bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nation brand communications go digital: Can it help to gain nation branding goals?
Authors:   HSE University, Kusraeva Olga A.
Published: August 2023

Globalisation and digitalisation blur the borders between countries and they lose their uniqueness. Relations between countries are becoming close; however, national priorities and ideas of each country are becoming less clear. Nation branding helps to bridge the gap between how a state positions itself and how it is actually perceived. Digital communication tools provide benefits for the realisation of a nation brand. The development of digitalisation as one of the priorities for a country as well as the growth of the number of “digital” audiences necessitate the use of digital communication tools in the implementation of nation branding. Although the use of digital communication tools is common in the commercial and non-commercial sectors, there is a lack of research establishing the relationship between the goals of nation branding and the relevant digital communication tools to achieve these goals. This article analyses the possibilities of digital communication tools in reaching the goals of nation branding. The concepts of a nation brand and nation branding are defined, and the main functions of nation branding are highlighted. There were selected five digital communication tools that are of the greatest interest for the implementation of nation branding; their advantages were identified. Digital communication tools are aligned with the goals of nation branding. The capabilities of digital communication tools to achieve the goals of nation branding are determined. Keywords: nation brand, nation branding, digital communications, communication tools, nation branding goals, digitalisation.
The influence of Latin on somatisms in the Norwegian language
Authors:   Northern State Medical University, Popova Olga
Published: August 2023

Language interaction has always been a matter of interest to linguists. Despite the fact of profound influence of Latin on many languages in many sciences, including medicine, the question concerning the borrowings of anatomical vocabulary, namely somatisms, or body parts, from Latin in Norwegian and its influence on the Norwegian anatomical terminology is of particular interest. The study focuses on the influence of Latin on the names of different body parts in Norwegian, thereby revealing some peculiarities of somatisms in the Norwegian language. Taking into account the historical background and cross-cultural interaction, some groups of somatisms have been distinguished. The most abundant group includes single word somatisms and compounds that do not have their norwegianized Latin form. The second group consists of the Norwegian somatisms, which have identical or nearly identical morphemic form with somatisms in Latin, incorporating single word somatisms as well as some compounds where one or even two parts are norwegianized Latin forms with some semantic peculiarities. We have also singled out the anatomical terms that have a norwegianized Latin form and a parallel native form. Mostly the borrowings in this group underwent orthographic changes adapting them to the Norwegian language. The results show that on the whole the Norwegian language preserves its identity, uniqueness and selective modifying purism in anatomical vocabulary, with some instances of being dependent on Latin.
Ways of transmitting modal meanings in Dutch-Russian translation: The case of the modal particle maar
Authors:   Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tereshko Ekaterina , Vellinga Rinske Sophia ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: August 2023

In this study, we examine the strategies translators have at their disposal to render the meaning of Dutch modal particles in the Russian language. Modal particles are difficult to translate because the meaning of these words is abstract, highly context-dependent and sometimes open to multiple interpretations. Based on parallel Dutch-Russian texts we show which strategies translators use to express the functions of the Dutch modal particle maar ‘but’ in Russian. The modal particle maar is very often omitted in translations, because it has no equivalent in Russian and the image of reality given by the sentence does not become different in a translation when a modal particle is not translated. We find that maar is most often omitted in the function of mitigating the imperative. Translators compensate for the lack of an appropriate modal particle by using verbs with a narrower meaning in Russian which allows them to more accurately describe the drawn context. We also find that in some cases, translators make use of lexical and grammatical transformation such as using prefixes in Russian to soften the imperative, rather than omitting maar completely. In Russian, there are many possibilities to convey modal meaning in lexico-grammatical ways, for example using particles, verbs with a narrower meaning and prefixes that soften the imperative; modal verbs as such can take on the function of expressing modality, and also the verb tense can be used to convey modality.
An OpenFOAM solver for computing suspended particles in water currents
Authors: Olsen Nils R. B. , Kadia Subhojit , Pummer Elena , Hillebrand Gudrun
Published: August 2023

A new OpenFOAM solver has been developed for computing the spatial variation of particle concentrations in flowing water. The new solver was programmed in C ++ using OpenFOAM libraries, and the source code has been made openly available. The current article describes the coding of how the water flow and particle movements are computed. The solver is based on a Eulearian approach, where the particles are computed as concentrations in cells of a grid that resolves the computational domain. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved by simpleFoam, using the k-ε turbulence model. The new solver uses a drift-flux approach to take the fall or rise velocity of the particles into account in a convection-diffusion equation. The model is therefore called sediDriftFoam. The results from the solver were tested on two cases with different types of particles. The first case was a sand trap with sand particles. The geometry was three-dimensional with a recirculation zone. The computed sediment concentrations in three vertical profiles compared well with earlier numerical studies and laboratory measurements. The second case was a straight channel flume with plastic particles that had a positive rise velocity. In this case, the results also compared well with the laboratory measurements.
Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Combined with T1
Mapping Identifies Dysplastic Module and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A
Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Diyou , Ran Qisheng , Ma Wei , Xie Huan , Zhou Jie , Liu Ji , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Letian , Guo Yu
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading type of liver cancer in adults, often resulting in fatal outcomes for those with cirrhosis. Dysplastic nodule (DN) is a liver nodule that is substantial in size, ranging from 1-2 cm. However, accurately distinguishing between DN and HCC on imaging has posed a challenge.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping in distinguishing between DN and HCC.

Methods:

This study analyzed 66 patients with confirmed HCC or DN who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 mapping before surgery or puncture at the Army Medical Center in China. The T1 values of each lesion were measured before and after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration, and various calculations were made, including absolute and percentage reduction in T1 value and coefficient of variation. The t-test was used to compare these values between the two groups, and the efficacy of T1 mapping values for differential diagnosis of HCC and DN was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results:

The study found that T1pre, T1hp, ΔT1, ΔT1%, and CV in the HCC group were significantly higher than in the DN group (p < 0.01). The accuracy of T1hp, ΔT1, and CVT1-hp in identifying HCC from DN was high, with AUCs of 0.955, 0.910, and 0.932, respectively. ΔT1% also had some accuracy, with an AUC of 0.818.

Conclusion:

Our results provide preliminary evidence that Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1, CVT1-hp mapping, can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and differentiating between HCC and DN.
Diseño, construcción y procesamiento de señales de un sistema para el análisis de vibraciones
Authors: Del Carpio Salinas Jorge Alberto , Calderón Morocho Félix Martín
Published: August 2023

Uno de los factores que determinan la productividad dentro de una empresa es el estado de la maquinaria con la que se cuenta para la producción. Nuestro objetivo fue diseñar un sistema que permita a los ingenieros supervisar y evaluar el estado de la maquinaria que vibra, para que esta no solamente sea reparada cuando deje de funcionar, sino que se tenga la posibilidad de llevar un registro periódico del funcionamiento de las mismas. Con ello, se logrará identificar las fallar de la maquinaria en sus diversas fases evolutivas. Esto permitirá realizar una adecuada corrección del problema disminuyendo el costo de mantenimiento y, por tanto, detener la maquinaria por un menor periodo de tiempo. El sistema que hemos diseñado está compuesto por una tarjeta de adquisición que permitirá captar y transferir las vibraciones mecánicas de la maquinaria a través de un software de análisis que permita a los ingenieros evaluar y diagnosticar las fallas mecánicas.
Bioremotion of toxic metals from water by spores of bacillus sg1
Authors: Carvajal Guy , Moscoso Sergio , Carrasco Ana , Salinas Kely
Published: August 2023

The process of selective biosorption of Pb and As by bacterial spores was investigated. The microorganism used was Bacillus spp. SGI isolated from the marine environment. Optimum pH values for the adsorption of these toxic metals were found to be between 4 and 7. The spores showed a high affinity for these metals in aqueous solutions. A very high adsorption of Pb and As was observed at initial concentrations of 4 mg/L and under these conditions the sorption isotherms follow the classic Lanfmuir pattern with a regression value of 0.89 and 0.88 for Pb and As, respectively. In terms of a simple practical applicability, plastic bottles containing a mixture of sand and spores activated with manganese were enabled, resulting in an effective removal of 99% and 98% of Pb and As from the water in a period of 1 hour. This simple application can help resolve the decontamination of underground drinking water used in rural communities.
RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES DO OPEN FINANCE BRASIL
Authors: Tolentino Morgana , Cataldo Bruna
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo contribui para a literatura sobre finanças abertas ao oferecer uma análise estatística dos primeiros resultados do Open Finance Brasil, procurando compreender se estes resultados sugerem que a política esteja avançando no sentido esperado, visando atingir o seu objetivo de estímulo à competição. Inicialmente é apresentada uma breve revisão do debate sobre a concorrência no sistema financeiro e como ele vem sendo afetado pelo processo de digitalização e de datafication. Também é apresentada uma análise da iniciativa brasileira de finanças abertas como uma política focada no incentivo à concorrência e à inovação. Em seguida, são analisados os dados iniciais do Open Finance Brasil, disponibilizados publicamente pelo Banco Central do Brasil. Embora sejam reconhecidas as limitações dos dados disponíveis e o curto período de maturação da política, os primeiros resultados  mostram uma tendência positiva de crescimento no total de consentimentos e chamadas de API, mas alertam para a quantidade de dados trocados apenas entre algumas instituições, indicando concentração no perfil de acesso ao ecossistema.
Исследование оптических свойств аминированных углеродных точек на основе лимонной кислоты и этилендиамина
Authors: Маргарян И.В. , Митрошин А.М. , Дубовик А.Ю. , Кунделев Е.В.
Published: August 2023

The most important parameter determining the efficiency of carbon dots as light absorbers in photocatalytic systems is the strength of their binding to the catalyst. It is rather difficult to estimate the contribution of this parameter of carbon dots to the overall efficiency of the photocatalytic system, since the post-synthetic modification of the surface of carbon dots is accompanied by a significant change in their optical and structural properties. In this work, we performed post-synthetic modification of the surface of carbon dots based on citric acid by amination with ethylenediamine molecules by activating the carboxyl groups of carbon dots with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide molecules. The use of this amination approach made it possible to change the charge of carbon dots without changing their main optical and structural properties, which can be further used to assess the contribution of the strength of their binding with Dubois-type molecular catalysts to the overall efficiency of the photocatalytic system.
Взаимодействие электромагнитного излучения с двухмасштабными пространственно-упорядоченными ансамблями частиц цилиндрической формы
Authors: Ковтун-Кужель В.A. , Понявина А.Н.
Published: August 2023

Based on the interference approximation of the statistical theory of multiple wave scattering for planar systems characterized by two ordering scales, a model is proposed for calculating the coefficients of coherent transmission of Tcog, reflection Rcog and the angular distribution of the intensity of scattered radiation I(θ). The components of such systems are multimers, integral and angular characteristics, which can be calculated by the method of formalism of the volume integral equation. The radial distribution function of gm(r) multimers depends on their surface concentration ηm..
It was found that dense packing of multimers results in near-orderedness, which amplification electrodynamic coupling between the multimers and manifests itself in a nonmonotonic concentration dependence of the transmission coefficient.
Carnauba Straw as Feedstock for Solid Biofuel Production
Authors: Bizerra Deiby , Nunes João , Barros Chastryane , Paixão Raul , Marques Rosali , Neto Francisco Simão , Santos José , Melo Rafael , Fernandes Bruno , Rios Maria
Published: August 2023

Carnauba straw (Copernicia prunifera), residual biomass derived from wax extraction, was evaluated as a potential feedstock for bioenergy production. The characterization was carried out using elemental analysis, proximate analysis, Higher Heating Value (HHV), FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and FRX. The carbonization, using a Muffle Furnace, was applied as a thermal conversion technique to improve the fixed carbon content, and preliminary densification was done to assess the potential for future production of briquettes. The C, H, N, O, and S percentages were 44.43%, 5.34%, 2.25%, 46.17%, and 1.81%, respectively. The percentage of fixed carbon (14.17%) increased to 31.10% (250°C) and 35.68% (300°C) after carbonization. At 400°C, the HHV presented a decrease of 9.62%, and ash content increased by 177.66%. FTIR spectra showed bands characteristic of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin at 3414 - 3393 cm-1 (O-H) and decrease of absorbance of 74.01% to 81.37% after carbonization; 1738 – 1603 cm-1 (C=O), with reduction in the order of 73.94% to 78.31%, and 48.97% to 73.76%, when compared to the absorbances of the biomass in nature. The SEM of the carnauba straw in nature presented the main structural components (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose). After carbonization, evidence of degradation and coal formation was observed, which corroborates with the decrease in the HHV and increase of ash. The FRX was inserted in the SEM images, and the elements detected were Ca, K, and S. The quantities and order of abundance in biomass natural and carbonized were compatible with other biomasses used as biofuel. The carnauba straw in natural and carbonized was densified to understand the characteristics of the compacted material. The sample carbonized at 300°C presented a solid with the potential for future production of briquettes. All results follow other reported biomasses and could lead to further investigation of the carnauba straw as feedstock for solid fuel production without or in a mixture with other agricultural residues.
Effectiveness of Self-Collected, Ambient Temperature–Preserved Nasal Swabs Compared to Samples Collected by Trained Staff for Genotyping of Respiratory Viruses by Shotgun RNA Sequencing: Comparative Study
Authors: Soto Raymond , Paul Litty , Porucznik Christina A , Xie Heng , Stinnett Rita Czako , Briggs Benjamin , Biggerstaff Matthew , Stanford Joseph , Schlaberg Robert
Published: August 2023

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the need for field specimen collection and transport to diagnostic and public health laboratories. Self-collected nasal swabs transported without dependency on a cold chain have the potential to remove critical barriers to testing, expand testing capacity, and reduce opportunities for exposure of health professionals in the context of a pandemic.

Objective

We compared nasal swab collection by study participants from themselves and their children at home to collection by trained research staff.

Methods

Each adult participant collected 1 nasal swab, sampling both nares with the single swab, after which they collected 1 nasal swab from 1 child. After all the participant samples were collected for the household, the research staff member collected a separate single duplicate sample from each individual. Immediately after the sample collection, the adult participants completed a questionnaire about the acceptability of the sampling procedures. Swabs were placed in temperature-stable preservative and respiratory viruses were detected by shotgun RNA sequencing, enabling viral genome analysis.

Results

In total, 21 households participated in the study, each with 1 adult and 1 child, yielding 42 individuals with paired samples. Study participants reported that self-collection was acceptable. Agreement between identified respiratory viruses in both swabs by RNA sequencing demonstrated that adequate collection technique was achieved by brief instructions.

Conclusions

Our results support the feasibility of a scalable and convenient means for the identification of respiratory viruses and implementation in pandemic preparedness for novel respiratory pathogens.
Diagnostic Accuracy and Confidence in Management of Forearm and Hand Fractures Among Foundation Doctors in the Accident and Emergency Department: Survey Study
Authors: Gompels Ben , Rusby Tobin , Limb Richard , Ralte Peter
Published: August 2023

Background

Accurate interpretation of radiographs is crucial for junior doctors in the accident and emergency (A&E) department (the emergency medicine department). However, it remains a significant challenge and a leading cause of diagnostic errors.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and confidence of foundation doctors (doctors within their first 2 years of qualifying) in correctly interpreting and managing forearm and hand fractures on plain radiographs.

Methods

A total of 42 foundation doctors with less than 2 years of experience and no prior emergency medicine training who worked in a large district general hospital participated in a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 3 case studies: distal radius fracture, scaphoid fracture, and a normal radiograph. Respondents were required to identify the presence or absence of a fracture, determine the fracture location, suggest appropriate management, and rate their confidence on a Likert scale.

Results

Overall, 48% (61/126) of respondents accurately identified the presence and location of fractures. The correct management option was chosen by 64% (81/126) of respondents. The median diagnostic confidence score was 4 of 10, with a mean diagnostic certainty of 4.4 of 10. Notably, respondents exhibited a significantly lower confidence score for the normal radiograph compared to the distal radius fracture radiograph (P=.01).

Conclusions

This study reveals diagnostic uncertainty among foundation doctors in interpreting plain radiographs, with a notable inclination toward overdiagnosing fractures. The findings emphasize the need for close supervision and senior support to mitigate diagnostic errors. Further training and educational interventions are warranted to improve the accuracy and confidence of junior doctors in radiographic interpretation. This study has several limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. The findings may not be generalizable to other health care settings or specialties. Future research should aim for larger, more diverse samples and explore the impact of specific educational interventions on diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Testing the Impact of Phone Texting Reminders for Children's Immunization Appointments in Rural Cameroon: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ngah Yayah Emerencia , Raoufi Ghazal , Amirkhani Maral , Esmaeili Ashkan , Nikooifard Rasa , Ghaemi Mood Shidrokh , Rahmanian Ava , Boltena Minyahil Tadesse , Aga Eresso , Neogi Ujjwal , Ikomey Mondinde George , El-Khatib Ziad
Published: August 2023

Background

Globally, over 20 million children are unvaccinated and over 25 million missed their follow-up doses during the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, they face vaccine-preventable diseases and unnecessary deaths. This is especially the case for those with HIV or living in vulnerable settings. Using cell phones to send reminders to parents has been shown to improve vaccination rates.

Objective

We aim to determine whether implementation of an automated SMS reminder will improve child vaccination rates in a turbulent, semiurban/semirural setting in a low-income country.

Methods

This will be a nonrandomized controlled trial that will be conducted at Azire Integrated Health Centre, Bamenda, Cameroon.

Results

A total of 200 parents per study group (aged over 18 years) who are registered at the clinic at least one month prior to the study will be recruited. The intervention group will receive 2 reminders: 1 week and 2 days prior to the scheduled vaccination. For those who miss their appointments, a reminder will be sent 1 week after their missed appointment. The control group will receive the regular care provided at the clinic. Baseline information, clinical visit data, and vaccination records will be collected for both groups. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize baseline characteristics between and within clusters and groups. The Fisher exact test will be used to compare parent-child units who return for follow-up visits (as a percentage) and children vaccinated as scheduled (as a percentage) between the study groups. Finally, we will compare how many members of both study groups return for 1 follow-up visit using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Conclusions

Due to limited effective child vaccination interventions in unstable settings, this study will be of high importance for suggesting a holistic approach to improve child vaccination and public health.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/47018
Completion of the Transfer of the Online Journal of Public Health Informatics (OJPHI) to JMIR Publications
Authors: Mensah Edward
Published: August 2023

Founded in 2009, the Online Journal of Public Health Informatics (OJPHI) strives to provide an unparalleled experience as the platform of choice to advance public and population health informatics. As a premier peer-reviewed journal in this field, OJPHI’s mission is to serve as an advocate for the discipline through the dissemination of public health informatics research results and best practices among practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and educators. However, in the current environment, running an independent open access journal has not been without challenges. Judging from the low geographic spread of our current stakeholders, the overreliance on a small volunteer management staff, the limited scope of topics published by the journal, and the long article turnaround time, it is obvious that OJPHI requires a change in direction in order to fully achieve its mission. Fortunately, our new publisher JMIR Publications is the leading brand in this field, with a portfolio of top peer-reviewed journals covering innovation, technology, digital medicine and health services research in the internet age. Under the leadership of JMIR Publications, OJPHI plans to expand its scope to include new topics such as precision public health informatics, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in public health research and practice, and infodemiology in public health informatics.
Long-Term Benefits of an Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Pump System for Emergency Admissions, Hospitalization, and Metabolic Control in a Cohort of People With Diabetes: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: O'Meara Miguel , Mateus Acuña Juan Camilo , Uribe Andrea
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

There is evidence in the literature that the use of sensor-augmented insulin pumps in patients with high-complexity diabetes improves metabolic control. However, there is no long-term information on clinical outcomes such as hospitalization or admission to the emergency room. This study describes outcomes for metabolic control, incidence of hospitalizations, and emergency room visits in a specific population using this technology.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess long-term glycemic and clinical outcomes after the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring in people with diabetes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in patients with diabetes previously treated with an intensive insulin regimen at a specialized diabetes treatment center who required a sensor-augmented insulin pump due to nonoptimal glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin, severe hypoglycemic episodes, nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes, perception of hypoglycemia, and the incidence of emergency room visits and hospitalizations before and after treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and August 2020, 74 patients with a median age of 36 (IQR 27-46) years were included in the study with a median 4 (IQR 2-7) years of follow-up. We found a statistically significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (8.35% vs 7%; P<.001), nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes (71/74, 96% vs 62/74, 84%; P=.01), emergency room visits (42/73, 58% vs 4/62, 6%; P<.001), and hospitalizations (36/72, 50% vs 10/72, 14%; P<.001) after use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a sensor-augmented insulin pump associated with a strict follow-up program for patients with high-complexity diabetes led to a significant and sustained reduction in glycated hemoglobin and hypoglycemic episodes, as well as in the rate of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. These results encourage the adoption of this technology in patients who do not achieve metabolic control with optimal management of diabetes.
Testing the Impact of Phone Texting Reminders for Children's Immunization Appointments in Rural Cameroon: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ngah Yayah Emerencia , Raoufi Ghazal , Amirkhani Maral , Esmaeili Ashkan , Nikooifard Rasa , Ghaemi Mood Shidrokh , Rahmanian Ava , Boltena Minyahil Tadesse , Aga Eresso , Neogi Ujjwal , Ikomey Mondinde George , El-Khatib Ziad
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Globally, over 20 million children are unvaccinated and over 25 million missed their follow-up doses during the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, they face vaccine-preventable diseases and unnecessary deaths. This is especially the case for those with HIV or living in vulnerable settings. Using cell phones to send reminders to parents has been shown to improve vaccination rates.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to determine whether implementation of an automated SMS reminder will improve child vaccination rates in a turbulent, semiurban/semirural setting in a low-income country.

METHODS

This will be a nonrandomized controlled trial that will be conducted at Azire Integrated Health Centre, Bamenda, Cameroon.

RESULTS

A total of 200 parents per study group (aged over 18 years) who are registered at the clinic at least one month prior to the study will be recruited. The intervention group will receive 2 reminders: 1 week and 2 days prior to the scheduled vaccination. For those who miss their appointments, a reminder will be sent 1 week after their missed appointment. The control group will receive the regular care provided at the clinic. Baseline information, clinical visit data, and vaccination records will be collected for both groups. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize baseline characteristics between and within clusters and groups. The Fisher exact test will be used to compare parent-child units who return for follow-up visits (as a percentage) and children vaccinated as scheduled (as a percentage) between the study groups. Finally, we will compare how many members of both study groups return for 1 follow-up visit using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to limited effective child vaccination interventions in unstable settings, this study will be of high importance for suggesting a holistic approach to improve child vaccination and public health.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/47018
Patient Portals Fail to Collect Structured Information About Who Else is Involved in a Person’s Care (Preprint)
Authors: Salmi Liz , Peereboom Danielle , Dorr David A , Graham Leilani R , Wolff Jennifer L , DesRoches Catherine M
Published: August 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The US health care delivery system does not systematically engage or support family or friend care partners. Meanwhile, the uptake and familiarity of portals to personal health information are increasing among patients. Technology innovations, such as shared access to the portal, use separate identity credentials to differentiate between patients and care partners. Although not well-known, or commonly used, shared access allows patients to identify who they do and do not want to be involved in their care. However, the processes for patients to grant shared access to portals are often limited or so onerous that interested patients and care partners often circumvent the process entirely. As a result, the vast majority of care partners resort to accessing portals using a patient’s identity credentials—a “do-it-yourself” solution in conflict with a health systems’ legal responsibility to protect patient privacy and autonomy. The personal narratives in this viewpoint (shared by permission) elaborate on quantitative studies and provide first-person snapshots of challenges faced by patients and families as they attempt to gain or grant shared access during crucial moments in their lives. As digital modalities increase patient roles in health care interactions, so does the importance of making shared access work for all stakeholders involved—patients, clinicians, and care partners. Electronic health record vendors must recognize that both patients and care partners are important users of their products, and health care organizations must acknowledge and support the critical contributions of care partners as distinct from patients.
Health Care Professionals’ and Parents’ Perspectives on the Use of AI for Pain Monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Multisite Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Racine Nicole , Chow Cheryl , Hamwi Lojain , Bucsea Oana , Cheng Carol , Du Hang , Fabrizi Lorenzo , Jasim Sara , Johannsson Lesley , Jones Laura , Laudiano-Dray Maria Pureza , Meek Judith , Mistry Neelum , Shah Vibhuti , Stedman Ian , Wang Xiaogang , Riddell Rebecca Pillai
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for pain assessment has the potential to address historical challenges in infant pain assessment. There is a dearth of information on the perceived benefits and barriers to the implementation of AI for neonatal pain monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the perspective of health care professionals (HCPs) and parents. This qualitative analysis provides novel data obtained from 2 large tertiary care hospitals in Canada and the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to explore the perspectives of HCPs and parents regarding the use of AI for pain assessment in the NICU.

METHODS

In total, 20 HCPs and 20 parents of preterm infants were recruited and consented to participate from February 2020 to October 2022 in interviews asking about AI use for pain assessment in the NICU, potential benefits of the technology, and potential barriers to use.

RESULTS

The 40 participants included 20 HCPs (17 women and 3 men) with an average of 19.4 (SD 10.69) years of experience in the NICU and 20 parents (mean age 34.4, SD 5.42 years) of preterm infants who were on average 43 (SD 30.34) days old. Six themes from the perspective of HCPs were identified: regular use of technology in the NICU, concerns with regard to AI integration, the potential to improve patient care, requirements for implementation, AI as a tool for pain assessment, and ethical considerations. Seven parent themes included the potential for improved care, increased parental distress, support for parents regarding AI, the impact on parent engagement, the importance of human care, requirements for integration, and the desire for choice in its use. A consistent theme was the importance of AI as a tool to inform clinical decision-making and not replace it.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs and parents expressed generally positive sentiments about the potential use of AI for pain assessment in the NICU, with HCPs highlighting important ethical considerations. This study identifies critical methodological and ethical perspectives from key stakeholders that should be noted by any team considering the creation and implementation of AI for pain monitoring in the NICU.

CLINICALTRIAL
How Can the Clinical Aptitude of AI Assistants Be Assayed? (Preprint)
Authors: Thirunavukarasu Arun James
Published: August 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Large language models (LLMs) are exhibiting remarkable performance in clinical contexts, with exemplar results ranging from expert-level attainment in medical examination questions to superior accuracy and relevance when responding to patient queries compared to real doctors replying to queries on social media. The deployment of LLMs in conventional health care settings is yet to be reported, and there remains an open question as to what evidence should be required before such deployment is warranted. Early validation studies use unvalidated surrogate variables to represent clinical aptitude, and it may be necessary to conduct prospective randomized controlled trials to justify the use of an LLM for clinical advice or assistance, as potential pitfalls and pain points cannot be exhaustively predicted. This viewpoint states that as LLMs continue to revolutionize the field, there is an opportunity to improve the rigor of artificial intelligence (AI) research to reward innovation, conferring real benefits to real patients.
Performance Characteristics of Candidate Criteria for Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation
Authors: Ng Jia Hwei , Yang Wei , Dember Laura M. ,   the HFM Study Group
Published: August 2023

Background

Twenty to 60% of newly created hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas do not mature adequately for use. One barrier to developing interventions to improve fistula outcomes is a lack of standardized criteria for maturation.

Methods

Using data from the multicenter, prospective Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) Study, we determined sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of multiple candidate maturation criteria using the HFM Study maturation criteria as the reference. We also compared, across the maturation criteria, relationships between maturation and fistula survival using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

We included 535 of the 602 HFM Study participants. The median (interquartile range) age was 57 (47–65) years, 70% were men, and 45% were Black participants. Depending on the criterion and time frame for ascertainment (3, 4, 5, 6, or 9 months), sensitivities ranged from 57% to 100%, specificities ranged from 85% to 100%, positive predictive values ranged from 88% to 100%, and negative predictive values ranged from 65% to 100%. For all criteria, areas under the curve for the 6-month (0.90–0.97 for unassisted maturation and 0.89–0.95 for overall maturation) and 9-month time frames were similar. Attainment of unassisted maturation was associated with lower risks of fistula abandonment, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.10 to 0.40 depending on the criterion and time frame. Eliminating dialysis adequacy indicators, or simplifying the criteria in other ways, had little effect on performance characteristics.

Conclusions

High performance characteristics are maintained with maturation criteria that are simpler and less burdensome to ascertain than the HFM Study outcome measure.
The U.S. Facial Tissue Market: A Competitive Profile
Authors: Datta Y.
Published: August 2023

This is the thirteenth project that follows the footsteps of twelve studies that have tried to analyze the competitive profiles of U.S. consumer markets: Men’s Shaving Cream, Beer, Shampoo, Shredded/Grated Cheese, Refrigerated Orange Juice, Men’s Razor-Blades, Women’s Razor-Blades, Toothpaste, Canned Soup, Coffee, Potato Chips, and Alkaline AA Batteries.Michael Porter associates high market share with cost leadership strategy, which is based on the idea of competing on a price that is lower than that of the competition.However, customer-perceived quality—not low cost—should be the underpinning of competitive strategy, because it is far more vital to long-term competitive position and profitability than any other factor. So, a superior alternative is to offer better quality vs. the competition.In most consumer markets, a business seeking market share leadership should try to serve the middle class by competing in the mid-price segment; and offering quality better than that of the competition: at a price somewhat higher to signify an image of quality, and to ensure that the strategy is both profitable and sustainable in the long run. Quality, however, is a complex concept, consumers generally find difficult to understand. So, they often use relative price, and a brand’s reputation, as a symbol of quality.For 2008 the U.S. Facial Tissue market had sales of $1035 million.Using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, we tested two hypotheses: (I) That the market leader is likely to compete in the mid-price segment, and that (II) Its unit price is likely to be higher than that of the nearest competition.For both 2008 and 2007 the results supported Hypothesis I. The market leader Kleenex was a member of the mid-price segment, as hypothesized.However, the results did not support Hypothesis II for both 2008 and 2007, because the runner-up, Puffs was a member of the premium segment with a higher price tag to match.We found that relative price was a strategic variable, as hypothesized.A pattern is emerging in price-quality segmentation analysis. In ten of the thirteen studies—that exclude Men’s and Women’s Razor-Blades, and Ground Coffee—the market leader was found to be a member of the mid-price segment, as we have hypothesized.Moreover, results in seven markets supported Hypothesis II.We also discovered three strategic groups in the industry.
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR FRACTURE AROUND KNEE WITH LOCKING PLATE
Authors: VIKAS KUNTWAD  , AMOL WAGH  , SATYAJEET A HORE
Published: August 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcome associated with surgical treatment of fracture around the knee treated by locking plates.
Methods: This was an observational follow-up study in which 40 patients who were having fractures around knee (Distal femoral or proximal tibial fractures) and treated by locking plates were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients were surgically treated by locking plates. Functional outcome was assessed by range of flexion, knee score and functional score. Complications such as wound infection, malunion, and non-union were also studied. P value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: There was an overall male preponderance with M: F ratio being 1:0.11. Road traffic accidents were responsible for 90% fractures. Average range of knee flexion was 88.5º in patients with distal femur fracture, and 106.5° in patients with proximal tibia fracture. Average Knee society score was 82.35 points in patients with distal femur fracture, and 88.55 points in patients with proximal tibia fracture. There were three cases with non-union, all of them united after secondary bone grafting. Superficial infection was seen in total of two patients.
Conclusion: Surgical treatment of fracture around the knee by locking plates gives excellent results in terms of range of flexion as well as functional outcome particularly in cases having extra-articular fractures.
MetaMetrics: prototipo de visualización de la calidad de los metadatos en revistas científicas latinoamericanas publicadas en Open Journal System
Authors: Flores Chávez Manuel Alejandro
Published: August 2023

MetaMetrics es un tablero de datos interactivo que genera informes sobre la calidad de los metadatos en revistas científicas, a partir de tres características señaladas por indagaciones previas: suficiencia, precisión y consistencia. Para su desarrollo se llevó a cabo una investigación en la que se utilizaron 26 453 registros cosechados de los sistemas Open Journal System (OJS) de 716 revistas adscritas a instituciones de la Red de Macrouniversidades de América Latina y el Caribe. La evaluación de los datos se hizo mediante expresiones regulares en Google Sheets que siguieran el patrón de caracteres definido por las reglas ortográficas, sintácticas y semánticas de los OpenAIRE Guidelines for Literature Repositories v3. La visualización de datos aplicada al ámbito de los metadatos facilita la identificación de errores en la descripción bibliográfica que obstaculizan el proceso de indización de revistas en los índices internacionales.
Diagnóstico de perfil de ingreso de la Licenciatura de Médico Cirujano. Una experiencia de evaluación para la formación médica inicial.
Authors: Fajardo Dolci Germán E.
Published: August 2023

The educational training of general practitioners is a permanent challenge for everyuniversity-level school system. The early detection of strengths and learning needs favors
timely and relevant action to support the academic trajectory of students and the
achievement of a comprehensive training that benefits society. The Diagnosis of the Entry Profile of the Surgeon Degree of the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico is a reflection of the conjunction of medical, educational and technological knowledge to achieve this goal.
Keywords: Evaluation; diagnosis; admission profile; knowledge; English; vocational profile.
El vínculo entre el currículo y la docencia en el proceso de actualización del Plan de Estudios 2010
Authors: Durante Montiel Irene
Published: August 2023

In a process of curricular evaluation and updating, it is important to account for the teacher’s artiopinion in relation to the challenges that the curriculum has implied for them, in such a way that it is possible to identify which elements of this require restructuring and which are the teacher training needs, in addition to the requirements to manage the educational process.
This paper seeks to establish the link between the Surgeon degree curriculum and teaching practice, in order to identify some of the main problems faced by teachers and possible recommendations for updating the curriculum.
Keywords: Teaching; didactics; curriculum; assessment and medical training.
In a process of curricular evaluation and updating, it is important to account for the teacher’s artiopinion in relation to the challenges that the curriculum has implied for them, in such a way that it is possible to identify which elements of this require restructuring and which are the teacher training needs, in addition to the requirements to manage the educational process.
This paper seeks to establish the link between the Surgeon degree curriculum and teaching practice, in order to identify some of the main problems faced by teachers and possible recommendations for updating the curriculum.
Keywords: Teaching; didactics; curriculum; assessment and medical training.
Evaluación de las asignaturas optativas en modalidad a distancia desde la mirada del estudiantado de la licenciatura de Médico Cirujano
Authors: Macedo de la Concha Lilia
Published: August 2023

The educational model of the Open University and Distance Education System (SUAyED) is based on the generation of learning ecologies that consider environments, situations and contexts of activity different from the traditional ones, which offer opportunities to learn. The principles of this model are flexibility, adaptability, innovation, interaction and interactivity, distributed teaching, co-responsibility, continuous evaluation, humanism and sustainability, which are considered in the design of optional subjects in the distance modality (MOLIMOD). The technical and design aspects were evaluated through a questionnaire with a Likert-type scale, applied to students from the first to the fourth year of the Medical Doctor degree (MDD) who took any of these subjects. The results guide us to a positive perception from the students. The systematic evaluation allows constant improvement and shows that the students are satisfied with the design and implementation of MOLIMOD.
Keywords: Medical education; evaluation; distance modality; optional subjects; didactic design.
Tecnología y reflexión ética: binomio indisoluble en la educación médica contemporánea
Authors: Barrera Sánchez Oscar
Published: August 2023

The use of technology has implied an advance for human beings in the way of understanding the world. The relationships of the subjects with their environment and with others are transformed into dilemmas that challenge them before their own interaction with products, resources and technological tools. Medical education is one of these cases, which represents an opportunity for the complex training of health professionals, as well as a tension regarding the relationship between doctors and patients, from a humanistic perspective.
Keywords: Technology; ethics; artificial intelligence; medical education; dilemma.
Perspectiva docente frente a la transición de ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje
Authors: Durante Montiel Irene
Published: August 2023

Education in the world changed radically as consequence of the health emergency experienced in 2020; the confinement posed -among others- the challenge of urgently implementing digital tools to teach at a distance with the resources available up to that moment, and limited teacher training in these topics. This article explored, through a survey applied to 1,009 academics of the School of Medicine, their perception regarding the type of electronic devices, the quality of Internet connection and the use of electronic tolos they had at the beginning of the confinement, as well as their willingness to develop online classes and activities. The results show that less than half of the academics surveyed had previous experience in implementing distance classes; practically all of them agreed to train and teach their classes online. These results provide guidance on the general strengths and weaknesses that need to be addressed to enrich the preparation of academics in the teaching-learning process
towards a hybrid model.
Keywords: Virtual modality; virtual learning environments; online classes; technological barriers in education; teaching practice in the health emergency.