minority children may remain susceptible to high-risk behaviors. Disparities in high-risk behaviors in children should not be reduced to economic disparities. Structural inequalities may reduce the return of SES resources for non-White families.