bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Convective Mixing Process on Storage of CO2 in Saline Aquifers with Layered Permeability
Authors:   Department of Geoscience and Petroleum, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway, Taheri Amir , Torsæter Ole , Lindeberg Erik , Hadia Nanji J. , Wessel-Berg Dag
Published: February 2021

Convective mixing of free-phase CO2 and brine in saline aquifers is an established technique to accelerate the CO2 dissolution process. Correct estimation of the convection onset time and rate of CO2 dissolution into brine are two crucial parameters regarding safety issues, as the timescale for dissolution corresponds to the same time over which the free-phase CO2 has a chance to leak out from the storage site. In real practice, underground formations are heterogeneous with a layered structure, but the convective mixing in heterogeneous porous media has received less attention than the homogeneous one. This study aims to develop a basic understanding of the role of layered permeability media (layered structure with variation in permeability vertically) on the behavior of convective mixing via well-controlled laboratory experiments. The effects of layering and layer properties on the rate of dissolution of CO2 in water and geometries of the formed convection fingers are studied using a precise experimental set-up with layered-permeability Hele-Shaw cell geometry. Qualitative (snapshots of convection fingers) and quantitative data (amount of the dissolved CO2 into water) are collected simultaneously for a better understanding of the process. The behavior of convection fingers (after the onset of convection) and the effects of model properties on this mixing process are also discussed.
Agricultural extension for promoting citrus fruit growers’ innovation and profitability in Mexico
Authors: Almaguer Vargas Gustavo , Ayala Garay Alma Velia , Oble Vergara Evelia , Flores-Trejo Arturo
Published: February 2021

The citrus fruit grower has hardly adopted innovations, resulting in reduced income and profitability. This study aims to apply andragogic training and extension techniques to a group of 150 citrus fruit growers from five different communities in Veracruz, Mexico, to improve the adoption of social and technological innovations, their income, and profitability. The percentage of adoption of innovations (PAI) was calculated using the equation: PAI = n/N × 100, where n was the number of innovations adopted by the grower and N the total number of innovations available in the technological package. Two previous surveys, social and technological, were conducted in 2012 and revealed a significant lack of coordination in innovation networks, mainly in deep relationships, and little use of technological innovations. After the andragogic training and extension, better coordination was achieved, reflected in numerous and robust links, more nodes, and higher density, especially at the level of trust, contributing to consolidating social networks for 2014. The most adopted technological category was fertilization management. A survey was conducted in 2016 to quantify the permanence of the adoption of innovations. We conclude that social and technological intervention through andragogic training and extension improved the yield of orchards by more than 50 %, increased the income of citrus fruit growers 4.5 times, and consolidated workgroups and the permanence of innovations.
Association Between Smoking and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Cross-sectional Study of the EPICOVID19 Internet-Based Survey
Authors: Prinelli Federica , Bianchi Fabrizio , Drago Gaspare , Ruggieri Silvia , Sojic Aleksandra , Jesuthasan Nithiya , Molinaro Sabrina , Bastiani Luca , Maggi Stefania , Noale Marianna , Galli Massimo , Giacomelli Andrea , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Adorni Fulvio , Cibella Fabio ,   EPICOVID19 Working Group
Published: February 2021

Background

Several studies have reported a low prevalence of current smoking among hospitalized COVID-19 cases; however, no definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Objective

We investigated the association of tobacco smoke exposure with nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) test results for SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity accounting for possible confounders.

Methods

The nationwide, self-administered, cross-sectional web-based Italian National Epidemiological Survey on COVID-19 (EPICOVID19) was administered to an Italian population of 198,822 adult volunteers who filled in an online questionnaire between April 13 and June 2, 2020. For this study, we analyzed 6857 individuals with known NPS test results. The associations of smoking status and the dose-response relationship with a positive NPS test result and infection severity were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs by means of logistic and multinomial regression models adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics.

Results

Out of the 6857 individuals (mean age 47.9 years, SD 14.1; 4516/6857, 65.9% female), 63.2% (4334/6857) had never smoked, 21.3% (1463/6857) were former smokers, and 15.5% (1060/6857) were current smokers. Compared to nonsmokers, current smokers were younger, were more educated, were less affected by chronic diseases, reported COVID-19–like symptoms less frequently, were less frequently hospitalized, and less frequently tested positive for COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, current smokers had almost half the odds of a positive NPS test result (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45-0.65) compared to nonsmokers. We also found a dose-dependent relationship with tobacco smoke: mild smokers (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.55-1.05), moderate smokers (aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.73), and heavy smokers (aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27-0.53). This inverse association also persisted when considering the severity of the infection. Current smokers had a statistically significantly lower probability of having asymptomatic (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27-0.92), mild (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.81), and severe infections (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.17-0.42) compared to those who never smoked.

Conclusions

Current smoking was negatively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection with a dose-dependent relationship. Ad hoc experimental studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04471701; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04471701
An Automated Patient Self-Monitoring System to Reduce Health Care System Burden During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: Development and Implementation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lim Hooi Min , Teo Chin Hai , Ng Chirk Jenn , Chiew Thiam Kian , Ng Wei Leik , Abdullah Adina , Abdul Hadi Haireen , Liew Chee Sun , Chan Chee Seng
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an urgent need to develop an automated COVID-19 symptom monitoring system to reduce the burden on the health care system and to provide better self-monitoring at home.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to describe the development process of the COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring System (CoSMoS), which consists of a self-monitoring, algorithm-based Telegram bot and a teleconsultation system. We describe all the essential steps from the clinical perspective and our technical approach in designing, developing, and integrating the system into clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as lessons learned from this development process.

METHODS

CoSMoS was developed in three phases: (1) requirement formation to identify clinical problems and to draft the clinical algorithm, (2) development testing iteration using the agile software development method, and (3) integration into clinical practice to design an effective clinical workflow using repeated simulations and role-playing.

RESULTS

We completed the development of CoSMoS in 19 days. In Phase 1 (ie, requirement formation), we identified three main functions: a daily automated reminder system for patients to self-check their symptoms, a safe patient risk assessment to guide patients in clinical decision making, and an active telemonitoring system with real-time phone consultations. The system architecture of CoSMoS involved five components: Telegram instant messaging, a clinician dashboard, system administration (ie, back end), a database, and development and operations infrastructure. The integration of CoSMoS into clinical practice involved the consideration of COVID-19 infectivity and patient safety.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that developing a COVID-19 symptom monitoring system within a short time during a pandemic is feasible using the agile development method. Time factors and communication between the technical and clinical teams were the main challenges in the development process. The development process and lessons learned from this study can guide the future development of digital monitoring systems during the next pandemic, especially in developing countries.
Influence of Health Beliefs on Adherence to COVID-19 Preventative Practices: International, Social Media–Based Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hsing Julianna C , Ma Jasmin , Barrero-Castillero Alejandra , Jani Shilpa G , Pulendran Uma Palam , Lin Bea-Jane , Thomas-Uribe Monika , Wang C Jason
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Health behavior is influenced by culture and social context. However, there are limited data evaluating the scope of these influences on COVID-19 response.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare handwashing and social distancing practices in different countries and evaluate practice predictors using the health belief model (HBM).

METHODS

From April 11 to May 1, 2020, we conducted an online, cross-sectional survey disseminated internationally via social media. Participants were adults aged 18 years or older from four different countries: the United States, Mexico, Hong Kong (China), and Taiwan. Primary outcomes were self-reported handwashing and social distancing practices during COVID-19. Predictors included constructs of the HBM: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action. Associations of these constructs with behavioral outcomes were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 71,851 participants, with 3070 from the United States, 3946 from Mexico, 1201 from Hong Kong (China), and 63,634 from Taiwan. Of these countries, respondents from the United States adhered to the most social distancing practices (χ23=2169.7, P<.001), while respondents from Taiwan performed the most handwashing (χ23=309.8, P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that self-efficacy was a positive predictor for handwashing (odds ratio [OR]United States 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.07; ORMexico 1.5, 95% CI 1.21-1.96; ORHong Kong 2.48, 95% CI 1.80-3.44; ORTaiwan 2.30, 95% CI 2.21-2.39) and social distancing practices (ORUnited States 1.77, 95% CI 1.24-2.49; ORMexico 1.77, 95% CI 1.40-2.25; ORHong Kong 3.25, 95% CI 2.32-4.62; ORTaiwan 2.58, 95% CI 2.47-2.68) in all countries. Handwashing was positively associated with perceived susceptibility in Mexico, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, while social distancing was positively associated with perceived severity in the United States, Mexico, and Taiwan.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media recruitment strategies can be used to reach a large audience during a pandemic. Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for handwashing and social distancing. Policies that address relevant health beliefs can facilitate adoption of necessary actions for preventing COVID-19. Our findings may be explained by the timing of government policies, the number of cases reported in each country, individual beliefs, and cultural context.
Investigating the Use of Telemedicine for Digitally Mediated Delegation in Team-Based Primary Care: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Knop Michael , Mueller Marius , Niehaves Bjoern
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Owing to the shortage of medical professionals, as well as demographic and structural challenges, new care models have emerged to find innovative solutions to counter medical undersupply. Team-based primary care using medical delegation appears to be a promising approach to address these challenges; however, it demands efficient communication structures and mechanisms to reinsure patients and caregivers receive a delegated, treatment-related task. Digital health care technologies hold the potential to render these novel processes effective and demand driven.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to recreate the daily work routines of general practitioners (GPs) and medical assistants (MAs) to explore promising approaches for the digital moderation of delegation processes and to deepen the understanding of subjective and perceptual factors that influence their technology assessment and use.

METHODS

We conducted a combination of 19 individual and group interviews with 12 GPs and 14 MAs, seeking to identify relevant technologies for delegation purposes as well as stakeholders’ perceptions of their effectiveness. Furthermore, a web-based survey was conducted asking the interviewees to order identified technologies based on their assessed applicability in multi-actor patient care. Interview data were analyzed using a three-fold inductive coding procedure. Multidimensional scaling was applied to analyze and visualize the survey data, leading to a triangulation of the results.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that digital mediation of delegation underlies complex, reciprocal processes and biases that need to be identified and analyzed to improve the development and distribution of innovative technologies and to improve our understanding of technology use in team-based primary care. Nevertheless, medical delegation enhanced by digital technologies, such as video consultations, portable electrocardiograms, or telemedical stethoscopes, can counteract current challenges in primary care because of its unique ability to ensure both personal, patient-centered care for patients and create efficient and needs-based treatment processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-mediated delegation appears to be a promising approach to implement innovative, case-sensitive, and cost-effective ways to treat patients within the paradigm of primary care. The relevance of such innovative approaches increases with the tremendous need for differentiated and effective care, such as during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For the successful and sustainable adoption of innovative technologies, MAs represent essential team members. In their role as mediators between GPs and patients, MAs are potentially able to counteract patients’ resistance toward using innovative technology and compensate for patients’ limited access to technology and care facilities.
Science, Social Media and Alternative Facts: It Might Take A While (Preprint)
Authors: Dobson Geoffrey Phillip , Dobson Louise Margaret
Published: February 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Misinformation on social media is reshaping the way we think and interact with one another in ways never experienced in human history. Dissemination of misinformation came to a head during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and has continued unabated. Other hot topics that have attracted a lot of attention on social media are climate change and who won the 2020 US election. Extremists, advertisers and influencers masterfully publicize on social media to sew doubt into people’s minds through fear, manipulation, entrapment and spreading falsehoods. Repetition has become the new norm for truth. How do we prevent this constant stream of falsehoods from entering our personal space? We argue it is time to return to grass roots to better understand fact versus opinion, truth and falsehood, the power of provisional knowing, and how scientific consensus is reached. In the short-term, legislating social media platforms and improving public messaging may be part of the answer. However, a more effective approach is to create new educational programs, beginning at primary school and upskilling teachers how to debunk falsehoods and conspiracies. If we continue to travel down the road of complacency, historians 100 years from now may write: “the people of the early 21st century became so overwhelmed with digital information that they failed to develop the skills to sufficiently process it to the detriment of their health and society”.
Patients’ Experiences of a Nurse-Led, Home-Based Heart Failure Self-management Program: Findings From a Qualitative Process Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Jiang Ying , Koh Karen Wei Ling , Ramachandran Hadassah Joann , Tay Yee Kian , Wu Vivien Xi , Shorey Shefaly , Wang Wenru
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem that places a significant disease burden on society. Self-care is important in the management of HF because it averts disease progression and reduces the number of hospitalizations. Effective nursing interventions promote HF self-care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore participants’ perspectives on a nurse-led, home-based heart failure self-management program (HOM-HEMP) in a randomized controlled trial conducted in Singapore to gain insight into the effectiveness of the study intervention.

METHODS

A descriptive, qualitative approach was used. English- or Chinese-speaking participants from the intervention arms were recruited through a purposive sampling method from January 2019 to July 2019. Individual, face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 participants. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, with the participant identifiers omitted to ensure confidentiality. The thematic analysis approach was used to identify, analyze, and report patterns (themes) within the data.

RESULTS

A total of six themes emerged from the process evaluation interviews and were categorized according to the Donabedian structure-process-outcome framework as intervention structure, intervention process, and intervention outcome. These six themes were manageability of the intervention, areas for improvement, benefits of visiting, personal accountability in self-care, empowered with knowledge and skills in self-care after the intervention, and increased self-efficacy in cardiac care.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the process evaluation provided additional information on participants’ perceptions and experiences with the HOM-HEMP intervention. Although a home visit may be perceived as resource intensive, it remains to be the preferred way of engagement for most patients. Nurses play an important role in promoting HF self-care. The process of interaction with the patient can be an important process for empowering self-care behavior changes.
Role of Leaders’ Emotional Labor toward Leader’s Job Satisfaction and Emotional Exhaustion: Moderating Role of Psychological Capital
Authors: Noreen Sania , Nisar Qasim Ali , Haider Shahbaz , Yean Tan Fee
Published: February 2021

Everyone has to manage the emotions during their interaction with others; similar case is with the leaders in organizations. Leaders’ actively and continually regulate their emotional state. The crucial role of emotions in interactional process as well in decision making triggers leaders to be vigilant about their emotional labor strategies. Thus emotional labor has become an emerging construct in leadership domain. This study has collected data from 250 doctors working in private and public hospitals in Gujranwala. Findings demonstrated leaders’ deep acting as well as displaying natural emotions are positively associated with job satisfaction and negatively associated with leaders’ emotional exhaustion. Moreover, surface acting has significant positive relationship with leaders’ emotional exhaustion and negative relationship with leaders’ job satisfaction. Psychological capital significantly moderated the relationship between leaders’ emotional labor strategies, leaders’ job satisfaction and leaders’ emotional exhaustion.
Pengaruh Irigasi Tetes dan Mulsa terhadap Pertumbuhan Tajuk Tanaman Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum L.) di Lahan Kering Gunungkidul
Authors: Kartika Melia Noor , Kurniasih Budiastuti
Published: February 2021

Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum L.) merupakan tanaman yang sensitif terhadap cekaman kekeringan sehingga ketersediaan air merupakan faktor penting dalam budidaya tomat. Di lahan kering Gunungkidul, kekeringan merupakan salah satu masalah yang sering terjadi saat musim kemarau dan faktor pembatas pada pertumbuhan tomat. Penggunaan irigasi tetes dengan pemberian mulsa diharapkan mampu meminimalkan efek cekaman dan mendukung pertumbuhan tomat saat musim kemarau. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan irigasi tetes dan jenis mulsa terhadap pertumbuhan tajuk tanaman tomat. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Dusun Karang, Girikarto, Panggang, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta dan Laboratorium Manajemen Produksi Tanaman Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta pada bulan Agustus-Desember 2019. Rancangan yang digunakan yaitu split plot dengan jenis irigasi sebagai petak utama dan jenis mulsa sebagai anak petak yang terdiri dari tiga blok sebagai ulangan. Perlakuan irigasi terdiri dari irigasi tetes (500 ml/tanaman/hari) dan penyiraman manual (750 ml/tanaman/hari) serta perlakuan mulsa terdiri dari mulsa plastik hitam-perak, mulsa jerami, dan tanpa mulsa (control). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat interaksi antara irigasi tetes dengan mulsa jerami  yang dapat mempercepat laju transpirasi dan meningkatkan sekapan cahaya sebesar 31,4% dibandingkan dengan perlakuan pengairan manual dan tanpa mulsa. Irigasi tetes dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, indeks luas daun serta meningkatkan laju pertumbuhan nisbi tajuk sebesar 38,8%, sementara penggunaan mulsa dapat meningkatkan laju pertumbuhan nisbi tajuk sebesar 31,6%.
Keragaman Genetik 27 Aksesi Kedelai (Glycine Max L. Merr.) Introduksi Subtropis berdasarkan Marka SSR
Authors: Lestari Puji , Putri Rizki Eka , Rineksane Innaka Ageng , Handayani Etty , Nugroho Kristianto , Terryana Rerenstradika Tizar
Published: February 2021

Karakterisasi aksesi kedelai (Glycine max L. Merr.) dalam koleksi perlu dilakukan berdasarkan marka molekuler untuk mendukung karakter morfologi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis keragaman genetik aksesi kedelai yang diintroduksi dari daerah subtropis menggunakan marka simple sequence repeats (SSR) yang didukung melalui informasi karakter morfologi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebanyak 15 SSR berhasil dideteksi polimorfismenya pada 27 aksesi kedelai dari daerah subtropis dengan total 158 alel berukuran antara 100-368 bp dengan kisaran jumlah 4-18 alel per lokus. Rata-rata polymorphism information content (PIC) ditemukan sebesar 0,92 dengan nilai tertinggi 0,96 (SATT463, SATT249, SATT063) dan nilai terendah 0,87 (SATT038). Semua marka SSR memiliki nilai PIC >0,8 yang mengindikasikan sebagai marka sangat informatif, artinya mampu mendiferensiasi antar aksesi dan dapat diaplikasikan dalam mendeteksi keragaman genetik plasma nutfah kedelai lainnya. Keragaman genetik aksesi kedelai terebut sangat tinggi seperti yang direfleksikan oleh rata-rata indeks diversitas gen sebesar 0,93. Analisis klaster dengan marka SSR berhasil membagi 27 aksesi kedelai menjadi dua kelompok utama yang sebagian besar dalam kelompok I (26 aksesi) dan kelompok II khusus aksesi D76-8070. Karakterisasi molekuler dengan SSR tersebut mendukung keragaman yang tinggi karakter morfologi yang memisahkan total aksesi menjadi empat kuadran. Informasi keragaman genetik berdasarkan marka S yang didukung karakter morfologi tersebut dapat menjadi dasar awal seleksi tetua persilangan aksesi dari daerah subtropis untuk pengembangan varietas baru melalui pemuliaan kedelai di iklim tropis Indonesia.
The effect of audit committee characteristics on financial reporting quality: The moderating role of audit quality in the Netherlands
Authors: Masmoudi Sana Mardessi
Published: February 2021

The purposes of this study are to shed light, on the one hand, on the effect of audit committee characteristics, namely independent members in audit committee, a financial expert in audit committee, frequency of meetings and audit committee size on financial reporting quality proxied by real earnings management. On the other hand, it aims to investigate the moderating role of audit quality in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and financial reporting quality. The objective is to contribute to the new evidence on the role of audit committee characteristics towards the financial reporting quality with audit quality as a moderator, particularly the appointment of Big 4 company. This study uses the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to achieve the research purpose by evaluating the data collected from 90 public listed companies from 2010 to 2019 in the Dutch context. The results state that audit committee characteristics have a statistically significant relationship with real earnings management. However, the effect of audit committee meetings on abnormal operating cash flow and discretionary expenses is not significant. There is also evidence that audit quality positively moderates the audit committee and real earnings management links. Lastly, the findings of this study will help professional accountancy bodies and governments to highlight the relevance of earnings management in safeguarding trustworthy financial information, owners’ wealth and to enhance audit committee characteristics in improving audit quality, especially after the enforcement of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code in 2016.
Correlates of localized musculoskeletal pain in overweight female health care professionals
Authors:   Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark, Iwanoff Kolind Mikkel ,   Research Unit of User Perspectives, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark, Bue Kongstad Malte ,   Research Unit for Physical Activity and Health at Work, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark,   Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, Winther Hansen Astrid ,   Research Unit for Physical Activity and Health at Work, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark, Haugbølle Thomhav Sille ,   Research Unit for Physical Activity and Health at Work, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark, Søgaard Karen ,   Research Unit for Physical Activity and Health at Work, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark,   Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, Reffstrup Christensen Jeanette ,   Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark,   Research Unit of User Perspectives, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark,   Research Unit for Physical Activity and Health at Work, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
Published: February 2021

Objectives: The risk of musculoskeletal pain increases when there is an imbalance between work demands and physical capacity. Work in elder care requires frequent periods of high mechanical loading. Body weight can further amplify this load, while muscle strength may lessen the relative strain on the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between body composition, muscular strength and localized musculoskeletal pain intensity in overweight female health care professionals. Methods: A sample of 139 overweight female health care professionals working in elder care were included in the analyses. Associations between BMI, fat percentage, waist circumference, muscle strength and localized pain intensity were assessed using Kendall’s rank correlation. Results: Significant associations were found between musculoskeletal pain in the right shoulder and BMI (rτ=0.194; p=0.035), whereas upper back pain was associated with fat percentage and waist circumference (rτ=0.212; p=0.023 and rτ=0.212; p=0.024, respectively). Conclusions: Results indicate high BMI, fat percentage, and waist circumference may be contributing factors of localized musculoskeletal pain intensity of the upper body in overweight female health care professionals. These results may help guide the design of future workplace health promotion programmes.
Outcomes of eight patients after surgical valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease.
Authors: RAMLUGUN Dharmesh , Mazzucotelli Jean-Philippe , KINDO Michel
Published: February 2021

Background and aim Carcinoid heart disease is a rare, acquired heart
valvular disease affecting mainly the right chambers. Cardiac surgery is
the only definite symptom relieving option and has significantly
transformed patient short and midterm prognosis. In this study, we aim
to retrospectively analyze the postoperative outcomes of patients with
carcinoid syndrome after heart valve surgery. Methods Data was
retrospectively collected for patients referred to our institution for
carcinoid heart disease and operated between 2013 and beginning of 2021.
Results 8 patients underwent heart valve replacement with 1 having
quadruple valve surgery, 3 patients had both tricuspid and pulmonary
valves changed while 4 had only tricuspid valve replacements ; 3
patients had mechanical prostheses. 3 deaths occurred during the
follow-up till date with 2 inside the perioperative period. No case of
valvular complications was reported. Mean ICU and hospital stay were 9,4
days (range 1-39) and 23,5 days (range 10-52) respectively. 2 patients
needed postoperative dialysis, 1 needed re-intubation and no patient
required extracorporeal life support. The mean time period from
diagnosis to valve surgery was 16,6 months (range 1-60). Follow-up (2-84
months) showed excellent postoperative clinical status with NYHA 1 in
all patients. Conclusions Timely heart valve surgery in patients with
close multidisciplinary monitoring is associated with good midterm
survival rates and low perioperative valvular complications. Patients
should be considered for surgery the soonest possible irrespective of
the number of valves concerned as functional status improves drastically
in most patients.
Permanent His Bundle Pacing in atrioventricular block patients：A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Jie , Hua Gao
Published: February 2021

【Abstract】 Background:Cardiac pacemakers are still an effective
method for the treatment of atrioventricular block diseases(AVB).
Ventricular pacing results in adverse clinical outcome. For patients
with atrioventricular conduction system disease, minimization
ventricular pacing not be used to reduce the proportion of ventricular
pacing and improve cardiac function. Recent studies have shown that His
bundle pacing(HBP) can be an effective treatment for patients with
atrioventricular block . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
effectiveness of His bundle in patients with AVB. Methods:We searched
the studies from Pubmed,Embase and Cochrane Library database to evaluate
the application of HBP in patients with AVB. From these studies, we
extrated and summarized the related data such as implantation success
rate, QRS width, pacing threshold at baseline and follow-up, assessment
left ventricular function, complications. Results:This Meta- analysis
included eight studies, including 430 patients. The success rate of
implantation varied from 65% to 93%. The main indications of HBP were
patients with AVB, including patients with atrioventricular node block
and intranodal block. Left ventricular function(left ventricular
ejection fraction) was not significantly improved during follow-up. The
duration of QRS after HBP implantation was more narrow (113±18ms).
Compared with the baseline level, the threshold of HBP was not
significantly increased during follow-up. During an average of 12 months
of follow-up, pacemaker-related complications occurred in 16 patients.
Conclusion:Permanent HBP has shown promising results for patients with
AVB in small observational studies. Randomized controlled trials are
needed to assess the efficacy of HBP in these patients.
Can robot-assisted renal transplantation provide higher quality of life than open renal transplantation during the early postoperative period?
Authors: Eksi Mithat , Sahin Selcuk , Evren Ismail , Arıkan Yusuf , Ozbay Fatih Gokhan , Karadag Serdar , Guler Ahmet Faysal , Celik Zulal , Apaydin Suheyla , Tasci Ali Ihsan , Tugcu Volkan
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To investigate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with
end-stage renal disease who underwent open or robot-assisted renal
transplantation (ORT and RART). Materials and Methods: Patients who
underwent ORT and RART at Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research
Hospital between June 2016 and December 2018 constituted the target
population of this study. The patient group was divided into two groups
as per the surgical technique (i.e., open vs. robot-assisted).
Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative data of all patients
were collected prospectively. The QoL of the patients was assessed
preoperatively and on the postoperative 30th day. Results: 67 patients
who underwent ORT and 60 patients who underwent RART were included. The
mean patient age and BMI were calculated as 40,9 ± 11,6 years and 24,4 ±
2,9 kg/m2, respectively. While mean total ischemia time was shorter in
the ‘open’ group, incision length, duration of surgical drainage and
hospital stay were shorter in the ‘robot-assisted’ group. The physical
component scores of the QoL questionnaire revealed that postoperative
impairment of quality of life was more significant in the ORT than the
RART. Conclusion: Patients who underwent RART have a higher QoL than the
patients who were treated with ORT as per their self-reported QoL scores
in the early postoperative period. Keywords: End-stage renal disease;
Open renal transplantation; Robot-assisted renal transplantation;
Quality of life
Risk Factors for Longitudinal Resting Heart Rate and Its Associations With Cardiovascular Outcomes in the DCCT/EDIC Study
Authors: Keshavarzi Sareh , Braffett Barbara H. , Pop-Busui Rodica , Orchard Trevor J. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Lorenzi Gayle M. , Barnie Annette , Karger Amy B. , Gubitosi-Klug Rose A. , Dagogo-Jack Samuel , Paterson Andrew D. ,   the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with diabetes have higher resting heart rate compared with those without, which may be predictive of long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Using data from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study, we evaluated whether the beneficial effect of intensive versus conventional diabetes therapy on heart rate persisted, the factors mediating the differences in heart rate between treatment groups, and the effects of heart rate on future CVD risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Longitudinal changes in heart rate, from annual electrocardiograms over 22 years of EDIC follow-up, were evaluated in 1,402 participants with type 1 diabetes. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of DCCT treatment group on mean heart rate over time, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of heart rate on CVD risk during DCCT/EDIC.

RESULTS

At DCCT closeout, 52% of participants were male and mean ± SD age was 33 ± 7 years, diabetes duration 12 ± 5 years, and HbA1c 7.4 ± 1.2% (intensive) and 9.1 ± 1.6% (conventional). Through EDIC, participants in the intensive group had significantly lower heart rate in comparison with the conventional group. While significant group differences in heart rate were fully attenuated by DCCT/EDIC mean HbA1c, higher heart rate predicted CVD and major adverse cardiovascular events independent of other risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

After 22 years of follow-up, former intensive versus conventional therapy remained significantly associated with lower heart rate, consistent with the long-term beneficial effects of intensive therapy on CVD. DCCT treatment group effects on heart rate were explained by differences in DCCT/EDIC mean HbA1c.
Community engagement: An intervention to improve awareness and identification of mental health services.
Authors:   , Mores Tanya
Published: February 2021

This report chronicles a part-time 14 month field practicum at Canadian Mental Health Association, Regina Branch. The document provides an overview of Asset Based, Empowerment Approach and Change Theory within the Community Engagement program and how they were applied as an intervention to increase access to primary mental health. There is also a discussion about the variety of presentations that I attended and participated in throughout the field practicum. An outline is provided about the professional development opportunities that strengthened my practice. I also reflect on the ethical issues and challenges I faced during my field practicum. Throughout the document I discuss ways in which I was able to achieve my learning goals in the field practicum.
Wind Farms Placement in an Electric Power System
Authors:   NRU MPEI, Sigitov Oleg Yu. , Chemborisova Nailia Sh. ,   NRU MPEI
Published: February 2021

Specific conditions of wind farms operation require special treatment of the wide range of aspects, in particular, calculation of the parameters characterizing the influence of wind farms on the power system operation regime and efficient practical representation of data calculated for a long period of time. The aim of the study is to formulate a method for placing the totality of wind farms in the electric power system (EPS). To this end, it is necessary to estimate the influence of wind farms on the EPS operation regime main parameters. For carrying out the study, methods for statistical processing of big databases, optimization methods, and numerical methods were used. Computational experiments were carried out in the Microsoft Office Excel software package. Based on the study results, criteria have been obtained using which it is possible to determine the most suitable places for the installation of wind farms, for example, to reduce the fluctuations in the EPS generation schedule. In addition, the values of the revealed indicators are used to evaluate the possibility of controlling the existing conventional power plants and identify measures for widening the adjustment range. The larger the capacity of wind farms, the more significant their influence is; however, the negative component of this influence decreases if many wind farms operate in the power system. By using the developed method, the most rational nodes of the EPC can be selected using the identified criteria at the design stage in determining the wind farms installation places. The accomplished studies have yielded a simple and practically applicable approach to determining the most optimal wind farm placement sites.
Simulation of the Wind Turbine Yaw Control System
Authors:   South Ural State University, Yang Yusong , Solomin Evgeniy V. ,   South Ural State University, Ryavkin Gleb N. ,   South Ural State University
Published: February 2021

Owing to its being an important component of renewable energy, wind energy is a kind of power generation method with the most mature, highly developed technologies and broad commercial prospects. The stable and efficient conversion of wind energy by wind turbines depends not only on the reliability of the wind power generation equipment itself, but also on the wind turbine control system, which, in turn, contributes to long-term safe and reliable operation of the wind farm fleet. It is exactly the wind turbine control system that is the main subject of this study. The key to efficient and stable operation of the entire wind energy conversion system is the control technology, which includes yaw control, pitch angle control, and maximum power point tracking control. The active yaw control system is one of the important components of a horizontal axis wind turbine's control system. To eliminate the uncertainty of wind direction influence on the turbine power output, a composite yaw control system has been checked. By using an active yaw system and maximum power point tracking system, the turbine position and its rotation speed are adjusted to enable the wind turbine to accurately track the wind direction and capture the wind energy to the fullest extent.
Public Measures to Deal with the Negative Effects of Intra-EU Migration.
Case Study: Suceava County, Romania
Authors: BALABAN Delia Cristina , HUȚULEAC Viviana
Published: February 2021

"Abstract
Romania is one of the EU member states reported to have a high rate of intra-EU migration. There is a temporary labor migration, but also Romanian migrants decide to leave their country for good. This phenomenon has a large economic, cultural, and social impact on society, with the northeastern region of Romania being especially affected. The main objectives of the present research are: (1) to analyze the social measures applied by the local authorities, especially the County Council and DGASPC (Social Work and Child
Protection Services) Suceava to strengthen the ties with the diaspora, and to deal with the problem of the children with one or both parents working abroad, and (2) to determine how the local public authorities communicated on this issue. The applied research methods are document analysis, content analysis of the social media accounts of the above-mentioned institutions, and local media, as well as in-depth interviews that were conducted at the Suceava County Council and the Social Work and Child Protection Services.
Our findings underlined that Suceava county has a defined strategy to deal with the negative effects of the labor migration phenomenon related to the phenomenon of the children left at home, there was a constant preoccupation during the analyzed period to communicate on this subject and even more, the local authorities took some measures to deal with this relevant issue. As both local authorities and local media acknowledged, more social measures are still needed."
Utilizing the Genetic Algorithm to Pruning the C4.5 Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Mijwil Maad M. , Abttan Rana A.
Published: February 2021

A decision tree (DTs) is one of the most popular machine learning algorithms that divide data repeatedly to form groups or classes. It is a supervised learning algorithm that can be used on discrete or continuous data for classification or regression. The most traditional classifier in this algorithm is the C4.5 decision tree, which is the point of this research. This classifier has the advantage of building a vast data set and does not stop until it reaches the desired goal. The problem with this classifier is that there are unnecessary nodes and branches leading to overfitting. This overfitting can negatively affect the classification process. In this context, the authors suggest utilizing a genetic algorithm to prune the effect of overfitting. This dataset study consists of four datasets: IRIS, Car Evaluation, GLASS, and WINE collected from UC Irvine (UCI) machine learning repository. The experimental results have confirmed the effectiveness of the genetic algorithm in pruning the effect of overfitting on the four datasets and optimizing confidence factor (CF) of the C4.5 decision tree. The proposed method has reached about 92% accuracy in this work.
How Local Innovation Systems Empowering Community: Case Study in Belu of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: W.I.K.R. Savitri Dyah , Saparita Rachmini
Published: February 2021

A Local Innovation Systems (LIS) was establish in Bakustulama Village of Esat Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia in 2013 and has serve the local people in their productive activity since. This paper was an evaluation of how this LIS play the role on empowering the local peole. The study involved 2 farmer groups to be involved in developing LIS then applied it in their productive activities. Since the implementation LIS has served the two farmer groups in increasing their economic life (income received). LIS was attached to the local agricultural extension office as an institution that consists of farmer groups, local extension workers, staffs from Local Government Offices (Agricultural-Fisheries and Plantation Offices, Local Animal Husbandry Offices, Local Forestry Offices, Sub-District & Village Offices)and supported by local researchers. The LIS as institutions running well to served the need of the people by establishing networks with other institutions and reserchers from several intitutions available in the area. A chnge in policy from Central Government in 2016 had change the existency of LIS as institution, however the network still function and the people still can benefitted from it, which was shown from the evaluation conducte in 2019. An index number was applied here to measure the change occurs in the two farmer groups before and after the implementation of LIS. Significant changes were occurs in the two farmer groups, they economic life were changes in better way, which is why they still maintaining the network from LIS although the institution was not exist anymore. Here, the LIS was transform into a systems that was run by farmer groups which still maintain the network that was already established.
A Note on the Energy Structure Theory and Development for 2D Viscoelasticity
Authors: Shahsavari Saeed , Moradi Mehran , Moradi Mehran , Sayyar Navid , Kiani Mehdi , Hajimoradi Afrouz , Kabiri Maedeh , Zarei Hamid
Published: February 2021

The basis of the Energy Structure Theory can be introduced in references [1-5] presented in 2020. Energy Structure Theory explains some new thermo-physical concepts including energy space, energy structure equation, dependent and independent energy components, irreversibility components, irreversibility structure, etc. Since this theory is presented considering the first and second laws of thermodynamics as well as energy components of the system as the basis of the energy structure equation, this theory can be expanded for a variety of the scientific applications. For example, in this note, we will try to introduce some of these scientific applications in general physics and engineering analysis. Also, using relevant concepts, 2D viscoelasticity problems will be studied. Also, the viscoelasticity and kinematic energy will be calculated for 2D viscoelasticity problems. Energy structure theory let us to study physical processes from the perspective of the componential energy exchange as well as independent and dependent energy component concept introduced by this theory.
Laurel Tangyuan and Fuwan Chocolate Incident - How to do better people-oriented external communication
Authors: Liao WenWei , Yang WenWen , Lin WeiTsen , Hsu JoChi , Kao PeiShiou , Chen ChangChi , Lin PengFei , Pon YuShun
Published: February 2021

The "Fuwan Chocolate", which originated in Pingtung, Taiwan, is a world-famous chocolate brand. In 2020, “Fuwan” won the gold medal during the “World Chocolate Competition”, which known as the "Oscar Award” in the chocolate industry. After winning the grand prize, "Fuwan Chocolate" took advantage of the momentum and launched joint products with well-known brands, such as Laurel Corp (Tangyuan). Unexpectedly, the father of Fuwan’s CEO sexually harassed a female intern five years ago, and the CEO also scolded the victim for the chaotic private life after his father being accused. This old matter that has been 5 years was brought up to the stage again this year. Although Fuwan apologized on their Facebook fan page afterwards, it was not accepted by netizens. After three weeks of uproar, its co-branded manufacturer Laurel announced the suspension of production of chocolate flavor tangyuan in collaboration with Fuwan. Many well-known Taiwanese manufacturers also followed the step in the meanwhile. The established credibility and image are now seriously damaged. This study is mainly to discuss the external communication methods and processing results of "Fuwan" and "Laurel" by comparing the pros and cons of their processing methods. We hope this research will be able to provide a better people-oriented communication method that may combined with local condition as a reference when same incident once happened in the future.