bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaged-based modeling of vascular organization to evaluate anti-angiogenic therapy
Authors: Ascheid David , Baumann Magdalena , Funke Caroline , Volz Julia , Pinnecker Jürgen , Friedrich Mike , Höhn Marie , Nandigama Rajender , Ergün Süleyman , Nieswand Bernhard , Heinze Katrin G. , Henke Erik
Published: January 2023

In tumor therapy anti-angiogenic approaches have the potential to increase the efficacy of a wide variety of subsequently or co-administered agents, possibly by improving or normalizing the defective tumor vasculature. Successful implementation of the concept of vascular normalization under anti-angiogenic therapy, however, mandates a detailed understanding of key characteristics and a respective scoring metric that defines an improved vasculature and thus a successful attempt. Here, we show that beyond commonly used parameters such as vessel patency and maturation, anti-angiogenic approaches largely benefit if the complex vascular network with its vessel interconnections is both qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. To gain such deeper insight the organization of vascular networks, we introduce a multi-parametric evaluation of high-resolution angiographic images based on light-sheet fluorescence microscopy images of tumors. We first could pinpoint key correlations between vessel length, straightness and diameter to describe the regular, functional and organized structure observed under physiological conditions. We found that vascular networks from experimental tumors diverted from those in healthy organs, demonstrating the dysfunctionality of the tumor vasculature not only on the level of the individual vessel but also in terms of inadequate organization into larger structures. These parameters proofed effective in scoring the degree of disorganization in different tumor entities, and more importantly in grading a potential reversal under treatment with therapeutic agents. The presented vascular network analysis will support vascular normalization assessment and future optimization of anti-angiogenic therapy.
Factors associated with malarial anaemia among children between the ages of 6 and 59 months in Nigeria, 2015.
Authors: Arubuola Mary Anuoluwapo
Published: January 2023

Background
Anaemia is a public health challenge especially in areas endemic with malaria as there is an established relationship between malaria and anaemia. A single or repeat episode of malaria can result in life-threatening anaemia and, if not treated, death. More than half of all childhood deaths in Africa is probably due to severe untreated malaria which resulted in fatal anaemia. There are several factors associated with anaemia and malarial anaemia is the top cause of death of all anaemic cases in Nigeria. Malarial anaemia is the anaemia precipitated by or that occurs alongside malaria infection. There are several studies on anaemia and malaria as a risk factor for anaemia in Nigeria, especially among pregnant women, but a gap exists in identifying other factors associated with malarial anaemia.
Methods
This study identified the factors associated with malarial anaemia among children in Nigeria between the ages of 6 and 59 months and determined the significance of the associations using the NDHS MIS 2015 dataset. 265 children who participated in the 2015 NDHS NMIS survey and tested positive for malaria were included in the study. The study pool comprised of 135 males and 130 females. Categorical variables were described using frequency and proportion. Crude and adjusted odd ratios, as well as the 95% confidence intervals were computed. All p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Proportions were given in one decimal place, while odd ratios and confidence intervals were given in two decimal places.
Results
The multivariate analysis showed that sex, wealth index, religion, geographical location, type of place of residence, age, highest educational level of caregiver, the use of mosquito nets, the use of antibiotics and antimalarials did not have a statistically significant association with malarial anaemia.
Conclusion
Although the variables had an association with malarial anaemia, the associations were not statistically significant. This could be as a result of the small sample size. It is recommended that the study be replicated with a larger sample size in order to assertively ascertain the statistical significance of the associations.
Keeping the local tradition alive: the status of local traditional knowledge in Dorokha, Samtse, Bhutan
Authors: Nepal Tej Kumar
Published: January 2023

Traditional Ecological Knowledge is often specific to a particular place or ecosystem and is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs. It can be a valuable resource for the conservation and management of natural resources. It can provide insights into the dynamics of ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Despite the potential benefits, it is often undervalued and marginalized in mainstream conservation and management efforts. The study was carried out in Dorokha Dungkhag and data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The result indicates that there is slow loss of local traditional knowledge because of several factors.
Evaluation of the approach to chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Sulaiman Seham , Al-Jinbaz Jamil Asaad , Mirza Sanaa Al-Amir
Published: January 2023

The aim of the research: to follow up the therapeutic and diagnostic procedures used in Al-Bayrouni University Hospital and Al-Mujtahid Hospital, and to compare these procedures between the two hospitals.
Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study, in which a sample of the files of patients attending Al-Bayrouni University Hospital and Damascus Hospital was referred to, and their laboratory analyzes, and the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that were applied to them, in addition to the methods of following them up for three and six months.
Results: The sample consisted of 69 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the largest number of whom were from Al-Bayrouni University Hospital, where they constituted 64%, while the remaining 25 patients were from Al-Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus, with a rate of 36%, which was the largest percentage. Among them were males (70%), the blood smear showed an increase in the percentage of lymphocytes in patients, and the diagnostic procedures such as myelopuncture, fish technique, and immunophenotyping were performed in Al-Bayrouni Hospital more than in Al-Mujtahid Hospital .
Conclusion: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is considered one of the diseases that need to follow up the latest international recommendations in terms of treatment, follow-up and diagnosis, and this was evident among patients attending Al-Bayrouni University Hospital compared to patients at Al-Mujtahid Hospital.
Analyzing the effect of fixed and moving bottlenecks on traffic flow and car accidents in a two-lane cellular automaton model
Authors: LAAREJ AYOUB , Karakhi azeddine , Lakouari Noureddine , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we studied a two-lane cellular automaton model that considers both types of bottlenecks (i.e., moving and fixed). The slow-moving vehicles are considered as moving bottlenecks in our model. The fundamental diagram and the spacetime configuration were derived. The effect of the bottleneck induces a qualitative and quantitative change in the fundamental diagram of both lanes. Also, the system depends strongly on the length of the fixed bottleneck. Hence, for extremely low densities, vehicles are self-organized into two lanes. The probability of vehicle accidents is computed. It is found that the rear-end and lane-changing collision probabilities were reduced as the length of the fixed bottleneck increased. Furthermore, at low densities the fixed bottleneck has even less impact on the occurrence of lane-changing collisions. Moreover, the revised lane-changing rules reduces the flux at low and moderate density regions and augments it at large densities in the lane where there is a bottleneck. The results also indicate that the revised lane-changing rules maximizes the rear-end collisions and minimizes the unsafe lane changing collisions.
The global crisis, manufacturing firms, regulations and taxes
Authors: Halil D. Kaya Halil D. Kaya
Published: January 2023

In this study, we focus on how regulations and taxes affect manufacturing firms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We examine whether overall regulations became a bigger obstacle to these firms after the 2008-2009 Global crisis. We also examine whether tax inspections became a bigger obstacle after the Global crisis. Besides regulations and tax inspections, we also look into the prevalence of corruption related to tax officials before and after the Global crisis. Using two large datasets (i.e. the BEEPS IV and BEEPS V surveys), we are able to compare the pre-crisis period to the post-crisis period. Our results show that, in this region, post-crisis, senior managers spent more time on dealing with overall regulations which includes tax-related regulations and other types of regulations. Therefore, we can conclude that, post-crisis, regulations became a bigger obstacle to manufacturing firms’ operations. We also find that, post-crisis, there was a significant drop in the percentage of firms that had inspections or meetings with tax officials. Also, post-crisis, each firm on average, had fewer inspections or meetings with tax officials. Therefore, while overall regulations became a bigger obstacle to these firms, tax inspections became a smaller problem. When we examine corruption, we find that there was no significant change in the prevalence of bribes related to tax officials. Before and after the Global crisis, a similar percentage (8-9%) of manufacturing firms had to deal with bribe requests by tax officials. Future studies may focus on other types of regulations which include employment regulations, health and safety regulations, licensing regulations, environmental regulations, and zoning regulations, and the corruption related to these regulations.
Knowledge asset as competitive resource
Authors: Vidic Franc
Published: January 2023

Knowledge is a strategic, high-quality source of power. Knowledge assets – technological and human capital – have been recognized as key resource for sustaining competitive advantage in a dynamic turbulent environment. Past research argued that knowledge is important to facilitate and leverage knowledge assets. Most of the firm’s knowledge and skills reside in its human capital, often in tacit and explicit knowledge. Existing knowledge is not enough to be competitive on the future market. Firms must collect, disseminate and create knowledge capital. According to the theory of dynamic organization knowledge creation (SECI; processes of socialization, externalization, combination and internalization), knowledge assets are the key elements that facilitate knowledge creation processes. Knowledge can be created on personal / organizational level, and also externally, such as with customers, partners and suppliers. Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2005) identified four dimensions of construct of organizational knowledge capital: experimental knowledge assets, conceptual knowledge assets, routine knowledge assets and system knowledge assets. Each form of knowledge has specific individual support in process of knowledge creation. The firms needs vision and synchronized entire team. This paper employed a survey instrument and collected data in Slovenia. Our research confirmed Nonaka, Toyama and Konno (2005) research, we confirmed all four dimensions of organizational knowledge capital. Total 195 responses were analysed. The study shows importance to create learning environment, networking between professionals, to build trust encourage open, share / disseminate knowledge and create new knowledge.
Value relevance of financial information: A comparative study of pre- and post- implementation of Indian accounting standards
Authors: P. Venugopala Rao K. , Ibrahim Farha , Sree Tadi Mani
Published: January 2023

In 2016, India implemented new accounting standards, Ind AS, aligning with IFRS to increase transparency in the financial reporting of Indian companies. This study examines the value relevance of financial information in India before and after the adoption of Indian accounting standards (Ind AS) by comparing the published financial statements in pre- and post-Ind AS periods and determines the influence of financial information on the market price of shares. The study period is for twelve years, from 2011 to 2022, divided into 2011–2016 (pre-Ind AS period) and 2017–2022 (post-Ind AS period). To evaluate the value relevance of financial information, the Ohlson pricing model is employed on the panel data of the blue-chip companies listed in the Nifty 50 Index. The results from the Least Squares regression reveal that the net cash from investing activities, profit-after-tax, and book-value-per-share were relevant for investment decisions prior to the adoption of the Ind AS. In contrast, the profit-after-tax had no explanatory power during the post-Ind AS period. However, the net cash from investing activities and the book-value-per-share significantly influenced the market price of equity since the implementation of Ind AS. The value relevance of the accounting statements was superior in the pre-Ind AS period compared to the post-Ind AS.
The interaction of verbal and non-verbal elements in Eugene Grishkovets’ solo performances as a way to overcome the postmodern tradition
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Baranov Dmitry K.
Published: January 2023

The article analyzes the interaction of verbal and non-verbal elements in Grishkovets’ solo performances. The material for analysis is official video recordings of performances. Performances by Grishkovets and the play texts he published afterwards are interconnected but are different works — with differing content, motif systems, and differently placed semantic accents. It is the non-verbal elements (spatial movements, gestures, interaction with props and decorations, etc.) that Grishkovets uses to play with the boundaries between the fictional world and external reality, involve the viewers in what is happening and give them an opportunity to relate to the narrator. One of the most important motifs of Grishkovets’ drama is the issue of unreliability or insufficiency of human speech. It seems that it is no coincidence that one can find many features of postmodernism in the works of Grishkovets (playful intertextuality, unreliable narrator, blurring of the boundaries of narrative instances, and boundaries between text and reality, etc.). However, the author only pretends to be guided by the postmodern tradition in order to, after verbally emphasizing the problematic nature of communication between people (due to the unreliability of the language), establish communication between the narrator and the audience using primarily non-verbal means. Such a complexly built interaction of verbal and non-verbal elements, literary and theatrical principles allows Grishkovets to outline and overcome the main problem of postmodern culture — the communication problem.
Wajda’s Dostoevsky and Foucault’s heterotopia
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Bugaeva Lyubov D.
Published: January 2023

National paradigms in cinematography are increasingly giving way to a transnational paradigm: cinema is becoming polylocal. Polylocality first means locations not tied to one particular country and an international cast and crew. It also corresponds to the merging of two or more multicultural spaces interacting in the process of filmmaking that results in creating a kind of master space, which is more than their sum. Such understanding is based on the Henri Lefebvre’s definition of space as a product where the mental and the cultural, the social and the historical, are interconnected. Polylocality, as a rule, takes place in film adaptations of literary works made in a tradition different from the culture of the literary source and distant from it in time and/or in space. Examples include Nastazja (1994) by Polish director Andrzej Wajda that creates a special kind of cinematic space, to which the notion of polylocality applies to a greater extent than to many other screen adaptations. The paper attempts to outline this special space in the context of Michel Foucault’s ideas about heterotopia as a special location, illusory and real, open and closed, permeable and sealed, where the order of things is different. The author concludes that Wajda in Nastazja created a cinematic heterotopia, the structure of which includes heterochrony, crisis heterotopia, death-resurrection heterotopia, and cultural heterotopia.
Sergey Eisenstein: Director’s interpretation of Alexander Rzheshevsky’s screenplay Bezhin Meadow
Authors:   Gosfilmofond of Russia, Ogudov Sergey A.
Published: January 2023

This article examines the interpretation of Alexander Rzheshevsky’s screenplay Bezhin Mea dow by Sergey Eisenstein. Comparison of different versions of the script reveals the emergence of the film’s conception and changes of the narrative made during the transition from the screenplay to the shooting script. Special attention was given to Eisenstein’s interpretation of the three key episodes of the future film: siege of the church, highway episode, and defeat of the church. The reduction of narrative distance and the growth of the scale of an event are exemplified are exemplifies by the scene of the siege of the church. From this point of view the shelling of peasants from the church and the subsequent assault evoke episodes from Battle ship “Potemkin” and October. The interpretation of the highway episode is based on the use of visual and aural counterpoint. Eisenstein finds the equivalent of the spoken word through the use of the contrasting montage that combines images with speech, noise and music. Eisen stein strengthens the role of religious reminiscences in the central episode of the defeat of the church while showing the destruction of religious objects. Each of these episodes in a way or another implies violence and oriented to the expression of traumatic experience. In this sense Rzheshevsky’s screenplay echoed Eisenstein’s creative preoccupations. It made possible the depiction of historical events in such a way that history itself becomes a substitute for this experience. The study of the narrative in the screenplay allows us to reconstruct the content of the unfinished and forbidden film.
The format of the text as an inclusive practice in modern society
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Burmakina Natalya G. , Kulikova Ludmila V. ,   Siberian Federal University, Popova Iana V. ,   Siberian Federal University, Artemeva Anastasiia I. ,   Siberian Federal University
Published: January 2023

The article discusses discursive treatment of the texts in the context of inclusive pragmatics of the modern society. The key problem the article is devoted to is the necessity to specify the requirements of creating texts for people with cognitive impairment. The goal of the study is to unify theoretical material of clinical linguistics, logopedics and neurology to understand how the recipients with Alzheimer’s disease (primarily on the stage of predementia and on the early stage of the disease) decode texts and to test to what extent the texts created by social institu tions for a wide range of social groups are comprehensible for people with cognitive decline. The empirical material of the article are informational and directive texts located on the in formation boards and stands of social institutions of Krasnoyarsk in 2021. Linguistic features that complicate the text comprehension are inter alia the use of low-frequency words, polyse mes, ambiguous phrases, reversible constructions, inversions. The patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other mental features have difficulties when reading. These difficulties are not taken into consideration when the texts are being created for social groups. The perspectives to provide accessibility of linguistic information for the mentioned group of recipients lie in discursive technology text transformation.
A Comparative Study of Urartian Jewelries of Urmia Museum, Iran
Authors:   University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Abbaszadeh Maryam , Sorkh Abi Obeydollah ,   University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Mastalizadeh Maryam ,   University of Mazandaran, Parvin Samad ,   University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Published: January 2023

Urartu is one of the powers of the beginning of the first millennium B. C., which has been located in Turkey, Armenia and north-west of Iran, competing strongly with New Assyrian Empire and encountering to local government of Mannea, and has dominated on some parts of Urmia Lake. The presence of Urartu can be seen in architectural remains in areas like Bastam and Hasanlu. But, the cultural effect of this great power and its affection on physical remains, to comprehend the process of forming and completion of the region’s combined art works, has not been taken into account so much. However, in the Urmia Museum, there is a significant number of artifacts attributed to Urartu have not yet been introduced or studied.In the present study, aims to fill this gap, 31 artifacts including: strap, bracelet, necklace, rod and safety pin and tweezers were selected and documentedfrom the treasury of Urmia Museum. The results of this study can be used for more precise studies in the future aimed to determine factors affected forming of the style features of Urartian art and the Urartian artistic and cultural impression on the region’s culture and art during 7th and 8th centuries B. C., which has been obviously appeared in art works of Mannea territory.
Voluntary and Lesson in English Music Sources of the 17th and 18th Centuries
Authors:   Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Bocharov Yury S.
Published: January 2023

The article focuses on the use Voluntary and Lesson as terms in the English musical practice in the 17th and 18th centuries. Based on the unique example of the interpretation of these terms as synonyms in edition of Carl Trinks’s organ pieces in 1810 (this fact is remained unnoticed in musicology), the author compares Voluntary and Lesson, noting, first of all, significant differences in the use of these specific names of musical compositions and also paying attention to the reflection of this practice in the general and musical lexicographic sources of that time. The author also criticizes a number of ideas that have already been established in Western musicology. For example, he does not agree with the interpretation of a small fragment from the “Mulliner Book” entitled Voluntarye as an independent keyboard piece by R. Farrant, and he doubts the real existence of the 12-movement J. Ch. Pepush’s Voluntary (published only in 1988) as a single musical work. But most importantly, he opposes spread of the Voluntary concept to all polyphonic organ works by English composers of the 17th and 18th centuries (including organ compositions from M. Locke’s “Melothesia”, many Th. Roseingrave’s fugues, etc.). The author notes the term Lesson was used more variously than modern musicology interprets, extending not only to solo (mainly keyboard) music, but also compositions for melodic instruments with basso continuo and even ensembles, as well as instructive exercises and simple compositions for beginners.
The Extant Heritage of Monastic Culture of the 17th Century. On the History of the Creation of the Sacristy in the Holy Trinity and St Alexander Nevsky Monastery
Authors:   State Russian Museum, Pivovarova Nadezhda V.
Published: January 2023

The article analyzes the monuments of church antiquity, which were stored in the Sacristy of the Holy Trinity and St Alexander Nevsky Monastery. For the purpose to ascertain the structure of the Sacristy the author of article used the oldest inventory of 1724 year and later inventories of the 18th and 19th century. Basing on archival materials and several publications the author establishes the facts of delivery of icons and church plates from the church eparchies to St Petersburg since the first quarter of the 18th century. The subject of the special research is the church plates of the 17th century from the three monasteries: of the Our Lady on the Valday lake, of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Vladimir and the Dormition of Our Lady of Sumy. The author focuses on the issues of the origin and the circumstances of arrival to the Sacristy of the free sacred objects, such as the church cup of Patriarch Nikon (1652–1660), the pall on the tomb of St Alexander Nevsky (circa 1697) and the prayer Gospel book (1681). Attention is given to the inscriptions on the items. Some of them are read and published for the first time.
Evaluation of the potential for carbon sink and association with land occupation
Authors: Yogi Fernando , Stanganini Fabio Noel , Tonello Kelly Cristina , Isa Selma Setsumi
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic influences on a global scale have caused negative impacts on the environment, among the most prominent being the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2). In this study, the objective was then to estimate the potential of carbon flux (CO2 flux) in the riparian vegetation of the Jacareí–Jaguari reservoir, using the digital processing of orbital images of the CBERS 4A system. To determine the CO2 flux, vegetative indices were used: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI); Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and the scaled Photochemical Reflectance Index (sPRI), associating them with land use and occupation classifications from the MapBiomas collection, determining the histogram of each class for CO2 flux analysis, revealing CO2 flux between −0.136 and 0.4049. The lower values of CO2 flux in the reservoir are due to the decrease in vegetative classes, indicating the need for (re)planting and plant conservation, confirming the importance of areas with an ecosystem function, of carbon sink.
Estratégias de regulação da motivação de universitários
Authors: Pellisson Sofia , Boruchovitch Evely
Published: January 2023

A motivação influencia o desempenho dos estudantes e a capacidade de regulá-la pode auxiliar os alunos a se manterem empenhados nas atividades acadêmicas. Para regular a motivação, é possível utilizar diferentes procedimentos ou estratégias. O presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura para identificar trabalhos internacionais e nacionais, publicados entre os anos de 2016 a 2021, que investigaram as estratégias que futuros professores ou estudantes do ensino superior conhecem e relatam utilizar para regular sua motivação. Após a aplicação dos critérios de seleção, sete artigos foram selecionados. Foram descritas as estratégias de regulação da motivação mais e menos reportadas pelos participantes, os instrumentos de coleta de dados e as variáveis associadas ao relato de uso dessas estratégias. A escassez de pesquisas nacionais acerca das estratégias de regulação da motivação de futuros professores corrobora a necessidade de que investigações sobre essa temática sejam realizadas entre esse grupo-alvo.
impactos das novas plataformas sociais na Sociedade Digital
Authors: Rocha Maia Rute
Published: January 2023

A edição número 26 da Inter-Legere, Revista de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Sociais da UFRN, é o Dossiê "SOCIOLOGIA DIGITAL". As tecnologias digitais transformaram profundamente os modos de vida da sociedade contemporânea. As relações sociais, os hábitos de compras, e as atividades mais simples da vida cotidiana ganharam novas possibilidades e novos significados com o surgimento de novos modos de interação virtual, com o império dos algoritmos, o boom do e-commerce, e novas formas de obter lucro com a postagem de fotos e vídeos em plataformas como YouTube e Instagram. Neste número, além deste editorial, publicamos 3 artigos temáticos, 2 resenhas e 1 entrevista.
COVID-19 in Patients with Systemic Inflammatory Diseases: Impact on
Disease Activity
Authors: Miledi Saoussen , Bouzid Sirine , Fazaa Alia , Sallemi Mariem , Bousaa Hiba , Ben Abdelghani Kaouther , Laatar Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

COVID-19 pandemic, an international emergency, raised concerns about the interaction of this infection and disease-modifying drugs used in the treatment of Systemic in-flammatory diseases (SID). Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and disease activity is crucial to adapt the treatment.

Aim:

The aim of our study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the disease activity of rheumatic diseases.

Patients and Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study, including patients with SID (rheuma-toid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA)). Disease activity was evaluated during the last check-up before COVID-19 and within the period of 6 months after the infection. Activity scores were assessed with Disease Activity Score (DAS28) for RA and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) for SpA. Correlation and regression coefficients were used to evaluate as-sociations among the variables.

Results and Discussion:

Totally, thirty-two patients were included; twenty followed for RA and
twelve for axial SpA. The mean disease duration of the underlying rheumatic disease was 10.2 years
(2-30). RA was seropositive and erosive in 61% and 31%, respectively. Seventeen patients were on
csDMARDs: 14 were on Methotrexate and three patients were on Salazopyrine. Ten patients (31%)
were treated with bDMARDs; Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors were used in eight cases.
Rituximab and secukinumab were prescribed for one patient each. In 70%, COVID-19 was
pauci-symptomatic. A severe form with a need for hospitalization was noted in 9%. Two patients
were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

:

Overall, treatment with DMARDs was interrupted in all cases: when COVID-19 symptoms began
in 82% and when PCR was positive in 18%. Both RA and axial SpA were not active after a mean
period of 6 months after COVID-19 infection (p = 0.818 and p = 0.626, respectively).

Conclusion:

Although our patients interrupted their DMARDs, our study demonstrates that disease activity as assessed by ASDAS and DAS28 in SpA and RA remained unchanged after COVID-19.
Perception and Practices of Self-medication Practices among Health Science
Students during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic in Mangalore, India
Authors: Joseph Nitin , Jain Jeniya
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Health science students are prone to self-medication due to easy accessibility
to medicines, background medical knowledge, and their ability to diagnose illnesses. The ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic has further encouraged this practice due to the fear of contracting the
virus by visiting healthcare establishments.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to assess the perception and practices of self-medication
among health science students during the background of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2021 during the second wave of
COVID-19. Data were collected using a Microsoft form circulated among students using
WhatsApp or email.

Results:

The mean age of the 350 participants was 20.8 ± 1.5 years. About 165(47.1%) participants
had self-medicated over the past one year. The most common mode of self-medication was
using previous consultation notes [121(73.3%)]. The most common reason for self-medication
stated was the mild nature of the illness [131(79.4%)]. Fifteen (9.1%) participants reported changes
in medication from one to another during self-medication. Sixteen (9.7%) participants increased
drug dosage during self-medication. Sixteen (26.2%) out of 61 participants who self-medicated
with antibiotics did not complete the course. Forty-six (27.9%) out of the 165 participants were not
aware of the adverse effects of the drugs being self-medicated on most occasions.
One hundred and sixty seven (47.7%) of the total participants did not feel that self-medication
practices are harmful. Ninety-five (27.1%) felt that self-medication practices are acceptable during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty-six (90.5%) of them thought so to avoid getting COVID-19 infection
by visiting healthcare establishments.
In multivariable analysis, participants in the final year and those with chronic morbidities were associated
with self-medication practices.

Conclusion:

Self-medication practices were present among 47.1% of participants. More than onefourth
of them were not aware of the side effects of self-medicated drugs on most occasions. About
47.7% participants felt that self-medication practices are not harmful and more than one-fourth of
them felt that it was acceptable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the students need to be
made aware of the harmful consequences of self-medication.
Analysis of flood control in Lambidaro sub-watershed using EPA SWMM
Authors: Miranda Ade Tricia , Gunawan Taufik Ari , Juliana Imroatul Chalimah
Published: January 2023

In the Lambidaro sub-watershed, precisely on Jalan Colonel Sulaiman Amin, the problem of flooding continues, especially when it rains. The occurrence of flooding around the canal along the Colonel Sulaiman Amin road drainage is caused by several factors, one of which is the capacity of the reservoir which is not able to control the flood discharge optimally so that water cannot overflow into the canal. and eventually caused flooding in the surrounding area. This study aims to determine whether the drainage capacity is still able to drain surface runoff water or not and determine alternative flood control solutions for Colonel Sulaiman Amin Street. The method used is the EPA Model SWMM (Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model). From this study, the simulation results obtained from EPA SWMM showed alternative solutions offered such as the use of flood pumps, retention ponds, and optimization of drainage, the most effective solution of the six flood mitigation experiments was channel optimization in the form of changing the shape and size of the channel 7 to a square channel with a width of 1 .5 meters. This alternative is 5.26% more effective with an effective percentage of 85.538% and can drain 36.36% more water flow than drainage with a widening of 1.1 meters.
Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Diagnosis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears From Magnetic Resonance Images: Algorithm Development and Validation Study
Authors: Chen Kun-Hui , Yang Chih-Yu , Wang Hsin-Yi , Ma Hsiao-Li , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports and are critical knee injuries that require prompt diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a strong, noninvasive tool for detecting ACL tears, which requires training to read accurately. Clinicians with different experiences in reading MR images require different information for the diagnosis of ACL tears. Artificial intelligence (AI) image processing could be a promising approach in the diagnosis of ACL tears.

Objective

This study sought to use AI to (1) diagnose ACL tears from complete MR images, (2) identify torn-ACL images from complete MR images with a diagnosis of ACL tears, and (3) differentiate intact-ACL and torn-ACL MR images from the selected MR images.

Methods

The sagittal MR images of torn ACL (n=1205) and intact ACL (n=1018) from 800 cases and the complete knee MR images of 200 cases (100 torn ACL and 100 intact ACL) from patients aged 20-40 years were retrospectively collected. An AI approach using a convolutional neural network was applied to build models for the objective. The MR images of 200 independent cases (100 torn ACL and 100 intact ACL) were used as the test set for the models. The MR images of 40 randomly selected cases from the test set were used to compare the reading accuracy of ACL tears between the trained model and clinicians with different levels of experience.

Results

The first model differentiated between torn-ACL, intact-ACL, and other images from complete MR images with an accuracy of 0.9946, and the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score were 0.9344, 0.9743, 0.8659, and 0.8980, respectively. The final accuracy for ACL-tear diagnosis was 0.96. The model showed a significantly higher reading accuracy than less experienced clinicians. The second model identified torn-ACL images from complete MR images with a diagnosis of ACL tear with an accuracy of 0.9943, and the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score were 0.9154, 0.9660, 0.8167, and 0.8632, respectively. The third model differentiated torn- and intact-ACL images with an accuracy of 0.9691, and the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score were 0.9827, 0.9519, 0.9632, and 0.9728, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using an AI approach to provide information to clinicians who need different information from MRI to diagnose ACL tears.
mHealth Apps Targeting Obesity and Overweight in Young People: App Review and Analysis
Authors: Vlahu-Gjorgievska Elena , Burazor Andrea , Win Khin Than , Trajkovik Vladimir
Published: January 2023

Background

Overweight and obesity have been linked to several serious health problems and medical conditions. With more than a quarter of the young population having weight problems, the impacts of overweight and obesity on this age group are particularly critical. Mobile health (mHealth) apps that support and encourage positive health behaviors have the potential to achieve better health outcomes. These apps represent a unique opportunity for young people (age range 10-24 years), for whom mobile phones are an indispensable part of their everyday living. However, despite the potential of mHealth apps for improved engagement in health interventions, user adherence to these health interventions in the long term is low.

Objective

The aims of this research were to (1) review and analyze mHealth apps targeting obesity and overweight and (2) propose guidelines for the inclusion of user interface design patterns (UIDPs) in the development of mHealth apps for obese young people that maximizes the impact and retention of behavior change techniques (BCTs).

Methods

A search for apps was conducted in Google Play Store using the following search string: [“best weight loss app for obese teens 2020”] OR [“obesity applications for teens”] OR [“popular weight loss applications”]. The most popular apps available in both Google Play and Apple App Store that fulfilled the requirements within the inclusion criteria were selected for further analysis. The designs of 17 mHealth apps were analyzed for the inclusion of BCTs supported by various UIDPs. Based on the results of the analysis, BCT-UI design guidelines were developed. The usability of the guidelines was presented using a prototype app.

Results

The results of our analysis showed that only half of the BCTs are implemented in the reviewed apps, with a subset of those BCTs being supported by UIDPs. Based on these findings, we propose design guidelines that associate the BCTs with UIDPs. The focus of our guidelines is the implementation of BCTs using design patterns that are impactful for the young people demographics. The UIDPs are classified into 6 categories, with each BCT having one or more design patterns appropriate for its implementation. The applicability of the proposed guidelines is presented by mock-ups of the mHealth app “Morphe,” intended for young people (age range 10-24 years). The presented use cases showcase the 5 main functionalities of Morphe: learn, challenge, statistics, social interaction, and settings.

Conclusions

The app analysis results showed that the implementation of BCTs using UIDPs is underutilized. The purposed guidelines will help developers in designing mHealth apps for young people that are easy to use and support behavior change. Future steps involve the development and deployment of the Morphe app and the validation of its usability and effectiveness.
Overdose Alert and Response Technologies: State-of-the-art Review
Authors: Oteo Alberto , Daneshvar Hadi , Baldacchino Alexander , Matheson Catriona
Published: January 2023

Background

Drug overdose deaths, particularly from opioids, are a major global burden, with 128,000 deaths estimated in 2019. Opioid overdoses can be reversed through the timely administration of naloxone but only if responders are able to administer it. There is an emerging body of research and development in technologies that can detect the early signs of an overdose and facilitate timely responses.

Objective

Our aim was to identify and classify overdose-specific digital technologies being developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Methods

We conducted a “state-of-the-art review.” A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ACM, IEEE Xplore, and SciELO. We also searched references from articles and scanned the gray literature. The search included terms related to telehealth and digital technologies, drugs, and overdose and papers published since 2010. We classified our findings by type of technology and its function, year of publication, country of study, study design, and theme. We performed a thematic analysis to classify the papers according to the main subject.

Results

Included in the selection were 17 original research papers, 2 proof-of-concept studies, 4 reviews, 3 US government grant registries, and 6 commercial devices that had not been named in peer-reviewed literature. All articles were published between 2017 and 2022, with a marked increase since 2019. All were based in or referred to the United States or Canada and concerned opioid overdose. In total, 39% (9/23) of the papers either evaluated or described devices designed to monitor vital signs and prompt an alert once a certain threshold indicating a potential overdose has been reached. A total of 43% (10/23) of the papers focused on technologies to alert potential responders to overdoses and facilitate response. In total, 48% (11/23) of the papers and 67% (4/6) of the commercial devices described combined alert and response devices. Sensors monitor a range of vital signs, such as oxygen saturation level, respiratory rate, or movement. Response devices are mostly smartphone apps enabling responders to arrive earlier to an overdose site. Closed-loop devices that can detect an overdose through a sensor and automatically administer naloxone without any external intervention are still in the experimental or proof-of-concept phase. The studies were grouped into 4 themes: acceptability (7/23, 30%), efficacy or effectiveness (5/23, 22%), device use and decision-making (3/23, 13%), and description of devices (6/23, 26%).

Conclusions

There has been increasing interest in the research and application of these technologies in recent years. Literature suggests willingness to use these devices by people who use drugs and affected communities. More real-life studies are needed to test the effectiveness of these technologies to adapt them to the different settings and populations that might benefit from them.
Understanding Public Attitudes and Willingness to Share Commercial Data for Health Research: Survey Study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hirst Yasemin , Stoffel Sandro T , Brewer Hannah R , Timotijevic Lada , Raats Monique M , Flanagan James M
Published: January 2023

Background

Health research using commercial data is increasing. The evidence on public acceptability and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals willing to share commercial data for health research is scarce.

Objective

This survey study investigates the willingness to share commercial data for health research in the United Kingdom with 3 different organizations (government, private, and academic institutions), 5 different data types (internet, shopping, wearable devices, smartphones, and social media), and 10 different invitation methods to recruit participants for research studies with a focus on sociodemographic characteristics and psychological predictors.

Methods

We conducted a web-based survey using quota sampling based on age distribution in the United Kingdom in July 2020 (N=1534). Chi-squared tests tested differences by sociodemographic characteristics, and adjusted ordered logistic regressions tested associations with trust, perceived importance of privacy, worry about data misuse and perceived risks, and perceived benefits of data sharing. The results are shown as percentages, adjusted odds ratios, and 95% CIs.

Results

Overall, 61.1% (937/1534) of participants were willing to share their data with the government and 61% (936/1534) of participants were willing to share their data with academic research institutions compared with 43.1% (661/1534) who were willing to share their data with private organizations. The willingness to share varied between specific types of data—51.8% (794/1534) for loyalty cards, 35.2% (540/1534) for internet search history, 32% (491/1534) for smartphone data, 31.8% (488/1534) for wearable device data, and 30.4% (467/1534) for social media data. Increasing age was consistently and negatively associated with all the outcomes. Trust was positively associated with willingness to share commercial data, whereas worry about data misuse and the perceived importance of privacy were negatively associated with willingness to share commercial data. The perceived risk of sharing data was positively associated with willingness to share when the participants considered all the specific data types but not with the organizations. The participants favored postal research invitations over digital research invitations.

Conclusions

This UK-based survey study shows that willingness to share commercial data for health research varies; however, researchers should focus on effectively communicating their data practices to minimize concerns about data misuse and improve public trust in data science. The results of this study can be further used as a guide to consider methods to improve recruitment strategies in health-related research and to improve response rates and participant retention.
Near Real-time Natural Language Processing for the Extraction of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnoses From Radiology Reports: Algorithm Development and Validation Study
Authors: Gaviria-Valencia Simon , Murphy Sean P , Kaggal Vinod C , McBane II Robert D , Rooke Thom W , Chaudhry Rajeev , Alzate-Aguirre Mateo , Arruda-Olson Adelaide M
Published: January 2023

Background

Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) requires serial imaging surveillance to evaluate the aneurysm dimension. Natural language processing (NLP) has been previously developed to retrospectively identify patients with AAA from electronic health records (EHRs). However, there are no reported studies that use NLP to identify patients with AAA in near real-time from radiology reports.

Objective

This study aims to develop and validate a rule-based NLP algorithm for near real-time automatic extraction of AAA diagnosis from radiology reports for case identification.

Methods

The AAA-NLP algorithm was developed and deployed to an EHR big data infrastructure for near real-time processing of radiology reports from May 1, 2019, to September 2020. NLP extracted named entities for AAA case identification and classified subjects as cases and controls. The reference standard to assess algorithm performance was a manual review of processed radiology reports by trained physicians following standardized criteria. Reviewers were blinded to the diagnosis of each subject. The AAA-NLP algorithm was refined in 3 successive iterations. For each iteration, the AAA-NLP algorithm was modified based on performance compared to the reference standard.

Results

A total of 360 reports were reviewed, of which 120 radiology reports were randomly selected for each iteration. At each iteration, the AAA-NLP algorithm performance improved. The algorithm identified AAA cases in near real-time with high positive predictive value (0.98), sensitivity (0.95), specificity (0.98), F1 score (0.97), and accuracy (0.97).

Conclusions

Implementation of NLP for accurate identification of AAA cases from radiology reports with high performance in near real time is feasible. This NLP technique will support automated input for patient care and clinical decision support tools for the management of patients with AAA.